Greetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note

As we look forward to the upcoming warmer weather, we are diligently preparing for a season filled with a wide range of programs and projects aimed at enhancing our exceptional town. Our steadfast commitment lies in the enhancement of our infrastructure, community, and sustainable practices, which will undoubtedly elevate Weston into an even more remarkable place to reside. Throughout the approaching summer and fall, we will continue our ongoing construction projects, with a specific focus on our roads, parks, and facilities. Concurrently, Weston is abuzz with a plethora of events; kindly refer to https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/community-events-calendar for details on the fantastic programs available.

I extend my deepest appreciation to all those who have worked tirelessly to develop and execute these initiatives. It is truly a collaborative endeavor that necessitates time to generate a positive impact. We are immensely grateful to everyone involved in ensuring Weston's prosperity.

Board of Selectmen Approve Resolution
On Tuesday May 25th the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a Resolution aimed at Promoting Town Unity after recent incidents of antisemitism and hate symbols. Please See the Resolution HERE

Weston Public Library
What does the Weston Public Library mean to you and your family? The Library’s Board of Trustees would like to hear from you! Please click here to take a brief survey and help us understand what you love about our Library, what could improve, and what you’d like to see there. Your input will help shape a new brand for the Library that reflects its range of programming and long-term vision. All responses are anonymous.

Sign Policy on Town Hall Campus
The BOS approved 3-0 at their September 18, 2024 meeting a sign policy on Town Hall Campus. This policy has been in effect since October 1st. Please see the link to the sign policy here: Town Hall Campus Sign Policy | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

Weston Awarded State Grant for Traffic Control
Weston has applied for and was recently awarded a state grant for “high risk rural roads” to help control high risk driving behaviors on rural roads in Connecticut. Weston was awarded $43,370 at no cost to the Town, to conduct enhanced traffic enforcement on local roads and to purchase speed enforcement devices. Citizens should expect to see enhanced presence of Weston officers on our roads conducting enforcement activities during the grant period from March 1st through May 30th. Please be aware that there is increased pedestrian traffic during the upcoming spring months and obey posted speed limits and other traffic signage around town. Please help us to keep our roads safe in Weston.

It's Budget Season!

Budget Overview
On the evening of February 28th, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Town Operating and Capital budget for next fiscal year, which is available here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/finance. I am very proud of the budget presented. It struck a balance between funding valued services, investing in needed capital projects, and establishing a mill rate that keeps Weston an affordable place to live. The Board of Selectmen worked collaboratively on this budget and then voted to transmit it to the Board of Finance. They reviewed the budgets on 3/11 and 3/13.

Town Budget Meetings
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. Below is the meeting schedule. The Town budget is posted on the Town website

- Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 7:30 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request in the High School Auditorium

- Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting.

- Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 8 pm – Annual Town Budget meeting at the High School Auditorium.

- Saturday, May 3, 2025, 12pm to 8 pm –Annual Town Budget Referendum at the Town Hall.

- Monday, May 5, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate.

Past Meetings can be viewed on our Vimeo channel: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo

- Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 – First Selectwoman Presents Town Budget request to Board of Selectmen

- Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – Board of Selectmen reviews Board of Education’s budget request.

- Thursday, February 13, 2025 – Board of Selectmen reviews First Selectwoman’s budget request.

- Friday, February 28, 2025, 6:00 pm – Board of Selectmen votes on and transmits First Selectman’s and Board of Education budgets to Board of Finance. Board also nominates moderator for ATBM.

- Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request.

- Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Selectmen’s budget request

- Thursday, March 13, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request and Board of Selectmen’s Budget

Town Hall Talks
As an enhancement of the weekly Town Hall Happenings newsletter, please join First Selectwoman Sam Nestor for "Town Hall Talks," on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The month of April will be dedicated to addressing your questions regarding the Town budget. Come with your questions!

Town Hall talks schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall
RSVP required. The next session is on April 8th at 1pm: [email protected]

Weston Public Schools Budget Information
The Weston Public School proposed operating and capital budgets, along with supplemental documentation can be found on the district website under Board of Education/Budget. Below is a list of WPS budget meetings that have already taken place. Please see the letter with detailed information HERE as well as the dates below regarding the Weston Public School Budget.

Below are previous meetings which can also be found on the WPS website under Board of Education/Previously Recorded Meetings.

01/06/2025 Special Meeting: Operating & Capital Budgets Presentation

01/07/2025 Special Meeting: Budget Workshop #1

01/15/2025 - BOE Public Forum #1 with Administration on FY 2025 Budget Request

01/16/2025 - BOE Budget Workshop #2

01/21/2025 – BOE Regular Meeting

01/23/2025 - BOE Special Meeting: Public Forum #2

01/27/2025 - BOE Special Meeting: Budget Workshop #3

01/28/2025 – BOE Special Meeting: Approval & Adoption of FY’26 Recommended Operating & Capital Budgets

A Message from the WPS School Security Director
Spring has sprung! Please see this reminder of school campus closures

Weston’s Board of Police Commissioners now accepting nominations for its annual Citizen of the Year Award
Each year the Commission recognizes an outstanding citizen who makes a unique contribution to the town. Historically, recipients of this award have been involved in programs, committees, or organizations that contribute to public safety or quality of life and have positively impacted our town. When you submit a nominee, please highlight noteworthy achievements or projects showing the nominee's commitment. The mission is to identify someone with unwavering dedication, leadership, and selflessness in serving our town and whose contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of residents while exemplifying the spirit of community and civic responsibility. The Commission will discuss candidates, make a selection in early May, and present the award in June. Nominations will be accepted up until May 6th and can be sent to the chair of the award selection committee, Commissioner Kirby Brendsel, at [email protected] or mailed to 12 Godfrey Rd W.

Weston Dog Park
I am pleased to report that the Dog Park construction is nearing completion. With the better weather, Weston Public Works crews have started work again on the road drainage system. Final roadway material placement and grading will follow. We are looking towards opening at the end of this month. This project utilizes 7% of the entire Moore Property -- land that was purchased by the Town more than two decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use. The dog park construction, design, and first few years of maintenance are funded with grants (ARPA, access way and parking & Greyledge plantings), gifts from private individuals through the Weston Dog Park 501c3, as well as a contribution in memory of Brian Gordon, our former second Selectman who passed away in 2018.

STEAP Grant Update: DPW Roof Replacement/Solar Array
The roof on the Department of Public Works is currently being replaced. The 30-year-old roof will be replaced to make way for the addition of a new 100kWh solar array. The solar panels will offset the energy costs of the Public Works building and Town Hall complex. This project is funded by a Small-Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant of nearly $500,000 with a 20% percentage match by Town of Weston. The roofing portion of the project is complete, and the Solar array will start installation this month.

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation
Lyons Plain Rd Rehabilitation - Roadway work is fully underway. Remaining work includes replacement of catch basin tops, milling (removal) of pavement between the Weston/Westport town line and Davis Hill Road as well as replacement of guide rail and roadside restoration. The roadway will remain open for traffic for the majority of work although there may be temporary detours, especially to accommodate work at the intersection of Davis Hill Rd, Kellogg Hill Rd, and Valley Forge Rd. Residents are asked to seek alternate routes when possible and plan for minor delays.

Join The Food Scraps Recycling Program
If you have not yet signed up for the Food Scraps Recycling Program and would like do so, click here: https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-weston/ As with mixed, glass, mattress or redeemable recycling, there is NO FEE to use the Food Scraps Recycling program for Weston residents. Residents simply collect their food scraps in a designated counter collection bin or bucket and then tip their container into the Curbside Compost bins located next to the red mattress recycling container at the Transfer Station.

School/Town Water Supply Update
On Wednesday, March 4 a new backup emergency generator was installed at the pump and filtration station on School Road. This project will replace the 25 year old generator with a new one. This pump station supplies water to all Board of Education facilities, Public Library, Firehouse, Town Hall, Senior Center, Department of Public Works and Bus Garage. This new generator will ensure uninterrupted service during times of power outages. The $47,000 project was funded by a special appropriation approved by the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance.

Emergency Alerts
Please make sure that you and your family are registered to receive emergency alerts from the Weston Office of Emergency Management. Registration can be done online by visiting https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/community-alert-system-and-e-notifications. The Weston Public safety team will continue to expertly guide us through storms by sending out texts, emails and automated phone calls via our Everbridge system. With all the new residents in town, please make sure to mention Everbridge to your new friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Please also see this link, which provides details on how to prepare for weather events: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5929/637650804379770000

Hurlbutt Elementary - Kindergarten Registration
Hurlbutt Elementary School is already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. This includes registering the incoming class of 2038. If your child will be five years old on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible to begin kindergarten in the fall.
Please complete the online registration from the Weston Public Schools website.

To complete your registration, we will need the following:
Completed online registration
Proof of Residency:
Warranty Deed or Signed/dated lease AND
Utility Bill (telephone, gas or electric)
Copy of your child's birth certificate
Updated CT Health Assessment form, through the 5-year old checkup
You can upload the required documents at the end of the online registration before you submit the form. Without all of these, your child’s registration cannot be processed. It may seem early in the year to register. However, Hurlbutt needs to begin the kindergarten registration process now in order to secure staffing needs and to plan for the incoming class. Should you have any questions, please call (203) 221-6300, the Hurlbutt Elementary School office and speak to our registrar, Nicole DiPierro.

Elderly Tax Relief Applications for Abatement, Deferment, and Freeze Programs
The Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2025 for the upcoming Grand List year. You must apply every year for all programs. You can request an application from the Tax Collector’s office. Please call 203-222-2696 or email [email protected]. You will be required to attach a copy of your completed 1040 and all back up material showing all income sources including your 1099s with your application. You also need to provide documentation about your net worth. Examples are: any mortgage or loans on your home and any checking, savings and retirement accounts. After completing your application, you can mail or bring it to: Tax Collector’s Office, 56 Norfield Road Weston, CT 06883. You may put your application in the drop box located on the library side entrance to the Town Hall. You can also email your application. Please be sure you have included copies of all supporting documents. You can call us anytime with questions. To qualify, you must be age 65 by the end of December 2024. You must not be delinquent on your taxes by the closing date of May 15, 2025. Income cannot exceed $49,000 for Abatement; $125,000 for Deferment and $100,000 for Freeze. Net worth cannot exceed $1,000,000 for Abatement. There is no net worth ceiling for Deferment or Freeze programs. Benefit will apply to only the first $400,000 of your assessment for Abatement and Deferment and for the first $800,000 of assessment for the Freeze. Click here for the Application Form for Elderly Tax Assistance for Abatement, Deferment, or Freeze

Weston 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 Melissa DiVito, LCSW at [email protected] for more information.

Youth and Family Services Please register for the Human 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. Link to Register & see this months newsletter: Town of Westonhttps://mailchi.mp/westonct.gov/updated-april-newsletter

Caregivers Support Group with Melissa Divito, LCSW Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1:30-2:30pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Melissa at [email protected]

Bereavement Support Group with Rashida Miller, MSW Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1:30-2 :30 pm, at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Bereavement Support Group email list, contact Rashida Miller at [email protected]

Weston Senior Center

-- Click this link to visit the Senior Center website: https://westonseniorcenter.info/

-- Activities newsletter: Weston Senior Activities Center

-- Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608 or [email protected]

Assessment Program at Silver Hill Hospital We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Silver Hill Hospital, the Town of New Caanan, and most recently, the Town of Westport to provide Weston residents of all ages with timely, comprehensive mental health assessments and personalized referrals for ongoing care. These assessments will remain available at no cost to Weston residents. This program was initially funded through ARPA grants and will receive future funding from the opioid settlement fund. For more information or to request an appointment please visit this link: Silver Hill Hospital’s Assessment Program | Silver Hill Hospital

Parks & Recreation
Exciting after-school programs are coming to Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Intermediate, and Weston Middle School! From tennis and robotics to creative arts, STEM, and fitness, there’s something for every child to explore!

 - Sports & Fitness – Get active with tennis, running club, and field hockey!

- Creative Arts – Drawing, mixed media, sewing, and baking fun!

- STEM Adventures – Build robots, dive into electronics, and explore science!

- Performing Arts – Acting, improv, and debate club for young stars!

- Unique Experiences – From "Powerful Play" to "My First Lemonade Stand"!

Spots are limited—register now!
Programs begin April 21st!
Locations: Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Intermediate, Weston Middle School
*Summer camp registrations have begun- space still remains

Pickleball Schedule/Lessons/pass registration can be found here: https://ctwestonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html?interfaceparameter=webtracnew

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to attend BOS meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can stream 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

Call for Artists! Weston Connections Art Exhibit
Sponsored by the Weston Commission for the Arts and Friends of Weston Library
The Weston Commission for the Arts and the Friends of the Weston Library are delighted to announce a call for artists. Artists can submit up to three works to be considered for the Weston Connections Art Exhibit being held during the entire month of July in the Library’s Community Room. Talented individuals over the age of 14 are invited to submit paintings, drawings collages, digital art and more. The artist must have a “connection” to Weston such as the work could be a local subject matter, the artist may live or formerly lived in town, or the artist may work or volunteer in town. There is no entry fee and because of space constraints and other activities held in the Community Room during the exhibit, freestanding sculpture is not eligible for consideration. Artwork for the exhibit will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of members of the Weston Commission for the Arts and the Friends of the Weston Library. Artwork can be for sale or not, artists preference. If a piece is sold, it must remain in the exhibit until the end of the show and 10% of the sale price is requested as a donation to the Friends of the Weston Library.

Three events are being held in the Library’s Community Room in conjunction with the Weston Connections Art Exhibit. Hear from the artists about their connection to Weston and source of inspiration at the Meet the Artists Reception on Wednesday, July 9th from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

On Saturday, July 12th from 1:00 to 4:00pm adults are welcome to draw a live, clothed model. Cindy Wagner, professional portrait artist will teach the class. Please bring your own supplies. To register email [email protected] Youth age 8 to 18 are invited to a drawing class on Saturday, July 26th from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Professional artists will be on hand to guide and encourage young artists! To register email [email protected]

To Submit:
Artwork, in jpeg format, can be submitted from April 1st through May 15th. For instructions, please visit https://www.cindywagnerart.com/general-clean

Artists will be notified by June 18th if their artwork has been selected. Artwork must be delivered to the Library on June 30th between 2:00 and 5:30pm Artwork must be picked up at the Library on August 2nd between 10:00 and 3:00pm. For additional details, please visit https://www.cindywagnerart.com/general-clean

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Commission on Aging, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Building Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Children & Youth Commission, Marketing & Communications Committee, Panel of Moderators (R), Parks & Recreation, Sustainable Weston, Veterans Affairs Committee. The Town of Weston Board of Selectmen will conduct interviews of candidates for appointed boards, commissions and committees in private, unless the candidate requests that the interview occur in public. Through the CT Freedom of Information Act, the state legislature expressly allows the Town Board of Selectmen to hold non-public executive sessions to discuss “the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee." C.G.S. § 1-200 (6)(a). Like Weston, several nearby municipalities have also implemented similar policies to protect residents interested in volunteering their service from the abuse of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, social media, and personal identity theft. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Click Here for more information.