<h3>2024 By the Numbers</h3><ul><li>34,246 Park visitors</li><li>9,853 followers on Instagram</li><li>6,334 followers on Facebook</li><li>6,097 viewed exhibits in the Visitor Center</li><li>4,852 visited the Weir &amp; Young Studios</li><li>3,056 toured the Weir House</li><li>2,932 hours contributed by 91 volunteers</li><li>2,136 Junior Rangers were sworn in</li><li>1,887 created art with Take Part in Art supplies</li><li>840 visitors attended an art class, paint-out, guided hike, lecture, or special event</li><li>786 K-12 students and teachers participated in education programs</li><li>490 people learned about Weir Farm NHP at a community event</li><li>312 plein air painters brought easels and were inspired by the landscape</li><li>71 works of art were submitted to the virtual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/news/weir-farm-nhp-announces-2024-art-in-the-park-contest-winners-and-online-exhibit.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">Art in the Park Contest</a></li><li>14 projects invested in historic preservation and conservation</li><li>6&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/news/weir-farm-national-historical-park-announces-2024-artists-in-residence.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">Artists-in-Residence</a>&nbsp;continued the artistic tradition and created contemporary art</li><li>4 youth interns gained hands-on job experience through paid internships</li></ul><h3>2024 Highlights</h3><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Department of Interior Museum in Washington D.C. Acquired Work by Former Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">A painting by Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence Alumni Alissa Siegal was selected for the Department of Interior Museum Collection. Her piece,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/news/painting-by-weir-farm-artist-in-residence-alumni-alissa-siegal-selected-for-department-of-interior-museum-collection.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);"><em>Tree Looking Towards Burlingham House</em></a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">, was selected for its artistic merit and representation of Weir Farm and National Park Service Artist-in-Residence programs.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Inflation Reduction Act Funds Natural Resource Projects:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/news/weir-farm-national-historical-park-receives-$410-000-in-inflation-reduction-act-funding-for-natural-resources-projects.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">Two park projects</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">&nbsp;were funded at Weir Farm NHP for over $800,000 for forest and grasslands restoration over the next several years. The work will be done by local organizations. In addition, the park was able to hire two new staff members with additional IRA funds just for personnel.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Youth Intern Natural Resource Projects:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Weir Farm NHP hosted two youth interns through the National Park Service&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1098/traditional-trades-apprenticeship-program.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">Traditional Trades Advancement Program</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">&nbsp;who worked on several natural resource conservation projects, including deer monitoring, tree pruning, and several habitat restoration projects. One project involved reclaiming a 2,358 square foot ridge in the Truants Meadow by removing invasive vegetation and implementing native plant design, including planting native perennials that also serve as pollinators, help control erosion, sequester carbon, and serve as habitat and food source for local wildlife.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Service and Art Projects with Bridgeport Youth:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Weir Farm NHP collaborated with Groundwork Bridgeport to host a series of art and service projects for 11 youth. The youth helped restore and maintain the Weir Pond trail and created paintings during an Impressionist Plein Air painting workshop with Master Impressionist, Dmitri Wright.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Weir Farm Artist Collective:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Facilitated by local artists, for local artists, the Park established a community of practice through the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/planyourvisit/weir-farm-artist-collective.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);"><em>Weir Farm Artist Collective</em>.</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">&nbsp;This year the program expanded to include monthly paint-outs and a&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.nps.gov/wefa/learn/news/26-weir-farm-artist-collective-members-featured-in-wilton-library-s-september-art-exhibit-weir-inspired.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">group exhibition at the Wilton Library</a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">&nbsp;in September.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Restoring Historic Causeway:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">This fall, Master Craftsman Neil Rippingale, assisted by National Park Service staff and volunteers, installed 38 large granite slabs to restore this historic causeway, creating a new path that leads from the visitor parking lot to the Weir Pond trailhead. Stone causeways are common landscape features in Southwestern Connecticut, historically built by farmers to cross boggy areas to access their fields. The Weir Farm causeway was built before Julian Alden Weir bought the farm in 1882. The causeway will serve as the gateway to the new Wagon Road Trail, providing increased access and recreation for visitors.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Mahonri Young Works Added to the Museum Collection:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">A collection of art and objects were donated to the park by one of Mahonri Young’s grandchildren this fall. The donation included several small sculptures, a stunning watercolor of Weir Farm, sketchbooks, and loose sketches by Young. Be sure to stop by the park during the 2025 season to see some of these treasures, which will be on exhibit in the visitor center gallery May – October. </span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>Thank you!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">Thank you to all park supporters, with special recognition to the dedicated corps of Weir Farm NHP Volunteers and the park’s authorized philanthropic partner, the Friends of Weir Farm. To learn more about the many partners of the park, or how you can support Weir Farm NHP, please visit</span><a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.nps.gov/wefa/getinvolved" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--bs-link-color);"><em>www.nps.gov/wefa/getinvolved</em></a><span style="color: rgb(33, 37, 41);">.</span></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Experience the elegance of world-class artistry as the New York Philharmonic String Quartet graces The Ridgefield Playhouse stage on Tuesday, February 4, at 7:30 pm.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The event is part of the </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">FirstLight Home Care Classical Series</em></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cfs1-shxwD8?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The New York Philharmonic String Quartet features four of the Orchestra's Principal musicians: Concertmaster Frank Huang (The Charles E. Culpeper Chair), Principal Second Violin Qianqian Li, Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps (The Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Rose Chair), and Principal Cello Carter Brey (The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Chair). Formed in January 2017 during the Philharmonic’s 175th anniversary season, the quartet made its debut in March 2017 as the solo ensemble in John Adams’s </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Absolute Jest</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> and performed it again on the Philharmonic’s EUROPE / SPRING 2017 tour. Each member is a distinguished artist, boasting multiple competition wins, frequent appearances as concerto soloists with the Philharmonic and other leading orchestras worldwide, and regular performances in the Philharmonic’s chamber music series at David Geffen Hall and Merkin Concert Hall.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Purchase tickets: </span><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/WordVerification_Check.asp?LineType=0&amp;LineID=4675&amp;backurl=%2F%2Ftickets%2Eridgefieldplayhouse%2Eorg%2Forderticketsvenue%2Easp%3Fp%3D4675&amp;forwardurl=%2F%2Ftickets%2Eridgefieldplayhouse%2Eorg%2Forderticketsvenue%2Easp%3Fp%3D4675%26src%3D&amp;_ga=2.54939307.1800332026.1735829321-915362228.1727189977&amp;_gl=1*12zzhc3*_gcl_au*MTQyMTgyNjM2OC4xNzM1NDA2NzI1*_ga*OTE1MzYyMjI4LjE3MjcxODk5Nzc.*_ga_M21VN3HWBD*MTczNTg1NTgyOC40MS4xLjE3MzU4NTU4MzkuNDkuMC4w*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTczNTg1NTgyOC40MS4xLjE3MzU4NTU4MzkuNDkuMC4w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">About the Ridgefield Playhouse:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit 503(c)(3) performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge Rd. The venue is ADA accessible. If you require special accommodations, please call the Box Office at 203-438-5795. The Playhouse’s mission is to entertain, enrich, and educate our community and to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. The Ridgefield Playhouse presents more than 200 live shows and hosts more than 100,000 patrons each year.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit Ridgefield Playhouse online to view the complete lineup of live performances </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/</a></p>

<p><strong>Meet the cast of DEATHTRAP on stage at The Wilton Playshop February 7 to February 22, 2025</strong></p><p>DEATHTRAP is a suspenseful and darkly comedic tale of ambition, deception, and the lengths people will go to for success. This play will keep the audience on the edge of their seat with its shocking surprises and dark humor.</p><p>Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/wilton-playshop/66b170953e5e541c4679d7f3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p>Get ready for an unforgettable month of live entertainment at The Ridgefield Playhouse this January 2025! From iconic musicians to hilarious comedians and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone:</p><ul><li><strong>January 15</strong>: Kate Pierson of the B-52’s</li><li><strong>January 18</strong>: The Lords of 52nd Street</li><li><strong>January 19</strong>: <em>Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical</em></li><li><strong>January 23</strong>: Tim Dillon</li><li><strong>January 24</strong>: The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show</li><li><strong>January 25</strong>: Anders Osborne</li><li><strong>January 26</strong>: Jim Belushi &amp; The Board of Comedy</li></ul><p>Don’t miss these incredible shows! Tickets are on sale now at <a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridgefieldplayhouse.org</a>.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yesterday the Wilton Police Department officially welcomed its newest and youngest member, Officer Anthony Lowe. Chief Conlan noted how Officer Lowe is probably one of the youngest officers ever hired, as he will turn 21 in 2025, while attending the Police Academy. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Officer Lowe graduated from Stamford High School in 2022, but was employed full-time well before graduating; his former employer praised him for his trustworthiness, good interpersonal skills, and ability to work well under pressure, all valuable traits in a Police officer. Officer Lowe is the youngest of six children; his father is a retired Police lieutenant, and his brother and brother-in-law are members of other law enforcement agencies in the Fairfield County. Chief Conlan noted how family support in the Police profession is of the utmost importance, and stated he is glad Officer Lowe enjoys the support of family members who are also law enforcement professionals. Officer Lowe took his oath of office and was presented with the badge by his father. Wilton PD officers in attendance then lined up to welcome Officer Lowe to his new Police family.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We wish Officer Lowe a lengthy and fulfilling career with the Wilton Police Department!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Wilton Health Department will be having a radon event at the Comstock Community Center on Tuesday, January 7th, from 1pm-2pm. Come learn about radon and sign up to get your FREE radon test kit. The Wilton Health Department has partnered with the Connecticut State Department of Public Health to offer a limited amount of FREE Radon test kits to Wilton residents for testing the presence of Radon gas in your homes. The test kits will also include postage-paid envelopes for shipment to the laboratory. Any questions about the program can be addressed to members of the Health Department at (203) 563-0174.</p>