A tense week for local U.S. soccer fans that started Sunday evening in the Pop Up Park with a draw against Portugal ended in relief after a one-goal loss to Germany pushed the Americans through to the World Cup’s knockout round (they play Monday versus Belgium).
New Canaanites gather around three flat-screen televisions before the start of the second half. Credit: Alex Hutchins
Meanwhile, public safety officials issued important reminders to residents this week—the chief of police urged residents to understand pool safety after a near-drowning two towns away, while the fire marshal warned about fireworks safety. (This year’s New Canaan Family Fourth Celebration at Waveny will be held right on July 4—this Friday—here are some more details.)
Police also said they would run a DUI checkpoint in New Canaan some time within the next two weeks.
Many thanks to our summer intern, Alex Hutchins, for some great contributions this past week.
Here’s the Week in Review.
Town Talker
One of New Canaan’s hairiest intersections is the at Canoe Hill and Laurel Roads—due mostly to a traffic island whose “keep right” and “yield” signs sometimes are ignored.
The traffic island at Canoe Hill and Laurel Roads. Credit: Michael Dinan
The traffic coming down from the Ferris Hill side of Canoe Hill, especially, tends to stay left of the island (among nonresidents), risking accidents.
We heard on our Facebook page from area motorists who say pulling out of Ferris Hill just up the street is even more dangerous.
Business
Littlejohn’s children’s clothing store on Elm Street is closing at the end of July 2014 after 24 years in New Canaan. Credit: Michael Dinan
After 24 years downtown, children’s clothing store Littlejohn’s (on Elm Street, just up past The Whitney Shop) will close at the end of next month. Its owner is retiring. Littlejohn’s will participate in this year’s Village Fair & Sidewalk Sale (July 19).
Planning and Zoning has more to request of Mrs. Green’s after a shopping cart corral that was not part of the store’s original site plan remains very conspicuous from the street.
Finally, commercial property owners in New Canaan soon may be able to avail themselves of near zero-interest loans as the town took a step toward participating in a clean energy program, joining lower Fairfield County towns such as Darien, Greenwich, Westport and Wilton.
Ali Reilly
Sports
New Canaan High School senior Ali Reilly earned All FCIAC First Team honors after (another) very impressive season.
Reilly—who also made the First Team last year—had another outstanding season in the circle for New Canaan, striking out 114 batters in 95 1/3 innings pitched with an ERA of 3.23. The Babson-bound Reilly also helped herself at the plate, leading the team with a .361 batting average with 3 doubles, 3 triples and 16 RBI. Her performance in New Canaan’s 2-1 win over rival Darien was the highlight of New Canaan’s 11-11 season.
Dogs
A Boston Terrier scared an elderly woman trying to walk her own dog on Hoyt Street, and a German shepherd dog in Waveny will be under a restraining order after tearing up the arm of a woman walking the back trails there early Wednesday.
Here’s Ajax, an approximately 5-month-old “schoodle” (mini Schnauzer and mini Poodle) who was found wandering on Laurel Road at about 10:30 a.m. Monday. If unclaimed, he will be adoptable in another week, police say. Credit: Michael Dinan
Meanwhile, a six-month-old puppy that was found wandering on Laurel Road will be up for adoption this coming week if it goes unclaimed from New Canaan Police Animal Control.
Public Land
The Town Council held a final public hearing on the proposed sidewalk extension from the Old Norwalk Road Bridge (over the Fivemile River) to the entrance of Kiwanis Park.
L-R: Capt. John DiFederico, Chief Leon Krolikowski and Capt. Vincent DeMaio of the New Canaan Police Department. The banner from NCPD Facebook page can be seen from the new MyPD app, available free for download in the App Store. The app is not to be used for emergencies.
And the Board of Selectmen green-lighted a plan to re-sod several of New Canaan’s athletic fields.
Public Safety
New Canaan Police this week launched a smartphone app for residents that includes functionality such as submitting tips with photos.
That bookended a week of activity that included a scooter stolen in broad daylight and a scary incident where a man shot a pellet through a neighbor’s window screen.