Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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2016 Cyclocross National Champion David Thompson Junior Men 9-10

Uploaded by Cyclocross Magazine on 2016-01-09.

Congratulations to New Canaan’s David Thompson, who last weekend earned the title 2016 Cyclocross National Champion in the Junior Men 9-10 division (see video above). We hear that David is a 9-year-old who attends the fourth grade at West School, and local cycling guru Lou Kozar of New Canaan Bicycles informs us (dryly) that David’s accomplishment is “kind of a big deal.”

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After impounding and multiple roaming dogs that all had invisible fence collars on them, New Canaan Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm is urging residents to double-check the batteries on those devices as well as their systems at home. A golden retriever on Skyview Lane, Labradoodle on Jelliff Mill Road and a pair of dogs on Oenoke Lane—a German shepherd and pit bull—all were collected by the New Canaan Police Department Animal Control section in recent days. ***

We’ve got the details on New Canaanite and “What’s Up With Wendy” radio show host Wendy Lowy Sloane’s sixth anniversary broadcast at 11 a.m. on 1490 AM-WGCH and online at WGCH.com. Her guests include actress Monica Potter, NBC Sports broadcaster Leigh Diffey and Bob Leary, founder of Trimino.

Business

Pine Street Renaissance Expands Downtown New Canaan Footprint

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With a growing array of commercial storefronts expanding New Canaan’s downtown footprint, the Pine Street of 2015 is a far cry that of years’ past. Once known primarily for the location of the Post Office and a Grand Union supermarket, Pine Street has undergone a rebirth in recent years, evolving into a destination for established and new businesses alike. “I love our location, I don’t think it could be better,” Eugene Chun, owner of CT Sandwich Co., told NewCanaanite.com. “We’re close enough to Elm Street and all the action but we’re not caught in congestion—it makes things a lot easier.”

Retail businesses are not the only ones attracted to Pine Street. For BJ Flagg, principal at Nurenu Brand Marketing, a need for additional space was one of the reasons in her move from an office on Elm to one on Pine last month.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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Many New Canaanites by now have seen a rendering of the Midcentury Modern-inspired commercial building that John and Melissa Engel have planned for the lot at 215 Elm St. The architect on the project is Westport-based Frederick William Hoag. Some time after John Engel explained what he had in mind to a University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation professor, a document that included some truly fascinating concepts came in from students (see above). The Maryland architecture program been called the only one in the nation that includes professional Masters programs and related PhD-level studies in planning, preservation and real estate development within the same school. ***

Bill Egan, the newly hired principal of New Canaan High School, has gotten into the spirit of the job very quickly: At his formal introduction at the Board of Education meeting on Monday night, board member Sheri West astutely noted, Egan was sporting a NCHS Rams tie.

Around Town

Letter: Library Thanks Community for Successful Speakeasy, One Book New Canaan

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On Wednesday evening March 25, New Canaan Library wrapped up its month-long One Book New Canaan exploration of Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927 with a wildly successful Speakeasy event. Thanks to an enthusiastic community, and the goodwill of so many New Canaan merchants, the Library was able to create a spirited and fun evening for all who attended. With many guests arriving in authentic 1920s style, the Adrian Lamb Room was transformed into a true, Prohibition era Speakeasy complete with jazz piano and delicious samplings and tastings from our supporting local merchants and vendors. New Canaan Library gratefully acknowledges the participation and donations of New Canaan businesses and Chamber members: ONE HOPE Wine, Carpe Diem, Charter Oak Brewing Company, Fjord Fish Market, Forever Sweet Bakery, J. Hilbrun Men’s Clothiers, Little’s Specialty Foods, New Canaan Wine Merchants, New Canaan Olive Oil, Sorelle Gallery, South End, Venture Photography, Walter Stewart’s Market and Stewarts Spirits. The Library also deeply appreciates the support of Karl Chevrolet, National Charity League, PJ Marcella and Susan Freedgood and always, the membership of New Canaan Library.

Around Town

SLIDESHOW: Guys, Dolls Celebrate Roaring ’20s at New Canaan Library’s Speakeasy

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Dozens of residents donned flapper dresses, boater hats and other 1920s-era garb Wednesday evening as part of New Canaan Library’s “speakeasy” in the Lamb Room. The latest in a series of One Book New Canaan events that will culminate Saturday with “The Murder and Booze Cabaret” at Powerhouse Theater, the speakeasy featured a live piano player, silent films on the screen up front and local merchants—many of them also getting into the spirit by donning Roaring Twenties costumes—lining the edges of the party, offering drinks and food to the guys and dolls who dropped in. “We are thrilled to have such a good turnout tonight at our speakeasy,” Community Engagement Coordinator said. “We’re especially pleased that all of the participants are either New Canaan residents, businesses or members of the New Canaan Chamber of Commerce. I think everybody is having a great time.”

It looked like it—see photo gallery above.