FIRST UP on GMW is an occasional column that highlights shorter announcements or updates, and helps you get a quick start to the Wilton news of the day. Have a news tip, item or something you know people are chatting about? Email us at editor@goodmorningwilton.com.
Republican Party Primary on Aug. 13 — With Early Voting
The Republican Party‘s primary for U.S. senator and U.S. congressional representative will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 13. On the ballot this year are two individuals running in each race:
U.S. Senator
- Gerry Smith (endorsed)
- Matthew M. Corey
U.S. Representative — District 4
- Bob MacGuffie (endorsed)
- Michael Goldstein
In-Person poll voting will take place for all registered Republican voters in Wilton at Wilton High School in the Clune Center (395 Danbury Rd.) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Eligible voters are also able to cast ballots during early voting, which takes place at Wilton Town Hall in Room B (395 Danbury Rd.) on the following days and times:
- Aug. 5 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Aug. 06 — 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Aug. 07 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Aug. 08 — 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Aug. 09 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Aug. 10 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Aug. 11 — 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
CT Teachers Union Gives State Sen. Ceci Maher ‘Grade A Honor Roll’ for 2024 Legislative Session
This is a press release from the office of State Sen. Ceci Maher.
The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) , a state teacher’s union representing more than 43,000 active, retired and aspiring educators, has just released its report card for the 2024 state legislative session, giving State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) an A grade and Honor Roll designation. A press release from her office said the grade confirmed “her outstanding commitment to the public policies and budget dollars that make Connecticut teachers and their public school students successful all across the state.”
“Our schools are vital for our communities, supporting future generations and fostering growth across Connecticut,” Maher said in the release. “This grade from the CEA reinforces my continued commitment to support our schools and strengthen Connecticut’s future for years to come. I’m grateful for this recognition.”
The union annually recognizes “educational champions” who teachers says have a “proven track record” of supporting public education. Detailed results of the report card can be found online.
This is the second CEA report card for Maher, who has a lifetime score of 94%, for voting for what the releases called “pro-public education policies.” In past years, those policy topics have included cultural responsiveness, school counselors, Black and Latino studies, minority teacher recruitment, student mental and behavioral health, protecting teachers’ personal Iinformation, standardized assessment and special education, and safe classrooms.
This year, the CEA graded legislators for their votes on:
- House Bill 5436, teacher certification and mandated reporters, for supporting important changes to teacher certification, improvements to mandated reporter procedures, changes to the assessment for teacher preparatory programs, and supports for paraeducators
- House Bill 5437, Professional Development & School Climate, for supporting and updating professional development requirements and improving school culture and climate
- Senate Bill 154, Behavior Notification & Assessment Audit, for supporting better student behavior notifications to parents and a standardized assessment audit.
- House Bill 5524 and Senate Bill 5, School Indoor Air Quality, for supporting and expanding Connecticut’s School Indoor Air Quality grant program.
- Senate Bill 14, Goodwin Magnet Teacher Rights, for ensuring teacher rights are maintained at Goodwin University Magnet School.
- House Bill 5523, the 2024 Budget Implementer, for supporting a budget implementer that included $550,000 to the Teachers Retirement Board for Retiree Healthcare and adding CEA to the Education Mandate Review Advisory Council.
Greens at Cannondale Resident wins Outstanding Resident Accomplishment Award
The Greens at Cannondale announced that a resident of the senior living community, Howard Bonington, was awarded the Outstanding Resident Accomplishment Award by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association in recognition of his exceptional artistic talent and outstanding contributions to the residential community.
In a press release, Greens’ officials said that the award “is a testament to Howard’s extraordinary talent and the positive influence he has had on our community. We are immensely proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his presence among us. His kindness, enthusiasm, and commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic environment have made a lasting impact on us all.”
In addition to his artistic achievements, Bonington generously shares his knowledge and skills through lectures and presentations, and he encourages fellow residents to explore their own creative potential.
