3rd Annual Great Wilton Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 15, 2:00 – 4:00 - Fall Family Fun!

The 3rd Annual Great Wilton Pumpkin Fest will take place on Saturday, October 14th from 2:00 – 4:00. It’s fun for all ages as with all things pumpkin! Play fall-themed lawn games such as pumpkin bowling or pumpkin tic-tac-toe, or join costumed colonial docents as they cook over an open hearth, weave on reproduction colonial looms, or hammer away in the blacksmith’s forge, all while munching on complimentary cider and donuts.

Visitors can also pick up their very own pumpkin to bring home! Browse the pumpkin patch of the Wilton Kiwanis Club on the Society’s front lawn and purchase the perfect one. Then head over to the pumpkin decorating station and put your creativity on display. Kiwanis will also have small gourds and mums on sale to help fill out your personal harvest display.

New this year, explore and complete a scavenger hunt for hidden items and images scattered across the Society’s grounds!

Wilton Historical Society members free; non-members $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but skip the line by purchasing ahead of time at wiltonhistorical.org or by calling 203-762-7257.

Wilton Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897

Learn more: wiltonhistorical.org or call 203-762-7257

Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of CTParks.com, the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors with an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“Connecticut State Parks are a huge part of our state’s quality of life and a big reason why people are choosing to move to Connecticut, and we want to make sure people have all of the information they need to visit them,” Governor Lamont said. “These beautiful places, which offer residents and visitors an unparalleled recreation experience and provide significant economic benefits to our cities and towns, deserve a website befitting their value. CTParks.com is the latest way we’re helping to connect residents with their Connecticut State Parks.”

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Connecticut State Parks continue to rank among the top regional tourist destinations and play a significant role in the state’s tourism sector and local economy. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“Connecticut residents have been discovering and re-discovering their state parks over the last several years, unlocking the physical and mental health benefits outdoor recreation provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Restoring and providing access to our state parks has been a priority of the Lamont administration, and we’re proud to continue to showcase our state’s tremendous natural resources. We hope you’ll enjoy using this new website to learn about the different state parks, find a hiking trail, and even find out about other great things to do in the area. The new ‘While You Are Here’ sections can point you to a great restaurant, shop, or attraction after spending a few hours in the outdoors.”

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.

“Our state parks are an amazing asset that greatly contribute to Connecticut’s unmatched quality of life,” DECD Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. “They also attract millions of visitors whose spending helps drive economic development in our towns and cities. This website is an important new tool to educate out-of-state tourists and residents alike on what our amazing parks have to offer. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s work on state parks is invaluable and I’m glad we could partner with them on this project to show people across the world more of what makes our state a great place to visit and call home.”

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

• ParkFinder Tool: Equipped with a user-friendly ParkFinder Tool, visitors can effortlessly discover the perfect state park based on their interests or location. Geo-location technology is seamlessly integrated, enabling users to identify nearby parks based on their current location and filter their search to parks based on their plans for the day or what they are looking to do.
• Dynamic Park Listings: Each state park enjoys a dedicated dynamic listing page that extensively promotes available activities, events, photography, social media content, and more. These listings provide comprehensive insights into the unique offerings of each park.
• “While You’re Here” Functionality: Visitors are offered an array of options to extend their stay by exploring nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. This feature seamlessly integrates information from CTVisit.com, the state’s official tourism website, providing a comprehensive and constantly updated guide for a trip beyond the park.
• Event Awareness: The new website features an advanced event management system that not only highlights ongoing activities within the parks but also showcases upcoming events, further encouraging visitation and park engagement.
• User-Generated Content: The website harnesses Instagram content, shared by actual visitors to Connecticut State Parks. This user-generated content authentically represents our parks and the unique experiences they offer.
• Content Organization: The website is thoughtfully structured around core activities and interests, illuminating facets of state parks of which visitors may not have been aware. This intuitive design provides streamlined access to parks that cater to specific activities, simplifying the process of finding the ideal park to match individual interests.
• Video-Rich Experience: Site visitors can enjoy a video-rich environment that showcases a curated selection of more than 20 state park feature videos. These immersive visuals provide a captivating introduction to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities found within Connecticut State Parks and offer a glimpse to visitors of what to expect before they get there.
• Multi-Language Support: In line with the state’s focus on inclusivity, the website offers multi-language support to ensure that Spanish-speaking visitors can enjoy a translated experience.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring accessibility for all, the website is ADA compliant, featuring essential tools, readers, and navigational support to assist visitors with unique accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can access information.

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.

Thank you!

Heather Priest and Mark Shaner

The views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect that of HamletHub.

The Connecticut Humane Society was created by legislative charter but is a stand-alone 501(c)3 organization. They are in the process of replacing their Westport facility with the Wilton location.

State Representatives Rachel Chaleski (R-138) and Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105), members of the Bipartisan Animal Welfare Caucus, joined some colleagues and members from the organization for a tour of the site. Ground was broken earlier this month on 18 acres at 863 Danbury Road. Three houses on the property will be torn down to make way for the Animal Resource Center. The organization is currently in the abatement process as they await a demolition permit.

"Having three pets of my own (dog Luke and cats Obi and Leia), I know how expensive it can be to care for them, but also how important they are to our family.  The scope of this project will help so many to be able to care for their pets from its central Fairfield County location – a straight 30-minute drive on Route 7 from Danbury. Not only will it provide a low-fee veterinary clinic to take care of shelter pets, but also a pet food pantry for community members in need," said Chaleski.

The clinic will also serve the community, though there will not be ER services. Most of the work will be by appointment, though some walk-ins will be permitted.

"Families that adopt pets through the Humane Society will be able to take advantage of behavioral supports as they adapt to having a new cat or dog in the home. This will hopefully cut down on the number of pet owners who feel they have no choice but to surrender their animal if they can't properly care for it," said Chaleski.

The Humane Society also offers a crisis fostering program. This is for people who are injured and can't walk their pets for a period of time, those called to military service, or who find themselves homeless, among other emergencies. The organization finds people to care for the pets temporarily until they can be returned to their owners.

"I'm excited for the thousands of animals the Connecticut Humane Society will be able to assist and care for with this new facility, and I cannot wait for it to be up and running," Rep. Klarides-Ditria, co-chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus said. "This will be one more incredible resource for the community, and another tool to help further the Humane Society's mission to protect and provide for all of our animal friends."

This site will house a four-acre campus, restored wetlands, and trails for dogs staying there long-term. All work except for the design component for the vet clinic is being done by in-state companies.

###

Weekend Workshops – Colonial Trade on Saturday, October 7th from 11am-12:30pm

The arrival of European settlers in the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries created a network of trade and movement across the globe. Spices from Asia traveled west to Europe and were brought across the Atlantic in exchange for “New World” goods, including sugar. Such exploration had significant impact on Indigenous groups inhabiting North America, and profoundly shaped the evolving cultural heritage of the lands which would eventually become the United States of America.

On Saturday, October 7, from 11 am to 12 pm, the Wilton Historical Society will explore the exchange of goods that grew quickly after European colonization, and the impacts such trade had on the American Indigenous peoples whom were disrupted and displaced as a result. Museum Educator Catherine Lipper will use maps and props to talk about the Spice Trade and other global commerce, in addition to participating in a gourd decorating craft inspired by the artistry of Indigenous Peoples. The morning will finish with a snack of homemade spice cake, and blueberries to commemorate North American Indigenous food sources.

Suggested for ages 6-10. Members: $10 per child; Non-members $15 per child.

To register, please visit wiltonhistorical.org or email info@wiltonhistorical.org

Did You Know?

While many of the goods involved in the international spice trade were originally from Asia, four notable ones are native to the Americas: Allspice, Vanilla, Chili Peppers, and Bell Peppers.

Wilton Historical Society 224 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 wiltonhistorical.org

To the Editor,

It is with great enthusiasm that I support Annie Chochos for Wilton's Board of Education.  

Annie is selfless, passionate, completely committed to our schools and our children and ever present and generous with her time, talent and treasure in her church and the Wilton community at large. She is indefatigable!

We were introduced through a family friend 6 years ago.  I have watched her work tirelessly to improve the educational experience for students, teachers and staff. She has distributed educkits, been a room representative for her child, a library volunteer and Miller-Driscoll PTA co-president.  In addition, Annie volunteers in the Greek Orthodox Church as the PTO Greek School President and resides on several committees. 

I am absolutely certain that she will continue this pattern of ethically driven work with a sole purpose of enriching the lives of our school children.

Michaele Giannoutsos

19 Lee Allen Lane

Wilton, Connecticut 06897

The College Process: Supporting Your Teen & Finding the Right Fit on Tuesday, September 26 @10am in Brubeck Room

Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of CTParks.com, the new official website for Connecticut State Parks. The website offers visitors with an innovative online platform showcasing Connecticut State Parks in a more exciting, user-friendly way to help them engage with, learn about, and access state parks and the areas around them.

Connecticut has enjoyed a remarkable surge in outdoor recreation in recent years, initially spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing in line with a nationwide shift toward healthier lifestyles, increased environmental awareness, and a desire for outdoor experiences. From hiking and camping to biking and fishing, Americans increasingly are investing their time and money in outdoor activities and creating substantial economic benefits. This new CTParks.com website was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“Connecticut State Parks are a huge part of our state’s quality of life and a big reason why people are choosing to move to Connecticut, and we want to make sure people have all of the information they need to visit them,” Governor Lamont said. “These beautiful places, which offer residents and visitors an unparalleled recreation experience and provide significant economic benefits to our cities and towns, deserve a website befitting their value. CTParks.com is the latest way we’re helping to connect residents with their Connecticut State Parks.”

Connecticut is home to a magnificent array of state parks, cherished for their natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings. With 142 state parks and forests, and a network of more than 2,500 miles of scenic trails, these stunning natural landscapes offer something for everyone. Connecticut State Parks continue to rank among the top regional tourist destinations and play a significant role in the state’s tourism sector and local economy. Last year, the state welcomed a staggering 17 million visitors to Connecticut State Parks. People outside of Connecticut are taking notice too – earlier this year, a travel blog designated Connecticut the best state in the country for hiking.

The Connecticut State Parks system is administered and maintained by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

“Connecticut residents have been discovering and re-discovering their state parks over the last several years, unlocking the physical and mental health benefits outdoor recreation provides,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Restoring and providing access to our state parks has been a priority of the Lamont administration, and we’re proud to continue to showcase our state’s tremendous natural resources. We hope you’ll enjoy using this new website to learn about the different state parks, find a hiking trail, and even find out about other great things to do in the area. The new ‘While You Are Here’ sections can point you to a great restaurant, shop, or attraction after spending a few hours in the outdoors.”

DEEP worked closely with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to develop the website, recognizing the value of Connecticut State Parks as an important tourism asset.

“Our state parks are an amazing asset that greatly contribute to Connecticut’s unmatched quality of life,” DECD Commissioner Alexandra Daum said. “They also attract millions of visitors whose spending helps drive economic development in our towns and cities. This website is an important new tool to educate out-of-state tourists and residents alike on what our amazing parks have to offer. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s work on state parks is invaluable and I’m glad we could partner with them on this project to show people across the world more of what makes our state a great place to visit and call home.”

CTParks.com offers several exciting features and advancements to enhance visitor experiences and spotlight the splendor and diversity of our state parks system. Among the highlights of this dynamic website are:

• ParkFinder Tool: Equipped with a user-friendly ParkFinder Tool, visitors can effortlessly discover the perfect state park based on their interests or location. Geo-location technology is seamlessly integrated, enabling users to identify nearby parks based on their current location and filter their search to parks based on their plans for the day or what they are looking to do.
• Dynamic Park Listings: Each state park enjoys a dedicated dynamic listing page that extensively promotes available activities, events, photography, social media content, and more. These listings provide comprehensive insights into the unique offerings of each park.
• “While You’re Here” Functionality: Visitors are offered an array of options to extend their stay by exploring nearby restaurants, shops, hotels, and attractions. This feature seamlessly integrates information from CTVisit.com, the state’s official tourism website, providing a comprehensive and constantly updated guide for a trip beyond the park.
• Event Awareness: The new website features an advanced event management system that not only highlights ongoing activities within the parks but also showcases upcoming events, further encouraging visitation and park engagement.
• User-Generated Content: The website harnesses Instagram content, shared by actual visitors to Connecticut State Parks. This user-generated content authentically represents our parks and the unique experiences they offer.
• Content Organization: The website is thoughtfully structured around core activities and interests, illuminating facets of state parks of which visitors may not have been aware. This intuitive design provides streamlined access to parks that cater to specific activities, simplifying the process of finding the ideal park to match individual interests.
• Video-Rich Experience: Site visitors can enjoy a video-rich environment that showcases a curated selection of more than 20 state park feature videos. These immersive visuals provide a captivating introduction to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities found within Connecticut State Parks and offer a glimpse to visitors of what to expect before they get there.
• Multi-Language Support: In line with the state’s focus on inclusivity, the website offers multi-language support to ensure that Spanish-speaking visitors can enjoy a translated experience.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring accessibility for all, the website is ADA compliant, featuring essential tools, readers, and navigational support to assist visitors with unique accessibility needs, ensuring that everyone can access information.

For more information and to explore the new Connecticut State Parks website, visit CTParks.com.

Wilton’s Municipal Election will take place November 7, 2023. Here at HamletHub, we welcome both the Wilton Republican and Democtratic Town Committees to introduce their candidates.

Get to know Wilton Republican candidates through a series of interviews.

Meet Josh Cole, candidate for Board of Selectman.

Q: Why are you running?

A: I’m seeking re-election to ensure our town remains an affordable, safe, vibrant, and welcoming community in which to live, work, play, and raise a family. In my various public service roles within Wilton, I’ve been recognized as someone who listens carefully, considers all sides of an issue, treats everyone with respect, discusses and deliberates in a civil and non-partisan matter, and makes decisions in a thoughtful manner. I will continue to bring my reasoned temperament and experience to the Board of Selectmen to help the Town remain a great place for my family and all residents.

Q: What are your goals if elected?

A: During the last four years, we’ve reduced the BOS four-year average annual budget growth to 0.46%, secured $33 Million in state and federal grants for capital improvements, maintained the Town’s AAA bond rating resulting in lower borrowing costs for the Town, and ensured that the Town employee retirement plan is fully funded. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for and help implement policies to maintain the Town’s solid financial footing, plan and invest for the future, preserve and protect our beautiful natural landscapes, and support the great work of our town employees.

Q: What is one fun fact about you?

A: I can do a really good Donald Duck impression. A few years ago, we were in Disney World on a family vacation and I did the impression for Daisy Duck. Donald Duck raced over and put up his fists as if to fight me— he seemed to think I was flirting with Daisy!   

Voting guide

You can register to vote here.

You can also register to vote by mail by completing a Voter Application Card. Mail completed card to Registrar of Voters, Wilton Town Hall, 238 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT  06897.

You can also register to vote on Election Day at Wilton Town Hall from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.

For Absentee Ballots click https://www.wiltonct.org/town-clerk/pages/absentee-ballots

Polling Places

Wilton is divided into three voting districts for all November Federal, State, and Municipal elections and primaries. All three polling locations are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

District 1:   //www.google.com/maps/place/Wilton+High+School/@41.2108055,-73.4356695,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e802e8c65e08d3:0x92c856a4b3c6614d!8m2!3d41.2108055!4d-73.4334808" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Wilton High School
                395 Danbury Road
                Wilton, CT
                  143rd Assembly District, 26th State Senate, 4th Congressional District
 

District 2:   //www.google.com/maps/place/Cider+Mill/@41.20433,-73.435396,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e802e8cf66de4d:0xbe0b9f4c15dbfc86!8m2!3d41.20433!4d-73.4332073" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Cider Mill School Gym
                  240 School Road
                  Wilton, CT
                  125th Assembly District, 26th State Senate, 4th Congressional District
 

District 3:   //www.google.com/maps/place/Middlebrook+School/@41.2021889,-73.4405458,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e802e81f008b67:0xbfccf9221946e08e!8m2!3d41.2021889!4d-73.4383571" style="text-decoration-line: none;">Middlebrook School Gym
                131 School Road
                Wilton, CT
                143rd Assembly District, 26th State Senate, 4th Congressional District

Additional voting information courtesy Wilton Registrar of Voters:

• Voter Look Up

• Voting District Map

Look Up Voting District by Address

If you are interested in introducing your candidates, please email Kerry@hamlethub.com

The views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect that of HamletHub.

Wilton Library’s hard-working book sale volunteers are selecting, cleaning, and categorizing all items for the hugely popular Awesome Autumn Book Sale, taking place at the library from Saturday, September 30 through Tuesday, October 3.

Early buying begins from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday with a $20 admission fee; the sale continues on Saturday with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.; on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with items ½ price; and concludes on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with $5 per bag pricing. All new inventory!

Everyone is covered in this fundraiser – from tots to teens in the Brubeck Room with selections from board books to picture books to young adult novels; to a full Book Cellar featuring a large assortment of items including bestsellers, nonfiction, hard cover and paperback novels, and categories such as self-help, art, history, cookbooks, gardening, travel, biographies, classics, sports, and more; new, gently used, collectible, rare books, books on CD, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl. High-quality books at great prices – don’t miss this opportunity!

All proceeds benefit the library. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for details. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT; www.wiltonlibrary.org; 203-762-3950.

Please join us on Sunday afternoon, October 29 at 4pm, for our next Hot & Cool Jazz concert, featuring the Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Musicians Chris and Dan Brubeck, sons of jazz giant Dave Brubeck, head the versatile band, with guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb. The group has appeared several times at Wilton Library and their masterful musicianship never fails to bring the audience to its feet.

Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1966. They've played a variety of styles in a number of different groups, as well as with their father, and their dynamic Brubeck Brothers Band, with guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb. Although the quartet's style is rooted in straight-ahead Jazz, their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore and play odd time signatures while naturally integrating the influences of funk, blues, and world music.

Register HERE.

FC Buzz Weekend September 22 - September 24

Kiwanis Club of Wilton Pumpkin Patch

From Saturday, October 7th to Monday, October 9th, stop by the Society's front lawn to purchase pumpkins, gourds, and mums provided by Kiwanis Club of Wilton CT. All proceeds benefit the Wilton Historical Society.

Round out your fall decor with a wide variety of mums, grab some corn stalks, a bale of hay,  and check out the best assortment of cactus in Connecticut! All proceeds are donated annually to local charities!

Learn more https://www.wiltonkiwanis.org/

The Rotary Club of Wilton together with the Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 will host its family carnival from Sept. 22-24, 2023!

The carnival will be held at the corner of School Road and Route 7. Carnival hours are: Friday, Sept. 22, 6-10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, 12- 10 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 24, 12–5 p.m.

The Carnival is a great family event and a wonderful way to kick of the autumn season and new school year for the youngsters! The event will offer over a dozen different rides for all ages as well as multiple games and other activities for the whole family. Additionally, there will be a variety of food trucks and food vendors throughout the weekend event.

Admission and parking is free. Wristbands for unlimited rides will be sold for $30 per wristband for each time slot. Individual ride tickets are also available. Volunteers from the Wilton Rotary Club and Knight of Columbus will be overseeing the ticket booth and assisting with wristbands.

All proceeds from the carnival will go back into the community to support projects in Wilton as well as global humanitarian programs led by Rotary International. Rotary Club of Wilton is a service club of volunteers with a goal of providing support and funding for local community improvement projects, non-profit agencies, youth leadership initiatives, international humanitarian programs, and polio eradication worldwide.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Wilton, visit: www.wiltonrotaryclub.org or join as a guest for their weekly meeting at the Wilton Library every Friday at 12:15 pm.