Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings
Opening Note
As Weston students return to school next week, I want to thank all the teachers, staff, and administrators for everything they do for our children. Wishing you all the best for a successful school year.
Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
A new dump truck is on its way to Siversk, Ukraine, thanks to the efforts of Westonites who generously donated to support the effort through our newly formed Sister City Partnership. Launched this 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. Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023, during a meeting via zoom Mayor Vorobiev of Siversk and I discussed the current state of Weston’s Sister City. Unfortunately, that day shelling from Russia destroyed the last untouched building in Siversk. This building was a hospital dually acting as a safe haven for the citizens of Siversk. In the midst of this tragedy, the people of Siversk have not lost hope. The children of Siversk have created art as a symbol of hope which will be delivered to Weston in the coming weeks. On the call, Mayor Vorobiev expressed his gratitude that the Weston and Siversk communities are bonded not just through Weston’s helping hands but also through our town’s smiles that provide the people of Siversk with optimism to carry them through the end of the war. In the words of Mayor Vorobiev, “It is harder to accomplish a goal with a single finger rather than a whole fist.” The committee has successfully raised funds for a dump truck and the next $18,000 raised will be allocated for a back hoe. Our total target is for $150,000 to address Siversk’s needs. Please Donate here: 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
Municipal Office and Transfer Station Closures for Labor Day
Municipal Offices will be closed Monday, September 4th. The Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, September 2nd through Tuesday, September 5th, and will reopen on Wednesday, September 6th.
Hazardous Waste Day
September 9, 2023 (9:00AM - 1:00PM). This event will be at the Miller-Driscoll School - 217 Wolfpit Road, Wilton. Weston residents are welcome to attend, there is no charge. See flyer here: Household HazWaste Day
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
Renovation of Davis Hill Bridge
Monday, August 7 construction began on the 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.
Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
Our new sidewalks that extend all the way from the Weston Library parking lot to the Intermediate and High Schools are well underway. The stretch of sidewalk from the Senior Center to the School will provide a greater level of safety for students and the public and will connect our schools and Town Hall complex to Weston Town Center. This phase of the sidewalks will be completed prior to the start of the new school year. This project is funded with a nearly $900,000 grant from the state. See here for more information about our pedestrian safety projects. https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects and here for the most recent podcast on the project: https://vimeo.com/820579482
Weston Town Center Pedestrian Improvements
On August 1st the town held a Public Information webinar regarding the project. There was a 14-day comment period following the meeting. The project is slated for construction in summer 2025. More information as well as a video recording of this phase of the sidewalk PIM can be found here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects
The Weston Town Green
Pardon our appearance while installation of the new Weston Town Green continues. Thank you to the Beautification Committee for your hard work on this project. The boulders for the Veterans memorial are in place and the infrastructure is completed for the complex. In addition, the sidewalks are complete and the elliptical path will be installed shortly. Check back here for updates and progress on the construction.
Wood Hill Emergency Access Road
The Department of Public Works has begun work on the Wood Hill Emergency Road that will allow access for Public Safety in the event of an emergency on the school campus. The road cut that will connect the end of Wood Hill Road to School Road will be completed prior to the beginning of the school year. The access will be secured by a gate and will not be accessible to the public. This project is funded with an ARPA allocation.
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.
Summer Road Repaving
To see the full list of roads scheduled for paving in 2023, please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works
Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is upon us and inspections have been happening since March 2023. The areas of Town being inspected will be 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
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.
ARPA Mental Health Partnership - 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: August 2023 Newsletter
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation's fall registration began yesterday- offering 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!
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, Library Board, 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 – Farmers Market
JOIN US for the official opening of the Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center at the Juliana Lachat Preserve. All weekend long, we will be offering FREE events to celebrate this huge milestone for our community. We will celebrate this momentous event with a family fun-filled day of blacksmithing demonstrations, book reading, hayrides, pony rides (additional charge), and so much more on Sunday, September 3rd – all free to our guests! Please park on the Upper Field at 1 Ladder Hill Road S. Get up close and personal with friendly animals and be one of the first to tour the new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center.
September 2 - Yoga with Greg
On Saturday, September 2nd we will be offering our popular Yoga with Greg at no cost – but we ask that you pre-register online as class size is limited. Yoga begins at 8:30 and ends at 9:45. Open to all levels, beginners welcome! Join us on the beautiful deck of the new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center.
September 3 - Pastures and Pancakes
In addition to the free festivities on Sunday we will be offering a delightful old-fashioned pancake breakfast served on the hour from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage from Ox Hollow Farm, fruit, coffee, local syrup, and orange juice. We appreciate all the volunteers especially Chef Geoff and our friends at Kiwanis for bringing this old-fashioned pancake breakfast to the community on this very exciting day for the town of Weston! Nominal cost of $10/adults and $5/children. Register below. All pancake breakfast attendees can park in our lower lot at our main entrance at 106 Godfrey Road W.
September 4 - Anyone Can Compost
On Monday, September 4th from 10am to 11am please join us for a great program ‘Anyone Can Compost!’. Learn how you can save water, reduce pollution and improve your garden when you start making ‘black gold’ at home. It’s easier than you think! This is a free workshop but still requires registration! Thanks to the Weston Education Foundation for the grant offering free gardening classes to the community.
Click here for the Lachat Town Farm website for more information.
Weston Commission for the Arts – Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, September 2 (rain date Sept 3) at 5:30 pm
E.T. The Extraterrestrial, with Music and Food Trucks
at Weston Middle School Field
Weston History and Culture Center – CT Summer at the Museum – Kids get in Free!
The Weston History and Culture Center is taking parking the CT Summer at the Museum Initiative. WHCC was recently awarded a $1,000.00 grant from CT Humanities to participate in offering free admission to all Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying adult every Thursday and Sunday, July 9 - August 31 from 1pm - 4pm. Children and their families can explore history and art at the Weston History & Culture Center. Funding for the initiative is provided by the CT General Assembly, with the support of Connecticut Humanities and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA.
Free Community Concert & Picnic Featuring The Flying Fingers Jug Band
Sunday, August 27th at 4:00 pm.
on the Norfield Church Front Lawn. All are welcome.
The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring their unique acoustic American sound to Weston on Sunday, August 27th at 4pm for a free Community Concert & Picnic on the front lawn of Norfield Church. Bring the entire family, friends, and your own seating, lawn chairs, blankets and nibbles to this fun end-of-summer event sponsored by Norfield’s Fellowship Committee. No reservations necessary. In case of rain, the concert will move into the Parish Hall. The Flying Fingers Jug Band has consistently wowed a variety of audiences in the New York metropolitan area and features an eclectic mix of musical instruments and implements including the washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp, and stove pipe, with former Westonite David Barron playing banjo and mandolin.
Weston Senior Center Events and Activities
$5 Exercise Classes!
The Senior Center offers:
Yoga
Pilates
Cardio drumming
Balance
Strength & Stretch
Chair aerobics
Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.
Trips
Coastal Connecticut
Wednesday, August 30th (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center and returns at 3pm)
Let’s enjoy our beautiful coastline! The first stop is The Book Barn in Niantic. This is more than a book store, it’s a unique CT experience for the book-lover. Next stop, Skippers Seafood, a mom & pop counter service offering casual seafood with lovely, water views. Last stop is Walnut Beach Creamery - Milford’s only handcrafted gourmet ice cream on the beach! I highly recommend a scoop of carrot cake! Bring money for all food and shopping.
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
Free Skin Cancer Screening for Weston, Easton, Westport Residents!
September 26th
Appointments between 9-12pm or 1-4pm
Location:180 Bayberry Lane, Westport
Call Judy at 203-227-9571 ext. 235 for appointment
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
There are many other activities taking place at Weston Senior Center, you can read our newsletter by clicking here To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608
Weston Public Library
Weston Public Library has lots of programs for everyone, some of our events include preschool story corner, young adult drop in, playgroups, yoga, adult crafts, cookbook club, college essay prep, Lego club, and New Yorker Roundtable, among many others. Visit the Library website for a full list of events: https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/
