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Conditions look favorable for reopening schools, but Governor Lamont made clear his desire for a hybrid mode.
Infections are rising among younger people.
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NEW DETOURS UPDATE: Route 57 detours and construction are now scheduled to begin on Sunday, August 9, probably around 8:00 am.
Rising enrollments in Weston schools, August 31 start date.
Weston Weather
Update, 3:45 pm: Rain in Weston should be ending about now. Wind speed has peaked and will gradually drop over the next few hours. Eversource reports over 90 percent of Weston and Westport have power outages.
A Drive-by Picnic Lunch for Seniors
Weston seniors are being treated to a free drive-by picnic lunch, great music, and a chance to see friends and catch up.
It's all due to the generosity of the Weston Adult Soccer League, Weston Volunteer Fire Department, WestonArts, volunteers, and many others. Enjoy a video by Rozanne Gates.
Fall Term Starts August 31, Enrollments Rise
Weston public schools will open on Monday, August 31 with more students than expected. At the moment, enrollments confirmed and pending are 23 higher than projected earlier this year.
How schools open—fully, remotely, or in a hybrid mode—remains to be seen.
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Districts Will Decide Reopening, Says the Governor
Decisions about how to reopen schools in the fall will be made by local school districts.
At a press conference, Governor Lamont and the Education Commissioner were unequivocal: "districts will make the determination."
Build Stuff. On the Building Committee
A seat on the Building Committee has opened up, and the Town is particularly interested in candidates who are licensed architects with commercial or institutional experience.
Schools Plan Fall Term on New Date, State Complicates Things
A plan describing three models to reopen Weston public schools at the end of August was sent to Hartford.
Korean Study a Concern, but "Reinforced" Plans
A South Korean study of the transmissibility of COVID-19 by young people "is concerning" for Dr. Albert Ko of Yale University, but at the same time the study "reinforced" State Education Department plans.
Parents will have the option for children to learn off-campus. But for teachers, "There are no easy answers."
Lamont Orders Enforcement of Hot Spot Travel Directive
Updated from initial publication: an executive order by Governor Ned Lamont puts teeth into his directive regarding travel from hot spot states.
With a few exceptions, travelers must complete an online form and, unless they have tested negative, self-quarantine.
A Shift in Expectations About COVID's Direction
The best-guess six months ago that the COVID-19 pandemic would resemble the shape of influenza outbreaks was wrong, says Connecticut chief epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Cartter.
One result may be the dreaded prospect of an ongoing battle against COVID while influenza opens a new front.
Letters to the Editor
"On Friday June 5th," writes Anabel Sollinger, "citizens in Westport marched in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, hoping to spread awareness for the need for increased police reform and accountability in the United States. Marching with them was Senator Will Haskell…"
Grant Awarded for Affordable Housing Plan
The Town of Weston has been awarded a $15,000 grant by the Connecticut Department of Housing to develop an affordable housing plan.
Zoning and affordable housing are hot topics in Hartford.
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.
Schools Task Force Plans, Lamont to Decide in Early August
Governor Lamont hopes to give a 'go' in early August to reopen schools.
Meanwhile, less than ten days remain for a task force to finish fleshing out three models and their costs.
The Lunch Box Reopens
After four months being closed due to the pandemic, The Lunch Box has reopened with a new menu and new services.
In a video interview, co-owner Jessica Tolk talks about how the restaurant is operating, plans going forward, and what it has taken to weather the storm.
A Critical Ingredient for Reopening
"We're at a junction that I've always had some concern about," says First Selectman Chris Spaulding.
In a 6-minute video interview, Dr. Spaulding focuses on a key, personal element that can help avoid setbacks that would require another round of closings.
Town Reopening Planned for August 10
Monday, August 10 is the new target for reopening Town Hall and other municipal facilities, following a vote by the Board of Selectmen on July 2.
Preparations are underway to resume operations with equipment and procedures that meet the ongoing need for COVID-19 precautions.
Police Urge Car Theft Precautions
Weston Police want you to know about car thefts in town, an increasing problem throughout Fairfield County, and urge you to take precautions.
Recent thefts include two vehicles from the same driveway, and four stolen cars in one night.
Thomas K. Kolbusz, 67
Thomas (Tommy) Karol Kolbusz, age 67, of Weston, the loving husband of Dr. Lorraine Kolbusz, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
A lifelong resident of Fairfield, Mr. Kolbusz moved to Weston 35 years ago.
Road Paving to Continue
Work to improve Weston roads will continue this year, despite a suggestion from the Board of Finance that paving be put off until 2021. On July 2, the Board of Selectmen voted to proceed.
At the heart of the matter is a fear among some on the Finance Board that costs to reopen Weston schools could pressure reserve funds.
RedZone Fitness Studio Set to Open
RedZone, a state-of-the-art fitness and health studio, opens on July 20 in the Weston Shopping Center.
In a video interview, co-owner Elana Goldblatt describes the RedZone approach to cardio and strength training, and a special grand opening membership.
Donation Helps Expand Pollinator Habitat
Weston's Pollinator Pathway group has raised $8,000 to create additional pollinator habitat in town, partly thanks to an assist from the Sustainable CT Community Match Fund.
This year, the group intends to focus on native plantings at several prominent Weston locations. Work has already begun at two of them.
At Lachat: Movies, Produce, Gardens. Soon, Goats
The team that runs Lachat Town Farm has managed to not only keep things going during these challenging times, but to add even more features to help all of us keep going.
Drive-in movies. Swag. The Farmers Market. And more.
Memory Lane: The Fourth of July
From high above the earth, the sights and sounds of last year's Fourth of July celebrations.
In under three minutes, the bands, the dancing, the large group of people not wearing masks. Good times.
They'll be back. Enjoy.
Progress on Public Safety, Library, and Sidewalks Projects
Progress continues for the new Libary wing and sidewalks projects. Construction to improve Weston's public safety facilities is near completion, a tentative date is set to reopen Town Hall.
A video interview with the First Selectman, and a synopsis.
Ten-Year-Old Makes Masks, Supports Food Pantry
An enterprising ten-year-old decided to tackle the effects of the pandemic in two ways: to sew protective face coverings, sell them, and use the proceeds to help stock the Weston Food Pantry.
State Unveils Outline for Fall Schools Reopening
The broad outlines of a plan to reopen Connecticut public schools were presented today by Governor Ned Lamont and State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona.
Changes at the Transfer Station, July 1
Changes are in store for Weston's transfer station on July 1, following ordinance amendments approved by the Selectmen and the town's joining a regional waste management authority.
Days, hours, and fees change.
Route 57 Detours in August
On or about August 3, construction at the intersection of Route 57 and Good Hill Road will cause auto traffic on 57 to be detoured to a 1.3 mile loop around Held Pond.
Trucks have a longer detour. The work is estimated to take four to 14 days.
Free Community College Takes One Step Ahead
A plan championed by State Senator Will Haskell to provide free community college in Connecticut took one step closer to reality with a decision by the Board of Regents for Higher Education.
The Regents approved a one-time $3 million payment that will fund the Pledge to Advance Connecticut program for the fall 2020 semester.
Westport Weston YMCA Reopens
The Westport Weston Family YMCA reopened on June 22. Total reopening will be done in phases, observing state and local health guidelines.
The first phase includes the Wellness Center, pools, group fitness classes, personal training, and Camp Mahackeno.
A Memorable Send-off for the Class of 2020
This year, Weston High School seniors were cheated out of a spring semester, customary year-end activities, and a traditional graduation.
By all accounts, they made the best of a bad situation. With the help of school administrators, teachers, staff, and parent reps, they got, if not the send-off they expected, at least a memorable one.
Richard L. Canel, 92
Richard L. Canel, 92, long-time Weston resident passed away Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Norwalk Hospital.
Dick was born on January 28, 1928 to the late H. Lee Canel and Maude Taylor. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth Sue Brown in 1997.
No Mill Rate Increase, Budgets Approved
In a 4–3 vote on Thursday evening, Weston's Board of Finance left the mill rate unchanged and approved the Town and Board of Education budget requests.
The Board took advantage of a closing-related surplus and deferred three capital expenditures.
Hundreds Attend Black Lives Matter Gathering
As many as 400 people gathered on the lawn at Town Hall on Sunday for a Black Lives Matter event organized by Weston students Jordan Blunschi and Jasper Richardson.
Our video and photo report.
Classic Car Rally for the Connecticut Food Bank
A classic car rally raised thousands for the Connecticut Food Bank.
If the idea catches on in other parts of the country, as much as $1 million could be raised for food banks this summer.
Together
In 1-½ minutes, voices from the community about the times we live in.
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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