Top Stories
How to vote absentee in the Budget Referendum.
The annual community Green Up Day is on Saturday.
Senator Will Haskell encourages young people to get the shot.
Covid Reports
Updated Tuesday, April 20 Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
They key Fairfield County metric of hospitalizations has risen, with 21 new admissions in the last four days. This while the spiky average of daily new cases has declined.
Weather & Events
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Upcoming Events: The return of the popular ArtScapades, the Annual Town Budget Meeting, and a unique treasure hunt at Lachat.
The Budget Meeting, Referendum, and Voting Absentee
This year's Annual Town Budget Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 pm at the high school football stadium.
You can vote by absentee ballot in the Budget Referendum that follows.
Green Up Day, Saturday
Green Up Day, an annual spring community event, takes place on Saturday morning, April 24.
Volunteers meet behind Norfield Church, pick up lawn bags, and choose a road to Green Up. Volunteers get a special reward this year.
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.
Registration for the camps is open now. Programs often fill up quickly. Sessions run from June 28 through July 30.
Susan Granger's Tips for the Academy Awards
In listing her predictions, Susan Granger says the Oscars have always been a time capsule, reflecting the year in which films were released.
This year, she says, diversity and inclusion are paramount factors.
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
The application deadline for P.E.O. scholarships for young women is April 30.
How hot is Weston real estate? See what some well-known realtors have to say.
From the Tax Collector: applications for Elderly Tax Relief are open.
Board of Finance Sends Budgets to Town Vote
The Board of Finance approved reduced budgets to put to a town vote.
A slight mill rate increase is expected. Half of capital expenditures were offset, and the town's prospects appear bright for millions in additional funds.
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.
About Town
This is your second call (from this column) to attend ATBM!
That officially sanctioned assembly of at least 130 eligible Annual Town Budget Meeting voters will gather on the Weston High School football field at 2pm on Saturday April 24th.
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.
Vaccination Availability
Those age 16 and above are eligible for vaccination appointments.
Systems are up and running, but swamped. Appointments are available, sometimes requiring persistence and patience as demand continues to be heavy. Here is the latest information we have about several key vaccination providers.
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.
Sidewalks: the Big Picture
Plans for a network of sidewalks in the center of town have developed piece by piece over several years. This is a catch-up on the big picture and where things stand.
Selectmen Send Slightly-Revised Budgets to Board of Finance
The Selectmen voted to send budget requests to the Board of Finance with adjustments that increase the Town’s operating budget by 2.82 percent.
Town Budget Request Up 2.7%, Major Capital Items
The First Selectman's budget request for next fiscal year calls for increased Town operating funds and significant investment in capital items.
Known and potential offsets would greatly reduce the large capital expenditure bottom line.
Nils A. Kindwall, 97
Nils A. Kindwall died peacefully on February 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving family due to complications of post-polio syndrome.
For nearly three decades, since moving to Weston in 1960, Mr. Kindwall was one of the most prominent members of the community.
Mary Kaddis, Vegan Baker, Entrepreneur
“There’s a myth that vegan food isn’t good, but vegan desserts prove that this couldn’t be farther from the truth,” says Mary Kaddis, Weston High School sophomore.
Sports Restrictions Ease, Vaccine Supply Grows
Connecticut’s Covid metrics continue to improve, so Governor Ned Lamont has eased restrictions on youth athletics.
Vaccine supplies are improving as well.
Q&A with Congressman Jim Himes: a Recap
Congressman Jim Himes answered questions from the community ranging from his experience during the Capitol riot to the proposed stimulus bill, climate change, and more.
Lamont Gets the Shot, Enlists Faith Leaders
Governor Ned Lamont was given his first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine at The First Cathedral church Bloomfield.
The choice of location is symbolic of efforts to enlist faith leaders to increase confidence in the safety of the vaccines.
Darcy Barrera Hawes Sworn In
Darcy Barrera Hawes was sworn in this morning as Democratic Registrar of Voters by Town Clerk Donna Anastasia.
Ms. Hawes served as deputy to Mike Zegers, who stepped down earlier this month. She will serve alongside Republican Registrar Tammy Roberts.
Friends, Family Celebrate Bob Turner's 100th
The Weston Senior Center was the scene of a drive-by celebration on February 14 by friends and family of Bob Turner.
The occasion? Mr. Turner’s 100th birthday.
Agreement Near for Sale of Fromson-Strassler
A sale price for the Fromson-Strassler property has been agreed upon by the Town of Weston and the Aspetuck Land Trust. Other terms of the deal are expected to be resolved soon.
The sale must ultimately be approved by voters.
65 and Above Eligible for Vaccination
Governor Ned Lamont announced that, as of February 11, those age 65 and above are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination appointment.
We have registration links, but with 350,000 more residents eligible, patience will be required.
Zegers Steps Down as Registrar
Mike Zegers, the Democratic Registrar of Voters highly regarded on both sides of the aisle, announced his resignation effective February 14.
First Selectman Chris Spaulding hailed Mr. Zegers for his years of service to the town.
Christopher Plummer: A Tribute from the Playhouse
Legendary actor Christopher Plummer died this morning in his Weston home at the age of 91.
In this contributed article, the Westport Country Playhouse, where he was a key figure, pays tribute.
Cobb's Mill Inn Suitor Emerges
The latest expression of interest in purchasing Cobb’s Mill Inn, by Kleber Siguenza, a restauranteur and Weston resident, emerged at an informational P&Z meeting on Monday.
Weston Schools to Receive Emergency Relief Funds
The Weston Public School district will receive $228,541 in federal funds.
According to State Senator Will Haskell, the money is intended to help school districts keep students and staff healthy and mitigate learning loss caused by the pandemic.
The Real Pets of Weston
It’s our pleasure to introduce you to a handsome young hound named Pete!
This pup is still growing and has wiggles and wags to spare. It’s pretty much impossible not to share in his enthusiasm.
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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