Local Organizations and COVID-19: The Glass House

For today’s Q&A with a local business or organization, we talked to Greg Sages, executive director of The Glass House, which has its Visitors Center on Elm Street. In past years, the 49-acre Ponus Ridge site laid out with Philip Johnson-designed buildings has opened May 1, and this year the organization won approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission to open April 16. With the restrictions in place due to coronavirus disease, The Glass House has been unable to open and, like other qualified organizations and businesses, is looking toward Gov. Ned Lamont’s planned May 20 date. Here’s our exchange. New Canaanite: How are you operating now and what is your plan?

First Selectmen: Memorial Day Parade, Waveny Fireworks Canceled 

New Canaan’s highest elected official said Friday that the town is canceling two of its most cherished annual community events due to the COVID-19 virus public health emergency. An “appropriate alternative ceremony” will be held Memorial Day instead of the parade, according to First Selectman Kevin Moynihan, and municipal leaders are taking suggestions on how to hold a safe alternative to the traditional July 4 fireworks at Waveny. As of Sunday evening, 25 people in New Canaan had succumbed to coronavirus disease, officials said. “We grieve for these losses and our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” Moynihan said. The news of cancellations came days after local leaders reopened public parks for trail-walking only, and as the community pursues what Moynihan called the “measured and disciplined reopening of our local economy.” 

Gov. Ned Lamont last week sketched out a plan that would see businesses including “nonessential” retail shops, salons and outdoor areas at restaurants reopen as long as coronavirus disease hospitalizations decline, more testing is made available and a program for contact tracing is established.

Local Businesses and COVID-19: New Canaan Veterinary Hospital 

For today’s Q&A with a local business owner, we talk to town resident Dr. Paul Potenza of New Canaan Veterinary Hospital. Established 70 years ago, the Vitti Street veterinary practice is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday. 

Here’s our interview. New Canaanite: Tell me about how you’re operating now. Dr. Paul Potenza: We cut ourselves back to essential services only, which is only the veterinary and the medical-surgical side of it. So we shut down the kennel.

Local Businesses and COVID-19: Tequila Mockingbird

For today’s Q&A with a local business, we interviewed Lindsay Krupa, general manager at Tequila Mockingbird. The kitchen at the Forest Street favorite is open 4 to 8 p.m. daily, and will be open for the special hours of 12 to 9 p.m. May 5 for Cinco de Mayo. 

In addition to the items discussed below, Tequila is offering “Classic Margarita Kits” to-go. Here’s our interview:

New Canaanite: How is Tequila Mockingbird doing? Lindsay Krupa: The spirit in New Canaan is really touching. I think that we have been there long time and everyone just wants to stop in.