Today we launch a new column from a friend and a longtime Wilton resident, Dan Berg. His column is called, “Off the Beaten Path,” and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what he will bring to GOOD Morning Wilton.

He is a self-styled keen observer of the world, with no shortage of ideas and opinions about what’s what and how to get from right here to way over there. He is delighted to share some thoughts and observations about all-things-Wilton and is grateful to GMW for inviting him to do so. Through his writing, Dan looks forward to meeting new people with great ideas and insights, and discussing and debating the big happenings, opportunities and challenges of 21st century Wilton.

We’ve long admired him for his cool demeanor and sane perspective on both the controversial and more mundane subjects in town. We’re eager for you to get to read his thoughts and views and hope that readers will join the conversation, because we know Dan will spark it. It’s one more way we hope to engage neighbors with one another and to inspire more citizen involvement with what’s going on in Wilton.

Dan has had perspective on what’s been going on here since 1992. He and his wife have raised their three children here and are proud to call Wilton home. Not only has he watched our town grow and change over the past 20-plus years, but he considers himself privileged to have volunteered and contributed here in many ways.

As he wrote in his bio, “a lot of that volunteering has involved hammers, shovels, and things that make him dirty or sweaty.” Much of his current volunteer work is devoted to Wilton’s Conservation Commission, which he chairs. It’s a good fit, as he loves the outdoors; depending on the season, this involves running, biking, hiking, marveling at what’s in bloom, and alternately praising and cursing his snowblower.

That’s part of where the inspiration for his column title, “Off the Beaten Path.” We can’t wait to follow where Dan takes us as he literally and figuratively takes us around town. Be sure to check out his first column, “This is Why I Live Here.”