In the News
All kinds of attractions at Lachat Town Farm.
Projects make progress at public safety facilities and for the new Library wing and sidewalks.
Detours on Route 57 to begin in August.
Meetings & Updates
Geno Auriemma on masks:
Weston Weather
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At Lachat: Movies, Produce, Gardens. Soon, Goats
The team that runs Lachat Town Farm has managed to not only keep things going during these challenging times, but to add even more features to help all of us keep going.
Drive-in movies. Swag. The Farmers Market. A program to grow food for those having a tough time. And, coming soon: goats. In a palace of their own.
Memory Lane: The Fourth of July
From high above the earth, the sights and sounds of last year's Fourth of July celebrations.
In under three minutes, the bands, the dancing, the large group of people not wearing masks. Good times.
They'll be back. Enjoy.
José Feliciano: I'm America
In this new video, José Feliciano declares "I'm America," with scenes of his controversial 1968 rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and its triumphant reprise fifty years later.
And This...
A beehive of activity foreseen for Town Center. About Town.
Travel advisory expanded, experts warn of virus spread. Connecticut Mirror reports.
Organizations call on General Assembly to hold virtual public hearings. CT News Junkie reports.
May property transfers.
Notice from Town Hall: personal property taxes are due.
Progress on Public Safety, Library, and Sidewalks Projects
Progress continues for the new Libary wing and sidewalks projects. Construction to improve Weston's public safety facilities is near completion, a tentative date is set to reopen Town Hall.
A video interview with the First Selectman, and a synopsis.
Ten-Year-Old Makes Masks, Supports Food Pantry
An enterprising ten-year-old decided to tackle the effects of the pandemic in two ways: to sew protective face coverings, sell them, and use the proceeds to help stock the shelves at the Weston Food Pantry.
To put it mildly, she got results.
State Unveils Outline for Fall Schools Reopening
The broad outlines of a plan to reopen Connecticut public schools were presented today by Governor Ned Lamont and State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona.
"This school year was marked with disruption," said Mr. Cardona. "Next school year will be marked with innovation and commitment."
Changes at the Transfer Station, July 1
Changes are in store for Weston's transfer station on July 1, following ordinance amendments approved by the Selectmen and the town's joining a regional waste management authority.
Days, hours, and fees change. Joining the regional authority saves taxpayers about $25,000, and staffing has been reduced.
The Real Dogs of Weston
Meet Arlo, an American Blue-Nose Pit Bull whose love of life can barely be contained by his gigantic puppy body.
Weighing in at 110 pounds of pure mush, this love bug will charm you right off your feet (sometimes literally) with his affectionate personality and enthusiastic kisses..
Route 57 Detours in August
On or about August 3, construction at the intersection of Route 57 and Good Hill Road will cause auto traffic on 57 to be detoured to a 1.3 mile loop around Held Pond.
Trucks have a longer detour. The work is estimated to take four to 14 days.
Halo Awards to WHS Actors
Congratulations to the talented Weston High School actors whose production of Neil Simon's Rumors won the Seven Angel Theatre group's Halo award for Best Performance by a Cast in an Ensemble Production.
Congratulations also to Halo winners Remy Young and Jonathan Eiler, for Best Performance by a Couple or Dynamic Duo in a Play.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing: FAQ
People may be looking for more information about COVID-19, particularly if they have been exposed to it and if they have any type of protection against the virus. AFC Urgent Care Norwalk is offering antibody testing for asymptomatic patients to test for COVID-19 antibodies.
Free Community College Takes One Step Ahead
A plan championed by State Senator Will Haskell to provide free community college in Connecticut took one step closer to reality with a decision by the Board of Regents for Higher Education.
The Regents approved a one-time $3 million payment that will fund the Pledge to Advance Connecticut program for the fall 2020 semester.
Westport Weston YMCA Reopens
The Westport Weston Family YMCA reopened on June 22. Total reopening will be done in phases, observing state and local health guidelines.
The first phase includes the Wellness Center, pools, group fitness classes, personal training, and Camp Mahackeno.
A Memorable Send-off for the Class of 2020
This year, Weston High School seniors were cheated out of a spring semester, customary year-end activities, and a traditional graduation.
By all accounts, they made the best of a bad situation. With the help of school administrators, teachers, staff, and parent reps, they got, if not the send-off they expected, at least a memorable one.
Amazing Interviews from the Twain
The Mark Twain Library presents four all-star live online interviews in a How to Be Amazing series by comedian-author-actor Michael Ian Black.
The shows are free. Guests include Jane Lynch, Senator Chris Murphy, Jeannie Gaffigan, and Deepak Chopra.
Letters to the Editor
Former resident Dan McNeill has second thoughts about two-acre zoning.
Cathryn Saldinger writes: "One thing the town can do is combat racism in the schools." Brian Murray-Dalrymple says, "Speaking as a 60s born Black man I partly disagree…"
Richard L. Canel, 92
Richard L. Canel, 92, long-time Weston resident passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Norwalk Hospital.
Dick was born on January 28, 1928 to the late H. Lee Canel and Maude Taylor. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth Sue Brown in 1997.
No Mill Rate Increase, Budgets Approved
In a 4–3 vote on Thursday evening, Weston's Board of Finance left the mill rate unchanged and approved the Town and Board of Education budget requests.
The Board took advantage of a closing-related surplus and deferred three capital expenditures.
Hundreds Attend Black Lives Matter Gathering
As many as 400 people gathered on the lawn at Town Hall on Sunday for a Black Lives Matter event organized by Weston students Jordan Blunschi and Jasper Richardson.
Our video and photo report.
Classic Car Rally for the Connecticut Food Bank
A classic car rally raised thousands for the Connecticut Food Bank.
If the idea catches on in other parts of the country, as much as $1 million could be raised for food banks this summer.
Together
In 1-½ minutes, voices from the community about the times we live in.
The Board of Finance, the Dip and the Dance
A full story is coming, but the Board of Finance took the clearest path as described in our article, approving a flat mill rate with no cuts to the education or Town operating budgets.
Weston Statement on Minneapolis
A statement from First Selectman Spaulding, Captain Matt Brodacki, and Police Commission chair Beth Gralnick:
"What happened in Minneapolis should never have happened and certainly must never happen again. Our police must serve as trusted partners…"
Weston Teen Jack Kendall Expands PPE Production
Jack Kendall, the enterprising Weston teen who manufactures face shields for emergency responders and medical workers, now has four 3D printers running around the clock, producing 100 face shields every day.
He isn't stopping there.
A Wedding at the Gazebo
The plan for Susanna Lustbader and Justin Weissbrod was to have a big wedding with 185 guests. But a pandemic got in the way.
So instead, the couple tied the knot on Friday afternoon in an old-school small-town event: in the gazebo at Town Hall, officiated by a Justice of the Peace.
Judge Wexler on Notary Requirements
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler explains temporary changes to requirements for notarizing documents, including special provisions for wills.
Judge Wexler discusses the new rules in a video produced by Weston Kiwanis.
May 31, 2020: Eileen Buckley Day
May 31 is officially Eileen Buckley Day in Weston, as declared in a proclamation by the First Selectman on the occasion of Ms. Buckley's 90th birthday.
The proclamation honored Ms. Buckley for "her example as a role model and her service and dedication to the community."
Obituary: Rajan Sekaran
The obituary of Rajan Sekaran, investment banker, mathematician, outdoorsman, and life-long learner.
Mr. Sekaran died in a car accident on May 21, in his hometown of Weston. He was 59.
Rajan Sekaran, 59
Rajan Sekaran, of Weston, died in a motor vehicle accident on May 21, 2020. Mr. Sekaran was 59.
A full obituary will be published in a few days. Mr. Sekaran's wife, Anna, thanks the community "for their love and support ."
Tennis, Anyone?
Welcome news today for tennis players who use Town athletic facilities: the courts open today, with a reservation system put in place, along with certain rules.
The courts will only be available to Weston residents (no guests). Reservations are required.
Sheila Hagan Hayes, 82
Sheila Hagan Hayes, 82, passed away peacefully in Connecticut on May 21, 2020, after a brief illness, her three daughters by her side.
Sheila was born in New York City on June 16, 1937, to Michael Hagan and Mary (Flaherty) Hagan, young immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.
Flamingos Attack Again
They're back. The flamingos. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the lagoon.
You can place an order to give a Weston High School senior the bird. Two birds, actually, plus a yard sign. Or, you can have festive balloons delivered. In fact, you can do both. Either way, a graduate will be thrilled.
Curbside Pickup Coming to the Weston Library
Curbside pickup of books at Weston Public Library will be available as soon as June 15.
Digital resources have been available around the clock during the current shutdown, but the availability of printed materials will be welcome news for many in town.
And the Nominees Are...
Democrats and Republicans held conventions to nominate candidates for November's election for the General Assembly.
Incumbents in both parties won renomination, with one warding off a challenge. One November contest features a familiar face, one a rematch, one a newcomer.
Kate O'Keefe Honored by Weston Education Foundation
Kate O'Keefe, a Weston High School teacher of photography, studio art, drawing, and painting, has been named the 2020 recipient of Weston Education Foundation’s David Trigaux Innovation Award.
The award honors a teacher who demonstrates originality and dedication to creative teaching.
How to Help Weston High School PTO Help the School
The loss of the 5K Road Race, one of the many casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, has suffered a particularly hard blow to the ability of the Weston High School PTO to fund programs and resources at the school.
There are a couple of great ways you can help.
Memorial Day Retrospective
For Memorial Day weekend, we had tributes from the First Selectman and Weston Volunteer Fire Department, the playing of taps by an EMS captain, and a fond look back at events in previous years.
Call us sentimental.
Chilton Ryan, 90
William Chilton Ryan (known as Chilton) died Friday, May 8th at his home in Weston, Connecticut with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. He was the husband of the late Victoria Ryan.
Born in New York City, on October 10, 1929, he was the son of the late William J. and Margaret E.C. Ryan, longtime residents of Wilton, CT, where Chilton was raised.
Weston Historical Society Invites Preservation
Weston Historical Society invites you to share stories, photos, news articles, documents, and just about anything else to help preserve the memory of these historic times.
Everything about dealing with this pandemic will be preserved in the Society’s archives.
Hair Salon, Barber Shop Reopenings Delayed
Governor Ned Lamont announced this morning that Connecticut hair salons and barber shops will not reopen until early June, instead of being part of the state's first phase of reopenings on May 20.
"It is in everyone’s best interests to provide for some additional preparation time" said the governor.
Local Chef Pivots, Still Gives Back
In a video interview, Chef Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering talks about life and business before the pandemic and how she pivoted to accommodate the new reality while still helping others.
And she happens to know a thing or two about pressure.
Weston Real Estate Market Heats Up
We wanted to know more about the suddenly-booming Weston real estate market, so we turned to experts closest to the action.
In a 10-minute video interview, David Weber, Susan Seath, and Karen Hagen of KMS Partners at Compass tell you just how hot Weston is.
Drive-Through Testing in Bethel
Drive-through COVID-19 testing will be available a little closer to Weston, by appointment at Bethel's CVS Pharmacy, one of 12 new testing sites in Connecticut.
You need to register for an appointment online.
School Fields Reopen
Athletic fields at Weston Public Schools have reopened.
If all goes well, Bisceglie-Scribner Park and Morehouse Farm Park will open on Wednesday, May 20.
Several conditions apply.
David Peter Simerman, 82
David Peter Simerman, 82, of Ridgefield, passed away in his sleep on April 13 due to complications from COVID-19.
Mr. Simerman was active in Weston, a longtime Kiwanis member, chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and a police commissioner.
DIY PPE, in the Garage
In a time that everyone, to a greater or lesser degree, has become a do-it-yourselfer, David Levy took it upon himself to manufacture an item of PPE with store-bought materials.
In a video, Mr. Levy explains how protective hoods can be made and distributed.
Board of Finance Leans Toward Zero
The prevailing inclination of a majority of the Board of Finance appears to be to leave the mill rate unchanged this year by adopting a combination of cuts to operating and capital budgets and drawing from reserves.
Chairman Steve Ezzes said he was most concerned about the future. "We're not going back to any sense of normality for a year," he said.
Fields to Open, Cautiously
Beginning on Monday with the running track at Weston High School, the town's outdoor athletic facilities will gradually reopen, with restrictions and oversight. The move is highly conditional.
"We're not giving the all-clear," said First Selectman Spaulding. Sgt. Miceli said much depends on how well people self-regulate.
No July 4th This Year
Fourth of July celebrations will not be held in Weston this year.
On April 28, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted, reluctantly, to recommend that the Board of Selectmen cancel the event. On May 7, the Selectmen did so, concluding that there was no way to hold the annual celebration safely.
Finance Board Budget Deliberations to Continue
On Thursday evening, the Board of Finance meets to discuss budgets and the mill rate. The Board heard from the public on Saturday.
Editor's Note: This article has been revised since initial publication to reflect a change in the Board of Finance plans.
Schools to Remain Closed
This morning, Governor Ned Lamont ordered Connecticut K-12 public schools to stay closed for the remainder of the school year.
The governor and Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona briefed the press at 4:00 this afternoon. View the briefing here.
"We're Getting There"
In a video report, First Selectman Chris Spaulding and OEM Director Sgt. Joe Miceli update Weston on plans to gradually reopen town as the threat of COVID-19 appears to be beginning to subside.
"We're not there yet," says Sgt. Miceli. "But we're getting there."
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