News

Kids at St. Mark’s Raise Funds for Bicycles in Impoverished Areas

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The Summer Internship Program is sponsored by the New Canaan Racquet Club. Children at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church raised enough money this spring to purchase dozens of bicycles for people in rural African communities. Created around Lent, the project was led by the church’s children’s ministry as part of its annual giving efforts in collaboration with Episcopal Relief & Development’s “Gifts for Life” program. 

Church leaders said the giving component of Lent was used to connect children’s interest in bicycles with the fundraiser’s goal of providing transportation to impoverished communities. “The season of Lent in church is a time for people to take stock and recenter ourselves on the basics of the Gospel, like giving, fasting and praying,” the Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey said.

Amy Murphy Carroll

New Board of Selectmen Sworn In at Town Hall Ceremony

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In her first public address as New Canaan’s highest elected official, Dionna Carlson on Tuesday night vowed to make good on a campaign vow to restore transparency, civility and teamwork to the office of first selectman. Addressing a standing-room-only crowd in the Town Hall Meeting Room during an Oath of Office Ceremony, Carlson said she was “full of gratitude” and felt “a deep sense of responsibility” on taking office. “I want to express my sincere thanks to all of you who supported me during my campaign,” Carlson told the crowd after she and her fellow members of the Board of Selectmen—Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll—as well as Town Treasurer Andrew Brooks had been sworn in by Town Clerk Claudia Weber. 

She continued: “Your belief in me and your tireless efforts brought me to this moment, and I am humbled by your trust. As I step into this new role, I want to emphasize that I am committed to working collaboratively with members of boards, commissions, committees and our dedicated staff for the betterment of our entire community.  Together, we will strive to address the needs and concerns of our residents and to ensure our town continues to thrive and prosper.”

Referring to the values of transparency, civility and teamwork, Carlson said they’re “not just words on a poster.”

“They’re the guiding principles that will shape my tenure,” Carlson said. “I firmly believe that an open and transparent government is essential for building trust and fostering a sense of unity within our community.