POLICE & FIRE
NCPD Headquarters Renovation Commences
The NCPD organized a groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of its headquarters. Local officials and town staff attended the event at the temporary office located at 39 Locust Ave.
New Officers Join NCPD
The New Canaan Police Department welcomed two new officers, John Barlosky, 31, from Stratford, and Ryan Mero, 38, residing in West Harrison, N.Y. The swearing-in took place at 11:30 a.m. in the New Canaan Town Hall meeting room. Barlosky, with a background in music and entertainment, is a certified EMT and a graduate of Greenwich High School. Mero, with a corporate background, holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Saint Michael’s College. Both successfully completed the fall 2023 recruitment process, beginning their recruit training on January 4 at the Connecticut Police Academy.
FROM TOWN HALL
Town Issues Tax Reminder
Residents, are reminded of the second installment of real estate tax due by January 1, 2024, with a grace period until February 1, 2024, for supplemental motor vehicle taxes and sewer use fees without interest. Late payments for January incur a 1.5 percent monthly interest as per state statutes, and the absence of a physical tax bill doesn’t exempt individuals from their duty to pay. Payment options include online at www.newcanaan.info or by mail with checks payable to the “Town of New Canaan.” Payments can be sent to P.O. Box 150403, Hartford, CT 06115-0403, or made in-person at the Tax Collector’s Office at Town Hall, 77 Main Street, during specified hours. The last day for postmarking payments is Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Town Satisfaction Survey Results
A recent survey in New Canaan reveals an overall satisfaction with a quality of life rated at 8.5 out of 10 by residents. Key concerns include cell phone service, traffic, road maintenance, and speeding. Housing opinions are mixed, with most satisfied but debates on small homes and affordable housing. Positive feedback is given to downtown aesthetics, though cyclist safety is a concern. Participants praise town facilities, except for roads and senior services, and over 90% have experienced storm-related service disruptions. The survey identifies education as a top priority, guiding the town’s 10-year development plan.
AROUND TOWN
LC Holiday Closues & Winter Program Registration
Lapham Center will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Winter program registration is open and can be done online at https://newcanaanct.myrec.com/info/household/login.aspx or by calling 203-594-3620.
State Allocates $2M for Playhouse Renovation
The State Bond Commission approved $2 million for New Canaan Playhouse improvements, expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts. Deputy House Minority Leader Tom O’Dea acknowledged the Playhouse’s revitalization, with over $1.5 million in renovations since Cinema Lab’s 2022 lease. The funds, granted on December 15th, will complete the Playhouse’s renovation, sourced from contributors like the Town of New Canaan, Cinema Lab LLC, federal ARPA funds, and a $2 million grant-in-aid from Connecticut. New Canaan First Selectman Dionna Carlson emphasized the financial support’s role in maintaining property taxes and creating a community-centric movie-going experience.
Boucher Community Ice Rink Open
Waveny Park’s Boucher Community Ice Rink is open for the season, featuring expanded facilities like a warming tent, skate rentals for kids, sharpening services, and skating lessons. The rink operates regularly from Tuesday to Sunday, accommodating both day and evening sessions. In December, New Canaan Town and Public School employees enjoy free skating, and familiar features from the previous year, such as open skate time, complimentary hot chocolate, and lively music, continue. For details on rates, season passes, and updates, visit NCRink.com and follow @newcanaanicerink on social media.
LOCAL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS
Person to Person’s 48th Toy Store Opens
Person to Person has opened its 48th annual Toy Store, providing toys, games, books, and stuffed animals to more than 1,700 children this holiday season. Donations can be made through the virtual toy drive at p2phelps.org/toydrive or by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at the Darien site located at 1864 Post Road.
Chamber Unveils Local Holiday Gift Guid
The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce has released its gift guide, providing direct links to local gifts and encouraging people to shop locally. You can access the guide by visiting https://myemail.constantcontact.com/2023-Holiday-Gift-Guide—-.html?soid=1102261807333&aid=5FC6MGaEKLA
Resident Opens Move Managment Business
The Settler, a collaboration between Jackie Randall of Darien and Bridget Urgo’s B.Organized Home in New Canaan, offers a full-service move management and professional organization business. Their services include move planning, organizational systems, and coordination of estate and auction sales, provided by an experienced team with attention to detail. Bridget Urgo, Partner, Head of Professional Organization, describes their personalized approach, assessing lifestyle needs and creating sustainable systems. Clients can choose from end-to-end services or specific offerings like move management or professional organization, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.
Gates Restaurant Hosts 5-Year Celebration
Gates Restaurant in New Canaan is hosting a five-year celebration with “Battle of the Bands” events, supporting local music and Meals on Wheels. Organized by Rock Paper Scissors Custom Events, the competition includes four weekly heats and a final hosted by Jon Kamal. Sponsored by Karl Chevrolet and CycleBar, the event draws bands and music enthusiasts from Fairfield County, with weekly heats featuring two bands and audience-chosen finalists. The 2024 lineup showcases diverse matchups, leading to a ticketed final on Feb. 3, judged by Paul Green and Kim France, with acclaimed author James Frey making a return. Operating since 1979, Gates Restaurant invites all to the 2024 final at $22 per ticket, emphasizing the community celebration.
SPORTS
O’Connor Returns as Rams Celebrate Championship
Charlie O’Connor’s senior football campaign took an unexpected turn when he broke his leg in New Canaan’s season opener. Despite the setback, O’Connor expressed a strong desire to return to the field. New Canaan secured the CIAC Class L championship for the second consecutive season, and O’Connor, unexpectedly on the field during the final moments of a victory over Darien, played a symbolic role as a running back. Coach Lou Marinelli praised O’Connor as a special player and expressed optimism about his future impact in college football.
ACROSS CT
CT Families Share Festive Moments
Connecticut families spend over 9 hours together on festive activities, according to a survey by Gunther Volkswagen Daytona Beach involving 3,000 families. The preferred activities include holiday movie marathons, viewing Christmas lights, baking cookies, and ice skating. Despite specific activities, 90% of respondents emphasize that the main joy of the festive period is spending time with family.
CT Agencies Address Auto Thefts
The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) and the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) are advising residents to protect their vehicles from theft, particularly targeting specific models of Kia and Hyundai. Recommendations include using a wheel lock or theft device immobilizer and consulting local dealerships for security software updates. CID collaborated with insurance companies to guide affected vehicle owners, stressing the importance of proactive safety measures. Commissioners from CID and DCP emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat the recent surge in auto thefts, encouraging residents to adopt these security measures and stay informed through the provided contact information.
Patriots Show Modest Fan Growth
A study by My Betting Sites Canada on Instagram follower numbers for all 32 NFL teams revealed the New England Patriots had a 2.6% increase, placing them among the bottom five teams in fan-base growth. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs led with a 21.9% rise to nearly 3.2 million followers, attributed to their association with Taylor Swift and tight end Travis Kelce. Other teams influenced by celebrity associations include the New York Jets (21.1% increase), Philadelphia Eagles (20.9% growth), Miami Dolphins (19.3% increase), and the Detroit Lions (16.7% growth).
