The town-appointed committee that oversees private youth sports organizations in town hasn’t yet heard back from half of the groups from which it’s seeking basic information on matters such as financials and numbers of participating kids. Members of the Youth Sports Committee reported at their regular meeting Thursday that youth lacrosse, football and basketball hadn’t yet responded to a 3- or 4-page survey that also sought the names of the private nonprofit groups’ board members and officers. Youth baseball, field hockey and soccer all have responded, the committee said.
Michael Bivona, Jr., 18, greets Firefighter Paul Wilson during the Jan. 13, 2015 ceremony at Lapham Community Center where eight New Canaan firefighters received a unit citation for helping to save the teen’s life in the aftermath of a horrific four-car crash on Oct. 30. Credit: Michael Dinan
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We’re hearing that the New Canaan Police Department’s full report on the Oct. 30 accident on Silvermine Road has been forwarded to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. There, the state’s attorney is to decide whether to bring charges—presumably against those who caused the accident, based on the report. The report also will inform the attorney representing the motorist most seriously injured in the accident, a Stamford teen, in a possible civil suit. Michael Bivona, Jr., 18, two weeks ago met the eight New Canaan firefighters who carefully extricated his broken, unconscious body from the wreck that night, helping to save his life.
The standout New Canaan High School boys’ freshmen basketball team. Pictured, L-R, Kneeling: TJ Richardson, John Warner, Camden Nelson, Jake Sloane, Nathaniel Bozzella, Sean Knight, Coach John Winchester. Standing, L-R: Jay Parmelee, Owen Shin, Julian Mastroianni, Nicholas Potter, Kyle McDonald and Sam Paremelee. Not pictured: Nicholas Crovatto, Luke Crawford, Alex Galvan, Jackson Selvala and Francisco Gonzalez. Contributed photo
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The New Canaan High School freshmen boys’ basketball team is cleaning up. They’re 9-2 after a 7-0 start, under coach John Winchester. Congrats, boys!
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Huge relief for legacy media organizations here—namely, news outlets that post in the online versions of their broadsheet newspapers the names of people arrested for misdemeanor offenses, and want those people’s names to remain one Google search away, even after charges have been dropped. One Greenwich woman’s bid to challenge the practice through a lawsuit saying that Hearst Corp. had libeled her by failing to remove her name, was “tossed” by a federal appeals court, the Greenwich Time newspaper wrote in an un-bylined article about itself.
Here’s a rendering of the sign, as presented to P&Z for approval, that will hang above the new fine signed and estate jewelry shop going in at 125 Elm St.
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Elm Street soon will have three jewelry shops between South Avenue and Park Street: New Canaan mainstay Pennyweights at number 124, Manfredi (moving into the former Henry C. Reid & Son space at number 72), and Brad & Vandy Reh Fine Jewelry is moving into the former Red Mango space at 125. Here’s a look at the sign the Rehs have planned for their shop, which they want to open in early- or mid-March.
Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt. Credit: Michael Dinan
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New Canaan Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt earned high praise from town leaders during Jan. 23 budget discussions before the Board of Selectmen:
- Police Chief Leon Krolikowski: “I’ve said it many times: Maryann Kleinschmitt is the best animal control officer in the state.”
- First Selectman Rob Mallozzi: “One of the best law enforcement officers in the state. What a resource.”
Here’s part of the playground area at Mead Park. Credit: Michael Dinan
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During a discussion of how to fund sorely needed upgrades to playground equipment at Mead, Kiwanis and Dixon Parks, the Board of Selectmen broached the idea of allowing private donors to contribute specifically toward the project. Right now—and this is very much under review—the way to get that done is to have prospective donors write a check for a “special projects fund.” The selectmen are divided on the efficacy and appropriateness of such funds. Selectman Nick Williams spoke passionately in favor of the town paying for the basic upgrades, or at least having the private donations for such projects come in by way of the General Fund rather than a sub-grouped “special projects fund.” Williams cited Town Attorney Ira Bloom on the matter, saying that he (Bloom) had never heard of so many such funds in town. Selectman Beth Jones, who supports direct private donations insofar as they can foster community-building, responded: “Maybe that’s because Ira Bloom never worked for a town with so many generous people.”
Programming Library Erinn Paige with a copy of this year’s “One Book New Canaan” selection: Bill Bryson’s “One Summer: America 1927.” Residents may borrow copies now at the library, and programs will kick off in the first week of March. Credit: Michael Dinan
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On Feb. 11, New Canaan Library Director Lisa Oldham and First Selectman Rob Mallozzi will come to the train station platform for the morning commute to hand out free copies of Bill Bryson’s “One Summer: America 1927,” the library’s selection for “One Book New Canaan.”
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New Canaan Police armed with Tasers know what it feels like to be Tased, officials said at a Jan. 23 meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Police Capt. Vincent DeMaio said during a hearing on the department’s proposed budget that it’s important, if officers are to use Tasers, that they understand what it feels like. Said Police Chief Leon Krolikowski: “It’s like putting your tongue on a 9-volt battery times 1,000.”
Yes, indeed, Officer Kleinschmitt is the VERY BEST animal control officer in the state. I have dealt with her on dozens of occasions regarding off-leash dogs and wildlife concerns. She goes beyond the call of duty to address every incident and her knowledge of animal behavior is impressive.
We are very fortunate to have her in New Canaan!