Did You Hear … ?

We’re hearing there’s a town DPW worker who enjoys Kahlúa in the morning. Locust Avenue resident Lauren Cerretani told NewCanaanite.com that she named her 4-year-old rescued Labrador retriever mix ‘Kahlúa’ as soon as she laid eyes on the dog, adopted from the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area at age 13 weeks. (Cerretani’s previous dog was named ‘Bailey.’)

Each morning after 7 a.m., Cerretani walks Kahlúa downtown, and there, during the summer months, she inevitably spots Walt Jaykus of the New Canaan Department of Public Works. Jaykus’ duties include watering the hanging baskets on the lampposts, and he’s had a connection to Kahlúa since the dog moved to New Canaan. “My dog either spots his water cart or Walt himself and she’s pulling me,” Cerretani said.

Did You Hear … ?

A building permit application has been filed for a new, 8,600-square-foot home planned for 386 Weed St.—part of a large-scale project for a combined 7-acre parcel that had drawn some criticism from neighbors and originally included a 15,000-square-foot manmade pond that since has been withdrawn from the plan. The new home will include 40 rooms and will cost about $2.4 million to build, according to a building permit application filed May 15. The contractor on the project is Westport-based Coastal Construction and architect is Christian Rae Studio LLC of Easton. ***

Animal Control officers fined a Weed Street woman $90 for allowing her dog to roam after they saw her let a golden retriever off leash at Irwin Park at about 12:19 p.m. on May 22. The officers were in an unmarked car and watched the woman waiting for them to leave, which they did and then looped around to the far side of the park where they assessed the ticket for allowing a dog to roam (which now includes an additional $46 fine).

Biz on Biz: Design Solutions Loves Gingerbitz; New Canaan Olive Oil Enjoys Pennyweights and Francos Wine Merchants

For this installment of Biz on Biz, we caught up with two New Canaan businesses, Design Solutions and New Canaan Olive Oil. When we peeked our heads in Design Solutions we spoke with the owner, Pauline Dora and asked her about her favorite businesses in town. Pauline immediately commented that she loved all of the local businesses in New Canaan, but her favorite meal would have to be from Gingerbitz, the bakery across the street from her store on Elm Street. “Gingerbitz, they have great food,” Pauline said. When asked what she liked at the bakery Pauline told the New Canaanite that the salad was her favorite.

Letter: ‘Thank You’ to Community from New Canaan Society for the Arts

The New Canaan Society for the Arts would like to thank our community for its generous support of the successful Spring Gala, Monaco Grand Prix, held on May 16, 2015. The gala, featuring the exhibition Va Va Vroom, Art of the Vehicle, raised $33,000 which will be used to operate the Carriage Barn Arts Center and to provide exhibitions and programming for the public. Guests were greeted with champagne and savory hors d’oeuvres while serenaded by the sultry voice of Marie Michele, the lead singer for French jazz quintet, Oh La La. We would like to thank our attendees, members, donors and sponsors for their generous contributions. The Monaco Co-Chairs Karla Rimmer and Serena Gillespie would like to sincerely thank the event’s committee chairs Catharine Sturgess, Amy Reid and Laura McDaniel for their talent and energy to organize a successful and fun evening.

Letter: Library Thanks Community for Successful Speakeasy, One Book New Canaan

On Wednesday evening March 25, New Canaan Library wrapped up its month-long One Book New Canaan exploration of Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927 with a wildly successful Speakeasy event. Thanks to an enthusiastic community, and the goodwill of so many New Canaan merchants, the Library was able to create a spirited and fun evening for all who attended. With many guests arriving in authentic 1920s style, the Adrian Lamb Room was transformed into a true, Prohibition era Speakeasy complete with jazz piano and delicious samplings and tastings from our supporting local merchants and vendors. New Canaan Library gratefully acknowledges the participation and donations of New Canaan businesses and Chamber members: ONE HOPE Wine, Carpe Diem, Charter Oak Brewing Company, Fjord Fish Market, Forever Sweet Bakery, J. Hilbrun Men’s Clothiers, Little’s Specialty Foods, New Canaan Wine Merchants, New Canaan Olive Oil, Sorelle Gallery, South End, Venture Photography, Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewarts Spirits. The Library also deeply appreciates the support of Karl Chevrolet, National Charity League, PJ Marcella and Susan Freedgood and always, the membership of New Canaan Library.