Top Story
The Legislature takes first action to require utilities to keep the lights on.
We interview Michelle McCabe, candidate for the 28th State Senate district.
Also in the News
We follow up with three of the area's top real estate agents to find out if the surge in Weston home sales persists.
October 8 is the target to go to Phase 3 of the reopening plan. In a blow to news editors, bars remain closed.
Weather & Events
Our Events section includes a drive-in movie for newcomers, a drive-in concert, Lachat's Hoedown, Hazardous Waste Disposal Day, a Pink Aid fundraiser, and a live musical.
House Passes "Take Back Our Grid"
In special session on September 30, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed the "Take Back Our Grid Act."
The legislation is designed to force power companies to reduce grid failures, improve storm response, and compensate you for extended outages.
Weston Real Estate: Still Hot
A surge in demand for Weston properties continues. In a follow-up to our May report, we learn that inventory is at an all-time low and bidding wars are not uncommon.
Meanwhile, buyers enjoy low interest rates, but lenders are toughening up requirements.
How To Vote Absentee
It's easy to vote absentee this year. Everyone can. We tell you how it works. So does Connecticut's top elections officer, Secretary of the State Denise Merrill.
You can vote by mail or use a safe, secure drop box at Town Hall.
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Letters to the Editor
Susanne Smith says Representative Anne Hughes is "somebody who is totally dedicated to the communities she serves." Maureen E. Hanley writes in support of Senator Tony Hwang, "who always shows up to help."
Read Letters to the Editor.
Seeking the State Senate: Michelle McCabe
In an interview, Michelle McCabe, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate 28th District, which includes part of Weston, discusses topics of current interest and the priorities she would have if elected.
Whaleboats in American History, October 14
Whaleboats played a significant role during and after the American Revolution, but much of their history has been overlooked.
On October 14, historian Ed Hynes tells you all about it in a Weston Historical Society presentation.
Letter: 4-CT Meets Its Goal, Looks Ahead
When Don Kendall and Ted Yang formed 4-CT, the goal was to establish a statewide non-profit to support programs and deliver rapid relief from the pandemic. That goal was met.
Now, a new focus.
About Town
I was wondering when someone around our neck of the woods may notice that Connecticut is in a drought. And then I looked at the map.
At the beginning of September, about a third of our state was in severe drought.
Phase 3 Reopening Set for October 8
If all goes well over the next two weeks, limits on the size of gatherings in many venues will increase on October 8.
But for the time being, bars and nightclubs will remain closed as the state shifts into Phase 3 of the reopening plan.
ACT Presents The Last Five Years Live and Streamed
The curtain rises again in October at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre—in Ridgefield. For your viewing pleasure, in person or at home: the modern musical The Last Five Years.
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.
Play Ball for All Forms Teen Mentor Leadership Board
For the past two years, Weston's Play Ball for All has provided an opportunity for the town's athletes to serve younger ones.
This year, the organization is taking it even further.
Weston Students eesmarts Finalists
Students Thomas Carlon, Annalise Kimura, Nicole Linell, Kaeli Mecca, and Nicole Sztachelski were honored as finalists in the 15th annual eesmarts student contest promoting energy efficiency.
Frank G. Schettino, 98
Frank G. Schettino, Commander, USN (Ret.), 98, passed away on September 16, 2020.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Mr. Schettino joined the optical division of Perkin-Elmer Corp., and the family moved to Weston.
COVID Cases Temporarily Close Weston Schools
Weston schools shifted to all-distance for two days this week after school district officials learned that two students tested positive for Covid-19.
Schools reopened on Wednesday in their hybrid mode. Our September 20 original story now contains an update.
Flags at Half-Staff for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Governor Ned Lamont today directed U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died today at the age of 87.
Seeking Re-Election: Rep. Anne Hughes
In the first of a set of interviews with candidates seeking to represent Weston in the General Assembly, State Representative Anne Hughes discusses topics of current interest, accomplishments from her first term, and priorities for a second.
Autumn Football Still Canceled, Spring Back on the Table
Full contact autumn high school football appears to be a definite no-go following today's announcement by CIAC.
A spring season is back on the table.
Alfred Wirtenberg, 74
Alfred Irving Wirtenberg, age 74 of Weston, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2020.
Alfred lived with his wife, Margaret, in Weston for 40 years. An audiophile and avid runner, he loved the town and its natural beauty. Anyone who met Al loved him.
Jolantha is Ready Again
Our pleasure to bring you this from Hans Wilhelm:
Some time ago the school bus driver stopped by to thank us for always dressing Jolantha up for the first day of school. He said, "Every year on their first day of school there are always some crying children on the bus."
School Board Chair: "If Anyone Can Pull This Off, We Can"
In a video interview, Board of Education chair Tony Pesco discusses the agreement with the Weston Teachers' Association, news about the costs of reopening Weston schools, the "pillars" of the reopening plan, and how parents need to do their part.
Something for Everyone at Lachat Town Farm
In true Weston fashion, Lachat Town Farm continues to keep the community connected by reinventing beloved past events and establishing exciting new ones.
Back to School: Expert Advice
In a video interview, we turned to educational advocate Nancy Taylor for expert advice about how to make school re-entry a success.
School Board, Teachers Union Reach Understanding
In a joint statement this evening, the Weston Board of Education and the Weston Teachers' Association announced an agreement and "common understandings" for reopening schools next week.
Court Dismisses Dog Park Appeal
A Superior Court judge dismissed an appeal of the Conservation Commission's approval of locating a dog park on the Town-owned "Moore property."
"The court has no doubt," wrote Judge Taggart Adams, "the record contains substantial evidence to support the Commission's decision."
Lamont, Legislative Leaders Agree to Emergency Extension
Governor Ned Lamont announced today an agreement with legislative leaders to extend his emergency powers five months, to February 9, 2021.
The six-month Public Health and Civil Preparedness Emergency had been set to expire on September 9.
Barbara Warfield Zacavish, 81
Barbara Warfield Zacavish, age 81, a longtime former Weston resident, died peacefully after a brief illness at her home in Wesley Chapel, Florida on August 24. “Barbie,” as she was affectionately known, had a 35-year teaching career at Hurlbutt Elementary School and co-owned the Lunch Box for 37 years.
New Weston Cases a Concern, Include Children
First Selectman Chris Spaulding, visibly troubled by an outbreak in the region and new Weston coronavirus cases that include children, urges Weston residents to remain disciplined and do the right thing.
Teachers: We Don't Feel Safe
Teachers in Weston public schools are more than nervous about returning to classrooms, according to the Weston Teachers' Association. Some teachers put it plainly: "We are terrified."
A Good Idea: Share the Road
You may have seen Share the Road signs popping up around town, especially on busy streets. They come to you courtesy of the Weston Police and Board of Police Commissioners.
No threats about the long arm of the law, but a polite request: let's watch out for each other.
A Friend Remembers Lynne Barrelle, Weston Town Historian
Weston's Town Historian, Lynne Barrelle, passed away on August 18. Her friend and colleague, Mary Ann Barr, Town Historian of Danby, New York, writes that the two "were fellow explorers into Weston history for many years."
How Weston Schools Will Reopen: The Plan
Weston public schools open on September 8, if all goes as planned, with a blend of in-person and online instruction, a full curriculum, and a more populace student body.
Questions remain about athletics, with a shift to spring possible for two autumn sports.
Community Kindness: Trip’s Tree
Four-year-old Trip Burns has always had a special connection with nature and the outdoors.
His interest in one particular tree produced a touching kindness.
Post Office Challenges in Weston and Beyond
Long lines and long waits at the Weston Post Office, frustrating to many residents, are mainly attributable to the facility's size.
The Postal Service itself is under great pressure.
Powerless
For about a week, we were reduced to reporting only to our email list whenever we could find a stray signal strong enough to connect.
In this story, photos and a recap of our email reports.
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..
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Other Recent News
Links to all previous articles can be found in our aptly-named Previous Articles section.
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