In the News
Selectmen to discuss State of the Town at a League of Women Voters event on October 5.
Surtax on prepared foods sparks outcry.
Adjustments to paving plan, for October.
Meet Phoebe! A 20-year-old Real Dog of Weston.
Calendar Highlights
Tuesday: Weston Women's League September Supper.
Friday: Lachat Farmers Market. Not to be missed.
Next Sunday: Waffles and Raptors at Lachat. Breakfast, hawks, owls, and falcons.
See details in our Town Calendar about upcoming Weston events.
Weston Weather
Monday: Mostly cloudy, high 87°.
Tuesday: Clearish, high 76°.
Wednesday: Clear, high 79°.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 78°, chance of rain late in the day.
Friday: Clear until late in the day, high 75°.
State of the Town Panel, October 5
All three members of the Board of Selectmen will participate in a Weston League of Women Voters "State of the Town" discussion on Saturday morning, October 5 at the Weston Public Library. The event is set to begin at 10:30.
None of the Selectmen are opposed in the coming election, so the event is designed as an opportunity to share ideas about Weston and exchange views with the public.
Firestorm and Retreat Over Meal Tax
Guidelines released last week by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for taxes on prepared foods have created something of a firestorm and prompted vigorous backpedalling in Hartford.
Legislators say the guidelines extend well beyond the budget's intentions, and call for a review.
Paving Work to Resume
Paving on five Weston roads, originally scheduled for July, will be done in October. Weather permitting, it will be finished by the end of the month.
On September 12, the Selectmen essentially left it to the Board of Finance to decide whether to add funds to pave Steep Hill Road beyond Tannery Lane South. The Board declined.
And This...
The SROs and School Security: a featured, in-depth July 2019 article.
Parks & Recreation Column: Current programs, updated weekly.
The Senior Center is offering a wide range of art classes.
About Town: Yes, there will be an election.
Scoreboard
Girls Soccer Weston 3, Watertown 0. (Sat. 9/21.)
Boys Soccer Weston 2, Watertown 2. (Sat. 9/21.)
Field Hockey Weston 1, Bethel 0. (Sat. 9/21.)
Football Weston 35, Hillhouse 6. (Fri. 9/20.)
Swimming & Diving Weston 102, Brookfield 77. (Fri. 9/20.)
Volleyball Weston 1, Joel Barlow 3. (Thur. 9/19.)
Girls Cross Country Weston 30, New Fairfield 25. Weston 27, Joel Barlow 28. (Tue. 9/17.)
Boys Cross Country Weston 20, Joel Barlow 35. Weston 20, New Fairfield 41. (Tue. 9/17.)
Betty L. Corwin, 98
Betty L. Corwin died Tuesday, September 10, at the age of 98 at her home in Weston, Connecticut surrounded by loved ones. The Founder and Director (from 1969 - 2000) of The New York Public Library's groundbreaking Theatre on Film and Tape Archive (TOFT), Betty created one of the most important and vital resources in the worldwide theatre community.
Senator Hwang on Anti-Semitic Hate Crime
I condemn in the most vociferous terms the hateful, anti-Semitic attacks that occurred yesterday in Westport and throughout Connecticut.
When someone becomes the target of a crime because of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability, the very fabric and soul of our community is torn.
New Library Wing Presented to Historic District Commission
The addition of an arts and innovation wing at Weston Public Library came before the Historic District Commission for a public hearing on the evening of September 12.
Discussions about the gift began a year ago, but in a practical sense the project is in its early stages.
The Real Dogs of Weston
A column just for Weston’s canine citizens, sponsored by Passage East Kennels. Each week, a pawsome dog neighbor.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate Senior Pet Wellness Month than by introducing you to one of our oldest and dearest friends, Phoebe!
At twenty (yes, twenty!) years old, this golden girl has been enjoying retired life with long-time Weston residents Terry & Ray Bernstein.
Town Plan Workshop Drills Down on Priorities
Monday evening workshop focused on key elements of a ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development, which the Planning and Zoning Commission will complete over the next several months.
If you missed the workshop, you can still participate.
Volunteer Fire Golf Benefit, September 23
Weston Volunteer Fire Department hosts its 8th annual golf outing fundraiser on September 23 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.
The event features contests, door prizes, raffles, and more. There are a couple of options for individuals, and several sponsorship opportunities.
LWV Prepares for Election
Yes! There will be an election in Weston on November 5th!
And you will have a choice between candidates for more than one local office! Of course, you must vote, either in person or by absentee ballot, to earn the right to complain later.
Continue reading About Town.
Historic District Commission Approves Town Green
In an evening meeting on September 4, Weston's Historic District Commission approved an application by the Beautification Committee for a Town Green in an area in front of Town Hall and the Library.
The meeting was short and somewhat subdued.
Peggy Ann Anderson, 88
Margaret Ann (Benisch) Anderson (88), better known as Peggy Ann, was a resident of Weston, CT for the past 51 years.
On Thursday, May 30th, 2019 she passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long battle with melanoma cancer. A memorial service celebrating Peggy Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, October 5th.
Selectmen Authorize Deer Hunt. Will it Matter?
The Board of Selectmen authorized a deer hunt on several town-owned properties to occur between September 16 and January 31, 2020.
For perhaps the first time, the vote was not unanimous.
More and other steps may be required to significantly reduce Weston's deer population, if that is desired at all.
EMS Seeks Volunteers
Weston's all-volunteer EMS is looking for new members.
You can pitch in to save lives, become nationally certified, and help keep this free round-the-clock emergency care service available for everyone in town.
Fitness Studio Owner Charged with Sexual Assault
Jose Calasanz Martinez, owner of Calasanz Martial Arts and Fitness Studio in Norwalk, was arrested by Norwalk police and charged with fourth degree sexual assault. His accuser says she believes other women, including Weston residents, may have experienced incidents similar to the one she alleges.
Weston Explored Valley Forge
Dave Ungar and Joe Parciasepe of Weston Parks and Recreation must have some serious weather-gods mojo, because for the second year running, heat and humidity yielded to perfect conditions this morning for "Explore Valley Forge."
Weston Founders Day, October 11
An ad hoc committee has been formed to plan a Founders Day celebration on October 11.
Until recently, no one knew when Weston was founded. Now there will be a party, 232 years later.
The Latest on the Roads, August 23
Developments in plans to put this year's road repaving back on track are mostly good news.
The outcome of all this may very well be the same amount of road work done for about the same money, but better, and longer-lasting.
Asbestos Abated at Hurlbutt
Everything was going smoothly for a project, well under budget, at Hurlbutt Elementary School to replace the school's heating system. Then asbestos was found.
The asbestos is gone, but so are the savings.
Aspirations for the Future of Weston Center
The long-range town plan is still being developed, but already leans toward more commercial zoning in Town Center. Many wonder what the owners of Weston Shopping Center think of that.
They tell you in a Letter to the Editor.
Town Hall Comings and Goings, August 22
On August 22, the Board of Selectmen made appointments to the Historic District Commission, Sustainability Committee, and advisory Sidewalk Committee. Two resignations were accepted, and an emergency response dispatcher was promoted.
Broad Support for Town Green
A Town Green hearing on August 7 attracted a large audience, most of whom support the plan.
Not all commissioners do. While the meeting was largely positive and informative, there were some rough spots.
Update on Road Paving, August 15
At the moment, Town Hall officials are working to reset the paving schedule for six Weston roads. Work was delayed when planned repairs were found to be inadequate. Right now, there is good news and not-so-good news.
Town Hall Comings and Goings, August 8
On August 8, the Board of Selectmen accepted a few resignations, made a couple of appointments, and approved two hires. But first, they honored Lyette Segerdahl.
New Schools Finance, Operations Director
Phillip Cross, a Westport School District administrator, has been appointed Director of Finance and Operations for Weston Public Schools.
Mr. Cross replaces Richard Rudl, who accepted a position in Darien.
Weston Police Arrest Intruder
Weston Police arrested a Ridgefield man at gunpoint after he allegedly intruded at a Wood Hill Road residence and initially refused to leave.
According to the police report, the man was "unable to clearly explain" why he was in the house.
Bicyclist Runs into a Bear
On the morning of August 4, a man ran into a bear on Valley Forge Road.
Easton resident Jim Triano was riding his bicycle southbound. As he approached Troutbrook Lane...
Gold Award for Weston Girl Scout
Weston High School rising senior Elise Russell earned the prestigious Girl Scouts Gold Award with a project to teach young girls how to braid. The program was partly inspired by a book about happiness.
Republicans Endorse Candidates
Weston’s Republican party held a caucus of enrolled members at Town Hall on July 23 and endorsed candidates for November’s municipal election.
Paving Delayed, Plans Reconsidered
Paving on six poor-condition Weston roads, scheduled for this week, has been postponed, largely due to a disconnect between expectations and plans.
Less ambitious measures than expected were in store.
A "more robust solution" may be needed, said the First Selectman.
Improvements Planned Around the Onion Barn
The area around the Onion Barn will get a makeover and the most frustrating problem may be solved.
Selectman Stephan Grozinger briefed the Selectmen on how the Onion Barn grounds can be more appealing, serve as a gathering place, and improve emergency response.
July Board and Commission Appointments
This month, the Board of Selectmen filled a vacancy on the Board of Education, Children & Youth Commission, Commission on Aging, and Commission for the Arts.
The Board also created a committee to steer construction of the sidewalks network that will eventually loop around Town Center and beyond.
Cobb’s Mill Inn: Investment Fund Formed
An investment fund is being formed to purchase and restore the iconic Cobb’s Mill Inn.
As we reported in February, the property has drawn interest from Andy Glazer, a developer whose construction of Norwalk’s popular GrayBarns included restoration of the famed Silvermine Tavern.
Road Woes: We’re Not Alone
It turns out that the surprising and premature deterioration of some Weston roads is a problem shared by many municipalities, and the Western Council of Governments (WestCOG) wants to know why.
Over the next several weeks, a UConn lab will collect and analyze road materials that have degraded far earlier than expected.
Detailed Road Condition Assessment to Begin
The Board of Selectmen took action on June 27 to plan for ongoing road improvements.
Every ten-foot segment of Weston's roads will be scanned, rated for condition, and entered into a maintenance database for improved management.
School Resource Officers: Key to Truly Safe Schools
A safe school is not only secured to prevent intrusion, but also protects students from other potential threats.
At the center of it all are two School Resource Officers (SROs) whose role is widely appreciated and under-appreciated at the same time.
Continue reading our in-depth report.
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Other Recent News
We reported in video from the sky on the Fourth of July.
Road improvements augmented with found money.
Field Club purchase due diligence funds tabled by Board of Finance.
The bill for the school septic failure: $471K.
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previously section. Thanks for reading Weston Today.