In the News
Dispatch shifts to Redding, Weston likely has hundreds of cases, possibly 100 times the number confirmed. A 3-minute video update.
The budget process continues virtually, with cuts in the offing, and will end without a public vote.
Governor Lamont calls for health care volunteers.
Where Things Stand
23 confirmed cases in Weston, possibly 2,300 by the State epidemiologist's rule-of-thumb.
Whether you have it or not, whether you know if you have it or not, the best way to stay safe is to stay home.
See our special resources section or the special Town website page.
Weston Weather
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 54°. Rain mid-afternoon through late night.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, high 49°.
Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high 52°.
Thursday: Partly cloudy, high 54°.
Friday: Overcast, high 56°.
Dispatch Shifted to Redding, Weston Cases Likely High
Key points in a 3-minute video from First Selectman Chris Spaulding:
Emergency dispatch is temporarily being handled by Redding. Fields and the running track remain open for now. 17 confirmed Weston positives are probably 1,700 actual cases.
Budgets: Business as Unusual
There will be no Annual Town Budget Meeting or referendum this year, but work continues on the budgets.
Increases continue to decrease, and a potential mill rate hike may be getting smaller and smaller.
A Champion on the Ice and Off
Weston figure skater Jillian Belluck brought home a synchronized skating gold medal and an individual award, which included a charitable donation.
She was also set to represent the United States in the world championship tournament in England.
And This...
Parks & Recreation Column: Current programs, updated weekly.
February property transfers.
Special: How Weston Volunteer Fire Department keeps us safe.
Where things are with the Town Plan. About Town.
Safe Connect for domestic violence victims.
Joseph Linker: GeoBee Whiz
Our congratulations to Weston Middle School eighth grader Joseph Linker, whose knowledge of geography qualified him to compete in the National Geographic GeoBee state competition.
Our sympathies to him as well, as the competition was canceled.
Health Care Volunteers Needed
Governor Lamont: "The State of Connecticut needs health care volunteers now more than ever to help out with the COVID-19 effort, including students and other retired health care workers."
A brief video from the governor and information about how to register.
Tennis, Basketball Courts Closed
Per OEM: Tennis and basketball courts at the Weston schools athletic complex are closed. The running track remains open, but those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
School security staff will supervise, assisted by Weston Police if necessary.
Spaulding, Miceli: March 25 Update
In a six-minute video report, First Selectman Chris Spaulding and Office of Emergency Management Director Sgt. Joe Miceli update Weston on the COVID-19 crisis, advise on safety, and discuss new Town communication tools.
The Real Dogs of Weston
Meet Mini & Bucky, dog brothers from different mothers who found the same forever home in Weston! These playful pups are so much fun to be around, human family members Doug, Lisa, Alexis & Jacob Rozen don’t even mind that they hog all the social media spotlight.
OEM: Weston Resident Dies of COVID-19 Illness
From the Weston Office of Emergency Management:
We regret to inform you that one of our community members has succumbed to his illness caused by COVID-19.
Fatal Car Crash on Goodhill Road
Nanette Charny, 61, of Weston, was the victim of a fatal car accident on Monday, March 23.
Weston emergency responders were dispatched after a 911 call reported a partially submerged vehicle in a pond on Goodhill Road. Anyone with information is asked to contact Weston Police at (203) 222-2600.
The Pharm Stand Opens in Ridgefield
CBD has been all the rage for the past few years. In Ridgefield, The Pharm Stand offers high-quality, reliable CBD products and a special discount for Weston Today readers.
Lachat Closes
Lachat Town Farm has closed, due to increased traffic and concern that visitors may not practice safe social distancing.
Events, including the farm's spring Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 4, have been canceled.
The birdhouse competition is still on!
The Co-op: A Natural Path to Learning
The Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School, fondly known as The Co-op, values play as the natural path to learning.
Each classroom has a wall of window to the outside. Play themes often incorporate nature and the seasons of the year.
Keep Kids Warm & Healthy All Winter
Winter can bring lots of family fun — sledding, skiing, snowboarding, not to mention shoveling snow.
No matter what kind of weather winter brings this year, here are some tips to follow to keep your kids warm, healthy, and safe.
Letters
Sean Martin writes about plastic zip ties left on the side of the road by cable crews.
Former First Selectman Nina Daniel writes that the Town and Education budgets should be flattened.
Rolfing Part 2: Learning to Breathe
By the end of my first Rolfing session, I found myself breathing more deeply, more evenly, and more consistently. The session gave me a new appreciation for the value of high-quality, consistent breathing.
Urgent Appeal from Weston EMS
An open letter from EMS President Jon Weingarten:
"This is a letter I could never have imagined writing. We are making an URGENT appeal for help."
Devil's Den Closed
The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut has closed Devil's Den.
The Conservancy says this is due to a dramatic increase in visits, large groups congregating without social distancing, and to visitors not heeding requests to not park where emergency access would be blocked.
OEM Bulletin: March 23
10:00 am bulletin from Weston's Office of Emergency Management:
Synopsis: two new COVID-19 cases are reported in Weston. While not informed prior to public release, OEM is working to obtain more comprehensive data, believes the number will be higher, and urges you to continue practicing social distancing.
A Note About Trout Brook
Aspetuck Land Trust's preserves are still open, but Trout Brook Valley is getting a lot of traffic.
The Trust urges you to leave your dog at home, keep your distance from others, and suggests you try other, possibly less crowded, preserves they manage.
They don't want to have to close Trout Brook.
First Weston COVID-19 Confirmed
In a brief video statement, First Selectman Chris Spaulding announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Weston.
Weston Education Foundation Announces Teacher Award
The Weston Education Foundation has a new teacher honor: the Elizabeth W. Stokes Founder’s Award.
It recognizes and rewards a teacher who has provided a unique or unusual experience outside the classroom to Weston students.
First CT Fatality, Lamont Orders Malls Closed
This afternoon on the steps of the State Capitol, a somber Governor Ned Lamont announced the first fatality in Connecticut from complications related to the COVID-19 virus.
Earlier in the day, the governor ordered the closing of indoor portions of large shopping malls, bowling alleys, and amusement parks.
Two Great Ways to Help
You can help Weston Social Services help neighbors in need at this difficult time.
Also, the Red Cross has a severe shortage of blood right now.
Blood drives have been canceled, but you can still make an appointment and donate.
Spaulding, Miceli: March 16 Update
In a 5-minute video report, First Selectman Chris Spaulding and Sgt. Joe Miceli of Weston OEM update citizens on the declaration of a Weston emergency, the importance of avoiding contact, even outdoors, and the need to be aware of potential stress on the healthcare system.
Spaulding Declares Emergency
First Selectman Chris Spaulding has declared a state of emergency in Weston.
His formal declaration essentially extends State and national declarations related to the COVID-19 crisis.
In Westport, First Selectman Jim Marpe also declared an emergency, and reported 20 new confirmed cases.
Governors Announce Additional Restrictions, Concerned about Healthcare
The governors of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey announced a common set of rules. In all three states, restaurants cannot offer in-house dining. Bars, movie theaters, gyms, and casinos are closed. Public gatherings are limited to 50 people.
"We are badly outgunned," said Governor Ned Lamont.
All Schools, Most DMVs to Close. Restaurants, Bars May Be Next
Governor Ned Lamont ordered all public schools closed until at least March 31, authorized DMV closings, will explore bar and restaurant closings.
Towns may have flexibility in budget votes, small businesses may qualify for low-interest loans, some business tax deadlines are extended. And more.
Spaulding, Miceli on COVID-19 Response
First Selectman Chris Spaulding and Weston Office of Emergency Management Director Sgt. Joe Miceli discuss the decision to close Weston schools and Town facilities to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Our video report, about 5 minutes.
Lamont Modifies 180-Day School Year, Restricts Events
Governor Ned Lamont modified the State rule requiring 180 days of classroom instruction and ordered a prohibition on events with over 250 people.
Dr. Matthew Cartter, the State's chief epidemiologist, said he expects "in the next month, 20 percent of the Connecticut population will have this."
Schools, Town Offices Close
Weston's public schools and key facilities are closed until further notice after the discovery of possible exposure to coronavirus COVID-19.
This afternoon, First Selectman Chris Spaulding and Emergency Management Director Sergeant Joe Miceli activated the town's emergency operations center.
Lamont Declares Emergency, Spaulding Urges Social Distancing
Governor Ned Lamont today declared a state of emergency in Connecticut, invoking two statutes that give him power to modify or suspend regulations that interfere with protecting public health.
Lamont Confers with Local Leaders, Places Restrictions
Governor Ned Lamont's conference call with municipal leaders was "sobering, but highly informative," said First Selectman Chris Spaulding.
The governor also announced another case, forbade State travel, discouraged meetings, and urged students not to travel for break. DPH placed restrictions on nursing home visits.
Questions, News in Finance Board Reviews
In budget review meetings last week, the Board of Finance appeared to signal a willingness to increase road maintenance funds and heard encouraging news about a major school district expense.
Some members objected to certain budget measures by both the Town and school administrations.
Spaulding Convenes Coronavirus Task Force
On March 5, First Selectman Chris Spaulding convened a meeting of medical and emergency response officials to coordinate readiness plans for the possibility of coronavirus cases appearing in Weston.
This story has been updated since initial publication.
Lamont Urges Following New CDC Guidance
Governor Ned Lamont is urging that Connecticut residents who have recently traveled to certain countries follow new guidance from CDC and avoid non-essential travel to those countries.
Selectmen Recommend Education Budget Cut, Question Costs
When the Board of Finance begins budget deliberations next week, members will consider an education request transmitted by the Board of Selectmen with a recommendation that it be reduced.
At Lachat: The Nest Best Thing
Lachat Town Farm and Wilton's Ambler Farm have teamed up to put on a birdhouse building competition, The Nest Best Thing.
You can take advantage of a free birdhouse-building workshop, have your birdhouse on display, and win gift certificates.
State, Town, Schools Prepare for Coronavirus
Governor Ned Lamont told reporters in Hartford that the Centers for Disease Control had "upped the ante" on the coronavirus from "a position of containment to mitigation."
"It's no good pretending it's not going to come," said Dr. Matthew Cartter, the State's chief epidemiologist.
Weston Athletes Play Ball for All
Star Weston athletes pitched in last weekend to coach and mentor kids from the Child Guidance Center Of Mid Fairfield County. The program is called Play Ball for All.
Entries Open for DeFACEment Art
Norwalk's Maritime Garage Gallery invites artists age 18 and up to submit work in almost any medium for an exhibit titled “DeFACEment: Through Artistic Eyes.” The entry deadline is April 2.
"Clever uses of medium, with the exception of pedestal sculpture," are encouraged.
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Other Recent News
A defamation lawsuit against the school board and officials seeks millions.
How volunteer firefighters keep Weston safe.
Lang's Pharmacy closes, citing benefits managers.
Speak Up: what we learned.
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previously section. Thanks for reading Weston Today.