Stories
<p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);"> Weir Farm National Historical Park’s Eighth Annual Art in the Park Contest and Exhibit is officially underway! Join us in celebrating creativity at Weir Farm by participating and submitting a work of art to our virtual art contest. Any original work created at or inspired by Weir Farm in any visual art medium may be entered into the contest. This includes paintings, drawings, pastels, fabrics, sculpture, photographs, mixed media, and more! Submissions will be accepted online through September 1, 2024. Once entered, artwork will become part of a virtual exhibit that is focused on showcasing artistic inspiration and creativity at Weir Farm, launching on our website in October 2024. Become part of our long-lasting artistic tradition by sharing your artwork with us today!</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Art in the Park Contest Rules</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">:</span></p><ul><li>Participants enter by filling out <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlDFOTJnZlPtLmrazyxOlTQpUN085NEsxOFFEMkFEQ1lQU1hETVo3SjM3NS4u" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">THIS FORM</a> and by emailing an image of their artwork to Ranger Connor at <a href="mailto:connor_nordmann@nps.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">connor_nordmann@nps.gov.</a> Teachers and group leaders can skip this form and email their group submissions.</li><li>All artwork must be submitted by end of day Sunday, September 1, 2024.</li><li>Only digital submissions will be accepted, no in person submissions.</li><li>One submission per person.</li><li>Any original work created at or inspired by Weir Farm in any visual art medium may be entered into the contest. This includes paintings, drawings, pastels, photographs, fabrics, sculpture, mixed media. Works depicting other locations (ie Block Island, etc.) will not be accepted.</li><li>Entries will be judged on the use of color, quality of work, originality, creativity, and how well the work represents Weir Farm.</li><li>Contest categories include Junior Artist, Teen Artist, Beginner Adult Artist, and Advanced Artist for the public, and a NPS Staff, Partner and Volunteer category. There will also be a special category for Photography open to all ages. Judges reserve the right to move entries into different categories as they deem appropriate - for example in past years many intermediate or advanced adults submitted to the beginner category - this year any advanced work (such as a framed painting, work on canvas, work submitted by an artist with a website) may be moved from the Beginner Adult to the Advanced category.</li><li>The winner of the Advanced Artist category will receive the <em>Weir Masterpiece Award</em>.</li><li>All works will be included in a virtual exhibit on Weir Farm's website at<a href="http://www.nps.gov/wefa," rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.nps.gov/wefa,</a> that will go live on or after October 1, 2024.</li><li>By entering the contest, the artist gives permission for the park to use images of the work on the park's website, social media, and print media. Advanced artists may request crediting or limitations on use.</li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Any questions about the contest? Email </span><a href="mailto:connor_nordmann@nps.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">connor_nordmann@nps.gov.</a></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Image shows </span>2023 Teen Artist Category Award Winner, ‘Spider Flower at Weir Farm’ by Mateo Soni</li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">To view last year's Art in the Park Contest Exhibit and winners: </span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/photosmultimedia/aitp-contest-2023.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">Click here!</a></p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Please come to Wilton Library to donate blood on August 8 between 11 am and 4 pm. </strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">The Red Cross is low on donations and every pint helps. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">For more information, visit</span><a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> www.redcrossblood.org.</a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Appointment Hours: 11:00AM - 4:00PM. To sign up, </span><a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?dt=WB:PL:DR:PM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(71, 30, 153);"><strong>click here</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> or go to</span><a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> www.redcrossblood.org</a><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> and use sponsor code WiltonLibrary. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Walk-ins will be accommodated. Please note: Positive ID required at time of donation.</span></p>
<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank held its 153rd Annual Meeting at the Silver Spring County Club. The Annual Meeting is held to inform the Corporators on the financial well-being of the Bank, success and growth over the past year, and strategic plans of the coming year. The attendees included the Board of Directors, the Board of Incorporators, and the Senior Management of the Bank.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ralph L. DePanfilis, Chairman of the Board, welcomed the attendees to the meeting and led the vote to elect two new Corporators, Scott Hobbs of New Canaan and John Mitchell of Ridgefield. Scott is the president and owner of Hobbs, Incorporated, who specializes in high-end custom luxury home building. A lifelong New Canaanite, Scott continues to reside there with his wife and children and is deeply involved in the community. John is the founder and executive partner of Radius Media Group, LLC, which focuses on creating audience development programs for premier marketers. He currently resides in Ridgefield with his family.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">David A. Schneider, CEO, and Daniel L. Berta, President, presented on the financials of the Bank, the product and service offering, innovation across the organization, and community engagement. Presentation highlights included a review of the strong financial position of the Bank in relation to current economic strains on the industry from Mr. Schneider. They also took this time to introduce Amy Raymond, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending at Fairfield County Bank. Amy joined the Bank in 2024 and has been introducing new loan offerings such as a first-time homebuyers and jumbo loan program with her team.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Mr. Berta spoke on a variety of topics, including the Bank’s commitment to the Fairfield County community. In addition to over $740,000 in corporate contributions, Fairfield County Bank employees donated over 4,500 hours of volunteer service spread across nearly 300 different organizations. Mr. Berta then went on to highlight the array of digital solutions that Fairfield County Bank offers. These solutions ensure that clients can securely bank local wherever they are, while client contact and personal relationships remain at the forefront of the Bank’s ethos. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pictured from left to right: David Schneider, CEO, Fairfield County Bank. Scott Hobbs, President, Hobbs, Inc. Ralph DePanfilis, Chairman of the Board, Fairfield County Bank. John Mitchell, Founder, Radius Media Group. Daniel Berta, President, Fairfield County Bank.</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><br></p>
<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(50, 55, 61);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Colin Gilmor founder of </span><a href="https://www.cbrickshaws.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>College Bound Rickshaws.</strong></a></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Creating connections between people & places in the Wilton Community in a fun, environmentally friendly way!</em></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To help people get around town more easily and for people to have another reason to visit my hometown of Wilton.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whenever I bring my rickshaw to an event it adds an extra special touch! </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Weddings and community events are my best-performing engagements. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About six in total and off the top of my head: Baldanza, Parlor, Scoops and Craft 14. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I have two ways to attract people to local businesses with my rickshaw. First, I can advertise the businesses on my rickshaw. When people ride with me, they see the ads and become interested in visiting those businesses. Second, I can drive around town with my rickshaw, and people notice it. Curious about the rickshaw, they come over and then end up discovering the delicious food and great businesses in town.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:colin.gilmor@cbrickshaws.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">colin.gilmor@cbrickshaws.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about College Bound Rickshaws and make a reservation by visiting their website </span><a href="https://www.cbrickshaws.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.cbrickshaws.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Follow College Bound Rickshaws on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/collegeboundrickshaws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">collegeboundrickshaws</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>
<p>Wilton Pride and Wilton Library are pleased to present the inaugural Come Out & Run 5K on Sunday, September 15, 2024 in Wilton, celebrating PRIDE, diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of unity in honor of National Coming Out Day in October.</p><p>All are welcome to join this community-wide, family-friendly event fostering camaraderie, empowerment, and support for our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. Part 5K and part community party, the event will feature music, festivities, food, flair, prizes, and more.</p><p>“Come Out & Run is truly a community collaboration! We envision this event to become a Wilton tradition celebrating our town and all of our residents. The 5K has brought many people together right from the start. We are grateful that so many<em> </em>Wilton businesses and nonprofits are sponsoring and supporting the event – especially Wilton Library for hosting the 5K with Wilton Pride. This event promises to be a community celebration!” said Farah Masani, Founder of Wilton Pride. </p><p>“We are honored to work with Wilton Pride and many other community partners on this new event for Wilton, which demonstrates our joint commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment,” said Caroline Mandler, Executive Director of Wilton Library. “We invite all to join us on September 15, whether you participate in the 5K, or just come by to support!”</p><p>To register for the Come Out & Run 5K, please visit <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun</a>. Runners, walkers, kids, strollers, and leashed dogs are welcome. The registration fee is $25 per person for ages 10 and older. Kids under 10 are free. All participants will receive a cotton t-shirt plus access to digital photos, event festivities, and more.</p><p>On September 15, the 5K will start at Wilton Town Green at 9 a.m. All schedule details and key information are outlined on the event website: <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun</a>.</p><p><strong>Prizes</strong></p><p>Awards will be given to the top three overall runners, featuring generous gift baskets from local sponsors. </p><p>1st Prize: Ridgefield Running Company Swag & $25 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card </p><p>2nd Prize: Wilton Celebration Basket including swag from Rise Doughnuts, Classically Cate, Blue Star Bazaar & $15 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card </p><p>3rd Prize: Wilton Farmers’ Market Basket & $10 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card </p><p>Pride Best Dressed Contest:</p><p>Dress To Impress! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:</p><p>Best Embodiment of PRIDE: $15 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card </p><p>Best Use of Color: $15 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card </p><p>Most Creative Use of Flair: $15 Ridgefield Running Company Gift Card.</p><p>The Come Out & Run 5K is made possible in part by the generous support of community partners and sponsors ASML, Burn Boot Camp, GOOD Morning Wilton, Mecha, Ridgefield Running Company, Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Wilton Chamber of Commerce, Wilton Historical Society, and Wilton Youth Council. The logo was designed by Wilton resident, Michelle Shia, and shirts are being printed by Wilton business <a href="https://www.instagram.com/szeizetheday/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>@szeizetheday</em></a>,</p><p>For more information, please visit the event website at <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Wilton/ComeOutandRun</a>, visit Wilton Pride at <a href="https://www.wiltonpride.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wiltonpride.org/</a>, or contact Farah Masani at <a href="mailto:info@wiltonpride.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@wiltonpride.org</a> or (512) 431-1515.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m., the Wilton Library invites you to the Presidents' Room for an evening dedicated to the enchanting tradition of oral storytelling. The Story-Sharing Circle offers a warm and welcoming space for both seasoned storytellers and newcomers to share and listen to stories.</p><p>Whether you have a tale you’ve been eager to tell or simply wish to enjoy the stories of others, this informal gathering is the perfect opportunity. Experienced narrators and first-timers alike will find a supportive and engaging environment to celebrate the power of storytelling.</p><p>As the circle gathers, the room will come alive with tales that span generations, cultures, and experiences, showcasing the rich tapestry of human imagination and history. This is more than just an event; it's a celebration of the community, where stories bring us together and remind us of our shared humanity.</p><p>Although registration is suggested, everyone is welcome to join. To register and ensure your spot at this memorable evening, visit the Wilton Library's event page at <a href="https://wilton.librarycalendar.com/event/story-sharing-circle-2415" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wilton Library Calendar</a>.</p><p>Don’t miss this chance to be part of a timeless tradition. Join us at the Wilton Library's Story-Sharing Circle and immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling.</p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Save the date for the Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair on Sunday, August 25th from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. </strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(9, 9, 9);">The Cannon Grange Agricultural Fair has been a source of pride to the Cannon Grange and its Cannondale neighbors for many years. On the grounds of, and inside, our historic Grange Hall you will see beautiful displays of horticulture, hand-crafts, small farm animals, photography, eggs, selected concessionaires and much more. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">More information coming soon! Cannon Grange -25 Cannon Road Wilton, CT,</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Learn more </span><a href="https://cannongrange.org/the-cannon-grange-agricultural-fair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cannongrange.org/the-cannon-grange-agricultural-fair/</a></p>