Top Stories
P&Z creates a Village District in town center, scenes from Founders Day, and the charming and surprising story of Jolantha.
Covid Reports
Updated Friday, October 15 Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
Weather & Events
Highlights on The Calendar: the Yale Alley Cats and the New Paradigm Theatre, and in Westport, a Dog Festival.
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.
The action is “the culmination of years of work to achieve the goals expressed by Westonites,” said P&Z chair Ken Edgar.
Scenes from Founders Day
Weston celebrated the town’s 234th birthday on October 11 at the Founders Day event hosted by WestonArts.
Outdoors, there was food, art, music, and the now-traditional town selfie. Inside, two prominent residents who passed this year were honored and remembered. 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.
But how did she come to be? Her history, as told by Hans Wilhelm and Judy Henderson, may surprise you.
Letters to the Editor
Recent letters include support for the reelection of Sally Korsh to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Previous letters relate to recent remarks by a state legislator and express support for First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor.
Susan Granger At The Movies
Susan Granger reviews No Time to Die, Old Henry, and Lady of the Manor.
Daniel Craig’s final performance as James Bond, a redemption fable set in 1906 about a gruff, Scripture-quoting widower, and the Long brothers with a “fart-warming comedy.”
Continue reading.
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.
Say Hello
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The Hit List
Hear the latest hit music on the charts.
This week features a Sam Fender single with Springsteen-inspired “novelistic sheen.”
Also, new tunes from HONNE, Justin Bieber, Junior Vasquez, James Blake, and Don Toliver.
Yale Alley Cats and New Paradigm Theatre, Sunday
The amazing Yale Alley Cats return to Emmanuel Church on Sunday, October 17. As a bonus, you get a sneak preview of The New Paradigm Theatre’s 2022 production. In both cases, a treat.
Obituaries
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.
Judith Smith, 77, of Tampa, Florida died on August 24, 2021. She was one of triplets born in 1943 and raised in Weston. Full obituary.
Fall Family Fun Afternoon, Sunday
Join family, friends, and neighbors in a Fall Family Fun Afternoon at the Unitarian Church in Westport on October 17 for games and activities for all ages and a singalong. (Revised date and time.)
Show Off Your Pumpkins
Brilliantly-carved jack-o’-lanterns will be lit up and on display at the Jack O’Lantern Stroll at Weston Historical Society on Sunday, October 24.
Yours can be part of the festivities.
KMS Partners House of the Week
Find your JOY on Merry Lane! Beautifully updated and expanded, this colonial charmer is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac, offering the ideal blend of privacy, convenience & welcoming hospitality. With a spectacular pool and yard, this home will not last long!
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.
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…
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. The mentors have "really stepped up," said the program's founder.
Municipal Elections Coming Up in November
Biennial municipal elections take place this year on November 2, with nine offices on the ballot.
Candidates for First Selectman, Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Planning and Zoning Commission participate in debates this month.
Did you catch the debates last Saturday? Re-runs should be available soon. Saturday morning on Zoom beginning at 10 a.m. will be two more.
That would be the Board of Education and the Board of Finance.
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.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Oct. 17
The American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk takes place on Sunday morning, October 17, at Sherwood Island State Park. Proceeds help fund breast cancer research.
Westport Dog Festival, October 17
New date: It's a dog party next door on Sunday the 17th, the annual Westport Dog Festival at Winslow Park. "It’s a three ring circus of activities that celebrate everything dog," said the Chamber of Commerce director.
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.
Village District Hearing, October 4
New zoning regulations contemplated by P&Z to create a Village District and possibly increase commercial development will not change anything overnight, but at least one developer is eager to get the ball rolling.
September Property Transfers
21 Weston properties changed hands in September. The total value of sales was $22,749,000. The median home sale price (excluding land-only transactions) was $1.025 million.
Weston Women’s League Open House, Trunk or Treat
The Weston Women’s League’s popular Trunk or Treat returns on October 24. Before that, the League holds an open house on October 5 and welcomes guests. You can help make this one twice the fun.
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."
State Agencies Prepare for Staffing Shortages
State agencies have been directed to prepare for staff shortages, as over 8,000 state employees have not yet indicated compliance with Governor Lamont's order to either be vaccinated or tested each week.
Amy Weisman Honored by Forbes
Amy Weisman, Weston resident and Managing Director of business development at Sterling Investment Partners, is featured in a Forbes magazine “50 Over 50 Women in Finance” series.
Edward Nusbaum Recognized in Best Lawyers
Weston resident Edward Nusbaum, a Westport-based family law attorney, was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America publication for 2022. Mr. Nusbaum has won the distinction for 28 consecutive years.
Honors for Retiring Librarian Nancy Lincoln
Weston Public Library bid a fond farewell on Sunday to retiring librarian Nancy Lincoln, for decades a key part of the Library’s transformation.
Ms. Lincoln was praised by Library Director Karen Tatarka.
Lamont Requests Extension of Public Emergency
Governor Ned Lamont called the General Assembly into special session next week, requesting an extension of the Covid-19 emergencies. If approved, Mr. Lamont specified that he intends to continue certain orders, including masks in schools.
Democrats Honor Chris Spaulding
Former First Selectman Chris Spaulding was honored on Sunday as Democrat of the Year and praised by local and state leaders. During the onset of Covid-19, said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, “certain leaders like Chris stood out.”
Fromson-Strassler: Sold
Weston voters overwhelmingly approved sale of the Fromson-Strassler property to Aspetuck Land Trust in the voting portion of a Special Town Meeting.
The final count: 680 yes, 55 no. First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor said she is “thrilled with the outcome.”
Guided Nature Walks Offered in Wilton
On two dates in October, you can take a break and explore the great outdoors in Wilton on guided walks with staff naturalists.
The Wilton Land Conservation Trust and the Woodcock Nature Center have teamed up for the hikes, each limited to 15, so registration is required.
MoCA Admission Free for a Year
Admission to Westport's MoCA gallery (the Museum of Contemporary Art) is free for one year, thanks to a gift by an anonymous donor.
“Visit our exhibition, come back to show your friends … or bring the kids for a quick drop in,” said the museum's executive director.
Weston Author Launches New Novel, September 21
A new novel by Weston author Heather Frimmer launches on Tuesday, September 21 in a forum at the Westport Library at 7:00 pm.
Better to Trust is the second work of medical fiction by Dr. Frimmer, who by day is a radiologist specializing in breast and emergency room imaging.
9/11 Community Memorial Honors Those Weston Lost
A 9/11 Community Memorial held on the front steps of Town Hall remembered residents who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
To honor them, said WVFD president Craig Cohen, "we must return to a message of humanity and respect for one another."
Norfield Church Bible School Camp a Success
During the week of August 16, the first-ever Norfield Vacation Bible School Camp at Norfield Congregational Church brought together 24 campers aged 3 to 11 to learn and form new relationships.
The organizers plan for it to continue and grow.
Lachat Giving Garden Gives
With a harvest of 225 pounds of vegetables and eggs this week, Lachat Town Farm’s Giving Garden hit a big milestone.
In just over one year, 3,000 pounds of nutrient-dense food have been donated to neighbors facing food insecurity.
Senator Hwang: Greetings for a New School Year
“A new school year provides a fresh start or new beginning for students, staff and the whole community.”
“The anticipation of what the world will look like not only today but ten months from now is giving a heightened sense of emotion for everyone.”
Great American Relay Commemorates 9/11, Raises Funds
Weston resident Jeffrey Wollman will take the baton from Westport to Darien in the cross-country Great American Relay commemorating 9/11 and raising funds.
WHS Captain’s Circle Leans In
The Weston High School Captain’s Circle took part in a leadership and team-building program to provide Wakeman Boys and Girls Club youth with access to technology.
Lily’s Weston Market on Its Way, Pharmacy Too
A lease is signed, renovations have begun, and in the near future Lily’s Weston Market will open at Weston Shopping Center. The pharmacy is on track to open even sooner.
Mike Zegers, Weston Volunteer, Dies
We are sad to report the passing of Mike Zegers, who served this town admirably as a Registrar, Conservation Commission chair, and member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and EMS.
He is pictured here, on the left, at a 2019 event in his honor.
Selectmen Appoint Mohabeer, Set Fromson-Strassler Vote
On August 19, the Board of Selectmen appointed Martin Mohabeer to the Board and heard from the public about the proposed sale of the Fromson-Strassler land.
A Special Town Meeting discussion takes place on September 9, machine ballot voting on September 18.
Mask Mandate in Town, Vaccination Orders for State Workers
First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor joined neighboring towns in mandating face coverings indoors in public spaces.
On Thursday, Governor Ned Lamont made vaccinations mandatory for state employees and school teachers and staff.
Sellers: Grab Space at Weston Flea
The popular Weston Flea takes place this year on Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Weston High School parking lot.
Spaces for sellers tend to go quickly, so act fast.
Third Doses Advised, Available for Immune-Compromised
The state’s vaccine program will administer third doses of Covid-19 vaccines to those whose immune systems are compromised.
The announcement by Governor Lamont comes on the heels of a CDC recommendation.
Builders Beyond Borders Enrollments Open
Builders Beyond Borders, the organization that gives high school and 8th grade students an opportunity for personal growth and to make a tangible difference, is ready to accept enrollments.
Weston and “Life in the Twenties” on Display
A new exhibition at Weston Historical Society not only takes a look back at Weston and the nation a century ago, it also cleverly illustrates how much has changed and how much hasn’t.
Created to connect the 1920s to the 2020s, the exhibition succeeds.
Onion Barn Improvements Underway
Long-standing persistent flooding and mud problems at the Onion Barn are soon to be a thing of the past.
On Tuesday, excavation and installation of a drainage system began.
The work will take a few weeks.
UniteCT Offers Rent, Electricity Relief
A new program from the Connecticut Department of Housing offers assistance to qualifying households unable to pay rent and utilities due to Covid-19.
The program provides up to $15,000 in rent assistance and up to $1,500 for electricity payments.
Selectmen Schedule Fromson Hearing, Fill Vacancies
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing — not a vote — on August 19 on the proposed sale of the Fromson-Strassler property.
They also filled vacancies on three key bodies.
Towns Can Tighten Mask Rules, No Word Yet on Schools
Governor Ned Lamont issued an executive order allowing cities and towns to adopt mask-wearing policies that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements.
YMCA Offers Parkinson’s Program
This fall, the Westport Weston YMCA offers a Parkinson’s Disease Body and Mind program aimed at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for those living with the disease.
The program includes comprehensive health, wellness, and peer support.
Devil's Den Reopens, Gently
With little fanfare — actually, none — Devil’s Den reopened on Sunday.
The preserve is now open every day from sunrise to 5:00 pm. The Nature Conservancy is “thrilled to welcome guests back for a chance to reconnect with nature,” but is proceeding cautiously.
Samantha Nestor Takes Office
Samantha Nestor was sworn in as First Selectwoman this morning at Town Hall.
The oath was administered by Town Clerk Donna Anastasia at 10:00, when the resignation of First Selectman Chris Spaulding became effective.
Paving Starts Ahead of Schedule
Road paving began today a bit earlier than expected.
Town officials learned on Friday that the contractor had finished another job early and was good to go in Weston. All or part of eight roads are set for full milling and paving.
Letter to the Editor
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Other Recent News
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