Opinion

Op-Ed: The Woman Behind the Mahjong Movement

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If you’ve taken Mahjong lessons from Aggie Aspinwall chances are you’re saying ‘Mahj’ more than your fair share these days. As director of Lapham Center, Aggie has taught hundreds of New Canaan residents the difference between a red dragon and soap, how to build a hand out of craks, and the fine art of knowing when to switch hands midgame. She even led a standing-room-only session at the New Canaan Library on strategy and keeps Lapham open late on Wednesday nights so players of all levels—rookies and regulars alike—can gather for open play. During her lessons, she patiently reminds her students that “no, you can’t use a joker with a pair,” and that a “C” on your Mahjong card means concealed, so your hand stays secret until you’ve really won. Of course, Mahjong teacher is just one of the many hats Aggie wears.

Opinion

Letter to the Editor

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NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter submission under the title “Letter: A Reminder of New Canaan’s Spirit.” Send letters to editor@newcananite.com to have them published here. ***

Yesterday afternoon [Oct. 29] my wife and I were out for a short walk down South Avenue when I tripped and fell face down on the sidewalk. Before I could even collect myself, we were surrounded by five people—three neighbors who had just stepped out of their home, and two motorists who had seen me fall and stopped to help. One woman pulled her car into the library parking lot entrance and offered to drive me home.

Opinion

Op-Ed: No One Should Go Hungry in Our Town

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According to the State of Connecticut website as of Wednesday, October 29th, “The Department of Social Services has received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits.”
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides monthly funds to low-income households to help them buy food. According to Jacqueline D’Louhy, the New Canaan youth and family services coordinator, our town in 2022 had about 201 families receiving SNAP benefits. Since COVID, more families have moved to town so that number may be up to 225 or more families. While Gov. Ned Lamont will be offering $300 million from state emergency funds, that supplement will not benefit New Canaan’s food pantry, so more donations are needed. The New Canaan Clergy Association invites you to consider how to help ensure that no one in our town or general area goes to be hungry by making donations to the St.

Opinion

Op-Ed: Christmas in October

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Every Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. feels like Christmas morning at the New Canaan Swap Shop. Whenever you’re feeling down in the dumps—or as we say in New Canaan,  the Transfer Station—stop by. You’ll be greeted by a cheerful crew of volunteers who act like personal shoppers, eager to help you find what you’re looking for—or, more often, something you didn’t even know you needed. The place is pure joy. Donations roll in — a fire truck bed, a set of Spode Christmas plates, even a wobbly end table that just needs love (or at least a coaster).

Election 2025

Election 2025: Letters of Endorsement 

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NewCanaanite.com will publish endorsement letters for this local election through Oct. 27. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com. 

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Dear Editor,

New Canaan is truly special — a town defined by its strong schools, vibrant civic life, fiscal responsibility, and deep sense of community. For more than a century, Republican leadership has preserved these values through steady oversight, prudent financial management, and a steadfast respect for local control. That legacy of responsible governance is why our town continues to thrive today. This election, we face key decisions that will shape New Canaan’s future — from the North School project to the Town Charter revision and state-driven affordable housing mandates. These issues demand experienced, thoughtful leaders who balance fiscal prudence with vision and who understand the importance of both progress and preservation.