Top Stories
A state commission again ruled in favor of the Town, while taxpayers shoulder high legal and staff costs for complaints and records demands. Meanwhile, the Weston real estate market is still red hot.
Covid Reports
Updated Friday, January 21. Click for our latest charts depicting where things stand. New reports are published every weekday evening.
Weather & Events
On The Calendar: from the Library, virtual programs about racism, Mexican art, and how to doodle Van Gogh's Starry Night.
Schools Walkthrough, Community Conversation Scheduled
A walkthrough of the schools is offered to the public on January 29.
A select committee, working to develop options and potential costs, targets March for a second community conversation.
Election Complaint Dismissed, “No Factual Basis”
A state commission dismissed a complaint filed against the Town alleging violation of campaign finance laws, but costs borne by taxpayers continue to rise for legal fees and hundreds of staff hours spent responding to an avalanche of records demands.
School District Budget Review Continues
The initial budget request submitted by the school administration calls for a 3.48 percent increase in the operating budget, but in a real spending sense the increase is considerably less.
The actual increase is driven by familiar pressures.
Weston Real Estate: The Latest
In a new update on Weston real estate, realtors from KMS Partners describe a still-hot market.
It's a good time for sellers, but a competitive time for buyers. And a key factor has changed.
Susan Granger At The Movies
This week: The Tragedy of Macbeth, C’Mon C’Mon, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Denzel Washington in a Shakespeare classic, Joaquin Phoenix in a soft-spoken look at parenthood, and the “Ghostbusters” story resumes featuring some of the original cast.
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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WestonArts Receives $50,000 Grant
WestonArts has received a $50,000 grant from the Offutt Trust to support and develop the arts. A newly established fund will “help countless students pursue artistic education,” said chair Patricia Perez-Goodrich.
Weston Historical Society Receives Two Grants
Grants totaling $20,200 will help the Weston Historical Society hire consultants to rebrand and market itself beyond Weston and to catalog its collection of tools and farm equipment.
Obituaries
Mildred Robinson Correll, 99 (Millie), passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on January 8, 2022 at the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach, Florida. Full obituary.
Mary Elizabeth Bova, 72, of Weston died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital surrounded by family on October 24. Full obituary.
Notices
The Tax Collector gives notice that the second installment of Real Estate, Personal Property, and Supplemental Motor Vehicle taxes are due and payable on January 1, 2022. A late fee applies after February 1.
Track and Field Teams Prep for SWCs
Weston track and field athletes have a long history of success in CIAC’s South West Conference, and both the boys and girls teams are preparing for this year’s SWC championships to be held on February 5.
KMS Partners: The Year in Review
When Team KMS sat down to reflect on 2021, we were compelled to look further, on our growth since joining COMPASS three short years ago. 2021 saw impressive volume for our team, all while the housing supply and days on the market plummeted!
Weinstein Elected DTC Chair
Former First Selectwoman Gayle Weinstein was elected chair of the Weston Democratic Town Committee on January 5. Ms. Weinstein held the town's top job from 2009 to 2015.
Selectmen Finalize ADU Mandate Opt-Out
The Board of Selectmen voted to opt out of a state requirement to allow detached apartments. The decision ratifies action taken by the P&Z commission, which plans to address the question with public input.
Third Graders Learn Weston History
In December, third-graders explored Weston’s history as the Weston Historical Society hosted its first in-person field trip since the onset of the pandemic.
Test Kits Distributed
Weston’s allocation of home rapid test kits was distributed to the public by volunteers on Monday evening.
The operation was well-organized and ran without a hitch. Everyone seemed pleased, except that it was wicked cold.
Senator Haskell Declines to Seek Reelection
State Senator Will Haskell will not seek reelection, having decided to attend law school after his term expires. “It was a hard choice, and I’m sad to leave,” said the senator.
December Property Transfers
18 Weston properties changed hands in December. The median selling price of normal warranty deed non-land transactions was $1.220 million.
Babe Ruth Baseball Winter Workouts to Begin
Winter workouts begin for Weston Babe Ruth baseball on Tuesday, January 11. Boys and girls in grades 7 through 9 can sign up now.
Letters to the Editor
In the most recent letter, an appreciation for bipartisanship at Town Hall and an historical perspective at the national level.
In a previous letter, a resident renews her call for rakes over noisy leaf blowers.
Emmanuel Bonfire Canceled
The Emmanuel Community Bonfire scheduled for January 8 has been canceled due to Covid-19.
But Christmas trees can still be dropped off or picked up for a donation to the Weston Warm Up fund.
Access to Town Facilities Limited Anew
Faced with a Covid-19 surge, limits on access to Town facilities are again in effect. Most business at Town Hall is by appointment. The Senior Center and Library are operating, but in-person programs are canceled.
Test Kit Distribution Postponed as Supplier Fails to Deliver
Plans to distribute rapid ½ million Covid-19 test kits were canceled when a contracted supplier failed to deliver. “Things were misrepresented to us,” said Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani.
Sarah Hawkey, Renowned Soprano, Teaches Voice
Fairfield County is now home for Sarah Hawkey, renowned soprano and voice teacher, who has combined her love of singing and teaching and opened a second studio, in Fairfield County, offering local, private voice lessons.
Covid-19: Where We Are
In this video report, the top officers of Weston, Easton, Redding, and the Health District discuss today’s sobering Covid-19 metrics.
Cases in the towns, county, and state reached unprecedented levels in today's reports.
Girl Scouts Donate “Blessing Bags”
In the spirit of generosity for all the holidays, Girl Scout troops of all ages put together over 100 “blessing bags” this month to help the homeless.
The gift bags were donated to the Open Doors Homeless shelter in Norwalk.
Jolantha Over the Years
On Kellogg Hill Road there lives a pig named Jolantha who calls everyone “Buttercups” and is always dressed for the occasion.
The artists Hans Wilhelm and Judy Henderson have prepared a gallery of Jolantha in her finery over the years.
Senator Haskell: Legislative Review
In a Guest Essay, State Senator Will Haskell says, "This past year was undoubtedly full of challenges. But 2021 was also notable for moments of community compassion, economic advancement and scientific progress."
Weston Police Officer Steven Vichiola Sworn In
A new Weston Police officer, Steven Vichiola, was sworn in on December 8 at the Town Hall Meeting Room. In keeping with Weston tradition, Officer Vichiola’s badge was pinned to his uniform as his family looked on.
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…
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.
“Speak Up” is coming and will show off new concepts and many new faces! Be there on Zoom Saturday February 12th at 10:30 am.
Our present Board of Selectmen will be present.
Gearing Up for Safe Winter Sports
While there is no way to completely prevent accidents, recognizing a head injury and having appropriate equipment are two ways to improve your outcome.
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. In the new year, 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, a fully vaccinated Hartford County man in his 60s. “This likely is not the only case of the variant in the state,” said the governor.
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.
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, who urges vaccinations and boosters.
Westport Playhouse Remembers Sondheim
During the summer of 1950, Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at Westport Country Playhouse. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Recent News
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previous Articles section.
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