Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update

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 backhoe. 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

Renovation of Davis Hill Bridge
Monday, August 7 construction will begin 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.

Sidewalks Phase 3 State Project No. 157-089  Federal-Aid Project No. Peds(231)
Weston Town Center Pedestrian Improvements
On August 1, the town held a Public Information webinar regarding the project.  We are currently in a 14-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email/phone at [email protected] or 203-234-7862. The project is slated for construction in summer 2025. More information as well as a video recording of this and the phase 2 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 have started to be poured and the elliptical path will be poured in a few weeks. Check here for updates and progress on the construction.

Wood Hill Emergency Access Road
On Friday, July 21 the Department of Public Works began tree removal for 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.

Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
Our new sidewalks that extend all the way from the Weston Library parking lot to the High School and Intermediate School are well underway. This week the stretch of sidewalk from the Senior Center to the Intermediate School will be paved. This project 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

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
Last week we officially started this project. These renovations in the basement of Town Hall will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and renovate 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
Summer Paving has started and will take place on High Noon, Fall Ridge and Stonehenge Road this coming week.  Paving has already taken place on Covenant Lane, Hillside Road North, White Oak Ln, Joanne Ln, Briar Oak Ln, Graylock Rd, Heritage Ln, and Kettle Creek Road, Broad Street and Tubbs Spring Court.  To see the full list of roads that the Town plans to pave over the next few months 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 throughout the entire collection process.  Data Collectors will have badges for identification as well as their cars being 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 [email protected] 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

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview with Riley Crafts, Weston’s First Selectperson for the day. Listen here  https://vimeo.com/849973987

The 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: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Board of Ethics, Weston Public Library, Marketing & Communications Advisory Group, Commission on Aging, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Water Study Committee, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

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.

Weston Senior Center

Lectures – FREE!

Renoir
Lecture by Lisa Arnold, Art Historian
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2pm
Pierre August Renoir was one of the most loved in the school of Impressionist painters in France during the mid-late 1800’s. It is no small wonder as his famous portraits were painted in a glowing style showing extraordinary skin tones. His color palette was fresh and light. He strove to create “real life” and attention should be given to his feathery and active brush strokes. Famous for portraits of beautiful women and children, he also delighted the viewer with scenes of parties and gatherings.

Wild Birds Unlimited Lecture  with Chris Petherick
Wednesday, August 16th, 1pm
“Attracting Birds to your Summer Garden and Fall Migration”
Chris will be discussing what we can do to attract birds to our yards in late summer as well as what to watch for during the Fall Migration.

$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.

Trivia and Lunch with Mary
Sponsored by Wilton Meadows
At the Senior Center
Friday, August 11th at 12:00pm

Make a “Doily Dreamcatcher” with Mary – lunch included
Sponsored by Wilton Meadows
Friday, August 25th, 12:00pm

Caregivers Support Group
Tuesday, August 15th, 1:00-2:00pm
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 [email protected]

To Register call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608