Wilton, CT | HamletHub

Stories

May 15, 2025

Moody's awards Wilton their Aaa rating

Wilton Town Hall is extremely pleased to announce that Moody’s Credit Rating Agency has once again endorsed Wilton’s fiscal and economic strength with its coveted Aaa Rating. This designation signifies to lenders that Wilton is a reliable borrower whose finances are in excellent health. When Wilton seeks funding from the bond market to pay for capital projects in town, we will receive the lowest interest rates available on those loans because of our Aaa rating. Such a strong advantage allows Town leaders to keep building costs down, and is the reason why an Aaa rating is so very important for Wilton.The report from Moody’s explaining their rationale was full of accolades for Wilton’s overall quality of life. It highlighted the strong housing market supported by high residential demand; the advanced levels of education and professional achievement of our residents; the overall health and safety of our community; our low climate risk from extreme weather; our strong municipal workforce that is managed by certified and experienced professionals; and the conservative budgeting and steady property tax receipts that have driven stable operating results and solid reserves of liquidity. Moody’s pointed to ASML’s presence in Wilton as an indicator of our town’s desirability and economic stability. They were particularly impressed that ASML was planning to grow their operations here in Wilton, even as the Dutch microchip manufacturer recently completed a significant international expansion.With the FY26 Town Budget having passed with the overwhelming support of the voters, and Moody’s sterling stamp of approval, it is an excellent time to invest in Wilton. I hope everyone will join me in celebrating this tremendous news.

May 15, 2025

Wilton Pride and Library Announce "Wilton Pride Be You Festival" on June 1st

Wilton Pride, in partnership with Wilton Library, is delighted to announce the return of the annual Wilton Pride Be You Festival on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Town Green.Building on the success of previous years, this year’s festival will feature a vibrant array of activities, including music, live mural painting, performing arts, exhibits, food, drinks, and much more, all celebrating community collaboration and belonging through partnerships with numerous local businesses and organizations."The Library is honored to co-sponsor the Pride Festival for a third year," said Caroline Mandler, Executive Director of Wilton Library. “We are so appreciative of all of the support from the many community partners who make this happen, and we look forward to seeing everyone on June 1 as we celebrate together and show what it means to be a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community."“Belonging is at the heart of a strong community. When people feel welcomed, safe, and connected, it makes a difference in every part of our lives. We’re proud to keep building a Wilton where everyone can find a place to be themselves. #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong,” said Kim Fellman Cohen, Board Member, Wilton Pride. This year Wilton Pride is honored to partner with Marché Artisan Market, founded by Katie Nelson and Kerry Ray. Marché is dedicated to celebrating local craftspersonship and creating vibrant, inclusive spaces. Participating Marché vendorswill offer a diverse array of handcrafted goods, including vintage clothing and jewelry, baked goods, floral arrangements, dog treats, crochet items, designer candles, vintage home goods, custom Wilton-printed items, stationery, art, photography, fair trade decor, textiles, permanent jewelry, polymer clay earrings, soaps, and wallpaper.Katie Nelson, founder, notes, “Marché is more than just a market—it’s a celebration of community and creativity! We’re proud to partner with Wilton Pride to bring you an incredible lineup of local artisans. Each vendor will be showcasing their crafts while supporting a cause close to our hearts: fostering equality and inclusivity for all.”Here is a listing of Marché vendors:<a href="https://www.marchewilton.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Marché</a><a href="https://www.erindeluca.com/welcome/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafyMSrN4uass1Qi4qqiAJTdNoWqXlDHuf8JeCtHl6pXbIi9TkcpKCs7dSxLiw_aem_dTQlOQsksgyuWL_6LaOG1A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Erin Deluca Jewelry</a><a href="https://lnk.bio/flatvernacular/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadkoB5IX_cbZz3r0964H4wj4X3aaC0OJQ1LyVcvDO5MKuwTA1947Q-91WulSw_aem_-IDV_jt65-yc0lwpR5gtRA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Flat Vernacular</a><a href="https://flippingcreativemm.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacc7BZZ_Zosl0RqrrKvtEB4eTefTlGrLirx61tXxsqwn0u-HDbANkc_CCbJIw_aem_PQlxyzUjkyHpR8d81y_EHw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Flipping Creative</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/frogs.cottage/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Frog's Cottage</a><a href="http://grannysdoggietreats.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Granny's Doggie Treats</a><a href="https://l.instagram.com/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.knotsoneuclid.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacZUhu89DA0_kIQANi9ydRDHRDSLt6aRwTnrL_zhSMRO-mWX7c21bYyH7_K9Q_aem_d-ME9f6PdQKzAIJCSokTUw&e=AT117DFdN3Kp6vEVhVKojeoRxhsnpMeCV-HiSFvN0x9ao2zhyngXoTn03wJlMmhZO5KDAQOeZPEbgNLG2T1fLl4MoPU2c-s2brTScYI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Knots on Euclid</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kupercandles_/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Kuper Candles</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lightlaced/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Lightlaced</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seasonal_celebrations_bylana/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Seasonal Celebrations by Lana</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/szeizetheday/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Szeize the Day</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/therusticridgebathco/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Rustic Ridge Bath Co.</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiquesandmoreshop/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Tiques & More</a><a href="https://www.vividcottage.com/linkpage?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac43dMQVvwdm7bvAW0TYz75bMmlnC2NJah1plIMANLxggqekf7Eii-6YzWzkQ_aem_pIzrlqVsLm3u8GUvyIAe6g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Vivid Cottage</a><a href="https://www.wiltonkneads.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Wilton Kneads</a>Artist Brian Kaspr, will be leading an exciting interactive art project with festival attendees themed on belonging. Together they will create a collaborative and traveling art piece, envisioned to reside at various community organizations throughout Wilton, including the Library, Wilton Congregational Church, schools, YMCA, Trackside, and beyond.“Art has a powerful ability to cross boundaries, bringing people together through shared creative experiences and creating a strong sense of community belonging. This interactive art wall will serve as a vibrant and evolving testament to the collective spirit of belonging in Wilton, offering a dynamic way for residents of all ages and backgrounds to connect and feel included,” shared Caroline Hughes, Board Member, Wilton Pride and Senior Minister of the Wilton Congregational Church. Wilton Youth Council’s WiltonCoalition for Youth is partnering with Wilton Pride and Wilton Library on the creation of this mural as part of the #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign.Sunday, June 1st promises to be a day filled with fun and engaging activities for attendees of all ages!Activities at Town Green (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.)11 a.m.: Festival begins - Enjoy music, festivities, vendors offering swag and merchandise, balloons, bubbles, a photo booth, and an atmosphere of joy and love.11:30 a.m.: Welcome yoga sun salutation movement led by Rhoswyn Wellness.12 p.m.: Opening Ceremony featuring a song by Wilton High School Graduate, Actress, and Singer Aine Duffy, followed by speeches and a flag raising by graduating Wilton High School Senior and GSA President Lucy Jane Shultz, and Wilton Superintendent of Schools, Kevin Smith.12:30 p.m.: Live Drum Circle.1:30 p.m.: Mid-day energizing breathing movements and yoga session by Rhoswyn Wellness.2 p.m.: Storytime at Wilton Library in the Children’s Room.3 p.m.: Closing performance; community dance party. Food and Drinks at Wilton Town Green (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) A variety of food and beverage options will be available from:Bubble & BrewCotton Candy TimeCollege CreameryFreddy's PlatosSpacecat Brewing Co.Wheels on the RocksBe You Scavenger Hunt Returns by popular demand (Starting at 12:30 p.m.) Participants can begin the "Be You" Scavenger Hunt by checking in at the Wilton Library booth on the Town Green starting at 12:30 p.m. The hunt will feature participating "Adopt-A-Shop" partners throughout the town center. Entries must be submitted by Sunday, June 29th at 9 p.m. The winner(s) will be selected the week of June 30th and announced on Wilton Pride's social media channels.Fostering community collaboration and belonging, this year, Wilton Pride welcomes the Wilton Youth Council’s Coalition for Youth to participate in the Festival focusing on wellness and self-care activities. This collaboration furthers the work of the Coalition's #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign. The #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign aims to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and promote inclusivity for all Wilton residents, regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The Be You Festival offers a valuable platform to connect with the community and highlight the Coalition's ongoing efforts to support the well-being of Wilton's youth and families. The Wilton Coalition for Youth is a network of organizations, town departments, and individuals dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health within the community, spearheaded by the Wilton Youth Council.Participating vendors and community partners in addition to Marché’s line up include: ASML, Brian Kaspr Mural Artist, Block Party USA, Bubble & Brew, Catalyst CT | The Hub, College Bound Rickshaws, College Creamery LLC, Cotton Candy Time, Courtney Krankall Photography, Freddy's Platos, Henry B Glass, Lighthouse, NAMI, Norwalk River Valley Trail, Rhoswyn Wellness, Spacecat Brewing Co., Sensory on Wheels, SideKickCT FacePainters, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Structural Body, Town of Wilton - Voter Registration, Traveling Art Framer, Wheels on the Rocks, WildBloom Skincare, Wilton Democratic Town Committee, Wilton Library, Wilton Loves, Wilton Police Department, Wilton Social Services, Wilton Youth Council, and Woodcock Nature Center.For more information, please visit Wilton Pride at<a href="http://www.wiltonpride.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.wiltonpride.org</a> or contact Farah Masani at <a href="mailto:info@wiltonpride.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">info@wiltonpride.org</a> or (512) 431-1515.

May 15, 2025

Wilton Student's Research Showcased at Campus Event

On May 8, Skyler Espinoza of Wilton was one of 28 undergraduate students from New York Institute of Technology's College of Engineering and Computing Sciences who showcased research at the college's <a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.GxIuwlytayoRbTszXOCV2JOSjoPNwIaUWH9Hgoo4xV0xv834gAkfEJNXLeEwMsRJRTcoRegxIRyEnSzQfCyxtZoiqKUOvLw7HHTLHFT_RPK1MMphvfz40bent3zAACO8c0Y52QFRzDkUIirvQ2eu8dKHn-B-_QKrV1G61B_hZ2vdXrnVMDh1oRE4tZqYEWTS/4gi/9S3yLpORQNGZqrI1Z37_8w/h0/h001.F5eGWeKwR1Yob4jzh0yHwFsQy4zufKXt2g8gtNA2UbY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Undergraduate Research and Entrepreneurship Program (UREP)</a> on the New York City campus.The nine groups of students covered a wide range of topics; Espinoza's team shared the project "Muscle Activity Analysis via MMG."Since the spring of 2018, more than 300 undergrads have been a part of the program, which allows students to work on research or entrepreneurship projects in a group setting, under the guidan

May 14, 2025

FC Buzz: Connecticut's Own - Conversations for Oboe and Piano at Wilton Library

FC Buzz Weekend May 16-18HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/celebration-gala-w-kool-the-gang" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Celebration Gala W/Kool & The Gang</a>Stamford Center for the Arts, StamfordFriday May 16, 5:30 pm - 9:45 pmThe Stamford Palace's Annual Gala w/Kool & The Gang! This year they honor the good work of Lynne Colatrella & Michael Fedele. This is a red carpet, disco-themed celebration of the arts, The Palace, & 2 extraordinary individuals.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Bethel Pride's Book Club</a>Rainy Day Paperback, BethelSaturday May 17, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pmCome discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at the end of the year to review everything from the year!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-to-host-medal-of-honor-recipient-jim-doc-mccloughan-for-special-dinner-and-memorial-ceremony" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Medal of Honor recipient Jim "Doc" McCloughan</a>The Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee, NorwalkSaturday May 17, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pmCome to Norwalk for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and community recognition at the Norwalk Inn. Jim McCloughan was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2017 by President Donald Trump for his acts of extraordinary bravery and heroism while serving as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. From May 13 to May 15, 1969 , McCloughan risked his life numerous times to rescue and treat wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/studio-andreas-presents-parker-s-tangent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Parker's Tangent</a>Studio Andreas, StamfordSaturday May 17, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pmJoin us for our first live music event of the year! We're so excited to welcome Parker's Tangent, a New Haven-based band with a unique blend of blues and art-rock, to the studio. Led by Leslie VanEtten Broatch's soulful vocals, the group also features Arthur Bargar (guitar), Hal Klein (bass), Joe Rosano (drums), and Ken Ryu (violin). Their set will showcase original compositions that highlight the band’s chemistry and musical range.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-don-giovanni" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Norwalk Symphony & Don Giovanni!</a>Norwalk Concert Hall, NorwalkSaturday May 17, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmThe Orchestra presents its season finale with great music and soloists! This will be an event not to be missed.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/garner-arts-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">GARNER Arts Festival</a>GARNER Arts Center, West HaverstrawSaturday May 17, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pmFestival partner, TRADE AND PROSPER, will present a thoughtfully curated "Retro/Vintage Market", offering handmade crafts, eye-catching retro/vintage clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind ephemera. Enjoy delicious samples from Hudson Valley’s premier makers, bakers, and top-shelf distilleries! Pairs well with a taste of North Rockland, as offered at our festival food court and beer garden.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-greenwich-avenue-walking-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Rediscover Greenwich: Greenwich Avenue Walking Tours</a>Greenwich Historical Society, GreenwichSunday May 18, 10:30 am - 11:30 amHistoric buildings will become canvases for large-scale murals featuring archival images of what those places looked like in the past, with text and images drawn from the Historical Society’s collections and interactive QR codes, that when scanned, share those unique stories. The murals, designed by Untapped New York’s artist Aaron Asis, will debut in conjunction with a new series of guided walking tours exploring the history of Greenwich Avenue and its local businesses led by Justin Rivers, Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer and Christopher Shields, Historical Society Director of Library and Archives.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-s-own-conversations-for-oboe-and-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Connecticut's Own: Conversations for Oboe and Piano</a>Wilton LIbrary, WiltonSunday May 18, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pmRalph Kirmser and Kyong Hee Cho are once again our guest performers for a piano and oboe concert.See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.

May 14, 2025

New legislation requiring school districts statewide policy on smartphones

Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving legislation on Tuesday that requires all school districts statewide to adopt a policy on the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools as part of an effort to promote distraction-free learning in the digital age.The legislation, which is included in section five of <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wtuykid-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">House Bill 7009</a>, as amended, directs local and regional boards of education to use <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wtuykid-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">the policy guidance document</a> crafted by the Connecticut State Department of Education in the development of their local smartphone policies. Districts will be required to adopt a policy in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year and continue having an approved policy each school year thereafter.“Young people learn best when they are actively listening to classroom instruction and interacting with their teachers and peers, not swiping, clicking, and scrolling,” Governor Lamont said. “In this day and age when technology is causing addictions and distracting people from developing social skills in interpersonal communication, school districts should have policies that promote a healthy balance on the use of personal devices. The state has developed guidance that provides a clear framework, and this legislation requires each school district to review that document and adopt their own local policies on this issue. I applaud the bipartisan members of the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving this legislation, especially the leadership of Education Committee co-chair Representative Jennifer Leeper, and I urge the Senate to pass it in concurrence with the House so that I can sign it into law.”The legislation will next be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration. That chamber must approve the bill by the end of the 2025 Regular Session, which concludes on June 4.

May 14, 2025

FREE Youth Gardening Program at Trackside Starts May 14!

The Green Teens Spring Sessions Are Open! Do you have a budding youth gardener? The FREE Green Teens youth gardening program’s spring sessions have started at Trackside Teen Center. All rising middle and high school students are welcome. No gardening experience is necessary – just an interest in nature and in helping others, as the program is rooted (no pun intended!) in community service. The program is held Wednesdays from 3:30-5 PM at Trackside, from May 14 – June 11. Sign up any time. Summer session will run Mondays from 9 to 11am from June 23 to Monday, August 11. An initiative of Wilton Garden Club (WGC) and Trackside Teen Center, Green Teens is led by experienced WGC gardeners. Its participants engage in hands-on activities like designing garden beds, planting, maintaining, harvesting as well as learning about pollinators and how to cook with the produce grown in their gardens. They also hear from occasional guest speakers and make creative garden art projects. All of the produce grown is donated weekly to the Wilton Food Pantry and the fresh flowers grown are cut and arranged for the Wilton Senior Center.“Green Teens goal is to get more young people involved with creating and maintaining vegetable gardens, to teach them about the importance of healthy foods, and to give back to the community,” Laurie Musilli, co-chair of WGC’s youth gardening committee, said. “There’s something in this program for everyone.”To register, contact Laurie Musilli at dljamus@<a href="hotmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">hotmail.com</a> *Image courtesy Wilton Garden Club

May 12, 2025

Results for FY26 Town of Wilton Budget Vote

May 6 and 10, 2025 Annual Town MeetingQUESTION1. BudgetApprove 1476Reject too high 396Reject too low 262. High School Library Roof ReplacementYes 1772No 2133. Middlebrook School ImprovementsYes 1777No 2024. Cider Mill School Water ChillerYes 1644No 3245. Ambler Farm RenovationsYes 1463No 5136. School District RepavingYes 1696No 2777. Road RestorationYes 1674No 2948. Memorial Stadium Turf Field ReplacementYes 1523No 4599. Middlebrook School Exhaust FanYes 1771No 20510. Dump Truck, Sanders and PlowsYes 1553No 41511. Middlebrook School Gym HVACYes 1775No 2062000Turnout percentage: 15.02%