Around Town

‘He Is Like ‘Grandpa Benny’ ’: Iconic New Canaan Mounted Troop Horse Turns 30

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Benny, a chestnut gelding, made a small circle in his stall on a recent morning, then stepped toward the sliding door and poked his head out into the aisle, as if to catch sight of one of the other 24 horses living here in the New Canaan Mounted Troop’s spacious barn. According to those who know him best, it’s a gesture typical of this singularly sociable animal, a thoroughbred-quarter-horse cross who has called the Carter Street nonprofit organization’s serene 13.4-acre campus home for more than two decades. Benny “still gets visits from people who rode him years ago in the program,” according to Anne Dylweski, closing in on her eleventh year as barn manager at NCMT. “One former student from the late 90s, I believe, still stops in any time she’s passing by. I think it says something about his character that people take time out of their day to come see the horse that helped teach them riding years ago.”

Gregarious, patient, comical and kind, Benny since arriving at NCMT in 1994 has emerged as an “icon” of the unique program here, according to several lifelong riders and fans, serving as both companion and instructor to scores of New Canaan and area kids who have learned the basics of horsemanship and equine care atop and alongside him.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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The Summer Theatre of New Canaan kicked off its 2016 season on Friday evening with a Broadway Stars gala featuring Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara, held at the Woodway Country Club. O’Hara was joined by fellow Broadway stars David Friedman, Robin de Jesus, Janelle Robinson, Jodi Stevens and Chip Zien. Scroll through the gallery above for images from the evening, including performances. ***

We’re hearing that Democratic Registrar of Voters George Cody won backing from New Canaan Democrats at Tuesday evening’s caucus, held at Town Hall. For the first time since his election to the office in 1994, Cody this time faced a challenger for the position, from fellow New Canaanite Bernard Simpkin.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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It’s Spirit Week at New Canaan High School, and Tuesday was “Costume Day.” The photos above were snapped at ABC House of New Canaan Tuesday morning (thanks, John). ABC House is set to hold its 42 annual fundraiser at the Country Club of New Canaan. The gala will include a live auction and raffle, and will be attended by ABC scholars, their families and host families. Here’s more information on the event and how to get tickets. ***

Boston, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Tulsa, Detroit … New Canaan.

Around Town

Did You Hear … ?

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Congratulations to New Canaan’s Mitch and Erin Hoffman on the birth Monday of twins Brody Merrill and Cole Francis Hoffman. See the slideshow above, where the newborns are pictured on their own as well as with big brother Maddox. Son of the New Canaan High School varsity baseball coach, Maddox autographed baseballs for his new siblings. ***

“Everybody asks me, ‘How do you sleep at night, chief?’ And I say, ‘Like a baby: I sleep for two hours, wake up crying, then sleep some more.’ ”—That’s what New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski told the Town Council on the subject of overtime spending, during the legislative body’s March 25 meeting. ***

Congratulations to the New Canaan High School Debate Team, which sent three pairs of students to Saturday’s state finals at Wilton High School, and senior co-captains Casey Manzella and Steven Singer won the state championship varsity division.

Around Town

SLIDESHOW: Cool and Collected ‘Caffeine & Carburetors’ in New Canaan

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New Canaan resident Matt Konspore—right-hand man of Caffeine & Carburetors co-creator Doug Zumbach—waved a Ferrari forward at Elm Street and South Avenue Sunday morning. “This is the most expensive street in the world right now,” Konspore said as several hundred—likely a couple or few thousand—classic and specialty car enthusiasts gathered in downtown New Canaan for the popular gathering of hobbyists. Pause this slideshow by hovering over a photo with your mouse, article continues below:

[acx_slideshow name=”May 6 2014 Caffeine and Carburetors”]

 

A calm, cool and collected vibe settled over New Canaan for the second installment of Caffeine & Carburetors on Sunday, as smartphone- and digital camera-toting enthusiasts walked leashed dogs, chatted, sipped coffee and chatted over the high-end and vintage autos on Pine and Elm Streets. After the season debut gathering from April drew so much motor and foot traffic to downtown New Canaan that town officials felt compelled call for a review to determine the frequency and location of future events, Sunday saw smiling, relaxed crowds enjoy the 3.5-hour, grassroots show on an overcast, cool morning. Merchants including Chef Luis once again were open on Elm Street with a special sidewalk set-up to serve customers, while groups that included the Veterans of Foreign Wars and New Canaan Mounted Troop set up information booths for passersby.