Stories
<p><strong>Wilton - Where You Belong… and Why We Love It Here </strong></p><p>It seems that many people love Wilton, judging by our grand list, which grew by a whopping $75 million this past year. This data speaks to the town’s growing value and why people are paying premium real estate prices to live here. Newcomers constantly tell us how much they love Wilton’s village charm, its wooded hills, its historic buildings, and its top ranked school system.</p><p>Wilton is also known for ASML, a world leader in precision optics, lithography and advanced precision manufacturing. They are also a key player in semi-conductor fabrication.</p><p><strong>Wilton’s Niche National Ranking </strong></p><p>Niche, the online data company whose platform ranks America’s best schools and communities, further proved our desirability when they gave Wilton an A+ rating and awarded our Town a ‘Best Places Seal’ for 2025, noting our excellent schools and family living environment. Wilton High School was listed in the top five of public high schools in Connecticut, and Wilton overall rated in the top ten Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in the state.</p><p><strong>Annual Town Meeting</strong></p><p>Of course, such achievements require investment by the residents of our Town. In just a few short weeks, the voters of Wilton will determine what level of services will be provided for its residents during the next fiscal year. Unlike some municipalities, Wilton has a “town meeting” form of government where, instead of a town council determining the budget, residents who are eligible to vote cast the final decision. We encourage you to exercise your authority on May 6th, at 7pm, at the Clune Center.</p><p>Negotiations during this budget cycle were often challenging, with some issues causing protracted debate. We were fortunate that as animated discussions progressed, two sources of good news helped mitigate an unanticipated spike in costs. The first was that our grand list was assessed at $75 million more than last year. The second was that our $1.2 million reimbursement from the State of Connecticut for the Miller Driscoll School construction, a project that was completed in 2017, had finally been</p><p>deposited into the Town’s account. After lengthy consultation with our Bond Counsel, it was determined that this money could pay off bond debt, which created an opportunity for new building projects to be considered for bonding.</p><p><strong>Bond List</strong></p><p>Last year, the Town began to address the essential, and long delayed, school and town building repair and maintenance needs, with a 15-year building improvement plan. Much of the infrastructure and equipment that must be replaced has reached its end of life, with spare parts no longer available. This includes equipment our schools and Town departments require in order to function. It’s these items that comprise this year’s bond list, which has been approved by the Board of Selectmen. It stands to reason that when repairs are delayed, the costs for addressing the problems becomes more expensive. But with debt service maturing off Wilton’s books (meaning debts and their interests have been fully paid) there should be no net increase to what Wilton currently pays in annual debt service fees. The following items will be under consideration by voters at the May 6th Annual Town Meeting:</p><p><strong>7 Miles of Road Restoration: $700,000</strong></p><p><strong>DPW Large Truck/Plow/Sander for Snow Removal: $33,000</strong></p><p><strong>High School Library Roof Replacement: $2,000,000</strong></p><p><strong>Cider Mill School Chilled Water Unit Replacement and Equipment and Piping: $1,547,678</strong></p><p><strong>Middlebrook School Replacement of Floor and Ceiling Tiles and Lighting: $1,646,314</strong></p><p><strong>Please Note: This project will be split between two fiscal years. $667,236 will pay for work done in FY26, and $979,078 will pay for the remainder in FY27. </strong></p><p><strong>Schools Drainage, Sidewalks and Paving: $4725,000</strong></p><p><strong>Middlebrook Exhaust Fan Replacement: $373,000</strong></p><p><strong>Middlebrook School Gym HVAC</strong></p><p><strong>Turf Replacement at Fujitani Field: $700,000</strong></p><p><strong>Restoration of the Historic Raymond Ambler House at Ambler Farm: $1,286,618</strong></p><p><strong>Welcome Kelsey Locher</strong></p><p>Kelsey Locher joined the Wilton Senior Center team last month as the Senior Programs & Social Services Coordinator. Kelsey is a born and raised Wiltonian and has years of experience in public service programing, most recently as the Director of the After School Programming at Wilton’s Park and Recreation Department. She received her Bachelors in Communications from Central Connecticut State University in 2022. Kelsey has a wide range of interests that she hopes she can share with the senior community. She is beyond excited to join the Senior Center, as she loves to meet new people, learn new things, and lend a helping hand.</p><p><strong>A Better Chance Visits Town Hall</strong></p><p>I recently spent a few afternoons with some exceptional young ladies who are Scholars with Wilton’s A Better Chance residency program, as part of their Career Exploration project. A Better Chance is a national organization that hosts secondary students from underserved communities in more privileged areas where they can attend top private and public high schools. A local chapter was founded in Wilton in 1996. At least 53 of its alumni have gone on to four-year colleges and graduate schools, but they have left an indelible mark on our town, sharing their talents, perspectives and dedication to achievement while they were here. It has been such an honor and a delight to hear these students’ stories and share with them my experiences in business, public service and family life. Over hot chocolate and cookies, we discussed what a rewarding journey it is to be a woman building a life and a career in today’s complex world. I look forward to all the great things this crew will do with their futures.</p><p><strong>Wilton Police Recognition</strong></p><p>Along with our great Fire Department and widely honored CERT teams, the Wilton Police Department was recently awarded a Connecticut State Tier III Accreditation Status by the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council. This is the highest level achievable in Connecticut for police agencies. </p><p>To read Toni Boucher's update in its entirety, visit <a href="https://www.wiltonct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wiltonct.gov/</a></p>
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wilton Library's Spring Book Sale Blooms with Bargains</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As spring unfurls its colors, the Wilton Library invites book enthusiasts to its annual Spring Book Sale, running from </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 5</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. This cherished event offers a treasure trove of literary delights and supports the library's programs and services.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A Bounty of Books</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With over 80,000 items meticulously sorted into more than 50 categories, the sale caters to readers of all ages and interests. From children's picture books to young adult novels, and from bestsellers to rare collectibles, there's something for everyone. Beyond books, the sale features DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and audiobooks, all available at attractive prices.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Schedule</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Friday, May 2</strong></p><ul><li><em style="background-color: transparent;">Early Buying</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">: 8:00 – 10:00 AM ($20 admission)</span></li><li><em style="background-color: transparent;">General Admission</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Free)</span></li></ul><p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Saturday, May 3</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Snday, May 4</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">: 1:00 – 5:00 PM (</span><em style="background-color: transparent;">Half-Price Day</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Monday, May 5</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (</span><em style="background-color: transparent;">$5 Bag Day</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The sale takes place at the Wilton Library, located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road. For more details, visit</span><a href="https://www.wiltonlibrary.org/book-sales/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Supporting the Community</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Proceeds from the Spring Book Sale directly benefit the Wilton Library, funding a wide array of programs, resources, and services that enrich the community. The event is made possible by the dedication of volunteers who work year-round to ensure its success.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don't miss this opportunity to discover great reads and support a vital community institution.</span></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Passage East Kennels,</strong> Wilton’s first independent pet care center, is thrilled to celebrate twenty-five years as a home away from home for Fairfield County’s furry citizens & trusted resource for generations of pup-loving neighbors. </p><p>Joe & Laura Kaddis of Weston purchased Passage East, previously home to a breeder of Labrador retrievers, in June 2000. Unable to find a boarding facility they could entrust with their pack of nine rescue dogs, the couple took the opportunity to transform the 499 Danbury Road location into a canine retreat, serving both local pets & dogs in need.</p><p>Passage East has since expanded its boarding services to add dog daycare, specialty “pupgrades” such as one-on-one playtime and snuggle sessions, as well as holiday-themed playgroups and a summertime water park with doggy pools and splash pads. Bathing, haircuts, and nail trims are also available to canine customers in their full-service Salon. In 2016, Passage East purchased the property next door at 503 Danbury Road, now used for staff housing as well as feline-exclusive boarding at their Cat Cottage.</p><p>Owner Joe Kaddis credits Passage East’s longevity and success to an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the pets they care for as well as the people they work with. “Since day one, our focus has been on letting dogs be dogs,” Kaddis says. “We love that we have a four acre campus that allows our guests to socialize and enjoy the fresh air. Even our cat visitors have their own secure outdoor ‘catio’ to safely sunbathe and birdwatch.”</p><p>Above all, Kaddis believes Passage East’s greatest asset is their team of dedicated pet lovers. “For the last eighteen years, our General Manager, Fawn Holden, has led our team and prioritized hiring full-time employees, giving them the benefits and support to build a career in animal care,” explains Kaddis. </p><p>While the business has evolved over the past quarter century, Passage East is proud to remain an independent and family-run business where you can now find the Kaddis daughters - Mary, Amy, Becca, and Anna - working alongside the kennel team when not in school.</p><p>In 2025, Passage East continues to reinvest in its campus and staff and is celebrating its roots in animal rescue by helping 25+ dogs find loving homes this year.</p><p>"We're beyond grateful to our community for letting us be part of so many special animals' lives through the years,” Kaddis adds. “Our team is so fortunate to have the opportunity to grow and do what we love every day."</p>
<p>Wilton Library’s hard-working book sale volunteers are selecting, cleaning and categorizing all items for the hugely popular Spring Book Sale, taking place on Friday, May 2 through Monday, May 5. Early buying begins from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday with a $20 admission fee; the sale continues on Friday with free admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. with items half-price; and concludes on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with $5 per bag pricing. Featuring more than 75,000 items sorted in 50 categories! Everyone is covered in this fundraiser – from tots to teens in the Brubeck Room with selections from board books to picture books to young reader and teen series to young adult novels; to vintage and antique collectibles in the Gallery; to a full Book Cellar featuring a large assortment of items including bestsellers, fiction and nonfiction, audio/visual, and categories such as self-help, sports, literature, poetry, music, entertainment, mysteries, business and technology information, art, history, cookbooks, gardening, travel, biographies and more; DVDs, vinyl, CDs, and books on CDs. High quality books at great prices – don’t miss this opportunity! </p><p>All proceeds benefit the library. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT; <a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wiltonlibrary.org</a>; 203-762-3950. Visit <a href="http://www.wiltonlibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wiltonlibrary.org</a> for details.</p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join Wilton Library for a Community Cultural Celebration on May 3rd at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA! This is an opportunity to unite the Wilton community, showcasing the diverse cultures that make up our town through dance, music, dress, holidays, and food from around the world. It's an opportunity to interact with and learn from each other, bringing together representatives from various cultures to showcase their unique heritage and educate the Wilton community about their traditions and culture.</span></p><p><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dHKgvTN7swIqGY9Nauxuvq4sHgEMTjlFl0LSugK-NzSPaa8LsLWCvnDPju_rwlnip9Jb1YZ7sdvfBvsMwxLblA8E9MrLfjEZbzCsnl8gIzcePxqzpb5mbqDFCGvSnron7Rgi3SaMbKWUNPaEO_kwCRIc6DI0q_YAqW7b8IdWP40BlBp54W_s9xurWiI_v4MmLQh7b77F8ngIrVuFIou0FvmfV5ZbrvMZ2gEzMAyFXe5jKG_gDoH8ZKP9Ne7O6h7vr2f7-Ky8R2Y=&c=zA0s6Hz3uF09fr5s1hL7lU6iEuRc6J1KScnzYax-vUzRyyGdqfp7OA==&ch=STArV1pXqB02KIVompSmzed_7IEuUdZWpJ8kQlg32kUB9odyn61-kw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Please fill out the form</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> if you would like to participate in this community event by working in a group to create a display to represent your country of origin or a country with a heritage that you are closely connected to. Organizers will connect you with others with a shared interest, so you can work together to establish how your country will be represented.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This event is being held at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA and is brought to you by a partnership among Wilton Youth Council, Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Wilton PTAs, Wilton Public Schools, and Wilton Library.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>Wilton Historical Society Hosts Victorian "Get Ready With Me” 19th Century Fashion Lecture on Saturday, April 19 at 2pm.</p><p>Modern fashion influencers invite viewers to “get ready with me” – an opportunity for an inside look at their wardrobe choices and styling for days at the office, Sunday brunch, dinner dates, and more. While there was no social media in the late 19th century, people considered a balance of form, function, and social expectations when putting together an outfit.</p><p><strong>On Saturday, April 19th at 2 PM</strong>, join the Wilton Historical Society for a lecture from historical costume designer and fashion historian <strong>Jessica Bolduc</strong> as they discuss what it took for someone in the Victorian era to get dressed and ready for the day. The lecture will cover the evolving nature of fashion throughout the second half of the 1800’s using examples from the Wilton Historical Society’s museum collection as well as recreations from Jessica.</p><p>Learn more and register <a href="https://wiltonhistorical.org/events/event/victorian-get-ready-with-me-a-19th-century-fashion-lecture" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://wiltonhistorical.org/events/event/victorian-get-ready-with-me-a-19th-century-fashion-lecture/</a></p><h4 class="ql-align-center">Registration is required. $10 per person for non-members</h4><h4 class="ql-align-center">Free for Wilton Historical Society Members.</h4><p><br></p>
<p>Please join us for this in-person session of the AARP Driver Safety Program, which is the nation's first and largest classroom driver safety course designed especially for drivers age 50 and older, although all ages are welcome. </p><p>This single session course covers the normal changes in vision, hearing and reaction time associated with aging and provides practical techniques on how to adjust to these changes along with learning to operate vehicles more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. There are no written or driving tests. In-person classroom only. </p><p>NY residents: please contact your insurance carrier to confirm they will accept a Connecticut State class certificate. </p><p>Program cost: $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members. Also bring lunch if desired; there will be a 30 minute break.</p><p>Registration required. All registrations and payments must be done online through AARP for this session - register here. Registrations close on Thursday, May 8 at 8pm.</p><p><a href="https://meoe7sn6.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BtSMEOWQQi6BBux5r_jfPBFLGGe6DHiqyaTH57uypKjHO_KfLbfuC5aswjc240DMP1a3j6IElDpObK-EM7MA4U7-oWfzXzILDgd_fvlwYuV7FSsIriTypvLR06TOa_ZuLvIz-Ic7F8tNtHhdsgCbBFxK7DN-3g1VLqSEJLVLvdJmwAnTGzSud23YD4nbYdYB7k-RN47Eu-SfEHThFwqm9p4FMDAQbRcM&c=s8oMj8erFA-J58Tmo1bHfHO4dJeuIfG0Ab-KYBdXjTwlRjIKcqV05A==&ch=qf8Mcb_rjv1PaFzsCIZw4VMZ6rRQQ5Jb2DbWdQWkSlJnZYITd18MZQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">Register & See Details</a></p>