Realty Guild Blog

On May 1st the New Canaan library will feature one of the most dynamic leaders in the business world today in George Bodenheimer. Bodenheimer, a New Canaan resident, is the co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of ESPN, Inc. and ABC Sports. Among the topics he will cover in this stellar offering of the Library’s always popular “Conversation with Business Leaders” series is the inside story on the history of ESPN and what makes ESPN the success story it is.
Considered a pioneer in the cable industry, Bodenheimer, 52, was named ESPN’s fifth President in 1998 and is the company’s longest-tenured top executive.
For more information on this event, and to register, click here. It is recommended to arrive early to get a good seat. Doors will open at 4:00 pm.

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In a town that has one of the most res

pected libraries in the area, it’s little wonder that New Canaan also has more than its share of distinguished authors. Here’s a list of some of the 2010 books by New Canaanites surely worth a look.

Writer’s Block, by Julian Padowicz. A novel from the award-winning author and filmmaker. Padowicz will discuss the book at the New Canaan Library’s Authors on Stage series on Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
You Were Wrong: by Matthew Sharpe. A “pleasingly odd and intelligent novel,’’ according to the New York Times review.
The Principles of Fighting, by Robert Sweet. Offers a series of strategic concepts for successfully navigating in business and everyday life.
The Overton Window, by Glenn Beck. A suspense novel by the conservative commentator.
The Batboy, by Mike Lupica. New York Daily News columnist’s story of a young boy and his dream summer job.
The Quilt of My Life, by Joan M. O’Brien. A collection of writings, published posthumously, by a long-time cancer survivor.
Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as you Grow Older, by Sydney Eddison
Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic, by Peter Green

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To be a certified Energy Star home, the U.S. Environmental Program’s top energy ranking, a home has to be at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. The Realty Guild’s listing at 1385 Smith Ridge Road, known as Ridge Haven, is not only an Energy Star home but one that has been certified to be 48 percent more energy efficient than homes that only meet code requirement. In other words, it’s a leader in the field of green homes, one of the top trends in building today.

Energy Star is a government (EPA and DOE) program that will no doubt play an increasing role in new construction in the future. It’s designed to assist consumers in saving energy and money, while at the same time helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses. In order to be allowed to carry the Energy Star logo, a new house has to go through extensive testing and analyses, including the conducting of a door blower test to check for leakiness of the house and a duct test to check the leakiness of the duct system.  Among the factors that have resulted in Ridge Haven’s uniquely high Energy Star rating is extremely well insulated walls, efficient HVAC equipment, a heat recovery ventilation system, high efficiency windows and doors, and overall tight construction.

To highlight Energy Star certified homes in New Canaan, of which there are three, the Realty Guild and the 1385 Smith Ridge Road house will be participating in a ‘Green Homes Open House Weekend,’ Oct. 23-24 (1-3 p.m.), where the public will be able to tour the house and speak with the builder, Max Abel. Please call the Realty Guild for more details. For more information on the special energy saving features of Ridge Haven visit:1385smithridgerd-indetail.com

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For full screen, click on the icon in the lower left corner, next to the magnifying glass. To zoom in, double click the image.

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It’s more than just shopping and great deals. Along with New Canaan’s unique and eclectic group of stores, there will be al fresco dining, face painting, cotton candy, our Old Faithful Fire Engine, a magician, kiddie entertainement, Farm on Wheels petting zoo, and the The Clam Diggers, a DixieLand band!!

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For full screen, click on the icon in the lower left corner, next to the magnifying glass. To zoom in, double click the image.

You can add only one book on page

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In its Deeds and Don’ts section, Connecticut Cottages and Gardens gives “the inside story behind area real estate deals.” This month, along with the latest details on the Greenwich estates of Tommy Hilfiger and Mel Gibson, they featured the Realty Guild’s listing at 120 Clearview Lane. After checking out the property, the magazine wrote that it is “an immaculately renovated Colonial that was thoughtfully equipped with every sybaritic detail you can dream up (and a few extras, as well).” They also pointed out that there is “a private dock on the pond that the family uses to launch kayaks in summer and host skating parties in winter. There’s also a swimming pool that’s beautifully sited amid tiered terraces and gardens.” They were pretty taken with the inside as well, writing, “we’re especially partial to the wood-paneled den with a fireplace and wet bar, but rest assured that the new kitchen, butler’s pantry and family room, with its stone hearth, are also lovely.” The property is listed by Leslie Razook. Click here for the full article, titled Colonial New Canaan.

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To read a more indepth article on The Summer Theater of New Canaan, click here.

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By Jana Harvey
jana@realty-guild.com

I would like to expand on the article in our March Market Report with Dr. David E. Abbey, New Canaan’s Superintendent of Schools, concerning the investment that the New Canaan school system has given to theatre

Saxe Middle School students perform the scene "One Last Kiss," on the "Ed Sullivan Show", from a recent production of Bye Bye Birdie.

programs.  As a parent of children that are directly involved with these programs, I personally have encountered the enrichment of the Arts that the school system has offered and given to the lives of the children of our community.  

Scene from New Canaan High School production of As It Is In Heaven.

From the first step on stage as participants of the elementary schools’ variety shows, to the full comprehensive theatre experience of being in high school productions, there is an orchestration in our town, led by the school system, that allows children to maximize on the benefits of growing and enriching their lives in a creative manner.

This school season’s Performing Arts events started strong with the New Canaan High School’s productions of As It Is In Heaven, by Arlene Hutton, followed by the musical Into The Woods Jr. by Stephen Sondheim and the production of Mame by Jerry Herman. 

Scene from NC High School production of Into The Woods Jr.

Earlier this year, the 5th and 6th graders got their official on stage experience with the production of School House Rock Live, Jr. from the series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe.  The 7th and 8th graders at Saxe Middle School entertained over 1200 people with three wonderful performances of Bye Bye Birdie by Michael Stewart, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams.
 
In all the productions, students were given the exciting opportunity of being either a participant in the design and technical side of

Scene from NC High School production of Mame.

the production, the cast, or the live orchestra.  The shows ended with personal satisfaction, smiles and rave reviews from every corner of the town.  

As the end of the school year approaches, the community can look forward to New Canaan High School’s Drama Festival, which features student writers, directors and cast members.  This entertaining event will be held on April 30, May 1 & 2 at New Canaan High School.  Finally, the busy school year will conclude with the production of the musical Cabaret,

Scene from NC High School production of Mame.

music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, on June 4, 5, 6 at the New Canaan High School Auditorium.

It truly is the enthusiasm of the community’s school system, the children, and the parents of New Canaan that make each one of the school productions a positive experience for all.  It is evident that for all that are involved with the Performing Arts programs in New Canaan, it is just not a memory in a school year, but an opening of a window to a life long love for the Arts.

Scene from Mame.

Scene from New Canaan High School production of As It Is In Heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scene from Into The Woods Jr.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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