Greetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Over the past weekend, we encountered an unprecedented storm that took us by surprise. I would like to sincerely express my gratitude to our dedicated Emergency Services Team: Volunteer Fire & EMS, Weston Police, Weston Dispatch, and our Department of Public Works for their unwavering efforts during that challenging time and in the days that followed.

Unfortunately, as many of you are aware, a resident of Weston tragically lost their life during the storm. Our deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking loss.

I urge all residents to strictly follow the guidance provided by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in times of crisis. If there is an instruction to remain at home, please comply with it. Road closure notifications will not be issued when it is unsafe to travel. Rest assured that we will inform you when roads are closed and when it is safe to resume normal activities. These notifications will be disseminated through the National Weather Service, Town Emergency Alerts (via email & Text), and on the official Facebook pages for OEM, Town of Weston, and First Selectwoman.

Lastly, if you are receiving this newsletter, you are already subscribed to Town notifications. Please ensure that your address is registered to receive Geotargeted alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and encourage your friends and family in Weston to do the same. To register, please visit: https://member.everbridge.net/431700047822927/new

Important Road Closure

 Due to structural damage to the roadway as a result of the extreme flooding, the State of CT Department of Transportation has closed Route 53, north of Valley Forge Road to through traffic until further notice. This is expected to be a long-term closure. Access to the homes along this portion of the roadway is allowed but know that the road is completely blocked just beyond the homes. Traffic engineers from CT DOT are establishing the detour route and will be posting signage accordingly.

Flooding Damage Reporting Process:

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DESPP/DEMHS) is undertaking the initial damage assessment survey from the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding that occurred between the dates of August 18^th and August 19^th. It is crucial that we promptly assess the extent of the damages and gather the necessary information to determine if thresholds and criteria are met to be considered under the FEMA Individual Assistance program and/or Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. 

To streamline the data collection process and ensure accurate and efficient reporting, DEMHS has created a dedicated public self-reporting link for the public to report damages to homes and businesses. This portal will enable DEMHS to gather comprehensive information regarding the damages incurred and identify areas where to direct damage assessment teams. This information will still need to be verified through a potential join preliminary damage assessment in the weeks to come. The DEMHS Regional Coordinators will have access to the damage reports and the ability to share with you as requested.

Here is the residential self-reporting link: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/CTDEMHS/request.html

We encourage all residents who have incurred damage related to the storm to thoroughly document all damage and maintain a current file on all estimates and repair efforts, along with homeowners insurance claims. Doing so will facilitate the process for applying for assistance through federal programs in the event they are approved. It is of utmost importance that we act swiftly and collaboratively to gather accurate data on the damages suffered by our town. While there is no guarantee we will meet thresholds for federal assistance, we need to collectively do our part to make sure we capture all damages to determine eligibility under FEMA programs. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. By working together and ensuring comprehensive reporting, we will enhance our chances of receiving the appropriate assistance to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in Weston. Let us remain resilient as we address the challenges brought about by the recent flooding rains.

Fall 2024 Road Paving Plan

The bids for the Fall 2024 Road Paving Program have been returned. We are finalizing contracts and will be setting the paving schedule in the coming weeks. A list of roads to be paved in the Fall of 2024 can be found here: Fall 2024 Street Listing. Weston Department of Public Works appreciates everyone’s patience as we prepare our streets for paving. DPW is completing the replacement of 77 catch basins and performing other drainage repairs. Motorists should use caution around these repair areas.

WPS Track Closed for Renovation

Town of Weston: Please be advised that the track is currently under renovation. We ask that all community members refrain from accessing the track area. The gates are closed and signs are posted. Over the weekend the construction area was accessed, and damage occurred creating a half day set back in our progress. Please understand that the area is closed so we can meet our deadline to have this ready for our students upon their return. We appreciate your adherence to this restriction.

Weston Road Work – Construction Projects Fully Paid for with Grants from CT DOT and Federal Agencies

• Georgetown Road Milling and Paving by The Connecticut Department of Transportation: This State project is nearing completion. Over the next week final road marking application will be finished marking a conclusion to this project.
  
  
• River Road Bridge Replacement (near the intersection of Good Hill Road): This project is on schedule and the bridge is scheduled to reopen on October 15, 2024.
  
  
• Davis Hill Road Bridge Preservation (near the intersection of Valley Forge Road): The Davis Hill Bridge renovations continue. Workers have moved to the opposite side of the bridge to install new parapet walls and bridge railing. Work below the bridge nears completion and this project is schedule to conclude November 1, 2024.
  
  
• Michaels Way Bridge Replacement (at Newtown Turnpike): Flooding from the severe rainfall event affected this work site. Crews made great progress this week cleaning up the site and getting back on schedule. The bridge remains closed and is due to be completed by December 1, 2024.
  
  
• Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation: This project has been approved to advertise by the CTDOT and is currently out for BID. Pavement and drainage repairs should commence in September.  Delays from the Department of Transportation have set this project back from Summer 2024 to Fall 2024. Construction will require intermittent road closures.  

Parks and Recreation
While it's sad to say school and fall are coming- the best part of that is, new programs- new fun- and new adventures! Our Parks and Recreation Afterschool/WOW program flyer is up on our website  - you'll notice the WOW programs are now all included in this brochure. The booklet is sorted by each school. When it comes time for registration- ALL programs are under the AFTER SCHOOL box on our registration portal - here if you want to see WOW programs only, use the search box on the left - type "WOW" and press enter/search- that should sort JUST WOW programs. If you missed it- our registration date has changed. We will now hold registration online at 10:01 P.M. on Wednesday 8/21 and the following day starting at 9 A.M. at 47 Norfield Road for programs with space remaining. Cash/checks only in the office.

Prior to registration you should make sure your child's grade is correct for the 2024-2025 school year, you may change this information by heading to:

household account management > household member update  

Please let us know if you have any questions, we will send another reminder closer to registration. Have a wonderful weekend! 

Pickleball Update

The Town went out for bid this summer for construction of three pickleball courts at Bisceglie Park.  Bids were opened on June 20 and the contract was awarded to Hinding Tennis, who have constructed many pickleball courts.  The bid came in within the budgeted amount for the project.  The project is being paid for with a combination of funding from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) which is federal funding awarded to the Town as well as Park & Recreation Department fee revenue. Construction is nearly complete with post tension cables installed and the concrete was poured last Thursday! We are getting closer!

Weston History & Culture Center in Weston Fundraiser

A House Tour & Cocktail Party at the Peter Thorp House in Weston, CT will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 4pm - 7pm all to benefit the Weston History & Culture Center in Weston, CT. Explore one of Weston's oldest homes on this exclusive house & garden tour. Enjoy a cocktail party and musical performance in the home's rose garden. The Peter Thorp House is featured on Instagram: @peterthorphouse with over 30,000 followers! The home is also the focus of the exhibit, "Weston...What Lies Beneath" at the Weston History & Culture Center and has recently been featured in Domino Magazine and in photographer Shana Novak’s latest book, The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell. Now is your chance to explore this exciting home and property! Tickets: early bird tickets are $125 and receive 5 complimentary raffle tickets. Purchase at: https://westoncthistory.org

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. Come with your questions and we will be there with updates on Town activities.

Town Hall talks Fall schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall

RSVP to the next session on 9/10:  [email protected]

Human Services
Applications are now being taken for the CT Elderly and Disabled Renters' Rebate Program. Please get in touch with Weston Human Services at 203-222-2556 to schedule an appointment. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here: CT Renters' Rebate Program.

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 [email protected] for more information. 

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! Family & Youth Services | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

Caregivers Support Group with Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human Services
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 Allison Lisbon 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 view the Senior Center Newsletter: Weston Senior Center Weekly Bulletin (constantcontact.com) 
--Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/ [email protected]

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

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, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals. 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.

Weston Public Library
Adventure begins at the Weston Public Library this summer. Everyone is invited to take part in the WPL Scavenger Hunt! Pick up your Scavenger Hunt materials at the Library and explore the Town of Weston by visiting locations marked on a map. Summer Reading Programs for adults and children of all ages take place through August 16. Come join the adventure!

Click Here for more information.