Top Stories
The state offered a mandate opt-out, P&Z said "we'll take it." Advice from a physician about winter sports safety, new movie reviews and music.
Covid Reports
Updated Tuesday, December 7 Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
Weather & Events
Highlights on The Calendar: a Women's Club of Weston holiday lunch, stuff a Humvee, Al of Al's Angels speaks, eat and drink and shop at St. Francis.
P&Z Opts Out of Detached Apartments Mandate
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to opt out of a state mandate to allow detached apartments on homeowner properties.
The Selectmen still must act, and P&Z will have “a robust discussion” about what works for Weston.
First Connecticut Omicron Case Confirmed
Connecticut has its first confirmed case of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, a fully vaccinated Hartford County man in his 60s.
“This likely is not the only case of the variant in the state,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
Gearing Up for Safe Winter Sports
Winter sports enthusiasts eagerly await a run on the ski slopes and ice hockey is in full swing.
While there is no way to completely prevent accidents, recognizing a head injury and having appropriate equipment are two ways to improve your outcome.
Wynn Lambert, 93
Wynn Lambert, 93, of Palm Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2021 after a short battle with cancer.
In 1965 Wynn moved his family to Weston, where they lived for 54 years.
Susan Granger At The Movies
Susan Granger reviews House of Gucci, Lamb, and Mass. Lady Gaga in a sordid saga of love and betrayal, a folkloric tale from Norse mythology, and a psychological drama about a school shooting.
Weston by Air
Perhaps the most dazzling feature of Weston is Weston itself. If only we could see it from way up in the sky.
Well, we can. In only eleven minutes, on video. Come fly with us.
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The Hit List
Listen in as Phoebe Bridgers infuses a Tom Waits song with “melancholic glow,” Grimes returns, SZA has a new release, Abba checks in with a holiday single, and a new Shawn Mendes tune may be all about a breakup.
PBA Toy Drive Features “Stuff a Police Humvee”
The annual toy drive by the Weston Police is running now, with a fun event coming up where families can drop off donations and kids can enjoy hot chocolate and police vehicles.
Obituaries
Wynn Lambert, 93, of Palm Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. Mr. Lambert lived in Weston for 54 years, where he was active in the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. Full obituary.
Frederick Louis Hyman died peacefully on October 7, 2021 at the age of 89. He was a television and publishing executive, and Jacques Cousteau’s friend and business partner. Full obituary.
November Property Transfers
24 Weston properties changed hands in November, fewer than the 37 in November of 2020 but twice the number in November of 2019. The median selling price of normal warranty deed transactions was $1.168 million.
Weston Arts SPOTLIGHT
Welcome to WestonArts Spotlight, a new column from WestonArts, dedicated to connecting, supporting and celebrating the arts in our community, highlighting local artists, their stories, their works, and upcoming performances.
KMS Partners House of the Week
For a home that is comfortable for both everyday living and hosting guests and entertaining, look no further than 24 Martin Road for the perfect combination. With a year-round pool, six bedrooms, and incredible details, enjoy the splendor of this home all year long.
Lamont: State Watching Omicron Closely
Connecticut health officials are closely watching developments with the Omicron variant of Covid-19, according to an announcement by Governor Ned Lamont.
“This news reminds us about the importance of being vaccinated and getting a booster,” said Mr. Lamont.
Chew on This: Gingerbread Men
Gingerbread man kits are available for order again this season from the Weston Women’s League, following a hugely popular debut last year.
You can choose from five kits — plus a special one — and have your order delivered (in Weston and Westport).
Letters to the Editor
In the most recent letter, a resident renews her call for rakes over noisy leaf blowers.
In previous letters, Friends of Lachat urged voters to approve an agreement with neighbors at a Special Town Meeting.
Westport Playhouse Remembers Sondheim
During the summer of 1950, Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at Westport Country Playhouse. He worked in a variety of capacities and appeared in a production. Years later, Sondheim’s own work appeared on the Playhouse stage.
Haskell Recognized for Student Debt Legislation
State Senator Will Haskell won national recognition in the 2021 Ideas Challenge by NewDEAL for sponsoring legislation to provide a tax credit for businesses that help employees pay off student loans.
Police and Community Engagement Program, December 4
A program aimed at strengthening the relationship of law enforcement and the community runs in Weston on December 4. The program focuses on de-escalation practices and building trust.
Barbara Anne King Wins Adult Fiction Honors
“The Apple King,” a novel by Weston author Barbara Anne King, is the 2021 winner of the Connecticut Author Project Award for adult fiction. The contest is sponsored by the Indie Author Project.
Eversource, BBB Scam Alert
‘Tis the season for lots of things, including scams. Eversource and the Better Business Bureau urge you to be on the lookout for two. “Scammers are constantly changing their tactics,” says an Eversource official.
P&Z OKs Lily’s, Weston Gardens, Aspetuck Plans
The Planning and Zoning Commission gave a green light to special permit applications by Lily’s Weston Market and Aspetuck Valley Country Club.
The commission also confirmed the zoning status of Weston Gardens, which is planned to be sold.
10 Reasons Why Fairfield County Is a Great Place to Raise Your Family
I have been a Realtor in Fairfield County since 2009. My husband and I are currently raising our family in Weston, which coupled with my upbringing in nearby Greenwich allows me to truly give you a longtime local’s perspective…
I might be a bit ahead of myself, but there is news on what’s ahead in Hartford. At least in regard to Zoom and other virtual methods of communication.
This “temporary” measure has turned out to be a boon to local governments around the state.
Mark Twain Library Art Show, December 5–12
Redding’s Mark Twain Library presents its annual fundraising Art Show from December 5 through December 12.
The juried show, in its 49th year, runs as both an in-person exhibition and an online gallery. A ticketed preview reception takes place on December 4.
MoCA Invites Entries by High School Artists
MoCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Westport, invites submissions to a 2022 High School Student Art Exhibition. Art in the exhibition will be on view early next year and in an online gallery.
Emmanuel Church Tree Lighting, December 4
Emmanuel Church will ring in the holiday season with a tree lighting community event on Saturday, December 4. Features include carols, s’mores, and a WestonArts crafts activity for kids.
Blossom Hill Auction, November 19 – 30
The Blossom Hill Foundation holds its 12th annual auction from November 19 through November 30. Blossom Hill was founded to help children affected by conflict in the Middle East.
Special Olympics Auction, November 26
Bidding opens on November 26 for an online auction benefiting athletes served by Connecticut Special Olympics. It is called the “Choose to Include Holiday Auction,” and includes trips, gift baskets, and more.
About the Schools: Condition, Capacity, and Use
Weston public schools are the focus of a “community conversation” on November 17. The intent is to establish a common understanding so informed decisions can be made.
Hospitals Seek to End Labor and Delivery Care
In a Guest Essay, State Representatives Anne Hughes and Susan Johnson urge public testimony against plans by two rural hospitals to discontinue maternity and delivery services.
Democrats Seek Boards & Commissions Volunteers
With openings on several Town commissions, boards and committees, the Democratic Town Committee is looking for volunteers.
Weekday Devil’s Den Closings for Deer Hunt
Devil’s Den will be closed on nine weekdays in November and December as The Nature Conservancy conducts its annual deer hunt on the preserve, during the firearms hunting season designated by the state.
Veterans Day Observed
Weston veterans were honored at a ceremony organized by the Town’s Veterans Affairs Committee at the Memorial Garden on November 11.
Flags had been placed by Scouts, greeting cards were written by Daisies and presented to the veterans.
Selectmen, Boards and Commissions Sworn In
Newly-elected and reelected members of Weston boards and commissions were sworn in by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz at the Town Hall gazebo on November 9.
Eversource: Higher Winter Bills Coming
Eversource is warning residential consumers that significantly higher electric bills are on the way this winter. At the root of the problem: the increasing cost of natural gas.
Voters OK Lachat Agreement
115 qualified voters turned out for a Special Town Meeting and unanimously approved an agreement between Friends of Lachat, the Town, and nearby homeowners.
United Nations Anniversary Celebrated
The 76th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations was observed on October 25 at a flag raising and ceremony at Town Hall organized by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.
Town Mask Mandate Lifted, Somewhat
This morning, First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor rescinded her emergency order mandating masks indoors in public settings. The rules still apply in Town facilities.
Election Recap: What Changed, What Didn’t
First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor and Selectman Martin Mohabeer cruised to victory in Tuesday’s voting. Amy Jenner will also join the Board of Selectmen. An election recap.
Covid Vaccine Available for Kids Age 5 to 11
Wasting no time after action by the FDA and the CDC, Governor Ned Lamont announced that Covid-19 vaccines are available for children ages 5 to 11. Nearly all Connecticut school-aged children are now eligible.
An Official Welcome for Weston Pharmacy
The new Weston Pharmacy was officially welcomed in an event hosted by State Senator Tony Hwang and First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor on Saturday, October 30.
Play Ball For All and Community Pitch In
A Sunday morning curbside food collection by Weston’s Play Ball For All program brought in much-needed stock for the Weston Food Pantry.
Korean War Veterans Honored
Veterans of the Korean War were honored at a Town Hall ceremony led by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor on October 19.
P&Z Creates Village District
On Tuesday evening, after again hearing from the public, the Planning and Zoning Commission adopted new zoning that creates a Village District in town center.
Scenes from Founders Day
Weston celebrated the town’s 234th birthday on October 11 at the Founders Day event hosted by WestonArts.
Here we have scenes of the event.
Jolantha: It All Started With Ebenezer and Abigail
A pig named Jolantha lives on Kellogg Hill Road, always dressed for the occasion. She has taken on a life of her own with each passing year as a charming Weston icon.
Her history may surprise you.
October Proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month
First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor proclaimed October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in a ceremony at Town Hall. (888) 774-2900 is the number for those in distress.
Drive-Through Flu Clinics Available
Drive-through flu vaccination clinics are available on Thursdays through November 11 from Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County.
The clinics take place from 2:00 to 4:30 at 22 Danbury Road in Wilton.
Play Ball For All Names Leadership Board
Play Ball for All, the local organization where high school athletes and volunteer coaches mentor underserved youth and run baseball clinics, named its Teen Mentor Leadership Board for 2021 – 2022.
Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety
The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is promoting “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” this year’s public awareness campaign by the National Fire Protection Association.
“It’s important to learn the different sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,” said Fire Chief John Pokorny.
State, Eversource Reach Isaias Settlement
In a settlement with the state, Eversource will return $65 million to customers, set aside $10 million more, stabilize electric rates for at least two years, decline to appeal a $28.4 million PURA penalty, and change its governance.
Haskell: Ensure Safe, Convenient Voting
In a guest essay, State Senator Will Haskell recaps Connecticut legislation extending absentee ballot access and plans "to continue working toward greater democratic accessibility."
Other Recent News
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previous Articles section.
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