Did You Hear … ?

Welles Lane House Christmas 2015

Uploaded by Michael Dinan on 2015-12-22.

We got an inside tip to go check out the Griswold-worthy Christmas decorating that one spirited homeowner did at 54 Welles Lane. Wow (see video above). We’re hearing that this dedicated celebrant blew at least one circuit with all the lights, plus nine inflatables and more to see on the property—don’t miss it.

The God’s Acre menorah. Credit: Terry Dinan

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A “Match-A-Thon” online fundraising campaign launched Monday to benefit Chabad New Canaan Jewish Center already had passed the halfway mark toward a $54,000 goal by 10 p.m. Donor dollars are automatically tripled as part of the campaign, thanks to a general local (and anonymous) family, the campaign says. The online campaign continues through most of Tuesday. Part of it reads: “The Chabad New Canaan Jewish Center is dedicated to strengthening and building the New Canaan Jewish Community by offering local Jewish resources that bring more positivity, Jewish education, charitable activity, good deeds and blessing to our lovely town.” We interviewed Chabad’s Rabbi Levi Mendelow as part of our article on the menorah of God’s Acre.

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Traffic officials flagged speeding motorists on White Oak Shade Road whose velocity was captured by sentries recently. A critical mass of northbound motorists on White Oak Shade Road near Nursery Road were clocked at 36 mph, southbound at 38 mph, well in excess of the posted speed limit.

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The town on Dec. 16 issued a permit for the homeowner at 429 Ponus Ridge to do an estimated $125,000 in repairs across all levels of the house. The home had been the subject of a lawsuit from the homeowner, to which a builder responded.

Clockwise from top left: Wilbur, Russell, Marvin and Louis Dinan. Credit: Marie Maguire

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New Canaan Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm is warning residents that “Christmas decorations and puppies do not mix.” According to Halm: “Tinsel is deadly for cats. They love to chew on it. And there are all kinds of electric cords and glass bulbs. Everything about Christmas is really kind of tricky for animals. I would ask residents to be cautious and smart in decorating their houses.”

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New Canaan nonprofit organization Staying Put in New Canaan—which provides services for local seniors seeking to “age in place” here in town—is offering a special “Gift Membership” during this season of giving. Know a local senior who could benefit from any of these services? Check it out and consider the Gift Membership.

L-R: Leo Karl (NCCF President), Peter Skaperdas (Y Board President), Craig Panzano (Y Executive Director), Janet Lanaway (in back), Cynthia Gorey (NCCF Executive Director), Diane Hanauer, and Tom Cronin. Contributed

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Finally, a great community story about support among the town’s foremost nonprofit organizations: Members of New Canaan Community Foundation’s Executive Committee of the Board of Directors gathered at the Y to present the first ever multi-year grant awarded by the organization. New Canaan Community Foundation has committed $100,000 to the New Canaan YMCA’s Building a Stronger Future Capital Campaign, which is raising funds for the current Y renovation project. According to a press releas: “Specifically, New Canaan Community Foundation is helping to fund the new café commons area of the renovation. This exciting new area will be the hub of the renovated Y community facility, serving as a place where community members of all ages, backgrounds, and interests will come together and connect.”