Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Jennifer Paganelli

Jennifer Paganelli and Carla Crim of Sis boom Pattern Company in Wilton are featured in the new Sew with Me video series presented by Sew News. In each video, Paganelli and Crim take viewers through one project from start to finish. The projects are Bonnie’s Flouncy Skirt, the Peggy Party Runner, the Wendy Weekender Bag and the Shellie Clutch. Each is shown in Caravelle Arcade, Sis Boom’s newest fabric line. The kits, patterns and videos became available Tuesday, June 23, at bit.ly/1HbFUJN.

Information: sisboom.com.

The post Sis Boom on video appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Owen and his group kicked off their semester in the Pacific Northwest with a technical mountaineering section, beginnig in the Pasayten Wilderness. — Ben Lester (NOLS) photo

Nineteen-year-old Wiltonian Owen Mellin recently completed a wilderness expedition with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), a wilderness educational school that offers field-based and classroom-based courses.

Since its founding in 1965, more than 254,000 students of all ages have graduated from NOLS.

Owen and his expedition group kicked of their semester in the Pacific Northwest with a technical mountaineering section that began in the Pasayten Wilderness. There, they were given the chance to learn back-country skills like cooking, assembling shelters and basic self-care.

North Cascades

While hiking 97 miles, the students had to manage a limited supply of food that was split into two ration periods. The third ration period marked the beginning of the technical mountaineering in the North Cascades.

They traveled across glaciers on fixed lines, facing deep snow and harsh weather the entire way.

Owen and the expedition group transitioned from land to sea as they began the sailing portion of their semester.

They traveled 187 nautical miles through calm and rough seas and learned how to operate the sails and motor, navigate in and out of coastal inlets, and work together as a team within the confines of their sailboat.

Smith Rock

The group then relocated to Smith Rock, Ore., where they developed technical rock climbing skills, including multi-pitching, anchor building, top rope management and cleaning sport anchors.

These skills allowed them to lead climbs to the summits of multiple rock monoliths and leave the section as competent rock climbers.

Nootka Island

The students returned to the coast to begin hiking along the wild west coast of Nootka Island. Students saw humpback whales, wolves, black bears, seals, otters and sea lions during their trek.

To test an entire semester worth of newly acquired skills, students embarked on a four-day expedition, independent of instructors.

They were met with gale force winds, snow and rain challenging them to stay warm and dry. The group persevered and left Nootka Island with a deep appreciation of the coastal environment.

Owen and his course-mates graduated from their NOLS semester in the Pacific Northwest, equipped with lifelong technical outdoor skills, wilderness ethic and leadership skills.

To learn more about NOLS: www.nols.edu, 800-710-6657.

The post Owen Mellin completes 80-day wilderness course appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Geraldine A. Hauck

Geraldine Agnes Hauck (Hickey), beloved wife of the late William J. Hauck and mother of five devoted sons, died peacefully at her home in Wilton on Sunday, June 28.

A long-time Wilton resident, she was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Dec. 3, 1919, the fifth of nine children of the late Hannah and Lawrence Hickey. She was in her 95th year. Geraldine enjoyed being a homemaker, and was a devout Catholic and active parishioner at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton.

“She will always be remembered for her soft heart, warm smile, eagerness to help anyone needing it, and of course, her phenomenal home-made pies,” her family said.

She is survived by brothers Lawrence Hickey (and Lorna) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; John Hickey (and Fran) of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Edward Hickey of Las Vegas, Nev., as well as her five sons, four of whom remain in Connecticut: Thomas (Jan) of Southbury; John of Torrington; Gerry of Ridgefield; and Paul (Shannon) of Newtown. Her youngest son, Richard (Leslie), resides in Center Harbor, N.H. She also leaves nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge, with its deepest appreciation, the care and comfort extended to her by friends and caregivers, particularly Southmayd Home in Waterbury, The Watermark in Southbury, the VITAS organization and the Ridgefield VNA.

They would also like to extend their gratitude to Sweetness Gaji and Iveta Braunova, whose grace and attentiveness will never be forgotten.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bouton Funeral Home in Georgetown.

She will also be remembered in a Mass on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 in Our Lady of Fatima Church in Wilton.

A burial is planned at Hillside Cemetery in Wilton immediately following; all are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VITAS organization or the Ridgefield VNA.

The post Obituary: Geraldine A. Hauck, 95 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

This year Saturday, July 4 is, well, the Fourth of July.

This year Saturday, July 4 is, well, the Fourth of July.

Otherwise known as Independence Day, the holiday celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. However, historians now commonly believe the document wasn’t actually signed until as late as Aug. 2, 1776.

Because the Fourth is on a Saturday, some businesses and offices will be closed Friday, July 3.

Here’s what will be open and closed for this federal holiday:

Banks will be closed, though in-store branches may run on a limited schedule.

Public schools and district offices will be closed July 1-3.

Caraluzzi’s will be open.

D.A. Vento Refuse will not collect on Friday, July 3. Friday’s collection will be made on Thursday, July 2. Thursday’s collection will be made on Wednesday, July 1.

Department of Motor Vehicles will be open from 7:45 to 12:30 on Friday, July 3, and closed Saturday, July 4.

Metro-North will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule with extra trains to and from Grand Central.

MDM Sanitation will be closed July 3.

Post offices will be closed.

Stop & Shop will be open.

Town offices will be closed July 3 and 4.

Transfer station will be closed.

Village Market will be open.

Wilton Library will be closed.

Wilton Senior Center will be closed July 3

The Bulletin will be closed July 3.

The post What’s open, closed for July 4? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

(Bryan Haeffele photo)

Thursday, July 2

• Milford: Milford’s first Kick-Off to Summer Blast is Thursday, July 2, from 4 to 11 p.m., at Lisman Landing Marina, with a fireworks extravaganza to light-up the harbor at 9:15. Two of area bands will perform: Flashback will take the stage at 5, followed by the RumRunners at 7. Food trucks including Caseus, BRYAC Shuck Truck, Baked and Loaded, 744 Express, and Local Meatball, will be on scene serving-up tasty gourmet food, while Wines and More will be selling beverages.

• Shelton: Thursday, July 2, beginning at 7 p.m. with a performance by The Navels (classic rock, disco, Motown), fireworks at 9:20, at the Riverwalk and Veterans’ Memorial Park, 38 Canal Street E. Rain date is July 5.

• Stratford: Stratford’s fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Short Beach. Festivities begin at 7 p.m.

Friday, July 3

• Darien: Friday, July 3, doors open at 6:30, fireworks at dusk, Darien High School. Rain date July 5. To park on the Darien High School campus, a parking pass is required. Pass must be visible inside your front windshield. Passes are on sale for $25 through July 2 at Darien Town Hall. Parking passes will not be sold at the event. All foot traffic and off-campus parking is free. All paid parking traffic will enter Darien High School campus from Noroton Avenue only. Nutmeg Lane entrance will be closed and will exit only to Hollow Tree Ridge Road. High School Lane entrance will be closed and exit only to Middlesex
Road.

• Fairfield: Grucci Firework show begins around 9:15, from a barge off of Long Island Sound, so the show can be seen easily from either Penfield or Jennings Beaches. Lalie Madriguera from Swing to Samba will be the warm-up band playing from 5-7, at Jennings Beach. Beach parking lots can be accessed either with a season beach pass or by purchasing a daily pass for $50 per vehicle (cash only). Daily passes will be limited to the first 300 vehicles at Jennings Beach and 100 vehicles at Penfield Beach. A daily parking fee will also be charged to park at Ash Creek Parking Lot the day of the fireworks. Lots will fill. In the case of inclement weather, call 203-256-3144. Rain date: July 4.

• Greenwich: Fireworks at Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park are scheduled for Friday, July 3, with a rain date of Sunday, July 5. Binney Park Show starts at about 9:10 and the Greenwich Point Show starts around 9:35. Greenwich Point will be closed to vehicular traffic at 8:30. Spectators at Greenwich Point will be entertained by a disc jockey stationed near the South Concession area starting at 7. The Binney Park display will feature the Sound Beach Community Band performing at 7:30 on the Showmobile.

Saturday, July 4

• Bridgeport: USA Birthday Fireworks Extravaganza at the end of the Bridgeport Bluefish game, Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

• New Canaan: 35th annual Family Fourth of July Celebration at Waveny Park. Rain date July 5. Late day activities include family picnicking, live music, children’s games area, food court, and fireworks display. Event passes are required to enter the park both by car or walking and may be purchased at the Rec. Dept. Office, Town Hall, and by New Canaan residents online at newcanaan.info.

• Redding: The Redding Historical Society presents the Redding Rock N’ Roots Music Festival with fireworks at the Lonetown Barn & Museum, 43 Lonetown Road, Redding. Music starts at 3. Adults $15, students/seniors $10, kids under 12 free. All proceeds benefit the Redding Historical Society; reddinghistoricalsociety.org.

• Ridgefield: Saturday, July 4, gates open at 6, fireworks begin at dusk, Ridgefield High School, North Salem Road. Rain date July 5. Parking passes for $20 available at Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, 9 Bailey Avenue during Chamber hours from 9-3. All proceeds go to the Family Fourth Committee. Shuttle busies provided from Barlow/Scotland. Handicapped parking at RHS.

• Weston: Fireworks at Weston Middle School begin at 9:20 p.m. $20 per car; $5 per person for walk-in (under 4 free). Gates open at 4:30. BBQ available for purchase, 5-9. Westport Community Band plays patriotic favorites from 6-7; Beatles tribute band Ticket to Ride plays 7:15 to the start of the fireworks. No dogs.

• Wilton: The Wilton Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to join in the celebration of Independence Day Saturday, July 4, at the Wilton High School football field. Rain date July 5. Bands will begin to play at 5, and there will be a performance by Retro Express at 7:30. The annual celebration will conclude with a fireworks show, starting around 9:30. Parking: Patron parking tickets, which allow close parking to the high school athletic area, are $35/vehicle and available at Parks and Recreation office in the Comstock Community Center. The department is also selling 4th of July Booster Parking Passes for designated locations a bit further away from the patron parking areas. Vehicles without the pass will be charged a fee of $20 per vehicle the night of the fireworks show.

Sunday, July 5

• Orange: Concerts & Fireworks Spectacular at Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road. Rain date July 6. Celebration begins at 6:30 with opening remarks by First Selectman Jim Zeoli and the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of Cub Scout Pack 922. Hotel California, Eagles cover band will perform. Food vendors and novelty items available for purchase beginning at 6. WPLR Radio will be broadcasting live on location with a celebrity guest. Suggested parking donation of $5 will benefit the Orange Little League’s Travel Squad.

The post Where are the fireworks in the area? appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Last year’s Kiwanis Car Show. — Erica Grant photo

The Wilton Kiwanis Club’s Geeb Fleming Memorial Cruise Night, the club’s annual car rally, will take place Friday evening at 6, July 10, in the Piersall Building parking lot on Center Street.

It will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club, with the participation of The Coachmen Car Club of Norwalk, in memory of Tom ‘Geeb’ Fleming and Nick Allegretta, the club members who started the event some 15 years ago.

Kiwanians will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and an ice cream truck will be there for visitors who would like a bite to eat.

Everyone is invited — those who wish to show off their exotic, vintage, custom, and vintage cars along with antiques and hot rods, — and those who want to admire them.

The post Kiwanis car show returns July 10 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

The Wilton Family YMCA will be have an open house on Saturday, July 4, when the entire facility will be open and free to the public. Hours are 10 to 4.

Visitors may enjoy the 50-meter outdoor pool, the pond and beach at Kiwanis Park, the children’s outdoor splash pool, fitness center, gym and outdoor playgrounds.

The Wilton Family YMCA is a branch of the Riverbrook Regional YMCA serving Norwalk, Redding and Wilton.

The post Y open house on July 4 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Here are some of the stories and features in this week’s Wilton Bulletin, in mailboxes and on newsstands today:

News:

• Democrat Deborah McFadden has announced she is running for first selectman.

• Ground is broken for a new section of the Norwalk River Valley Trail in Wilton.

• There will be fireworks and more on July 4.

• Wilton Center got a little more colorful with the loan of a metal sculpture called Konnected.

• CBS Newsman Dave Barrett, who lives in Wilton, just won his third Edward R. Murrow award. His subject? The American flag.

• An only-puppy needs a home.

• New garden adds color to Merwin Meadows.

• Wilton Library’s summer concert series opens with The Blue Sky Band.

• Like old cars? Hot rods? Classics? Check out the Kiwanis Club’s Cruise Night.

• Westport Day School hearing postponed.

Obituaries:

• Georgienna M. Young, 81.

• Geraldine A. Hauck, 95.

• Stephen James Cunniff, 83.

Police:

• Drug infraction.

• Man lies down in front of truck.

• Intoxicated motorist ends up on lawn.

• Juvenile hit-and-run.

• Erratic driver.

• Wanted woman turns herself in.

• Stop leads to DUI.

Schools:

• Wiltonian named Kids Court runner-up.

• Board of Education approves policy changes and bylaws.

• Duan goes to Argentina.

• Student Briefs: Boston University, Bryant University, Bucknell University, Clemson University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Wake Forest University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

• Middlebrook gets new math textbooks.

Opinion:

• A safe Fourth.

• Artificial turf has no place on town property.

• McFadden would be a winner for Wilton.

• Thank you for help after accident.

• Town critics should not be vilified.

• Drivers needed for FISH of Wilton.

• News Notes: Winning ducks.

• Summer reflections from TASC.

• Wi-ACT extends sympathy in Charleston shooting.

• Notes from the Board Table: Progress on renovation and reading.

Social:

• Printmaker and sculptor pair up for Freeways.

• Kerry Hand marries Peter Linderoth.

• Library Lines: Summer fun, teens kick off the summer with programs, understanding social security, summer poetry begins, makers welcomed.

• Senior Center News: Medical and health services, summer Corridors, insomnia.

Business:

• Georgetown Saloon will reopen.

• Connecticut continues to lag in employment gains.

• Business Update: Rosen named lung association chair, Jeena Choi joins Berkshire Hathaway.

Sports:

• Legion Baseball, Junior: Post 86 rides pitching to top of Zone 4 baseball standings.

• Legion Baseball, Senior: Greenwich sweeps Wilton.

• Little League: Wilton splits district openers.

• New WHS girls hockey coach Pete Maxfield looks forward to challenge.

• Murph’s Turf: Time to rethink that tournament format.

Arts & Leisure

• Darien artist Jan Dilenschneider will exhibit her paintings in Paris and recently opened a show at the Bellarmine Museum at Fairfield University.

• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl gets the Reel Dad’s top rating; more than a tear-jerker.

• The 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS convertible is fine with the top down, a muscle car with limited space, says test driver Steven Macoy.

The Wilton Bulletin is on Facebook — become one of our 1,210 friends and get news updates at facebook.com/wiltonbulletin.

2,967 people have signed up for Wilton Bulletin news bulletins via Twitter. You can, too, by stopping by twitter.com/wiltonbulletin.

The post In this week’s Bulletin appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Summer fun

The Children’s Library summer reading program, Everything STEMs from Reading, gets underway this week with programs throughout the week. Beginning Monday, July 6, kids can pop into the library for Mad Scientist Mondays, from 10 to 6. On Tuesdays, beginning July 7 through Aug. 11, babies through four-year olds will have drop-in story times at various times depending on age groups. Wonderful Wednesdays feature all sorts of fun including critters, weather balloons, bubbles and more. The first Wonderful Wednesday on July 8 is Night Skies, a program with an inflatable planetarium dome and projector system. Kids will be able to see what will be visible in the sky for that night. The program repeats throughout the day in half-hour increments, with sessions from 10:30 through 4 with a break from noon to 1. Registration is required. The program is for kids entering first grade and up. The program is supported by the Amadeo Family. Movie Theater Thursdays for kids of all ages has screenings at 10:15 and 2. The movies on July 9 are Caillou Helps Out, 10:15-11:15 ; SpongeBob: Sponge Out of Water, 2-3:30. There is no registration required.

Teens kick off the summer with programs

The teen summer reading program, Escape the Ordinary — Superheroes is now underway with many kids entering grades 6 through 12 already registered online and collecting points for great prizes and drawings. In addition to reading, teens also have crafts and technology sessions throughout the summer keeping them entertained beginning with Flower Pots & Plants for Teens on Tuesday, July 7, from 3 to 4:30. Space is limited so registration is required. The program is supported by the John and Patricia Curran Teen Fund. On Wednesday, July 8 and 29, STEMming for Teens takes place from 3 to 4:30.  Teens entering grades 7 through 12 will be able to try out simple STEM projects working with LEDs, motors, soldering equipment and more. Registration is required for STEM programs. The STEMming program is supported by the Amadeo Family. Additional details may be found on the registration link.

Understanding Social Security

A repeat performance of a December lecture takes place on Tuesday, July 7, for those interested in getting the most out of their retirement benefits. Maximizing Social Security Benefits, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., helps people sort through potential and costly mistakes that can be made when first registering for benefits. Several little-known strategies may boost lifetime benefits and increase retirement income by tens of thousands. Please see registration link for more details about the subject and speakers. The speakers are Michael Alimo and David Weyner, both financial services advisers who provided the seminar last winter and who are returning by popular demand. There is no charge. Registration is recommended.

Summer poetry begins

Judson Scruton returns for a four-part summer poetry program that begins Thursday, July 9, from 10:30 to noon. The series explores Shelley and Keats during their “Annus Mirabilis” of 1819. The program continues on July 16, 23 and 30. Judson Scruton, M.A (The Johns Hopkins University, The Writing Seminars, specializing in poetry), has taught creative writing and literature at prep schools and universities. He is currently an adjunct professor of English at Fairfield University. See the website for more details about the lecturer. Poetry packets are available at the front desk. There is no charge for the program. Advance registration is required.

Summer music is here

The 15th annual Summer Music & More Concert Series is on four consecutive Thursday nights, from 5 to 6:30, beginning July 9 with The Blue Sky Band. The band features Wilton musicians Ron Brault on guitar and vocals and Daniel Lanzi on bass with Janine Jandrositz on vocals and Mark Bisson on guitar and vocals. They bring a 60s acoustic vibe to open the concert. The 5 O’clocks perform on July 16, with Wilton musician Jon Saxon on saxophone. Their eclectic blend of jazz/rock/blues is a new addition to the line-up. The Bernadettes return for the fourth time to the Brubeck Room stage with its 70s disco/R&B/Motown sound and a serious dance beat. The final performance by Steve Kazlauskas is his third appearance with his Echoes of Sinatra concert. The series is sponsored by The Village Market for the 15th year. Michael Crystal again will be donating the wine for the festivities. The concerts and refreshments are free and take place rain or shine in the Brubeck Room and Courtyard.

Makers welcomed

This summer, people will be making real things using the technology in the Innovation Station maker space. Sessions are being offered for people who want to try their hand at sewing, soldering, die cutting and so much more. This week features Embroidered Tea Towels on Tuesday, July 7, from 10 to 11:30; Monogrammed Bookmarks, Coasters & More using 3D printing on Wednesday, July 8, from 3 to 4:30; die cutting with Summer Barbeque Invitations, on Thursday, July 9, from 2 to 3:30; and on Friday, July 10 New Life for Old Videos, 10 to 11:30 teaches people how to transfer VHS to DVDs. The programs are for people ages 13-113 and sixth and seventh graders with an adult. Attendees must have a valid Connecticut library card and signed Innovation Station agreement form. Space is limited for all the sessions. Registration is required.

The library closes at 5 p.m. tonight in preparation for author Candace Bushnell. The library will be closed Saturday, July 4 for Independence Day. To register for programs, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call 203-762-3950, ext. 213 for adult programs, ext. 217 for children’s activities and ext. 243 for teen events.  The library is closed Sundays in the summer.

The post Library Lines: July 2 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

For Wilton’s seniors, their families and friends, the Wilton Senior Services booklet published by the Wilton Department of Social Services is invaluable. This booklet was printed through the generosity of The Wilton Rotary Club, and it is bursting with names and numbers helpful to Wilton seniors. During the coming weeks, this column will highlight selected services included in the booklet. If you need a copy, call the social services office at 203-834-6238. This week will focus on Medical and Health Services.

Medical and health services

Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital, Norwalk Hospital and affiliates have joined together to create the new Western Connecticut Health Network. They are united by a mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities in the area. Together they broaden access to primary and specialty care, strengthen clinical programs and expand the breadth of services offered.

Western Connecticut Health Network, Norwalk Hospital (203-852-2000), 34 Maple  Street, Norwalk, CT 06856, www.norwalkhospital.org

Western Connecticut Health Network, Danbury Hospital (203-739-7000), 24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810, www.danburyhospital.org.

Norwalk Hospital Dental Services Clinic (203-852-2146), 24 Stevens Street, Norwalk, CT  06850, Sliding fee scale.  Appointment necessary.

Cancer Care (203-854-9911), 120 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851, www.cancercare.org. A cancer diagnosis turns a person’s world upside down — emotionally, physically and financially. CancerCare® can help. They provide telephone, online, and face-to-face counseling, support groups, education, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. Professional oncology social workers offer personalized care, and all their services are free of charge.

Rehabilitation Services at Waveny Care Center (203-594-5340), 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840, www.waveny.org. Waveny LifeCare Network provides a comprehensive continuum of healthcare to serve the growing needs of adults from all areas. They offer a progression of therapeutic programs, services and living options to enhance quality of life. They provide physical, speech, occupational, and cognitive therapies on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

V.A. Medical Center (203-932-5711), 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT  06516, www.connecticut.va.gov. In-patient and outpatient care. Health screening.  May help with prescription drugs. V.A. health screening also available at the Stamford satellite clinic at 1275 Summer Street, Suite 102, Stamford, CT. Appointments necessary. Call 203-325-0649.

Americares Free Clinic of Norwalk (203-899-2493), 98 South Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06854, www.americares.org, Adult Clinic Tuesday 1-4 p.m. and Saturday 9-12 noon for specific medical conditions.

Summer Corridors

Corridors is the bi-monthly newsletter for the senior center. It is mailed to Wilton residents who are registered voters age 60 and above. For the months of July and August, Corridors is available at the senior center and on the town website at www.wiltonct.org. Just click on the newsletter icon on the right panel of the homepage.

Insomnia

Join Cathy Pierce, LCSW, director of Social Services, and Lauren Hughes, LCSW, coordinator of Senior Services, will offer a four-week educational seminar in understanding insomnia and learning how to develop techniques to help improve your sleep.

The initial meeting will be on Tuesday, July 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the senior center lounge. The group will meet at the same time on the next three consecutive Tuesdays, July 21, July 28, and August 4 and will be limited to eight participants.

The seminar will be based on the work of Gregg D. Jacobs, Ph.D., an insomnia specialist from the Sleep Disorder Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center.

The first session will focus on separating the facts about sleep from popular myths and misconceptions. In the second week, we will address sleep medications and sleep scheduling techniques. Participants will leave with homework in the form of a sleep chart to help track their personal sleep patterns. The third week’s session will cover stimulus control techniques or how to create the optimal internal and external environment for sleep. In the final session we will cover relaxation and sleep hygiene techniques so that you can learn to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

To enroll, call 203-834-6238.

Coming events

For the week of July 3:

• Friday, July 3, senior center closed.

• Monday, July 6, 10:30, Line Dance Fusion with Beatriz Araujo; 1, Bridge.

• Tuesday, July 7, 11, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 12:30, Mah Jongg; 2, Chair Yoga at Ogden House.

• Wednesday, July 8, 10, Open Bridge; 10:30, Tai Chi with Joe Alampi; 1, Mah Jongg.

• Thursday, July 9, 9, Enhance Fitness with Leslie Hinshaw; 10, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 12, Lunch; 12:45, Bingo.

In the course of the renovation project, individual rooms in the senior center and social services wing of the building may, from time to time, become unavailable for public use. All senior programs and the room assignments will be posted at or on the entrance doors.  We appreciate your understanding and patience.

The post Senior Center News: July 2 appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Kids Court high school division contestants, from left, Desmond Egyin, Kaya Walker (represented by her mother), Alexandra Prendergast, Mackenzie Worley, Olivia Phelan and Thonkham Alvin Khoxayo at the State Capitol on Tuesday, June 9.

Wiltonian Olivia Phelan was named a runner-up in this year’s Oral Kids Court Competition at the State Capitol in Hartford, on June 9.

Sponsored by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), the event concluded a month-long essay contest where students selected one of the following topics to analyze:

• Standing Out: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
• Cool Kids: The Social Cost of Social Media.
• Safe and Sound: My Neighborhood, My School.
• You Think You Know, But You Have No Idea: The Hidden Challenges of Living with a Disability.
• All About That Bass: How Does Popular Culture Influence Women’s Rights?

Participants were divided into two groups — Division A for grades 9-12 and Division B for grades 6-8 — and the five students with the highest scoring papers in each division went on to compete for prizes in the oral competition.

Olivia, who was in Division A, wrote her essay on the cost of social media on youth, arguing that “the pseudo-reality and increased self-absorption created by social media leaves teens feeling isolated … more superficial, competitive and less social creatures.”

Olivia and five other Division A finalists presented their essays and answered questions from a panel of judges, who judged the finalists on:

• Their understanding of the topic question about which they chose to write.
• The consistency and persuasiveness of their argument.
• Their understanding of civil rights.
• The creativity exhibited in their argument.
• Their poise and responsiveness to the judges’ questions.

As a runner up this year, Olivia received CHRO paraphernalia and a certificate from the State of Connecticut.

Olivia also participated in the competition last year, coming in first on the strength of her essay on the “Ban the Bossy” campaign. She received a proclamation from the governor’s office, a citation from the legislature, a plaque and $350.

Click here to learn more about Kids Court.

The post Wiltonian named Kids Court runner-up appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

“Freeways,” a show and sale featuring the works of printmaker Natasha Karpinskaia, left, and sculptor Janice Mauro, right, opens with a reception Thursday, July 2, 6 to 9 p.m., at Keeler Tavern Museum’s Carriage Barn, and continues through Saturday, July 11.

Artists Natasha Karpinskaia and Janice Mauro come together for a show, Freeways, at Keeler Tavern Museum’s Carriage Barn, 132 Main Street, that combines chaos and structure, juxtaposing the works of each: Karpinskaia’s two-dimensional monotype prints and Mauro’s relief sculptures.

“Traveling on freeways (or highways) makes us experience a wide range of sensations — fast speed, repetition, monotony, distortion of landscape,” the artists said. “Freeways can be terribly chaotic, yet they introduce order and structure. It is this incredible contrast of ‘freeway’ that became the foundation of this dual show.”

Opening with a reception on Thursday, July 2, 6 to 9 p.m., the show continues through Saturday, July 11. Show hours will be July 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11, 11 to 6; July 6, 11  to 2; and July 9 and 10, 2 to 6. Admission is free.

Natasha Karpinskaia, a native of Russia who lives in Wilton, has master’s degrees in both linguistics and art history and a Ph.D. in art history from Columbia University. Since arriving in the New York area from Moscow some years ago, her abstract monoprints and paintings have appeared in shows in Connecticut, New York City, Paris, Washington, D.C., and Moscow. She teaches abstract painting and printmaking at the Silvermine Art Center’s School of Art and at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

Award-wining sculptor Janice Mauro of Redding is a fellow of The National Sculpture Society. Her work includes the design and creation of puppets for Broadway shows and a commissioned bronze statue depicting World War II soldier Sergeant Homer Lee Wise, installed in Stamford’s Veterans Park.

The post Printmaker and sculptor pair up for Freeways appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Eversource customers will see a drop in one portion of their electric bills beginning this month. The average supply rate for “standard service” customers will decrease from 12.42 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 8.25 cents, a savings of almost 20%.

According to the utility, an average residential customer using 700 kWh monthly will see a reduction of almost $31 in their monthly bill. The new rates will be in effect from July 1 through Dec. 31.

The decrease was made possible by a drop in prices paid to electricity generators to levels “even better than a year ago,” according to Penni Conner, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Eversource. “We’re thrilled to pass along the savings to our customers at the time of year when air conditioner use will be at its peak.”

As a regulated energy distribution company, Eversource purchases electricity from wholesale suppliers on behalf of its customers and passes the cost directly to them with no profit to the company. By law, the standard service price changes twice a year, on Jan. 1 and July 1. All Eversource customers have the option to buy their power from other retail suppliers or go with the company’s standard service rate. The new rate will affect approximately 801,000 or 64% of Eversource’s 1.25 million Connecticut customers and is separate from the company’s delivery rates.

More than half of New England’s electricity is now produced using natural gas. Though natural gas remains an abundant and inexpensive fuel, regional pipeline limitations and the growing dependency on gas to produce electricity will continue to affect electricity prices in the near-term, particularly during the winter months when demand for natural gas is highest, a press release from Eversource said.

“Eversource is committed to pursuing strategic projects to help solve these challenges. For example, the company has partnered with Spectra Energy and National Grid on the proposed Access Northeast project to expand the region’s natural gas capacity using existing pipeline routes,” the release said. “Additionally, Eversource’s proposed Northern Pass Project will bring clean, low-cost energy from Hydro-Quebec’s world-class hydroelectric plants into New England.”

The post Electricity in Wilton will cost less beginning this month appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

(James Palinsad/Flickr)

Parades, picnics, parties and fireworks.

The Independence Day weekend is one of the most festive of the year, but it is important to remember to keep the partying in check if you are driving. Not doing so could land you in a lot of trouble, as state and local police remind us to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

Holiday celebrations often include alcohol, but things can quickly go from festive to fatal when people choose to drive impaired. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), from 2009 to 2013, nearly 40% of all traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July period were attributed to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

To crack down on drunk driving this holiday, state and local law enforcement throughout Connecticut will be out in force, aggressively targeting those who put their lives and the lives of others in danger.

Despite decades of education and tough penalties, driving under the influence is still a significant problem. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that 10,076 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the United States in 2013 — almost a third of all crash fatalities.

In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher, yet people continue to break the law and drive drunk. The rate of high-BAC impaired driving is surprisingly high. In fatal crashes during the July Fourth period in 2013, more than one-fifth (21%) of involved drivers or motorcycle operators had BACs of 0.15 or higher — almost twice the legal limit.

During that same holiday period, 35% of young drivers (18 to 34 years old) killed in fatal crashes were legally intoxicated. Motorcycle operators are also among the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers in fatal crashes. In 2013, more than one-quarter (27%) of motorcyclists in fatal crashes had BACs of 0.08 or higher.

A DUI arrest can mean time in jail, loss of license, and steep financial expenses; the average DUI costs about $10,000, according to the DOT.

To help make this a safe holiday weekend all around, please consider the following:

• Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact law enforcement.
• If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Click here for more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

The post Editorial: A safe Fourth appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Isabella Sperry of Weston, left, Rebecca Szabo of Norwalk and Esha Iyengar of Wilton prepare for their July 3 performance.

Esha Iyengar of Wilton will be one of the dancers from Fleur de Lis Dance Academy  performing at the annual American Academy of Ballet Technique Intensive at Purchase College, in Westchester County, NY, Friday, July 3 at 2:30 and 7:30. The show features performances with 220 international and local dancers from 11 countries and 23 states. The dancers will perform excerpts from the classical ballets as well as original choreography by the faculty teachers.

Founded by Mignon Furman, the AAB Summer School of Excellence trains dancers to improve their classical ballet technique and performing abilities. Dancers receive world-class training from distinguished faculty that includes former dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, Vaganova Academy in Russia, Kirov Ballet, and New York City Ballet. The first week of this five-week summer program is the Ballet Technique Intensive, followed by four more weeks that include jazz, Spanish and personal coaching in small groups of five to eight dancers.

“It is important for dancers to be exposed to other forms of dance to remain competitive as they audition for dance programs and companies” said Simon Kaplan, Director of AAB. Kaplan encourages young dancers to attend and “improve their technique and performance. The dancers will return home confident and inspired, dancing with renewed energy and purpose and with enhanced artistry.”

Michelle Sperry, founder and director of Fleur de Lis Dance Academy of Wilton, is proud to have many of her students accepted and three of them attending. “We are the only American Academy of Ballet Affiliate in Fairfield County and our dancers work extremely hard to prepare for our intense dance season and then to audition and attend the AAB summer program and performances.”

Local dancers and families are encouraged to attend the performances.

For the opportunity to train with the AAB syllabus, visit EnrollBallet.com. Tickets for the summer performances may be purchased at the dance building before each performance.

The post Local girls perform with international dancers appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

The public hearing for the Westport Day School’s application to relocate to 372 Danbury Road, which was scheduled for the June 22 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, was postponed to July 13.

The school is seeking permission to open a school for special needs students.

The post School hearing postponed appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Gail Lavielle, left, and Toni Boucher, right.

Wilton’s state Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) and Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143) have both criticized Gov. Dannel Malloy’s veto of a bill establishing new qualifications for the state’s commissioner of education.

HB 6977 would require the commissioner to hold at least a master’s degree in an education-related field and to have at least five years of experience as a teacher and at least three as a school administrator. Current law does not require the education commissioner to have any education-related degrees or experience.

“I am very disappointed that the governor vetoed this bill,” Lavielle said. “I believe education is an area that requires highly specialized expertise. While our education commissioners must be strong managers, they must also have a thorough understanding of the issues that teachers, administrators, and school staff face every day in a range of very different environments. If you’re going to influence and implement policy about questions as critical as what children must learn and how they learn it, how to eliminate illiteracy, how to assess students’ progress, and how to evaluate the people who are teaching them, I think you need to have been directly involved in those areas yourself.

Boucher believes the governor’s action was driven by the fact it would ‘restrict’ his authority to pick a new candidate.”

Saying Malloy has been critical of teachers since he took office in 2011, Boucher said this veto will cement that view.

“If you recall in February of 2012 Malloy said in order for teachers to earn tenure, ‘basically the only thing you have to do is show up for four years. Do that, and tenure is yours.’ Sadly, the insults continue. We encourage the state Board of Education and the governor to at least follow the spirit of this legislation — supported unanimously in the legislature — which sought to bring the highest possible standards to one of the most important positions in our state government.  Which requires the depth of experience and knowledge in the field of education. It is important to the future of education in our state.”

The post Boucher and Lavielle critical of education bill veto appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Here’s what’s happening in town today, July 3:

• Robert the Guitar Guy at Wilton Library, from 11 to 11:30.

• Children’s Garden Club 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.

Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County will offer an eight-week bereavement support group to help adults cope with loss following the death of a parent. The group will meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6 until 7:30 beginning July 9 and continuing through Aug. 27.

“In this support group we will address the range of powerful emotions that are common among adults following the death of a parent including depression, fear, abandonment, remorse, isolation, loneliness and guilt,” said the Rev. Karen Judd, an interfaith minister and grief and bereavement counselor with the nursing agency. “Regardless of age or the particular circumstances of the loss, the death of a parent can be a profoundly affecting experience and it is essential to attend to these feelings of grief in order to begin the process of healing.”

The group will be held at the agency’s offices in Suite 114 at the Health and Wellness Center at I-Park, 761 Main Avenue in Norwalk. Call 203-834-6341, ext. 255.

A nonprofit community organization for more than 100 years, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice and palliative care for adults and children in Wilton and throughout Fairfield County. Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County was recognized as one of the top home care agencies in the United States in 2014 by HomeCare Elite. Visit online at visitingnurse.net or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The post Support group helps cope with death of a parent appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

To the Editors:

I am opposed to the plan to install artificial turf on any town-owned property, and particularly one intended for the use of children. While no one may be sure, one way or the other, what effect fake turf made of ground-up used tires may have on the young human body, it’s ironic that the rich now jostle to buy for their kids the very same level of environmental experience poor kids have always enjoyed in the endless hours they spend playing with trash around the town dump.

It surprises me that people who came here to protect their kids from such experiences are quietly watching this foolishness unfold without raising their voices to protect their young.

Having kids play on toxic trash aside, I find the idea of a small group of cash-fisted people buying their way into the decision-making process offensive and undermining of good old New England-style democracy. What’s at stake is not only health but the fabric of our social structure. As a town I say we buy only what we can afford and let the rich jaspers off to private schools where they can endow their wiles to their hearts’ content.

Harangued with the oft’ repeated phrase that our playing fields are made of grass of poor quality, we are tempted to hang our heads whereby we lose sight of what this is all about. These are children, not a team of genetically selected future Olympians; as parents we need be very careful imposing our unfulfilled dreams on them. Draping them in the trappings of professional athletes is ill-advised and possibly even more toxic than any pile of recycled trash could ever be.

Joe Bruno
Ivy Lane, June 27

The post Letter: Artificial turf has no place on town property appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.