Stories

Outdoor Dining in New Canaan Starts On May 1!

<p>The Board of Selectmen in late February, unanimously approved dates for outdoor dining on Town-owned sidewalks to be from May 1 through the first Sunday in November. This revises the outdoor dining season from seven months to a little more than six months, and it leaves the dates comparable to nearby municipalities, according to Town Planner Sarah Carey.</p><p>Town Sidewalk Café Guidelines state, “The Town wishes to promote commerce in the downtown and recognizes that outdoor dining is an amenity that promotes pedestrian traffic and highlights the attractive town center.” </p><p>Administrative Officer Tucker Murphy commented after the February 25 vote: “While outdoor dining promotes an active streetscape, and all Sidewalk Cafés are closely monitored to ensure ADA compliance, this change aims to balance the needs of downtown restaurants, businesses, pedestrians, and other users.”</p><p>New Canaan allows outdoor dining on Town-owned sidewalks (Sidewalk Cafés) annually throughout the spring, summer and fall. The Board of Selectmen adopts and alters the Guidelines, while the P&amp;Z Department issues, enforces and manages the permits.</p>

Read More
Town of New Canaan Document Shred Day May 17

<p>Shred Day New Canaan will be Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Transfer Station, 394 Main Street.</p><p>Shred Day is a service of the Town of New Canaan where people can bring their sensitive documents to be securely shredded to prevent identity theft and fraud by ensuring confidential information is destroyed.</p><p>Prohibited Items: 3-ring binders, metal clips, computer media, and plastic covers.</p>

Read More
Civics Essay Contest for Grades 7-12 at New Canaan Library, Submit by 5/15!

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Civics Essay Contest for Grades 7-12 at New Canaan Library</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Deadline is Thursday, 5/15</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SUBMIT VIA EMAIL - </span><a href="mailto:child@newcanaanlibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">child@newcanaanlibrary.org</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All New Canaan students in Grades 7-12 can share their interest in civics by entering this essay contest co-sponsored by the New Canaan League of Women Voters and New Canaan Library. First prize is $300, second prize is $200, and third prize is $100! The prompt is: “This is a municipal election year. Why do these local elections matter?” </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">See </span><a href="https://ohvwq5bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001blrMmLG3JCtJ_JoGukk0GcYCAHWRb3niaqqzOoqp8KmUbdp4HV4sELToQKvqqzXeGTZw_hXDXNb49BZAOytxNW6rt6wbWDQtNSWIyzWVFFGzKiT2B0GLEclSRMuz6jAy6adFEazWkNyIxAONdOL2BmDg3hO11XEZIxUJGtxPFC2PhGcCiZSAg2M1ONIzC1VwBUVW4UgA7p6ZcV4M185QF2H8_6pGR0_H&amp;c=hAVdVLcKiWmgMdafv4ae45EjzPGDHXKDAAiM1MOxJJyFV3cftSPFQw==&amp;ch=BdyDAyXVqR_8kbfOzldAxMMn9C1oc0J6x1kJ6zZ61cn-pNCbLUli_Q==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">our website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for the rules for participation.</span></p><p><br></p>

Read More
Ken Stringfellow - Circuit Breaker Tour at The Spice & Tea Exchange

<p>Ken Stringfellow, singer and co-founder of Seattle indie rock band The Posies, also known for his work with R.E.M., Big Star, Lagwagon, Neil Young and countless others, brings his most intense and personal work with CIRCUIT BREAKER, his 5th solo album, his first in over a decade, to New Canaan for an intimate show.</p><p>This event is open to all ages. No alcohol will be served, but a special menu of teas will be available.</p>

Read More
FC Buzz Weekend of Art & Culture in Fairfield County April 25-27

<p class="ql-align-center">FC Buzz Weekend <strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">April 25-27</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bio-blitz-at-new-pond-farm-education-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bio Blitz</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm</p><p>Join an enthusiastic group of scientists and staff anytime between 7am and 7pm as we work to inventory the biological diversity of our pond, marsh stream, and surrounding areas. Help us better understand the local flora and fauna that are found in each habitat and in the process gain skills and knowledge that will lead to a deeper connection with the natural world.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/spring-tag-sale-fundraiser-at-stamford-history-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Spring Tag Sale Fundraiser</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>This is your opportunity to find treasures and gifts large and small! Antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more. We recommend arriving early for the best selection. All proceeds benefit Stamford History Center.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-community-earth-day-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Community Earth Day 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>There will be local vendors, non-profit organizations, community groups, artists, and others who are dedicated to environmental awareness and preserving our planet. Throughout the day there will be live music performed by local musicians and groups, a kid’s activity station, and other fun games. Bethel Community Earth Day will be a day for fun, learning, growth, and community-building for people of all ages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/oliver-nurseries-plein-air-speaker-series-06d05" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Specialty Daffodils with Christopher Harley of Qdaffs</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday, Apr 26, 10:00 am - 10:45 am</p><p>Join the series on the terrace next to the Design Barn for inspiring speakers and answers to your pressing gardening questions! Make a morning of it by grabbing coffee at our coffee bar, strolling our park-like grounds, checking out our curated selection of vendors and connecting with our gardening community!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/open-day-at-new-pond-farm-education-center-53c92" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>Stop by anytime between 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to learn more about the stunning landscape, the diverse habitats, their fascinating history, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, in addition to our warm and welcoming staff.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-met-live-in-hd---mozart-s-le-nozze-di-figaro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Le Nozze di Figaro</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss Mozart’s timeless comedy that returns to cinemas worldwide with a live transmission from the Metropolitan Opera. Conductor Joana Mallwitz, making her Met debut, leads a stellar ensemble cast, including American bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as the clever valet Figaro, Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska as the wily maid Susanna, Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins as the skirt-chasing Count, Italian soprano Federica Lombardi as his anguished wife, and mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as the adolescent page Cherubino.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

Read More
Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend with the 2025 Run Like a Mother 5K in Ridgefield

<p><strong>Run Like a Mother® 5K</strong> returns to Ridgefield this Mother’s Day, promising an inspiring weekend filled with community, fitness, and celebration. Now in its 18th year, the event welcomes mothers, families, and supporters of all kinds to honor the strength and resilience of women—on and off the racecourse.</p><p>“This year, Run Like a Mother has partnered with Asics and The Prospector Theater to kick-off this special weekend with a panel of incredible women discussing <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Implementing Habits &amp; Routines in Asics Move Her Mind</a> Event” says Megan Searfoss, Founder of Run Like a Mother and CT Run Co. The event is free and registration is limited.</p><p>This year’s celebration kicks off on <strong>Saturday, May 3</strong> with an <a href="https://tockify.com/e/ctrunco/detail/331/1746273600000" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>8:00 AM Course Preview</strong></a> at the Ridgefield Playhouse, giving participants a sneak peek at the scenic route through town.</p><p>On <strong>Thursday, May 8</strong>, as Ridgefield Running and Asics presents the <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Move Her Mind Event</strong> at the Prospector Theater:</a></p><p><strong>5:30 PM</strong>: Lace up and hit the streets for a <strong>Run with Asics and Special Guests</strong>.</p><p><strong>7:00 PM</strong>: Enjoy <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a <strong>Live Podcast</strong></a> experience with Meaghan Murray of Believe in the Run, Meghann Featherstun of Featherstone Nutrition, </p><p>Megan Connolly Morant, host of the WWE, and Makenna Myler, Pro Runner.</p><p>Following the podcast, meet our special guests during the <strong>Post-Event Meet &amp; Greet</strong>.</p><p>Participants can pick up their race packets on:</p><p><strong>Friday, May 9</strong> from <strong>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</strong> at BMW of Ridgefield</p><p><strong>Saturday, May 10</strong> from <strong>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</strong> at Ridgefield Running.</p><p>Race day, <strong>Sunday, May 11</strong>, will be an unforgettable Mother’s Day morning:</p><p><strong>6:30 AM</strong>: <strong>Final Package Pick-Up</strong> opens.</p><p><strong>7:45 AM</strong>: The community gathers for a heartfelt <strong>Run Like a Mother </strong>Blessing (non-denominational) with the Reverend Whitney Altopp from St. Stephen’s.</p><p><strong>8:00 AM</strong>: Little ones lead the charge in the <strong>Kid’s One Mile Run</strong>.</p><p><strong>8:30 AM</strong>: The <strong>Run Like a Mother 5K</strong> kicks off!</p><p>After the race, stick around for the <strong>Post-Race Celebration in Ballard Park</strong>, with festivities, music, and community cheer.</p><p>Whether you’re running, walking, cheering, or celebrating the moms in your life, this weekend is for everyone.</p><p><a href="http://www.runlikeamother.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Register now</strong></a> and join us in making memories, embracing wellness, and celebrating motherhood—one stride at </p><p>a time.</p><p>Run Like a Mother is proud to support the <a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/MyPages/NoreenLPapaFund/tabid/536511/Default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ridgefield Library’s Noreen L Papa: Mothers Live Your Life programming</a>, and the <a href="https://www.theirisfund.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iris Fund</a>- Devoted to the future every pre-term baby deserves. </p><p>For more information and registration details, visit: <a href="http://www.runlikeamother.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.runlikeamother.com</a>. For sponsorship inquiries and other questions, please contact Amy Stozinic, Race Director, <a href="mailto:amy@ctrunco.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">amy@ctrunco.com</a></p>

Read More
Two Fairfield County Bank employees graduate from School of Finance & Management

<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank is honored to announce the recent graduation of Michelle Luis,&nbsp;Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager, and Paul Lutsky,&nbsp;Vice President, Commercial Lender, from the Connecticut School of Finance &amp; Management (CSFM).&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 11&nbsp;at the Trumbull Marriot Hotel. CSFM&nbsp;is a&nbsp;two-year&nbsp;banking education&nbsp;and management program&nbsp;with class work including&nbsp;banking theory, practices and procedures, capital markets and management functions.It is&nbsp;a proven management development staple within the Connecticut banking industry&nbsp;designed to increase the knowledge of the participants in their own specialties and, at the same time, introduce them to a wide range of banking topics&nbsp;and scenarios.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Paul and Michelle did an incredible job balancing the&nbsp;rigorous undertaking&nbsp;that is CSFM while continuing to provide our Commercial Lending clients with the highlight level of service,” said Dan Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “We look forward to the implementation of&nbsp;their newfound knowledge&nbsp;and&nbsp;are exceedingly proud of their achievement.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ms. Luis&nbsp;has been with the Bank for 24&nbsp;years&nbsp;and has served as the Small Business Lending Manger&nbsp;since 2020. She works diligently with&nbsp;local small&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;to&nbsp;find the&nbsp;right financial product that will&nbsp;grow their business&nbsp;through property&nbsp;acquisition,&nbsp;working&nbsp;capital,&nbsp;orequipment financing. She is a lifelong Fairfield County resident and away from the office, enjoys traveling with family and friends.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Mr. Lutsky&nbsp;joined Fairfield County Bank in 2021.&nbsp;With&nbsp;more than&nbsp;20 years of experience, Paul is committed to working tirelessly to ensure the goals of his clients are met. Covering Fairfield County, his responsibilities include both establishing new relationships between clients and Fairfield County Bank and enhancing existing client relationships through a suite of commercial&nbsp;loan,&nbsp;consumer&nbsp;deposit, and wealth management products, while managing a commercial lending portfolio.&nbsp;Outside of the office, he is an accomplished&nbsp;golferand serves on the Central&nbsp;Connecticut Coast YMCA Finance Committee. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photographed, from left to right: Virginia Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader. Glen LeBlanc, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Lending Officer. Michelle Luis, Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager. Paul Lutsky, Vice President, Commercial Lending. Daniel Berta, President. David Schneider, Chief Executive Officer.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Visit&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.fairfieldcountbank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><em>www.FairfieldCountBank.com</em></a></p><p><br></p>

Read More