Valedictorian Grace Nickel.

Thank you, Mr. Schels. Good evening family, friends, faculty, administration and fellow graduates. I am humbled by the opportunity to address you all on this very special occasion.

At this moment, we, the Class of 2015, are at yet another juncture on this highway called life. We are changing the direction in which we have traveled for the past four years at Wilton High School and for some, like myself, 12 years in the Wilton Public School System. However, we aren’t getting out of the car quite yet. I like to envision us merely merging off the road of our lives as Wilton High School students and exiting onto another one of higher education, employment and self-discovery.

For some, this transition is daunting and for others, a welcome relief. Regardless of our feelings about our next steps, however, I believe that a sense of discomfort, whatever its magnitude, unites us all at this stage of transition in our lives. Change of any kind can be extremely unsettling. Families may feel the void of a child who no longer lives at home. Teachers will have to adjust to a new incoming class of freshmen. And no matter where we go next, we’ll have to take a leap of faith in forging new communities for ourselves, relying on our memories of high school as nostalgic comforts without letting the past hinder our future pursuits.

Celestine Chua, the founder of “Personal Excellence,” once said, “Fear, uncertainty and discomfort are your compasses toward growth.” We are all, to some degree, fearful and uncertain about our next chapter, no matter what we intend to do or where we plan to go. However, it is the action of facing and overcoming this very discomfort that will ultimately guarantee us a prosperous future.

Though being surrounded by people you have known and walls you have inhabited for decades is no doubt very valuable in some respects, discomfort far surpasses familiarity in its promotion of perseverance and growth. Numerous members of the Class of 2015 have proven the merits of constantly challenging their perceived boundaries, even when doing so is more trying than remaining satisfied with the status quo. We are in the company of members of our very own FCIAC champion baseball team, a Presidential Scholar, two all-time leading scorers in Wilton High School basketball history and a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the U.S.A. These individuals and our class as a whole did not triumph without experiencing feelings of occasional self-doubt. Instead of succumbing to these emotions, however, we stayed the course, acknowledging the obstacles ahead and conquering them as they presented themselves along the road of our journeys throughout high school.

Neale Donald Walsch once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.” Let us apply this lesson to the next phase of our lives and consciously choose to immerse ourselves in what may initially seem like intimidating and challenging situations, knowing that we will benefit from doing so every time we do.

To our families and friends, thank you for supporting our growth by encouraging us to challenge ourselves. To the Wilton High School teachers and staff, thank you for your patience as we stumbled along the sometimes-bumpy road of high school. And to my family, I wouldn’t be standing here today without the love and guidance you provided me every step of the way. Congratulations Class of 2015, we’ve finally reached the exit.

The post Grace Nickel: Changing roads to self-discovery appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

The gartersnake is perhaps the most common, widely distributed, and familiar of all North American snakes. It is found throughout Connecticut, sometimes in yards and even in urban areas. — Paul J. Fusco, DEEP Wildlife Division photo

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents that snakes are active at the same time people are outdoors enjoying the nice weather. Snake encounters can be alarming for some people, especially if they do not understand how harmless, yet important these creatures are to the natural world.

“Snakes are probably some of the most misunderstood animals in the outdoors,” said Rick Jacobson, director of the DEEP Wildlife Division. “There is no need to fear or hate these reptiles. If you leave snakes alone, they will leave you alone.”

Hundreds of snakes are needlessly killed by people each year because of mistaken identity, fear, and misunderstanding. Very often, when a snake is found near a home, people may panic and even assume the snake is dangerous or venomous.

Few Connecticut residents realize they are unlikely to encounter a venomous snake around their home. The two venomous snake species found in Connecticut — timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead — do not have wide distributions. These venomous snakes, along with the other 12 Connecticut snake species, are not aggressive and will only bite if threatened or handled. If left alone, snakes pose no threat to people.

If you unexpectedly come across a snake, the snake is likely as startled as you are. There is no reason to kill a snake — instead, you should observe and enjoy it from a distance and allow it to go on its way. All snakes will retreat from humans if given a chance.

Some snake species, in particular gartersnakes, are often encountered in yards and around outbuildings. Occasionally they will enter homes and outbuildings in search of food. A snake found in the home can be easily and safely removed. A pair of garden gloves is sufficient protection from gartersnake bites. The snakes have long teeth for their size; a bite on an unprotected hand is not dangerous but can be painful.

The snake should be picked up carefully to avoid excessive squeezing. Snakes have delicate bodies and are easily injured. Place the snake in a cloth bag and release it in an area not far from the point of capture so the snake will be in familiar territory. To discourage snakes from entering buildings, make sure all cracks in the foundation are sealed. Basement windows should close tight or be covered with screens.

If you wish to discourage snakes from your yard, remove the places where they can hide. Cut grass short, remove brush and rock piles, and trim shrubs up off the ground. These methods will discourage snake prey species from the yard as well.

More information about snakes and snake conservation in Connecticut, as well as an identification guide, can be found on the DEEP website at ct.gov/deep/wildlife.

The post Snake encounters appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

College Alumni Book Awards

Brandeis — outstanding student committed to social action and civic engagement, Matthew Ravichandran

Brown — exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills, Abigail Schiff.

Columbia — outstanding academic achievement, Andrew Floyd

Columbia University School of Engineering — outstanding scholarship in math and science, Rachel Pak

Dartmouth — outstanding academic scholarship, strong character and positive contributions to school community, Shannon Golden

Denison — proven record of academic achievement and an interest in pursuing the study of English literature, creative writing or poetry, and committed to service within the school and community, Katie Wardle

Fairfield — outstanding scholarship with concern for others and a commitment to school, Nikhil Fazio

Gettysburg —academic achievement in American history, Caraline Higgins

Harvard — outstanding academic scholarship, Elliot Connors

The College of Holy Cross,— exceptional academic achievement, Joseph Saldudtti

Mount Holyoke — outstanding academic scholarship, Jessica Huffman

Oberlin — outstanding achievement in English, Shayna Goldberg

Princeton Alumni Association of Fairfield County — outstanding academic scholarship, Jessica Kobsa

Randolph — academic achievement and a leader outside of the classroom, Alexandra Troy

St. Lawrence — academic achievement and significant commitment to community service, Riley Wadehra

St. Michael’s — academic achievement with a social conscience, Dean Kim and Mary Lynch

Smith —outstanding academic scholarship and commitment to making a difference, Katharine Robertson

Trinity — outstanding achievement in English, Griffin King

Vassar — demonstrated excellence in the humanities, Kevin Collins

Wellesley — exceptional academic scholarship, character and made significant contributions to school or community, Claire McCullough

Yale — outstanding academic scholarship, Ilana Olin

University of Chicago — outstanding student, visible in school and in community with a lively mind, Evelyn Caty

University of Michigan — outstanding achievement in creative writing, Daniel Glynn

University of Virginia — well rounded student representing the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship, Karen Brosko

U.S. Presidential Scholar 2015 — two scholars from Connecticut and 141 students from across the country were selected, Evaline Xie

Governor’s Scholars of Connecticut for 2015 — thirty scholars from Connecticut were selected, Jessica Kobsa

CT Fallen Heroes Foundation in memory of Nicholas Madaras ’05 — Annika Sheehan

Delta Kappa Gamma Book Award — presented to a junior looking toward pursuing a degree in education, Celine Orabi

League of Women Voters Edna Jones Memorial Book Award — recognizing a female member of the junior class who has demonstrated interest in government, Jessica Kobsa

PTSA Book Awards

(Presented to seniors who have demonstrated the highest quality of performance in specific subject areas)

English — Katherine Kahal and Grace Nickel

Business & Technology — John Gressle and Zara Saldanha

Family & Consumer Science — Child Development, Annie Wilson, video production; Cooper Pellaton and Osgood (Endy) Perry

World Languages — French, Kyra Lin; Spanish, Darden Livesay; German, Brady West; Latin, Aaron Friedman; Greek, Nathan Briglin

Mathematics — Andrew Curtice

Theater Arts & Public Speaking, Theater Arts: Rachel Davison, Jeremy Greenlee and Irish Harvey; Public Speaking & Leadership, John McDermott and Edward Petrillo

Science — Grace Nickel, Jeremy Phillbrick, Evaline Xie

Social Studies — Nicole Amato, Sean Dedrick, William Glynn, John Ryan Kettle

Music — Band: Makenna Pearsall, Chorus: Charles Jankowski, Orchestra: Kelly Skewis

Art-Drawing — Allesandra Rauccio

Computer Graphics — Jacob Kinley, Photography: Timothy Brown

Ceramics — Tyler Mirabile Digital Media — Zourry Jarvis

Library Media — Jeremy Brewer

Physical Education Health — Stephanie Scamuffo and Matthew Shifrin

Support Services — Emma Gosden and Rory Murphy

School Counseling for Citizenship & Character — Alika Zangieva

Science Awards

W. Gehret Kleinspehn Science Award — For a senior showing strong interest, achievement and enthusiasm in all of the sciences and humanities, Grace Nickel

Society of Women Engineers — For academic achievement in science and mathematics and interest in pursuing engineering, Nathan Briglin and Evaline Xie

The Wilton Conservation Land Trust Scholarship in memory of Dan Cappel — Presented to a senior that has demonstrated a commitment to the environment, extracurricular activities, community service and academics, David Sandor

The Wilton Conservation Land Trust Book Award, Rachel Pak

The Renewable Energy Environmental Science Scholarship Award — Awarded to a senior who through their class work has studied and communicated the benefits of renewable energy generation as an alternative to today’s carbon emitting energy sources and their adverse environmental impact, Elizabeth Arthur

Wilton Garden Club Marybeth Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Award — Presented to a senior who has shown an interest and achievement in nature, horticulture, botany or ecology, Colin DeFelice

Mathematics Awards

Math Contest Honorees — Evaline Xie and Brandon Zheng

Fairfield County Math League Top Performers, Tyler Brophy, Rachel Pak, Neal Sarup, Ravi Siripuram, Brandon Zheng and Kaitlyn Zheng

World Language Awards

World Language Scholar Award — To a senior who is proficient in three languages, understands and appreciates cultural differences, demonstrates a sincere passion for languages and cultures of the world and plans to utilize several languages on a professional level, Evaline Xie

International Club Award — For outstanding service to the International Club and for helping to bring cultural diversity and understanding to the students of WHS, Lydia Parapimon

Northeast Conference Awards — For excellence in the study of world language. French: Morgan Donnell, Spanish: Grace Nickel, German: Jeremy Philbrick, Latin: Nathan Briglin, Greek: Evaline Xie

CT COLT Poetry Contest Gold Medals —Modern Greek: Darden Livesay, Ancient Greek II: Erin Bronner, Latin IV: Jessica Kobsa, French V and VI: Evaline Xie, French III Native Category: Benjamin Lucas

Alliance Francaise Book Award — For service and leadership in spreading French language and culture, John DeAngelis

German Consulate of Federal Republic of Germany, Boston — Awarded for excellence in the study of German, Alida Schefers

German National Exam Gold Medals & High Honors — German III: Vik Zoeller, High Honors Level III: Hannah Jung, Level II: Benjamin Allbee, Sean Bergen and Emily Mitrione, Gold Medals Level I: Davis Johnson, Nicholas Killian, Michael Lynch, Sophia Mercado and Anna Maria Onnerud

National Latin Examination Gold Medals — Latin I: Harvey Alexander, Latin II: Erin Bronner and William Heffernan, Latin III: Kevin Chabrieer, Katherine Kenneally and Ashley Li, Latin IV: Nathan Briglin

CT State Latin Exam Gold Medals — Latin II: Sean Bergen, Erin Bronner and William Heffernan, Latin III: Jacqueline Cahill, Katherine Kenneally, Jessica Kobsa and Ashley Li, Latin IV: Nathan Briglin

National Greek Examination Perfect Score, Highest Honors & High Honors — Homeric Greek Highest Honors: Nathan Briglin, Beginning Attic Greek Perfect Score, William Heffernan, Beginning Attic Greek Highest Honors: Michael Wallace, Beginning Attic Greek High Honors: Erin Bronner

Medusa Mythology Exam Gold Medals — Nathan Briglin, Albert Cai (perfect score,) William Heffernan and Ashley Li (perfect score)

Career Practicum Award — To a senior who has shown outstanding achievement in Career Practicum, Kallie Spinola

Business-CSCPA Award — To a senior who has excelled in accounting, Matthew Shifrin

National Economics Challenge, David Ricardo Division, First Place Connecticut, Carlos Hernandez, Tyler Innes, William Ruefenacht and Brady West

Chartwells Student Scholarship — To a senior who will be pursuing a career in culinary arts, Cristina Salatino

Reynolds & Rowella “Strength in Numbers” Scholarship — For excellence in the study of accounting, Ryan Eberhardt and Daniel Sullivan

Captain Sam Polis American Legion Post 86 Memorial Scholarship — In recognition of academic achievement among seniors pursuing a technical career, Ryan Eberhardt

Fairfield County Community  Foundation Excellence in Education Award — Presented to a senior who exemplifies excellence in education, demonstrates leadership and is involved in extracurricular activities, including community service, Nicole Amato

Wilton Youth Council Awards

Peer Outreach Leadership Award — For an outstanding senior whose efforts in peer outreach have made a significant impact on making the high school a more caring environment, MaryJane LaSala

Wilton Youth Council Award — To a graduating senior who has demonstrated a genuine respect and sensitivity for others that reaches above and beyond the norm, Trevor Huffard

Hugh O’Brien Foundation Award — To a sophomore demonstrating leadership and scholarship potential, Jackson Walker

“Young American” Leadership Award — Presented to a senior for demonstrated outstanding citizenship and academic excellence, David Craven

DAR Good Citizen Award — Presented to a senior for exemplary citizenship and service to school and community, Darden Livesay

Wilton Historical Society Award — Presented to a senior for outstanding achievement and interest in history and a record of community service, John Kaelin

Mid-Fairfield County Board of Realtors Community Service Scholarship — Presented to a senior for academic achievement combined with service to the Wilton community, Neal Sarup

Fairfield County Bank Scholarship Award — Presented to a senior whose good character is exemplified by service to the community, John Kaelin

Wilton Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Award — Presented to a senior who demonstrates academic achievement and community service, Nicole Amato

Gregory and Adams Award — Presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, character and achievement on the Wilton High School Debate Team, John Kaelin

Rotary Club of Wilton “Service Above Self” Awards — Presented to two seniors who have reached out to help other students or the greater community, Alexander Ackerman and Jacqueline Cooke

Georgetown Lions Club Frank A. Clark Scholarship — Presented to a senior who will attend a Connecticut State University and is engaged in community service, John DeMattia

Wilton Volunteer Fire Department John J. Cahill Award — Presented for outstanding community service, Julia Davatzes and Alika Zangieva

Wilton Woman’s Club Elizabeth Sternad Scholarship — Presented for outstanding community service, strong character and leadership, Julia Davatzes, Morgan Donnell, Madison Gillespie and Alika Zangieva

Wilton Family YMCA Award — Presented to seniors who have demonstrated values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility to young people, Caroline Costello, Sean Dedrick, Miranda Morris, Isabella Palapac, Alyssa Rubsam, Madeline Srivastava and Haley Taroli

Wilton Bulletin Journalism Award — Presented to a senior who has demonstrated an enthusiasm for gathering news, an ability to communicate in a complete, fair and clear way and an understanding of and commitment to the truth, Alika Zangieva

Future Global Leader award — Recognizes and rewarding young leaders in Fairfield County who have demonstrated a commitment to understanding global issues and leadership qualities applicable to solving global problems, David Craven

American Citizenship Award — Recognizes seniors who participate in school and community service, show a positive attitude, possess strength of character and promote citizenship  through school and community activities, Erin Cunningham, Madison Gillespie, Meaghan Herlyn, John Ryan Kettle, Makenna Pearsall, Hayden von Hoffmann, Jackson Ward and Daniel Weisman

National Association of Secondary School Principals/Prudential Spirit of Community Award — Presented to a senior who celebrates the spirit of volunteerism both in school and in the community, Julianna Yee

National Association of Secondary School Principals Herff Jones Leadership Award — Presented to a senior who demonstrates outstanding leadership skills, Cooper Pellaton

Connecticut Association of Schools “Leadership  Award” — Presented to two seniors for outstanding leadership at Wilton High School, Perry and Elise Vocke

The Fairfield County Association of Secondary School Principals “Scholar-Leader Award” — Presented to two seniors who demonstrate excellent scholarship and leadership, Cooper Pellaton and Evaline Xie

CAPSS/Superintendent’s Award — Presented to two seniors for community service, academic ability and leadership services to the school and community, Geoffrey Keating and Grace Nickel

Connecticut Association of Boards of Education “Student Leadership Award”— Presented to two seniors who are recognized leaders at Wilton High School, Julia Davatzes and Carter Vail

The Pam Cole Memorial Scholarship — Presented to a deserving senior who demonstrates a creative passion in fashion/art design and who plans to further their creative education with a constructive post-graduation plan, Kendall Keough

Nick D. Zinicola Scholarship — Awarded to a senior who captures the essence of Nick’s spirit and values, Mairead Deacy

Dr. Robert J. Jacobs Memorial Award — In appreciation of students who “left their mark” for others to see, Colin DeFelice, Jack House, Ethan Michael, Cooper Pellaton, Michael Williams, Emmet Lane, Sean Westerholm and Harrison Winrow

The Jack Award — Given in memory of John A. Sussenguth to a graduating young man and woman who combines scholarship with leadership, who gives of self with warmth and friendship, who is accomplished in the arts or athletics and who fulfills these ideals with a joy and zest for life, Katherine Kahal and Darden Livesay

The Jamie K. Wilson Scholarship Award — Given to two seniors who have demonstrated a love of children, involvement in the community and concern for fellow students and who wish to pursue a career in elementary education, Kristen Godin and Annie Wilson

The Melissa McFadden Memorial Fund Scholarship — Presented to two seniors this year who have successfully worked with children with disabilities and intend to pursue this field in the future, Sean Dedrick and Carter Vail

Whitney Sherman Memorial Award— Presented to a senior who has been confronted with an extraordinary challenge, yet maintained a positive outlook and is an inspiration to all, Colin DeFelice

Matthew M. Shaw Memorial Scholarship — Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated the highest levels of integrity, selflessness and empathy combined with a positive attitude and sincere desire to be helpful to his or her peers, Casey Tucker

National Merit Scholarship Program

National Merit Commended  Students — Nicole Amato, Nathan Briglin, Ryan Curtis, Julia Davatzes, Rachel Davison, Nicholas DiCorato, Ian Erickson, Aaron Friedman, William Glynn, Cassidy Haas, Vivian Hong, Charles Jankowski, Katherine Kahal, Neel Kaushal, Geoffrey Keating, John Ryan Kettle, Kyra Lin, George Mgaloblishvili, Erica Misknis, Miranda Morris, Jeremy Philbrick, Riley Quigg, Jason Rothstein, Patrick Ryan, Neal Sarup, Sarah Stroup, Connor Sweeney, Caroline Taverna, Jackson Ward and Kaitlyn Zheng

National Merit Finalists — Jeremy Brewer, Grace Nickel, Daniel Xie, and Evaline Xie

National Merit Scholarships — Grace Nickel and Evaline Xie

The post Wilton High School academic awards appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

69 Bald Hill Road

Here’s what’s happening in town today, June 28:

• Insomnia Seminar at Wilton Senior Center, from 10 to 11:30.

• Open house: 308 Chestnut Hill Road, from noon to 2.

• Open house: 14 Heather Lane, from noon to 3.

• Open house: 101 Belden Hill Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 44 Breeds Hill Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 18 Cannon Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 153 Cannon Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 168 Cannon Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 14 Cardinal Lane, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 35 Cedar Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 469 Danbury Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 32 Fenwood Lane, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 206 Mountain Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 1030 Ridgefield Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 1031 Ridgefield Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 43 Saint Johns Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 104 Spectacle Lane, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 3 Thistle Lane, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 15 Tito Lane, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 130 Washington Post Drive, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 221 Westport Road, from 1 to 3.

• Open house: 296 Cannon Road, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 107 Glen Side (Unit 107), from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 269 Millstone Road, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 11 Old Belden Hill Road, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 52 Old Highway, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 70 Range Road, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 84 Raymond Lane, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 25 Spruce Drive, from 1 to 4.

• Open house: 69 Bald Hill Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 99 Bald Hill Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 64 Forest Lane, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 24 Heritage Court, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 137 Linden Tree Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 249 New Canaan Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 56 Old Kings Highway, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 274 Ridgefield Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 141 Scribner Hill Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 183 Westport Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 26 Wilton Hunt Road, from 2 to 4.

• Open house: 153 Chestnut Hill Road, from 4 to 6.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

The post What’s happening in Wilton? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Kelly Pagoto hugs a fellow graduating senior.

Evaline: Faculty and administration, family and friends, and, especially, the Class of 2015 — here at Wilton High School, we all realize that our experience over the last four years has been shaped by much more than sitting in a classroom. In between the carefully plotted schedules of each hectic school day, the bells that ring at 9:59 a.m. (give or take five seconds), we have free periods, lunch, early mornings, afternoons. In reality, it’s during those moments of rest when we let go of stress and relax with each other for a while that we grow as a community, that Wilton High School becomes a happier place.

Endy: As we all know, some changes were implemented this year to improve our school security. There were tighter restrictions placed on walking under the bridge between classes and eating outside in front of the school. Even though these changes were made to make us safe, it’s understandable that some students were upset about not being able to get fresh air during the school day.

Evaline: As a solution, the Class of 2015, in collaboration with the Executive Board, administration, and custodial staff at Wilton High School, is in the process of building an outdoor patio space behind the cafeteria for students to eat lunch and spend free time. We’re creating a mulch picnic area with stone pavers, solar-powered torch lights, flowers and greenery, and picnic tables for the entire school to use. In addition, we’ve provided some Frisbees, footballs, and other outdoor activities for students to enjoy.

Endy: These class gifts are an annual tradition for the graduating class to leave its legacy on the school. Yet this year, our gift is not just the legacy of our class but that of the entire school and even Wilton community — the Executive Board and administration; Mr. Figueroa and the rest of the amazingly helpful custodial staff; local businesses that helped our silent auction fund-raiser to raise money for the project. Our gift is a tribute to the incredible community of our school, people eager to brighten their high school, to respond to the loss of some privileges by creating something new. We would like to thank all local town patrons that donated toward the project and participated in our silent auction during the spring musical Camelot. With some of the remaining funds raised, an account has been started for next year’s student government to manage, replenish, and expand the project to accommodate the needs and desires of future Wilton High School students. It is with great honor that we present this gift on behalf of the Class of 2015 to Wilton High School. We hope that it will continue to be used by all students to further the learning community and foster a successful yet relaxing environment.

The post Class gift: No problems, only solutions appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

All fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut, with the exception of sparklers and fountains.

Connecticut residents are reminded that state law defines sparklers as non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture.

Fountains are defined as non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic for each individual item. If two or more fountains are affixed to the same base, the total quantity of pyrotechnic composition of combined fountains cannot exceed 200 grams.

Both sparklers and fountains may be legally used by persons aged 16 and older.

Novelty items such as party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. These exploding devices are very dangerous and have caused serious injury to those using them or near them.

The Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit reports that a number of house fires and grass fires have been attributed to the use of fireworks. Fireworks are a danger to property, as well as to people. If a fire or explosion caused by legal or illegal fireworks causes injuries and/or damage, or poses the risk of either, the person responsible could be charged with a felony criminal offense.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted at a state-approved site by Connecticut licensed pyrotechnicians.

The post Don’t run afoul of fireworks law appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Janet Bottiglieri

Real estate agent Janet Bottiglieri recently joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties Wilton office, 101 Old Ridgefield Road.

Bottiglieri is a regional agent specializing in Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding, Newtown and the greater Danbury area. She has 28 years of experience in real estate sales.

Most recently, she worked for William Pitt Sotheby’s, where she was a top producer that “continually ranked in the top 2% in the country,” according to a press release.

Bottiglieri is a graduate of sales training programs Sweathogs and the Real Estate Institute.

She is a member of the Connecticut Board of REALTORS.

She is a certified relocation specialist and a certified residential specialist, with CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate, REALTOR Institute) designations.

“Joining a full-service national company is an important factor which will enable me to continue to provide the personal service my clients have grown to expect,” said Bottiglieri.

Office Leader Josephine Simko, who announced Bottiglieri’s new role, had this to say: “I am so pleased to have Janet join the Wilton office. Her professionalism, customer focus, and can-do attitude are why she has been a consecutive top producer and why Janet will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Bottiglieri earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pace University.

The post Janet Bottiglieri joins Berkshire Hathaway appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Here’s what’s happening in town today, June 29:

• Line Dance Fusion at Wilton Senior Center, from 10:30 to 11:30.

• Coffee at Wilton Senior Center at 11:30.

• Movie at Wilton Senior Center at noon.

• Exploring the Five Senses at Wilton Library, from 4 to 4:45.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

The post What’s happening in Wilton? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Maya Borrero receives her diploma from Board of Education Chair Bruce Likly. — Scott Mullin photo

Alexander Ackerman
Boston College

Omar Ali-Ahmad
Norwalk Community College/employment

Jack Alibrandi
University of Delaware

Nicole Amato
University of Connecticut

Taylor Aquan
University of South Carolina

Isabelle Araldi
The University of Texas

Alexander Araujo
Western Connecticut State University

Elizabeth Arnold
Undecided

Elizabeth Arthur
University of Colorado at Boulder

Cecilia Babchak
University of Colorado at Boulder

Alexandra Babkowski
The George Washington University

Katharine Bartek
New York University

Joseph Bartolotta
University of South Carolina

Danielle Bassock
Indiana University at Bloomington

Lydia Bates
Roanoke College

Gregory Bauerfeld
Syracuse University

Delaney Baxendale
University of Maine

Michael Bingaman
Colgate University

Ryan Black
Gettysburg College

Trevor Blond
Villanova University

Melissa Boehme
College of Charleston

Maya Borrero
Savannah College of Art and Design

Spencer Brandt
University of Connecticut

William Brant
Loyola Marymount University

Jeremy Brewer
University of Connecticut

Nathan Briglin
University of Rochester

Tyler Brophy
Northeastern University

Spencer Brown
Georgetown University

Timothy Brown
University of Massachusetts

Kyle Buckley
Keene State College

Hope Burnaman
Rollins College

Lehne Camp
Ithaca College

Corrine Cannavino
Hampshire College

Lindsey Cassone
Virginia Tech

Timothy Cella
University of Vermont

Eliza Chapey
Southern Methodist University

Alyssa Colbert
Dickinson College

Jacqueline Cooke
Syracuse University

Shannon Coomaraswamy
San Diego Mesa College

Lindsay Cooney
The University of Alabama

Julia Cooper
James Madison University

Caroline Costello
Keene State College

Bridget Cott
Endicott College

Caroline Coupe
Pepperdine University

Thomas Courtney
Christopher Newport University

David Craven
College of the Holy Cross

Skylyr Crow
Cornell University

Nicholas Cullen
Employment – Park Ranger

Erin Cunningham
Trinity College

Megan Cunningham
Rutgers University

Andrew Curtice
University of Connecticut

Ryan Curtis
University of Virginia

Amanda D’Arbanville
University of Connecticut

Julia Davatzes
University of Virginia

Rachel Davison
Carnegie Mellon University

Mairead Deacy
University of Connecticut

Wyatt Dean
Towson University

John DeAngelis
University of Richmond

Sean Dedrick
University of Notre Dame

Colin DeFelice
University of South Carolina

Michael DeLissio
Pennsylvania State University

John DeMattia
University of Connecticut

John Denneen
Tulane University

Peter Depping
Susquehanna University

William DeSantis
Vanderbilt University

John Dexter
University of Connecticut

Sara Dickinson
The Ohio State University

Nicholas DiCorato
The George Washington University

Jessica Dodman
American University

Morgan Donnell
Emory University

Mark Donohue
Washington and Lee University

Tara Downey
Gettysburg College

Madeline Driver
University of Utah

A’ine Duffy
Emerson College

Ryan Eberhardt
Florida Institute of Technology

Ryan Edwards
Gap Year

Alexander Ellenthal
Union College

Miles Elmasry
University of Maryland

Ryan Emerson
St. Lawrence University

Haley English
Skidmore College

Ian Erickson
College of William and Mary

Emily Fanwick
Drexel University

Gavin Fawcett
Pennsylvania State University

Nicholas Fiol
Returning to Chile

Sharon Fischer
Simmons College

Kendall Flavin
Drexel University

Adeline Fleitz
College of William and Mary

Aliza Fleitz
Fairfield University

Benjamin Foodman
University of Connecticut

Alexander Forcade
Rhodes College

Cole Ford
University of Connecticut

Nicholas Frangoulis
University of Southern Maine

Cecily Freliech
Tufts University

Aaron Friedman
University of Massachusetts

Conner Fritchley
Towson University

Robert Furst
McGill University

Gerrit Gaillard
Vanderbilt University

Laura Galeano
Norwalk Community College

Jackson Gany
Providence College

Michelle Garvey
The University of Scranton

Sophie Gaston
College of Charleston

Jennifer Gehrlein
Marist College

Dylan Genovese
Gap Year – then school for mechanics

Bryanna Gibney
Bentley University

Madison Gillespie
University of South Carolina

William Glynn
Georgetown University

Kristen Godin
Loyola University Maryland

Luiza Goncalves
Pratt Institute

Emma Gosden
Western Connecticut State University

Emily Greeff
University of Delaware

Kimberly Green
Villanova University

Amanda Greenberg
Ithaca College

Egor Greenlee
Undecided

Jeremy Greenlee
Oklahoma State University

John Gressle
Purdue University

David Gulbin
Hobart and William Smith Colleges

John Guth
Middlebury College

Cassidy Haas
University of Colorado at Boulder

Yuntian Han
Case Western Reserve University

Christian Hansson
Hamilton College

Lily Harmon
Stetson University

Irish Harvey
Reed College

Caitlin Healy
Dickinson College

John Healy
Pennsylvania State University

Meaghan Herlyn
Texas Christian University

Peter Hermann
Southern Methodist University

Jameson Hill
Ohio Wesleyan University

William Hoffmann
College of the Holy Cross

Jennifer Hojnacki
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Jordan Holmen
“University of California, Santa Barbara”

Stephen Holmquist
University of Michigan

Vivian Hong
Tufts University

Jack House
Rollins College

William Howard
University of Connecticut

Trevor Huffard
Santa Clara University

Barry Hunter
Miami University

Colin Hussey
The Hotchkiss School

Grant Hussey
Gap Year – then University of Denver

Samuel Jacobson
Dickinson College

Charles Jankowski
Northeastern University

Kaya Jarrett
School of Visual Arts

Zourry Jarvis
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Delaney Jenkins
University of Delaware

Nathaniel Johnson
The University of Iowa

Kyle Jonas
St. Lawrence University

John Kaelin
Washington and Lee University

Katherine Kahal
University of Chicago

Phoebe Kamp
Springfield College

Margaret Kauffeld
Xavier University

Mitchell Kauffman
University of Michigan

Neel Kaushal
University of Virginia

Geoffrey Keating
University of Virginia

Kieran Kehoe
Gap Year

Edward Kennedy
Quinnipiac University

Kendall Keough
University of Delaware

Theodore Kern
Undecided

John Ryan Kettle
Johns Hopkins University

Jacob Kinley
Rochester Institute of Technology

Konrad Kotonski
Loyola University Maryland

Avery Langhoff
The Ohio State University

MaryJane LaSala
Washington and Lee University

Natalia Lebrija
University of Connecticut

Rey Lebron
University of New Hampshire

Michael Legaz
Bentley University

Julia Lewis
University of Miami

Kyra Lin
Gap Year – University of Notre Dame

Elliot Lipner
University of Connecticut

Kathryn Litton
Emerson College

Darden Livesay
University of Connecticut

Reia Lobo
Savannah College of Art and Design

Melissa Luse
University of Maryland

Michael Lynch
Connecticut College

Patrick Lyon
University of Connecticut

Hannah Maatallah
Brandeis University

Jayne Maccio
Colgate University

Sabrina Malik
Wellesley College

Maeve Maloney
Syracuse University

Madeleine Mannix
Savannah College of Art and Design

Daniel Marino
Lafayette College

Jordan Mason
Fairfield University

Thomas McCabe
Virginia Tech

Kyle McCormick
New England College

Jake McCully
Pennsylvania State University

John McDermott
High Point University

Alexandra McErlain
Fisher College

Sean McEwen
Dickinson College

Charles McGovern
Union College

James McGovern
Roger Williams University

John McLoughlin
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Sean McSpirit
The University of Alabama

James Meany
Wake Forest University

Kateleen Meehan
Northeastern University

Reid Melillo
Roanoke College

Peter Mellin
Franklin and Marshall College

Erica Meyer
Providence College

George Mgaloblishvili
Columbia University

Ethan Michael
University of Denver

Andrea Micik
Curry College

Tyler Mirabile
St. Lawrence University

Erica Miskinis
“University of California, Santa Barbara”

John-Tyler Morin
“University of Massachusetts, Boston”

Miranda Morris
Rice University

Rory Murphy
Foundation School

Shannon Murphy
Johnson & Wales University

Emily Murtha
James Madison University

Grace Nickel
Barnard College

Rebecca Nisco
The Catholic University of America

Callum O’Connell
Millbrook School

Kendall O’Connor
Indiana University at Bloomington

Emily O’Grady
Gap Year

Madeleine Olson
Boston University

Nicholas Osmun
Virginia Commonwealth University

Sophia Paddon
University of Maine

Kelly Pagoto
University of Connecticut

Isabella Palacpac
The Juilliard School

Unchisa Parapimon
University of Connecticut

Laine Parsons
Columbia University

Makenna Pearsall
University of Notre Dame

Cooper Pellaton
University of Massachusetts

Lucy Pepper
College of Charleston

Madison Peraino
Indiana University at Bloomington

Jamie Perry
Eastern Connecticut State University

Osgood (Endy) Perry
University of Rhode Island

Connor Peterson
Syracuse University

Edward Petrillo
Sacred Heart University

Jeremy Philbrick
Northeastern University

Andrew Pollino
Western Connecticut State University

Sara Posson
University of South Carolina

Monica Prario
Boston University

Gabriella Pucci
Loyola University New Orleans

Riley Quigg
University of Connecticut

Joseph Raimondi
University of Delaware

Grant Rasmussen
Virginia Tech

Allesandra Rauccio
Undecided

Kieran Reardon
University of New Hampshire

Virginia Reda
Eastern Connecticut State University

Meghan Reeve
University of Colorado at Boulder

Luke Rizzo
Military – Navy

Kara Robertson
Gettysburg College

Sydni Robinson
University of North Dakota

Maciej Roginski
University of Connecticut at Stamford

Emma Ronk
Franklin and Marshall College

Isabelle Rosa
St. Lawrence University

Alexandra Rossi
High Point University

Jason Rothstein
Purdue University

Yonatan Rozenberg
Plymouth State University

Alyssa Rubsam
Villanova University

William Ruefenacht
Virginia Tech

Patrick Ryan
Washington and Lee University

Harrison Sabo
Stonehill College

Amra Sabovic
Northeastern University

Cristina Salatino
Johnson & Wales University

Matthew Salatino
Gap Year

Zara Saldanha
Bucknell University

David Sandor
University of Connecticut

Neal Sarup
Georgetown University

Lucas Savoie
Canterbury School

Theodore Savvaides
St. Lawrence University

Bridget Saxe
Florida State University

Stephanie Scamuffo
Loyola University Maryland

Ryan Schenk
High Point University

Samuel Schmitt
University of Massachusetts

Jonathan Senneff
Hamilton College

Francis Serra
Norwalk Community College

Annika Sheehan
Lafayette College

Daniel Sherwood
Norwalk Community College

Matthew Shifrin
Kenyon College

Sophia Shiller
Gap Year

Hunter Shipp
University of Massachusetts

Scott Shouvlin
St. Lawrence University

Helene Sirinakis
Suffolk University

Kelly Skewis
Lehigh University

Michael Smallwood
Lehigh University

Bianca Socci
Seton Hill University

Paul Sorbo
Pennsylvania State University

Tyus Southern
Oberlin College

Mark Spiewak
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Kallie Spinola
Western Connecticut State University

Madeline Srivastava
Colgate University

Lian Steinberg
Washington University in St. Louis

Sarah Stroup
Bucknell University

Brittany Sullivan
High Point University

Daniel Sullivan
Virginia Tech

Connor Sweeney
Purdue University

John Sweeney
University of Massachusetts

Lindsay Tabacchini
Norwalk Community College – then UConn Stamford

Olivia Tabacchini
Norwalk Community College – then Johnson & Wales

Haley Taroli
University of Maryland

Caroline Taverna
Williams College

Anthony Tecce
Rollins College

Rod-Djaly Thoby
University of Hartford

Harrison Toll
Purdue University

Brendan Travers
Seton Hall University

Behret Troller
Central Connecticut State University

Casey Tucker
Amherst College

Kimberly Ugarte
The Catholic University of America

Carter Vail
University of Miami

Justin Vincent
Quinnipiac University

Andrew Vissicchio
Norwalk Community College

Elise Vocke
University of Michigan

Hayden von Hoffmann
Washington University in St. Louis

Monei Walker
Dickinson College

Jackson Ward
Colby College

Jesse Ward
Undecided

Calvin Wardle
University of Massachusetts

Daniel Weisman
Georgia Institute of Technology

Brady West
Florida State University

Benjamin Williams
Loyola University Maryland

Peter Williams
Loyola University Maryland

Richard Williams
Providence College

Timothy Willis
Drexel University

Annie Wilson
Sacred Heart University

Walter Winrow
Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Brooke Wistreich
Washington University in St. Louis

Caitlin Witty
Webster University

Shannon Wolpiuk
St. Lawrence University

Daniel Xie
“University of California, Berkeley”

Evaline Xie
Yale University

Julianna Yee
The George Washington University

Alika Zangieva
The George Washington University

Lauren Zappaterrini
University of Colorado at Boulder

Edward Zawislak
Virginia Tech

Kaitlyn Zheng
New York University

Matthew Ziluca
University of Richmond

The post Post Graduation Plans appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Georgienna M. Young

Georgienna M. Young, 81, of Skaneateles, N.Y., died on June 25, 2015.

Born on May 20, 1934 in Truxton, N.Y., she was the daughter of Charles and Hessel Murray. She graduated from Truxton High School and Cortland State University with a degree in education

Married for 61 years to Kenneth E. Young, she was the mother of five children and grandmother of 12. Known to many as Gina, she and her husband built a dairy farm they acquired in 1960 into a thriving enterprise now known as Twin Birch Dairy.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother, who lavished her love on her family and friends. Known for her beauty, grace and generous spirit, she loved to bake, garden and keep a welcoming home. She loved the simple things in life — sitting on her porch watching the comings-and-goings of the farm, deer grazing in the field and her flowers growing.

Gina loved to travel, play golf and bridge and go to the theater. She was a pillar of the Owasco Reformed Church and was active in Skaneateles Ambulance Volunteer Emergency Services (SAVES), Meals on Wheels and other organizations.

She is survived by her five children: Dirk Young (Karen) of Skaneateles, N.Y.; Dariel Curren (William) of Roxbury, Conn.; Georgia Davala (George) of Wilton, Conn.; Kenneth Young II of Skaneateles, N.Y.; and Lisa McGlynn (Steve) of Skaneateles, N.Y.

In addition, she is survived by 12 grandchildren and her brother Daniel Murray of Seneca Falls. She is pre-deceased by her parents and two siblings: Charles Murray Jr. and Barbara Kinney

Calling hours will be held at the Owasco Reformed Church on Monday, June 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. The memorial service will be held at the Owasco Reformed Church on Tuesday, June 30 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Owasco Reformed Church or SAVES. To send condolences visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

The post Georgienna M. Young, 81 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

What was feared is now becoming reality. The consequence of tax hikes on our health care system is the eroding of the system. In the last week we have seen two healthcare clinics in the greater New Haven area close eliminating more than 30 jobs and on Wednesday an announcement from one of the state’s largest healthcare providers that it will lay off more than 300 workers — a direct response to budget cuts.

Executives at Hartford Healthcare told employees that Medicaid payment reductions from the state will amount to more than $100 million over the next five years. This added to the tax hikes on hospitals in the newly passed state budget are a prescription for disaster.

Back in February, the Office of Policy and Management secretary was asked why hospitals are being asked to pay more in taxes through the proposed budget. The answer from OPM Secretary Ben Barnes was, “Why do you rob banks? That’s where the money is.”

Despite the best efforts of some of us to stop this bad budget from being passed it was narrowly approved by the legislature (by one vote in the Senate and three votes in the House) and contains many changes that may also negatively impact hospitals and healthcare providers in our region. Those changes include:

• Reductions in Medicaid provider rates by $10 million annually;
• Restrictions in the utilization of urban and industrial sites tax credits by hospitals by 50%;
• Increases taxes on Connecticut’s hospitals by $211.8 million annually;
• Enacts a hospital provider tax on ambulatory surgical centers that never had a public hearing, resulting in higher healthcare costs.

It is critical we find common ground before more jobs are lost. I urge all of you to contact the governor and respectfully ask him to veto this budget. Today, it’s Hartford Hospital workers that suffer, tomorrow it may be Norwalk, Stamford or Danbury Hospital.

Call Gov. Malloy’s Office at 800-406-1527.

Sen. Boucher represents the 26th Senatorial District towns of New Canaan, Wilton, Westport, Weston, Ridgefield, Redding and Bethel.

The post Senate Circle: State budget impact on health care appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

To the Editors:

At A Better Chance of Wilton, our mission is to teach the scholars to succeed in today’s complex world by acquiring a better education. To achieve our goal there are a myriad of volunteers in the Wilton community who guide and support the scholars through their high school years here.

ABC is indebted to the Wilton High School faculty, the guidance office team, and the Board of Education for their commitment to the program, and especially Assistant Principal Linda Lyall. In addition, nearly 150 volunteers serve the program as host families, college coaches, school mentors, tutors, counselors and drivers — all critical components that keep the program running smoothly and thriving. A huge thanks to the entire ABC volunteers team on another terrific year.

Last year, the program Life Skills launched to better prepare the scholars for the college experience and adult challenges. This program is based upon the need to teach the scholars the same common sense topics we teach our children. Each Life Skills topic is organized into an interactive workshop and delivered by volunteer experts.

Many of the topics may be considered “dry,” but thanks to the creative volunteer leaders they were delivered in an energetic and engaging manner. Ann Mitrione of Wilton’s Bankwell said, “We commend the leaders who developed this important curriculum to equip the scholars with tools that will serve them all their lives.”

The ABC program would like to recognize and thank each of the workshop leaders.

• Leadership Development — Michael Gordon, Middlebrook School and ABC Resident Director
• Nutrition and Culinary — Tim LeBant, The SchoolHouse Grill
• Get Organized — Dawn Reshen Doty, Benay Enterprises
• Myers Briggs Analysis and Impact — Ellen Byrne
• Leadership and the Working World — Sue Johnson, Florene Kissy, GenRE
• Resume Excellence — Susan Shaller
• Banking 101 — Ann Mitrione, Wilton’s Bankwell
• A Faith Journey — Rev. Shannon White, Presbyterian Church
• Personal Safety and Self Defense — Robert Olmedo, Olmedo Self Defense and Staff
• Swimming — Sarah Hagan, The Wilton Y
• Healthcare Today — Dr. Peter Dodds, Norwalk Hospital, Dr. Robert Brady, Coastal Orthopedics, and Sam Hopkins, The Moore Center
• College and Beyond — Conor Brown, UNH, Shelley Dempsey, Maddie Kirchof and Dylan Hines, Miami University, Christine Merolla, Dickinson

ABC of Wilton also wants to thank to food and program sponsors including the Village Market, Wilton Pizza, CT Coffee, Marley’s and the Wilton Sport Shop.

If you are interested in participating or you have any ideas regarding workshops please visit abcwilton.org. The ABC program is a Wilton program: staffed and supported as a nonprofit and funded 100% by you and your Wilton neighbors.

Over the years, 100% of ABC seniors have been accepted to college. The graduation class this year is: Rey Lebron, University of New Hampshire, Monei Walker, Dickinson; Barry Hunter, Miami University’s Farmer School of Business; and Zourry Jarvis, Vaughn University of Aeronautics.

ABC of Wilton Board
Wilton, June 19

The post Letter: ABC of Wilton thanks its volunteers appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

(Nicole Taylor Photography)

Crisis center supporters

A group associated with the Wilton High School Teen PeaceWorks program were among the more than 500 people who attended the Domestic Violence Crisis Center’s 13th annual Voices of Courage Spring Luncheon on May 14 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel. Three women — author Leslie Morgan Steiner, former Manhattan prosecutor Linda Fairstein, and victim advocate Dede Bartlett — told their personal stories, offered historical perspectives and unveiled a new economic empowerment program to support the center’s clients. The luncheon raised more than $145,000 that will support the center’s services and programs, including court and legal services, group and individual counseling, financial advocacy and housing services, and a 24-hour hotline (1-888-774-2900). Above, in front, are Kaitlin McNamara, Nickia Muraskin, Kaitlin Zappaterrini, Allison Farago, and teacher/adviser Lauren Janssen. In back are Marianne Ellis, Jennifer McNamara, chair of the Wilton Domestic Violence Task Force, Janel Downs, Ann Barton and Alison Hewitt.

The post Crisis center supporters appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

I read my grandson Jack the story of Henny Penny (aka Chicken Little) recently. As you’ll probably recall, Henny Penny goes around among her fellow animals crying, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” and causing quite a stir. It turns out, however, that what Henny Penny had mistaken for Armageddon was simply a falling acorn hitting her head. Henny Penny winds up apologizing to her fellow animals for creating such an unfounded ruckus.

I thought of the Henny Penny story last week when I read the decision by the State Election Enforcement Commission on the charges made by “Sensible Wilton” and its fellow travelers. I say “fellow travelers” because the only members of “Sensible” identified by name in the complaint “Sensible” filed earlier this month in Stamford Superior Court are Alex Ruskewich and Curtis Noel. As we all recall, these folks loudly proclaimed the existence of gross and egregious election law violations by Bill Brennan, Dick Dubow, Bruce Hampson, Karen Birck, John Kalamarides, and other town officials, and those claims are repeated in no fewer than five pages of that court complaint.

What did the Election Enforcement Commission find, unanimously, after they thoroughly investigated those charges? Simply that there were no violations by town officials or by our town itself — all of those claims were dismissed — and only one violation by any individual. That violation was by Miller-Driscoll’s principal in an announcement following a parents’ night, and that yielded no fine of her but just a caution as to a section of the election law that is so new this was the first complaint ever raised under it. Given the circumstances and the context, a consent order involving no fine or other civil penalty was deemed appropriate. Contrast this very sensible result with “Sensible’s” overweening charges.

With respect to other “Sensible” inaccuracies, “Sensible’s” June 1 press release regarding its suit states in part, “As we have consistently stated throughout this debate, Sensible Wilton believes that immediate repairs should be made to various components of the MD school building, including the roof, HVAC, and electrical systems, and Sensible Wilton agrees that sprinklers and fire alarm systems need to be installed as well. It is likely that mold and asbestos remediation will be needed too. Claims that Sensible Wilton ‘just wants to fix the roof and HVAC’ are completely untrue.”

Contrast the last sentence of this “Sensible” press release with the letter to the editor of “Sensible’s” president that appeared in this newspaper’s Jan. 15, 2015 issue.  There he stated, “improvements are needed at Miller-Driscoll but should be concentrated on items that are needed now for student health/safety: roof and HVAC.”  How soon “Sensible” forgets what it has previously asserted. In fact, to judge from its press release, “Sensible’s” latest “to-do” list for Miller-Driscoll is incrementally growing ever closer to the scope of the rebuilding project as approved by our voters!

Maybe “Sensible’s” revised “to-do” list reflects its late-blooming appreciation of the fact that this rebuild is a lot bigger project than it had anticipated. What it fails to mention is that sending this project back to the drawing boards will add to the costs of the project at a time when construction costs are rising 4% annually, not to mention delay by years a critically needed rebuild for our kids and jeopardize $6 million in state subsidies.

We know that residents come out in droves when they feel that something is amiss. I saw that dramatically firsthand on June 4, 1996, as Bob Russell describes in his outstanding book, Wilton, Connecticut, when the largest town meeting in Wilton history was held following budget rejection by voters at the initial town meeting that spring. Some 2,328 voters filled our high school’s huge field house to overflowing “to ensure that no budget cuts would be made from the floor” (p. 474). The budget passed.

Otherwise, residents apparently forget to vote (notwithstanding extensive press coverage) or think they have better things to do. Our Town Charter addresses this sad reality by wisely putting in a minimum threshold (15% of eligible voters) before an annual town vote in the negative can prevail (though bonding resolutions always go by simple majority, however few the voters).

However, nowadays every town vote is on the line since there is a determined minority who views everything in town government as a “glass half empty” and will gladly cut programs and services willy-nilly if given the chance. And that would be a very sad result indeed.

The post A View From Glen Hill: The sky is not falling appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Beatriz Williams

Here’s what’s happening in town today, June 30:

• Yoga at Wilton Senior Center, from 11 to noon.

• Chair Yoga at Ogden House, from 2 to 3.

• Author Talk: Beatriz Williams at Wilton Library, from 7 to 8:30.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

The post What’s happening in Wilton? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Making a ‘global’ impact

More than 20 volunteers from Nielsen gathered June 11 at Schenck’s Island Park for the company’s local Global Impact Day. First Selectman Bill Brennan welcomed and thanked the group, most of whom were from Nielsen’s Wilton office. Nielsen Global Impact Day is held around the world wherever Nielsen has offices. The volunteers cut and stacked downed trees, cleared brush from stone walls, cut vines and removed garlic mustard. The day was hosted by the town and the Wilton Land Conservation Trust as part of its long-term meadow restoration project on the “island.”  Land trust trustees Steve White and Bruce Beebe led the day’s activities  with Shilpa Sure of Nielsen’s Wilton office. The volunteers expressed interest in returning next year, and maybe returning soon for picnic lunches.

The post Making a ‘global’ impact appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Last month, a group of Wilton High students and their adult advisers attended the Domestic Violence Crisis Center’s Voices of Courage luncheon, which raised money for the center’s vital services to abuse victims.

Since that day, May 14, The Bulletin has reported on six incidents of relationship abuse, most of which involved violence. Undoubtedly, there are more cases each week that go unreported. It’s important to remember, these are the cases that involve some sort of violence, whether it is hitting, choking, or some other instance of one person laying their hands on another. These are the ones where police make an arrest and therefore they are publicly reported.

There are many other instances where police are called and the conflict is a verbal one. In these cases, the officer uses his or her discretion on how to handle the incident.

But that does not mean there is no intimidation, which is also a form of abuse.

Abuse reaches across all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a nationwide survey showed nearly 10% of high school students reported being hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by their boyfriend or girlfriend.

While most victims are girls or women, boys and men are just as susceptible to suffering emotional or verbal abuse, having their reputations ruined, being stalked, having personal property stolen or damaged.

This issue usually gets a lot of exposure in the fall, when October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. But violence occurs every month.

It won’t end unless victims step forward, admit to what is happening to them, understand it is wrong, understand it is not their fault, and ask for help.

It won’t end until abusers understand what they are doing is abusive, they truly want to stop, and they get professional help.

Free, confidential help is available from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center. The hotline number is 800-774-2900. It is manned 24/7.

The post Editorial: Persistent problem appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Stephen James Cunniff

Stephen James Cunniff, 83, of Hilton Head Island, passed away on June 26, 2015 after a brief illness.

Stephen was born in Holyoke, Mass. on Oct. 28, 1931, son of Rear Admiral James Francis Cunniff, and Helen Mary (Lawrence) Cunniff.

He attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He worked as a top regional sales manager in the paperboard industry for 32 years, retiring from International Paper.

Steve was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, with a special passion for lacrosse, which he played in college. He was one of the founding members and President of the Wilton Lacrosse Association, and President of the Wilton Little League, both in Wilton, Conn. He enjoyed music and travel. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, and an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Hilton Head, serving as an usher. He was a member of the Dolphin Head Golf Club.

Steve is survived by his wife Elizabeth Jane Cunniff, and four children (from a former marriage): Michael James Cunniff, and wife Mary Lynn Cunniff of Tampa, Fla., Mary Kate Cunniff of Oakland, Calif., Timothy Ian Cunniff, of Chatham, Mass., granddaughters: Skyler and Isabella Cunniff of Chatham, Mass., and Christopher Edward Cunniff, and wife Lynn Cunniff of Charlotte, N.C., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother David Lawrence Cunniff.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Steve’s life will be held at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, Hilton Head Island, on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Diabetes Association.

The Island Funeral Home and Crematory, theislandfuneralhome.com.

The post Stephen James Cunniff (Oct. 28, 1931-June 26, 2015) appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help individuals cope with loss following the death of a spouse.

The support group will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 1:30 until 3, beginning July 8 and continuing through Aug. 26.

The group will meet at the agency’s offices in Suite 114 at the Health and Wellness Center at I-Park, 761 Main Avenue in Norwalk. The support group is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required. Call 203-834-6341, ext. 255.

The post Coping with the loss of a spouse appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Here’s what’s happening in town today, July 1:

• New Yorker Shorts at Wilton Library, from noon to 1:30.

• Water Commission meeting at 5, town hall Room B.

• Conservation Commission meeting at 7:30, town hall annex Room A.

For more things to do, check the Wilton Bulletin Board.

The post What’s happening in Wilton? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.