Did You Hear … ?

A homeowner on Hawks Hill Road interrupted an attempt to steal items from their vehicle, as reported to police at 3:46 p.m. on Dec. 14. The incident is under investigation. 

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Saturday is the final New Canaan Farmers Market, running 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lumberyard Lot by the train station downtown.

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Here’s a roundup of Christmas services in New Canaan:

Congregational Church of New Canaan (“God’s Acre” podcast here)

Dec. 24

• 4 p.m. family service with nativity pageant;
• 6 p.m. worship service;
• 6:30 p.m. caroling on God’s Acre;
• 7 p.m. worship service;
• 11 p.m. candlelight worship service.

First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan

Dec. 22

• 4:30 p.m. “A Blue Christmas,” a service of hope and healing, presented in partnership with the Community Baptist Church, Methodist Church of New Canaan and other faith organizations;

Dec. 24

• 5 p.m. Family Service & Pageant
• 6:30 p.m. God’s Acre caroling
• 10 p.m. “Lessons and Carols” candlelight service

St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church (“Rev’d Up for Sunday” podcast here)

Dec. 24

• 5 p.m. The World’s Greatest Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist
• 9:30 p.m. Prelude with organ, brass, timpani and St. Mark’s Choir
• 10 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist with organ, brass and St. Mark’s Choir

Dec. 25

• 10 a.m. Christmas Day Holy Eucharist, Baroque ensemble with Ryland Angel, tenor

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dec. 22

• 12 p.m. special Christmas service

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Coming at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29: Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad New Canaan at the organization’s annual Menorah Lighting at God’s Acre. Hot Latke and Fresh Donuts, Chocolate Gelt Drop from a Fire Truck and Festive Chanukah Music. “Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a meaningful and joyful evening filled with delicious treats, spinning dreidels, and the warm glow of the menorah,” organizers say. “This event is open to the entire community.”

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Congratulations to New Canaan Rams football on winning the state championship last weekend after dominating Darien in the Turkey Bowl:

 

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A post shared by New Canaan Football (@newcanaanfootball)

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Police are investigating a vehicle stolen from Main and Cherry Streets downtown, its key fob left inside. The theft was reported at 1:55 p.m. on Dec. 12.

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Together, the New Canaan High School Student Coalition and Charity Link members collected and donated more than $3,500 worth of toys to the Marine Corps Toys For Tots program. The toys that were donated will be distributed to organizations in Fairfield County that have received requests from families in need. “A huge thank you to all of the New Canaan High School students and families who donated to this worthy cause that will help bring joy to so many children this Christmas,” Student Coalition Advisor Priscilla Schulz said.

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The New Canaan Community Foundation’s annual appeal is underway.

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Now showing at the Playhouse movie theater on Elm Street: “Wicked.” And the award-winning film “From Life to Life” written and directed by, and starring New Canaan resident Beka Sikharulidze will run Jan. 10 to 12.

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New Canaan High School and Springfield College graduate Gillian Kane has been hired to take over the softball program at King School, the CT Softball Blog reports.

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Congratulations to the New Canaan-based Glass House organization on winning the Connecticut AIA’s Elizabeth Mills Brown Award recognizing “design excellence in the restoration, rehabilitation, adaptation, and reuse of historic structures” for The Brick House. The jury citation said: “A methodical, almost scholarly intervention guided by fierce adherence to preservation best practices, made more prominent yet by the team’s acknowledgement of change as a distinctive feature to be preserved at this unique modern historic site. High profile project requiring extensive research and restoration – great to have the building open to the public again.”

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A vehicle left in a Welles Lane driveway (unlocked, keys inside) was reported stolen at 4:56 p.m. on Dec. 14. The car was recovered in Hamden. 

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The Waveny Park Conservancy has rolled out a new website. ]

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Kindergarten registration for next year (2025-26) is open for New Canaan Public Schools. Info here.

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New Canaan’s Bruce Becker earned Connecticut AIA’s 2024 President’s Award, recognizing an architect member “who has made outstanding contributions to our organization through participation, service, and promotion of AIA CT’s mission and vision.” Part of the citation for Becker said: “Bruce Redman Becker, FAIA has had a profound impact on architecture and the built environment, particularly in the realms of sustainable design and urban revitalization. His work through Becker + Becker showcases how thoughtful, integrated architecture can create not only functional spaces but also transform entire communities with environmental responsibility at the core.”

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A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Hoyt Farm Road, as reported to police at 9:37 p.m. on Dec. 10. The driver left the scene, police said, and the incident remains under investigation. 

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Finally—courtesy of event section sponsor April Kaynor & Kelly DeFrancesco of William Raveis—here are more local happenings worth checking out (add your event to the Community Calendar here and we’ll share it with fellow residents):

• Visit the Little Red Schoolhouse with alum Steve Gravereaux (December 27 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm)
• New Canaan Sports Trivia Night (January, 10 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
• Reflect & Renew – A Half Day Mini Retreat with Grounded Meditation (January, 12 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
• Boozy Candle Making Workshop at the Carriage Barn (January, 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm)
• Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. Service (January, 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am)
• Lunch and Learn: John Rogers, a prolific American Sculptor (January, 21 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)