New Canaan, CT | HamletHub

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Jan 03, 2025

New Canaan residents earn Dean's List at University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has recognized students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.Congratulations to the New Canaan residents who earned Dean's List and Dean's Honor List:Darby Carroll, School of Business, Dean's ListLauren Eno, School of Human Ecology, Dean's Honor ListCullen McCarthy, College of Letters and Science, Dean's ListShane Mettler, College of Engineering, Dean's Honor ListSophie O'Neil, School of Human Ecology, Dean's Honor ListAnnie O'Shea, School of Human Ecology, Dean's Honor ListLiza Sieghart, College of Letters and Science, Dean's ListColin Tiscornia, School of Business, Dean's ListStudents who achieve at a high level academically are recognized by the dean at the close of each semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must complete a minimum of 12 graded degree credits in that semester. Each university school or college sets its own GPA requirements for students to be eligible to receive the distinction. Most call the honor "dean's list", but some grant the "Dean's Honor List" and "Dean's High Honor List."

Jan 03, 2025

Silvermine Arts Center welcomes 25 new members into historic Guild of Artists

NEW CANAAN, CT, Jan. 3, 2025—Silvermine Arts Center welcomes 25 new members into its historic Guild of Artists, with an exhibition presenting innovative work in a variety of mediums and styles. The exhibition will run from Jan. 11 through Feb. 6. The public is invited to the opening reception on Sat., Jan. 11, 2 – 4 p.m. in the Silvermine Galleries. In addition to compelling works in painting and sculpture, several of Silvermine’s new Guild members explore innovative processes and materials. Barbara Hocker’s water-inspired works weave photos, prints, and paintings together. The environment—water in particular—is a subject that concerns many of the new Guild members including Susan Hoffman Fishman, who explores disappearing lakes. Her works are both dazzling and shocking. Bonnie Ralston takes found steel and corrodes it directly onto paper using salt, water, and common household acids. Her works exist somewhere between drawings and prints. According to the artist, they reframe the destructive moment as a source of unexpected beauty and possibility. Color theory, inspired in part by architectural or geometric form, takes center stage in the work of Marc Kemeny and Paul Landesman. The Guild’s new sculptors draw on both natural and mythical forms. Tini Pinto’s biophilic ceramic works are as joyful as they are skillfully crafted. Irja Boden describes her stacked forms, which are both embossed and layered, as abstract works that convey a narrative. Aleksandra Scepanovic explores displaced identities and finds a certain human resilience in the theme of wholeness through fractured forms. Since its inception, Guild membership has been a selective peer jurying process. As a result, the Guild has held its membership to high standards. Many members have work represented in permanent collections of some of the world's most prestigious museums, as well as prominent private and corporate collections. This exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to engage with the newest members of this dynamic community of professional artists and learn about their works.New Members of the Silvermine Guild of Artists:Irja Boden – Ghent, NYSerena Buschi – Bedford, NYKelly Duffield – Bedford. NYLiz Alpert Fay – Sandy Hook, CTKaren Fisher – Superior, COSusan Hoffman Fishman – West Hartford, CTChrissanth Greene-Gross – North Salem, NYLisa Hess Hesselgrave – Branford, CTBarbara Hocker – Bolton, CTMarc Kemeny – Fairfield, CTAmy Kupferberg – Bedford, NYPaul Landesman – Rye Brook, NYLinda Lowry – Boulder, COMichael Perry – Durham, NCTini Pinto – Stamford, CTBonnie Ralston – Brooklyn, NYSusan Richman – Hastings-on-Hudson, NYSusan Rollins – Guilford, CTGloria Ruentiz – Stamford, CTAleksandra Scepanovic – Woodstock, NYColin Smith – Baltimore, MDLeslie Sobel – Ann Arbor, MILynn Ubell – New York, NYEric Urquhart – Danbury, CTJanet Warner – New Haven, CT

Jan 02, 2025

Stamford Mom Delivers 1st Baby of 2025 at Greenwich Hospital

Greenwich, CT (January 2, 2024) – Lucca Pulla entered the world at 12:30 am on Wednesday becoming the first baby to be born at Greenwich Hospital in 2025. This is the second child for Jessenia Illisaca and Alex Pulla of Stamford, CT. The baby boy weighed 7 pounds, 13.9 ounces.Photo credits: Bella Baby Photography

Dec 31, 2024

Why Small Businesses Matter in New Canaan: A Perfect Little Plan

<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2>Shop small, do big things for your communityWhy Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!You're IT <a href="https://www.aperfectlittleplan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">A Perfect Little Plan</a>!Four questions with Krista Frallicciardi, founder of <a href="https://www.aperfectlittleplan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">A Perfect Little Plan</a>.Why did you start your business?While working as a project manager in Los Angeles my journey to event planning began. What started as a hobby, helping my overwhelmed friends plan their weddings and parties, soon turned into something much greater. I was able to take what I was already doing and create a career for myself driven by passion.What is your best-selling product/service?Our best-selling product/service is Wedding Planning!How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?I always try to use local vendors whenever they are available. Palmers Catering, and Marcia Seldon to name a couple.Have you reimagined your small business?What's great about my job, is I am always working with different people which means different styles. This allows me to always reimagine new ideas for them and my business.Visit <a href="https://www.aperfectlittleplan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">A Perfect Little Plan</a> online <a href="https://www.aperfectlittleplan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/APerfectLittlePlan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/aperfectlittleplan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a> pages as well!Questions? Email <a href="https://mailto:APerfectLittlePlan@gmail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">APerfectLittlePlan@gmail.com</a> or call: 860-985-7502.HamletHub thanks<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1658238881436694&usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"> </a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1658238881437096&usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fairfield County Bank </a>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Dec 29, 2024

Boucher Community Ice Rink Opens for the Season at Waveny Park

The Boucher Community Ice Rink in Waveny Park is open.This wonderful addition to our town is fully funded by donations and provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to get outdoors and enjoy winter activities. The rink offers skate rentals, lessons, and is a great spot for families and individuals alike. Check out their website at <a href="https://ncrink.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 123, 255); background-color: transparent;">ncrink.com</a> for more information and schedules and to make the most of this community amenity.

Dec 29, 2024

New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge in Westport to Support Abilis

Get ready to make a splash in the January 1, 2025, New Year’s Day Westport Polar Bear Plunge that is “freezin’ for a reason!” The event is in support of local nonprofit organization Abilis, a Fairfield County based nonprofit that serves and supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families. The Polar Bear Plunge will take place at Westport's Compo Beach at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day. This is the inaugural year for the "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Bear Plunge, which is being spearheaded by local Weston residents Gena and Billy Mann.  Participants can register in advance at <a href="https://jhowardpr-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2JdlrmGmc28BJqVr6zw9KuI4JTUHnLIMVtPCdLE_rkhEmxVzlkwF18UIZ4CFqQNclrPDufcgkuS4y5TLCW7YHnRrmLVrin1iC3TRp2Km514kmR8yyX2wM0heDFeVzazHGFm1N_9PihbKB7y4ulrwAmvw5WqvrAICGplrNHD_6DRtBZS4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">abilis.us</a> or on-site at the event.Proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge will support the renovation of Abilis Gardens & Gifts, a retail and employee training site that is also a working gift and flower shop. Abilis Gardens & Gifts is part of Abilis’ Competitive Employment Program and provides valuable job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.The Mann family have been passionate advocates for those with disabilities for many years. After their 22-year-old son Jasper joined the Abilis community, they saw the immediate positive impact Abilis’ programs and services had not only for their son, but for his many friends and house mates acquired through Abilis. Gena Mann shared, "We've experienced firsthand how programs like those at Abilis can transform lives. The renovation of Abilis Gardens & Gifts will create even more opportunities for meaningful employment and skill development and we are thrilled to help spearhead a fun fundraising activity that will go to such good use.”Brave participants will take the plunge in sun, rain, sleet or snow. Spectators are also welcome to cheer on those who take the plunge in the chilly water. Afterwards, Moonrocks Gourmet Cookies will be on site offering sweet treats and hot cocoa to warm everyone up after their big splash.In addition to raising crucial funds for Abilis, the Polar Bear Plunge also represents a growing partnership between Westport and Abilis in supporting the disability community.  Abilis has been in Westport for several years offering programs and services. In 2024, Abilis expanded its footprint in the community with the opening of a new Abilis residential independent living location, which joins more than 70 other Abilis homes throughout Fairfield County.To register for the plunge, make a donation, or learn more about Abilis, visit <a href="https://jhowardpr-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2X5pjihXGYomOkkaSmDPRmC-cWYKZ5OA-oel5Mlz2K_IpxVzlkwHDE2nbjIZXkQ02QFRSCWGLhb2cK3WEsLgTcihUz1Li9XeNS_kOskuzCk_qvVyCTnTJcPCQDa7oj2q9mHWXSZPKdADv-hmrNmeF5X3qbPudjxxgzI2KKwhr2k90Yhc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">abilis.us</a>.

Dec 20, 2024

Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activated Saturday Afternoon

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">211ct.org</a> to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.“Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times,” Governor Lamont said. “Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">211ct.org</a>. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.</li></ul>For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">ct.gov/ctprepares</a>.