In the News
October property transfers.
Real Dogs: who let the cat in?
Veterans Day ceremony video report.
The anthem and the oath, our 90-second video report.
Calendar Highlights
Thursday: Main Street Weston.
Next week at the Library: preparing for the census, preparing for ESPN's Jeremy Schaap.
See details in our Town Calendar about upcoming Weston events.
Weston Weather
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 44°.
Friday: Partly cloudy, high 50°.
Saturday: Clear, high 39°.
Sunday: Overcast, high 43°.
Veterans Honored
A Veterans Day ceremony organized by the town's Veterans Affairs Committee featured perfect weather, a nice gathering, great music, an address, and recognition for those who served.
Our 2-minute video report tells the story.
Toys for Tots Drive Underway
The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive is coming to Weston.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Weston Police Department and Lang’s Pharmacy. They will be given as holiday gifts to less fortunate children.
The Anthem and the Oath
Student singers Maddie Revzon and Kennedy Boehme headlined the Town Hall swearing-in of several newly-elected and re-elected board, commission, and committee members on Friday evening, November 8.
See and hear the anthem and the highlights in our 1-½ minute video report.
And This...
October property transfers.
Parks & Recreation Column: Current programs, updated weekly.
Thanksgiving host families invited by UN group.
The SROs and School Security: a featured, in-depth July 2019 article.
Scoreboard
Volleyball Weston 3, Woodland 1. (Wed. 11/13. Advance to Friday quarterfinal.)
Boys Soccer Weston 0, Granby 4. (Wed. 11/13. CIAC Round 2.)
Field Hockey Weston falls to Woodland in the CIAC quarterfinal in a tiebreaking shootout. (Tue. 11/12.)
Swimming & Diving Weston wins SWC Championship. (Sat. 11/9.)
Football Weston 54, Notre Dame-Fairfield 14. (Fri. 11/8.)
Girls Soccer Weston 0, Notre Dame-Fairfield 3. (Mon. 11/4. SWC Semifinal.)
Music on the Hill: Sounds of the Season
Music on the Hill invites children and adults to join its "Sounds of the Season" rehearsals and performance for the holidays. Rehearsals start now, the concert is on December 13.
In Case of Fire, Have a Plan
Kathlene Garrity of the Connecticut Burns Care Foundation spoke to Weston Kiwanis about the risk of fire and burns from cheap phone chargers and overloaded power strips.
She also presented information about fires in Connecticut, tips for safety, and the role of Bridgeport Hospital as the state’s only burn center.
Rolfing: Pain-Free Living
In 2007 I was diagnosed with De Quervain syndrome. Similar to carpal tunnel, De Quervain syndrome is an inflammation of the tendons involving the thumb and the wrist. The pain is intense.
Conventional treatments didn't work. Rolfing, a treatment I learned about by accident, did.
The Real Dogs & CATS! of Weston
A column just for Weston’s canine — and now, feline! — citizens, sponsored by Passage East Kennels. Each week, a pawsome dog or cat neighbor.
Our first feline guest is Ruby, an affectionate Domestic Longhair who enjoys the purrfect life with the McCarthy family.
The Joys of Adult Music Lessons
More and more older adults are seeing their empty nest and retirement years as a time to do things they never had time for when they were younger. It’s been called “creative aging.” Interest is only growing.
BD Provisions Opens in Fairfield
Do you wish food shopping was more of an experience you look forward to than an errand you dread? BD Provisions may be the shop you’ve been waiting for. And they have a gift for Weston Today readers.
UN Group Invites Hosts for Students
The United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the Westport International Visitors Committee invite local families to open their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday to international students.
Town Election Results
Turnout in today's municipal election was lighter than two years ago, perhaps no surprise in a year when most offices were uncontested.
In the end, every Democrat on the ballot was elected and two Republican incumbents were not.
Town Election: The Candidates
Voting in this year's municipal election takes place on Tuesday, November 5. Several offices on the ballot are uncontested. Seats on three important boards are very much in play.
We reached out to the candidates with three basic questions. This is what we learned.
77 More Acres for Devil's Den
Thanks to a generous gift, the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut has added 77 acres of prime woodland and wetlands, formerly owned by the Nevas family, to its nearly 1,800-acre preserve. The land is on the western border of the Lucius Pond Ordway-Devil’s Den preserve.
Tong, Hughes, Scanlon Discuss Drug Prices
Attorney General William Tong discusses drug pricing in a panel with State Representatives Anne Hughes and Sean Scanlon on October 29 at the Weston Town Hall Meeting Room.
Topics will include a lawsuit against drug manufacturers and State legislation.
The Coastal Caucus
If you haven’t done so lately, take a look around when you are outdoors. Nature makes Weston gorgeous!
This is one reason to live in Weston. But are we ready, as a town, for whatever may affect that in the future?
New Leadership and Systems at Public Works
On October 17, the Board of Selectmen appointed Town Engineer John Conte to head Weston's Department of Public Works, examined a preview of a new road maintenance management system, and formed a temporary committee to advise on public works matters.
New Library Wing Approved by HDC
In only ten minutes on Wednesday evening, the Historic District Commission meeting was called to order and the application for an addition to Weston Public Library approved without stipulation.
Route 57 Detours Coming in Summer
A barely noticeable bridge over an unnamed brook will cause minor traffic issues early next year and larger ones in the summer.
Founders Day in Pictures
Suffice it to say that Friday evening's inaugural Founders Day event was a resounding success. Hundreds of residents joined in a well-organized celebration of Weston's 232nd anniversary as a Connecticut town.
We have the story in pictures, including the memorable Town Selfie taken from high above by Namuk Cho.
Letters to the Editor
Current letters have to do with a discussion with candidates for the Police Commission.
Previous letters are in regard to the Historic District Commission's hearing on an addition to the Weston Public Library.
You can read the letters here.
Library Expansion Approval and Gift in Doubt
On Wednesday evening, the Historic District Commission met again to consider the proposed addition to the Weston Public Library.
In the end, the meeting was continued to October 16, a decision that came after a sense emerged that the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness would be denied if a vote were taken.
Mike Zegers Named Democrat of the Year
Weston's Democratic Town Committee honored Mike Zegers last Sunday night as the 2019 Democrat of the Year. Several of the party's stars attended and offered praise of their own.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said Mr. Zegers's "example of leadership is worth its weight in gold, always being out there, always working hard for others, not caring who gets the credit."
Road Work Begins
With just a little luck from the weather, repaving of five roads that need it desperately will be finished by the end of the month. Work scheduled to commence on October 7 has already begun.
Funds have been added in case they are needed, and a new data-driven planning system is about to be implemented.
National Green Ribbon for Weston High School
In May, we had the pleasure of reporting that Weston High School was selected as a national Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Two weeks ago, student leaders of the school's Green Team formally accepted the award in Washington.
Brady, DiPasquale Brief RTC Members
In September, the Republican Town Committee met with its two candidates for the Board of Police Commissioners to discuss current police matters and the wide range of matters the board addresses on a regular basis.
Great Success at the Library
The Weston Public Library has seen a significant increase in activity in the past two years, a growth that may be tracked directly to its 2017 renovation. Even beyond the proposed addition of an arts and innovation wing, funded by a gift, more improvements are on the way once funds for an already-approved State grant are unfrozen.
Westport-Weston YMCA Breaks New Ground
The Westport-Weston YMCA broke ground on a major expansion that also includes complete renovation of Camp Mahackeno. Within hours, construction crews were on site, as the work is scheduled for completion by this time next year.
An Urgent Call to Action on E-Cig Vaping Epidemic
You’ve probably been reading a lot about vaping in the news lately.
From the increased instances of vaping-related pulmonary illnesses across the country to the marked surge in tobacco use among teenagers, it’s an issue worth our attention — and strong call to action.
Cautions on EEE and West Nile Virus
The Westport Weston Health District reports today that, so far this season, the EEE and West Nile viruses have not been found in mosquitos in Westport or Weston, but that it may only be a matter of time.
Two Connecticut residents have contracted EEE so far this year. Earlier this month, one of them died. Precautions are being encouraged.
Dale B. Reinker, 88
Dale B. Reinker, 88, formerly of Weston, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Nancy (Cooke) Reinker for 63 years and lived in Fairfield, CT and Phoenix, AZ.
As an entrepreneur in the retail and mail order art supply business, he founded the Art Supply Warehouse in Norwalk, and was an active member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Weston as well as the Weston Field Club.
Firestorm and Retreat Over Meal Tax
Guidelines released last week by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for taxes on prepared foods have created something of a firestorm and prompted vigorous backpedalling in Hartford.
Legislators say the guidelines extend well beyond the budget's intentions, and call for a review.
Senator Hwang on Anti-Semitic Hate Crime
I condemn in the most vociferous terms the hateful, anti-Semitic attacks that occurred yesterday in Westport and throughout Connecticut.
When someone becomes the target of a crime because of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability, the very fabric and soul of our community is torn.
Betty L. Corwin, 98
Betty L. Corwin died Tuesday, September 10, at the age of 98 at her home in Weston, Connecticut surrounded by loved ones. The Founder and Director (from 1969 - 2000) of The New York Public Library's groundbreaking Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT), Betty created one of the most important and vital resources in the worldwide theatre community.
Town Plan Workshop Drills Down on Priorities
Monday evening workshop focused on key elements of a ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development, which the Planning and Zoning Commission will complete over the next several months.
If you missed the workshop, you can still participate.
Historic District Commission Approves Town Green
In an evening meeting on September 4, Weston's Historic District Commission approved an application by the Beautification Committee for a Town Green in an area in front of Town Hall and the Library.
The meeting was short and somewhat subdued.
Peggy Ann Anderson, 88
Margaret Ann (Benisch) Anderson (88), better known as Peggy Ann, was a resident of Weston, CT for the past 51 years.
On Thursday, May 30th, 2019 she passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with melanoma cancer. A memorial service celebrating Peggy Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, October 5th.
Selectmen Authorize Deer Hunt. Will it Matter?
The Board of Selectmen authorized a deer hunt on several town-owned properties to occur between September 16 and January 31, 2020.
For perhaps the first time, the vote was not unanimous.
More and other steps may be required to significantly reduce Weston's deer population, if that is desired at all.
Fitness Studio Owner Charged with Sexual Assault
Jose Calasanz Martinez, owner of Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness Studio in Norwalk, was arrested by Norwalk police and charged with fourth degree sexual assault. His accuser says she believes other women, including Weston residents, may have experienced incidents similar to the one she alleges.
Weston Explored Valley Forge
Dave Ungar and Joe Parciasepe of Weston Parks and Recreation must have some serious weather-gods mojo, because for the second year running, heat and humidity yielded to perfect conditions this morning for "Explore Valley Forge."
Asbestos Abated at Hurlbutt
Everything was going smoothly for a project, well under budget, at Hurlbutt Elementary School to replace the school's heating system. Then asbestos was found.
The asbestos is gone, but so are the savings.
Aspirations for the Future of Weston Center
The long-range town plan is still being developed, but already leans toward more commercial zoning in Town Center. Many wonder what the owners of Weston Shopping Center think of that.
They tell you in a Letter to the Editor.
_b.jpg)
Other Recent News
Weston Police arrested an alleged residence intruder.
A man on a bicycle ran into a bear. Literally.
The area around the Onion Barn is in for a makeover.
WestCOG wants to know why so many area roads deteriorate prematurely.
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previously section. Thanks for reading Weston Today.