Stories
<p>We’re thrilled and honored to announce that Friends of Ambler Farm has been awarded a generous grant of approximately $324,000 from ASML. The funds, to be disbursed over four years, will be used to renew the Farm’s educational gardens and animal habitats and to provide student scholarships for field trips to the Farm. What we will ultimately do and accomplish with this grant funding underscores and strengthens the power of connection.</p><p>We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ASML. Their commitment to our community goes beyond financial support. With over 3,000 employees in Wilton, they actively encourage volunteering in our community. ASML employees will provide some hands-on support through volunteering with the garden and animal habitat renewal projects.</p><p>Everything we do at the Farm is hands-on and on these projects are the foundation of our programs. Over the past 17 years, the educational gardens, animal habitats, and outdoor classroom space at Ambler Farm were built and maintained by Ambler Farm youth Apprentices. After nearly two decades of heavy usage, those assets are in need of significant repair and upgrades to ensure that Ambler Farm is able to continue serving Wilton through active-learning programs, sustainable agriculture, responsible land stewardship, and historic preservation. The kids in our youth Apprentice and Builders Programs have that opportunity once again to become part of something incredibly special in renewing the center of our programming area. Under the direction of Program Director, Kevin Meehan, each garden bed will be rebuilt over the next two years. The first one is nearly complete and will become the location of one of two summer camp preschool areas. Apprentices built the original garden beds and animal habitats.</p><p>Thanks go to Andrea Topalian, Moments by Andrea, for capturing yesterday’s press conference. <a href="https://amblerfarm.org/rl_gallery/ambler-farm-and-asml-press-conference/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(107, 147, 186);">Click here to view the photo gallery</a></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In honor of Arbor Day, Wilton’s Conservation Commission is hosting an event this Friday, April 26, 2024, at 9am, on Schenck’s Island, where two newly planted trees will be named for the Tree Steward of 2022, Frank Simone, and 2023, Nick Lee. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">First Selectman, Toni Boucher, will read a Proclamation that dedicates Wilton to protecting trees and woodlands and encourages citizens to plant and care for trees. Trees increase property values, reduce erosion in our topsoil, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, provide habitats for wildlife, are a renewable resource, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community and elevate our spirit. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wilton is proud to be officially designated as a Tree City, USA.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub introduces the Local Agent Amplifier </span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Agent Amplifier allows real estate agents to be known as a local expert with by providing you with engaging local posts, custom branded, that show you are community-savvy.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub will only offer this to a limited number of agents in each community, based on the population.</span></p><p><a href="https://belocal.hamlethub.com/share-event-demo/schuyler-minckler-new-canaan-96353" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">See a Sample Page </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> [please note: events will be specific to YOUR town, this is just an example]</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub makes it as easy as 1 - 2- 3</strong></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Choose to post as many pieces of content as many times a week as you would like.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">HamletHub makes it easy - just two clicks and you are posting to the social account of your choice.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Your content worries are over, and people checking your page will see you as a local expert.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Special Introductory Pricing</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$49 per town/month</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cancel at any time</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WHAT’S INCLUDED</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Unlimited local social posts each week.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Branded page with local events.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Easily post to Instagram, Facebook, X, Linkedin, or another network of your choice.</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://belocal.hamlethub.com/admin/realtor-ct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Publish Your First Local Post Today!</a></p><p><br></p>
<p><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001pSoyr4s9aBLyiXla6BcZtHYKGsBEQonEmyHXUwvYWqf8u_EpiWl4uTkahpVzouvMoyi6NR2lWZPceISBWHDrkNXcQ9ks6_U_inzNTjvN59eHgwV6G52EDdmyzBwWOoY4eLiEhlyfxucS7XcU-3rQ7nJcHicJVpVPNIsHlInqHVFa-KpToAeCjgFlEmxP5albeKYUX4pCvkoKQokhTTO8VJ9-a9iWapBL&c=TMyOVBMm566HhLzUR7ssYauAUBxkv7cjKNCYgsPr0GQ8_-5y2Aoapw==&ch=Vf39odoUf0cBtQKYOR10JDeVSsQ0jwB7ougPPcMy6DoeV1MaXM8lNw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(117, 90, 155);"><strong>FAPA Wilton Public Schools Art Exhibit & Opening Reception</strong></a> on Friday, May 3 at 6pm at the library</p><p>The Fine and Performing Arts Department of Wilton Public Schools presents the FAPA Student Library show, displaying artwork from students in grades K-12 throughout the library. The show's Opening Reception is on Friday, May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. featuring live student musical performances and art demonstrations.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://wiltonlibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=10337" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wiltonlibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=10337</a></p>
<p class="ql-align-justify">Get ready to shake, rattle and roll with <a href="https://wiltonchamber.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acd2e437116154294c7e70a54&id=83a129657a&e=9f77ecf78c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);">The Wilton Playshop</a> as they bring the electrifying and timeless musical, <em>Grease</em>, to life on stage!</p><p class="ql-align-justify">With Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey’s book, music and lyrics, this magical production will transport audiences back to the 1950s. Featuring hit songs such as “Greased Lightnin’,” “Summer Nights,” and “You’re the One That I Want,” this production of <em>Grease</em> is sure to have audiences dancing in their seats. Themes of friendship, love, and the pursuit of happiness continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a must-see event for the whole family.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Join in the fun 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., April 26 – May 11. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and students and can be purchased <a href="https://wiltonchamber.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acd2e437116154294c7e70a54&id=64b633a978&e=9f77ecf78c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 102);">HERE</a>.</p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">U.S. News once again reviewed nearly 25,000 U.S. public high schools; 198 Connecticut schools made the 2024 rankings.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">According to U.S. News, schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">The top ten high schools are listed below. Wilton High School makes the top 20, ranked #15 on U.S. News 2024 list.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#1 - Connecticut IB Academy</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#2 - Darien High School</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#3 - Marine Science Magnet High School of Southeastern</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#4 - Weston High School</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#5 - Greenwich High School</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#6 - Hall High School (West Hartford)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#7 - Simsbury High School</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#8 - Farmington High School </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#9 - Staples High School (Westport)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">#10 - Conard High School (West Hartford)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);">Read the article in its entirety</span><a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(26, 29, 38);"> https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/connecticut</a></p><p><br></p>
<p>On Saturday, July 20th, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce will host its 12th annual Wilton Street Fair and Sidewalk Sales from 10am – 3pm. Wilton Center will be transformed into an exciting, action packed, bargain filled, entertaining and delicious destination for residents and regional visitors.</p><p>The summer festival is proudly presented by <a href="https://www.asml.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);">ASML</a>, <a href="https://www.laurelrock.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);">LaurelRock</a>, <a href="https://fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);">Fairfield County Bank</a>, <a href="https://caraluzzis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);">Caraluzzi’s Georgetown Market</a>, and with special participation from the <a href="https://www.wiltonrotaryclub.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);">Wilton Rotary Club</a> to support the numerous retailers, restaurants, businesses, artisans and local organizations who pull out all the stops to showcase our community as a vibrant retail, service and dining destination.</p><p>In addition to the shopping and dining opportunities featured during the day, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce has lined up entertainment with music, live performances, and many new activities for the whole family and for our furry friends too! Attractions and activities will be centered around the gazebo highlighted by the “Touch-a-Truck” center sponsored by our community partner, ASML and featuring vehicles from Wilton Fire Department’s Engine 5 Ladder Truck, patrol car from the Wilton Police Department and service vehicle from the Wilton Ambulance Corps.</p><p>The Wilton Library will also be hosting their summer book sale in the heart of the fair, and make sure to check out the various interactive activities throughout Old Ridgefield Road that will include face-painting, inflatable games, magician, balloon characters, family friendly activities, street performers, kid’s crafts, live animal encounters and exhibits, sand art, plus treats galore and much, much more! This event will surely delight and surprise our shoppers and attendees!</p><p>The Street Fair vendors and entertainment are all located along Old Ridgefield Road from the Village Market to the intersection of Godfrey Road including the Gazebo at the Town Green. We look forward to celebrating a great summer event with our residents and the community!</p><p><strong>This is a rain or shine event and vendor registration is now open and available to download here: </strong><a href="https://wiltonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Street-Fair-Vendor-Application-2024.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--tec-color-link-primary);"><strong>Street Fair Vendor Application – 2024</strong></a></p><p>For more information, please contact Camille Carriero at the Chamber office at 203-762-0567 or email <a href="mailto:info@wiltonchamber.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@wiltonchamber.com</a></p>