"Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It" has served as the basis for multiple programs in Newtown this year that have fallen under the “Timeless Newtown: Embracing All Generations” banner. Among those programs is a forest bathing event at Cherry Grove Farm on September 13 and the event series finale with Dr Gendron on September 18. Registration for those events has now opened.
On Sunday, August 24, the 49th annual Ukrainian Festival will be presented at Paproski’s Castle Hill Farm Pumpkin Patch, 25 Sugar Lane (off Route 302).
The outdoor event will begin at 11 am with the C...
The public has two opportunities this weekend to purchase raffle tickets for Botsford Summer Bash. These are in addition to a growing number of locations hosting ongoing sales ahead of the August 23 fundraiser.
Sherman Artists Association is presenting “August Light 2025” in Kent Art Association gallery through August 30 and one Newtown artist has work included in the exhibition.
Tickets are on sale and now the cast is official for the next production by Town Players of Newtown. The local theater company is also looking further into the future, issuing a call for directors for 2026.
I agree with your point, Tom.
However, the sheer volume of Trump's false statements and claims -- vs. anyone else -- is astonishing and noteworthy.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/False_or_misleading_statements_by_Donald_Trump
President Biden, too, has claimed “inflation was 0%,” when in fact prices remained elevated. He told us his Afghanistan withdrawal was a “success,” even though Americans and allies were left behind and 13 service members lost their lives. He promised not to build another foot of border wall, but later quietly restarted construction. These examples matter just as much as Trump’s because they show that political dishonesty isn’t unique to one side.
The point is not to excuse Trump or Biden—it’s to recognize that truth matters, and voters deserve accountability from all leaders. Singling out one politician while giving others a free pass only fuels division.
It’s important to put the 8-30g application into context. The reason developers in our town resort to Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing statute is precisely because obstructionist voices, led by Mr. Ackert, have repeatedly opposed reasonable housing proposals through local zoning channels. When projects are delayed or denied outright under the guise of “protecting character,” developers have little choice but to pursue the state-level remedy.
Mr. Ackert portrays 8-30g as a loophole being abused, when in fact it exists because communities that resist creating diverse housing options need accountability. If our town had a stronger record of working collaboratively to meet housing needs, developers wouldn’t feel compelled to bypass local boards in the first place.
Regarding wetlands and Inland Wetlands Commission review, it’s worth remembering that these processes are not ignored or hidden from the public. Applications that impact wetlands must comply with environmental regulations, and developers are subject to oversight. Suggesting otherwise unfairly discredits both the staff and the commission, who follow established procedures.
The public certainly deserves transparency, but it is misleading to imply that this project was pushed through in secret. The broader issue is that continued “Not In My Back Yard” obstructionism drives applicants to use 8-30g, ensuring that local zoning boards lose the very control residents claim to want preserved.
If we truly want more local say in how projects are shaped, then we need to stop reflexively opposing housing and start working constructively with applicants. Mr. Ackert’s campaign of resistance has only created the exact conditions he now complains about.
It's certainly good news that a temporary patch to rationed water in Newtown is in effect. But taking a year to come up with a patch is concerning. Where is the sense of urgency to get this permanently fixed?
