Jeff Immelt, chairman of the board at General Electric and the company’s CEO (through next month), sold his New Canaan home for $4 million, according to a property transfer logged Wednesday at the Town Clerk’s office.
By WRI Staff – Jeffrey Immelt (Chairman and C.E.O., General Electric), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2965232
He had purchased a new 10,000-square-foot Colonial on West Road in 2001.
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A little dog who resides on Old Stamford Road got off-property when someone left a gate open and he found his way to Waveny Pool on a hot and humid day this week. The Havanese mix called ‘Pepe,’ approximately four years old, turned up at the town facility around 11:08 a.m. on Monday, June 19. The pool supervisor contacted police and an owner was located. Pepe did not swim.
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Connick family room. Photo courtesy of April + Kelly at William Raveis Real Estate (aprilandkelly.com)
Harry Connick, Jr. and his wife, Jill, have put their historic New Canaan home on the market for $7.5 million. After 18 years in the historic house, part of a 4.61-acre estate, the New Orleans-born musician, singer, actor and host of national daytime TV show “Harry,” is listing the home with April + Kelly at William Raveis Real Estate—that’s April Kaynor and Kelly DeFrancesco.
Connick guest room. Photo courtesy of April + Kelly at William Raveis Real Estate (aprilandkelly.com)
Here’s what Jill Connick said of the property: “Since we are up on a hill, the sun rises over the living room and sets over the kitchen and porch. I’ve loved sitting out there in the mornings and evenings—Harry and the girls know they can usually find me there. It’s torture to think of leaving this home—we’ve raised our three children here—and our passion has always been architecture and building, so we are looking forward to another project.”
Connick front door. Photo courtesy of April + Kelly at William Raveis Real Estate (aprilandkelly.com)
Originally an 1890s dairy barn, according to Kaynor and DeFrancesco, the 11,598-square-foot home has been remodeled and updated by Mark Finlay Architects. It has seven bedrooms, including master bedroom with fireplace and French doors leading to a balcony overlooking a heated pool; six full baths and two half-baths; a kitchen, family room and library with reclaimed chestnut from the original structure; massive stone floors from the south of France throughout the home; and, matching cupolas on the main house, main barn and pool house. Two of the barns on the property are outfitted, respectively, with a recording studio and gym. For more information and photos, please contact listing agents April.Kaynor@raveis.com 203.216.2194 or Kelly.DeFrancesco@ raveis.com, 203.667.4074.
First Selectman Rob Mallozzi (L) in full “Singin in the Rain” regalia, with Summer Theatre of New Canaan Executive Director Ed Libonati. The show runs July 6 to 30 (stonc.org) and Mallozzi has a cameo role. Contributed
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New Canaan’s highest elected official has a cameo role in the Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s widely anticipated production of “Singin’ in the Rain.” We won’t spoil anything about First Selectman Rob Mallozzi’s part. Asked about his appearance, Mallozzi said: “I was delighted to be asked to participate and look forward to enjoying the play.” “Singin’ in the Rain” runs July 6 to 30 at STONC’s stage in Waveny, here’s ticket info.
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Congratulations to 1996 New Canaan High School graduate Toriano Fredericks, who is earning high marks on his food truck in the Durham area of North Carolina featuring “bold flavors mixing Southern Soul, Caribbean Flair and Euro-African Roots.” Tori is a fellow Parade Hill Road native and his “Boricua Food Truck” has been named one of Indy Week’s “Ten Favorite Food Trucks” in North Carolina’s Triangle.
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A pair of snapping turtles laid eggs at the East School playground around noon on Saturday, June 17. Officer Allyson Halm of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section is reminding residents to slow down for turtles crossing roads to and from water sources to lay their eggs. If anything, residents may help turtles across roads by carefully lifting them by the shell near their hind legs or, in the case of larger turtles, prodding them gently. Turtles must only be moved in the same direction they’re headed.
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The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday voted 3-0 in favor of hiring John Funfgeld as New Canaan’s new residential building inspector. The town had held the position open for a period of about six moths during a slight slowdown in the number of applications for new construction that came into the Building Department, but it’s getting busier again, according to Cheryl Pickering-Jones, New Canaan’s human resources director.
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New Canaan Police cited three teens for possession of less than .5 ounces of marijuana at midnight Wednesday after an officer on patrol approached their parked car at Talmadge Hill train station. The officer smelled marijuana and found a small amount of pot, grinder and several pipes.
Katrina Parkhill. Credit: Michael Dinan
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Board of Education member Sangeeta Appel during the group’s regular meeting Monday announced that she’s stepping down from the role after 3.5 years because her family is moving to New Jersey. Taking her place as a Republican on the board is 11-year resident Katrina Parkhill, a University of Texas graduate and former corporate professional at Andersen Consulting, Deloitte Consulting and Pfizer Inc. who is raising three kids in New Canaan Public Schools. Active in the town’s volunteer community, Parkhill served for two years as co-president of the West School PTC and is membership chair at the New Canaan Winter Club as well as scheduler for the New Canaan Lacrosse Association. She additionally served as an elder in the Children’s Ministries at the First Presbyterian Church and as a member of the Newcomers Club.
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Anyone who follows the New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission has seen attorney Amy Zabetakis, a founding partner at Darien-based Rucci Law Group. Here’s a Q&A with the Georgetown Law graduate (she also got a MBA there).
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Be sure to check out the New Canaan Republican Town Committee’s debate of GOPers vying for municipal government offices in contested races. It will be held 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27 at Town Hall. There are three Republicans seeking the party’s backing at its July 18 caucus for first selectman, two for selectman and six for four available Town Council seats. More info here.
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I’m delighted to say we’ve published a page of New Canaanite advertiser testimonials, here. Many thanks to those who supplied them, truly I work with the very best people.
Jim Beard and Jon Hetherington of Steely Dan.
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It’s not too late to jam with Jim Beard and Jon Herington of Steely Dan. They’re making an outing to New Canaan Music on Elm Street on Friday night while on tour in the area. Here’s more info.
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Finally, here’s a roundup of newsworthy items from around New Canaan:
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On Monday, June 19th, six scouts from Troop 31 in New Canaan held their Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Waveny House. A.J. Baker, Thomas Freiberg, Brandon Hruska, Shafer Jones, William J. Koslo, III and Thomas Philipson were honored by family, friends, fellow scouts and honorable dignitaries. Among those dignitaries in attendance were State Representative, Tom O’Dea, and CT State Senator Toni Boucher. The Eagle Rank is Scouting's highest award. Only a small number of Scouts – about 4 percent - reach this lofty goal. To have six scouts celebrate this achievement together is a rare and special event. They have joined the ranks of a select few. They are trained and practiced in their leadership abilities, and are marked by the character gained through an understanding of their citizenship and beliefs. To provide context for the contribution of scouting, here are a few interesting scouting facts: • Of the 301 US astronauts, more than 180 had been Boy Scouts in their youth; 40 were Eagle Scouts. • 11 of the 12 astronauts who walked on the moon were Scouts. • One third of West Point and Air Force Academy cadets were in Boy Scouts. 16% were Eagle Scouts. • 191 members of the 113th Congress were in Scouts. • In 2009, more than 2.8 million Boy Scouts participated in community service projects. The 36.7 million service hours the Scouts provided, were valued at $764 million! The boys are in good company as here are just a few of a multitude of noteworthy Eagle Scouts: • Neil Armstrong - first man on moon • Michael Bloomberg - Mayor of New York City, founder of Bloomberg Corp. • Bill Bradley – Rhodes Scholar, Pro basketball star, U.S. Senator from NJ • Rex Tillerson, Jeff Sessions, Ryan Zinke and Rick Perry - all Current Congress members • Gerald Ford - U.S. President • H. Ross Perot - Self-made billionaire and presidential candidate • Sam Walton - Founder, Wal-Mart • William Sessions - Former FBI director • And a movie producer who made a movie of his troop while getting the Photography merit badge - Steven Spielberg. • Hank Aaron - Baseball home run king, was quoted as saying that the greatest positive influence in his life was his involvement in scouting As one of the final Eagle requirements, these scouts selected, managed, and completed substantial community service projects while leading other scouts in the troop and friends who volunteered to help. The projects will benefit many people. The following are descriptions of each individual scout’s project. Thomas Philipson Painted fire hydrants in town. At the completion of the project, 107 fire hydrants were painted. The project was sponsored by The New Canaan Fire Department and Aquarion Water. William J. Koslo, III Sent care packages to the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines Mortar Unit stationed in Romania. The project was sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Darien. Thomas Freiberg Worked with Strays and Others, a non-profit animal shelter in New Canaan. His service at Dog Days and donations exceeded $2,000 to benefit this organization and their daily needs. Brandon Hruska Repaired and resurfaced the Bird of Prey walkway at the Nature Center in New Canaan. This project has not only improved the look and accessibility of the walk but has benefitted many, by making this highly accessed Nature Center attraction, both safe, dry and visually appealing. Shafer Jones Built a new nature viewing blind at the New Canaan Nature Center. This small building allows both children and adults to observe nature without fearing that they will be disturbing it. A.J. Baker AJ managed the design, fabrication and installation of 9 new bird shelters for the "Birds of Prey" exhibit at the New Canaan Nature Center. The Bald Eagle, Barn Owl, Perregrine Falcon and others now enjoy new custom homes. George Harvey, Scoutmaster for Troop 31 was the master of ceremonies and a special thanks goes to him for supporting and encouraging these scouts to a successful completion of Eagle rank advancement. “These scouts have made Troop 31 very proud. May the qualities that inspired them to this achievement continue to lead them on to even greater success in their lives.” said Harvey. The troop is always open to more scouts. If you would like your son to get involved, contact George Harvey at scoutmaster@troop31newcanaan.com
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Girl Scout Kaylee Paladino of New Canaan has earned the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. The Girl Scout Gold Award requires Girl Scouts grades nine through 12 to spend at least 80 hours researching issues, assessing community needs and resources, building a team, and making a sustainable impact in the community. A Gold Award recipient’s accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart as a community leader. Nationally, only 6 percent of older Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award. Girl Scouts of Connecticut recently honored the 71 Girl Scouts in Connecticut who have achieved this honor on Sunday, June 4. For her Gold Award project, Kaylee collected and created a toy chest to bring entertainment and comfort to children who were staying in the hospital. Kaylee spread the word about her project through her blog where she shared her inspiration, stories, pictures, and encouraged readers to participate and brighten a child’s day. The feedback on Kaylee’s toy chest was immediate as she saw how the children’s’ faces lit up as they played with their toys. Kaylee worked with a local Girl Scout troop that will host a collection drive to donate more toys to the hospital. Kaylee also worked with other organizations and secured that they will continue to donate toys to the hospital in the future. “I am beyond proud of our Girl Scouts as we celebrate another century of young women taking the lead and making a sustainable change in our communities,” said Mary Barneby, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “By earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts set themselves apart as top achievers, and are incredible go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders. I can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in the future!” For more information about the Gold Award or how to become a Gold Award volunteer or mentor, visit gsofct.org.
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Students from the STEM program at Saxe Middle School show off the Lego House they built as a part of an “O&G 101” activity led by members of the school construction project team from O&G Industries of Torrington. The activity was designed to teach students the principals of project, schedule and resource management along with the Lean Planning and Construction Management techniques.
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Wildlife in Crisis, in partnership with the New Canaan Community Foundation and the New Canaan Land Trust, will be releasing two rehabilitated barred owls at the Silvermine Fowler Preserve in New Canaan on Saturday June24th at 7pm. These two barred owls were both brought to Wildlife in Crisis several months ago. One was hit by a car and suffered head trauma and a fractured clavicle. The other was found entangled in fishing line, causing lacerations and soft tissue damage. Both required weeks of intensive care and time spent in one of the Wildlife in Crisis aviaries. These owls have bonded with one another and are now healed and ready for release. “We are most grateful for the generous support from the New Canaan Community Foundation which allows Wildlife in Crisis to care for wounded wild animals like these barred owls. The New Canaan Land Trust provides important, pristine sanctuaries for wildlife and people. We are honored to be able to partner with them in giving these owls and other rehabilitated wild animals a second chance on their beautiful preserves. We are thrilled to release these healed barred owls back into their hometown,” said Dara Reid, Director of Wildlife in Crisis. The New Canaan Community Foundation’s generosity has enabled the preservation of the beautiful Silvermine Fowler Preserve and the rehabilitation of these majestic owls. "The Land Trust supports Wildlife in Crisis and celebrates our fourth release since 2016, thereby fulfilling our mission of preserving wildlife sanctuaries throughout New Canaan," said the Land Trust’s Chris Schipper. “New Canaan Community Foundation is proud to be entrusted with New Canaan residents’ charitable dollars, enabling us to support dozens of worthy nonprofits such as Wildlife in Crisis and New Canaan Land Trust,” said NCCF’s Michelle Ernst. Please join Wildlife in Crisis, the New Canaan Community Foundation and the New Canaan Land Trust at the newly acquired Silvermine Fowler Preserve (763 Silvermine Road) on Saturday June 24th at 7pm.
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Photo: Little Rams Service League members George Diamantis, Hailey Tobin, Darian DiMuzio, Hemming Thackray, Kinley Thackray, and Joseph Diamantis present a grant to Joanne Stewart and Dawn Ewing of Project Morry. The Young Women’s League of New Canaan held their Closing Soiree at Waveny House on June 14, celebrating a record breaking year. Over $120,000 was donated to 22 local children’s charities. Among other things, this funding provided two new trauma rooms for the Human Resources Council’s Children’s Connection, sponsored three children through Project Morry’s 9 year mentoring and summer program, and supported the YMCA’s Special Needs Program. “The YWL is proud to fund these life-changing organizations supporting and inspiring children in Fairfield County,” said YWL President Jill Tobin. “We would like to thank the 130 women of the YWL, event attendees and donors, and our sponsors for their continued support without whom this would not have been possible.” Grant applications for next year are already being accepted. The 2017-2018 season will center on “Strong Women, Strong Communities.” Charities who wish to be considered for a grant should visit http://ywlnewcanaan.org/Apply-For-A-Grant to download an application. All applications are due by August 1. Maia Sapanski, rising YWL President, introduced new initiatives for next season. “This has been a groundbreaking year for the League for both fundraising and membership. We are planning three new, exciting events for 2017, including “Fall Into New Canaan: Celebrate the Season in our Village”. The YWL is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of New Canaan to host this event on September 9th, 2017, which will include the first ever scarecrow decorating competition and evening social event in the Pop Up Park.” The YWL is a service-based, social organization enriching Fairfield County through fundraising and volunteering efforts. For more information on the League and ways to become involved, please visit our website (ywlnewcanaan.org) or follow us on facebook or instagram. The YWL is currently seeking to reconnect with our vast network of local alumnae. If you are interested in upcoming alumnae programming, please email alumnae@ywlnewcanaan.org.
