Weston Town Hall Happenings for September 29, 2023

Opening note
This week I wanted to make sure that I thanked all of the municipal employees for the excellent work they do to ensure that the residents are safe and receive the services we provide as a town. We have accomplished so much over the past few months and I am especially grateful for the extra effort. The things residents see easily: completion of the Sidewalks and Town Green, as well as Wood Hill Road Emergency Accessway and more than $1.5 million in road repaving/repairs are terrific infrastructure improvements and I appreciate the team on the ground who made that happen. And please also know that Town hall, DPW, Parks & Rec, Police/Fire/EMS and the Annex are buzzing with work and I just want to say “cheers to all of you!”  

Weston Receives STEAP Grant of $438,240
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is approving the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects. Weston received $438,240 in state funding is approved for roof repairs and solar panel installation at the Department of Public Works garage. These panels will be used to power the municipal campus. The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects. Towns seeking funding under this round of STEAP grants were required to submit applications to OPM by August 18, 2023.

Weston Founder’s Day & Town Green Ribbon Cutting 10/11 at 4:00pm
Celebrate Weston’s 236th Birthday and the completion of Weston’s Town Green at this festive ribbon cutting. Raise a glass to the Beautification Committee and the wonderful donors who helped make this beautiful space a reality.

The Weston League of Women Voters – Answering Your Questions about Voting
With the changes in voting due to COVID over the last few years and the passage of the Early Voting referendum in November, many people have questions about Absentee Voting and Early Voting. The League of Women Voters of Weston will have a table in Weston Center on September 23rd from 11:00 to 2:00 and one at Lachat’s International Market and Festival on the 30th from 12:00 to 4:00 to help answer some of these questions. At Lachat we will be joined by the Weston Registrars of Voters who will be there to answer questions and register new voters.

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

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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

HALLOWEEN PARTY @ The Norfield Grange!

Sat., Oct. 28th
Doors Open at 7 pm
12 Good HIll Road, Weston

Venmo $50/Person @Step-Halkowycz
JOIN US IF YOU DARE! proceeds to the Norfield Grange Scholarship Fund.

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 have begun.  This renovation will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and update 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.

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is taking place and inspections have been happening since March 2023.  The areas of Town being inspected are posted and updated on our website throughout the entire collection process.  Data Collectors have badges for identification and their cars are registered with the Weston Police Department.  They will be taking photos as well as requesting an interior inspection be done at the time of their visit.  If a virtual inspection is preferred, a data mailer will follow when an inspection is not granted and the virtual option can be arranged at that time.  Please click here for more information.  Listen to the podcast about the 2023 revaluation here: https://vimeo.com/807322949

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 1-866-542-4455 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: September 2023 Newsletter

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation offers  before & after school programming, swim classes and so much more- this is primed to be a fantastic year! After school programs like the very popular after school Tennis, Sports & Fitness, Powerful Play, Run Club, Volleyball and of course Field Hockey Gr. 3-8 are all included in this session. Registration can be online using the registration portal. The full flyer can be found here  *Many programs have a habit of selling out quickly- don't miss out!

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

What’s Next in Weston?
The “What’s Next in Weston” podcast alternates between Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker (called Westport What’s Happening) and Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor as part of a public service program that offers perspectives from each town every Monday. “What’s Next in Weston” features First Selectwoman Sam Nestor and special guests. Every 2 weeks, we will discuss projects, programs and activities in our town in a brief five minute interview. Click here for the Vimeo for the podcast and search for the episodes. https://vimeo.com/user115184272

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 on Aging, 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.

Board of Education Meetings
Link to details on the district calendar: https://www.westonps.org/358042_2

Monday, October 16, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

November 20, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

December 18, 2023
Weston Middle School Library
6:00 PM

Lachat Town Farm

Lachat Town Farm has a wide variety of upcoming programs including Music in the Meadow, 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

International Festival and Market
Date: Saturday September 30
Time: 12:00PM - 4:00PM
Cost: Upper Field Parking:$20, Lower Field Parking: $30

Thanks to the beautiful new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center, tomorrow's International Market and Festival will go on as scheduled (despite the rain).  Guests will enjoy an inside/outside experience utilizing our new space.  And the great news is the rain is supposed to all be gone by 12pm.  Please try to still come out and show your support to your fellow Westonites showcasing their countries, local food vendors, farms, and local merchants!  We recommend proper footwear to trek from your car to the event!

The International Festival and Market provides an opportunity for residents with ties around the globe to flaunt their cultural roots, showcasing the many countries that make up our community.  The International Festival and Market represents global cultures through many channels: food, music, dance, authentic goods to admire and/or purchase, art, games, traditional dress, and educational materials.  There will be musicians and youth dance troupes representing many cultures performing on stage all throughout the day.  

From the Tree Warden:  Spotted Lantern Fly Identified in Weston, CT
Pictures and full details on this insect can be found at: CT Spotted Lanternfly https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly. If you see the spotted lantern fly:

First, and most important – if you think you have observed spotted lanternflies, do not attempt to move any wood or other potentially infested material from the site. Instead, you should:

Report potential sightings of this invasive pest. If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it and fill out this SLF Reporting Form.  Connecticut Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) Reporting
Kill any spotted lanternflies you find immediately.
Follow these tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies. CAES-SLF-Residential-Factsheet.pdf
Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitch a ride on vehicles and even clothing.

Weston Senior Center Events and Activities
$5 Exercise Classes!?The Senior Center offers:

Yoga
Cardio drumming
Balance
Strength & Stretch
Chair aerobics
Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trips

Historical Wooster Square in New Haven Walking Tour
$10.00 per person for lunch

Tuesday, October 3rd (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center)
Famous Sally’s Pizza (or Modern Pizza) for lunch, Libby’s Pastry and other fun stops along the easy walking tour. Lots of opportunity to bring home treats. Sign up early!

Beautiful Downtown Kent
Friday, October 27th (bus leaves at 10:00am from the Senior Center)
Beautiful foliage the whole way up and back. Shopping in downtown Kent followed by lunch at The Fife and Drum. Bring money for shopping and lunch.

Trivia and Crafts

Brain Games and Lunch (free)
With Danielle Ramos
Friday, October 20th, 12:00pm
(Sponsored by National Healthcare Associates)

Arts and Crafts with Mary and Snacks (free)
Trivia with Mary
Friday, October 6th at 12:00pm with lunch
Wednesday, October 25th at 1:00pm with refreshments
(Sponsored by Wilton Meadows)

Friday Bingo
October 13th
12:30pm

Art Classes

Gourd Felt Class with Rachel
Friday, October 13th
9:30am-12:30pm
$20.00 includes all supplies needed to make a felt gourd

Acrylic Painting with Nature’s Textures
With Agata Tria
Tuesday, October 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 10:00am-12:00pm
$20.00 for series of 4 classes
See the magic happen when you take a real object of nature and apply paint to it making a study of texture, shape, composition and space.
Please bring the following to the first class: acrylic paint, brushes, canvases

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

Flu Shot Clinic- Westport/Weston Health Department
October 18th 11-1:30pm (Appointments will be taken in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center

AARP Safe Driving Course
October 12th, 9:15-1:15pm (sign-up available in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center
To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

The Senior Center is collecting new or unused gifts and jewelry for our annual Holiday Gift Sale beginning November 27th. All proceeds from the sale go to the Weston Senior Center to be used for programs, lunches and trips.

Weston Public Library
Get involved with the Weston Public Library:

Coming October 6th, teens ages 12+ can now register for a night of chills, thrills and ghost stories with Paranormal Investigator Barry Pirro.
Those in 1st-4th grade are invited to join us for some fun with TEAM S.T.E.A.M. on Tuesdays, October 3rd, 10th& 17th.
Taylor Swift fans are welcome to come out for our second Swiftie party, with the chance to win prizes on October 11th!
We also have several education lectures for various age groups such as  The 4 Step Method to Getting Into Your First Choice College, Early Start to STEM Education, and Everything You Need to Know About the New Digital SAT.
For adults looking to strengthen their cybersecurity skillsets, we have a special Password Security presentation on Tuesday, September 26 at 7pm with Dr. Teresa Piliouras in the Library's Community Room. Register here!

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!"

Weston History and Culture Center

Stamford, CT author, Tony Pavia will present a book talk, "An American Town Goes to War", at the Weston History & Culture Center at 104 Weston Road in Weston, CT on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 3pm. Free event but registration is recommended as space is limited. Register at: http://westoncthistory.org  An American Town Goes to War” is the story of a group of men who went off to war. They are all from one town, Stamford, CT, but their stories are universal. Author Tony Pavia will discuss the commonalities of their experiences, highlight their personal stories as well as stories from those loved ones whom the veterans left behind.