We join the community and generations of New Canaanites in expressing our condolences to the Stewart family on the passing this week of Bailey Stewart, for decades the president and owner of Walter Stewart’s Market and founder of Stewart’s Wine & Spirits:
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New Canaan Police at 9:42 a.m. on April 22 received a report of a vehicle stolen out of a homeowner’s garage on White Oak Shade Road. A stolen vehicle out of Hamden was left behind and recovered at the scene, police said. The investigation is ongoing.
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“The Courage To Lead,” a Democratic Town Committee-organized cocktails event recognizing Selectman Kathleen Corbet and Board of Education member Penny Rashin, will be held at Woodway Country Club at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Details and tickets here.
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Police received reports of multiple larcenies from parked cars overnight from April 21 to 22, including:
- 8:09 a.m. and 9:28 a.m.—items stolen from unlocked vehicles in two driveways on Crystal Street;
- 2:43 p.m.—wallet stolen from a vehicle parked overnight at Mead Park.
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In time for Mother’s Day: The New Canaan Garden Club is presenting “Gardens in Bloom,” a garden tour to be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 8 (rain or shine). Details and tickets here.
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First row, L-R: Mike Hodges -Tom Pote – Judy Fuegner -Dennis Scully – Dan Vesciglio. Second row, L-R, Richard Sheridan – Gus Bruno – Joe Morris – Don Merchant – Les Dale. At the Getabout 40th anniversary party, held April 21, 2023.
More than 180 people joined GetAbout New Canaan at the organization’s 40th anniversary gala, held April 21 at Country Club of New Canaan. GetAbout President Bill Post during the event cited feedback from one rider who spoke of the “priceless, dependable, consistent service and attention” from the organization.
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The owner of a single-family home on Mill Road on Monday filed papers to evict a tenant there who has paid $3,100 per month since moving in last summer, according to a complaint lodged with state Superior Court.
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The New Canaan Beautification League‘s beautiful Lee Garden on Chichester Road is in bloom. There are a few parking spaces right at the garden, or good parking nearby in front of 17 Toquam Road. Here’s a map:
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Coming up—New Canaan Chamber Music is presenting two concerts featuring 1992 New Canaan High School graduate and world-renowned pianist Andrew Armstrong in the Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium at New Canaan Library:
- “Pulling Out All the Stops”—7 p.m. on Friday, May 5 (joined by 10 acclaimed musicians)
- “Our First Concert for Children and Families”—3 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 (a one-hour concert with Armstrong plus five world-class musicians)
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Speaking of kids and music, here’s the Tweet of the week, from Saxe Middle School Principal David Gusitsch:
Our @SaxeMS Music Dept is awesome! Mr. Coulter shared:
“Here’s the G5 Band playing
‘Day-O (Banana Boat Song)’ the traditional Jamaican Folk Song, in tribute to Harry Belafonte on his passing. We discussed his wonderful contribution to American popular culture & his hit songs.” pic.twitter.com/7ncnmkg9nD— David Gusitsch (@DavidGusitsch) April 27, 2023
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L-R: NCHS students Addie Cannon, Katherine Squillanie, Kate Warner with Waveny resident Lily Mayer (center).
New Canaan High School seniors from the Student Government group raised money by selling pizza in order to buy pizza for Waveny’s residents in The Village. “The party was a huge success with lots of pizza consumed and lovely conversations that went long into the evening,” organizers said. “Several students plan to return to tell their new Waveny friends about the senior prom coming up in a couple of weeks.”
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Save the Date: The “Sunshine for Scarlett” Great Strides walk benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will kick off at New Canaan High School at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 7. The walk raises money for the cause in the name of a 12-year-old New Canaan girl who also is a New Canaan Dance Academy team member. Here’s more background, along with information on how to register and donate.
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A German shepherd mixed-breed dog that got loose in the area of South Avenue and Gerdes Road on Monday fortunately was found with its still-attached extendable leash wrapped around a tree, officials said Tuesday.
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Pet Pantry’s “Dog Days New Canaan” will be held 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 at the New Canaan Nature Center. Here’s some background and more details on the popular local event.
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Traffic complaints in New Canaan jumped from 16 to 50 from February to March, according to statistics shared last week by Police Chief John DiFederico at the regular meeting of the Police Commission.
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Staying Put in New Canaan’s “Summer Soiree” will be held 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. (Just $75 per person—tickets and details here.)
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Applications for the New Canaan Community Foundation’s Sapienza Scholarship are now open. Based on financial need, it offers high school seniors and higher education candidates who are residents of New Canaan four years for up to $10,000 per year. The deadline is May 5. Applicants will also be able to apply for a Silver Hill Scholarship ($2,000 for students studying healthcare) and a Dorrico Rotary Award (around $3,500 for exemplary public service). Apply here or contact Meg Soffen msoffen@newcanaancf.org.
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“Drop Dead” is here—one of two productions worth noting from the Town Players of New Canaan (performances at the Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny):
- “Drop Dead” (through May 7)
- “The Gynokid,” written and performed by Claire Ayoub (May 12 to 14)
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The number of suspicious persons and vehicles reported to New Canaan Police jumped 65% in the first quarter of this year, to 122 (from 74 in the year-ago quarter), DiFederico reported at the April 19 Police Commission meeting. It likely is a sign that “people are becoming more aware when seeing suspicious people in their neighborhoods or houses,” the chief said. He said that criminals are becoming increasingly brazen and harder to identify, and that in one nearby town a would-be home invasion was stopped by a homeowner who confronted a criminal posing as a delivery person.
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Finally, here are more events worth checking out (add your event to the Community Calendar here and we’ll share it with fellow residents):
- Historical Fiction Author Speaks to Men’s Club (April 28 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am)
- Artist Talk (April 30 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm)
- New Canaan Beautification League May Program (May 3 @ 9:30 am – 11:30 am)
- Asian American Heritage Month Marked by Exhibit and Panel Discussion (May 8 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
- Forces of Artistic Change (May 9 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
- Introduction to Cub Scouting (May 17 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
- 21st Annual Voices of Courage Spring Luncheon (May 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm)
- Bo Hickey – A Celebration of Life (May 21 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
New Canaan has lost one its finest sons. Bailey Stewart represented what is best about this Town. He was a wonderful husband, father and for the past decade or so the culture carrier of the famous Stewart family which has contributed so much in so many areas to New Canaan. He was a humble servant leader, a principled and valued local businessman and an enthusiastic advocate for the Town. He had more friends than anyone I know and he was the best friend anyone could hope for. We will not soon see his like again. R.I.P.