Around Town

‘New Canaan Pops In The Park’ Set for June 8 [Q&A]

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Launched by locals just a few short years ago, New Canaan Pops in the Park is rapidly developing into a signature summertime event at Waveny. This year’s concert, featuring the Norwalk Symphony, is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 (tickets here are going quickly, suggested $5 donation). 

We put some questions about New Canaan Pops In the Park to the nonprofit organization’s founder and president, Doug Kerridge, a town resident. Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: What are the origins of Pops In The Park? Doug Kerridge: Growing up on the East Coast, I loved attending the annual Boston Pops outdoor concerts on Cape Cod and Nantucket, and the NY Philharmonic summer concerts in Central Park.

Did You Hear

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police at 6:57 p.m. Sunday received a report of a vehicle stolen from a Seminary Street driveway. An investigation is underway. ***

New Canaan High School junior John Murphy, a Life Scout in New Canaan’s Troop 70, is seeking assistance for his Eagle Scout project. He plans to research veterans buried in Lakeview Cemetery, including interviews with their friends and family. Visitors will be able to access this information by scanning a graveside QR code with their phone.

Around Town

Robin Bates-Mason Hired as Executive Director of the New Canaan Land Trust

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One of New Canaan’s most venerable nonprofit organizations has hired a highly respected town resident with a broad range of work and community volunteer experience as its new executive director. Robin Bates-Mason will assume the position of director of the New Canaan Land Trust in mid-June, according to a press release issued by the organization. “Robin brings to the role a deep commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship, along with experience in nonprofit leadership,” the press release said. “A 25 year resident of New Canaan, along with her husband Carl and two sons, Robin is well known for her service on local boards and initiatives that promote sustainability and civic involvement.”

She is co-founder and president of Planet New Canaan and past co-president and board member of the New Canaan Beautification League who served one term on the Town Council from 2019 to 2023 and currently serves as chair of the Conservation Commission. Bates-Mason also works as volunteer and events manager for Staying Put in New Canaan, from which she will “thoughtfully transition” in these intervening weeks, the press release said

“I’m honored to join the New Canaan Land Trust and am excited to build on the strong foundation that’s been laid by past leaders, volunteers, and supporters,” Bates-Mason said in the release.

Around Town

New Canaan Beautification League Dedicates ‘Carol West Seldin Barn’ at Lee Garden

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The New Canaan Beautification League’s plan to convert a shed in the Lee Garden—itself constructed using parts of the Lees’ family home, including the fireplace and the hardwood floors—into a barn for the organization’s volunteers began as Carol Seldin’s vision, according to NCBL President Nancy Malling. Yet as the plan stood in 2019, “our budget only allowed for a bare bones renovation,” Malling told more than 75 people gathered Saturday at the 2.7-acre garden on Chichester Road on a clear, sunny afternoon. 

“Last June, Carol made her final wish,” Malling said during a dedication of the lovingly renovated shed as the ‘Carol West Seldin Barn.’

Malling continued: “She asked that all donations in her memory be given to the organization that she loved. As I thought about the best way to honor her deep commitment to NCBL, my focus was to make some renovations or improvements to the Lee shed—to go the last mile for Carol. When I brought this idea to Peter Seldin, he asked me to think bigger … As he said, ‘If Carol’s name is attached to this project, it should be done right.’ Carol’s vision and Peter’s unqualified support created the Carol West Seldin Barn that we dedicate in her honor today. On behalf of all of the New Canaan Beautification League volunteers, we are very grateful to have a home.”

A certified master gardener and past president of the NCBL whose motto, “Gardens are for sharing,” is printed on a plaque inside the renovated barn, Seldin died June 6, 2024 following a courageous battle with lymphoma.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police at 11:52 a.m. on April 26 received a report of a fight between two landscaping workers on Clearview Lane. It’s under investigation. ***

Team “Sunshine for Scarlett” — named for 14-year-old Scarlett MacAllister, a standout dancer at the New Canaan Dance Academy—will be walking in Sunday’s “New Canaan Great Strides” fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Supporters are asked to arrive at 9:15 a.m. to catch the morning’s activities. It will start with a special performance by Scarlett’s dance team, followed by a group photo.