Government

Town To Purchase Third EV for Municipal Use

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Town officials last week approved funds to purchase an electric vehicle from a New Canaan-based dealership. The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV for the New Canaan Health Department will be the third EV in the municipal fleet, officials say. Health Director Jenn Eielson told members of the Board of Selectmen at their regular meeting Aug. 15 that it’s very difficult to get such a vehicle in the town’s price range. “You can’t find them,” Eielson said at the meeting, held in Town Hall and via videoconference.

News

New Canaan Now & Then: Karl Chevrolet

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‘New Canaan Now & Then’ is sponsored by Brown Harris Stevens Realtors Joanne Santulli, Karen Ceraso, Bettina Hegel and Schuyler Morris. As most people know, the Karl family has a long history in New Canaan, which began when John Karl opened his own garage at 10 South Avenue in 1915. 

John was the eldest of the Karl brothers who had lived in Milford, Connecticut, on the family farm before settling in New Canaan. Before striking out on his own, John had been the vice president and manager of the Central Garage. In February 1915, a contest organized by the Colonial Theater was held for the most “popular garage man” and, in December 1915, John Karl was in the lead with 145 votes, followed by Ed Nidd (130), William Simmon (75) and the Johnson Brothers (65). In March 1920, John purchased the grounds of the New Canaan Cab Company on Railroad Avenue and moved his business there.

Around Town

‘The Perfect Summer Evening’: Wednesday Night Concerts Kick Off at Waveny

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The NewCanaanite.com Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Carriage Barn Arts Center. A decades-old New Canaan tradition has made its return. The Waveny Summer Concert Series, organized by the New Canaan Department of Parks & Recreation, started off strong on a chilly Wednesday at sundown, with a delightful evening of ‘50s doo-wop music. For Jane and Dean Kaplan, the weekly concerts have long been a fixture of their summer plans.  

“It’s beautiful, the music is great, it feels like summer, it’s just wonderful,” said Jane Kaplan when asked about what keeps her coming back. 

While the opening night with the band The Royal Kings was a bit chillier than usual, it didn’t hinder their enjoyment. 

“So far it’s a little cold, but it actually feels good, it’s nice,” Jane Kaplan said. Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights through August, the Summer Concert Series brings a wide variety of live music here to our town, covering genres from Country Western to Big Band.

Election 2023

Election 2023: Steve Karl Announces Candidacy for Selectman [Q&A]

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Steve Karl, a four-term Town Council incumbent who has served as the legislative body’s chair since 2021, on Monday announced his candidacy for selectman. He will seek the backing of New Canaan Republicans at the party’s caucus on July 25. We put some questions to Karl. Here’s our exchange. New Canaanite: What is your background professionally and in terms of living and volunteering in New Canaan? 

Steve Karl: I am a lifelong resident of New Canaan and fifth generation to live in New Canaan.

Around Town

Wednesday Night ‘Summer Concert Series’ at Waveny To Kick Off June 21

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One of New Canaan’s most beloved summertime traditions is set to go, following a vote by the Board of Selectmen durings its regular meeting Tuesday. The Wednesday night Summer Concert Series at Waveny will feature 11 shows this season, according to Parks & Recreation Director John Howe. The free outdoor concerts, where attendees bring foldout chairs and sit under a setting sun out back of Waveny House, will kick off June 21 and run through Aug. 30, according to Recreation Supervisor/Aquatic Manager Steve Dayton. Howe said during the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference,, “They are well attended, as you know, especially on a beautiful night.