Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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New Canaan Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle reported stolen from Arrowhead Trail at 11:50 a.m. on Aug. 29. ***

A little rain and one-day postponement did not keep attendees away from the 10th Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil on Wednesday night, with several hundred people gathering at South Avenue and Elm Street for the powerful event, organized by New Canaan Parent Support Group founder Paul Reinhardt. Emceed by Liberation Programs CEO John Hamilton, the Vigil featured performances by the Musical Intervention Recovery band led by Adam Christoferson, original music from two recovery songwriters, keynote speakers in long-term recovery—including Kera Townshend, who attended New Canaan High School with Evan Reinhardt—and scores of additions to the “Hope and Remembrance Wall” that appears each year at Morse Court, where loved ones place orange heart stickers honoring those lost to and battling with addiction. ***

The National Charity League’s New Canaan Chapter celebrated the achievements of the organization’s middle school- and high school-aged members during a “welcome back” event held Sunday out back of Waveny House.

Around Town

Man Who Tripped and Fell Along Oenoke Ridge To Sue Town, State

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A man who fractured his ribs in a fall while walking back to his car during May Fair this year intends to sue the town, according to a statutory notice filed Aug. 7 in the Town Clerk’s office. Alberto Santacruz also fractured his right wrist and thumb, bruised a lung and endured “pain and suffering” after tripping on a sidewalk along Oenoke Ridge near The Inn curb cut at about 2:30 p.m. on May 9 (a Saturday), according to a notice filed by the Norwalk-based Law Office of Michael E. Skiber, LLC. The injuries “occurred through the negligence and carelessness” of either or both the town and state, the notice said. 

It isn’t clear whether the town or state Department of Transportation is liable for such incidents—Oenoke Ridge doubles as state Route 124. Those responsible “failed to keep the roadway, sidewalk and curb in proper repair” and “in a reasonably safe condition,” the notice said.

Around Town

Two NCHS Juniors Take the Helm at ‘Study Buddies’ Tutoring Service [Q&A]

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New Canaan High School juniors Sophia Cantu and Priti Mathur have taken the helm at Study Buddies, a tutoring service launched two years ago by NCHS students (here on Instagram). Study Buddies generally serves New Canaan kindergarten through sixth-graders (book an appointment here). All proceeds from Study Buddies benefit nonprofit organizations. Past beneficiaries include ABC New Canaan, Filling In The Blanks, Children Incorporated, The Salvation Army and Open Doors. We sat down with Cantu and Mathur at New Canaan Library on Tuesday afternoon. 

Here’s a transcription of our interview.

Around Town

Coffee’s on for Thursday

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Join fellow residents and NewCanaanite.com editor Michael Dinan for the monthly Community Coffee, to be held 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 in the Jim & Dede Bartlett Auditorium at New Canaan Library. The Coffee is presented in partnership with the library, and the brew is supplied by Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee (thank you, Doug). Salon Anastassia provides cookies and muffins. The free, public coffee is a group conversation about what’s happening around town, moderated by Dinan. Topics come from attendees and we spend no more than 10 minutes per subject.

Around Town

‘The Tot Spot’ Founder Barbara Skibitcky Closes After 37 Years, Leaving Behind a Beloved New Canaan Institution

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The Summer Internship Program is sponsored by Karp Associates. After 37 years, The Tot Spot, a beloved New Canaan daycare, closed its doors Friday with the retirement of founder Barbara Skibitcky. The town resident opened the program in 1989 out of her own home, starting with six children and a mantra she has carried ever since: Respect the child. Generations of New Canaan families say she built something truly special. “I feel very proud to have been a part of the community, helping the community all over these years, and knowing so many wonderful families,” Skibitcky told NewCanaanite.com.