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Weston sunset 6.22.21
Town and school district officials, bombarded with document demands and legal costs to defend complaints — one filed deliberately to be dismissed — respond.
Covid Reports
Updated Tuesday, June 22 Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
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Costs to Taxpayers of Document Demands and Complaints Rise
Legal and administrative costs are rising from a torrent of document demands and complaints to State agencies.
A resident repeatedly alleges that Weston is governed in secret by officials who mislead the public.
Weston Walks to Honor Educators
Starting on Saturday, June 19, the Weston Education Foundation has organized a virtual fundraiser to celebrate the resilience, perseverance, and achievements of Weston’s educational community.
It's Weston Walks, because “Weston walks together.”
PTO Supports Weston Food Pantry with Donation
After months of fundraising, the Weston PTO presented the Weston Food Pantry with a donation of $1,350.
The Food Pantry is a volunteer organization that works to alleviate food insecurity.
Students Learn from Theater Pros at SBEstudio Camps
Many young people find a path to developing their theater talents at the popular SBEstudio, led by Jodi Stevens Bryce. “This is about more than acting,” said Ms. Bryce. “It’s also about how real life on the road works.”
Senior Center Gets Beautified
The entrance to the Weston Senior Center has been beautified by — who else? — the town’s Beautification Committee.
All of the new landscaping is native and pollinator-friendly plants.
Susan Granger At The Movies
This week, Susan Granger reviews “Luca,” “It's Not a Burden,” and “Senior Moment.”
A fantasy-quest about how a short-lived friendship can change one’s life, a documentary exploring the frustrations and fears of caregivers, and William Shatner in a rom-com.
Obituaries
Warren Andrew Spence, 82, of Williamsburg, VA, ascended peacefully to Heaven on April 23, 2021. He was unable to recover after surgery to remove a brain glioblastoma. Full obituary.
Joan Taylor Wisnieff Scott died peacefully at her home in Newtown Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family, on April 4, 2021. Full obituary.
Letters to the Editor
Letters from several perspectives about the case of a Black Weston resident, subject of a 911 call, from the resident, the caller, two members of the public, one of whom brought the matter into focus.
Also a letter regarding what the writer calls a “NIMBY attack” on Lachat Town Farm.
Town Offices to Reopen, but Fireworks are Off
Town offices are expected to reopen to the public on June 18. Certain limitations will remain for a while.
Meanwhile, Parks and Recreation has reluctantly called off July Fourth celebrations.
Homefront Farmers Offers Delivery of Freshly Harvested Vegetables
At Homefront Farmers we are passionate about growing delicious foods, now including mushrooms, maple syrup and honey!
We are excited to introduce our vegetable farm in idyllic Redding on Picketts Ridge Road!
KMS Partners: The Market
Homes in Weston continue to be in high demand. Larger homes are back in fashion as the desire for home offices and indoor recreation spaces stays strong.
Through the end of May, 33 homes over 4,500 square feet have been sold in 2021.
10 Reasons Why Fairfield County Is a Great Place to Raise Your Family
I have been a Realtor in Fairfield County since 2009. My husband and I are currently raising our family in Weston, which coupled with my upbringing in nearby Greenwich allows me to truly give you a longtime local’s perspective…
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.
“Maddie was adopted in July 2018 through a rescue group in Southington. We spotted her on Petfinder …”
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.
Basic-Naturals: Natural Skincare Back to Basics, Into the Future
Basic-Naturals started their adventure in the world of skincare about ten years ago. The young owners felt frustrated by the dizzying array of potentially harmful ingredients in popular brands.
Remember the old phrase “One should never see how sausages or laws are made?” Attributed to Otto von Bismarck.
It fits perfectly as a description of the just completed “Long Session” at the CT General Assembly.
Lachat Farmers Markets Return
Lachat Town Farm’s popular Farmers Markets return for the season in full form beginning on Friday, June 25.
You can enjoy live music, fresh farm produce, artisanal vendors, gourmet food trucks, beer and wine, farm animals, and children’s programming.
Builders Beyond Borders: Volunteering at Home and Abroad
Builders Beyond Borders, an opportunity for young people to volunteer and make a difference in the world, is about to expand with summer international trips and local programs for even younger ages.
Nuthatch Naturals Launches on June 10
Nuthatch Naturals, a new Weston business, launches on June 10 in a Zoom introduction of the company and its flagship Daily Soothing Lotion product.
Scouts, WVFD Observe Memorial Day
Scouts, volunteer firefighters, and the town’s Veterans Committee preserved the most relevant features of Memorial Day Weekend. Those who served and sacrificed and the flag were honored.
May Property Transfers
28 Weston properties changed hands in May, over 50 percent more than the number sold in the same month last year or the year before.
The total value of homes sold was $29,050,400.
Memory Lane: Memorial Day Weekend
In just 3-½ minutes, on video from the ground and way up in the sky, it’s Memorial Day Weekend the way it was and, with luck, will be again.
A Remembrance of George Floyd
A gathering on May 25 observed one year since the murder of George Floyd, beginning at Town Hall and continuing to a candlelight vigil at Norfield Church.
Shrek the Musical: A Can't Miss
Finally, the charming Shrek the Musical gets the all-star treatment it deserves, from the talented cast and crew of WHS Company.
Here is the best part: you can see it in person. Really. Live. Or livestreamed. Your call.
Police Commission Statement to the Community
On May 24, the Board of Police Commissioners drafted and approved a statement regarding the complaint filed by Weston resident Walter Simpson.
We publish “To the Weston Community at Large” at their request.
EMS Headquarters Open, Ready to Serve
Three years ago, EMS President Jon Weingarten told the Board of Selectmen a donation had been secured to help build EMS headquarters. A peek inside the newly-completed facility.
Police Commission Delays Complaint Follow-Up
The Police Commission put off until June discussion of next steps regarding the response to a long-standing citizen complaint. Commissioner David Muller wanted to know why.
Mask Requirements Ease
“Connecticut is one of the most vaccinated states in the nation,” declared Governor Ned Lamont. As of Wednesday, masks are no longer required outdoors.
Indoors, they are still mandatory if you have not been vaccinated. Businesses have options.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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