Weston Town Hall Happenings for November 10, 2023

Greetings and Welcome to Nov 10th’s Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Today, I would like to address the topic of engagement. In the recent election held on Tuesday, the voter turnout stood at 43%. It surpassed the turnout percentages of previous years and exceeded the average for our state (33%). I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those individuals who bravely stepped up and ran for public office. It is so easy to criticize and complain about the issues in our town, but it takes a different kind of courage to put oneself out there and take on the responsibility of serving the public. Their selflessness and dedication should be recognized, and I sincerely hope that all the volunteers who participated understand that their mere presence and willingness to embark on this journey is an accomplishment in itself.

I would also like to express my immense appreciation to our Registrars, the Town Clerk's Office, and the diligent poll workers who dedicated themselves tirelessly throughout the day. Furthermore, I am truly gratified by those who exercised their right to vote and made their voices heard. However, voting alone is not enough. My earnest desire is for you to remain actively involved, whether it be through volunteer work or by providing us with valuable feedback on our performance. By doing so, we can continue to work collaboratively and make significant changes that truly benefit the people of Weston.

Veterans Day
This Saturday, November 11 is a significant day in our nation’s calendar as we observe Veterans Day. It is a solemn occasion where we pay tribute to the countless brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country, both in the past and present. In commemoration of this day, the Weston Veterans Committee organized a series of events, including a visit to the middle school and the unveiling of the new memorial on the Town Green. It is a time for us to reflect and express our gratitude to those who have selflessly served our nation. Please ensure that you take the opportunity to show your respect and extend your heartfelt thanks to these remarkable individuals throughout the weekend.

Transfer Station Closed Saturday November 11
The Weston Transfer Station will be closed in honor of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11 and will reopen on Tuesday, November 14.

11/7 Election Results from the Secretary of State
Election results can be found at the following link: https://ctemspublic.pcctg.net/#/selectTown Select the election date at the top of the page and select Weston from the list of towns. 

Oath of Office Ceremony
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 2:30 pm
Weston Town Green
(ln the event of inclement weather we will hold the ceremony in the Meeting Room)
It is a privilege to welcome the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the State of Connecticut Susan Bysiewicz to administer the Oath of Office to our newly elected Town Officials on Wednesday at 2:30 pm on the Weston Town Green at Town Hall.

Be SMART For Kids
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Weston Town Hall, 56 Norfield Rd
At a time when safety and responsible gun ownership are paramount, we invite you to a BeSMART presentation designed to educate and empower our Weston community. BeSMART is a program that focuses on promoting responsible firearm storage and ensuring the safety of our loved ones. Event will be held in the Meeting Room at the Weston Town Hall. Please join us for this important adults-only conversation. Registration required: https://forms.everytown.org/a/ct-weston-besmart-presentation. This event is happening in partnership with the Weston Police Commission, Weston Police Department, Weston Public Schools and The Town of Weston.

Public Information Meeting (PIM) - Town of Weston’s Property Revaluation Process
November 16^th 11am to 12pm
Weston Town Hall Meeting Room
Please join the Weston Town Assessor and representatives from eQuality for an important informational session about the Town of Weston’s property revaluation process. The meeting will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, 56 Norfield Road. This session is open to the public and will focus on the revaluation process. Please note, we will not have the new assessments for properties in Weston and will not be discussing specific properties and specific values. The meeting will be recorded and be made available for on demand viewing via the Town’s website.

Main Street Weston
November 10, Friday 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
November 11, Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Emmanuel Church
The popular pop-up shopping event returns, with local vendors in a downtown shopping atmosphere. On Friday evening, shopping, light food, drinks, a raffle, music, and more. On Saturday, more shopping, a food truck, and mimosas. Presented by the Weston Women's League with proceeds benefiting the Weston Warm-Up Fund, which assists Weston residents facing challenges affording heat, oil, and electricity. For tickets and more information: https://www.westonwomensleague.org/

Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting
Save the Date - November 30^th at 6pm
Join us on the Town Green for our annual holiday music festival and tree lighting! This event is sponsored by the Commission for the Arts, Beautification Committee, and the Marketing Committee and is made possible by the Crown Family. More information to follow.

Wreath Making Event
December 7th 6.30pm-8.30pm
All are welcome to join the Weston Garden Club as they host an evening of community and creativity at Lachat. Design your own custom wreath for the winter season, using a plentiful selection of bows, baubles and natural materials that will be available for use. Grab your friends, neighbors and family, and join us for a delightful gathering in front of the roaring fire in the new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center gathering space. The Weston Garden Club regularly donates to worthy local organizations such as: Aspetuck Land Trust, Friends of the Weston Library, Wildlife in Crisis and the Weston High School Green Team. This year, in honor of the work the Lachat Giving Garden does to grow fresh produce for community members in need, Weston Garden Club will donate all proceeds from the wreath making event to the Weston Food Pantry. The Weston Food Pantry was established in 1990, and exists to offer free food for our neighbors in need. Tickets are on sale now at https://lachattownfarm.org/register.php?eventid=1672

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
Launched this past June, the Town of Weston adopted our sister city Siversk through a relationship with Ukraine Aid International, Inc, which has laid the groundwork to provide support for those severely impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine. To date the Sister City has provided: 
- Armored Delivery Van: We have successfully procured and delivered an armored van that will deliver bread, water, and medical supplies to the residents of Siversk.
- Student Retreat for more than 500 Siversk Students dispersed in the region which will provide social and emotional healing as well as a thread and continuity to their classmates. (Underwritten by the Pesco Family)
 - Medical Expenses: We are funding on an ongoing basis doctors on the ground who live in Siversk.
- Rat Poison was delivered after plea for rat poison to prevent disease.
There is more to fund and the Committee will be reaching out with new initiatives in the near future regarding other opportunities to help our sister city. Click here to donate: https://donorbox.org/weston-siversk-sister-cities?fbclid=IwAR1nvGQCDjgW0gMW2ouY-rzR6w4HGaRIXDntck9ASqjKyD0IX3mDMcf9Ivs To learn more about the program listen to our podcast here: https://vimeo.com/828794138

Hearts for Ukraine Available at Weston Pharmacy and Community Events
Not sure about how you can help? The Sister City partnership Steering committee has launched “Hearts for Ukraine.” These beautiful handmade bracelets may be purchased completed or as kits, with instructions, for those wishing to make them at home. To learn more about the new hearts for Ukraine campaign and how you can help Ukraine please email the Chair of the Steering Committee Iryna Akolzina at akolzina29@gmail.com.

A Message from WPS Hurlbutt Principal Laura Kaddis Regarding Kindergarten
Many of you are aware that the State of Connecticut has changed the age requirements for students to enroll in a public school kindergarten. The new law states that students entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2024. For your reference, the change is reflected in Public Act 23-208 section 1(a). Any child who is not five years old on or before September 1, 2024, but turns five before January 1, 2025, may submit a request in writing to me, Mrs. Laura Kaddis, Principal of Hurlbutt Elementary School, to be considered for early enrollment. Prior to any request, I encourage families to discuss this important transition with their child’s preschool provider. Students who are enrolled in the Hurlbutt Early Learning Center (ELC) who are not 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2024, will remain in the ELC until they are age-eligible for kindergarten. The Weston Board of Education is in the process of reviewing and amending the Ages of Attendance Policy (5112) to reflect the new legislation. As a reminder, Hurlbutt Elementary School opens the kindergarten registration process beginning in January 2024. Please contact Laura Kaddis directly at laurakaddis@westonps.org if you have questions.

Weston Sustainability Action Plan - Your input matters
Thank you to everyone who already responded to our Sustainable Weston survey and Volunteer Questionnaire. Our most recent outreach effort is a partnership with Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA), Curbside Compost, Lachat Town Farm and the High School Green Team to improve recycling and waste collection at Lachat Events. Thanks for taking the time to make a difference in our town. Sent on behalf of the Sustainable Weston Town Committee https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/appointed/select-committee-on-sustainability Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_weston/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SustainableWeston)

Recycling Guide
Recycling facilities are always free and available for all Town residents. We encourage you to reduce, reuse and recycle! Click here to see a printable recycling guide: Recycling Guide

HRRA Sustainable Tips for the Holidays
As we move into the holiday season, we want to remind you of a few tips to have a more sustainable holiday!
- Holiday Lights and Electronics: Remember that broken holiday lights and unwanted electronics can go to our Electronic Waste Collection at the Town of Weston Transfer Station for recycling. REMEMBER: LITHIUM BATTERIES are DANGEROUS. They cause significant fires on waste collection trucks and at recycling facilities. NEVER place these items in your trash or recycling. Bring these items to the E-Waste Collection at the Transfer Station.
-- Choose to Reuse: If you are hosting a gathering with friends and family, opt to use reusable dishes, cups, and utensils. Reusable items make for a nicer presentation, and they don’t add to your overall trash. Single-use paper plates, cups and plastic utensils are NOT acceptable in the recycling stream, they must go in the trash.
-- Recycle Right: Gift giving is wonderful, but many of our traditional gift wrapping and gift bags are NOT acceptable in our recycling. Wrapping paper, tissue paper, decorative wraps/ribbons and gift bags belong in the trash. Consider using newspaper or brown packing paper as an alternative. Contact us: info@hrra.org - www.hrra.org 203-775-4539

Cans and Bottles Program at the Transfer Station with Weston Booster Club
Are you supporting the town’s Cans + Bottles Program? It’s easy and free. Just bring your 5¢-redeemables up to the Transfer Station (237 Godfrey Rd E) and drop them into the three colorful recycling stations – plastics, aluminum, glass -- on the upper level (no permit required). Every Saturday morning at 9 AM rain or shine, WHS sports teams and members of its Green Team gather at the sorting shed to further sort and bag these redeemables. They are then sent off to be turned into cash ($12,000 per year and growing), recycled and, ultimately, reused. Why support the program? 100% of the proceeds (more than $36,000 over the last three years) are donated to the WHS Booster Club (sports programs) and the Green Team (school sustainability programs). Hundreds of thousands of single-use plastic, aluminum, and glass items are kept out of landfills and repurposed. The program saves the town thousands of dollars in waste-removal fees. And, best of all, it helps hundreds of high schoolers understand the ease, importance, and value of recycling. See you at the Transfer Station. Contact Tom Socha (tomsocha2@gmail.com) or Andrew Bill (andrew@sieramarketing.com) for more information and volunteering opportunities.

Renovation of Davis Hill Bridge
Construction is taking place on Davis Hill Bridge. The bridge will remain open to traffic, with occasional short closures during this renovation & resurfacing project. The construction of this infrastructure project is funded with grants from the State and Federal government.

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
The renovations in the basement of Town Hall continues. This renovation provides improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and updates this existing space. A reconfiguration of the footprint will allow for a more efficient use of the space and is a much anticipated improvement for our Police Department staff. The locker rooms will include dedicated space for women officers and enable us to be more competitive in the recruitment of female police officers.

Access Health Open Enrollment Began November 1
Access Health CT announced the schedule for its enrollment fairs this month to help Connecticut residents shop, compare and enroll or renew their health coverage during the open enrollment period including one in Stamford. These fairs are one-day events providing free, in-person help to residents from enrollment specialists. Open enrollment began on November 1 and Access Health CT has deadlines of December 15 to register for coverage beginning New Year’s Day 2024 and January 15 for coverage beginning February 1, 2024. Residents can book appointments ahead of time at www.AccessHealthCT.com/enrollment-events but walk-ins will also be welcome. A local enrollment fair will take place at the UConn Stamford campus at 1 University Place on Wednesday, November 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Human Services

Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

To qualify your total annual household income must be at or less than the following:

Household Size 1: $41,553
Household Size 2: $54,338
Household Size 3: $67,124
Household Size 4: $79,910
Household Size 5: $92,695
Household Size 6: $105,481
Household Size 7: $107,878

If you think you may qualify or are having difficulty paying your heating bills please call 203-222-2556 or 203-222-2585 to schedule an appointment.

Would you like to be added to the Reassurance Program?
The Reassurance Program is a list of Weston residents who would like to be called by an employee of the Weston Social Services Dept in times of Town emergencies or inclement weather. We encourage those who live alone, don't drive, or have medical needs to register as this list is also shared with Emergency Responders in times of Town emergencies. Please email Rashida Miller, MSW at rmiller@westonct.gov for more information.

Weston Urgent Assessment Program at Silver Hill
The Town of Weston has partnered with Silver Hill Hospital to provide Weston residents in urgent need of mental health treatment with a timely psychiatric assessment and tailored referral for ongoing care. The Weston Urgent Assessment Program serves children, adolescents, and adults who are Weston residents at no out-of-pocket cost. The Assessment Program is available by advance appointment only and every effort will be made to offer an assessment appointment within 48 hours of an intake call. To schedule an intake, please complete the form found at https://silverhillhospital.org/new-canaan-urgent-assessment-program/ or call Silver Hill Hospital admissions at 866-542-4455 and indicate that you are inquiring about the Weston Urgent Assessment Program. For additional information, call the Town of Weston's Human Services Department at 203-222-2663. Click here for a podcast describing the program: https://vimeo.com/837210170

Youth and Family Services
Please register for the Social Services monthly newsletter! Our goal is to provide our families and youth with resources that help promote physical and mental well-being through programming, events, referrals, and advocacy. Be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page to receive our newsletter each month! Click here for our latest newsletter

Weston WOW! Programs
Weston Parks and Recreation WOW Programs offer after-school programs and summer camps for children, including WOW fun and enrichment classes at Hurlbutt Elementary School, Weston Intermediate School, and Weston Middle School during the fall, winter and spring sessions as well as summer camps. Click here to visit our website for more information

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to attend BOS hybrid meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can still Zoom into the meetings, which are always posted on the Town website. Documents, recordings, and minutes are available at: https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/elected/board-of-selectmen

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Marketing and Communications Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Sustainable Weston Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected boards have positions available: Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Lachat Town Farm
Lachat Town Farm has a wide variety of upcoming programs including cooking classes, gardening, photography, yoga and tai chi, knitting circles, and many programs just for kids. Please visit the Lachat Town Farm website for a complete list of programs and events

Weston Senior Center

$5 Exercise Classes! - Yoga, Balance, Strength & Stretch, Chair aerobics 

Pickleball Clinics Intermediate Players Only
Fridays, Nov 17, Dec 1, 15 Class limit is 8 players. Join our Pickleball Instructor Alice Addicks to take your skills to the next level! She has been teaching for Westport Continuing Education since 2016. Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels. 

Art Classes
Holiday Card Stamping Class With Agata Tria (Free)
Wednesday, Dec 13, 1pm Tis the season... to create your very own creative and beautiful holiday cards! Unleash your creativity and discover your inner-artist as you relax, feel inspired, and have fun in this not-to-be-missed Workshop! Learn a variety of artistic techniques so you can create hand painted, personalized cards for your loved ones. 

Wednesday Lunches!

• Nov 15—Thanksgiving celebration lunch @ Norfield Church with turkey, stuffing & mashed potatoes from Calise, followed by performance by Maxine Stone
• Nov 22—no lunch
• Nov 29—Pizza party + salad from Lunch Box
• Dec 6—Baked ziti + meatballs + salad from Lily’s Market
• Dec 13—Crustless quiche + salad from Village Market
• Dec 20—Holiday celebration lunch @ Norfield Church with Chicken piccata + salad from Calise, followed by Christmas concert with Chris Coogan
• Dec 27—no lunch 

Please RSVP by noon on Monday. All lunches served at the Senior Center unless noted. Cost is $5 per person.

Lectures
“The Reluctant Soldier” Lecture by Author Mark Perlman
Wednesday, December 6, 1pm, following lunch
The Reluctant Soldier follows the adventures and misadventures of Virgil Carpenter, a teacher at the City College of New York, who becomes an unwitting combatant in World War I and joins the famous Negro regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters. His fictionalized story draws him into the most important events of the twentieth century. An extremely rich documentation on Black Americans in the 369th Infantry Regiment. The post-war years, the interwar period in Paris, provides a vivid backdrop to Virgil’s traumatic and complicated life. Racial segregation and prejudice faced by African Americans are an integral part of American history.

Games

• Brain Games with Danielle Lunch (free) will be served! - Thursday, Dec 14, 12pm Join us for a light lunch followed by brain stimulating teasers!
• Trivia with Mary Lunch (free) will be served! - Tuesday, Nov 14 and Fridays Dec 8 & 22, 12pm Sign up for lunch followed by Trivia. Sponsored By Wilton Meadows

Trips

• Holiday Ornament Exchange & Lunch - Friday, December 15, Noon-2pm Bus leaves at Noon from the Senior Center Or meet us there for 12:30 reservation Join us for our annual ornament exchange. Always a fun event! Bring a wrapped new ornament to exchange and money for lunch. We will meet at the restaurant for 12:30 reservation. To look at the menu: www.thereddingroadhouse.com

Activities

• Decorate a Fresh Wreath with Linda, Friday, Dec 1, 10-11am $10.00 class fee includes decorations. Bring an undecorated wreath or swag, and clippers, we will provide the rest!
•  Holiday Cookie Swap Tuesday, December 12, 12pm Spend some time with friends at the Weston Senior Center Holiday Cookie Swap! Bring 2 dozen cookies and your recipe! Bring home 2 dozen cookies!
•  Weston Intermediate School Carolers Tuesday, Dec 13, 10am Get in the holiday spirit with festive refreshments and a concert by the Weston Intermediate School Carolers! And then stay for lunch!
• Holiday Greens Centerpiece Workshop Tuesday, December 19, 11am Join Betty as she leads the group through creating homemade centerpieces just in time for the holiday season. Fresh greens guarantee it will last until the New Year! Cost $10 per person, 10 people max, so register early.
• Holiday Card Painting Class with Gisselle & snacks Friday, Nov 17, 1pm Gisselle will take us through an easy painting project so join the fun!

Card Games - 

• Canasta Players Needed! Group meets every Friday at 1:00pm
• Learn How to Play Pinochle Date and time to be determined

Caregivers Support Group With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW
Director of Social Services
Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1-2pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Allison Lisbon at alisbon@westonct.gov Call or email or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/lgilmore@westonct.gov

Weston Public Library

Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Where to Now?
Saturday, November 18 at 1:00pm
More than a year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian expert Scott Licamele will discuss the critical question “Where to now?” and how the U.S. should respond to Russia and China’s threats to our national interests. Scott will also cover Russia’s role in the Middle East, its relationship with Iran and its long-standing support for Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Register here! Scott Licamele is a Russia expert with over 20 years of experience dealing in the former Soviet Union. He has worked in various Russia-related capacities, including investment banking (at Sberbank, Alfa Bank, Renaissance Capital & Red Star Asset Management) and government-related activities (at an NGO in Russia which was financed by the United States Information Agency in the 1990’s). Licamele is an independent Russia analyst, currently unaffiliated with any Russia-related entities. 

Events for Children and Young Adults
Stop by the library the first Saturday of every month to pick up a Grab & Go Craft while supplies last! Check our event calendar for more ongoing crafting sessions, storytimes, game nights, clubs, playgroups, cultural/educational events, and more. We hope to see you soon!"

Sunday Soundscapes at the Weston Public Library
November 12th is a date you’ll want to reserve to hear the amazing jazz combo led by Jason Anick https://www.jasonanick.com/ Downbeat Magazine calls him “a rising star in the world of jazz violin and mandolin”. He will be joined by pianist Matt DeChamplain, guitarist Matt Munisteri and Eduardo Belo on bass. These incredibly versatile musicians play in almost every style you can think of, from “Paganini meets Jazz” to bluegrass! Their concert with us in Weston will also serve as the launch of their newest CD release, “A Celebration of Two Jazz Greats: Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli”. Admission is free; suggested donation Adults $20, Students $10 

Right to Read Presents: Struggling Reader? Don't Delay, Learn What You Need to Know Today!
Monday, November 13 at 6:30pm
Are you concerned about your child’s progress in literacy? Do you want to know how you can help your child now? Right to Read Advocacy, LLC is hosting free educational workshops for several local communities With speakers: Jennifer Bernheim, Advocate + Founder of Right to Read Advocacy, and Catherine Scholl, M.S. Ed, C-SWD, C-SLDI, Literacy Evaluator + Member of Right to Read Advocacy. Click here to register: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=WESTON&curID=671919

Click Here for more information.