Around Town

New Canaan Community Foundation Announces ‘Spirit of New Canaan’ Honorees

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“They have given of themselves to make the community better”—that’s how New Canaan Community Foundation President and CEO Lauren Patterson describes five to be honored next month at the organization’s “Spirit of New Canaan” luncheon. Selected through a careful process that’s overseen by NCCF, this year’s honorees include: Tom McLane, who helped found the Community Foundation itself in 1977; Meg Domino, who has touched the lives of countless families here in 16 years as executive director of New Canaan CARES; New Canaan Land Trust board of directors member Schipper, widely credited with reinvigorating that important organization; and Kathie and Leo Karl Jr., heads of a civic-minded, longtime local family whose continuing legacy of community service is reflected in every aspect of the town. “The Spirit of New Canaan Awards are meant to honor remarkable people or couples who have an impact on the community, and typically that is through civic engagement, community leadership—volunteers or supporters of different efforts in the town who have made an impact,” Patterson said. The luncheon is to be held 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24 at Woodway Country Club. Those seeking to reserve a seat ($100) may do so through the Community Foundation’s website.

Around Town

New Canaan Library, Integrative Mental Health Practice To Present Documentary ‘Angst,’ Panel Discussion

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An integrative mental health practice and New Canaan Library are teaming up to present a documentary film and panel discussion next week that address what local experts call some of the most prevalent health-related challenges facing youth in town. “Angst,” a much-discussed documentary designed to raise awareness about anxiety, with an emphasis on youth and families, is to be presented at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22 in the Lamb Room at the library. The screening and discussion are sponsored by Stamford-based Riverwalk Group and the library (register here). Elissa Stein, founder of Riverwalk Group, which provides therapy, support and programming to people in all stages of life, said New Canaan forms a major piece of her clientele and that she arranged for the free event since “we are hearing more and more from all pieces of the family—parents who are anxious, children who are anxious, grandparents who are anxious.”

“We have cases where children are coming back from college and they cannot have success at college because they are so riddled with anxiety that they come back home,” Stein, a resident of north Stamford, told NewCanaanite.com on a recent morning during an interview at Zumbach’s.

Around Town

Meg Domino To Step Down as Executive Director of New Canaan CARES

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New Canaan’s foremost expert on youth, parent and community health planning is to step down at the end of this academic year, according to officials at the nonprofit organization she has steered for more than a dozen years. Meg Domino, executive director of New Canaan CARES, who holds a doctorate in public health and is known in the community for her ready participation in a wide range of human services endeavors in New Canaan—including with fellow nonprofits, the school district and town—will continue with regular programming through July 1, according to a press release. She “will serve in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition,” the press release said. Known nationally and even internationally in her field, Domino is a widely influential author and researcher who has worked with New Canaan CARES for 16 years. Her expertise increasingly has been in demand here, for example, as New Canaan youth and families face intense pressures and challenges amid the rise and prevalence of opioids, cyberbullying and social media.

Around Town

Camp LiveGirl Empowers, Inspires Fairfield County Middle School Girls

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“I am smart, I am strong, I am special,” chanted 100 passionate girls at Camp LiveGirl, which recently concluded its second summer camp session at New Canaan High School. Camp LiveGirl brought together a diverse group of middle school girls from all over Fairfield County for a week of leadership development and empowerment. I had the opportunity to attend Camp LiveGirl and was amazed by the impact that a week of leadership development and empowerment had on the girls. I witnessed transformations from shy, hesitant girls to bubbly, confident girls. I believe the magic ingredient is how LiveGirl facilitates team bonding through hands-on leadership activities, sports, and musical theatre games.

News

Letter: LiveGirl, A Story About Kindness and Community

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Dear Editor:

I want to share a story about kindness and community. Topics that, too often, go unmentioned. One year ago, LiveGirl was just a seed of an idea for a one-week summer camp that would make a small difference. It has since grown into an organization that provides year-round programming, making a big difference, for over 100 middle school girls across Fairfield County. Our focus is on leadership, empowerment and diversity so that the young girls of our community are more confident and better prepared for the future.