New Canaan Police at 9:37 a.m. on Dec. 31 arrested a 43-year-old Bridgeport man and charged him with second-degree failure to appear. An officer using radar to conduct speed enforcement stopped him on Carter Street and found that a paperless re-arrest warrant that had been issued for the man. According to Connecticut Judicial Branch records, he had been arrested by Bridgeport Police in March 2009 on motor vehicle-related charges, including operating a motor vehicle while under suspension.
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Silvermine Galleries presents its New Members 2025 exhibition, running Jan. 11 to Feb. 9. There’s an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
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New grandma Tracey Karl holds Madison Marie Karl, daughter of Jen and Will Karl, born Jan. 6, 2025. Photo courtesy of Grandpa Steve aka ‘Mr. Lee’
Congratulations to Tracey and Steve Karl on the birth of their first grandchild at 12:13 a.m. Monday. Madison Marie Karl, daughter of Jen and Will Karl, came into this world at 7 lbs 8 oz., and she’s the first of the “new” generation in her family (there were 22 grandkids in the prior generation). Selectman “Grandpa Steve” Karl wore a pink tie to Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting in her honor. We hear that little Madison has three living great-grandmothers.
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Tickets are on sale for the Town Players of New Canaan’s next show. “Terra Nova” runs Feb. 21 to March 9. Info here.
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Colm Dobbyn is stepping down from the Board of Finance, the selectmen said Tuesday. They voted 3-0 to appoint Nick Mitrakis as a regular member to fill the seat.
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A friendly reminder that a service of remembrance for Charles Crookenden will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Church of New Canaan. More information here.
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Despite the recent cold spell and about six inches of frozen ground, the contractor working on the new Coppo Field baseball facility at Waveny said an April 1 opening date is still doable, according to Parks & Recreation Director John Howe. Howe told members of the Parks & Rec Commission during their regular meeting Wednesday night that the turf for the field has been ordered.
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Zach Allen tackles a Darien kid at the 2014 Turkey Bowl. Terry Dinan photo
Dozens of people have already registered for Sports Trivia Night, to be held at 6 p.m. Friday at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society, and there are still some seats available. It’s hosted by Terry Dinan, the “Voice of the Rams,” and there are some great prizes. Tickets and info here.
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Free training to join the New Canaan Community Emergency Response Team or “CERT” will be held starting in February. Details here.
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The Chamber of Commerce‘s New Canaan Gift Card program was boosted by a generous donation from Caffeine and Carburetors who added $4,000 from its registration fees from last spring’s downtown show. The funds were given out by adding a 40% bonus to each card purchased. Overall, 125 Cards were purchased totaling $10,000 and the bonus program added an additional $4,000 in e-gift cards. “These funds can only be used in the participating New Canaan stores and restaurants,” Chamber Executive Director Laura Budd said. “A perfect way to keep shopping dollars local. Thanks again to Caffeine and Carburetors for helping boost our local economy.”
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Kindergarten registration for next year (2025-26) is open for New Canaan Public Schools. Info here.
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All but one local food service establishment met a New Year’s Eve deadline for relicensing via the Health Department, Health Director Jenn Eielson said during Thursday’s special meeting of the Health & Human Services Commission. “The only one outstanding is The Field Club seasonal pool but that’s because they pick a vendor in March,” Eielson said, adding: “That will be resolved before the pool and snack bar open.”
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At the 2023 Martin Luther King Day service.
Free and open to the public, the annual service honoring the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 at the United Methodist Church on South Avenue. It’s organized by the Interfaith Council of New Canaan. More info here.
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The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday appointed Alexander Saffi to the Ethics Board.
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The Fred Astaire Dance Studio that recently opened on Main Street not only teaches solos, couples and wedding choreographies but has kids’ ballroom, jazz and showdance. More info here.
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Wednesday’s Parks & Rec meeting was the first attended by new Commissioners Brittney Singer and David Shea. Chair George Benington welcomed them.
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Join the New Canaan YMCA by Jan. 31 to earn a $0 joiner fee and a free month. Details here.
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Liz Orteig signs the book following her swearing-in as registrar of voters at Town Hall, on Jan. 7, 2025. Photo published with permission from its owner
Congratulations to newly elected Registrar of Voters Liz Orteig, who was sworn in at Town Hall on Tuesday by Town Clerk Claudia Weber.
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Now showing at the Playhouse movie theater on Elm Street: “A Complete Unknown,” “The Last Showgirl,” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” There also are three special screenings planned for 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday of “From Life to Life,” written, directed, co-produced and starring New Canaan’s Beka Sikharulidze. (Here’s an interview with Sikharulidze and his wife and fellow producer, Maia Gusharashvili.) Also note that “Anora,” whose producers include New Canaan’s Alex Coco, will be screened at The Playhouse at 7 p.m. next Thursday, Jan. 16.
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Finally—courtesy of event section sponsor April Kaynor & Kelly DeFrancesco of William Raveis—here are more local happenings worth checking out (add your event to the Community Calendar here and we’ll share it with fellow residents):
- Men’s Club Speaker To Describe Role of Historic Norwalk Lighthouse (January 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am)
- New Canaan Sports Trivia Night (January 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
- Silvermine Galleries 2025 New Members Exhibition and Opening Reception (January 11 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
- Reflect & Renew – A Half Day Mini Retreat with Grounded Meditation (January 12 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm )
- Boozy Candle Making Workshop at the Carriage Barn (January 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
- Blood Drive (January 18 @ 8:00 am – 1:30 pm)
- Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. Service (January 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am)
- Lunch and Learn: John Rogers, a prolific American Sculptor (January 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
- Staying Put’s 17th Birthday Party (January 26 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm)