Wilton, once again we came together as a community to decide the Town’s budget for the next fiscal year during a time of rapid growth. Like the previous two years, we have seen a steady increase of votes in favor of the budget as the voters approved it by overwhelming numbers, well over 70%. This result is particularly gratifying given the challenges presented by a new software system that was incorrectly implemented. This was hard and time consuming to fix. Fortunately, under the able leadership of our new CFO and her team we have been making steady progress. The voters showed by their steadfast support that they understand the town remains financially strong. By a very large percentage, the voters also approved both the Ambler Farm Yellow House renovation and a town lease with the Friends of Ambler Farm, which demonstrates how much they value one of our greatest assets. Thank you, Wilton voters, for your support in moving the town we all love forward.

Frank Smeriglio Says Goodbye

Wilton threw a fine farewell for its town engineer and public works director, Frank Smeriglio, who has left for new ventures in the private sector after seven years at Town Hall. His staff presented him with a collage of all the projects he built during his tenure here, while speeches from colleagues lauded Frank’s dedication, his unfailing calm under pressure, his ability to manage multiple priorities at once, his creative vision, his patience and his kindness. Wilton was lucky to have Frank leading this critical department for as long as he did. His talent and resourcefulness saw the new Police Station through to completion, kept Wilton safe and our roads passable through historic floods and blizzards, and shored up bridges and roads across town. Everyone cheered Frank on in his new professional life and wished him continued success.

Merwin Meadows and Guy Whitten Field

A quick update from Steve Pierce, Parks and Recreation director, tells us that dredging has begun at Merwin Meadows Pond and will continue until the water and the beach area are back to their pre-2024 storm conditions. Sod is being laid now on the Guy Whitten Field and his office is working with Eversource to energize the lights. Steve will keep us informed as progress toward opening day is made.

Tick Season

Tick season is particularly bad right now. This fact sheet from the Wilton Health Department provides information on tick prevention, removal and bite symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

Household Hazardous Waste

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially begins on Jun. 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. Historically, they are at their height from the end of August into September, when the Atlantic is the warmest, but dangerous storms are possible at any time during the season.

Hurricanes categories, as determined by wind and speed:

  • Tropical depression — sustained wind speeds of 38 mph
  • Category 1 — Wind speeds of 74-95 mph
  • Category 2 — Wind speeds of 96-110 mph
  • Category 3 (major) — Wind speeds of 111-129mph
  • Category 4 (major) — Wind speeds of 130-156mph
  • Category 5 (major) — Wind speeds greater than 157 mph

This link takes you to the Hurricane Emergency Preparedness page on the Wilton website with details on how to remain ready and safe: Hurricane Preparedness

Eversource Rate Increases

A notice was sent to municipal leaders that Eversource has notified the Public Utilities Rate Commission they will be undergoing a rate review process, with a proposal and report expected in early 2027. This review will focus on the costs of updating aging infrastructure, as electricity needs expand with increased housing and economic development. Damage from intensifying storms is also a factor, but Eversource hopes to mitigate the costs of those repairs with long-term securitization financing. This information page from Eversource answers frequently asked questions. They have also created a customer facing webpage with more information:

We will keep you updated as deliberations progress.

Wilton Alum, Matt Gulbin, Joins the NFL

Matt Gulbin, Wilton High School Alum ’21, is at the NFL rookie football camp as of May 7, getting ready to play with the Washington Commanders. Matt played all four years at Wilton before having an exceptional career at Wake Forest and Michigan State University. And now, this offensive lineman is headed to the pros after being selected in the sixth round draft. We are so thrilled for Matt and his family. Years of dedication, sacrifice and hard work have turned a dream into a reality. His example will inspire Wilton athletes for generations to come.

Regional HRRA Billboard Contest

Winners were announced for the 19th Annual Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Billboard Contest, where Connecticut students, ages K-12, create billboards that encourages recycling. This year’s theme was “Don’t Trash Textiles,” which educated people to not to throw away their clothing and other fabrics in the garbage. 5 Wilton students’ artwork won regional awards: Chloe Li, a First Grader at Miller-Driscoll, was a 3rd Place Regional Winner; Davis O’Dea, a Third Grader at Cider Mill, was a 3rd Place Regional Winner; Vi Monin, a Ninth Grader at Wilton High School was a Regional Honorable Mention; Sophie Zhang, a Tenth Grader at Wilton High School, was a Regional 1st Place Winner; and Grace Gordon, a Twelfth Grader at Wilton High School was a First Place Regional Winner. Congratulations to all!

Fire Department Tree Safety Course

Wilton’s Fire Department undertook what looked like a slightly harrowing tree rescue course last week, where they and other area departments learned how to safely navigate their way up through the branches. It’s an important reminder that climbing trees can be dangerous and requires specialized training. Before allowing anyone to do tree work on your property please check their credentials. These pictures show what it takes to become a professional.

WICC Visits Orem’s Diner

“Melissa in the Morning,” a radio and podcast show hosted by Melissa Sheketoff, brought her on-the-road-diner tour to Orem’s Diner last week, where our fire and police chiefs were delighted to be invited as guests. It was fun to be able to share a little bit about Wilton life with her audience and let them know all of the great things happening in our town. It was especially wonderful to be able to do this from Connecticut’s greatest diner, Orem’s, which has been a fixture of life in our area since 1921.

National Day of Prayer

The first Thursday in May was designated by President Harry Truman to be a National Day of Prayer, an interfaith celebration of America’s constitutional rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion. This year’s theme was “Glorify God Among the Nations — Seeking Him in All Generations,” from 1 Chronicles 16:24 NASB, “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.” Special prayers were said for the safety of Wilton’s Police Department and all emergency services personnel, and thanks were given for our country’s peace and well-being.

The Month of May: Honoring Heritage, History, and Contributions

  • Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month: May is a time when the gifts and experiences of the AAPI community are uplifted and celebrated. Asian Americans are a growing and valued part of Wilton and this month we honor the languages, traditions and histories of the more than 70 countries who make up this population. They have shaped American life through science, technology, the arts and government. Wilton is grateful for all of the AAPI members who have chosen to make our town their home.
  • Jewish American Heritage Month: May is also a time to celebrate Jewish American Heritage. Established by a presidential proclamation in 2006, this month highlights Jewish Americans’ rich history in this country, which dates back 400 years to the earliest days of our nation’s founding. So many events, exhibits, teaching materials, stories and programs are happening nationally and online that it is best to visit these sites for the most comprehensive information: Jewish American Heritage Month Official Site; Smithsonian; National Archives; and the American Jewish Committee

June Celebrations

  • Pride Month: Looking forward to June, Wilton is excited to celebrate Pride Month, which honors the LGBTQIA+ community and they’re being granted full equal rights. Wilton pride festival will take place on Sunday, May 31 with a street fair, which will join The Historical Society‘s popular Food Truck Festival located at Schenck’s Island also on May 31, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21 marks the National Indigenous Peoples Day, when our nation honors the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples. The plethora of Indian names of our towns and rivers — Connecticut stems from the Algonquin word Quinnehtukqut, which means “long tidal river” — speaks to the deep and ongoing connection our area has with Indigenous tribes. Wilton’s own Weir Farm was the site of the Ramapoo Village, a prominent and ancient gathering place from 6,000 years ago, and possibly as early as 12,000 years. From pain relievers to suspension bridges to kayaks, today’s America enjoys countless benefits from Native American culture.
  • Juneteenth: June 19 commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, because it marks the day in 1865 when Major General Granger enforced the Emancipation Proclamation on the last slave stronghold in Texas. Locally, there will be festivals with live music, Black-owned vendors, food and cultural activities: Juneteenth Carnival Weekend, Norwalk Town Green, Juneteenth Jamboree, Cultural Celebration & Summer Concert
  • World Refugee Day: On June 20th the world recognizes the plight of refugees, highlighting their need for support by raising awareness of refugee conditions and stories from all over the world.

Wilton’s Community Celebration

The second annual Community Celebration event was on full display early this month at the Riverbrook YMCA, hosted by the Wilton Coalition for Youth. Many cultures and traditions came together for a day of feasting, music, games and traditional dress to showcase the wonderful diversity that makes Wilton life so special.

Wilton’s Memorial Day 2026

A great lineup of festivities awaits this weekend to celebrate Memorial Day — Wilton style. In honor of all those military personnel who gave their lives in service to our country, the Wilton Memorial Day Parade Committee invites everyone to the Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Monday at the top of River Rd. It continues through Town Center, up Ridgefield Rd. to Hillside Cemetery, where a Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m.

Marching this year will be veterans, bagpipers, military cars, antique cars, dignitaries, Scout troops, the High School band, local organizations and sports teams. All those who wish to be in the parade need to register beforehand and sign in at the check in desk. At the end of the parade, Dial-A-Ride vans will be waiting at the Wilton Congregational Church to take seniors and those with disabilities to the Hillside ceremony. There also will be a pickup area at the Wilton Congregational Church for parents picking up their children and for those not continuing to Hillside. The church will be giving out water.

Accompanying the parade will be a flyover C-130 Aircraft who will fly along the length of the parade route. In case of inclement weather, the Remembrance Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Wilton Congregational Church (70 Ridgefield Rd.).

Please note: Ridgefield Rd. between Danbury Rd. and Drum Hill Rd., Horseshoe Rd. from Wolfpit Rd. to Town Center and Belden Hill Rd. between Drum Hill Rd. and Ridgefield Rd. all will be closed at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the parade. All roads will reopen at 12:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

And… Don’t miss the Wilton Kiwanis Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast right before the parade from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Congregational Church hall!

Reflections

With all of the multicultural events happening in May and June, it is wonderful to see how fully Wilton celebrates diverse points of view, backgrounds, religions, ethnicities and personal histories. What is even more remarkable is that we, as a community, are able to coalesce all of these perspectives into action that financially supports our Town today and creates the seed funds for its future. I am grateful that there was such strong communal support for the budget and the special bond items that were put before the voters this month. This makes everyone who works on behalf of the Town feel that there is a solid united front cheering on their work and ideas. Thank you, Wilton.

And as we fly our flags high this Memorial Day, I hope we may all hold a prayer in our hearts for those who sacrificed everything to protect our country’s ideals of the four freedoms: Freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. The courage they showed in answering their country’s call to fight for a safer, stronger America deserves our unwavering gratitude. Although we will honor them formally on Monday, I hope that by our acts of service, as a country, as a community and as individuals, we honor them every day.

Toni

Toni Boucher
First Selectman
Town of Wilton