The following is an update from First Selectman Toni Boucher.

Welcome Additions

Wilton Town Hall has been bustling this month, and we’re delighted to share several exciting news items.

Often, taking your time and being deliberate can achieve great outcomes. After a thorough search a familiar face will be taking on a major Town leadership role as the new town administrator. Jim Blanchfield will be moving into this position while remaining Wilton’s emergency management director. Many people know Jim, after his many years with the Wilton Fire Department, but we happily share his official introduction below.

Our New Town Administrator

Last week, I was pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Blanchfield as the new Wilton town administrator and director of emergency management. Jim emerged as the top choice following a careful search and unanimous approval by the Wilton Board of Selectmen. Jim, who currently serves as Wilton’s fire chief and emergency management director, brings a wealth of leadership experience, strong municipal relationships and deep operational knowledge to the role. His career in municipal government has included responsibility for personnel, labor relations, budgeting, contracts, purchasing, grants, policy development and day-to-day operations. As emergency management director, Jim works with department heads and Town officials throughout the organization on preparedness, planning, training, continuity of operations, resource coordination and other issues requiring cooperation across municipal departments. This role has provided him with a broad understanding of the Town’s operations and the varied responsibilities of its departments, as well as the importance of bringing different areas of Town government together to address complex issues. As mentioned, Jim will retain his position as emergency management director alongside his new duties.

In addition to his local leadership, he has served as an adjunct instructor for both the Connecticut Fire Academy and the Fairfield Regional Fire School, and received the inaugural Lewisboro, NY Regional 2025 Emergency Preparedness and Management Award for his outstanding contributions to regional safety.

Jim’s history of professional advancement reveals the strengths that make him the perfect choice for the town administrator position. He has used his innate capabilities, devotion to learning and teaching and leadership qualities to successfully run the second largest Town department.

Jim holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Juris Doctorate, cum laude, from Quinnipiac College School of Law. His legal practice has included municipal law, contracts, employment, land use, real estate and representing businesses, financial institutions and municipalities.

Jim brings a unique combination of municipal experience, legal knowledge and a practical understanding of how Town government operates. He has worked closely with our department heads and Town officials in a variety of capacities and understands the importance of collaboration, communication and accountability. His experience will be a tremendous asset to the Town. As town administrator, Jim will oversee the Town’s day-to-day municipal operations while working with department heads and Town officials. Jim’s appointment marks a seamless transition into a pivotal administrative role, ensuring continued efficiency, strong interdepartmental collaboration and dedicated service to the residents of Wilton.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Town of Wilton in this capacity,” Jim says. “I look forward to working with the first selectman, Board of Selectmen, our department heads and employees, and the residents of Wilton. My goal is to build on the strengths of our Town organization, encourage collaboration across departments and ensure that we continue to provide responsive, efficient and responsible service to our community.”

Jim Blanchfield has exemplified the highest standards of integrity, strategic vision and operational excellence throughout his tenure. His leadership has had a lasting, positive impact on Wilton, whether coordinating emergency response efforts or engaging directly with our residents. Jim’s ability to bring departments together in service of our community makes him the ideal choice for town administrator.

New Pickleball Courts

Construction is set to begin on the new pickleball courts that were approved by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting in May. They will be going in across from the tennis courts on the high school campus. Players ready? Expect to serve early [next] spring.

Early Voting and Election Day

Voting for U.S. Congressional candidates, state senators, state house members, the governor, the secretary of the state, treasurer, comptroller, attorney general and judge of probate began on Oct. 19. Wilton’s registrars are reporting a high voter turnout during this early voting period, which continues through Nov. 1, but here is a reminder of where and when the polls are open:

  • Early Voting: Polls are open at the Wilton High School Clune Center (395 Danbury Rd.), through Sunday, Nov. 1. Voting hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, except Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 29, when hours will be extended to 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Election Day: Polls are open at the Wilton High School Field House (395 Danbury Rd.), on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Voters who are in line by 8 p.m. may cast a ballot.
  • Same-day Registration: Voters who missed the registration deadline can submit same-day registration at designated locations, not at regular Election Day polling places. Wilton residents can contact the Registrar of Voters for additional information. Editor’s note: Same-day registration is available at the Wilton High School Clune Center polling location during early voting. For same-day registration on Election Day, voters should go to Town Hall at 238 Danbury Rd.
  • Absentee Voting: Connecticut voters may request an absentee ballot without providing a specific excuse. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, Nov. 2. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can request a ballot through the Connecticut online absentee ballot portal or by contacting the Wilton town clerk’s office.

Bark or Treat

Howl-o-Ween day arrives on Friday, Oct. 30, when furry constituents can visit the Tax Collector and Assessor’s office for a bag of treats, courtesy of Hollie Rapp, [Wilton’s manager of assessing and tax collection]. Tricks and costumes are certainly encouraged but no points will be deducted if tails arrive just as themselves.

Schenck’s Island Habitat Restoration Project

Schencks Island is the lucky beneficiary of a grant given to the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited, [which was] awarded $10,000 by the national group Trout Unlimited. The money will be used to perform habitat restoration work on the Island this month.

Volunteers and members of Trout Unlimited will mow down invasive plants and replant the area with native species. Schencks Island was identified by the Mianus Chapter back in 2020 and they will continue their stewardship of this project. If you are interested and available to help on Saturday, Oct. 24, please reach out to the project coordinator, Gerald Berrafati. [Editor’s note: this event has already passed]

WestCOG Safety Action Plan Survey

The Western Connecticut Council of Governments, a coalition of 18 municipal governments in our region, is conducting a Safety Action Plan survey on the public’s experience with multi-use roads in our area. The survey will be collecting answers until Nov. 6. Scan the QR code below to access their questions.

No Shave Connecticut

This November, Wilton residents, employees, businesses and community organizations are invited to support No Shave CT, the Connecticut Cancer Foundation’s statewide fundraising campaign benefiting Connecticut cancer patients and their families.

No facial hair is required to participate. Supporters can create or join a fundraising team, organize a workplace or community fundraiser, involve a local business or simply donate and help spread the word. Teams can register now and participate throughout the month of November.

One hundred percent of the money raised through No Shave CT stays in Connecticut to help cancer patients with everyday expenses during treatment, including housing, utilities, groceries and transportation.

To learn more or get involved, visit the No Shave CT website.

The Human Library Event

Call for Volunteer Books — The Human Library at Wilton Library Book Application Deadline: Monday, Nov. 16

Wilton Library is proud to host The Human Library on Saturday, Mar. 20, 2027, and they are looking for volunteer “Books”! The Human Library is a community event featuring a library of people — human “books” — and their experiences with prejudice, bias or discrimination. At The Human Library, the “books” are on loan to “readers” for a personal and honest one-on-one conversation in a safe space. This format is designed to build a positive framework for dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through conversations.

Wilton Library is looking for people to volunteer as human books for [its] four-hour Human Library event on Mar. 20, 2027. [Anyone who feels they] fit the criteria for a book and are comfortable speaking with others about the challenges [they] have faced, please fill out the application online by Nov. 16. For more information, visit the Wilton Library website or email Melissa Baker. The Human Library event at Wilton Library is sponsored by ASML.

Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness Month

Leaders from the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Wilton Town employees and law enforcement officers gathered in front of the Wilton Police Station to proclaim our community’s commitment to supporting domestic violence victims and preventing this danger to individuals and families however possible.

In her remarks, DVCC Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Adam reminded those present that domestic violence is a community issue that thrives in silence. “An informed community is a safe community,” she said. To understand domestic violence, she continued, it is important to understand that it is not a matter of one bad day but a pattern of coercive control and violent behavior. When someone shares their story, it is critically important to simply listen with compassion, to let them know they are not alone. The work of the DVCC is to empower people and to help them feel safe and protected.

Deputy Chief of Police Rob Cipolla, expanded on this when he said that some of the most important work Wilton Police do is to connect survivors to resources that give them a path forward. Collaborating with the DVCC to offer Wilton residents the confidential means they need, helps to keep families safe.

To quote from the Town Proclamation, in 2025 one-third of all Connecticut homicides were the result of domestic violence. Running from domestic violence is the number one cause of homelessness among women and children. Stopping domestic violence strengthens our town and creates a safe space for everyone. This is why we, the community of Wilton, proclaim our commitment to mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you, or someone you know, needs help please reach out to Wilton’s Social Services Director Stephanie Rowe via email or the Domestic Violence Crisis Center hotline, 203.588.9097.

NOTE: Any Wilton student that is experiencing a mental health issue can reach out to Kim Zemo at Wilton public Schools via email. Also any Wilton resident with a mental health issue can access Social Services by email.

A Better Chance Scholars Dinner

Credit: Toni Boucher

I spent a wonderful evening with the ABC Scholars hearing all about their lives and their plans for the future. These inspirational young women have come to Wilton to live and study as members of Wilton High School’s community. Their backgrounds and stories are diverse but they share a drive to learn and succeed. We celebrate their ambition and their talent and are grateful that they have come to share their desire for learning with us.

Since 1994, A Better Chance of Wilton has provided social and educational opportunities, college preparation and guidance to students of color whose home districts may not offer the same advantages. Alumni of the program have gone on to competitive four-year colleges around the country. If you and your family are interested in becoming involved with the program or hosting a scholar, please reach out to the program coordinators on the ABC Wilton website.

Ambler Farm Day

Early in October, Ambler Farm celebrated [its] 26th Ambler Farm Day. This is the farm’s largest fundraiser, where all of the proceeds go to the non-profit Friends of Ambler Farm, whose work administers all of the programs, festivities and activities that make Ambler Farm such a vibrant part of Wilton life. This year, hundreds of people came from all around the region to enjoy the corn maze, the apple slingshot, pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, live music, food trucks and more at this special event that always heralds the start of the fall season. The day was made possible by the work of 100-plus volunteers and staff and through the sponsorships of local businesses: ASML, Tauck, the Village Market, Outdoor Sports Center, Seven Acres Montessori, Stew Leonard’s, Caraluzzi’s, Redding Veterinary Hospital, Ring’s End, the Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Wilton Hardware and the Wilton Soccer Association.

Thank you to everyone whose hard work created such an enjoyable celebration of farming and outdoor activities for us in Wilton.

Wilton Police Department Wins “Serve Well, Be Well Award”

The Wilton Police Department received recognition from the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association for [its] commitment to promoting officer health and wellness.

The “Serve Well, Be Well” initiative highlights the importance of supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of law enforcement officers.

Congratulations to the Wilton police force for winning this important distinction. The community in Wilton appreciates everything you do to keep us all safe, and that includes taking excellent care of yourselves!

Patriots’ Day

The stones may weather, and the moss may gather, but the legacy of Wilton’s Revolutionary [War] heroes lives on every time we freely cast a ballot, speak up at a Town Meeting or share our opinion in a public forum. The farmers and merchants of 1776 did not fight for glory, but to defend the seeds of democracy that earlier generations had planted against all odds. Patriots’ Day, hosted by the Wilton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, is a time to honor the commitment and sacrifices our forebears made so that our Republic could live. When we nurture our communities and work together to make our democratic institutions stronger, we lift up the men, and their families, resting peacefully around us in Wilton’s Hillside Cemetery.

A season of Thanksgiving and a time to be grateful is upon us. As we enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year, when Wilton is wrapped in gold, red and yellow foliage, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Not only do I live in a wonderful town surrounded by loving family and friends, but I also get to work with dedicated, extremely capable colleagues at Town Hall.

Specifically, I would like to highlight the efforts of Dawn Savo, our new CFO. She is finalizing a late Town audit for submission to state auditors, after a difficult year filled with major obstacles. She successfully surmounted the many issues presented to her at every turn and in the process worked hard to maintain Wilton’s Aaa bond rating. Thank you Dawn. We are grateful for you!

I am also grateful for the Town having recruited the best Wilton administrator; for the repair work being done on school buildings; for the upgrades and improvements to our playing fields and the swimming pond; for the new pickleball courts that are in the works; for our new cricket league and [its] inaugural match that was played in Wilton this year; for the professional review of the historic Gilbert and Bennet School buildings for future use possibilities; for Ambler Farm finally receiving [its] formal lease and the start of [its] renovations; for ASML, a world leader in microchips, growing in Wilton and funding our nonprofits. But, most of all, I am grateful that I get to work with some of the nicest, most hardworking town employees anywhere!

And… I am grateful for all the little ghosts and goblins who will be chanting ”Trick or Treat” this Saturday at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Pumpkin Parade. Happy fall, everyone!

Toni Boucher
First Selectman
Town of Wilton