Around Town

Quiet Heroes of New Canaan: Scarlett MacAllister

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Though New Canaan’s Scarlett MacAllister, 13, was just three weeks old when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis—a rare, genetic, life-threatening disease that makes it difficult to breathe—the condition has never defined her, according to those who know her best. Instead, said Sheena DiMatteo, head coach of MacAllister’s company team at New Canaan Dance Academy, the teen not only shines as a highly gifted dancer but also as a support to those around her, exuding qualities of ambition, leadership and generosity. “I feel Scarlett really is a well-rounded person in that she is very ambitious and she does have individual goals that she works very hard to achieve,” DiMatteo told NewCanaanite.com by way of nominating MacAllister for the “Quiet Heroes” series. “But in the same breath, she is the number one supporter of all the dancers around her. She will be the first one to show up at a competition early to make sure that she supports her teammates and doesn’t miss their performance and helps kids go on stage that have never even competed before.”

Those who know MacAllister from the Forest Street studio are “inspired by her talent, dedication, abilities and team spirit,” DiMatteo said.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police are investigating smash-and-grab thefts from Waveny (reported at 5:57 p.m. on April 22) and Mead Park (5:59 p.m. on April 22). In each case, a purse with a wallet was stolen through the smashed window. Police have no suspects. ***

Get your tickets now: New Canaan Sports Trivia Night will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society (tickets here, $15). Emceed by Terry Dinan, the contest is open to New Canaan sports fans of all ages and features prizes donated by local legends.

Around Town

Podcast: Vin Farrell’s Architectural Photography at Gores Pavilion

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This week on 0684-Radi0, our free podcast (subscribe here in the iTunes Store), we talk to Vin Farrell, whose architectural photography goes on display this week at Gores Pavilion in Irwin Park. The New Canaan Museum & Historical Society is hosting an opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at the Gores Pavilion. The show will run through October, and after the reception visitors can book an appointment with NCM&HS to view the exhibition. Here are recent episodes of 0684-Radi0:

Adam Jacobson

Dog Days New Canaan Coming Saturday [Q&A]

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One of the town’s most beloved community events, New Canaan Dog Days, is coming 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the New Canaan Nature Center. Organized by Pet Pantry Warehouse on Grove Street, the free, family-friendly event doubles as a fundraiser for Adopt-A-Dog, featuring a wide range of vendors and activities for four-legged family members. 

We put some questions to Pet Pantry Executive Vice President Adam Jacobson ahead of Dog Days New Canaan. Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: For those that have not experienced Dog Days New Canaan, give us an overview of what it is, as well as some background. Adam Jacobson: Dog Days was created as a family fun community event to support critical nonprofit organizations like Adopt-a-Dog and others.

Around Town

Mark Gust To Retire from Family Britches after 50 Years; Store Closing June 30

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Mark Gust started working for Family Britches in January of 1972. He was 21 years old, having graduated from Chappaqua High School and with two years at Villanova University under his belt.

Gust worked at the original Family Britches in Chappaqua, N.Y. for about two years and then came to New Canaan when the company opened a store on Elm Street. On June 30, Gust will retire from his career as a buyer and store manager for the clothing shop, which will close with his retirement. “It’s exciting,” Gust told NewCanaanite.com on Tuesday from the sales floor at 99 Main St. “It’s sad.