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Woody Bliss moved to Weston 37 years ago and has never looked back. A father of three, this former first selectman keeps his hands and feet busy throughout the year. Few things happen within the border that Woody doesn't know about.
He recently gave The Daily Weston's David DesRoches and videographer Teresa Semmunegus a tour of Weston and took delight in revealing the endless idiosyncrasies that define this Fairfield County gem.
"I guess the best thing about Weston is the people," Bliss said, as he motored down Valley Forge Road in his Cadillac (he offered to drive the hybrid, but the Caddy won the coin toss).
He turns down Davis Hill Road and points out where President Dwight Eisenhower enjoyed tackling Aspetuck River trout with his fly rod. Bliss scoots past Robert Redford's house, pauses for a moment to reflect on Jose Feliciano's career, then passes a plot of land rumored to be owned by Johnny Depp. "It's in someone else's name," he said, after admitting he already tried to verify Depp's ownership by examining town records.
There is an intangible attraction to Weston that entices people like Bliss to settle within its borders. Aside from the obvious magnets, the town lures you by the simple fact that it is at once timeless and progressive, historic and yet motivated. Its serenity lies in the residents' awareness and their determination not to fix unbroken things while simultaneously evolving into something better.
Bliss seems to embody this sentiment. For 10 years he led Weston as first selectman, through the good times and the bad, finding meaning it in all. Five years ago he lost his wife Prue to cancer. But he pushes forward, spending his time on various education programs, working with Kiwanis, the Weston Education Foundation and volunteering for anything that helps weave the fabric of Weston life.
As he pulls into his driveway to complete the tour, he highlights Weston's charm in a nutshell. "If you want to live in a place that's a little rural, somewhat private, but close enough to New York City... I think it fits the bill very well."
What are some of your favorite things about Weston?
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