Top Stories
Top realtors tell you all about home sales, values, and Weston's appeal.
At the Movies: one tantalizing, one sadly surreal, one bleak and bizarre.
Obituaries: Jane Ransom Gray, Dr. Jack Shiller.
Covid Reports
Updated Monday, January 18. Click for our latest report on vaccines and where things stand.
A Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be a supply game changer. In Weston, the total number of confirmed cases is up 23 percent.
Weather & Events
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Weston Real Estate: Still Hot
In a video interview and summary, we followed up with top realtors to find out the latest about Weston real estate sales and home values.
We also learned something significant about Weston's appeal to prospective new residents.
Lachat Day of Service Honors Dr. King
Lachat Town Farm honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 18, where you can create kindness bags that are distributed to children.
There are other ways to participate if you can't be there.
Vaccination Registration Opens for Age 75 and Up
Connecticut residents age 75 and up can now register with the state's Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Registration is available online. A telephone registration system is becoming operational.
Also in the News
Governor Lamont authorized deployment of 200 additional National Guard troops to safeguard the inauguration.
Artists! Show your work in a WestonArts virtual gallery.
Special: Contact tracing: how it works, why it matters.
Administration Requests 3.81% Schools Budget Increase
Budget season officially began with a request by the school district administration for a 3.81 percent operating budget increase.
The district has found savings in several areas but is also experiencing higher costs in major categories. Nearby districts are in the same position.
Stop the Spread: EMS Urges Flu Shots
EMS and other emergency responders have received the Covid-19 vaccine, providing protection for members and helping to ensure they will be there when you call.
The service encourages continued vigilance and flu shots.
Briefly
Senator Tony Hwang: "We should truly observe this day."
The Democratic Town Committee seeks candidates for the Commission on Aging.
Notices from the Tax Collector about taxes due and Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9R.
Obituaries
Jane Ransom Gray, 93, of Weston, passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2020, surrounded by family. Full obituary.
Dr. Jack G. Shiller, 92, a longtime Westport resident, died in his home in Redding, Connecticut on January 13, 2021. Full obituary.
Granger At The Movies: Bridgerton, Two More
Susan Granger describes her three selections this week as, tantalizing, sadly surreal, and bleak and bizarre.
Lamont Deploys Guard Troops to D.C.
At the request of the United States National Guard, Governor Ned Lamont authorized the deployment of more than 100 members of the Connecticut National Guard to Washington, D.C.
The deployment includes military police and dog teams trained to detect explosives.
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.
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.
About Town
How wrong can a person be? How about a little?
Last week I said, “2021 would begin the recovery of the nation” from Covid.
Perhaps that still is true.
Rep. Hughes on Zoom at Noon, a Recap
State Representative Anne Hughes joined us for a live Q&A Zoom at Noon on Sunday, January 10.
Topics covered a wide range.The video is indexed in case you only want to see certain parts of the conversation.
Covid-19 UK Variant Present in Connecticut
Two cases of the new, highly transmissible variant of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Connecticut.
The individuals are between the ages of 15 and 25. Both reside in New Haven County. Both recently traveled. But genetic testing indicates the cases are unrelated.
Improved AT&T Cell Coverage on the Way
A new cell tower near Lyons Plain Road will improve reception and coverage for AT&T mobile users when construction is finished in the spring.
AT&T customers and first responders will finally encounter fewer dead zones. Construction has begun.
Town Forms Diversity Advisory Committee
A Town Diversity Advisory Committee has begun work to develop recommendations regarding diversity, equality, and inclusion in Weston.
“We want to hear from the people who represent the diverse voices of our community,” said the First Selectman.
Cardona Chosen for Secretary of Education
Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona has been selected to serve as Secretary of Education in the Biden administration.
Dr. Cardona, a product of Connecticut public schools, was later a teacher, principal, and administrator in them.
An Appeal: Help Stop the Spread
In this column, EMS President Jon Weingarten takes on the task of convincing Weston residents to recognize that "each of us has the ability to control Covid-19 infections."
With ten precautions, you can be a protector of friends, strangers, and the community as a whole.
Almost Christmas: a Song for You
Twelve amazing singers from Weston’s SBEstudio dazzle you with Almost Christmas, a song from A Little Princess, in this delightful three-minute video.
Shared with you as a give-back message of hope for the community.
Moderna Vaccine to Arrive, Clinical Trials for Children Due Soon
63,000 doses of the new Moderna vaccine are on the way.
The state may change plans for those over 65 or at risk, and Dr. Fauci says clinical trials for children may begin soon.
Santa Visits Historical Society
24 lucky families had a socially distanced chat and photo shoot with Old St. Nick at the Weston Historical Society.
The visit took place on December 6. Photos, and a brief holiday greeting from St. Nick.
First Nursing Home Resident Receives Vaccine
At The Reservoir, a nursing home in West Hartford, Jeanne Peters became the first Connecticut nursing home resident to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Ms. Peters says she is "95 and counting."
Tax Deferments Available, State Funds Coming
The Board of Selectmen acted swiftly on Thursday evening on two actions taken this week by Governor Lamont.
The Board voted to renew 90-day tax deferments and to formally request funds offered by the state to defray costs related to Covid-19.
Helen de Keijzer Honored
Helen de Keijzer Day was declared in a proclamation by the First Selectman on December 17, honoring Ms. de Keijzer's decades of service to the community.
Ms. de Keijzer was hailed for active advocacy for the Weston Senior Center as a longtime member of the Commission on Aging.
Wirtenberg Art Auction Benefits Senior Center
Proceeds from an online silent art auction of watercolors by Margaret Wirtenberg go to the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center to support the Center itself.
This fundraiser will help finance the Center’s 2021 curbside lunch program.
P&Z, Consultant to Plan Affordable Housing
With affordable housing about to come front and center into the focus of the Connecticut General Assembly, Planning and Zoning engaged a consultant to help develop a plan.
The work should take three to four months to complete.
First Supply of Vaccines Expected on Monday
State officials anticipate the first supply of Covid-19 vaccines will arrive as early as tomorrow, December 14.
A select committee recommended immediate distribution, which Governor Lamont ordered.
Weston Schools Shift to All-Remote
Weston public schools shifted into temporary all-remote mode on Monday, December 14, until at least January 6, 2021.
The move was not unexpected. Prospects for an early January resumption are uncertain.
Regents Revive Debt-Free Community College
The Board of Regents for Higher Education breathed fresh life into Connecticut’s new debt-free community college program, voting to provide $3 million to keep the effort going.
Hal Shupack, 1936–2020
Hal Shupack, a former Weston First Selectman and long-serving community leader, passed away on December 7.
New Patio at Weston Senior Center
Thanks to continuing support and donations from the Weston Adult Soccer League, a new back patio is just about complete at the Weston Senior Activities Center.
Students: Design a Billboard
Talented Weston students can send a message about recycling and have a chance to earn $500 for the high school Green Team—and $250 for themselves—with a winning billboard design entry in a competition sponsored by the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority.
Ronald Radcliffe Marshall, 9/29/26-12/1/20
A resident of Weston for 54 years, Ron was born in St, Augustine, Florida.
Several years into his career he met and married Barbara Winkelmann. In 1964 they moved to Weston. Ron was an institution running the roads from the 1960s up until his last year in town.
Code Red Shuts Down January 1, New System Ready for Signup
The Code Red system widely relied upon in town for emergency notifications will be shut down on January 1.
The new Emergency and Community Alert Program is two important systems in one. Everyone is urged to sign up.
Vaccines to Arrive This Month, Rollout Priorities Set
The first Covid-19 vaccines are expected to ship on December 14.
Governor Lamont made the announcement on December 3 and explained how vaccinations will become available.
Give A Kick
A GoFundMe campaign is underway by three Weston young men who started a program three years ago—Give A Kick—to donate shoes to families in need.
They've had great success. But the old way of collecting donations doesn't work this year.
Key Senate Committee Roles for Haskell
State Senator Will Haskell will chair the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee for another two-year term.
"Fighting for higher education and employment opportunities has never been more important," said the senator.
Step Up Connecticut Launches
Step Up Connecticut is a concentrated effort to recruit citizens to support healthcare, long-term care, education, and those most vulnerable as the pandemic health crisis continues.
Lamont: Beware Covid Testing Scams
Governor Ned Lamont advises Connecticut residents to be on the lookout for scam artists seeking to take advantage of people needing a test and searching for a place to have one done.
Letters to the Editor
The Silbert family writes about an act of suppression of free speech and racial intolerance.
Rhett Zovich expresses a political opinion with an illustration.
They Look After Us. It's Our Turn
In a video clip from our live November 15 Zoom at Noon broadcast, EMS leaders tell you how volunteers have labored to keep us as safe as possible this year.
In return, they ask only a couple of simple favors.
Appeals Court Declines to Review Dog Park Ruling
Prospects for building a dog park on the town-owned Moore Property improved on November 20 when the Connecticut Appellate Court denied a petition to review a trial court’s ruling.
In August, a Superior Court judge upheld the Conservation Commission’s approval.
School District Weighs Options as Cases Surge
The Weston Public School District advised parents this morning that a shift to all-remote instruction could be imminent with the rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus.
The district has already been forced to retreat from plans to expand in-person education.
Governors Focus on College Students, Thanksgiving, and More
Soon, governors in the region will issue a joint declaration regarding students returning home from college.
Other measures may be in the offing, as the governors "take a look" at indoor dining, gyms, and religious gatherings.
Bella, Linell, Rosenberg Commit
Congratulations to these Weston student athletes who signed commitment letters with colleges this week:
Bella Gary will swim at UConn. Nicole Linell will swim at Northeastern. Julia Rosenberg will run track at Vanderbilt.
Applause for Lachat Haunted Farm
If all the world is a stage, in Weston this year the stage became Lachat Town Farm, creating events that are safe and fun for the entire family.
The capstone may have been the Haunted Farm. It takes a village to create a spooky village.
Letter to the Editor
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Other Recent News
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