Drop in revenues spells persistent budget trouble

Written by Joan Lownds
Sunday, 21 March 2010 10:00

A shortfall in conveyance taxes and building permit revenues continues to spell trouble for the town’s budget, according to Sandy Dennies, Wilton’s chief financial officer. “This is my biggest concern,” Ms. Dennies told the Board of Finance at its regular meeting Tuesday night. “Revenues are definitely off.”

According to Ms. Dennies, building permit revenues were budgeted this year for $600,000 in revenues, but so far the town has only received $208,916 in these fees. “This is what I’m really concerned about,” she said.

Similarly, real estate conveyance taxes were budgeted this year for $400,000, but so far the town has only received $293,482.

There are only three and a half months left in the town’s fiscal year, she said.

Georgetown Green plans to buy the G&B mill site

Written by Susan Wolf
Sunday, 21 March 2010 06:00

The Georgetown redevelopment project is slated to have a new owner.

Georgetown Green, LLC has entered into an agreement with Georgetown Land Development Company to purchase the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site off Route 107. The agreement anticipates a closing this June.

Georgetown Land Development Company has been the redeveloper of the former Gilbert & Bennett wire mill site. Its project has been stalled most recently by the economy.

Callen Cooper, CEO of Georgetown Green and a former Redding resident, is leading the acquisition and is “enthusiastic” about the project.

Police awards ceremony: Department lauds 21

Written by Justin Reynolds
Saturday, 20 March 2010 20:00

In the lobby of the Wilton Police Department there’s a plaque. It reads: Inside these doors are police officers as fine as any in the country.

At the department’s annual awards ceremony Monday night, Chief Michael Lombardo repeated that phrase, adding he truly believes his officers are just that.

“We gather to commend those who do extraordinary work each and every day,” Chief Lombardo said. “Officers serve the town as professionally as any other agency.”

The department acknowledged the achievements of 21 of its officers.

Life after Dexter: Writer puts real family over his ‘TV family’

Written by Justin Reynolds
Saturday, 20 March 2010 14:00

Imagine this: you’re the show runner for a hit show, you’ve just wrapped up the fourth season, and its finale debuted to a record-breaking audience. Despite that success, at the peak of the show’s popularity, you decide to walk away.

For Clyde Phillips, left, that show was Dexter, the Showtime drama centered around the life of Dexter Morgan, a man who works in forensics and moonlights as a serial killer. The show’s fourth season’s finale aired in December and was watched by 2.6 million viewers, the most viewers of any program in the channel’s history.

Though the show was picked up by Showtime for a fifth season, Mr. Phillips, who lives in Wilton, recently decided to walk away from Dexter because geographically — the show shoots in Los Angeles — it just wasn’t working for him.

Sheridan concert covers Mitchell, Cohen

Saturday, 20 March 2010 10:00

Wilton Library’s Connecticut’s Own Sunday concert series will present singer Suzanne Sheridan in a free performance of Both Sides Now on March 21, from 4 to 5.

Ms. Sheridan appeared last June at the library’s annual meeting with the band Exit 43. She returns for this solo performance, a tribute to Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Ms. Mitchell’s greatest hits include “Both Sides Now,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio,” and “Chelsea Morning.” Mr. Cohen’s discography includes “Suzanne,” “Anthem,” “Like A Bird on A Wire,” and “Hallelujah.” While reading the book Girls Like Us, Ms. Sheridan discovered that Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell were briefly involved in a love affair in the early 70s. Musically, she has reunited them.

Boucher video calls for autism awareness

Saturday, 20 March 2010 06:00

State Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) has produced a video which aims to heighten awareness for autism. “In recent years, cases of the disorder have risen dramatically,” she said.

Tree pollen spotted in Fairfield County, sneezing soon to follow

Friday, 19 March 2010 20:00

The Allergy Center of Connecticut has started its annual measurement of local pollen levels. Pollen — the tiny, male cells of flowering plants — can cause itchy or watery eyes, a stuffy, runny nose, allergic eczema and asthma. For people with seasonal allergies, pollen levels can be a useful tool. Monitoring these levels can help limit outdoor exposure at peak pollen times and in turn, reduce their allergy symptoms.

Relay for Life Battle of the Bands

Friday, 19 March 2010 18:00

On March 26, Relay for Lfe and Road Sign Productions will hold a Battle of the Bands at the Outback Teen Center in New Canaan. Any band is welcome to sign up.

Storm damage: Insurance hotline, FEMA assistance deadline is March 22

Friday, 19 March 2010 14:00

Connecticut residents affected by last weekend’s rain and wind storm can call the state Insurance Department’s toll-free hotline at 800-203-3447 with questions about claims.

“The destruction that Fairfield County experienced from this storm was like nothing I have ever seen,” Gov. Rell said. “Thousands of towering trees were blown over while countless houses and vehicles were damaged by debris. It is only natural to wonder whether your insurance policy is going to pay to fix the damage. We want residents in Fairfield County and across Connecticut to know that by calling this hotline, they can get questions answered about homeowners policies, flood insurance and catastrophe claims.”

Hundreds of consumers take advantage of appliance rebate program

Friday, 19 March 2010 10:00

Governor M. Jodi Rell yesterday announced that more than 1,600 consumers have already taken advantage of the state’s energy efficient appliance rebate program, which is funded by $3.4 million in federal stimulus.

“We have over 140 retailers participating in this program and there are still more than $3 million available for rebates,” Gov. Rell said. “This is a great time for consumers to get that energy efficient washer or refrigerator, especially as they start receiving their income tax refund checks.

“These rebates can also be used with vendor rebates. Buying now will save on energy costs in the long run,” the governor said. “It’s more money for the household budget and more business for local retailers.”