In the News
Safe Connect for domestic violence victims.
School District requests a 5.5% budget increase.
Aspetuck Land Trust wins a grant to help purchase Fromson-Strassler.
Calendar Highlights
Wednesday: the life story of Alice DeLamar.
Sunday the 26th: War with Russia?
Coming up: Lachat fireside concerts.
See details in our Town Calendar about upcoming Weston events.
Weston Weather
Sunday: Partly cloudy and breezy. High 36°.
Monday: Clear, cold. High 28°.
Tuesday: Clear, high 31°.
Wednesday: Clear, high 26°.
Safe Connect for Domestic Violence Victims
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz announced a major upgrade to Connecticut's domestic violence hotline this week in Hartford. The system, Safe Connect, gives victims of domestic violence confidential assistance at no charge.
School District Requests 5.55% Budget Increase
On January 6, Schools Superintendent Dr. William McKersie presented a budget request for next fiscal year that calls for an operating increase of nearly $3 million, plus capital projects.
"There's going to be some hard decisions to make," said Board of Education chair Tony Pesco.
Health District Offers Flu Vaccinations
It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control encourages everyone six months of age and older to get vaccinated. You can do so at the Westport Weston Health District.
The CDC advises that influenza activity remains high and can cause severe disease in some people.
And This...
Senator Haskell calls for legislative action on drug pricing in the upcoming session.
Parks & Recreation Column: Current programs, updated weekly.
The second installment of taxes is due January 1.
Running Features: About Town, Kiwanis.
Scoreboard
Girls Basketball Weston 47, Masuk 24. (Fri. 1/17.)
Boys Basketball Weston 62, Masuk 59. (Thu. 1/16.)
Wrestling Weston 36, New Milford 46. (Wed. 1/15.)
Boys Swim & Dive Weston 82, Masuk 94. (Tue. 1/14.)
Our fall season recap, including the Sportsperson of the Year.
OT Win for Boys Basketball
Down by two in the waning seconds of regulation, Weston's varsity Boys Basketball team notched a 60–55 overtime win on Monday evening against Kolbe Cathedral.
Aspetuck Land Trust Wins Fromson-Strassler Grant
The Aspetuck Land Trust has been awarded a $625,000 State grant that may make it possible for the Trust to acquire Weston's Fromson-Strassler property and preserve it as open space.
Rolfing: Pain-Free Living
In 2007 I was diagnosed with De Quervain syndrome. Similar to carpal tunnel, De Quervain syndrome is an inflammation of the tendons involving the thumb and the wrist. The pain is intense.
Conventional treatments didn't work. Rolfing, a treatment I learned about by accident, did.
The Real Dogs of Weston
A column just for Weston’s canine — and now, feline! — citizens, sponsored by Passage East Kennels. Each week, a pawsome dog or cat neighbor.
This doggy has a first name, it’s O-S-K-A-R! We’re pleased to introduce you this week to an exceptionally cuddly girl named Oskar.
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.
Champions of CBD believe in its ability to alleviate muscle discomfort, reduce anxiety, and facilitate better sleep.
Play With Your Food Season Opens
Play With Your Food, the fresh, innovative theater experience, began its 2020 regular season on January 7.
"You don't have to go into New York City for great theater!" says Weston's Diana Muller, the group's producer.
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.
Farewell to Westport Pizzeria
Our neighbors in Westport are about to say goodbye to a town fixture when Westport Pizzeria closes next week after 51 years in business. State Senator Tony Hwang arranged a farewell party on Friday afternoon.
Gertrude “Trudy” Chandler, 92
Yarmouth, Maine: Gertrude “Trudy” Chandler, 92, our beloved Oma, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2019 surrounded by her family. Born July 6, 1927 in Brunnen, Switzerland, she eventually married Lee Chandler and moved to Weston, where she lived for almost 40 years.
Victor Escandón Appointed to School Board
Victor Escandón, a career corporate finance executive, was appointed on January 2 by the Selectmen to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education.
Mr. Escandón and his wife have lived in Weston since 2008, and have three children in the public school system.
2019: The Year in Review
We go back, back in time to January of 2019, then step forward month-by-month, recapping all the highlights and events.
It was an interesting year in beautiful Weston.
Enjoy.
State Releases Library, Open Space Funds
The Weston Public Library will receive $82,500 in long-awaited State funds following action by the State's Bonding Commission on December 18.
The Commission's action may also help Aspetuck Land Trust acquire the Fromson-Strassler property from the town.
Three Women Who Made Weston Weston
Weston Historical Society's exhibit about three amazing Weston women now runs through January. Thursdays, 2:00 to 4:00, and by appointment. Related events on our Town Calendar.
About Town
It has arrived! An official draft of Weston’s new “2020 Plan of Conservation and Development”! The 32 page main text, replete with great photographs, is informative while being easy to read. Westonites will want to go through the detailed appendices as well, which comprise an additional 126 pages.
Kiwanians Hang the Wreath
On Sunday five member Kiwanians kicked off its decades old holiday tradition to hang the wreath on the Onion Barn including President Steve Thomas, Immediate past president Tom Fallia, Roy Marsh, Harry Spencer and Reed Ameden.
Out & About: Mail Carriers
Nine mail carriers serve Weston, delivering checks, bills, magazines, birthday and holiday cards, and packages to homes six days a week. This time of year their workload is intense. They cannot accept gifts, but a holiday "thank you" is always welcome.
Trojans State Football Champions
Weston Trojans got a police escort for their return home after winning the school's first football state championship. The team dominated throughout, finishing with a 27-6 victory.
Our report includes a game summary and a 2-½ minute video report. Enjoy.
YMCA Grants Awarded to Non-Profits
Twenty-seven Fairfield County organizations that provide educational opportunities for children and young adults received grants on December 13 from the Westport-Weston YMCA.
A White Oak for Arborist Law Centennial
Weston Tree Warden Bill Lomas and First Selectman Chris Spaulding planted a new White Oak tree at Town Hall this afternoon, a gift from the Connecticut Tree Protective Association.
The gift commemorates the 100th anniversary of Connecticut's Arborist Law.
Where Things Stand: the Green, the Library Wing
Proposals to add a new wing to the Weston Public Library and build a Town Green received great public attention. In both cases, much remains to be done. We report.
Raccoon Injures Child, Mother
A raccoon attack late last week near Georgetown and Samuelson roads left a child and mother injured and transported by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital. Animal Control Officer Mark Harper was attacked as well, and asks your help keeping an eye out for diseased raccoons.
Sen. Haskell: Make Drug Pricing a Priority
In an op-ed, Senator Will Haskell says he is "grateful for the many constituents who have reached out to share with me their struggle to afford prescription drugs," and vows to make the issue a priority in the upcoming legislative session. He begins by calling out the drastically higher cost of insulin, a drug discovered 100 years ago.
EMS Announces Weston-Easton Training
Weston's all-volunteer EMS service is looking for new members, and so are their colleagues in Easton. The two towns have teamed up to offer a hybrid training course.
Volunteers make free EMS service possible in Weston. More will keep it going.
AT&T Proposes New Cell Tower
Cellular service for emergency responders and some cell phone users would be improved by a new AT&T installation on Tall Pines Drive. At least one neighbor objects. The Town has offered an alternative, and is focusing on improving reception throughout town.
Valley Forge Detours
Detours have begun on the southern section of Valley Forge Road.
A section of the road will be closed for an estimated four to five weeks, as an eroded slope and shoulder are rebuilt.
Police Commission Honors William Brady
On Tuesday evening, the Board of Police Commissioners honored departing member William J. Brady for over two decades of service to the commission and the town.
Mr. Brady played a key role in the development of the Weston Police Department.
November Property Transfers
Twelve Weston properties changed hands in November. Continue reading to see the latest transactions.
Previous reports can always be found in our Town Info section.
Food Pantry Shelves Restocked
A Kiwanis drive in November helped restock the shelves of the Weston Food Pantry, which is run by volunteers and totally dependent on donations from neighbors, clubs, schools, and companies. It also needs continuous replenishment.
Winter Construction on Valley Forge Road
The steep, narrow shoulder of a 320-foot section of Valley Forge Road is so badly eroded that the Town has allocated $228,000 from reserves for emergency repairs this winter. The road will be closed for three to four weeks from Davis Hill Road to Old Stage Coach Road.
Sustainable CT Certification for Weston
Weston's progress in taking action friendly to the environment has earned the town bronze Sustainable CT certification as part of a statewide program administered by the Institute for Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University.
Veterans Honored
A Veterans Day ceremony organized by the town's Veterans Affairs Committee featured perfect weather, a nice gathering, great music, an address, and recognition for those who served.
Our 2-minute video report tells the story.
The Anthem and the Oath
Student singers Maddie Revzon and Kennedy Boehme headlined the Town Hall swearing-in of several newly-elected and re-elected board, commission, and committee members on Friday evening, November 8.
See and hear the anthem and the highlights in our 1-½ minute video report.
Town Election Results
Turnout in today's municipal election was lighter than two years ago, perhaps no surprise in a year when most offices were uncontested.
In the end, every Democrat on the ballot was elected and two Republican incumbents were not.
Town Election: The Candidates
Voting in this year's municipal election takes place on Tuesday, November 5. Several offices on the ballot are uncontested. Seats on three important boards are very much in play.
We reached out to the candidates with three basic questions. This is what we learned.
77 More Acres for Devil's Den
Thanks to a generous gift, the Nature Conservancy in Connecticut has added 77 acres of prime woodland and wetlands, formerly owned by the Nevas family, to its nearly 1,800-acre preserve. The land is on the western border of the Lucius Pond Ordway-Devil’s Den preserve.
New Leadership and Systems at Public Works
On October 17, the Board of Selectmen appointed Town Engineer John Conte to head Weston's Department of Public Works, examined a preview of a new road maintenance management system, and formed a temporary committee to advise on public works matters.
New Library Wing Approved by HDC
In only ten minutes on Wednesday evening, the Historic District Commission meeting was called to order and the application for an addition to Weston Public Library approved without stipulation.
Route 57 Detours Coming in Summer
A barely noticeable bridge over an unnamed brook will cause minor traffic issues early next year and larger ones in the summer.
An Urgent Call to Action on E-Cig Vaping Epidemic
You’ve probably been reading a lot about vaping in the news lately. From the increased instances of vaping-related pulmonary illnesses across the country to the marked surge in tobacco use among teenagers, it’s an issue worth our attention — and strong call to action.
Founders Day in Pictures
Suffice it to say that Friday evening's inaugural Founders Day event was a resounding success. Hundreds of residents joined in a well-organized celebration of Weston's 232nd anniversary as a Connecticut town.
We have the story in pictures, including the memorable Town Selfie taken from high above by Namuk Cho.
Mike Zegers Named Democrat of the Year
Weston's Democratic Town Committee honored Mike Zegers last Sunday night as the 2019 Democrat of the Year. Several of the party's stars attended and offered praise of their own.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said Mr. Zegers's "example of leadership is worth its weight in gold, always being out there, always working hard for others, not caring who gets the credit."
National Green Ribbon for Weston High School
In May, we had the pleasure of reporting that Weston High School was selected as a national Green Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Two weeks ago, student leaders of the school's Green Team formally accepted the award in Washington.
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Other Recent News
The YMCA broke ground for an addition and renovations.
The proposal for a Town Green won a key approval.
The Town authorized a deer hunt. Will it matter?
The owners of Weston Shopping Center weigh in on the long-range town plan.
Links to all previous articles can be found in our Previously section. Thanks for reading Weston Today.