Greetings and Welcome to Dec 8th’s Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
I am addressing the revaluation notice of assessment change that has been recently mailed to all of us.

eQuality Valuation Services has provided the comprehensive assessed value of our real properties, which will eventually be combined with the State's valuation of Weston's motor vehicles and personal property. This will form the updated Grand List, which is due to be submitted to me by January 31, 2024.

It's important to keep in mind that even if the value of our homes increased, it does not necessarily imply an increase in our taxes. Our property taxes are calculated by multiplying (a) the assessed value of your home and (b) the mill rate established each spring by the Board of Finance. This product needs to be sufficient to cover the annual town and school budgets, which will be presented by the Boards of Selectmen and Education early next year. The budget will then need to be approved by the Board of Finance for the fiscal year starting on July 1, 2024.

Once the next budget is thoroughly reviewed and approved by town residents at the annual adjourned machine ballot referendum, the Board of Finance will set the mill rate in accordance with the aforementioned budget. Generally, if the Grand List value increases, the mill rate will decrease. However, it is currently uncertain how this will specifically impact your taxes. As we progress through the budget season, everyone will have the opportunity to observe the process and express their opinions. Please see the budget calendar: for important dates and information: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11362

How to Review your Revaluation Property Cards and Set up an Informal Hearing with eQuality Valuation Services LLC
Property Record Card and Online Appointments can be found at: weston.equalitycama.com

To view your property card online:

1. Click on the website weston.equalitycama.com for reevaluation property cards
2. Click on Revaluation Property Cards
3. Enter the last name and click on the search button
4. Click on the corresponding street name, your property information will be displayed
5. Should you require more detailed information, click on the word "building" to access additional insights about the field card.

To schedule an appointment for an informal hearing with the consultants from eQuality Valuation Services, LLC, who conducted the reevaluation, you can call or schedule on-line:

1. Call:203-429-4160
1. Have your letter handy as it has your ID number
2. Note that these hearing appointments are not held at Town Hall, but rather via phone with eQuality Valuation Services, LLC

    OR

1. Online:Click on the website weston.equalitycama.com
2. Click on Informal Hearing Appointments
3. Enter the unique ID found on the letter you received from eQuality and follow the instructions displayed on the screen to schedule a formal telephone hearing appointment. Note that these hearing appointments are not held at Town Hall, but rather via phone with eQuality Valuation Services, LLC

To learn more about this revaluation process please click on these resources:

• Recording of Public Information Meeting with Consultants and Town Assessor: https://vimeo.com/885670884
• Click here for a printable version of the Property Revaluation Brochure that was mailed to every home in Weston
• Listen to the podcast about the 2023 revaluation here: https://vimeo.com/807322949

From Last week’s THH:
The Town Assessor, in consultation with eQuality Valuation Services, LLC, has completed a state mandated revaluation of all real property for the October 1, 2023 Grand List. The notice will include your existing assessment based on the last revaluation done on October 1, 2018 and your new proposed revalued assessment based on the October 1, 2023 market value. Assessments are based on 70% of the market value. The notice will not reflect exemptions and credits for which you may qualify, such as elderly, veterans, blind, local exemptions and abatements; these will be applied by the Assessor’s Office and reflected in your July 2024 tax bill. This assessment may be multiplied by the new mill rate which will be approved in the spring of 2024 to calculate your July 2024 tax bill. DO NOT USE THE CURRENT MILL RATE AS IT WILL RESULT IN AN INACCURATE CALCULATION. -Property Record Card and Online Appointments can be found at: weston.equalitycama.com -Appointment Phone: 203-429-4160

Menorah Lighting
The Weston Community Menorah Lighting is December 10, 2023 at the Weston Shopping Center at 5:30pm. This annual event is sponsored by the Schneerson Center. Live Music, gelt and dreidels for all!

The Weston Women's League is thrilled to host the annual Gingerbread event
Saturday, December 9 with 2 seating options at  2pm and 4pm
at Weston Field Club
RSVP/Ticket Link: https://wwlfamilygingerbreadevent2023.splashthat.com/
Contact for questions: [email protected]
Kids will delight in decorating their own gingerbread houses, meeting with Santa Claus, and enjoying festive music of the holiday season. When purchasing your tickets, we encourage you to consider contributing to the Family & Children's Agency. FCA has been a beacon of support for individuals and families across Fairfield County and beyond, empowering them to achieve life's possibilities.This holiday season, the Weston Women's League extends our assistance. To purchase tickets, simply click on the image above or reach out to the League at [email protected].

A Message from the Lisa Barbiero, Superintendent of Schools
Dear Weston Families:  An email was sent to WPS families on November 27 with regard to a questionnaire that was intended to capture the number of preschoolers in Weston and their anticipated registration date for kindergarten.  We have extended the deadline to Monday, December 11.  If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the questionnaire.  Here is a direct link: https://forms.gle/T3M5Xx2DwWwWZLLFA

The original letter dated November 27, 2023:

     The purpose of this communication is to share with you a questionnaire intended to capture the number of preschoolers in Weston and their anticipated registration date for Kindergarten. This information is very important to the district for future planning and budget purposes. The questionnaire was sent to all WPS families. However, there are families that currently do not have students in our schools. Therefore, the Town of Weston is helping with this effort.  If you have children who will enroll in kindergarten in September of 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, we ask that you kindly complete this questionnaire, which you can find at this link. Thank you in advance for your participation. The deadline for this questionnaire is Friday, December 8, 2023

     *Please note that the age requirement for entry into Kindergarten based on the updated CT State statute must be 5 years of age by September 1 of the entering school year. For example, if your child turns 5 on August 18, 2024, he/she will be eligible to register for the 2024-25 school year. If your child turns 5 on September 18, 2024, he/she will not be eligible to register for the 2024-25 school year.”

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
Launched this past 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. Hearts for Ukraine Available at Weston Pharmacy and Community Events Not sure about how you can help? The Sister City partnership Steering committee has launched “Hearts for Ukraine.” These beautiful handmade bracelets may be purchased completed or as kits, with instructions, for those wishing to make them at home.  To learn more about the new hearts for Ukraine campaign and how you can help Ukraine please email the Chair of the Steering Committee Iryna Akolzina at [email protected].

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

HRRA Sustainable Tips for the Holidays
As we move into the holiday season, we want to remind you of a few tips to have a more sustainable holiday!
- Holiday Lights and Electronics:  Remember that broken holiday lights and unwanted electronics can go to our Electronic Waste Collection at the Town of Weston Transfer Station for recycling. REMEMBER: LITHIUM BATTERIES are DANGEROUS. They cause significant fires on waste collection trucks and at recycling facilities. NEVER place these items in your trash or recycling. Bring these items to the E-Waste Collection at the Transfer Station.
-- Choose to Reuse: If you are hosting a gathering with friends and family, opt to use reusable dishes, cups, and utensils. Reusable items make for a nicer presentation, and they don’t add to your overall trash. Single-use paper plates, cups and plastic utensils are NOT acceptable in the recycling stream, they must go in the trash.
--  Recycle Right:  Gift giving is wonderful, but many of our traditional gift wrapping and gift bags are NOT acceptable in our recycling. Wrapping paper, tissue paper, decorative wraps/ribbons and gift bags belong in the trash. Consider using newspaper or brown packing paper as an alternative. Contact us: [email protected] - www.hrra.org  203-775-4539

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 continues. This renovation provides improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and updates 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.

Access Health Open Enrollment Began November 1
Access Health CT announced the schedule for its enrollment fairs this month to help Connecticut residents shop, compare and enroll or renew their health coverage during the open enrollment period including one in Stamford. These fairs are one-day events providing free, in-person help to residents from enrollment specialists. Open enrollment began on November 1 and Access Health CT has deadlines of December 15 to register for coverage beginning New Year’s Day 2024 and January 15 for coverage beginning February 1, 2024. Residents can book appointments ahead of time at  www.AccessHealthCT.com/enrollment-events but walk-ins will also be welcome. A local enrollment fair will take place at the UConn Stamford campus at 1 University Place on Wednesday, November 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Human Services

Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
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 [email protected] 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 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

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 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 board has a position available: 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 – Candy Cane Hunt
Saturday, December 9 and December 15
5:00 and 6:30 pm
$15 with a new toy donation for a child in need. Bring your toy to check in or $20 without a toy donation and Lachat will use $5 per ticket to purchase gift cards for children living at DVCC (Adults Free).  New this year:  he Westones acapella group, holiday photo op in the barn, and the Grinch back in attendance!  Suggested ages 4 – 11.

WESTON SENIOR CENTER

$5 Exercise Classes!

•  Yoga
• Balance
• Strength & Stretch
• Chair aerobics

Pickleball Clinics Intermediate Players Only
Fridays, Dec 15 Class limit is 8 players. Join our Pickleball Instructor Alice Addicks to take your skills to the next level! She has been teaching for Westport Continuing Education since 2016.  Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Art Classes
Holiday Card Stamping Class With Agata Tria (Free)
Wednesday, Dec 13, 1pm Tis the season... to create your very own creative and beautiful holiday cards! Unleash your creativity and discover your inner-artist as you relax, feel inspired, and have fun in this not-to-be-missed Workshop! Learn a variety of artistic techniques so you can create hand painted, personalized cards for your loved ones. 

Wednesday Lunches!
Dec 13—Crustless quiche + salad from Village Market
Dec 20—Holiday celebration lunch @ Norfield Church with Chicken piccata + salad from Calise, followed by Christmas concert with Chris Coogan
Dec 27—no lunch
Please RSVP by noon on Monday. All lunches served at the Senior Center unless noted. Cost is $5 per person.

Games
Brain Games and Lunch with Danielle (free)
Thursday, Dec 14, 12pm Join us for a light lunch followed by brain stimulating teasers!

Trivia and Lunch with Mary (free) 
Fridays Dec 8 & 22, 12pm Sign up for lunch followed by Trivia. Sponsored By Wilton Meadows 

Trips
Holiday Ornament Exchange & Lunch
Friday, December 15, Noon-2pm
Bus leaves at Noon from the Senior Center Or meet us there for 12:30 reservation Join us for our annual ornament exchange. Always a fun event! Bring a wrapped new ornament to exchange and money for lunch. We will meet at the restaurant for 12:30 reservation. To look at the menu: www.thereddingroadhouse.com

Activities:

- Holiday Cookie Swap Tuesday, December 12, 12pm
Spend some time with friends at the Weston Senior Center Holiday Cookie Swap! Bring 2 dozen cookies and your recipe! Bring home 2 dozen cookies!

- Weston Intermediate School Carolers Tuesday, Dec 13, 10am
Get in the holiday spirit with festive refreshments and a concert by the Weston Intermediate School Carolers! And then stay for lunch!

- Holiday Greens Centerpiece Workshop Tuesday, December 19, 11am
Join Betty as she leads the group through creating homemade centerpieces just in time for the holiday season. Fresh greens guarantee it will last until the New Year!

- Cost $10 per person, 10 people max, so register early.

Learn How to Play Pinochle
Date and time to be determined 

Caregivers Support Group With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human 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]  

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

WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Play With Your Food: Seasons Readings
Sunday, December 10 at 3:00pm
Ring in the holiday season with the Friends of the Weston Library when JIB Productions (Play With Your Food) brings its holiday program SEASONS READINGS  to town on Sunday, December 10 at 3 pm. A delightful hour of heartfelt and hilarious holiday-themed short stories and plays, SEASONS READINGS offers a literary take on the joys, tribulations (and everything in between) to share with family and friends followed by an opportunity to mingle with guests and actors and enjoy seasonal refreshments.  Registration is required and admission costs $20 per ticket. Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasons-readings-a-jib-production-of-play-with-your-food-tickets-757318860097?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Upcoming Youth Events at the Weston Public Library
Join us for an exciting story time, book signing, and craft session with local author Laura Prior on December 5th! On the 6th, join us for a Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Then, on Saturday, December 9th, join us for a special free Introduction to Martial Arts! Kids will get the opportunity to learn from professionals the physical and mental benefits of the craft, try out a few skills, and even leave with a white belt after the class. Check out these events and more on our program calendar.

Click Here for more information.