Opinion

Op-Ed: An Update from the YMCA on the Valles Pool

By |

[Margaret Riley is CEO of the New Canaan YMCA]

Dear friends, 

I have had the privilege of leading our amazing YMCA for the last five years. More times than I can count, a member has approached me to tell me how our Y has changed their lives. These stories motivate me, and all our staff and board, to work to ensure that our Y is here for decades to come, so that future generations of New Canaanites can experience the joy this place delivers daily. We serve many functions. We are a full-day childcare, camp, gym, fitness center, aquatics facility, place for inclusion and support programming, chronic disease support, and community center where people come to connect. 

When a place means so much to the community, it’s understandable that you would feel passionate about being engaged with any potential change.

News

‘Stay Away from Wildlife’: Animal Control Issues Warning as Summer Nears

By |

As summer nears, New Canaan residents should be aware of wildlife that emerges in the warmer weather, officials say. 

Officer Sean Godejohn, head of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section, noted that the town has “coyotes, bobcats, deer and the occasional bear.” “Those animals should be reported to my office if seen,” Godejohn said. According to the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, pet owners should be aware of coyotes as they can be not only a danger to children, but also dogs and cats. Residents should take precautions, Godejohn said. “Stay away from wildlife,” he said.

Footer Featured Widget

Letters to the Editor

By |

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com to have them published here. ***
Last Sunday, the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society hosted its Ice Cream Social for the 37th year.  The beautiful day brought nearly 1000 people to the campus to enjoy ice cream, cake, the Town Band, vintage cars, and games while exploring the campus and the historic house museums.  The afternoon was filled with music, laughter, and community spirit. You can’t have an Ice Cream Social without ice cream.  Huge thanks to Phil Luongo, owner of Gofer Ice Cream, for donating not only ice cream but all the delicious toppings, too.  This year the big hit was Oreo mint chip.  Phil could not be more generous, gracious, or committed to the Town of New Canaan. We are grateful for the many volunteers who make this day possible: the members of the Exchange Club who scooped the ice cream; the National Charity League – Canaan Parish and New Canaan Chapters, whose members baked cakes, helped with set-up and clean-up, and ran the games; the Service League of Boys, who lugged everything heavy; the Town Band for its fabulous music; George Cody, Karen Ferguson, Maryalice Gelhaus, Mark Markiewicz, Robin Miner, Geri Rhoades, Cathy Townsend, and Monica Trevino, who educated visitors to the Rock School, the Rogers Studio, the Hanford-Silliman House, and the Jim Bach Special Collections Museum; Board Governors Meredith Bach, Betty Greene, Nick Williams, and Frances Wilson, along with her husband Chris, plus volunteer extraordinaire Barbara Dougherty who welcomed people to the campus.

Claudia Weber

Referendum Filing Pauses Ban on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

By |

New Canaan’s newly adopted ban on the summer use of gas-powered leaf blowers is not in effect, officials say, as opponents have filed for a referendum vote on the measure. The Town Council’s ordinance “is on hold until the referendum process is completed,” according to Town Clerk Claudia  Weber. “I have received a few calls from residents who thought the ordinance was in effect, and I would like to get the word out that the ordinance is on pause until the referendum process plays out,” Weber said. The Town Council, New Canaan’s legislative body, voted 8-4 in favor of a seasonal ban at its May 20 meeting. On May 27, a “A Notice of Intent to Petition,” containing the required 50 qualifying signatures, was received by Weber’s office.

Business

‘We’re So Thankful’: The Adirondack Store on Elm Street To Close Friday

By |

The Adirondack Store, a beloved retail shop and café that opened on Elm Street seven years ago, is closing its doors this week, the business’s owners say. Christopher English and Stephen Shin said they’re deeply thankful to the New Canaan community for making their store a unique and special place. 

“We’re so thankful that a community like New Canaan really supports its brick-and-mortar,” Shin said. “They come into town, they shop, and we truly have appreciated that, especially in the holidays, from Labor Day to Christmas Day.”

English said that when they opened the Elm Street location, he and Shin “never really imagined that it would turn into a social hub for the community.”

“That’s something we never expected,” English said. “But the people that have worked for us the seven years that we’ve basically been here are just loving and incredible.”

Shin added that those valued workers are “exceptional” and “a reflection of the community.”

“Every single person that’s ever worked for us has been incredible,” he added. English and Shin said that expenses have made the store too difficult to work financially, with $24,000 in monthly rent and bills that have risen steeply in recent years (for example, electric up from $1,200 to $4,000 per month, and health insurance up from $1,600 to $3,900).