FOI Commission Denies Hearings, Sends Back a Complaint
The Freedom of Information Commission unanimously approved denying hearing two FOIA complaints from two frequent filers who opened their case by berating the Commission.
January Property Transfers
12 Weston properties changed hands in January. 21 sold in the same month last year. Inventory remains tight. Total sales: $11,199,811. Median warranty deed sale price for homes: $1.375 million.
The Weather
Friday: 22º
Sunny, winds 20 to 24 mph with gusts as high as 38 mph. Wind chill values as low as -6º. Temperatures fall to around 13º in the afternoon. At night, low around 1º. Mostly clear, still windy, wind chill as low as -17º.
“What’s Next in Weston”
In a Y’s Men podcast, Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor discusses the abuse by two Weston residents of the Freedom of Information Act, describing it as an attempt to "radicalize FOIA."
Freedom of Information Director Says “Enough”
Taxpayers are on the hook for legal fees approaching $250,000 due to FOIA complaints brought by two residents. The state Commission's director wants to stop two new ones.
Susan Granger on Stage and Screen
This week, Susan Granger reviews The Yellowstone Trilogy: Yellowstone, its prequel 1883, and its spinoff, 1923.
Board of Education Trims Budget Increase
An initial increase of 3.39 percent dropped to 2.94 percent in the final operating budget proposed by the Board, at this stage one of the lowest increases in the region.
Trustees Announce New Library Director
Ian Parsells, currently Head Librarian and Director of the Derby Neck Library Association, will become director of the Weston Public Library in March.
Nominations Open for Teacher Award
The Weston Education Foundation welcomes nominations for its Elizabeth W. Stokes Founder’s Award, honoring a Weston teacher who has provided a unique educational experience.
Margaret Anne Shaeffer, 76
Margaret Anne Shaeffer, of Weston, died on January 3 in hospice care at Norwalk Hospital after a year-long struggle against an aggressive respiratory disease.
Kiwanis Food Drive Collects Truckloads
Kiwanis Club members got a great response at the shopping center on January 21 as residents pitched in generously to help keep shelves at the Weston Food Pantry stocked.
Weston Sports
February 2 – Boys Basketball: Kolbe Cathedral 56, Weston 33. Girls Basketball: Kolbe Cathedral 43, Weston 40.
February 1 – Wrestling: Weston 61, Joel Barlow 18.
Weekly Covid Report
Updated: February 2, 2023. Our weekly Covid-19 report updates on Thursday evenings. In graphics, the latest on Weston cases and vaccination status, and key Fairfield County metrics.
The Blotter
Updated: January 30, 2023. A summary of Weston Police Department activity from January 23 to January 30, 2023. Assignments or responses and the number of occurrences.
Dr. King Honored at Lachat
The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was celebrated at Lachat Town Farm with a Day of Service where hundreds of grocery bags were filled to help those in need.
“Westport What’s Happening”
In a Y’s Men podcast, Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker gives listeners a sneak peek at a report to be released this week about traffic.
School District Budgeting Process Begins
The initial proposal requests a 3.39 percent operating budget increase. Benefits and some SPED costs are down but energy costs will soar.
Obituaries
Margaret Anne Shaeffer died on January 3 after a year-long struggle against a respiratory disease. Full obituary.
Howard Simon, longtime Weston resident, died on December 30 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Full obituary.
KMS Team: Let’s Discuss Your Options
This incredible 4-bedroom colonial is now closed! There are still more buyers in our area than homes on the market. Reach out today to discuss your real estate options!
Scholarship Fund Opens at Norfield Children’s Center
The fund is a needs-based scholarship established in memory of beloved Norfield teacher Elena Coulter Spence.
What to Expect at the Home Inspection
Sales Associate Robert Appell describes the home inspection process for buyers and sellers: what it is, how it works, and what to expect.
A Good Night for a Bonfire at Emmanuel
It was a nice evening on Saturday for the bonfire at Emmanuel Church. The WVFD supervises, proceeds go to the Weston Warm-Up Fund.
Governor Lamont’s State of the State
In his annual address, Mr. Lamont touched on a wide range of topics, declared that “Connecticut’s permanent fiscal crisis is over,” and proposed tax relief.
Weston Police Say “Thanks”
The Weston PBA and Police Department thank the community for generous donations to very successful holiday toy drives, benefitting hundreds of families in the region.
Howard Simon, 90
Howard Simon, longtime resident of Weston, died on December 30 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was known for his affable personality, engaging everyone he met with midwestern charm.
Brendan O’Kelly, 99
Brendan William O’Kelly, 99 years old, a Weston resident for more than 60 years, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2022. He married the love of his life, Helen Cook on May 16, 1953.
Police Toy Drive Delivers
An initial Humvee-ful of toys for this year’s holiday season was delivered to a preschool in Danbury that focuses on kids with special needs.
Chanukah Celebrated with Menorah Lighting
The traditional Weston Menorah lighting ceremony marked the eight-day Chanukah festival.
Help Wanted: Guest Teachers
Opportunities exist for those with a degree and who can bring life experiences into the classroom.
Ethics Panel Cites Jenner, Errs in Process
The Town’s Board of Ethics ruled that Selectwoman Amy Jenner violated the Code of Ethics. The way they went about it was deemed “a very significant violation.”
Connecticut Remembers
Flags at half-staff on Wednesday were in remembrance of the twenty children and six adults who were killed ten years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Public Notices
The second installment of Real Estate and Personal Property and Supplemental Motor Vehicle Taxes are due and payable on January 1.
Letters to the Editor
In the most recent letter, referring to Marjorie Taylor Greene, Steve Ezzes wonders, “At what point is a person held accountable for seditious comments?”
Susan Hauser, of Weston
Susan Hauser of Weston died on Monday, December 5. Fiercely determined her entire life, she died with her husband and family nearby, at home, on her own terms.
Hundreds Enjoy Tree Lighting and Festival
No doubt the largest of its kind in memory, the Beautification Committee and Commission for the Arts event may be a preview of things to come.
Kiwanis Drive Supports the Food Pantry
Members of the Weston Kiwanis Club were out in force at the shopping center, collecting items to keep the Weston Food Pantry stocked.
New Weston Police Officer Sworn In
Officer Carlos DeJesus took the oath of office in a Town Hall ceremony with his family in attendance. He previously served on the Bridgeport force.
Kathlyn “Bobbie” Dorman Sassano, 99
Kathlyn Dorman Sassano aka “Bobbie” passed away peacefully on November 1st. A celebration of her life will be held at noon on December 3 at Norfield Congregational Church.
A Barn Raising at Lachat
Friends of Lachat and fans of the farm celebrated a milestone in construction of a new facility with a barn raising event where a post and beam structure was hoisted into place.
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.
Lamont Proposes Longer Gasoline Tax Relief
Lawmakers will consider extending the gas tax holiday and adding to funds for heating assistance and essential worker bonuses.
Electric Bills Set to Increase
The supply portion of electric bills from Eversource and United Illuminating will double on January 1, driven by skyrocketing costs of energy.
Mark Blake Honored as Citizen of the Year
A large Town Hall audience gathered on Monday evening as the Police Commission honored the late Mark Blake. Family members and colleagues spoke of his compassion.
“The Ivy Hero,” Righting a Wrong of History
A new book by Weston author Dan Burstein tells the stories of two World War I heroes denied the Medal of Honor for nearly a century until a wrong was made right.
Weston Honors Veterans
Weston veterans were honored with Veterans Day events at the schools and a ceremony at Town Hall, which included a message about servant leadership.
Selectmen Vote 2–1 to Table Union Complaint
The union president is “furious” and dismayed at the vote by the two Selectmen, one of whom is named in the complaint. Further action is planned.
Eversource Puts EV Information Online
Now online, ChooseEV includes information about available models, tax incentives, potential savings, home charging options, and locations of public charging stations.
2022 Election Recap
Turnout was strong in Weston and just about everywhere in the state for Tuesday’s general election. Democrats swept at the state level and in Weston.
Election Results
Voter turnout in Weston was about 61.6 percent, high for a midterm election. Democrats won handily in town and in statewide races.
Drought All But Over
The rating of drought levels in all Connecticut counties has been reduced to Stage 1. Upcoming storms may return water levels to normal and officially end the drought.
Town Hall Union Files Complaint
The union objects to Selectwoman Amy Jenner’s public criticism of the Tax Collector. Union president Mark Harper has asked to address the Selectmen on Thursday.
Devil’s Den Closures Set for Deer Hunt
The Devil’s Den Preserve will be closed on 11 days in November and December during the state-designated firearms hunting season for private lands.
Weston Takes Back and Shreds
Events in Weston over the weekend produced good results: the Prescription Drug Take Back Day and the shredding and computer recycling event.
Mark Blake Named Citizen of the Year
The annual Police Commission’s Citizen of the Year honor has been awarded posthumously this year, to the late Mark Blake, who passed away on September 20.
UN Flag Raised at Town Hall
The flag of the United Nations was raised at Town Hall on Monday in commemoration of the 77th anniversary of the organization’s founding.
Words of Caution About Bears
Weston's Animal Control officers issued a caution about bears this week, with advice about avoiding problems and dealing with encounters. If one visits your home, they ask you to call.
Serious Injuries in Good Hill Road Accident
A driver sustained serious, life-threatening injuries in an accident on Good Hill Road on October 20. This report has been updated since original publication.
A Focus at Town Hall on Domestic Violence
A proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month emphasized its scope, its effects, and the support provided by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Weston Police Highlight Drug Take Back Day
The Weston Police Department will participate in the a DEA program on October 29, reintroducing you to the Take Back box where unneeded drugs can be disposed of safely.
Rep. Himes Briefs Seniors on Healthcare Savings
Congressman Jim Himes visited the Senior Center to brief seniors on how the Inflation Reduction Act will reduce their healthcare costs.
Tax Auction Set for Restaurant Equipment
An unusual tax sale with an unusual backstory presents an opportunity for someone wishing to acquire food preparation equipment, possibly for a modest investment.
Ground Broken for Town Green
Ground was broken for a Town Green on the main municipal campus on the 235th anniversary of Weston becoming a town.
Local Organization Fights Human Trafficking
Human trafficking “is happening right here in Fairfield County,” said the director of Partnership to End Human Trafficking, which works to help survivors.
A Voice from Kyiv
A video interview with Nastya Popandopulos, a young professional in Kyiv, Ukraine. With passion and at times with remarkable humor, Ms. Popandopulos speaks of life in Kyiv before the Russian invasion, and today.
A Voice From Kyiv: Part 2
Nastya Popandopulos joins us again from Kyiv, Ukraine for a first-person video report. She says Ukrainians draw inspiration from America and its fight for independence.
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DTC, RTC Condemn Bullying of Volunteers
In a joint statement, Weston’s Democratic and Republican Town Committees denounce social media bullying of volunteers who serve the community.
Election Complaint Dismissed, “No Factual Basis”
A state commission dismissed a complaint filed against the Town, but costs borne by taxpayers continue to rise for legal fees and hundreds of staff hours spent responding to an avalanche of records demands.