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Former New Canaan tree warden Bruce Pauley's addition in Vermont is made from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene wood from New Canaan—he's calling it "The Storm Room." Contributed
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Former New Canaan tree warden Bruce Pauley's addition in Vermont is made from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene wood from New Canaan—he's calling it "The Storm Room." Contributed
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Former New Canaan tree warden Bruce Pauley's addition in Vermont is made from Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irene wood from New Canaan—he's calling it "The Storm Room." Contributed
We hear New Canaan native Bruce Pauley, retired last year to Vermont, has been putting on a timber frame addition to his house in the “Green Mountain State” that uses oak trees felled during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in New Canaan (see photos above). He’s also using mostly storm-related white pine trees for the house’s exterior and the new addition is being called “The Storm Room.”
The house at 39 Richmond Hill Road finally came down on Sept. 14, 2016. Credit: Michael Dinan
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A demolition crew on Wednesday came for the long-vacant and neglected home at 39 Richmond Hill Road—facing complaints from neighbors and the prospect of a blight citation.
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The committee charged with studying public and private options for restoring the town-owned New Canaan Playhouse at the “50-yard-line” of Elm Street on Wednesday finalized a document that will see interested parties propose ways to purchase or otherwise acquire, renovate and operate the 1923-built brick building. The New Canaan Playhouse Committee is seeking to make a decision about the future of the cherished, cupola-topped structure by Thanksgiving.
New Canaan Playhouse was built in 1923.
Town leaders say New Canaan is not in danger of losing the iconic building, though its capital needs are extensive. The committee members said during a meeting that they want to keep the theater alive and underscored that public input will be solicited and considered ahead of any decision made by the town. Steve Karl, John Engel and Beth Jones of the committee voted 3-0 in favor of moving forward with a draft RFP.
Steve Gaeta of C&H Auto on an afternoon this summer. Credit: Michael Dinan
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A favorite local auto shop, C&H Automotive & Towing, has a new Facebook page. And Jade, the popular active wear shop on Elm Street, has launched a refreshed website—check it out.
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The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday approved the hiring of Robin Pulsifer as the town’s new superintendent of the New Canaan Parking Bureau, a position formerly held by Karen Miller, who retired. Pulsifer came before a search committee that included Tom Stadler of the first selectman’s office, Capt. John DiFederico of the New Canaan Police Department, Laura Budd of the Chamber of Commerce, Cheryl Pickering Jones of the town’s human resources department and Keith Richey of the Parking Commission. She was one of 27 applicants and eight interviewees, according to the selectmen. She had worked for the federal Transportation Security Administration and had done a job similar to New Canaan parking manager on Cape Cod, Stadler said.
The gently rolling trail has opened up a previously disused parcel within Waveny Park. It was designed by local landscape architect Keith Simpson of the Waveny Park Conservancy. Credit: Michael Dinan
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The new trail that the Waveny Park Conservancy put alongside the access road into the park from South Avenue received more high praise this week. At the Board of Selectmen meeting, First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said, “I must say, it looks so great.” Tiger Mann, assistant director of the Department of Public Works, said that he’s seeing numerous people using it. “It looks like it was always supposed to be there,” he said.
The New Canaan Police Department Animal Control van. Credit: Michael Dinan
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Animal Control officials were called Tuesday afternoon to a Lukes Wood Road home on a report of a sick cat that nearly deceased and barely breathing. The animal had been found in a vegetable basket in a carport beside the home and nobody knows just how it got there. Emaciated and suffering, the animal was put down the same day.
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Scott LaShelle has stepped down from the New Canaan Utilities Commission, the group’s chairman said during a regular meeting this week. Tom Tesluk said he appreciated LaShelle’s years of work on the commission “and particularly the hard work he did tackling the natural gas question. He really brought a lot of expertise and a lot of insight to the question, and it was I think invaluable to the town to have someone with his particular expertise to try and work something out. It’s unfortunate it didn’t’ happen but I understand he has other commitments and is moving on from the commission. But I want to note for the record how much we appreciate what he has been able to do for the town and this commission.”
The Adirondack-style chairs now outside New Canaan Olive Oil are from Against The Grain. Credit: Michael dinan
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Have you seen the new Adirondack-style chairs outside New Canaan Olive Oil on Elm Street (great spot to sip coffee)? They’re from Against The Grain, the new handcrafted wood furniture shop that moved into the former Varnum’s Pharmacy space on Main.
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Our sister publication, Darienite.com, reports that residents of that town can come to New Canaan for Household Hazardous Waste Day—8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
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Twelve students from Fairfield County high schools will be invited to join Volunteer Square’s Inaugural Internship Program this fall. The program from Volunteer Square—an organization that connects volunteers with nonprofits that need them—will provide interns training and experience with digital marketing, social media, website maintenance and community relations. For more information, email info@volunteersquare.com.
L-R: Bankwell EVP and Head of Community Banking David Dineen, NCHS Digital Media teacher Jeanne McDonagh, NC resident Courtney Grigsby and Eden Neleman. Contributed
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Bankwell in New Canaan held an art opening on Sept. 7 for New Canaan High School student Eden Neleman to preview her works that will be on display at the bank’s 208 Elm St. offices through October.
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The Rotary Club of New Canaan’s annual Lobsterfest is scheduled for Sept. 23 and 24 (next Friday and Saturday) and there are still sponsorships available, organizers say.
Thomas Parrino. Contributed
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Congratulations to New Canaan resident Thomas Parrino, an attorney with Westport-based Nusbaum & Parrino PC who has been selected an America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement member for Connecticut—an honor based professional experience, lifetime achievements, significant case results, peer reputation and community impact. Parrino is a fellow and past president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He serves on the Connecticut Chapter’s Examining Committee and on its Appellate Rules Committee, and is a member of Connecticut’s Family Law Commission.
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BC’s Zach Allen. Credit: Boston College Athletics/John Quackenbos
2015 NCHS grad and former Rams football star Zach Allen continues to impress at the next level. The Boston College sophomore had three solo tackles, three assisted tackles, two tackles for a loss and his first career college sack as the Eagles defeated UMass 26-7 at Gillette Stadium this past Saturday. The vaunted BC defense held the Minutemen to negative-23 yards rushing on the day.
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Finally, here’s a video from HooplaHa about New Canaan-founded and –steered nonprofit organization Future 5:
Future 5 ‘Connects’ Low Income Students With Their Full Potential!
believes in all the potential of high school students! Founded in 2009 by Clif McFeely this mentoring program believes that all of Stamford CT’s high school students should be connected to their full life’s potential, regardless of income or family circumstances. They do this by offering motivated students an opportunity for membership in a caring community.
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