New Canaan Library is honored to welcome celebrated journalist and author Carl Bernstein as guest speaker for the 23rd Annual Richard Salant Lecture Series. The event takes place on Thursday, October 19 from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Please register to attend: https://www.newcanaanlibrary.org/event/renowned-journalist-carl-bernstein-presents-annual-richard-salant-lecture

Famous for breaking the Watergate Scandal in 1972, his journalism for The Washington Post, and five critically acclaimed books, including All the President’s Men, Carl Bernstein has focused much of his career on American politics and the abuse of power. After winning the Pulitzer Prize for his early Watergate reporting, Bernstein has continued to bring truth and integrity to the American public in major news outlets that include ABC, CNN, and The Washington Post, among others.

The Richard Salant Speaker Series is dedicated to encouraging news literacy and fostering a greater understanding of the responsibility of the news media in a free society. This program is intended to generate public interest in news and current affairs and the manner of its dissemination with a critical eye.

Life Drawing: Come Experience our first life-model session at the Carriage Barn! 

2 Sessions: Tuesday October 3 & Nov 7, 7-9pm

The first session on Oct. 3 will be focusing on portraiture with a clothed model. Leave your harsh critique at the door and you will surprise yourself by using a playful but observant mindset. Vanessa will be on hand to guide you through some exercises that can loosen you up and find new ways of seeing. 

The second session on November 7 will be full-figure, clothed model starting with short gestures and building up to larger poses.

Members & Students / $15 Non members / $25 

 Learn more and register => https://carriagebarn.org/drop-in-sketch-nights/

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut State Bond Commission will vote at its upcoming meeting to approve an allocation of $25 million that will be used to purchase new ballot-counting tabulators for use in elections and primaries statewide. The equipment will replace Connecticut’s existing voting machines, which are used at every polling place in the state to tabulate the choices that voters make on their paper ballots.

The governor, who serves as chair of the commission and sets its meeting agendas, said that he is recommending the members to approve the funding because the existing machines, which were first put into use in 2006, are beginning to show signs of aging and should be replaced for the continued functioning of accurate and timely election results. The allocation is being placed on the agenda for approval at the commission’s October 6, 2023, meeting.

“The machines we use to record votes are the backbone of our election system, and it is essential that we provide election officials with the equipment they need to tabulate results with accuracy and timeliness,” Governor Lamont said. “Although our existing machines continue to function, they are more than 17 years old and election officials tell us that they are starting to show their age. Implementing a statewide replacement of all these machines now will ensure that election workers continue to have the tools they need to conduct an Election Day that runs smooth and free of any glitches that could potentially be caused by outdated technology.”

Following the commission’s approval of the funding, it is anticipated that the Office of the Secretary of the State will solicit proposals from manufacturers to supply the state with the equipment. Once purchased, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality and the existing equipment will be retired. The state is funding the entirety of the cost to purchase the equipment. It is estimated that the allocation will enable the state to purchase several thousand traditional tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to tally absentee ballots.

This will be the first time the state is implementing a statewide replacement of all its voting machines since it eliminated the use of lever machines 17 years ago and made a switch to machines that read paper ballots as part of a nationwide requirement enacted by Congress in 2002 for states to have voting systems that keep a paper record of every vote cast in case an election is audited or recounted. Because lever voting machines cannot produce a paper ballot, they were retired from use.

The October 6, 2023, meeting of the State Bond Commission will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Additionally, video of the meeting will stream live online at ct-n.com.

Fall Fair at New Canaan Nature Center 

* Friday, September 29th (5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.)

* Saturday, September 30th (10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.)

Online Registration: Purchase your Friday Night Wristbands Now!

Join the New Canaan Nature Center for two days of traditional family fun at our 53rd Annual Fall Fair! Come and enjoy:

Carnival Rides
Crazy Maze
Zip Line
Apple Slingshots
Pumpkin Decorating
Spooky Stroll
And so much more!
Food, drinks, & snacks will be available for cash purchase as well.

Rain or shine.

Pre-order Wristbands

Buy Tickets

Please join us at The Carriage Barn Arts Center for the Farm to Barn Harvest Moon Dinner on Friday, September 29th from 6-9pm hosted by the Carriage Barn and the New Canaan Farmers Market. 

Tickets are available now for $85 and the evening includes a live performance of classic R&B hits by Still Runnin’ generously sponsored by realtor Susan Hotchkiss, a chef-curated menu featuring seasonal ingredients from local farms and purveyors, paired with local beer, wine and signature cocktails. Guests will mingle with friends under the harvest moon before sitting down to enjoy dinner inside the Carriage Barn. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here

Menu Highlights Include…Litchfield Distillery cocktail bar, Stewart’s Spirits wines, beer from Two Roads Brewing & Rau’s Coffee bar. Seasonal salads and artisanal breads. Asian delicacies from Mama Hu’s and Nit Noi. Entrees including premium beef shanks, chicken & fish, from Ox Hollow Farm and Ideal Fish. Sides including Bongo & Capacci ravioli, corn, squash and potatoes. Selection of desserts from Michele’s Pies, Emalyn Sweets, Mama Hu’s and The Stylish Spoon

Waveny Park Arts Festival on October 1 from 10am to 4pm

Presented by the Carriage Barn in partnership with the New Canaan Parks & Rec Department, this outdoor arts festival will feature a juried collection of up to 40 fine artists & artisans including painters, photographers, potters, fiber arts, jewelry designers, sculptors, and woodworkers.  

Admission is free to all and visitors will have the opportunity to meet and buy work from a variety of exhibitors.  The artist booths will be complimented with live music throughout the day by School of Rock,  Michael Louis-Smith & Friends and Greenwich band Exit 5.  

Art activities, yoga sessions for kids with Sama Yoga and refreshments will be available in the Carriage Barn courtyard area. Children will love interacting with giant puppets by Sova Theater who will wander around during the afternoon! The gallery will be open for all to visit the Annual Member Show. 

Learn more: https://carriagebarn.org/event/waveny-park-arts-festival/

Learn Hands-Only CPR from New Canaan EMS and save a life!

Hands-Only CPR and AED Training on Monday, October 2nd from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium at New Canaan Library

Hands-Only CPR has been proven to double or even triple the chance of survival for victims of sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital setting. Today, less than 25% of victims of sudden cardiac arrest receive help from bystanders - yet rapid response is critical to survival. Most bystanders fail to provide assistance - be it for fear of failure, fear of doing harm, or fear of germs/contracting an illness - yet it is better to do SOMETHING rather than nothing at all! For each minute a victim of sudden cardiac arrest is without CPR, survival rates drop by 10%. 

Hands-Only CPR does NOT require Mouth to mouth-to-mouth breathing.

Hands-Only CPR focuses on chest compressions (which keep the patient's blood flowing to vital organs) and the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) when available. 

Learn more and register to attend https://newcanaanlibrary.org/event/hands-only-cpr-and-aed-training-0

Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of CTParks.com, the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors with an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“Connecticut State Parks are a huge part of our state’s quality of life and a big reason why people are choosing to move to Connecticut, and we want to make sure people have all of the information they need to visit them,” Governor Lamont said. “These beautiful places, which offer residents and visitors an unparalleled recreation experience and provide significant economic benefits to our cities and towns, deserve a website befitting their value. CTParks.com is the latest way we’re helping to connect residents with their Connecticut State Parks.”

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Connecticut State Parks continue to rank among the top regional tourist destinations and play a significant role in the state’s tourism sector and local economy. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“Connecticut residents have been discovering and re-discovering their state parks over the last several years, unlocking the physical and mental health benefits outdoor recreation provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Restoring and providing access to our state parks has been a priority of the Lamont administration, and we’re proud to continue to showcase our state’s tremendous natural resources. We hope you’ll enjoy using this new website to learn about the different state parks, find a hiking trail, and even find out about other great things to do in the area. The new ‘While You Are Here’ sections can point you to a great restaurant, shop, or attraction after spending a few hours in the outdoors.”

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.

“Our state parks are an amazing asset that greatly contribute to Connecticut’s unmatched quality of life,” DECD Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. “They also attract millions of visitors whose spending helps drive economic development in our towns and cities. This website is an important new tool to educate out-of-state tourists and residents alike on what our amazing parks have to offer. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s work on state parks is invaluable and I’m glad we could partner with them on this project to show people across the world more of what makes our state a great place to visit and call home.”

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

• ParkFinder Tool: Equipped with a user-friendly ParkFinder Tool, visitors can effortlessly discover the perfect state park based on their interests or location. Geo-location technology is seamlessly integrated, enabling users to identify nearby parks based on their current location and filter their search to parks based on their plans for the day or what they are looking to do.
• Dynamic Park Listings: Each state park enjoys a dedicated dynamic listing page that extensively promotes available activities, events, photography, social media content, and more. These listings provide comprehensive insights into the unique offerings of each park.
• “While You’re Here” Functionality: Visitors are offered an array of options to extend their stay by exploring nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. This feature seamlessly integrates information from CTVisit.com, the state’s official tourism website, providing a comprehensive and constantly updated guide for a trip beyond the park.
• Event Awareness: The new website features an advanced event management system that not only highlights ongoing activities within the parks but also showcases upcoming events, further encouraging visitation and park engagement.
• User-Generated Content: The website harnesses Instagram content, shared by actual visitors to Connecticut State Parks. This user-generated content authentically represents our parks and the unique experiences they offer.
• Content Organization: The website is thoughtfully structured around core activities and interests, illuminating facets of state parks of which visitors may not have been aware. This intuitive design provides streamlined access to parks that cater to specific activities, simplifying the process of finding the ideal park to match individual interests.
• Video-Rich Experience: Site visitors can enjoy a video-rich environment that showcases a curated selection of more than 20 state park feature videos. These immersive visuals provide a captivating introduction to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities found within Connecticut State Parks and offer a glimpse to visitors of what to expect before they get there.
• Multi-Language Support: In line with the state’s focus on inclusivity, the website offers multi-language support to ensure that Spanish-speaking visitors can enjoy a translated experience.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring accessibility for all, the website is ADA compliant, featuring essential tools, readers, and navigational support to assist visitors with unique accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can access information.

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.

Enjoy afternoon artistic adventures at the Carriage Barn Arts Center with instructor Tiffany McKay Grades K - 4! Join us for a 4-week session focused on specific artists and their work. 

Acrylic paint will be used in each class so please remember to dress for a mess.

FEE is $190 per 4-week session /  $175 for family level members (all supplies included).

Four Thursdays Oct 26, Nov 2, 9, 16 from 4 - 5 pm

Learn more and register => https://carriagebarn.org/after-school-art-adventures-oct/

The Ridgefield Playhouse will continue its senior movie series this fall, offering 6 hand-picked films FREE to the seniors in our community.

Not a senior? That’s okay. The movies are free for anyone who would like to enjoy an afternoon watching a movie on the big screen.

In an effort to provide our seniors with free daytime entertainment, the Ridgefield Playhouse launched the Senior Cinema Series earlier in 2023, and was met with countless smiling faces from patrons. “We tried something new and our senior community responded with gratitude and positivity for the series, so we decided to keep it going,” said Robin Ronai, manager of Films and Rentals at the Playhouse. The Playhouse is happy to once again partner with the Ridgefield Commission on Aging which brings much needed services and activities to our older community.

Breakfast At Tiffany’s on Tuesday, September 26th at 2pm

This 1961 classic stars Audrey Hepburn as Manhattan socialite, Holly Golightly. She heads a cast that includes George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Mickey Rooney and Buddy Ebsen.

First Monday in October on Monday October 2nd at 2pm

The U.S. Supreme Court, mired in its traditions, begins each new year on the first Monday in October. Jill Clayburg, Walter Mattheau and Barnard Hughes star in this 1981 dramatic comedy which breaks with one of the Court’s longest standing customs when the first woman is appointed to the Court.

A Star Is Born Wednesday October 18th 1pm

This 1976 classic starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson tells the story of a has-been rock star who falls in love with an up-and-coming singer. The film’s music is performed by its stars and the movie’s love theme, “Evergreen,” is a familiar song to everyone.

Sneakers Wednesday October 25th 1pm

This 1992 thriller is a story about security experts who find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that involves cryptology and espionage. Robert Redford leads the all-star team that includes Sidney Poitier, James Earl Jones, River Phoenix and Dan Aykroyd.

The Four Seasons Thursday November 2nd 1pm

Four seasons, three couple, one interloper and a whole lot of laughs and drama in this heart felt comedy that centers around the relationships between friends who vacation together every new season. Alan Alda, Carol Burnett, Rita Moreno, Jack Weston, Sandy Dennis, Bess Armstrong and Len Cariou star.

The Graduate Tuesday November 2nd 2pm

In this 1967 movie about a May-December romance, Mrs. Robinson (Ann Bancroft) a bored housewife, seduces Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) a recent college graduate. Their tryst is complicated when Benjamin falls for Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross).

Save The Date! Sunday, October 29th Noon – 2:00 pm on Elm Street!

Calling all Ghosts, Goblins and Witches! Head downtown on Sunday October 29th to show off your costumes and get a head start on your trick or treating! This beloved New Canaan tradition is generously sponsored by The Sigg Team at William Raveis. Elm Street will be closed off to vehicular traffic to allow for safe trick or treating! Our friends at School of Rock will be playing all there best Halloween Tunes! The first 500 attendees will receive a free pre stuffed bag courtesy of Walter Stewarts Market.

New for 2023! Don’t let your Pooch feel left out! Join us for the inaugural ‘HOWLOWEEN PARADE’ on Sunday, October 29th at 1:30pm where there will be Pet Pantry prizes for costumed dogs. Categories include;

•       'So Cute it's Scary
•       'Bone to be Wild'
•       'Creepin' it Real'
•       'Scary & Hairy'
•       'The Bark Side' 

Pre-registered dogs will meet at The Morena Clock on Elm Street for check in; we are limiting the number of entries to 25. The dogs and owners will then walk down to the Shade Store and parade back for the panel of experts to award prizes. Guest judges Include Kristen Schilo, the 'Dog Whisperer' from New Canaan Dogs, Michael Konstantaras, owner of Bark Busters and renowned author James Frey. Spooktators are highly encouraged!

This event is produced by Rachel Lampen and Kristen Mitrakis from Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events. Generously sponsored by Pet Pantry Warehouse and supported by the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce. To enter your dog, click on the link. 

Learn more https://newcanaanchamber.com/2023/09/19/2023-halloween-block-party/

The Halloween Block Party on Sunday, October 29th is a New Canaan tradition. Kids, parents, and grandparents can stroll in costume down Elm Street, which will be closed to traffic from noon until 2pm. New for 2023! Join us for the inaugural ‘HOWLOWEEN PARADE’ on Sunday, October 29th at 1:30pm where there will be Pet Pantry prizes for costumed dogs.