Fourth of July Fireworks and Picnic at Waveny [Q&A]

One of New Canaan’s most cherished community events—the Fourth of July fireworks and picnic—will be held July 4 at Waveny. Ahead of the widely anticipated event, we put some questions to its chair, David Shea. Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: This year’s Fourth of July fireworks and picnic at Waveny are happening on July 4 itself. Talk a little about this history of this New Canaan tradition.

Did You Hear … ?

New Canaan Police on Monday arrested a 42-year-old Bayport, N.Y. woman by warrant and charged her with first-degree failure to appear, criminal impersonation, third-degree identity theft and second-degree forgery. The warrant stems from a fraud investigation. According to Connecticut Judicial Branch records, the woman is facing more than 30 felony counts out of New Canaan, including for illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle. ***

The New Canaan Land Trust’s firefly season kickoff party— “Fireflies Take Flight” — will be held 8 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 at the Colhoun Preserve ($75). Tickets here.

‘A Safe Place Where They Feel Supported’: New Canaan Dance Academy Preps for Nationals

Achieving success in the competitive dance world is not easy. 

It takes years of relentless hard work and dedication; it takes 20-hour weeks of blood, sweat, and tears. Now, that might not sound enjoyable; when the end result of that work is dancing on stages at the highest levels in the nation, however, it may be worth it. “The New Canaan Dance Academy was always my second home and the people there were my second family,” NCHS senior Sasha Kotlyar, who started dancing at age three, said. “Being a part of the program was so special and is something I will never forget.”

Founded in 2001 by Elaine Young, the New Canaan Dance Academy (NCDA) has experienced significant growth in recent years and is preparing now to send its competitive program, known as the “company team,” to Dance Nationals on July 5. This will be NCDA’s second time sending their entire competitive program, consisting of about 75 girls, to Nationals, which will take place in Orlando.

Q&A: The Glass House ‘Summer Party’ Set for June 14

The Glass House “Summer Party”—called “our town’s best party” by “Who Knew?” columnist Laura Ault—is scheduled for Saturday, June 14 (tickets and info here). We put some questions to the organization’s communications director, Christa Carr, about the party itself and its importance to The Glass House. Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: Talk to us about how your single annual fundraiser, the Summer Party, showcases the campus and its structures. 

Christa Carr: The Summer Party honoring legendary designer Gaetano Pesce is generously sponsored by Max Mara, with additional support from Design Within Reach and Land Rover Darien. This is truly a unique opportunity to experience The Glass House in a way that no standard tour can offer.