Weston Town Hall Happenings for November 17, 2023

Greetings and Welcome to Nov 17th’s Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our esteemed public safety teams. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is only fitting that we acknowledge and appreciate their invaluable contributions in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. Furthermore, I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the townspeople and my beloved family for their unyielding support and solidarity. Together, we stand strong, united in our shared commitment to a safer and brighter future.

Congrats to Weston High School Girls Swim Team!
On Wednesday evening, the Weston High School girls swim team emerged as victorious in the esteemed Class S State Championship. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and prowess in the realm of competitive swimming. Notably, it marks their unprecedented tenth consecutive state championship, a feat unparalleled in the annals of sports history within our state. Freshman prodigy Mackenzie Parsons showcased her exceptional talent by securing an astounding four gold medals. A swimmer is typically limited to participating in only four events, and yet she triumphed in each one with resounding success. Furthermore, the 200 relay event witnessed the triumph of Meghan Leahy, Skyler Shapiro, McKenzie Parsons, and Annabel Tabacchi. McKenzie Parsons also emerged victorious in the 100 Butterfly event. The 200 Medley Relay was masterfully conquered by the formidable quartet of Millie Bailey, Abigail Miles, McKenzie Parsons, and Meghan Leahy. Not content with just one triumph, McKenzie Parsons further distinguished herself in the 200 Individual Medley event. Lastly, let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ashlynne Fudale for her commendable fourth-place finish in the dive competition. Weston has etched its name indelibly in the annals of sporting history, becoming the first town to achieve such a record-breaking streak of victories. This extraordinary accomplishment stands as a true testament to the unwavering dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence exhibited by the entire Weston High School Girls Swim & Dive Program. Let us also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Coaches Barone, Angelidas, and Craley, who have nurtured and guided these exceptional athletes on their path to greatness.

Reverend Dr. Bernard Wilson Marks 50^th Ordination Anniversary
The Reverend Dr. Bernard R. Wilson, pastor of Norfield Congregational Church in Weston, will mark the 50^th anniversary of his ordination as a Minister with a special celebration Sunday November 19^th at 4:00pm, in the Norfield Church Parish Hall at 64 Norfield Road. Special musical guest performer Rev. Timothy Mercaldo will be on hand to entertain with songs from the Great American Playbook. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. The Reverend Dr. Wilson joined Norfield Church in 2004 as the Congregation’s 35^th minister. He also serves as the town’s Police Chaplain.“Reverend Wilson has been a wonderful blessing for all of us at Norfield,” said David Lummis, Norfield Church Moderator. “He has been a steadfast and inspirational force for Norfield and the Weston community for close to two decades.” Dr. Wilson began his career as a Navy Chaplain. He received numerous awards, medals and citations throughout his 22-year service in the military. He also served as the Executive Minister of The Riverside Church in the City of New York, and as the Interim Minister of the Briarcliff Manor Congregational Church in New York. For more information, contact Norfield Church at tgaberman@norfield.org, 203 227-7886.

Thanksgiving Holiday Closures
Municipal Offices and the Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, November 25. For more information about the Transfer Station hours, visit the website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/transfer-station

Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting
November 30^th at 6pm
Weston Town Green
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. This event is made possible by the Crown Family and Stew Leonards.

Thanksgiving Baskets
Weston Women's League is collecting funds for their annual Thanksgiving Baskets fund which helps support our town's social services. It helps provide Thanksgiving meals to those who qualify in town. Any contribution is greatly appreciated. https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=CZGNBUJMHYCUJ

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.

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

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

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 atthe 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)
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

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation winter registration is still ongoing. Space is available in several before & after school programs at HES, WIS & WMS. We are looking to fill space in the Saturday basketball program in the Kindergarten boys & girls program as well as the girls grades 3-5 program. This program is an exceptional opportunity to learn basketball from an entry level or grow your skills- most of all, it's just fun to play with your friends! https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/parks-recreation

Weston WOW! Programs
An Important Message from Weston Parks & Recreation WOW! Programs

With registration for our Winter 2024 WOW! After School programs currently underway, we still have space in some of our WOW! after school programs for children in Grades K-8.

- Click here to preview our current program offering catalogs for WOW! Winter HES, WIS, and WMS.

- If you already have a RecTrac account with Weston Parks & Recreation, you do not need to set up a new account, but please be sure that your child’s grade is current for this academic year. (Kindergarten = .5, Grades 1-8 = 1, 2, 3, etc.) You can add family members to your account before you begin registration. Be sure to include an emergency contact.

- If you do not have a RecTrac account, you can set up an account here, including family members, before registration begins. (Kindergarten = .5, Grades 1-8 = 1, 2, 3, etc.) and please be sure to have an emergency contact on your account.

- When you log into your account, please click on the orange WOW box on the bottom right hand side of the home page to begin registration here .

- Program selection will begin will all HES programs followed by WIS and then WMS.

- Programs fill quickly so please register early!

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 board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

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 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 atalisbon@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!"

Click Here for more information.