Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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We hear New Canaan native Bruce Pauley, retired last year to Vermont, has been putting on a timber frame addition to his house in the “Green Mountain State” that uses oak trees felled during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in New Canaan (see photos above). He’s also using mostly storm-related white pine trees for the house’s exterior and the new addition is being called “The Storm Room.”

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A demolition crew on Wednesday came for the long-vacant and neglected home at 39 Richmond Hill Road—facing complaints from neighbors and the prospect of a blight citation. ***

The committee charged with studying public and private options for restoring the town-owned New Canaan Playhouse at the “50-yard-line” of Elm Street on Wednesday finalized a document that will see interested parties propose ways to purchase or otherwise acquire, renovate and operate the 1923-built brick building. The New Canaan Playhouse Committee is seeking to make a decision about the future of the cherished, cupola-topped structure by Thanksgiving. Town leaders say New Canaan is not in danger of losing the iconic building, though its capital needs are extensive.

Business

New Canaan Family’s ‘Beachmate’ Business Finds Success in First Summer

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For locals Jeff and Beatrice Mellick, the sustained heat of late June and July has delivered more than drowsiness, discomfort and thirst. The founders of Beachmate say the “dog days” have been advantageous for the growth of their young company, now in the midst of its first summer. With predominantly online sales of their all-in-one beach system for families, the Mellicks say they are building a following through social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and “Mommy Bloggers.” Seventy percent of sales are local to the tristate area, according to Jeff Mellick, a 1993 New Canaan High School graduate—with the balance scattered across the nation. Two of the most popular products are Beachmate itself ($98.50) and the Turkish Towels ($38), he said.

Business

Suburban Couture on Main Street To Close July 31; New Canaan Ski and Sport Moving In

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After more than four years on Main Street, clothing and accessories shop Suburban Couture at month’s end will close its doors for good, according to its owner. Meri Hopkinson called the decision to close her store “bittersweet.”

“We feel the climate of retail is changing in general, and although we love the town and we feel that people support the town, we feel that the online presence is bigger than the brick-and-mortar can support,” Hopkinson told NewCanaanite.com. The Ridgefield resident, who had the same shop set up in her hometown for more than eight years prior to moving it to New Canaan, said she earned her Realtor’s license earlier this year and plans to launch a new career in that arena. New Canaan Ski & Sport will move into the space at 110 Main St., Hopkinson confirmed. “Thank you to my New Canaan customers—I have made so many great friends and I have made this decision knowing we will be missed,” she said.

Business

Good2Gourmet on Vitti Street Closes After One Year

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Good2Gourmet, the prepared meal business located on Vitti Street, closed at the end of last week. The store offered a broad range of fresh food choices aimed to meet everyone’s needs—however, according to Lisa Strupp, an owner of Good2Gourmet, “Ultimately, we were not able to grow the business to a size that made sense for our initial vision.”

Available by pick up and delivery, the store’s offerings ranged from children’s meals to ready-to-go entrees that included vegan and gluten-free options. _______________________________________________

The NewCanaanite.com Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Baskin-Robbins. _______________________________________________

“We were disappointed to hear that Good2Gourmet was closing, it really was a unique offering for families in New Canaan,” said Laura Budd of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce. “They had delivery service as well as a wide variety of food.

Business

Friday ‘Launch,’ New Entertainment Coming to New Canaan’s 51st Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale

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Faced with the unusual prospect of nearby towns holding their own sidewalk sales on the very same day, organizers of New Canaan’s event said many local businesses will kick off a full day early this year. Combined with the town’s uniquely community-oriented event, the strategy is designed to entice shoppers to come to New Canaan both on Friday, July 15—when first-floor businesses will set up tables on a portion of the sidewalk—as well as on  Saturday, July 16 for the full Village Fair and Sidewalk Sale. According to Tucker Murphy, executive director of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, the entertainment and accessible layout will set New Canaan’s event apart. “We’re confident everyone comes to New Canaan for not only great bargains but a family affair,” Murphy said. On Saturday, more than 100 organizations and vendors will line up along Main, Elm and Forest Streets, which are closed to motor vehicle traffic, and a food court will be located in the Pop-Up Park, according to the chamber.