Letters to the Editor

NewCanaaanite.com recently received the following letter(s) to the editor. Please email letters to editor@newcanaanite.com for publication here. 

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To the New Canaanite,

On June 8, 2023, the New Canaan Garden Club held our inaugural Garden Tour, “Gardens in Bloom”. Thanks to so many, we sold over 500 tickets in advance of the tour day. We featured four of our members’ gardens, all completely different in scope, size and style. We also showcased the wonderful gardens at Waveny House which the garden club lovingly maintains. These include the Parterre, the Peony Walk and the Walled Garden. We held a Preview Party the evening before at a fifth member’s home.

We have many to thank for the success of this event. First, we would like to extend our gratitude to our Corporate Sponsors, Kathryn Herman Design, Hutchinson Tree Care, Karl Chevrolet and SavATree. Thanks also go to our Corporate Patrons, Steve Lecher Associates and Rand Insurance. Additional gratitude is extended to the many individuals who supported the Garden Tour at the Patron giving level or as a donor and to the many stores and companies who purchased ads in our program.

A beautiful floral arrangement was donated by Earth Garden Florists, coupons were donated by Manfredi Jewels, a fairy hut display was loaned to us by the Adirondack Store and Pet Pantry Warehouse graciously loaned us five a-frame easels. A special thank you to the designers who artistically set tables on the terraces and “staged’ other areas in each garden bringing the entire property to life: Bungalow Décor, Emily Candee at Vine Floral, Michael D. Canoro of Eastman Interiors, Serena Crowley Design, Tori Legge of Stirling Mills Interior Design and SET by Lisa McLean.

The proceeds from Gardens in Bloom will directly support our civic projects including the gardens at Waveny, Irwin Park, the Colonial Herb Garden at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society and our activities at Waveny Care Center. 

We are grateful to the Town, the Parks and Recreation Departments and to the Waveny Park Conservancy for their unwavering support. We applaud all our members who gave hours of their time planning this Garden Tour and also for those who worked the numerous shifts on the tour day. Finally, thank you to all who purchased tickets and attended the tour. We hope that you came away from the day with new ideas, inspiration and a lasting memory of each garden’s uniqueness.

Sincerely,

Karen Murray and Debbie Simpson

Co-Presidents, New Canaan Garden Club

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Editor:

On behalf of the New Canaan Family Fourth Committee, I would like to invite everyone to attend the upcoming 42th Annual New Canaan Family Fourth Celebration in Waveny Park on Saturday, July 1st. 

This great tradition is funded solely by the sale of passes and generous contributions of benefactors. Your direct financial support makes this great New Canaan event possible; whether you drive-in or walk-in, please buy an entrance pass. Passes are available as follows: on-line at newcanaan.info, Walter Stewart’s Market, Recreation Department in Waveny House, and the Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall. 

It should be another quintessential 4th of July celebration, an outstanding evening of family fun, wonderful music with two great bands, children’s bouncers, glow necklaces, delicious food from various food trucks, ice cream, and a fantastic fireworks display. 

See you on Saturday, July 1st. Rain date is Sunday, July 2nd. 

Tom Stadler

Chairman – New Canaan Family Fourth Committee

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New Canaan CARES is pleased to announce the appointment of Colleen Prostor as its new Executive Director. We believe Colleen will provide the strong leadership and vision for New Canaan CARES to continue to move forward and provide quality responsive community based programming free of charge. Colleen will replace Interim Executive Director, Ann Spilker, who we thank for serving in this capacity during our transition. Ann will return to her role on the Board of Directors and will become Board Chair on July 10. Colleen has an extensive background with New Canaan nonprofits and charitable works. She has extensive knowledge of New Canaan, is dedicated to serving the community and has a proven track record of success leading organizations and fundraising events. Colleen is passionate about investing in the education of children in our community and her values align wholeheartedly with CARES mission to advance the health and well-being of youth and families. Thank you to those who gave their time and insights to our search process. CARES is fortunate to have a committed group of volunteers and a strong level of community support. I am excited to welcome Colleen and look forward to her leadership. 

Best Regards, 

Jess Huetter Board Chair, New Canaan CARES