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‘Thank You for Celebrating This Moment’: Officials Cut Ribbon on Reopened ‘Rogers Studio’ at NCM&HS

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More than 50 people gathered at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society last week for the widely anticipated reopening of the Rogers Studio. Moved to the nonprofit organization’s campus from its nearby original location on Oenoke Ridge in 1965, the single-room structure was “dedicated by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark for its exceptional ability to illustrate United States heritage” the following year, according to NCM&HS Executive Director Nancy Geary. “This building was the first in New Canaan to receive this designation, a rare and important honor,” Geary told the crowd on a sunny and comfortable afternoon on Sept. 12, minutes before a formal ribbon-cutting by First Selectman Dionna Carlson and NCM&HS Board President Tom Monahan. “It is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and we are very pleased that this ‘Rogers Reimagined’ project has given it new life.”

The workspace for John Rogers, described by Geary as “the most popular sculptor in United States history,” the studio’s impressive renovation and collection came about because of many people’s generosity and respect for historic preservation, she said, specifically thanking: Todd Levine of the State Historic Preservation Office of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (he “recognized the importance of both the building and the artist and helped navigate the process,” Geary said); the Greenwich Historical Society (which “gifted the New Canaan Museum 63 groups, the vast majority of its collection.

News

Dathan, Mastronardi Tackle 8-30g, Early Voting, Women’s Reproductive Rights During LWV Candidates Debate

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State Representative Lucy Dathan (D-142) defended her seat against challenger Don Mastronardi (R) during the League of Women Voters New Canaan Candidate Debate held Oct. 20 at Town Hall. The debate, which was moderated by students from New Canaan High School, was one of five held during the evening, including two for races for the State Senate and three for the State House. The 142nd House District includes New Canaan and Norwalk. “Local elections are so important and truly affect our daily lives,” said Dathan, who was elected to the post in 2018, in her opening remarks.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The Greenwich Free Press is reporting that an arrest warrant has been issued for Heidi Lueders, a former town resident and head of a pit bull rescue organization who has been identified as the subject of an animal cruelty case in Fairfield. 

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New Canaan Police through the department’s Instagram account has issued safety tips for residents making online purchases in order to avoid becoming a victim of package theft. They include signing up for delivery alerts, ensuring someone is ready to collect the package, requiring a signature when possible and having packages sent to a workplace if feasible. ***

Asked about the Tourism and Economic Development Commission he plans to create, First Selectman Kevin Moynihan said locals have expressed strong interest in joining and that, after candidates are approved by local town political committees, the group will see about 15 total members. ***

The town on Wednesday issued an after-the-fact building permit for a $10,000 job at a Putnam Road home. A new bathroom with a shower had been installed in the basement of the home by New Canaan-based Hoffman Contracting LLC, the permit said.

Election 2018

Election 2018: O’Dea Retains State House Seat As Haskell, Dathan Oust Incumbents [UPDATING]

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Update 9 a.m. Wednesday

The governor’s race appears to be over. NBC Connecticut and other news outlets are reporting that GOP candidate Bob Stefanowski has conceded to Democrat Ned Lamont. Separately, Greenwich Time newspaper has called the state Senate’s 36th District for Alexandra “Alex” Bergstein. It isn’t clear whether the result is official or if the incumbent Republican state Sen. Scott Frantz has conceded. Original Article

About 70 percent of New Canaan voters cast ballots on a cold, rainy Election Day, a high midterm turnout that saw local Democrats flip at least two seats in the state legislature that long have been held by Republicans.

Government

Election 2018 Hub [UPDATED]

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[Note: Bookmark this article for Tuesday, when NewCanaanite.com will post regular updates on voter turnout and results as numbers come in on Election Day.]

ELECTION RESULTS CAN BE FOUND HERE. Here’s a table tracking voter turnout in New Canaan that we’ll update throughout the day. We’ve included a column of hourly voter count from 2016, by way of comparison (hourly voter counts from 2014 are not available):

 

Update 1 p.m.

State Rep. Tom O’Dea (R-125th) started his day at 5:50 a.m. in Wilton and he planned to head to New Canaan High School in the early afternoon to greet voters. “It has been what appears to be a record mid-term turnout in Wilton this morning,” he told NewCanaanite.com. “This has been the most rewarding and demanding job of my career and I believe myself Toni Boucher, Scott Frantz and Fred Wilms have earned another two years with all that we have accomplished.”