Stories
<p><strong>Join Wilton Pride & Wilton Library for the third annual Ask Me Anything: Teen Edition on March 5 at 7:00 pm. </strong></p><p>From gaining a deeper understanding of affirming environments to discovering the essential needs of queer teens, this conversation is crucial for anyone seeking to support and uplift LGBTQ+ youth. </p><p>Through honest conversations with the panelists you will walk away with:</p><ul><li>An understanding of the LGBTQ+ community </li><li>The importance of allyship in real life situations: Understanding how LGBTQ+ individuals are impacted by bias, and an overview of best practices that protect safety and inclusion</li><li>An understanding of what is meant by sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sex assigned at birth - the differences between them and how they impact one another.</li><li>Language and definition of terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community, including lesser known terms.</li><li>Understanding notions of hetero-normativity, the gender/sex binary, and cis-normativity. </li><li>Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society.</li></ul><p>If you would like to submit a question in advance, you may do so in the form linked here.</p><p><strong>Moderator: </strong></p><p>Wilton High School Alumni, Lindsay Wheeler - Lindsay is a writer, creative, and neurodivergent therapist specializing in sexuality and gender affirming care. She takes an unconventional approach to therapy, incorporating creative expression, humility, and humor in her sessions. Lindsay’s writing centers on identity, intersectionality, politics, expansiveness, and mental health. In 2022, Lindsay created Sad Friends Club, an inclusive virtual community with workshops on topics like therapeutic writing, antiracism, navigating LGBTQIA+ identity, and more. Lindsay also designs and facilitates workshops at music festivals for queer, Grammy award winning artist, Brandi Carlile. Lindsay feels honored and privileged by her unique opportunity to remind others, especially queer youth, of their inherent worth as they navigate the world.</p><p><strong>Panelists: </strong></p><ul><li>Eva - a 19 year old girl. I transitioned at age 6. I love playing tennis and being active. I like hanging out with my friends by walking in town, going to the mall, and going to the beach. I am currently in college. I plan on studying psychiatric nursing.</li><li>Jona - I’m a 17-year-old trans girl. I came out as non-binary in 2022, and then again as transgender in the summer of 2024. I’m currently a senior at Staples High School, and will be starting at Bard College in the fall. I do a lot of work with various clubs and organizations such as Westport Pride and Staples Pride, through which I’ve spoken at the Board of Education, been a speaker at Pride events and ribbon-cuttings, and more. I’m also currently the President of the Staples Feminists Club, which is an intersectional feminism club at my school. I hope to continue my work in community advocacy and activism at college and beyond!</li><li>Sofie - I’m a junior at Wilton High School. I’m queer and use mainly she/her pronouns. I love music and games, and enjoy cooking and reading. I’m a cat person, I have three! I also have a dog, two bunnies and chickens. I love animals a lot and always have! I’m from Maryland and hope to pursue forensic science. </li></ul><p>Please note: there are no cell phones or any type of recording allowed. This will take place in a closed room at Wilton Library with a police presence (non-uniformed officer).</p><p><span style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">Register & See Details</span></p><p><br></p>
<p>Sydney Gow of Wilton was named to the College of Charleston Fall 2024 Dean's List. </p><p>To qualify for the Dean's List (Distinguished), students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.</p><p>Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation's top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world.</p>
<p><br></p><p>At their fourth regular season race on Jan. 30, the Wilton High School ski team secured a strong second-place finish in the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League (CISL) competition. The Warriors also took time to honor their eight seniors: Hudson Hagmann, Claudia La Orden Oro, Paige Leung, Kellogg Pettibone, Georgia Polito, Will Soucy, Lora Stanicheva, and Merrick Thompson.</p><p>The Warrior boys were led by junior captain Cooper Buchicchio, who placed third out of 111 skiers with a combined two-run time of 42.71 seconds. Senior captain Hudson Hagmann followed closely in fifth place with a time of 43.38 seconds. Additional top finishes came from junior Mason Behar (20th; 48.01), junior Theo Satrazemis (27th; 54.12), junior Kieran Wiseman (29th; 49.83), sophomore Sean Raftery (33rd; 50.48), freshman Benjamin Behar (46th; 51.9), senior Will Soucy (55th; 53.16), junior Henri Allemand (69th; 55.21), and sophomore Kevin Berghaus (81st;m58.30).</p><p>On the girls’ side, senior captain Paige Leung led the way with a sixth-place finish out of 120 skiers in 45.53 seconds. Freshman Olivia Edwards finished 10th with a time of 46.15, followed by senior Kellogg Pettibone (13th; 46.83), junior Polina Popova (22nd; 48.84), senior captain Georgia Polito (23rd; 49.40), freshman Maggie Buchicchio (32nd; 50.37), senior Claudia La Orden Oro (34th; 50.52), junior Lyla Theoharides (37th; 50.81), sophomore Nola Levy (38th; 50.88), and freshmen Siena Buchicchio (40th; 51.29) and Parker Pettibone (41st; 51.30).</p><p>The Warriors’ final regular season race is set for Thursday, Feb. 6, at Mt. Southington. For complete race results, visit <a href="http://www.cislracing.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.cislracing.org</a>.</p><p><strong>Photo caption [credit: Gretchen McMahon Photography]:</strong></p><p>Wilton High’s ski team celebrated its seniors and a second-place finish on Jan. 30 at its fourth race of the season. Pictured left to right: Will Soucy, Merrick Thompson, captains Hudson Hagmann, Paige Leung, and Georgia Polito, Lora Stanicheva, Claudia La Orden Oro, and Kellogg Pettibone.</p>
<p>Wilton Candlelight Concerts continues its 77th season with a performance by the American Brass Quintet on Sunday, February 9, at 4 pm at Wilton Congregational Church, located at 70 Ridgefield Road (Route 33) in Wilton.</p><p>Known for their rich and varied sound, the quintet will present a program spanning from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions, including commissioned works. The <em>Times of London</em> has praised their performances for their “range of color and sound that was astonishingly rich and varied.”</p><p>The ensemble features Kevin Cobb and Brandon Ridenour on trumpet, Eric Reed on horn, Hillary Simms on trombone, and John D. Rojak on bass trombone.</p><p>For more information, visit Wilton Candlelight Concerts online => <a href="https://wiltoncandlelightconcerts.com/american-brass-quintet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wiltoncandlelightconcerts.com/american-brass-quintet/</a></p>
<p>The Wilton Playshop is thrilled to announce the opening of <em>DEATHTRAP</em>, the iconic psychological thriller by acclaimed playwright Ira Levin, which will take the stage beginning February 7, 2025. <em>DEATHTRAP</em> promises an evening of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, in true Levin style.</p><p>The play follows the story of Sidney Bruhl, a successful but struggling playwright, who, in a desperate attempt to revive his career, conspires with a young writer, Clifford Anderson, to steal a sensational new play. But as the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, the audience is left guessing who is deceiving whom in this masterful game of cat-and-mouse.</p><p>Set against the backdrop of Westport, Connecticut, <em>DEATHTRAP</em> also weaves in references to nearby towns such as Wilton, Ridgefield, and Milford, giving it a unique Connecticut flair that local audiences will appreciate. </p><p>The production stars an exceptional cast of talented actors, including <strong>Al Recchia</strong> of Milford as Sidney Bruhl, <strong>Sonya Kolba</strong> of Norwalk as Myra Bruhl, <strong>Rob Rosado</strong> of New Haven as Clifford Anderson, <strong>Amy Wade</strong> of Norwalk as Helga Ten Drop and <strong>Christian Miller</strong> of Stamford as Porter Milgrim. Under the direction of <strong>Gordon Casagrande</strong> of Ridgefield, the entire cast delivers clever dialogue with an intensity that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The show is being produced by <strong>Michele Bennett</strong> of Wilton and stage managed by <strong>Jazzy Cores</strong> of Redding. </p><p>It has been the mission of The Wilton Playshop to further the performing arts by providing quality live theatre to the greater Wilton area since 1937. The Wilton Playshop is located at 15 Lovers Lane in Wilton, CT. <em>DEATHTRAP </em>opens Friday, February 7, 2025 and closes Saturday, February 22, 2025. Evening performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; matinees are on Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased online at<a href="https://www.wiltonplayshop.org/ticketing-season-tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.wiltonplayshop.org/ticketing-season-tickets</a></p><p>For more information, visit<a href="http://www.wiltonplayshop.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.wiltonplayshop.org</a> or follow us on all the socials.</p><p>Photo Credit: Seth Barkan Photography</p>
<p>Congratulations to the Wilton residents named to the Dean's List at Muhlenberg College: Ella DeLuca (studying Theatre) and Owen Dyer (studying Economics).</p><p>To be eligible for the Dean's List, Muhlenberg College students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking three or more course units during a semester.</p><p>Founded in 1848, <a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.2MAbPpABZpoNwpazzwdE_u1fp224wbRTWxLIUy3xY_M/4dp/gB-IA7HaQcS2WwdaUghFuQ/h0/h001.MZI4SbZ-oghSF_U-ydElc573sZBbJJGdQzBwXIB6_y0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Muhlenberg</a> is a highly selective, four-year residential, liberal arts college in the city of Allentown, Pa., with nearly 2,000 bachelor's and master's degree-seeking students. The college's curriculum and experiences are designed opens doors to new ideas, discoveries, friendships and a lifetime of personal and intellectual growth.</p>
<p>It’s been a long time coming, but improv is making its grand return to <strong>Wilton High School</strong> this <strong>Thursday, Friday, and Saturday [February 6,7 & 8] </strong>—and the excitement is real!</p><p>Audiences can expect an evening of <strong>unscripted, fast-paced fun</strong> as Wilton High School Theatre presents <strong>Freeplay Improv ComedySportz</strong>. This high-energy competition pits teams of quick-witted performers against each other in a series of improv challenges, where anything can happen, and every moment is created on the spot.</p><p>With no script and no safety net, the performers rely on <strong>sharp thinking, creativity, and audience participation</strong> to build scenes that are sure to leave everyone in stitches. Whether you're a longtime improv fan or experiencing it for the first time, this show promises plenty of surprises and non-stop laughter.</p><p><strong>Don’t miss out!</strong> Secure your tickets now by visiting:</p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.wiltonhighschooltheatre.com/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wiltonhighschooltheatre.com/tickets</a></p>