Welcome to the first on-line issue of The Blinking Light
“We are a nation of communities, of tens and tens of thousands of ethnic, religious, social labor unions, neighborhoods, regional and other organizations, all of them varied, voluntary and unique…a brilliant diversity, spread like stars, like a thousand points of light, in a broad and peaceful sky”*
So much is happening this month in Wilton – just look around! Wilton isn’t Grover’s Corners, but our little town of roughly 4,000 folks emphasizes the beauty of ordinary life and the importance of appreciating it before it’s too late
In case you hadn’t noticed the hustle and bustle whenever you drove the wagon into town – Sara Spittel and Deb Mortvedt and innumerable teams from throughout the town are painting the place red, white and blue!
Speaking of which, here’s the first of many little quizzes that will be popping up throughout these newsletters: What do the red and white stripes in Betsy Ross’s American flag represent? – First one in to the Editor with the correct identification wins a free coffee at Bean and Bloom.
Ten organizations Over 20 volunteers One day (phew!)
That’s the short version of what Sara & Deb attribute to what’s behind Wilton’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary on May 9th. — an event that grew from a single idea floated in late 2024 into something none of us could have imagined when they started
The long version involves months of committee meetings full of laughter, lively discussions, and genuine hard work. It involved volunteers with day jobs and full lives who went home and spent their evenings researching historical connections, designing graphics, producing videos, and drafting content. They believe this moment deserved to be done right. This meant hours sitting with the American Legion, the SAR, the DAR, the Heritage Commission, the Main Street Association, the Community Center and more when each brought its own expertise — its own point of light to the event.
May 9th starts the way the best Wilton days do — with a hearty breakfast at the fire station. From there the day unfolds with a Continental Army encampment at Whiting Park, a Liberty Tree Dedication, a loud and proud community procession with bells ringing from the park to Main Street. Then a somber War Memorial ceremony honoring Pomp Russell, a long-overlooked Wilton patriot whose name will finally be added to our Revolutionary War plaque.
Then the fun really kicks in! The Main Street Jubilee brings face painting, screen printing, cotton candy, colonial games for kids age 5 to 11, and live bluegrass music. The Farm & Craft Market fills the air with Celtic music. Tour the historic jail cells (where our Dear Dora was incarcerated but raised $700 in bail money!). And even more music – catch the Temple Band in concert and stay for the Mason’s chicken BBQ in the Main Street Park. As the sun goes down, join your neighbors at Carnival Hill Field for a star watch under Wilton’s skies.
None of this happens without a town that shows up for itself. The heavy lifting has been quiet and mostly invisible — and that’s exactly how good community volunteering works. The key is the steady leadership and planning this event has had. For more details go to wwwwiltonnh250com If you don’t have a computer or phone (sacre bleu!), try the ol’ tuna fish can with a string or look at the posters in the shops and chat with the locals.
What’s that duck?
Donna Crane and her colleagues are excited to announce that after 25 years as its owner, Steve Lewers has sold the business to his employees and they are, as of April 1, 2026, a worker owned cooperative! Let’s hear it for the new owners!
In case you don’t know, Earth Sky + Water is Wilton’s hometown nature publisher whose banner is hanging on the Riverwalk by the Gazebo. Their beautifully illustrated nature products are all designed, manufactured and assembled here in New England and it’s all headquartered right here in Wilton! Products include myriad nature identification folding guides, posters, greeting cards, boxed notes and vinyl stickers. They’re available locally at House by the Side of the Road, Local Share, and Here Today Emporium. Support your local businesses. Fishing for more information? wwwearthskywater.net.
Taste bud teaser alert!
Without giving away the tasty details – let us just say – Coming soon – A sweet surprise from the creative minds at Nelson’s Candies. Just sayin’
Your trash make a real difference!
For all you Seniors who enjoy the semi-monthly Meals on Wheels at the Wilton Community Center (and other venues in the area), Carol McKillip, MOW Director, is asking you to save the clear plastic caps from your water bottles at the meals, and those you have been tossing into the recycling bin at home. Bring them in to any of the lunches and they will be used to create artificial limbs for veterans, first responders and children.
Yet another reason to recycle: Carol Burgess, WRC Manager, says that all your recycled plastic bags (from Market Basket etc) are transformed into all weather, sustainable composite park benches. Be sure to haul them in every dump-run because Carol needs 500# before she can send them to the manufacturer. – and besides benches are a much better use of plastic bags than being stuck in branches, don’t you think?
Another brilliant idea!
Pack a Go Kit. Emergencies rarely telegraph their arrival. When an unexpected trip to the hospital, urgent call from a distant family member, fire, flood or other weather-related reason arrives, you need to pick up and go quickly. Be prepared. You already know your phone is glued to your hand so you probably won’t forget that! However write this down Bertha, and paste it on the fridge: medications (and the actual prescriptions themselves, if you’re traveling outside the US), keys, credit cards, personal toiletries, including extra batteries for hearing aids, etc and a roll of TP (just in case), keys, identification, emergency contact numbers, (spare) phone charger, mylar blanket, ID cards for any medical metal implants., bottled water (save those caps) and jerky or GORP. If you have an animal, cage it with food and water and bring it with you. Oh, and don’t forget your kids and your husband.
Summer is a’ Cumin In…
…and your friendly American Red Cross blood bank vampires urge you to drop by and donate a pint or so before you drive off for fun in the sun, running through blooming meadows or listening to singing cuckoos. (Look it up.)
Now that’s incentive!
In April (of 1773) the Town voted to provide one barrel of West India rum, five barrels of New England rum, one barrel of good brown sugar, half a box of good lemons, two loaves of loaf sugar to entice the workers and “lubricate” the framing and raising of the Second Meeting house which would replace the original log building in Wilton Center. Hmmm.
The free town-wide yard sale or “Back up the truck, Fred”
On May 23rd or 24th (if raining) from 9 to 1 pm at Whiting Park (the Flats) or at your own home, Wiltonians will be selling off the family treasures. Newlyweds and college kids – listen up! Many elders are “downsizing” and nifty bargains can be had at decent prices. Elders – listen up! now’s the time to unload sell those treasures you’ve been keeping in the spare room for years! And the whole thing is easy peasy – but you’ve got to register to get on the list and map so treasure hunters can find your house. Call (603) 422-2300 no later than May 18th. Let Stephanie know if you’ll be selling on the Flats, or at your home. Then haul out the goodies and rake in the cash.
If you have news from your organization, about your employees, friends or anything Wilton related, send it to the Editor ASAP.
Remember – Wilton needs your thumbprint.
Till next issue,
Stasia Millett
Editor and decipher of news scrawled on napkins
sbmillett@tds.net
* Giving credit where credit is due: George H. W. Bush, 1989