Stories

The Writing of the Star-Spangled Banner on Tuesday, April 22 at Wilton Library

<p><strong>DAR/Drum Hill Chapter:&nbsp;The Writing of the Star-Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key&nbsp;Tuesday, April 22 @6:30pm in Brubeck Room</strong></p><p>Most people know Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” after watching the British attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland on September 12-13, 1814. But what was Key, a lawyer from Washington D.C., doing on a British flagship in Baltimore Harbor during the attack in the first place? Please join us for a fascinating presentation by Wilton native Ed Hynes who will fill in the interesting historical background and describe the amazing sequence of events that led to the composition of our National Anthem.</p><p>Ed Hynes, CFA was born and raised in Wilton, CT. As an equity analyst, institutional salesperson and trader he worked with some of the premier investment banking firms in many of the world’s leading financial centers including New York, Tokyo, London, Chicago and San Francisco. In 2001 Ed became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and is currently a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch in Stamford, CT. Ed first became interested in the Revolutionary War as a child when he learned his neighbor’s house was partially burned by the British during the Danbury Raid in 1777. He and his late wife are fascinated by history and have visited many important battlefields both here and abroad. Ed currently lives in Norwalk.</p><p>No charge. Co-sponsored by Wilton Library and the Drum Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.&nbsp;</p><p>Registration recommended.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001FEY7mGgplAGuEEHQYq3vF6-z233NAsZd9FT6HVELf118xNC2R-uLgLiijsxiV5i9rD7ki-jDuMht5n9l-3tP_OIPbpUhen6IoZ0v2O4xdHd0QC63sNTsAtSElnHUSyjSm4X1P2MT7QjbqgBDFWywG7BRq9zHJNpP_fjdAbBOm8DtY-Eec6x5p5zZxx_IfjmV0gIq4IoUAaA=&amp;c=nfj857laVNmMuD2fKQUXKGKqZdZDc50U2apY7hMt9MU1Atts8INs1g==&amp;ch=qLaNAxuElQfh-zD2PF4AzLUEOKpf2TwWOHHKIAEHiJu3kyE73eADFA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">Register &amp; See Details</a></p>

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Wilton’s Annual Townwide Cleanup Day Set for April 5, Volunteers Needed!

<p>The Wilton Conservation Commission invites volunteers of all ages to participate in the <strong>27th Annual Townwide Cleanup Day</strong> on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Town Green. Each year, dedicated community members come together to pick up litter along Wilton’s roadways and the banks of the Norwalk River, making a meaningful impact on the town’s environment.</p><p>“I encourage our Wilton families, friends, and neighbors to join the Conservation Commission in its 27th annual Townwide Cleanup Day,” said First Selectman Toni Boucher. “This town beautification activity promotes a cleaner environment and is a great way to meet your neighbors. Your involvement will send a positive message and model responsible environmental stewardship for our youth, showing that our environment is a priority in creating a healthier community. I hope to meet you personally on April 5!”</p><p><strong>What to Expect:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Supplies Provided:</strong> Work gloves, garbage bags, and dumpsters will be available at the gazebo starting at 9 a.m.</li><li><strong>Raffle Prizes:</strong> Generous donors have contributed exciting raffle prizes! Volunteers who collect a full garbage bag of litter and bring it to the <strong>Town Green for disposal</strong> will be entered into the raffle. The drawing will take place promptly at <strong>noon</strong>, and participants must be present to win.</li><li><strong>Free Pizza!</strong> Pinocchio Pizza will provide each volunteer with a coupon for <strong>one free slice of cheese pizza</strong> as a thank-you for their efforts.</li></ul><p>This is a <strong>rain or shine</strong> event.</p><p>For questions or concerns, please contact <strong>Zen Herter, Environmental Analyst, Office of Environmental Affairs, Town of Wilton,</strong> at <a href="mailto:zen.herter@wiltonct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>zen.herter@wiltonct.gov</strong></a>.</p>

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Mini Photo Sessions at Ambler Farm Supports Wilton Education Foundation

<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WiltonEducationFoundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Wilton Education Foundation</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> (WEF) announced a new Spring fundraiser with local portrait photographer, Justin Biaid. Wilton families are invited to schedule a mini photo session at Ambler Farm on Saturday, April 12, 2025.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Photos will be ready in time for Mother’s Day and a perfect time to get ahead of the busy summer and pricier fall season for holiday pictures. Each mini session will take 20-25 minutes and includes a digital gallery of about 15-20 images with professional retouching service. The special rate for the fundraiser is $450 (plus CT sales tax) with 25% of proceeds going towards WEF, which will support various grants in Wilton Public Schools. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, April 13th.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To schedule a session at the family portrait fundraiser, please </span><a href="https://justinbaiad.sproutstudio.com/book/6631a4528220c1.26044012?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1a2TYaW2dMa-SSulVT5jMF_emShWmWus3jC_j75BDRowiiDBsUCwGgPyA_aem_VXAB0yyTqDDJaxiGRwN-LA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">click here&nbsp;</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To learn more about WEF, please visit</span><a href="https://wiltoneducationfoundation.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0muQrHiv4Z_j221ktnlPnU7qYviz1mcSS1fKqAh8nviTn8DmKAqWu7NfU_aem_FyKCyO_WuQnKS94X5PnJ0w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> https://wiltoneducationfoundation.org/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><br></p>

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Aquarion Water Company & Eversource in Wilton: New Canaan Road (Rt 106) Update

<p><strong>Aquarion Water Company &amp; Eversource – New Canaan Road (Route 106) Update</strong></p><p><strong>March 21, 2025</strong></p><p>Beginning Monday, March 24, Aquarion crews will be working at the intersection of New Canaan Road (Route 106) and Old Boston Road. This work is expected to take approximately three weeks.</p><p>Route 106 will be closed to through traffic between Old Boston Road and Old Kings Highway. A detour will be in place, allowing one lane of alternating traffic through the intersection at a time to access Old Boston Road. Drivers are advised to follow posted detour signs (refer to the attached map).</p><p><strong>Work hours:</strong> Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Traffic control personnel will be on-site to assist drivers. Please follow their directions and consider using alternate routes when possible.</p><p>The bridge on Route 106 at the Wilton/New Canaan town line will remain open while crews work at this location.</p><p><strong>Additional information:</strong></p><ul><li>All bus stops will remain at their current locations.</li><li>Emergency vehicles will be granted immediate access through the work area.</li><li>For project updates and details on continued work on Route 106 throughout 2025, refer to the Aquarion link (Route 106 New Canaan Road Project Update).</li><li>The State of Connecticut will oversee the project, with a state inspector on-site.</li></ul><p><strong>For questions, contact:</strong></p><ul><li>Dennis Fields, Aquarion Water project representative: 203-258-6139</li><li>Ken Zembrzuski, Eversource project representative: 860-665-3452</li><li>Joseph Sorcinelli, CT DOT project engineer: 203-389-3162</li></ul><p><strong>Detour Route:</strong> Old Kings Highway to Old Boston Road.</p>

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Wilton Historical Society Unveils "Puzzle Pieces: Putting Wilton Together"

<p>Wilton has always been a town shaped by its people—a community built on collective efforts, shared traditions, and a deep appreciation for its history. The Wilton Historical Society’s newest exhibition, <em>Puzzle Pieces: Putting Wilton Together</em>, explores this idea, weaving together the many stories, contributions, and connections that have shaped the town over time.</p><p>Rather than focusing on a single narrative, <em>Puzzle Pieces</em> presents Wilton’s history as a living, evolving story. Thousands of individuals—past and present, lifelong residents and newcomers alike—have all played a role in defining the character of Wilton. The exhibition highlights these contributions through interactive displays, oral histories, and rarely seen artifacts from the Historical Society’s collection.</p><p>What makes <em>Puzzle Pieces</em> unique is its ever-changing nature. New objects and stories will be added throughout the year, ensuring that each visit offers something different. This dynamic approach encourages the community to see history as something ongoing, with each person playing a role in shaping Wilton’s future.</p><p>Thanks to a generous grant from the Wilton Kiwanis Club, admission to the museum is free through 2026, making this an ideal opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with Wilton’s past in a meaningful way.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.wiltonhistorical.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wilton Historical Society</a>.</p>

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Wilton Residents Andrew Kelso and Hannah McCall Earn Dean's List at Emerson

<p>Congratulations to Wilton residents Andrew Kelso and Hannah McCall who were named to the fall Dean's List at Emerson College.</p><p>Andrew is majoring in Media Arts Production and is a member of the Class of 2025 and Hannah is majoring in Media Arts Production and is a member of the Class of 2028.</p><p>To make the Dean's List, students must have a grade point average of 3.7 or higher for that semester.</p><p><br></p>

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Wilton Library: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted, Confident and Self-Reliant Adult

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Seats Still Available!&nbsp;How to Raise a Well-Adjusted, Confident and Self-Reliant Adult&nbsp;in this Crazy Mixed-Up World&nbsp;on Tuesday, March 25 @6:30pm in Brubeck Room</strong><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001POKnBYlF2h_dfUzuDLi6jguTP17-TrH-_KuyApOFdPiSMw_gAassMtUeeE80WVazfsAxP3D7fWP8Jd-w99XmeiFXudq_1cpay5G09fRgr7tA84_HrNNeEaVxB2jh8yHp6ihScqx01ys5UJ6tKhk5dSfmwLXHNOYzohpd1HrErawRLPuAv_ic1AcpHSyCDEe78IKcbLMAHms=&amp;c=FD02Xuxezv-xFtEHoQtcUEfWBgxohHZWL9SczPM2nNL9K0XVxd0M-Q==&amp;ch=xCp1Wp7Qo9xEdwyBHcraEV6V8EN3-aRU0u2kdUBHSPzz4tb-SXAx1A==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>T</strong></a></p><p>Please join the Wilton Youth Council in the Brubeck Room for a practical talk on How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Adult with Alicia Farrell, PhD. This presentation offers immediately actionable tools and insights to help you regain control, strengthen your relationship with your kids, and guide them with confidence. Learn how to build trust, foster open communication, and instill resilience in your children. Gain a deeper understanding of brain development, create a family philosophy to navigate modern challenges like technology, and leave empowered to raise well-rounded, motivated young people. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this talk will give you the strategies to make a lasting, positive impact on the next generation.</p><p>Dr. Alicia Farrell is an accomplished cognitive psychologist, former university professor, national keynote speaker and founder of Clearview Consulting. Dr. Farrell’s mission is to help individuals, couples, families and organizations to find their strength and courage to make healthy decisions and changes in their lives and businesses. She is an expert at translating cutting-edge scientific research into practical everyday life.</p><p>Sponsored by the Wilton Youth Council and Wilton Library.</p><p>Registration suggested. </p><p><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001POKnBYlF2h_dfUzuDLi6jguTP17-TrH-_KuyApOFdPiSMw_gAassMtUeeE80WVazfsAxP3D7fWP8Jd-w99XmeiFXudq_1cpay5G09fRgr7tA84_HrNNeEaVxB2jh8yHp6ihScqx01ys5UJ6tKhk5dSfmwLXHNOYzohpd1HrErawRLPuAv_ic1AcpHSyCDEe7T5Wyxcz1sDI=&amp;c=FD02Xuxezv-xFtEHoQtcUEfWBgxohHZWL9SczPM2nNL9K0XVxd0M-Q==&amp;ch=xCp1Wp7Qo9xEdwyBHcraEV6V8EN3-aRU0u2kdUBHSPzz4tb-SXAx1A==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">Register &amp; See Details</a></p>

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