NewCanaanite.com | Big news for a small town: New Canaan, CT.

Water Company’s Summer-Long Closure of South Avenue Starts Monday

By Michael Dinan | June 19, 2025

The dreaded closure of South Avenue starts Monday, town officials say.

On June 23, the water company will start installing a 36-inch main along South Avenue between Harrison Avenue and Farm Road, closing a major north-south artery for more than two months, according to a press release issued Wednesday by the town.

Police Seek Help ID’ing Cyclist

New Canaan Police are seeking help from the public in identifying a cyclist who suffered from a medical emergency Tuesday night.

Laurie Saggese, 72

Laurie Saggese, beloved wife, mother and Grammy died at home of cancer on June 17th surrounded by her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and love that touched everyone that knew her.
Meet Amy Lehaney, the Town’s New Health Director

Amy Lehaney started last week in the position of health director for the town of New Canaan, succeeding Jenn Eielson in the role. Monroe’s health director since 2022, she had worked for Bridgeport, Stamford, Fairfield and Redding before that.
Fourth of July Fireworks and Picnic at Waveny [Q&A]

One of New Canaan’s most cherished community events—the Fourth of July fireworks and picnic—will be held July 4 at Waveny.
Police: Teen Arrested After Violating Restraining Order

Police on Monday night arrested an 18-year-old Bridgewater man and charged him with three counts of criminal violation of a restraining order, two counts of second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree assault. At about 5:19 p.m., officers responded to a New Canaan home where the victim reported an assault that occurred in Lakeview Cemetery, according to police.
Letter to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter to the editor.
Town Approves Funds To Repaint the Historic ‘Gores Pavilion’ at Irwin

Town officials this month approved funds to power-wash and repaint the exterior of a historic structure in Irwin Park.
New Canaan High School Class of 2025 Graduates [VIDEO]

The most important personal critique ever received by Matthew Quinn, an educator for 25 years including 13 teaching English in New Canaan, came from a complete stranger.
Margaret “Peggy” McElroy Cavanagh, 87

Margaret McElroy Cavanagh, known to all as Peggy, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 87 surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her father, Patrick McElroy, mother, Margaret McElroy, and brother, Eugene McElroy. A selfless woman with a sharp mind and a heart full of grace, Peggy’s life was a quiet masterpiece of love, devotion, and enduring strength.
Police: Motor Vehicle-Related Stops Up 66% This Year

New Canaan Police more than doubled the number of motor vehicle stops that officers made in April compared the year-ago month, officials say.
New Canaan Teen Charged with DUI

Police on June 7 arrested a New Canaan teenager and charged him with driving under the influence.
Letters to the Editor

NewCananite.com recently received the following letters to the editor.
Hoyt Farm Road Colonial Sells for $1.9 Million

The following property transfer(s) were recorded recently in the Town Clerk’s office.
New Canaan There & Then: The Freemasons

‘New Canaan There & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Bettina Hegel, Joanne Santulli, Dawn Sterner and Pam Stutz.
Op-Ed: NCHS Senior Intern on the ‘Unique Opportunity’ of LiveGirl

In 2025, women made up 57% of college graduates.
Did You Hear … ?

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Letters to the Editor

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters.

What You’re Saying …

“I believe this is a two summer long project so the closure will happen next summer as well. Highly unlikely…”
— Katherine Edwards on Water Company’s Summer-Long Closure of South Avenue Starts Monday
“The digging up of South Avenue is a necessary evil, Let’s just hope the town of new Canaan…”
— Mike DiPanni on Water Company’s Summer-Long Closure of South Avenue Starts Monday
“Me again. We are in Wilton all the time and the work on Route 106 which is mentioned in…”
— Theresa Clarke on Water Company’s Summer-Long Closure of South Avenue Starts Monday
“We were there yesterday and the Detour signs were useful. Today at 1pm not so much. With my…”
— Theresa Clarke on Water Company’s Summer-Long Closure of South Avenue Starts Monday
“Maybe the police should contact News 12 to run a feature story. The cyclist may not be from New Canaan.”
— Betty J. Lovastik on Police Seek Help ID’ing Cyclist
“I live in Illinois. Now I am craving these things! Thanks a lot!! LOL. I won't sleep tonight. I am…”
— Perri Polowy on Who Knew: Welcome to the Carb Boom
“Do you use a leaf blower in the summer? I thought the ban would be only during the summer, and…”
— Regina Walsh on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“I am an Advance Master Gardener. I can’t tell you how stupid this ban is. Right now, I am…”
— Bianca Romano on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“Thank you, Mr. Mauro. I am including zoom and email information for residents who may not be able…”
— Betty J. Lovastik on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“This story definitely reflects our experience. NCDA is family to us. Two of our girls grew up there from age…”
— Susan Brill on ‘A Safe Place Where They Feel Supported’: New Canaan Dance Academy Preps for Nationals
“Family, camaraderie, bravery, resilience, forever friendships, safe space and talent… all the things that come to mind when i think…”
— Mary Farris on ‘A Safe Place Where They Feel Supported’: New Canaan Dance Academy Preps for Nationals
“Hello to all: Town Council's agenda for its June 18, 2025, general meeting will include a public discussion exploring the…”
— Michael J. Mauro on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“I worked as Theodore Haviland III's executive secretary at Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. He is such a nice person…”
— Deborah Knipe Morey on New Canaan Now & Then: The Haviland Estate
“The local government officials should be speaking with town boards in Greenwich and Pound Ridge who have effective regulations in…”
— Thomas Little on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“While this idea is good, I'd question having local shops with huge overhead, and that charge high retail for their…”
— Thomas Little on ‘We Have a Guardian Angel’: New Program Helps Locals Struggling with Auto Repair and Maintenance Costs
“Great article Donovan! We are very proud of our dancer and her school and company! We are very fortunate to…”
— Doug Stewart on ‘A Safe Place Where They Feel Supported’: New Canaan Dance Academy Preps for Nationals
“Thank you NCDA and all of our family there! It’s more than just dance (though my daughter is there…”
— Julia Stewart on ‘A Safe Place Where They Feel Supported’: New Canaan Dance Academy Preps for Nationals
“You make a good case for why regulations may not be the answer. There will never be a single day…”
— Richard Condon on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
“Survey? Was this from the POCD? Or a separate survey?”
— Sarah Alexandra on Town Council Committee Discusses Next Steps Regarding Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Events

Sat 21

“Unleash the Artist In You” Painting Workshop with Melissa Benedek

June 21 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Sat 21

Move with Grace Farms x lululemon

June 21 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Sat 21

The Shawshank Redemption

June 21 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm