WILTON: Back To School Information For Public School Students

 

Please note that school begins for students on Monday, August 29. You can view the 2022-2023 school calendar HERE.

Parent Portal to open on August 17

As you know, Wilton Public Schools use PowerSchool as our District Student Information system.  PowerSchool features a Parent Portal and Parent Application which provides access to attendance, schedules, progress reports, and the ability to update your child's emergency contact information. Below please find the dates the portal will be opening. Parents/students can access information at that time.

AUGUST 17

Wilton High School - 8:00 a.m.
Middlebrook - 11:00 a.m.
Cider Mill - 1:00 p.m.
Miller-Driscoll -  2:00 p.m.

August 25th: Meet the Teacher & Middlebrook Student Walkthrough

Miller-Driscoll

• ​​​​​​​PreK-Kindergarten: 9:00am-9:45am
• First and Second Grade: 10:00am-10:45am

Cider Mill

• ​​​​​​​North Houses, Cannondale and Nod Hill
• Last Names Begining A-L: 11:00am-11:25am
• Last Names Begining M-Z: 11:35am-12:00pm
• South Houses, Belden Hill and Kent
• Last Names Begining A-L: 1:00pm-1:25pm
• Last Names Begining M-Z: 1:35pm-2:00pm

Middlebrook

• Grades 7-8
• Last Names Begining A-L: 12:00pm-12:25pm
• Last Names Begining M-Z: 12:35pm-1:00pm
• Grade 6
• Last Names Begining A-L: 2:00pm-2:25pm
• Last Names Begining M-Z: 2:35pm-3:00pm

August 26th: Wilton High School Freshman and New Student Orientation

• Freshmen Orientation
• WHS Field House: 8:30am
• Orientation for New Students in Grades 10-12
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Location TBD: 12:30pm

Back to School Open Houses

Please note:

• Some times are TBD. 
• School specific information will be sent from building administration as well.

Miller-Driscoll

• PreK-Kindergarten: Tuesday, September 13th, 2022 (Time TBD)
• First and Second Grades: Thursday, Sepptember 15th, 2022 (Time TBD)

Cider Mill

• North Houses (Cannondale and Nod Hill): Wednesday, Spetember 14th, 2022 at 6:45pm
• South Houses (Belden Hill and Kent): Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 at 6:45pm

Middlebrook

• Grade 6: Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 (Time TBD)
• Grade 7: Tuesday, September 27th, 2022 (Time TBD)
• Grade 8: Wednesday, September 28th, 2022 (Time TBD)

Wilton High School

• Grades 9-12: Thursday, September 29th, 2022 (Time TBD)

For additional information, visit the Back to School page on the Wilton Public School website HERE.

WILTON LIBRARY: Hot & Cool Jazz Returns This September

 

Wilton Library is pleased to announce the return of its very popular Hot & Cool Jazz series, bringing world-class jazz concerts to the Brubeck Room stage. The opening concert featuring Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play is on Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. Hot & Cool Jazz is brought to you by the generosity of the Estate of James (Tom) and Alice Brown.

“We are so delighted to bring back our Hot & Cool Jazz series. These are very special events in our programming lineup, and we know that our patrons have missed these concerts very much,” said Caroline Mandler, Executive Director of Wilton Library. “This fall, concertgoers can enjoy these wonderful performances by award-winning jazz musicians, and they all take place right here in Wilton. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season than with a concert featuring the library’s dear friend and supporter, Wilton’s own Chris Brubeck, in Triple Play.”

Triple Play is a trio of three outstanding and versatile musicians: Peter Madcat Ruth (on harmonica, guitar, jaw harp, percussion, and vocals), Joel Brown (folk and classical acoustic guitar and vocals), and Chris Brubeck (electric bass, bass trombone, piano, and vocals). Collectively they bring a rare level of joy, virtuosity, and American spirit to the folk, blues, jazz, and classical music they perform.

Triple Play’s musical roots go way back (50+ years!) in each member’s history. Chris and Madcat have toured and recorded together in different settings since 1969, first as young rock musicians in the group “New Heavenly Blue” (with albums on RCA and Atlantic Records), “Sky King”(on Columbia), and then as jazz musicians touring the world with Dave Brubeck. Paul deBarros, writer for The Seattle Times and Downbeat, commented after seeing a performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival: “Triple Play is what jazz always was and always should be about: good-time rhythm, unbridled joy and the sweet release but bittersweet aftertaste of the blues."

Dave Brubeck’s last recorded performance was captured on the exciting “Triple Play Live at Arthur Zankel Music Center.” The crowd is wildly enthusiastic on this well-reviewed CD, which also featured Joel Brown’s father, Frank Brown on clarinet. You can often hear this innovative version of “Take Five” featuring Madcat’s polyrhythmic jaw harp and burning solos by Dave, Joel and Chris on Sirius XM Jazz. Triple Play’s music has international reach, as they were a hit playing with The Singapore Chinese Orchestra and returned for a second performance which was recorded and released on Blue Forest Records. “It all fits together because of the talent and taste of the musicians, who groove no matter what they're doing—and it's tremendous fun, to boot,” said All About Jazz. 

For the next concert in the series, the Jerry Bergonzi Quartet takes the stage on Sunday, September 18 at 4 p.m. The band features Jerry Bergonzi on tenor sax, Harvie S on acoustic bass, Bruce Barth on piano, and Jason Tiemann on drums.

Jerry Bergonzi is a tenor saxophonist, composer, author and educator who was introduced to the world of jazz by one its legends – Dave Brubeck. In the 1970s, he toured with the Two Generations of Brubeck band that featured Dave and the three Brubeck sons: Darius, Chris, and Dan. Later in that decade, he also held the sax chair in the Dave Brubeck Quartet. On the faculty of the New England Conservatory for the last 20 years, Jerry teaches improvisation in ensemble settings as well as one-on-one. He still plays two weekly gigs in the Boston area and tours 130 days a year playing his own music.

Harvie S is back in the Brubeck Room for his seventh performance - most recently in 2019 with Alan Broadbent. Harvie is an award-winning bassist, educator, composer, arranger, and producer. He has played with many of the biggest names in jazz, and has performed in a wide variety of jazz festivals around the globe as well as in such venues as The Blue Note, The Iridium, and the Kennedy Center.

Jason Tiemann is a New York City-based jazz drummer, where he maintains a busy schedule as a freelance performer and educator. Admittedly drawing influence from the greats Philly Joe Jones, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, and Billy Higgins, Tiemann is quickly forging his musical voice on the New York scene by fusing his depth of historical foundation with crisp technique and propulsive, intuitive swing.

Jazz pianist and composer Bruce Barth has been sharing his music with listeners the world over for more than two decades. Bruce has performed on over one hundred recordings and movie soundtracks.  He is equally at home playing solo piano, leading an all-star septet and composing for a variety of ensembles.  He has performed with James Moody, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Tony Bennett, Branford Marsalis, and Wynton Marsalis among many others.

Advance registration strongly recommended. Register online or call 203-762-6334. Suggested donation: $10. Each registration is for one name only; please remember to separately register each member of your party. Pre-registrants should arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the concert to be guaranteed seating; wait-listed and walk-in registrants will be admitted if space is available. Following each concert, there will be a reception with CDs available for sale and signing.

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For more information, please visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call (203) 762-3950. 

WILTON EVENT: Weekend Workshops – Paper Dolls At The Historical Society on Saturday, September 10 From 11:00am - 12:00pm

 

Weekend Workshops – Paper Dolls at Wilton Historical Society on Saturday, September 10 from 11:00am - 12:00pm

Paper dolls have been a common toy for centuries across the globe. Traditionally, in the United States and Europe, paper dolls have consisted of figures cut out of paper or thin card stock, with clothing fashioned out of paper held onto the dolls with paper folding tabs. Mass production of these dolls began in the early 1800s and continued into the 20th century. 

On Saturday, September 10, from 11:00-12:00, Wilton Historical will offer a paper doll-making workshop for kids. The workshop will feature pre-cut paper figures which can be decorated with a variety of paper outfits, led by Museum Educator Catherine Lipper, who will also share her collection of three Madam Alexander dolls in pristine condition. The morning promises an excellent opportunity for creativity and fun, appropriate for boys and girls alike!

Learn more and register HERE.

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

Please fill out the form below to register or email info@wiltonhistorical.org

HARTFORD: Connecticut Primary Was Yesterday, Tuesday, August 8

 
Below Are The "Unofficial" Results:

Democratic Party

SECRETARY OF THE STATE  

CANDIDATE PARTY / NAME	VOTES	VOTES %
Stephanie Thomas	82,436	75.84%
Maritza Bond	26,266	24.16%

TREASURER  

CANDIDATE PARTY / NAME	VOTES	VOTES %
Erick Russell	62,215	57.62%
Dita Bhargava	24,592	22.78%
Karen Dubois-Walton	21,162	19.60%

Republican Party

UNITED STATES SENATOR   

CANDIDATE PARTY / NAME	VOTES	VOTES %
Themis Klarides	36,578	37.65%
Leora R. Levy	52,030	53.56%
Peter Lumaj	8,535	8.79%

SECRETARY OF THE STATE  

CANDIDATE PARTY / NAME	VOTES	VOTES %
Dominic Rapini	50,262	58.23%
Terrie E. Wood	36,058	41.77%

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS 04  

CANDIDATE PARTY / NAME	VOTES	VOTES %
Jayme Stevenson	9,961	60.31%
Michael Ted Goldstein	6,554	39.69%

Learn more on the Secretary of State website HERE.

WILTON: The Teen Library Council Is Seeking New Members This School Year

Help librarians choose materials and plan programs, get volunteer experience, and have fun at the library!

All students in Grades 6-12 are welcome to apply. Click here.

WILTON: Construction For The Pedestrian Bridge Project Is Scheduled To Begin The Week Of August 8, 2022

 

The Pedestrian Bridge project consists of building a bridge connecting the Wilton Train Station on Station Road to the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) on the opposite side of the river and improvements to the NRVT leading into Wilton Center.   

The first task involves removing trees within the project limits.  Then, the contractor will proceed with bridge foundation work.

For the safety of workers and trail users, during the day the NRVT will be closed from behind Red Rooster Pub to the backside of the Merwin Meadows Park soccer field.  Every effort will be made to open a 5 foot width of trail after work hours and on weekends.

The overflow parking lot on the west side (river side) of the train tracks will be closed throughout the duration of the project.  It is anticipated that work will continue through the fall and be completed in the Spring of 2023.   

Once completed, the bridge is expected to facilitate residential development within and around the train station, commuter access to residences or shops in the Center and access to the NRVT for bikers, walkers and runners residing on the opposite side of the river or arriving by train.  The projected is funded by a grant from the State of Connecticut.

If you have any questions, please call Wilton Department of Public Works at 203-563-0152. 

BRIDGEPORT: Community Members Will Get Together To Plan For Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Fundraiser

 

BRIDGEPORT AND WESTPORT (FAIRFIELD COUNTY) CT: A passionate group of animal lovers, board members, and Zoo supporters get together, the outcome is a fabulous way to raise funds for Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

A group of women and men from around the region have joined forces to create the Zoo’s third in-person Endangered Species Gala, this time also celebrating the Zoo’s Centennial year. The elegant evening affair, designed to raise money to support the Zoo’s collection of endangered species and enhance habitats, will be held on October 29, 2022, at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. 

Co-chaired by Sonja Narcisse of Fairfield and Claudette Kunkes, PhD, of Westport, both Connecticut Zoological Society members of the Board of Directors, this year’s Gala will feature cocktails and animal encounters, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment from the Glenn Lesiw Trio. 

Melissa Sheketoff, host of WICC’s Melissa in the Morning will act as emcee, and Jim Breheny, Director of the Bronx Zoo, is the guest speaker. A special VIP cocktail hour will feature Master Falconer Brian Bradley and his Sky Hunters in Flight. Tickets start at $250/person; $500/person includes the VIP cocktail hour. 

Committee members include Audrey Delfoe of Fairfield, Teresa Nakouzi of Hamden, Lisa Croce Jackson, Chip Dumais and Dean DeBiase, all of Milford, Simone Ruotolo and Bernadette Baldino, both of Trumbull, Donna Rosenbloom of Weston, Antonio Rodriguez of Stratford, Brooke Hopkins of Woodbridge, Jennifer DiBlanda of Prospect, and Sue Amatrudo of East Haven.

“The Centennial Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the important species-saving work of the Zoo over many years,” said Narcisse, committee co-chair. “Once you realize the steps that are being taken by our Zoo to help sustain the future of wildlife, it’s impossible not to want to help them continue their work.” 

“The evening will be a very special, elegant event. We invite guests to come and enjoy meeting the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and learn from the Zoo’s animal experts,” said Co-Chair Kunkes. 

The Zoo is seeking sponsors for the event. Beginning with an exclusive presenting sponsorship priced at $25,000, there are multiple opportunities for corporations and individuals to contribute. Interested supporters can contact Ashley Volkens, at 203-394-5522, or at  avolkens@beardsleyzoo.org. 

“Today’s zoos are dedicated to conservation, research, education, and exceptional guest experience,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “As animals continue to disappear in the wild, and as the ‘wild’ itself disappears due to deforestation and human interaction, the role of accredited zoos becomes more important in ensuring our grandchildren can see a live tiger, for instance, instead of just a picture of what one used to look like.” 

“Our mission to educate and contribute to conservation efforts is helped in a very large way by our volunteers and committee members,” Dancho added. “We’re grateful for their assistance.”

Co Chairs: Claudette Kunkes, Westport; Sonja Narcisse, Fairfield