This month Wilton welcomed a new member of the Board of Selectmen and must say farewell to a staunch guardian of Wilton’s environment.
The Republican Town Committee did a great job in finding someone to fill Jim Saxe’s shoes as a selectman. Saxe has served the town for almost the entire 14 years he’s lived here: Wilton Library Association, Board of Education, and Board of Selectmen. Professional responsibilities have forced him to leave mid-term and taking his seat is Ken Dartley.
He has served the town in ways that may not be readily obvious. He was instrumental in bringing about affordable housing for seniors with Wilton Commons, and was among the founders of Stay at Home in Wilton. Both projects help seniors stay here — an important population whose needs are easy to overlook in a town rightly dedicated to its schools.
Most importantly, Dartley has said he is concerned over divisions within the community on a number of issues and the harshness that is often a result. His aim is to bring about dialogue, always a good thing.
Fiscally conservative, but also a realist, Dartley recognizes taxes are a concern and would like to increase revenue before cutting services. He will be a welcome addition to the board.
Sadly, the town has lost Henryk Teraszkiewicz, executive director of Woodcock Nature Center, who has left to pursue new ventures.
Teraszkiewicz was the go-to man when you had a question about just about any aspect of nature. He worked tirelessly to improve and promote Woodcock, always with the goal of strengthening our connection with the natural world, particularly among children and young people. Young adults have often testified to the impact their experiences at Woodcock had on their view of the world around them. It is not an exaggeration to say he helped introduce thousands to the natural world.
And you’ve got to love a man who acts as crossing guard for amphibians in the spring!
He leaves very big hiking boots to fill and here’s hoping Woodcock can find someone with the same energy and outgoing spirit that makes visiting the nature center such a memorable and meaningful experience.