During last year’s fund-raiser, more than 60 people had their heads shaved in exchange for donations to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and raised more than $25,000.

Guidance counselor Dan Pompa is spearheading this year’s fund-raising event, along with a committee of nine students.

“We’re promoting this year’s fund-raiser by posting flyers around the school, utilizing our school news show, and reaching out to local news sources,” said senior Ian Filaski, one of the student committee members.

Ian said St. Baldrick’s is a Wilton High School tradition that has been “instrumental in bringing together the community.”

“All proceeds go towards research for pediatric cancer — a problem that is both prevalent and underfunded,” he said.

Donations are still being accepted and may be made by visiting stbaldricks.org and searching for a specific participant or for Wilton High School.

As of Dec. 23, the high school raised $700.

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Meg Whitbeck

Every few years a new health food trend takes hold and right now it’s “gluten-free.” But is it right for everyone?

Meg Whitbeck, a registered dietitian and nutrition educator with RVNA (Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association), will look at gluten-free diets and the potential health benefits they may offer in a free presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the RVNA Center for Exceptional Care, 27 Governor Street, in Ridgefield.

Around one in 133 people in the U.S. have celiac disease, which is a serious form of gluten intolerance. For many, this is an important medical issue rather than a dietary lifestyle. But as more people endorse gluten-free choices and consumer food companies capitalize on the trend, the line between a necessary diet and a healthier lifestyle becomes blurry.

Whitbeck will discuss why a person would need or want to be on a gluten-free diet and help participants distinguish the facts from the myth. Samples and snacks will be provided.

RSVP by calling 203-438-5555.

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Captains of this year’s Wilton High boys and girls ski teams are, from the left: Patrick Verrilli, Michael Hueglin, Hannah Jung and Julia Bonnist. The Warriors open the season Wednesday.  — J.B.Cozens photo

The Wilton High boys and girls ski teams will not be lowering their expectations for the upcoming racing season — although the Warriors will learn a lot about where they stand when the season opens as scheduled on Wednesday.

“Our first race will be our time trials to see where we are,” said girls coach Bill Howard, who expects a rebuilding season.

The girls team is gunning to win its fourth straight Class S state title. The Warriors, who also finished fourth at the State Open, lost their top two skiers to graduation — State Open runner-up Haley Howard and Gigi Poirier, who was ninth at the State Open.

This year’s team is led by its two captains, senior Hannah Jung and junior Julia Bonnist, who had the team’s third-best finish (32nd overall) at last season’s State Open.

Nine of the team’s 18 skiers are freshmen. Despite the team’s inexperience, the Warriors are gearing up to defend their division crown.

“We’re really excited. Even though we lost six seniors from last year, we’re looking pretty good for this season,” said Jung. “We want to definitely win our class again and maybe get higher in the state tournament than we did last year. We’re a really young team. We have nine new members on our team, but they all look really promising.”

“We have a new trainer that’s been working with us (in dryland training). We’ve been working really hard at that to get stronger so we’re ready for the races,” said Bonnist.

The other top skier from a year ago is sophomore Emily O’Brien, who was the team’s fifth finisher at the Open, and 49th overall.

The roster also features senior Grace Ullman; juniors Bella Fox, Anna Holt and Katie Reid; sophomores Maddie Jelilian and Emily Welch; and freshmen Lara Burke, Chloe Elias, Lyla Hage, Megan Kaeyer, Sadie Kinnersley, Niamh McCarthy, Sara Schneidman,Teagan Sullivan and Hope Ullman.

The Wilton boys team has a little more experience than the girls team, with five of its top six finishers back from last year’s State Open.

The Warriors placed 10th at the Open, and a close second to Weston in Class S, despite missing their top skier in Zach Verrilli.

Like the girls team, the Wilton boys will look for help from a big freshman class.

“We’re really excited to see what they have to offer,” said Patrick Verrilli, who is co-captain of this year’s team along with fellow junior Michael Hueglin.

The team returns its top four finishers at last year’s Open in sophomore August Theoharides (49th), senior Griffin Klinga (53rd), Hueglin (58th) and Verrilli (60th), along with its sixth finisher in senior Nathan Reznik (85th).

“In our top six we have a lot of returning skiers so I’m very confident in what we can do,” said Hueglin, who is hopeful the team can pull ahead of Weston this season for the Class S title. Wilton’s last state title came in 2013.

“We have very high expectations this year. We were just behind Weston last year,” said Verrilli. “We have a lot of returning guys. Hopefully we can get that state title back to Wilton.”

The roster also includes seniors Harrison Brandt, Alec Favarolo, Lucas Mendola, Will Santacroce and Jackson Wehrli; juniors Matt Arrix, John Fortuna and Peter Vogric; sophomores Reed O’Brien, Thomas Sullivan, Owen Wardle and Christian Weber; and freshmen Michael Cassara, Evan Charney, Phillip Klinga, Christopher Lancaster, Ben Leung, Dominick Polito, Noah Sackowitz and Scott Verrilli.

The Wilton boys team coach, Rob Perry, is currently on leave, with Emma Traggianese serving as the interim coach.

— J.B. Cozens

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Betsy Sara Fusek

Betsy Sara Fusek, age 56, of New Canaan, Conn., died peacefully at her home on Monday morning, Jan. 2, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Summit, N.J., she was the daughter of Raymond and Marcia Fein of Newton, N.J. Betsy was the wife of John R. Fusek and mother to Robert, Lauren and Pamela Fusek.

Betsy met her husband while attending Russell Sage College where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked as a cardiac intensive care nurse at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and, most recently, as a substitute school nurse in the local community.

Betsy devoted herself to her friends, neighbors, community and, most of all, her family. She took enormous pride in the accomplishments of her three children and enthusiastically supported any and all of their activities. The love and devotion she had for her children was inspiring to even the most supportive parent.

Betsy was an active volunteer in the schools and community. Her love of birds and nature led her to volunteer much of her time taking care of the raptors and other birds at the New Canaan Nature Center. Betsy cherished the time she spent with her family at their cabin in upstate New York and took much joy in gardening and spotting anything from chickadees to bald eagles.

In addition to her husband, children, and parents, Betsy is survived by her sister, Irene O’Connor of Hardwick N.J., her nieces Erin Seib and Sarah O’Connor, and nephews Andrew and William Van Aken. She was predeceased by her brother David Fein.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m., at the Congregational Church of New Canaan, 23 Park Street, New Canaan, Conn. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 6, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance at ocrafa.org, for online condolences and directions visit hoytfuneralhome.com.

Betsy requested attendees wear cheerful/colorful attire.

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Person-to-Person (P2P) is in the process of conducting a comprehensive inventory in its Darien Clothing Center. During that time it will be unable to accept any new donations of clothing, household items, toys, etc. in order to “catch up,” a press release said.

P2P will begin accepting donations again on Monday, Jan. 23.

Person-to-Person provides low-income individuals and families living in lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services. Programs include emergency assistance, camperships and scholarships. With offices in Darien and Norwalk, the Person-to-Person service area includes Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton. More information may be found at p2pHelps.org.

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The Wilton High boys basketball team scored its fourth lopsided win in a row on Tuesday night with a 74-34 victory at Norwalk.

The Warriors remain undefeated at 5-0.

It was the third time in five games that Wilton’s won by 30 points or more. Over their last four games, the Warriors have had an average margin of victory of 28 points. For the season they are averaging 76 points per game.

The recipe for success was the same as in Wilton’s other recent wins — pressure defense, 3-pointer shooting, dribble penetration and 12-player rotation that allows the Warriors to play a fast-paced game, nonstop, for four quarters.

Wilton shot 29-for-60 from the floor (48%), and was 11-for-26 on 3-pointers (42%), with seven different players hitting treys

Wilton needed little time to take command, with 3-pointers from the opposite corners in the first minute by Sean Breslin and Jack Wood. The lead grew as the first quarter moved along, as the Bears’ turnovers piled up and the Warriors continued to shoot the ball very well.

Nick Kronenberg’s 3-pointer made it 25-8 after one quarter, and the lead grew to 26 points at halftime, 40-14. Norwalk shot only four-for-19 from the floor in the half, with 14 turnovers. Wilton was 15-for-26 from the floor in the half.

The Warriors didn’t take their foot off the pedal in the second half and wound up winning by 30.

Kyle Maatallah (13 points, four 3-pointers), Matt Kronenberg (12 points, five assists), Drew Connolly (10 points, seven rebounds, five assists, one 3-pointer) and Nick Kronenberg (10 points, two 3-pointers) all hit in double figures for Wilton.

Jack Williams tallied six points, followed by Kyle Shifrin (four points, seven rebounds), Robbie Hermann (four points) and Scott Cunningham (four points, one 3-pointer).

Rounding out the scoring were Sean Breslin (three points, one 3-pointer), Jack Wood (three points, one 3-pointer), Ryan Schriber (three points, one 3-pointer) and Drew Phillips (two points).

Norwalk (3-3) was led by Armani Sawyer with nine points, including a 3-pointer, and Conner Mastropietro with eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers. For the game the Bears had 23 turnovers and shot only 11-for-44 (25%) from the floor.

The post Boys basketball: Warriors stay red-hot, rout Bears appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 4:

• Make Thank You Cards at Wilton Library, from 10 to noon.

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

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

MBIA Foundation of Darien has awarded a $20,000 grant to Person-to-Person, which will fund four years of college for a Mentoring4Success Scholar.

P2P Executive Director Ceci Maher said many of the agency’s programs not only address immediate need but also endeavor to provide long-term solutions and future opportunity. “From budget counseling to job training, P2P is dedicated to supporting a client’s journey toward self-sufficiency. The P2P Scholarship Program helps college students from low-income households realize that goal by bridging the gap between what each can earn and save and the amount needed to attend college.”

The Mentoring4Success Scholarship is granted to incoming first-year students who work collaboratively with individual mentors throughout their four years, thereby maximizing the opportunities offered by a higher education. With 80% of the P2P Scholars graduating college overall, this particular scholarship has a 100% graduation rate.

Person-to-Person, Inc. was established in 1968 to provide low-income individuals and families living in lower Fairfield County with basic emergency services. With offices in Darien and Norwalk, the Person-to-Person service area includes Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

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A woman dressed in colonial attire makes candles. — Don Graham photo

During the long, dark nights of winter, candles were the only source of light in Colonial times. Molds were an expensive luxury, so most families made candles dipping them in beeswax, tallow, or wax made from bayberries.

Assisting with candle making was an important chore for a Colonial child. They could help with gathering beeswax, melting it, snipping wicks, and patiently dipping. Children today can get a taste of what it was like to make candles at a workshop on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 11 to 12:30 at Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road.

While they are dipping candles, they will learn about life in Colonial Connecticut from museum educator Lola Chen. They will also help make their own snack — fruit dipped in chocolate.

The cost is $10 per child for members, $25 per family; $15 per child for non-members, $35 per family. Register by emailing info@wiltonhistorical.org or calling 203-762-7257.

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Skyler Addison

Living in a town that boasts a mere 27 square miles has made me appreciate the merits of having a car. Moving from Ellicott City, Md., a sprawling, indistinct area with four high schools, to the enclave of Wilton was a culture shock. It’s safe to say that I had never before experienced the bizarre anomaly of “town spirit.”

When I first moved here, our quaint downtown area was the epicenter of my middle school adventures. Being able to walk from school with my friends, unaccompanied by adults, bright pink backpack in tow, to Swizzles for a large helping of tart fro-yo and then to the study rooms at the library, made me feel like a bonafide vagabond. I finally understood why my dad would always boast about riding his bike to school every day, rain or shine, despite some probable embellishments that he added to this claim. In contemporary times, however, parents are a bit more guarded when it comes to their children; who knows what kind of lunatics their kids could run into behind Stop & Shop while searching for Pokémon (a bit passé but relevant nonetheless)?

That being said, such a free-spirited lifestyle cannot be sustained indefinitely. There will come a time in every Wilton child’s life where their insatiable palate can no longer be quenched by a Venti Mocha Frappuccino and a quick stop at the Toy Chest. Instead, their haughty penchants will leave them longing for a slightly different variant of the classic BEC (Bacon, Egg and Cheese) in a neighboring town. The lanyards that upperclassmen so brazenly dangle from their pockets, taunting the hoards of freshmen and sophomores who so desperately yearn to walk to Coffee Barn without getting a detention, symbolize something greater than their apparent fashion statement or ability to drive: freedom.

When I first got my own license, the first thing I did was ironically commonplace: I drove to town to get an iced coffee. Yet something about being in control of something so powerful, having the ability to go absolutely anywhere, was completely thrilling.

My favorite thing to do as a kid was to sit in the passenger seat of my mom’s car, just staring out at the passing vignettes around me. It was always so fascinating to me that while it only takes about 30 minutes to drive through Delaware on I-95, it’s an entire state that houses almost a million people. While it takes up just a fraction of my own time, it comprises someone else’s entire life.

Getting my license has made me appreciate the idiosyncrasies of our surroundings. Gazing out the fogged windshield, cool wind bats at my cheek, the rose sky drifting by in a montaged daze, the evanescent landscape of winter snow lacing Cranbury Park patiently waiting to be illustrated as Fiona Apple wistfully croons in the background of my car’s stereo. The forest cover, glistening from a recent rainfall, casts an inky cloak over the disheveled bushes and bramble lining the narrow road. Having the ability to quickly pass by my surroundings has made me truly appreciate the beauty of my home. While you can drive through Wilton in a matter of minutes, it will always be an important pit-stop on the road map of my life.

Skyler Addison is a senior at Wilton High School. She shares this column with four classmates.

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With the new utility task vehicle are, standing, from left, CERT’s Patrick Russo, T.G. Rawlins, and Jack Majesky. Standing in the vehicle, from left, are club members Debbie Corrigan, Andrea Bates, Mariann Bigelow, B.J. Bralower, Elizabeth Chambers, and Dianne deWitt. Seated are club members Lorraine Winsor, Tricia King, and Jen Toll.

The Wilton Woman’s Club donated $7,000 this fall to complete the town’s purchase of a utility task vehicle (UTV), and trailer, for use by the Wilton Fire Department, Wilton Police Department, the Wilton Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). The UTV has arrived and is ready for use at the fire department.

This vehicle can be used at emergency incidents or crime scenes in areas that are difficult to access by car, such as the Norwalk River Valley Trail, large-scale town events with high attendance, and public gatherings, such as the Fourth of July. It will also be used to support the Dive Rescue Team.

The total cost for the vehicle and a trailer was $25,000, and Patrick Russo, board member for CERT, submitted a donation request to the woman’s club for the final $7,000. The Board of Selectmen formally approved the donation at its Sept. 19 meeting.

The club’s donation capped five individual donations of $1,000, $1,800 from the Wilton Rotary Club, $3,000 from Realty Seven, and a $10,000 anonymous donation.

“The WWC board voted unanimously to make this donation,” club co-president Lorraine Winsor said. “We feel it will be of great benefit to the town, and will benefit the Norwalk River Valley Trail, which was the beneficiary of our club’s 2016 Fashion Show Fund-raiser in April.”

For more information on the Wilton Woman’s Club, visit wiltonwomansclub.org. The club’s next Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon Fundraiser will be March 30 at Rolling Hills Country Club.

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Connecticut State Police stopped more than 2,000 motorists this Christmas weekend and responded to more calls than last year.

From the Thursday, Dec. 22 to Monday, Dec. 26, state police ramped up patrols and set up sobriety checkpoints on state roads.

State police issued 570 speeding tickets, 50 tickets for seatbelt violations, 1,596 tickets for moving violations and made 47 DUI arrests. Last year’s numbers were:

• Speeding tickets: 621.
• Seatbelt violations: 36.
• Moving violations: 1,563.
• DUI arrests: 40.

Troopers also responded to 528 accidents this Christmas weekend. Fifty-eight of the accidents were with injuries and four were fatal.

Last year, state police responded to 461 accidents — 56 of which were with injuries and five of which were fatal.

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The Bulletin Board is a guide to events of public interest happening in Wilton designed to let you know what’s happening and when, and to help schedule important events. Submissions may be emailed to editor@wiltonbulletin.com by 5 p.m. Wednesday the week before intended publication.

Art Exhibition and Reception, Friday, Jan. 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Wilton Library. The work of six Wilton artists is on display. Reception open to the public. www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Mother and Daughter Book Club, Saturday, Jan. 7, 11-noon, Wilton Library. This month’s book is Ramona the Pest. For grades 3-5. Registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Candle Dipping Workshop for Kids, Saturday, Jan. 7, 11-12:30, Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road. Children can try their hand at dipping candles and learn about life in Colonial Connecticut from Museum Educator Lola Chen. Kids can help make their own snack — fruit dipped in chocolate. Members: $10/child, $25/family; non-members: $15/child, $35/family. Register: info@wiltonhistorical.org or 203-762-7257.

Men’s Breakfast, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m., Orem’s Diner, Danbury Road. Stay at Home in Wilton sponsors an opportunity for men to get together. Rides available. Information: 203-762-2600.

Organize Yourself, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 11-12:30, Wilton Library. Learn the tricks of Bullet Journaling to get organized. Bring a Marble notebook. For ages 18 and older. Registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Mah Jongg, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 12:30, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Beginners welcome. Sponsored by Stay at Home in Wilton and the senior center. RSVP: Kay Chann at 203-762-9026.

Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Group, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 6-8 p.m., Wilton Library. For post-treatment survivors, presented by Nina Marino, LCSW, and the library. Free, registration highly encouraged. Questions: call Nina Marino at 203-857-7304. Register: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Wilton Library Readers, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 12-1:30, Wilton Library. This month’s book is Everybody’s Fool and Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo. Bring lunch, beverages will be provided. Advance registration suggested: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Free Downloads, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 1-2:30, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Bring your own device and learn about the free downloadable ebooks and audiobooks available through Wilton Library. Registration strongly suggested: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Your Elevator Speech, Wednesday, Jan. 11, Wilton Library. Presented by the library, SCORE of Fairfield County and the Wilton Chamber of Commerce. Learn to develop a concise and memorable introduction to enhance business opportunities. Speaker is Stanley Witkow, former general counsel of GE Capital IT Solutions. Registration required: 203-831-0065 or scorefairfieldcounty.org.

New Perspectives Film Series, Saturday, Jan. 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Wilton Library. Back on Board, a documentary about Olympic diver Greg Louganis will be screened. Suggested donation of $5. Q&A after the film with moderator Megan Smith-Harris. Registration highly recommended: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Valuing Your Business, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6-8 p.m., Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. A free program presented by SCORE on how to understand and determine the value of a small business. Check-in starts at 5:30. Information: 203-831-0065 or score.fairfieldcounty@gmail.com.

AARP Driver Safety Class, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 10-2, Wilton Library. Practical techniques on how to adjust to changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging. No tests. Registration required. Cost: $15/AARP members, $20/non-members, cash or check only. Information: 203-762-3950 or wiltonlibrary.org.

Eggs and the Economy, Thursday, Jan. 19, 8 a.m., Marly’s Bar and Bistro, Wilton Center. Brian Flaherty, senior vice president of public policy with CBIA will speak. Sponsored by Wilton Chamber of Commerce. $35/members, $40/future members. RSVP: 203-762-0567 or info@wiltonchamber.com.

Candlelight Concert, Sunday, Jan. 22, 4-5:30 p.m., Wilton Congregational Church, 70 Ridgefield Road. Pamela Frank and Friends presents a program of string quintets and other works by Dvorak, Mendelssohn, and Mozart. Tickets: 203-762-3401 or wiltoncandlelightconcerts.org.

Parent Support Group, Monday, Jan. 23, 10-11:30, G&B Cultural Center, 49 New Street. For parents  of children with behavioral, emotional and mental health issues. Free, presented by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Child and Adolescent Network (CAN). Information: Beth at 203-984-0123 or Beth44es@gmail.com or visit namisouthwestct.com.

Senior Center Book Discussion, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 11-noon, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Michael Hess will lead a discussion of Empire by Gore Vidal. Register: 203-834-6240.

Mah Jongg, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 12:30, Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Beginners welcome. Sponsored by Stay at Home in Wilton and the senior center. RSVP: Kay Chann at 203-762-9026.

Tuesday Movie, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 3-5 p.m., Wilton Senior Center, Comstock Community Center, 180 School Road. Meryl Streep stars in Florence Foster Jenkins. Free. Complimentary popcorn, candy and soda. RSVP: 203-762-2600.

Author Talk, Thursday, Jan. 26, 7-8:30 p.m., Wilton Library. CNBC Senior Contributor Larry Kudlow discusses his new book, JFK and the Reagan Revolution: A Secret History of American Prosperity, written with Brian Domitrovic. Q&A and book signing will follow. Books available for purchase. Free, registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Chinese New Year Celebration, Friday, Jan. 27, 4-4:45, Wilton Library. Families may welcome the Year of the Rooster with stories, snacks, fortunes, and crafts. Registration required: 203-762-6336 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Tales to Tails, Saturday, Jan. 28, 11-noon, Wilton Library. Children who are independent readers may read to therapy dogs. Free, registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Scholarly Series, Sunday, Jan. 29, 4-5:30, Wilton Library. The first of a five-part collaboration between the library and Wilton Historical Society: Finding Our Place: Evolving American Identity. The program focuses on the United States’ place in the world during World War I and its aftermath. John Tully, professor of history at Central Connecticut State University, will discuss how U.S. foreign policy in the 20th Century reflected American values. Registration required: 203-762-6334 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Technology Classes, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2-3 and 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wilton Library. Michael Bellacosa will show how to create and format a basic spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel 2010. Free, basic computer skills required. Advance registration required: 203-762-3950 or www.wiltonlibrary.org.

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Here’s what’s happening in town today, Jan. 5:

• Children’s Beginner Chess at Wilton Library, from 4 to 5.

• Children’s Advanced Chess at Wilton Library, from 5 to 6.

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

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

In a typical year, graduating three top performers and then losing several current gymnasts to injury would be hard to overcome.

But thanks to its biggest freshman class ever, this isn’t a typical year for the Wilton High gymnastics team.

The addition of seven ninth graders to an already strong core of returning gymnasts has given the Warriors much-needed depth to ride out the injuries.

“Even with all the limitations, we have enough quality people where we’ll be able to cover all the events,” said head coach Gary Chadwick. “The saving grace is the quality of the freshmen we have. I think we’ll be a little bit better primarily because of the freshmen. They bring a lot to the table.”

Wilton’s first match is today at home against Fairfield, the first of four home meets to open the season.

The Warriors are coming off a 6-4 season that saw them finish third in the FCIAC and sixth at the Class M state championships.

The team graduated its top performers on beam (Sam Farhi) and bars (Riley Wadehra), and one of its best scorers on beam and floor (Morgan Leddy).

Another big loss is sophomore Sam Huffman, who is out for the season with a broken foot. Huffman was coming off a solid freshman season and was expected to be a key performer on beam, floor and bars.

The Warriors are also without Rebecca Poirier, one of their four senior captains, who is still working her way back from a torn ACL injury suffered at last season’s state championship meet. Chadwick said the hope is that Poirier will be able to compete on vault, her best event, later in the season. She was second-team all-FCIAC on vault last season.

Another of the senior captains, Alex Uriarte, is fighting knee pain and will be limited to only two events, beam and bars. The team’s only all-around performer a year ago, she was second-team all-FCIAC and second-team all-state on bars, and second-team all-FCIAC on beam. She will be missed on floor and vault, however, as she earned second-team all-FCIAC honors last season in both events.

Those setbacks aside, the Warriors have a strong cast of returners, led by the other two senior captains, Nicki Babkowski and Meredith Nash. Both were second-team all-state on the floor last season, and both scored 9.0 floor routines during the season.

Both were high scorers on vault, as well, while Nash was a top scorer on the beam.

Despite the loss of Huffman, Wilton still has a strong sophomore class back with Brooke Taffler, Alyssa Jarrett and Taylor White.

Jarrett, who was second-team all-FCIAC on beam and bars, will compete in both events again this season. Taffler will be back on bars and vault, while White will perform on floor and vault.

The freshmen expected to fill out the lineup are Lauren Cooper (bars and beam), Kate Ginsburg (floor, bars and beam), Kayla Heber (floor and vault), Megan McNamara (floor and bars), Carter Siegel (vault and beam), Marra Woodring (beam) and Nicole Beecher (vault, bars and floor).

Beecher, however, is out with a bad back, and Chadwick hopes she can help out on vault later in the season. Woodring is battling knee problems, he added.

Chadwick said it will be an unusual season, at least in the first meet, in that floor will be the team’s weakest event, with Uriarte not performing and Babkowski not expected to compete, and bars will be the strongest.

Wilton will also be a little thin on vault, with Uriarte not competing this season and Poirier sidelined by injury.

But thanks to the ninth graders, the Warriors will still be able to go six deep on every event, even with the injuries.

“We’re OK for six, but if anyone gets sick or hurt beyond that we’re not going to have much in the way of filling in,” said Chadwick, who expects the Warriors to be among the upper echelon of the FCIAC once again.

“I think it should be a good year,” he said.

— J.B. Cozens

The four senior captains for this season’s Wilton High gymnastics team are, from left to right, Alex Uriarte, Rebecca Poirier, Meredith Nash and Nicki Babkowski.

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Six Wilton artists featured

This month’s art exhibition, Wilton Artists: Art Times Six, opens on Friday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 7:30. The artists originally displayed their talents in a limited way in the library’s Summer Show. This month, they will get to show their friends and neighbors a little bit more of what their passion means to them. The artists are Janel Cassara, Art Gerstein, Susan Kurnit, Lenore Sillery, Russell Sillery and Cindy Sinor. They all either live or work in Wilton. The exhibition will feature more than 60 paintings, drawings and manipulated digital photography created with oils, acrylics, charcoal and photographic images. The majority of the works will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. The opening reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition runs through Jan. 27.

Moms and daughters together

Girls get a chance to spend some quality time with their moms and vice versa in the library’s new Mother and Daughter Book Club this Saturday, Jan. 7, from 11 to noon. The book club started just a few months ago for girls in grades 3 through 5 and their moms, but new members are always welcomed. The club reads about heroines who are smart, brave, strong, kind and make great role models. This month’s selection is Beverly Cleary’s hilarious book, Ramona the Pest. The lesson here is that sometimes girls have to be “a little bit noisier and a little bit more stubborn to be noticed at all.” Please note the new time. Registration is required.

Winter story times for kidlets

They’re back! Infants to three-year olds have special days and times for their age-appropriate drop-in story time sessions with caregivers and parents. The programs begin on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Jan. 10 and 11 and continue for 10 weeks through March 15. Books for Babies for infants less than 12 months begins Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 10:15 to 10:45; Wonderful Ones and Twos also begins on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 11 to 11:30; Terrific Tales for Twos and Threes starts Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 10:15 to 10:45. A special lottery-based program, Mother Goose on the Loose for children ages six months to two years, begins on Thursday, Jan. 12, from 10:15 to 10:45 or 11 to 11:30. Registration forms for Mother Goose have to be completed and submitted by Saturday, Jan. 7. Information for Mother Goose may be found on the library’s website or by calling the Children’s Library at 203-762-6336.

Goal setting in style

The New Year is here and along with it, a chance to accomplish some resolutions, such as getting organized. In Organize Yourself, set for Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 11 to 12:30, attendees will learn the tricks of Bullet Journaling to get organized, set priorities and track goals. This methodology has been referred to as the analog answer to the digital world. Participants are asked to bring a new marble notebook with them and the desire to get the New Year off to a good start in a fun, creative way. The program is for people 18 years or older. Space is limited and registration is required.

Readers convene

Wilton Library Readers book group gets together after a December recess with a discussion of two of Richard Russo’s books — Everybody’s Food and Nobody’s Fool. The group meets on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from noon to 1:30. Susan Boyar is the professional book group facilitator who leads the gathering. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches; the library provides beverages. Registration is recommended in case of inclement weather resulting in a delayed opening or closing. The group meets each month through June. For a complete listing of meetings and titles, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Wilton Library Readers in “Books.”

To register for programs, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org and click on Events or call the Circulation Desk at 203-762-6334 for adult programs, the Children’s Library at 203-762-6336 and Teen Services at 203-762-6342.

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AAA driving program

AAA’s free driving improvement program will be offered Friday, Jan. 6, from 8:30 to 12:30 in the Comstock Community Center. Taking this program can lower your auto insurance costs and improve your driving skills.

Register online by visiting aaa.com/driverimprovement or call 203-937-2595, ext. 8363 for more information.  

Play reading

Andrea Ragusa will lead a reading of the play Time Stands Still on Monday, Jan. 9, at 12:30 in the Senior Center Café. The play focuses on relationships and one couple’s prospects for a conventional lifestyle. Copies of the play are available in the senior center lounge. Call 203-834-6240 to register.

Get the download

Learn how to download eBooks and audiobooks onto your mobile device on Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 2:30 in Free Downloads-eBooks and Audiobooks at the senior center with Melissa Baker as the instructor. With iPads, tablets and smartphones given as gifts, this is the perfect time for people to learn how to download free content 24/7 from Wilton Library. Participants are reminded to bring their Wilton Library cards, passwords and their own devices for full benefit. Registration is required on the library’s website or by calling 203-762-6334.

Memory care support group

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are life-changing for both those who are diagnosed and those close to them. A support group at Brookdale Wilton provides a place to connect with others who truly understand what you are experiencing.

The group meets the second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. at 96 Danbury Road.

It is a place to:

• Exchange practical information on caregiving problems and possible solutions;
• Talk through challenges and ways of coping;
• Share feelings, needs, and concerns; and
• Learn about resources available in the community.

For more information about the group or to register, call Christy Perone at 203-761-8999.

Don’t just downsize … modernize!

Thinking of downsizing soon? Carey Karlan, well-known interior designer and consultant on downsizing, will speak at the senior center at 10 on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The talk, open to all at no charge, is sponsored by the Encore Club of Wilton.

Karlan, a Darien resident, has considerable experience in guiding clients through the process of simplifying and shedding unneeded household goods as a first and essential step in moving into a smaller living space. The process can be liberating and energizing if approached in a positive way, she says. Learn how to get started and how to evaluate.

Coming events

For the week of Jan. 6:

Friday, Jan. 6, 8:30, AAA Driving Improvement Program; 10, Feldenkrais with Cathy Paine; 12, Bridge with Eleanor Mihailidis; 10, Jewelry Workshop with Viola Galetta; 12, Introduction to Bridge with Michael Hess; 1:30, Intermediate Bridge with Michael Hess.

Monday, Jan. 9, 10:30, Line Dance Fusion with Beatriz Araujo; 12, Movie; 12:30, Play Reading with Andrea Ragusa; 1, Encore Bridge.

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9:45, BeMoved with Phyllis Hirschfield; 10, Oil and Acrylics with Althea Ericsson; 11, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 12:30, Mah Jongg with Kay Chann; 1, Studio Knitting with Lizabeth Doty; 2, Chair Yoga at Ogden House.

Wednesday, Jan. 11, 9:30, Sewing at Ogden House; 10, Open Bridge with Michael Hess; 10:30, Tai Chi with Joe Alampi; 1, Free Downloads with Melissa Baker; 1, Mah Jongg; 6, Memory Care Support Group at Brookdale Wilton, 96 Danbury Road.

Thursday, Jan. 12, 10, Yoga with Denise O’Hearn; 12:30 to 2, Blood Pressure Screening at the Wilton Y; 12, Lunch; 12:45, Bingo; 5:30, Social Services Commission Meeting.

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Shoplifting

A 62-year-old Redding woman was charged with shoplifting on Dec. 27 at 11:03 a.m.

Police said Lori Patrick, of 7 Mallory Drive, Redding, was the subject of a phone call on Dec. 26 from the owner of the Pet Pantry on Godfrey Place. Police went to the store and saw video footage in which the suspect took an $18 dog bowl and did not pay for it. The accused was later located at her home in Redding after the store owner copied her license plate number and gave it to police.

She was released on a promise to appear in court Jan. 3.

Jewelry theft

A larceny of three pieces of jewelry was reported between noon of Dec. 30 and 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 31. The victim is an 89-year-old woman of 96 Danbury Road diagnosed with dementia.

The total value of the stolen items, two rings and a necklace made of gold and diamonds, is  $14,540.

The incident is under investigation.

The Wilton Police Department responded to three cases of verbal domestic abuse and one case of domestic violence during the week of Dec. 27 to Jan. 3.

The post Police Log: Shoplifting, jewelry theft appeared first on Wilton Bulletin.

Ali Purvis (right) fights for the puck behind the net during the Wilton-Norwalk girls hockey team’s game last week at Ridgefield. — J.B. Cozens photo

Wilton-Norwalk girls hockey head coach Pete Maxfield had gone into the season expecting big things from his all-new freshman line, and after four games hasn’t been disappointed.

The freshmen — Caitlyn Hocker, Meghan Lane and Alyssa Laychak — continued to impress in Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the combined Stamford/Westhill/Staples squad, as they had a hand in all five Wilton goals.

Hocker led the way with three goals, while Lane had a goal and three assists and Laychak had two assists. Molly Thomas also scored for the Warriors, and Lily Blackwell had an assist.

Wilton is now 2-2 on the season, while SWS dropped to 0-4.

The Warriors have tallied 11 goals in four goals, after scoring only 20 goals all of last season. Hocker leads the team with five goals, while Lane has four goals and five assists. Laychak has four assists on the season.

In Wednesday’s game, the Warriors started slow and were down 2-1 before Hocker’s second goal of the period made it 2-2 after one. Annabel Devault and Emily Gitlin had scored the SWS goals.

Lane scored just 34 seconds into the second period, and Hocker notched her hat trick with a goal with 5:44 left in the period to make it 4-2.

Thomas scored on a power play early in the third period to make it 5-2.

Maxfield said the Warriors did not play well early on and were fortunate to get out of the first period with the score tied.

“It was good we were able to keep the score even. In the second and third periods, they really put it together,” he said. Like in their previous game (a 2-0 loss to Ridgefield) the Warriors got stronger as the game progressed.

“If we can have a full 45 minutes we’re going to be a much more difficult team to deal with,” said Maxfield, noting that Wilton played three defensive lines and three forward lines in the game, something it never could do last season.

“To have that kind of depth is really nice. The depth is a huge, huge bonus,” he said. “I’m pleased with how we’re going. I expect things to keep building. We want to keep getting stronger.”

While goalie stats were not available, Maxfield said Izzy Najah turned in another fine performance in goal for the Warriors.

“She was able to make the saves she had to make. Both of their goals were rebound goals after she had made a save. She’s been very, very solid.”

The Warriors travel to Greenwich (3-1-2) on Friday for what should be it biggest test yet, and host Guilford on Saturday at 1:30 at the Veterans Park rink in Norwalk.

Wilton 5, Stamford/Westhill/Staples 2

First period scoring

Wilton — Caitlyn Hocker (Alyssa Laychak), 13:57

SWS — Annabel Devault (Erin McGroarty), 12:03

SWS — Emily Gitlin (Devault), 7:04

Wilton — Hocker (Meghan Lane), 5:43

Second period scoring

Wilton — Lane (Laychak), 14:26

Wilton — Hocker (Lane, Lily Blackwell), 5:44

Third period scoring

Wilton — Molly Thomas (Lane), 11:36

— J.B. Cozens

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Many people were happy to say goodbye to 2016. We can only hope the negativity and fear that arose from a vicious election season, acts of terrorism and police shootings go with it.

If 2016 has taught us anything, it is that all we can change is ourselves and our own contributions to our town, our state and our country. And while this may seem small, it isn’t.

Make 2017 a new start. Listen more. Judge less. Don’t assume the worst of people. Believe that humanity is inherently good — because it is. Give each other the benefit of the doubt.

Think before you tweet or post comments on social media. Remember, the people you may be criticizing are just that, people. Many are your neighbors. Sometimes we will never see eye to eye, but that does not make us enemies. We can disagree without being disagreeable.

Let’s communicate better. Let’s be clear, fair and complete when disseminating information. Let’s give people time to react. Let’s be skeptical of rumors.

Step forward and lend a hand. Wilton offers a wealth of volunteer opportunities for its residents of all ages. Volunteering — whether it be visiting someone who is homebound, helping out in school, or serving on a town committee — can be the glue that holds a community together. We get together, face to face, for our own good and each other’s. It works best when there are many, rather than a few. You never know who you might meet.

Think about where we don’t want to be, and make where we are going different. Look forward. We’re all in the same boat. If you’re not rowing, but instead criticizing your fellow passengers’ techniques, all you’re doing is standing still, or worse, keeping the boat going in the same circles.

Most importantly, don’t give up. Don’t agree with someone? Maybe we can meet each other halfway. Try to see things from another viewpoint. We don’t have to always agree, but if we at least understand one another, that is a step forward.

Make 2017 a year of positive change — in yourself — and in all of us.

Happy New Year.

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