POLICE AND FIRE
Police HQ Renovation Ahead Schedule
New Canaan Police Department plans to move into its renovated headquarters at 174 South Avenue on June 3rd, nearly six months ahead of schedule. The project, expected to finish under its $29 million budget, includes safety upgrades, ADA accessibility, and energy efficiency improvements. Final preparations, including equipment relocation, are underway as the department vacates its temporary location by June 30th.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled at high levels, with over 150 annual deaths in the U.S. from non-fire-related incidents. CO poisoning occurs when fuel-burning appliances or generators malfunction or are improperly vented. To prevent exposure, install CO alarms on every home level, use generators outdoors, and keep appliance vents clear of debris.
NCVAC: 50 Years
February 18th marked 50 years of service for the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NCVAC), which transported its first patient in 1975. The organization has grown from a Town-provided Cadillac to a modern fleet staffed by trained personnel. NCVAC continues to provide emergency medical services to New Canaan residents. Photo credit: Town of New Canaan.
TOWN HALL
New Canaan Zoning Rules Review
New Canaan’s Planning and Zoning Commission has begun a comprehensive review of the town’s zoning regulations, last updated nearly 20 years ago. Key priorities include aligning regulations with state laws, updating outdated criteria, and reducing the commission’s workload. The process, expected to take one to two years, may also involve minor adjustments to the town’s zoning map.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Gas Leak Closes YMCA Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, a contractor damaged a gas main at the New Canaan Community YMCA, leading to the safe evacuation of all patrons, staff, and children. Fire crews found no hazardous gas levels, and Eversource shut off the gas within 45 minutes. The YMCA remained closed for the rest of the day.
Exhibition Opens: “Color Me”
“Color Me,” an exhibition at Silvermine Galleries in New Canaan, runs from February 15th to March 13th, showcasing artwork by Silvermine Guild artists that explores the use of color. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations highlighting color’s role in form and emotion. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.
Kids In Crisis Speaks at Rotary
Recently, Denise Qualey and Erica Bates spoke at the New Canaan Rotary Club about Kids In Crisis, an organization providing temporary housing and support services for children in Fairfield County. The agency houses individuals from birth to age 18, including LGBTQ adolescents, and offers crisis counseling and community education programs. Photo credit: New Canaan Rotary Club.
Glamour Gals Visit Waveny
The Glamour Gals New Canaan High School chapter visited Waveny LifeCare Network for its first event. Led by founder Kate Frangione, students provided nail painting and basic makeup application for residents. Photo credit: Waveny LifeCare Network.
NC Thrift Shop Upgrade
The New Canaan Rotary Club and the Exchange Club of New Canaan provided grant funding to upgrade the kitchen at the New Canaan Thrift Shop. The upgrades will improve efficiency for volunteers cleaning glassware, dishes, and china before sale. Photo credit: Waveny LifeCare Network.
SCHOOLS
SLS Students Recognized in Writing Awards
Two St. Luke’s School students received recognition in the 2025 Hudson-to-Housatonic Scholastic Writing Awards. Laurel Aronian ’25 earned two Silver Keys for her essays “Thinking Outside of the Black Box” and “Uncertainty in Memory and Morality,” and an Honorable Mention for “Free Will.” Gavin Mhley ’29 received an Honorable Mention for his science fiction and fantasy piece “The Raven’s Iris.” Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
NCHS Presents Les Misérables
New Canaan High School will stage Les Misérables as its winter musical. Performances are scheduled for March 20th-22nd at 7 pm, with a matinee on March 22nd at 1 pm. The production features themes of redemption, resilience, and revolution.
SLS Students Complete Midnight Run
Recently, St. Luke’s School students collected and delivered winter clothing and supplies for their annual Midnight Run. Club Co-Presidents Kate Edwards ’25 and Ingrid Kerr ’25 thanked the advisor, staff, chaperones, and community for their support. The event focused on providing essential items to those in need. Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
SLS Alum Visits
Recently, St. Luke’s School alum Clara Pakman ’19 visited to speak with students in Creative Writing and Advanced Engineering & Design classes. She discussed her work as a poet and will mentor students on a project related to cognitive science, research and design, and user experience. Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
SLS Eighth Graders Explore Printmaking
St. Luke’s School eighth-grade studio art students recently visited the Center for Contemporary Printmaking. They created ocean-themed screen printed t-shirts and practiced etching on recycled Tetra Paks. Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
SLS Students Design Prosthetic Hands
St. Luke’s School Anatomy and Physiology students recently collaborated with the designLab and the Center for Leadership to design custom prosthetic hands. They consulted with MIT graduate student Carolina Warneryd ’18 and Paul Kent from the disAbled Life Alliance to discuss prosthetic research and challenges. Students then created sketches, prototypes, and solutions to enhance existing prosthetic designs. Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
SLS Alum, Lyakovetsky Speaks to Class
Recently, St. Luke’s School alum Max Lyakovetsky ’18, a Design Intern at Volkswagen and a Transportation Design student at ArtCenter College of Design, spoke to the Advanced Engineering and Design class. He will mentor students on an automotive design project. The talk was part of the school’s Alumni Project Series. Photo credit: St. Luke’s School.
ACROSS CT
House Passes GOP Budget Plan
The U.S. House passed a GOP budget plan 217-215, proposing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions, including potential $880 billion cuts to Medicaid. Connecticut’s House delegation voted against the plan, citing concerns over its impact on essential programs. The proposal now proceeds to committee hearings for further review.
OUR NEIGHBORS
Jason Perillo won the special election for Connecticut’s 21st Senatorial District, defeating Tony Afriyie with 53.39% of the vote.
Dippin’ Chicken Opening March 15
Dippin’ Chicken will open on March 15th at 236 East Avenue, serving Korean fried chicken with all-natural, Halal-certified chicken and various global dipping sauces. The menu includes boneless chicken, wings, sandwiches, kimchi fries, fried rice, and dalgona candy. The restaurant will partner with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine to redistribute surplus food and operate daily with extended hours on weekends.
USA Junior Golf Federation Launches
The USA Junior Golf Federation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has launched to support junior golfers at The Golf Performance Academy with financial aid and resources for collegiate golf preparation. The program focuses on skill development, physical readiness, coaching, mental resilience, and proper equipment. The Golf Performance Academy’s approach has led to tournament wins and college scholarships.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN BRIEFS
Appointments Approved
The Board approved the appointment of John Clarke to the Parking Commission for a term ending December 1, 2025, and Thomas Herman to the Conservation Commission for a term ending December 1, 2026.
Gauntlet Lacrosse Tournament and Cochran Classic
The Board approved the New Canaan Lacrosse Association’s request to allow vendors selling apparel and food at the Lacrosse Jamboree on May 17th-18th and June 28th-29th, 2025, at Waveny Park.
Arts Festival Vendor Approval
The Board approved a request from the Carriage Barn Arts Center and the Parks and Recreation Department. The approval will allow the Waveny Park Arts Festival to have up to four food/beverage vendors on September 28th, 2025.
Outdoor Dining Season Adjustment
The Board approved a request from the Town Planner to adjust the outdoor dining season to run annually from May 1st through the first Sunday in November.
Fire Department Repair and Equipment Contracts
The Board approved contracts for the New Canaan Fire Department which included $73,140.26 for equipment repairs and PO increase with Northeastern Fire Apparatus, $60,000 for repairs with Gowans Knight, $13,000 for the addition of a module with Locality Media Inc., and $40,000 for the purchase of equipment with Fire Tech.
Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) Permit Renewal
The Board approved a $17,560 contract with AECOM for professional services related to renewing the WPCF’s discharge permit.
Steve Benko Pool Pump Installation
The Board approved a $49,400 contract with J & J Pool and Concrete Service LLC for the installation of a second main pump at the Steve Benko Pool.
Fleet Vehicle Purchase Approval
The Board approved a $63,415 purchase from Karl Chevrolet for a Chevy 3500 HD Silverado Truck to replace a Parks and Recreation Department fleet vehicle.
Travel Expenses
The Board approved $775 in travel expenses for two employees to attend the New England Turf Grass Conference on March 5th-6th, 2025.
Bond Sale Purchase Orders
The Board approved purchase orders related to the recent bond sale. The orders included $37,500 for Moodys and $15,000 for Munistat.
Chief Building Official Appointment
The Board approved the appointment of Scott Becker as Chief Building Official for a four-year term.
Part-Time Administrative Hires
The Board approved hiring Linda Sidani as Administrative Assistant to the Tax Collector and Nicole Barrett as Administrative Assistant to the Assessor.
