Stories
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some “Heavy Lifting”</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It has been a lengthy, sometimes dramatic, budget negotiation season. But, the Board of Selectmen have now sent their financial blueprint for FY26 on to the Board of Finance, who will begin holding public hearings on this budget. At this point, the Board of Selectmen can turn their attention to the list of bond items that the Town needs, voting once again on which are the most vital and should come before the voters on May 6.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Throughout this process there have been many other highlights that have brightened Town Hall life, which we are pleased to share.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Board of Selectmen Budget Agreement</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">But first, let’s look at the numbers. On March 3, the Board of Selectmen approved a budget for FY26 of $37,402,033, </span></p><p>Read about the budget <a href="https://www.wiltonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10026/f/uploads/fy25_bos_budget_request_3-12-24.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Board of Selectmen, together with our indefatigable town staff, worked the town’s finances to their bone. Some long-term cost saving, and pragmatic, measures had to be shelved, to everyone’s disappointment. For many seasons, the Department of Public Works has expressed frustration that the Town does not have its own in-house maintenance crew with a tools van that can manage rudimentary repairs on Town properties. So much money, time and energy are lost in creating work bids, finding the best repair firm, writing and overseeing contracts with these outside companies and then policing their invoices. As is explained below with our IT Department, a little upfront investment in the right staff and the necessary equipment can yield huge savings and efficiency benefits to Wilton. Alas, this important improvement to Town functioning will have to wait for another year. This is only one illustration of the kind of reductions that were made to present the Wilton taxpayers the most fair and correct budget for Fiscal Year 2026. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">But, there was also some excellent news along the way that helped soften these financial blows.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Miller-Driscoll Rebate</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The State of Connecticut has a policy to reimburse between 100% (cities) to 21% (affluent towns like Wilton) of school construction costs back to the municipalities that build them. Miller-Driscoll’s renovation amounted to $36 million when it was completed in 2017, but the yearlong effort to bring funds due to Wilton from the State were only just recently realized when $1.2 million was sent to our Town bank account in February and after an audit could be conducted. This long overdue payment from the state came in the midst of another tight budget year and provided a tremendous uplift. These funds could possibly help pay down the debt Wilton voted to incur by building the new police station, which could minimize these costs from being passed onto the Wilton taxpayer. However, how to utilize the $1.2 million is for the Board of Finance to decide.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wilton Police Station</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The construction of the new Police Station is almost 50% complete. All the interior walls on the 1st Floor have been built and covered in gypsum board, or drywall, where it was needed. The walls of the Second Floor have been framed and the mechanical components are being installed. The underlayment has been installed on the roof. Roof metal panels are expected next month.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Information Technology Upgrades</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There is no question that Wilton's information technology hardware and software has needed upgrading for years. Now, it is a top focus. In today’s environment, very little progress can be made without the right technology. For the last year, Wilton’s IT Department, now lead by newly hired Nick Cataldo, has streamlined, upgraded or installed new systems that have vastly improved how Wilton works. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Current Improvements</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year, our website and Town Hall email system moved from the .org platform to the more official .gov domain. As .org websites are generally reserved for non-governmental organizations and non-profits, a .gov website for the government of Wilton clarifies who we are and what we do. Moreover, having a .gov domain subjects our website and email system to regulatory compliance standards, such as data privacy regulations and transparency mandates. When the public receives information from our .gov website or email address, they can be confident that official representatives of Town Hall is addressing them and that the information they are receiving is credible and safe. We hope that our move to a .gov domain demonstrates the Town of Wilton’s commitment to public service.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our new, cloud-based email system also ensures greater security and brings this vital communication system up to modern standards. It also makes collaboration among our employees much smoother. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bringing in advanced technology tools has also reduced outside vendor costs because Wilton’s IT Department now has the capability to manage services and support systems that they previously had to look to other IT firms to oversee.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Upgrading our network and system infrastructure will be ongoing but we are able to build and design now with an understanding of Wilton’s future needs. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Upcoming improvements</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Some things we’re looking forward to upgrading: New desktop computers for all users; new WiFi for all Town buildings (a pothole in Town connectivity that was made glaringly obvious when board meetings broadcast over Zoom from Comstock suffered numerous glitches); a new phone system; a new Website and consolidation of software and streamlined processes to improve workflow.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Springtime Flowers</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A quick walk around the Wilton Town Hall campus showed that the daffodils planted last year by the Wilton Garden Club as part of their Daffodil Mile are starting to poke through the ground. When they all bloom it is going to be a glorious site. We are indebted to the Club for their generous donation of time, labor and, of course, bulbs, but almost as importantly, for their vision. They took a large patch of empty ground and saw an opportunity to create delight and wonder for us all. Vision and generosity of spirit are the twin elements that should guide all of us who love Wilton as we consider the investments needed for 2026 and beyond.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </strong><a href="https://www.rhoswynwellness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rhoswyn Wellness</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, Wilton’s first hot yoga studio. </strong></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Jerry Griffin, who owns Rhoswyn Wellness, along with his wife and co-founder, Anna Louise Williams.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you decide to open Rhoswyn Wellness?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There were two big reasons. We moved to Wilton in December 2018, so we had about 15 months in the community before COVID locked us all down. When the pandemic ended, it was clear there were needs in Wilton and our neighboring towns for not just another yoga studio, but a holistic wellness center that catered to all age groups and healing needs. The second reason is Anna Louise. She's a brilliant practitioner who has taught celebrities and athletes in Los Angeles and Manhattan and also cared for premature babies and end-of-life patients at a hospital in Brooklyn. At a point in mid-2024, we decided that her 14-year journey of learning and certifications deserved a home of its own in Wilton.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What are some of your services?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The key word is holistic. Anna Louise holds certifications in the healing arts of yoga (Yin, Vinyasa, Sports Science and Kids) as well as Ayurveda, Jyotish (astrology) and Reiki. Our yoga offerings are rooted in the Earth's elements, ranging from zero-energy restorative classes to high-energy sculpt and everything in between. And that's where a more transactional class space would peak. We're developing modules for kids, tweens and teens as well as seniors. We're also developing sport-specific programs for football, golf, tennis, pickleball, cheer and others that we hope we can align with schools and country clubs alike. Perhaps most importantly, we're bringing on instructors specializing in prenatal and postnatal programs. The early feedback we're getting as we build toward our opening is crying out for these services. We want to meet our members where they need us.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What do you want the community to know?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">That community is the core of Rhoswyn Wellness. Now, we're not opening a rec center. Wilton and our surrounding towns already have those facilities. But we want our members to feel a connection to Rhoswyn Wellness, through classes, summer camps, retreats and events. We want them to feel that our space is inviting, inclusive, safe and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">maybe even a little cool! </em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rhoswyn Wellness is located at 196 Danbury Rd, Wilton. Visit their </span><a href="https://www.rhoswynwellness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Rhoswyn-Wellness/61569911297475/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rhoswynwellness/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">rhoswynwellness</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Singularity Technology, Wilton Library Association’s robotics team, won two awards at the Connecticut FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship in Storrs, CT on February 22, 2025. The team earned the local Navy STEM Award and the prestigious first place Inspire Award, securing their advancement to the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship in Houston, Texas, this April for only the second time in the team’s 11-year history.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Singularity Technology’s dedication to outreach and excellence in all judged categories led them to win the first place Inspire Award, the highest honor in the competition. This award is presented to the team that exemplifies the values of FIRST Robotics both on and off the field, indicating that they excelled in all other award categories.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"We are elated to have the chance to compete at Worlds in Houston, Texas this year! The Inspire Award is a reflection of not just the engineering and coding talents of our team members, but of their teamwork and contributions to the Wilton community. Singularity Technology frequently meets with students in younger grades to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM. We are grateful for the opportunity to compete on a large scale and continue sharing that love and knowledge of STEM even further,” said Valmai Hanson, Coach and Coordinator of Singularity Technology and Head of Teen Services at Wilton Library.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Navy STEM Award recognizes a team that “has gone above and beyond to</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">educate the youth on STEM and spread it throughout their community, it specifically looks for teams with K-12 initiatives aimed at increasing student’s interest in STEM areas.” Singularity Technology received this honor after completing 529 hours of school outreach this season. However, this achievement was just part of their broader impact—accumulating 1,328.5 total outreach hours (equivalent to 55 full days) across five pillars of outreach, reaching 5,500 people through 20 initiatives in 10 countries.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Singularity Technology is asking the community for help in covering the costs of the trip and is hoping to raise a total of $15,000 which will be added to the Library’s existing Robotics budget. Please consider making a donation at</span><a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org/robotic-fundraising" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.wiltonlibrary.org/robotic-fundraising</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Donations of any amount are welcome, and will go directly to support the team.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Aarushi Agrawal, an alumni team mentor and former captain, reflected on the team’s achievements: “I watched this team put their blood, sweat, and tears into preparing for this competition, and it’s rewarding to see it all pay off. As a former member and captain, it’s incredible to see SingulTech grow, and I’m honored to mentor them. They work with purpose and determination, and I can’t wait to see what the team accomplishes next!”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a library-sponsored team, Singularity Technology welcomes students from any schools in the area. This season’s members include: Captain William Olmstead, Siddharth Agrawal, Arav Gupta, Leonardo Kulon, Henry Littin, Anirudh Nagelli, Vidit Prabhu, James Ryan, Saara Sardana, Anaya Uttamchandani, Vivaan Uttamchandani and Angela Varghese. Mentors include: Aarushi Agrawal and Danika Martin-Lunz. The team is coached and coordinated by Valmai Hanson, Wilton Library’s Head of Teen Services. </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wilton Youth Council is excited to partner with Wilton Public Schools to bring Rob Thorsen, Founder of the</span><a href="https://kioqebdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kcErcJtBGWGT7UOLFiRAKaSmwMDFC05IUqrJsRXlfoe8G6aRzznmQXD7JluAmtSVnkUBXN3N0HdCcTemZJ-TnNG5EvvUskjb29N2WOKvnT7LWYAlWogveSkf_Qlq_OFelf_4EzeDd7EnR2TAe38seoVKx8QgyB9p0t1GfOi3dPc=&c=fci8yw0N68tmvQWrb-HAOH21wDtXdHD7FlyqEMfC2LZVFbL4p_RPBQ==&ch=qYVNncNpc4Wqp_DiNKGgxKE9g98INoaAUQAQDsOiiLmfXqyZlrq3iw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://kioqebdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kcErcJtBGWGT7UOLFiRAKaSmwMDFC05IUqrJsRXlfoe8G6aRzznmQXD7JluAmtSVnkUBXN3N0HdCcTemZJ-TnNG5EvvUskjb29N2WOKvnT7LWYAlWogveSkf_Qlq_OFelf_4EzeDd7EnR2TAe38seoVKx8QgyB9p0t1GfOi3dPc=&c=fci8yw0N68tmvQWrb-HAOH21wDtXdHD7FlyqEMfC2LZVFbL4p_RPBQ==&ch=qYVNncNpc4Wqp_DiNKGgxKE9g98INoaAUQAQDsOiiLmfXqyZlrq3iw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(5, 61, 183);">#HT40 Foundation</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We invite you to listen to Rob’s presentation at 7pm on Wednesday, March 12th</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> at the Little Theater in Wilton High School.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rob is presenting to all Wilton High School students on March 12th. Rob will talk about his initiative </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shoulder Check</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> which is dedicated to bringing kids together through kindness and compassion and to inspire a culture of support through small actions that have a big impact. He will be introducing the concept of Shoulder Check, which encourages young people to be there for their peers through action-oriented initiatives that foster social connectedness. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Then, Wednesday evening, all parents and other adults who support our community's kids will have the chance to hear more about Shoulder Check and be encouraged to think about how you can support them in fostering a culture of connection, kindness and support.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This program is brought to you by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with Wilton Public Schools and made possible by a grant from the County Assemblies.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">Save the date! The beloved Minks to Sinks Tag Sale is back to bring incredible deals and a strong sense of community to Wilton! This spring, the event runs from Saturday, May 3, to Monday, May 5, at 395 Danbury Road. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">Minks to Sinks is a long-standing tradition, held twice a year, that brings the community together for a great cause. Whether you’re looking to declutter, shop, or support a meaningful mission, this is the event for you. With hundreds of thousands of items donated each year, this sale is a treasure trove of bargains, offering everything from household goods and clothing to furniture and unique finds. All proceeds from the tag sale benefit the Family & Children’s Agency, supporting critical human services that help individuals and families thrive.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">Learn more about Family and Children's Agency </span><a href="https://www.familyandchildrensagency.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.familyandchildrensagency.org/</a></p>
<p> Ahead of the upcoming budget deliberations, the Board of Finance invites residents to share their input on the FY2026 submitted budgets and mill rate. The survey seeks feedback on a 4.0% increase in the Board of Education budget, a 4.4% increase in the Board of Selectmen </p><p>budget, and a corresponding 2.7% increase in the mill rate. Residents can access the survey online <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY26WiltonBOFSurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. All responses must be submitted by 5:00 PM ET on March 28th</p><p><strong>Learn More About the Submitted Budgets:</strong></p><p>• Review the submitted Board of Education budget <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQKQzW8k4g39H1S4DM5JF_wSywAY6KBP/view" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and the submitted Board of Selectmen budget <a href="https://www.wiltonct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10026/f/uploads/fy26_bos_approved_budget.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>• To access Board of Finance meeting agendas, watch meeting videos, and view public hearing recordings (available the day after the hearing), click <a href="https://www.wiltonct.gov/node/70/minutes-agendas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wiltonct.gov/node/70/minutes-agendas</a></p><p>• For a detailed overview of the budget process, click <a href="https://www.wiltonct.gov/board-finance/faq/how-your-towns-budget-developed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Provide Feedback</strong></p><p>• Complete the Board of Finance survey online <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY26WiltonBOFSurvey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FY26WiltonBOFSurvey</a>. The deadline is March 28th at 5:00 PM ET</p><p>• Email the Board of Finance directly at <a href="mailto:boardoffinance@wiltonct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boardoffinance@wiltonct.gov</a></p><p>• Attend the public hearings and provide feedback:</p><p>o Board of Selectmen Hearing: March 19th, 7:00 PM ET, Middlebrook Auditorium</p><p>o Board of Education Hearing: March 26th, 7:00 PM ET, Middlebrook Auditorium</p><p>For Questions:</p><p>• General inquiries about the proposed budgets and mill rate: <a href="mailto:boardoffinance@wiltonct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boardoffinance@wiltonct.gov</a></p><p>• Questions about the Board of Selectmen’s proposed budget: </p><p><a href="mailto:boardofselectmen@wiltonct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boardofselectmen@wiltonct.gov</a></p><p>• Questions about the Board of Education’s proposed budget: <a href="mailto:boe@wiltonps.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boe@wiltonps.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating at Ambler Farm on Saturday, March 29 from </strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">10:00am - 12:00pm at the Carriage Barn </strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Members $35 | Nonmembers $40, 12 years + older only</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Did you know that in Ukraine, egg decorating is an important art form that dates back centuries? Known as Pysanky, these Ukrainian eggs are decorated using the wax-resist (batik) method. Pysanky is a form of folk art that incorporates different symbols and shapes that are brightly and intricately colored. Covered in stunning motifs often taken from Slavic folk art, you'll also find these decorated eggs in many parts of Eastern Europe.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now is your chance to learn the ancient craft of Ukrainian egg decorating! Decorate eggs in a traditional design or create your own while catching up with friends and neighbors. A small selection of beverages and snacks will be available to nibble on for this late-morning class. Registration is limited, sign up today!</span></p><p><a href="https://72118.blackbaudhosting.com/72118/Pysanky-Ukrainian-Egg-Decorating-29Mar2025-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">REGISTER</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><br></p>