Top Stories
In a long, tense, at times painful meeting, Police Commissioners heard from Walter Simpson and the public.
Key meetings coming up about Lachat and housing.
Time is running out to give someone the birds and win great raffle prizes.
Covid Reports
Updated Thursday, May 13 Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
Fairfield County's case rate continues to drop, in single digits for the first time in over six months.
Weather & Events
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Upcoming Events: art programs and the United We Golf tournament.
Police Board Confronted on 911 Call and Response
A 3-½ hour meeting of the Police Commission on May 6 addressed a 911 call on a Black Weston resident and the responding police officer’s conduct.
But most of the focus was on how Walter Simpson’s complaint was handled by police authorities.
Key Meetings Coming Up: Lachat, Housing
Two important meetings take place in the next few days, a hearing by the Lachat Town Farm Commission and a P&Z workshop about housing.
The Lachat meeting happens on Thursday evening. The P&Z workshop is on Monday.
Letter to the Editor
David Allon writes:
“A broad and far-reaching NIMBY attack has been launched against the Lachat Town Farm, which has become the heart and soul of Weston’s community activity.”
“If it succeeds, much of what we know and love about Lachat will cease to exist.”
More Letters
The Simpson family “wants to thank everyone who attended the Weston Board of Police Commissioners meeting to support us.”
Marjorie Nieuwenhuis writes about the Police Commission meeting and “the true elephant in the room.”
To the Emotional Rescue: Flamingos
Thanks to the Weston Middle School PTO, it’s easy to brighten someone's day by having a flamboyance of flamingos descend on their front lawn.
And yes, these flamingos are friendly, and no, they actually don't poop a lot.
Susan Granger At The Movies
This week, Susan Granger reviews “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse,” “The Nevers,” and “The Virtuoso.”
An espionage thriller with Michael B. Jordan, Laura Donnelly as a woman who has disturbing glimpses of the future, and Anthony Hopkins (briefly) as an assassin’s mentor.
Obituaries
Joan Taylor Wisnieff Scott died peacefully at her home in Newtown Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family, on April 4, 2021. Full obituary.
William Frederick Gentit, 85, of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021. Full obituary.
Also in the News
Guest Essay, Subramanian and Haskell: The case for expanding children’s mental health privileges.
New in town? Weston Kiwanis invites you to breakfast. You'll like it.
From the Tax Collector: applications for Elderly Tax Relief are open.
The Real Pets of Weston
This week’s pet stars are Maddie and Otter Demmon, a super cute, fun-loving canine/feline team who’ll win your heart.
Spaulding: “I Won’t Be Running Again”
While serving Weston “has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said First Selectman Chris Spaulding, he has decided not to seek reelection.
In our interview, he also looks back at the harrowing first days of the pandemic.
April Property Transfers
34 Weston homes changed hands in April, more than twice the number sold in the same month last year or the year before.
The total value of homes sold was $31,550,600.
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk: a Wide Range of Services
Fairfield County residents have a wonderful resource!
AFC Urgent Care Norwalk provides an easy option for urgent care and an array of services: physicals, lab tests, vaccines, wellness visits, and more.
Budgets Approved by Referendum
All three budgets put before voters were approved in the May 1, 2021 Referendum.
A total of 381 ballots were cast, 39 by absentees, 55 at the end of last week’s Annual Town Budget Meeting.
Happy Spring from KMS Partners!
It’s still early spring, but one thing is hot: Fairfield County, Connecticut!
And no market is sizzling more than Weston.
The little town (in population) is big in square miles, lot size and amenities.
Great Prizes in an EMS Fundraising Raffle
Weston’s all-volunteer EMS has launched its first online fundraising raffle.
This is an opportunity to win valuable prizes. For EMS, it’s an opportunity to help fund its ongoing mission.
Last week our neighboring town of Easton voted down a Resolution on Racism and Public Health on a not-quite 2-1, very large turnout (for Easton). At the same time, their Town and School budgets passed by healthy majorities.
Why do I mention this?
Covid-19 Metrics Show Significant Improvement
Covid-19 metrics locally and statewide have improved significantly in the past week.
As of our April 29 report, the county’s case rate has dropped below 20 for the first time since late October.
Weston’s numbers are even better.
Memorial Day Parade Off, July 4th in Doubt
Despite hopes for a return to traditional Memorial Day weekend events, the Fair has already been canceled and the WVFD called off the Parade.
The Parks & Rec Commission still wants to explore the 4th. Prospects are uncertain.
State, Town Reopenings In Sight
“Things are stabilizing,” declared Governor Ned Lamont. So, a phase-out of business restrictions begins on May 1. Weston officials plan to reopen Town Hall by early June.
Vaccinations Available at Walk-Ups
More than 50 locations in Connecticut, several in our area, now offer walk-up Covid-19 vaccinations. No appointment is needed during the hours they operate.
No ATBM Quorum, Referendum Vote on May 1
By our count, Saturday’s Annual Town Budget Meeting fell about 90 short of the 130 needed for the meeting to take place.
Voting resumes on May 1.
Affordable Housing in Focus, and Blurred
Housing, zoning, and proposed legislation were topics of considerable discussion this week in a tri-board meeting and a P&Z workshop.
New Redeemable Stations Open
Three new brightly colored stations have been installed at the Transfer Station where redeemable beverage containers can be deposited.
Proceeds go to charities.
Haskell Encourages Young People: Get Vaccinated
With vaccination eligibility open to everyone aged 16 and older, State Senator Will Haskell encourages young people in the state to get their shots.
“It really is a community service,” he said.
Cub Scouts Livestream Pinewood Derby
Cub Scouts Pack 75 were determined to hold their Pinewood Derby this year, despite coronavirus. The event is an annual highlight, so the Scouts raced 18 cars virtually in a driveway.
Each race was livestreamed on Zoom.
Parks & Rec Summer Camps Registrations Open
Look no further than Weston’s own Parks and Recreation Department for excellent summer camp programs.
Board of Finance Sends Budgets to Town Vote
The Board of Finance approved reduced budgets to put to a town vote.
First up: the ATBM on April 24.
Make it Earth Month
Earth Day is officially April 22, but a number of programs run all month in Weston.
You and your family can turn Trash to Treasure at Lachat, learn how to recycle properly, Green Up the town, make bird feeders, and more.
New “United We Golf” Tournament, May 17
On May 17, the first annual “United We Golf” tournament runs at Tashua Knolls Golf Course in Trumbull, hosted by United Way of Coastal Fairfield County.
“This is one golf tournament you don’t want to miss,” said the event co-chairs.
April a “Tipping Point,” Says Dr. Gottlieb
April will be a Covid-19 “tipping point,” according to former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. “We really just need to get through the next two or three weeks,” he said.
“Fourteen Talks,” Advice for Parents of Tweens
Author Michelle Icard says parents of middle school children need to know that “from the day they were born, you and your child have been developing your own language, together.” Until middle school. She speaks on the 27th.
Fairfield Comedy Club, Vans, Philoche Support Comedians
To support comedians who lost their jobs in the pandemic, the Fairfield Comedy Club partnered with sneaker company Vans and artist Guy Stanley Philoche.
$1.5 Million Gift to Weston Historical Society
The Weston Historical Society has received gifts totaling $1.5 million from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust.
$1 million helps fund ongoing operations. $500,000 will be used to restore structures where programs, exhibits, and workshops are held.
March Property Transfers
21 Weston homes changed hands in March, more than 2-½ times the number in the same month last year.
The total value of homes sold was $21,943,250. The median sale price was $920,000.
Haskell: Why the Bottle Bill Matters
In an op-ed, State Senator Will Haskell explains the rationale for a Bottle Bill update approved by a legislative committee.
If ultimately enacted, the measure would double the deposit required for bottles and cans.
Friends of Lachat Propose New Agri-Culture Building
Plans for a proposed new building at Lachat Town Farm will be shared at a public meeting on Wednesday evening.
The building would house a teaching kitchen, an art studio, a Nature’s classroom, and space for cultural and educational presentations year-round.
Budget Hearing, ATBM, Referendum Dates Set
A Board of Finance public hearing on proposed budgets is set for Tuesday evening, March 30, at 7:00 on Zoom.
The Town has also decided dates for the Annual Town Budget Meeting and Referendum.
P.E.O. Scholarship Applications Open
Weston’s Chapter P of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) announces that scholarships up to $2,500 are available to college-bound women who reside in Weston, Redding or Easton.
United Way Grant Helps Weston Families
A Covid Relief Grant from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County will help Weston Social Services provide emergency assistance and help keep families in stable homes.
The $4,000 grant follows support provided to Weston last spring.
Ages 16 and Up Vaccine-Eligible on April 1
Special provisions for 16 and 17 year-olds will be required, but on April 1, everyone above age 16 will be able to make vaccination appointments.
In Connecticut and throughout the Northeast, Covid-19 infections are on the rise.
Weston Pharmacy to Open, and the Latest About a Market
A new pharmacy is on its way to Weston Shopping Center. Weston residents who own Fairfield's Black Rock Pharmacy have signed a lease.
In an in-depth interview, the shopping center's manager talks about bringing in a new market.
Weston Ski Teams Excel in State Open
Weston High School ski teams excelled in what head coach Rich Fanning called an “epic” State Open competition.
The boys varsity team won the championship by over five seconds. The varsity girls finished sixth, a huge jump from last year.
Spread the Word: Let Blue Lights Pass
Do you know what to do when you’re driving and see a car in your rear view mirror with blue lights flashing?
Please safely move to the side of the road. We’re talking about private vehicles too.
The Latest in Covid-19 Scams
Cash offers, claims about vaccine dangers, and fake vaccinators are the latest Covid-19 scams making the rounds in Connecticut.
The Attorney General and the Consumer Protection Department urge you to be on the alert.
Lamont Accelerates Vaccination Timetable
Those age 45 and above are now eligible for vaccination appointments.
On April 5, the minimum age drops to 16. Connecticut's vaccine supply is about to expand significantly.
EMS: If We Can’t Find You, We Can’t Help You
When an emergency happens, every second counts. You don’t want critical seconds to be lost as emergency responders try to locate your house.
Make sure your address is clearly visible on your mailbox or near your property entrance.
Lisa Wolak Named Schools Superintendent
Weston High School Principal Lisa Wolak has been selected to become district Superintendent on July 1.
After a nationwide search, “it became apparent that we didn’t need to look any farther than Weston," said Board of Education chair Tony Pesco.
Weston Educators Complete First Vaccine Round
After a second dedicated Covid-19 vaccination clinic, all Weston Public School District teachers and staff have had an opportunity to get their first shot.
Library Trustees Refute False Claims
An email from an anonymous source purporting to be “advocates” for the Weston Public Library circulated misleading claims about the Library budget. Officers of the Library’s Board of Trustees issued a statement.
Haskell Named Transportation Committee Chair
State Senator Will Haskell has been named Senate Chairman of the Transportation Committee of the General Assembly.
Mr. Haskell previously chaired the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee.
Restrictions Set to Relax on March 19
Beginning on March 19, capacity and travel restrictions are set to ease, as announced by the governor.
In principle, restaurants, stores, personal services and others can operate at 100 percent capacity. In practice, not quite.
Vaccinations Open for 55+, Restrictions to Ease
Vaccination appointments for those 55 and older have become available, with predictable system strains.
J&J's vaccine is on its way to the state, teachers can get the shot this week, and Governor Ned Lamont expects to announce eased restrictions.
Help EMS Help You: Clear the Way
Although spring is almost upon us, winter may still rear its ugly head.
So please remember to keep your driveways and sidewalks cleared of snow and ice and your garage accessible to help avoid unnecessary accidents.
Larry Roberts Selected as Communications Center Director
The Board of Selectmen voted to hire Larry Roberts, a 28-year resident, as director of Weston’s communications center.
Letter to the Editor
Thoughts? Opinions? Points of view and interesting information?
Your letters are welcome. We have few restrictions on number, length, or topic. We do insist on keeping it civil.
Other Recent News
Links to all previous articles can be found in our aptly-named Previous Articles section.
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