Board of Selectmen

‘A Big Challenge, But I’m Looking Forward To It’: Town Appoints John Howe as Interim Parks & Rec Director

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Officials on Tuesday appointed the town’s longtime parks superintendent to serve as interim director of parks and recreation. 

John Howe has been with the town for about 24 years and is “one of many employees who worked very closely with Steve Benko over the last many years,” New Canaan Human Resources Director Cheryl Pickering Jones told members of the Board of Selectmen at their regular meeting, held in Town Hall and via videoconference. 

“And what we are trying to do is fill Steve Benko’s shoes, which as everyone knows is not going to be an easy task,” Pickering Jones said. “What John is going to do is, as he becomes interim, is research the department. We are looking at how area towns are doing it and come up with some suggestions. So our first move is to make him interim and then we will hear from him as to other recommendations.”

Benko, a 50-year employee of the town who worked as recreation director sine 1979, died Feb. 12 following a brief battle with cancer.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Gelatissimo Appreciates Elm Street Books’ ‘One-to-One’ Recommendations

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On a gloomy day this week, I nipped into Gelatissimo to escape the rain. I was there to find out owner Nuccia Mazzonetto’s favorite local product or service as part of NewCanaanite.com’s “Biz on Biz” feature. 

Inside, I found Mazzonetto behind the gelato counter, serving two teenage girls with heaping cups of the frozen treat, while out the back a staff member churned fresh gelato as I watched. When asked what her favorite local product or service was, Mazzonetto struggled to decide. Eventually, she landed on Elm Street Books. “I love the book store,” she said. 

Mazzonetto said her favorite part about shopping at Elm Street Books is the excellent recommendations they give—whether she’s buying a book for herself or as a gift. 

“They help you,” she said. 

“It’s more one-to-one,” she added.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Franco’s Loves Family Britches’ ‘Personal Touch’

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On a muggy Monday afternoon, I stepped into Franco’s Wine Merchants, an Elm Street mainstay that has been in operation since 1933. Franco’s specializes in fine wines, single malt scotch and other spirits. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there for a drink – instead I was there to find out their favorite New Canaan product or service for NewCanaanite.com’s “Biz on Biz” feature. 

I was greeted by refreshingly cool air, and Carl Franco’s warm smile. When asked what local business he thought deserved recognition, Franco didn’t hesitate before launching into a glowing recommendation of Family Britches, the well-established clothing store on Main Street, where he has been shopping for at least 25 years. “I’ve always liked their personal touch that they give every day when you walk in there,” Franco said.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Vandy Reh Likes The Whitney Shop

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As part of the “Biz on Biz” series—where local business owners give us tips about favorite products or services at other businesses—we stopped by Brad and Vandy Reh Fine Jewelry on Elm Street. A family business, Brad Reh and his wife Vandy run the New Canaan shop that specializes in estate and signed jewelry from brands such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Boucheron, Tiffany and Bulgari. When asked about a favorite product or service at another local business, Vandy Reh said she struggles to choose just one to focus on, spotlighting Found, Dorothy Mann, Sara Campbell, Francos, Shoes ‘N’ More and Groove. “It’s hard for me because to be honest with you I try to buy from everybody,” Randy Veh said. “I really want all of us to help each other.”

“She likes the whole block,” said Brad Veh, overhearing his wife’s comments.

Biz on Biz

Biz on Biz: Club Sandwich Spotlights Walter Stewart’s, Toy Chest

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Club Sandwich has occupied its Cherry Street space for more than 30 years, and is a trusted mainstay for its tasty sandwiches, drinks and snack offerings. In 2008, Leo Gaspar took over management of the establishment with his wife Jennifer playing an active role in the business as well. Asked about her favorite products and services offered by other local businesses, Jennifer Gaspar spotlighted Walter Stewart’s Market. “We grocery shop there,” Gaspar said. “They’ve remodeled and it looks really nice.”

As a mother, Gaspar noted the high quality of Walter Stewart’s selection.