Welcome to Feb 10th’s Town Hall Happenings!

Opening Note
Today’s opening note is another expression of gratitude for our Public Safety Team made up of Fire, Police, EMS, DPW, and Dispatch who responded to serious multiple incidents last Saturday, including a fire that I have not seen the likes of in my time in Weston. Thankfully no one was injured. It was a cold, hard day and I hope you will join me in showing how much the town appreciates the dedication and service of our Weston Volunteer Fire Department, Weston Volunteer EMS, Weston OEM, Police, Dispatch and the many fellow emergency responders from other towns who provided mutual aid.

Budget Overview
On 2/7/23, the Board of Selectmen held the first in a series of meetings regarding the budget for the next Fiscal Year, which will run from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Our first meeting was spent reviewing the Board of Education's (BOE) proposed budget, which is available here. The Superintendent, BOE Chair, and the rest of the school administration were on hand to explain the budget and answer the Selectmen's questions.  I think the BOE has proposed a prudent budget.  Please tune in to future budget events and participate in the process! Below is the latest schedule of events related to the budget.

Budget Events
-Thursday, February 16, 2023, 5 pm – The First Selectwoman formally presents her proposed budget, which is available here. It is anticipated that the Board of Selectmen will take two actions: 1) Nominate moderators and a parliamentarian for the Annual Town Budget Meeting; and 2) Vote on and transmit a budget to the Board of Finance. 

-Friday, February 24, 2023 – The Board of Selectmen's approved budget will be made available to both the Board of Finance and the general public online.

-Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 6 pm – The Board of Finance reviews the Board of Education's budget request. 

-Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6 pm – The Board of Finance reviews the Board of Selectmen’s budget request.

-Tuesday, March 14, 2023, 6 pm (if necessary) – The Board of Finance reviews the Board of Education's budget request and the Board of Selectmen's budget request. 

-Tuesday, March 28, 2023, 6 pm – The Board of Finance holds a virtual public hearing on the proposed budget. 

-Thursday, March 30, 2023, 6 pm – The Board of Finance holds a meeting for the purpose of deliberating the proposed budget.

-Tuesday, April 4, 2023, 6 pm (if necessary) – The Board of Finance holds a meeting for the purpose of deliberating the proposed budget.

-Thursday, April 20, 2023, 7 pm check-in & 8 pm Start  – Annual Town Budget Meeting at the Weston High School Auditorium.

-Saturday, April 29, 2023, 12pm to 8 pm –Budget Referendum at the Town Hall.

-Monday, May 1, 2023, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate.

A Message from Lisa Barbiero, Superintendent of Weston Public Schools
On January 24th the BOE voted unanimously to approve the 2024 school budget request of $58,047,590 representing an increase of $1,656,405 or 2.94%. Superintendent of Schools Lisa Barbiero encourages the community to review the budget and the supplemental documents that are posted on the budget page on the WPS website.

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings for the Week of February 13:
Regular Monthly Meeting via Zoom - Monday, February 13 at 6pm
Curriculum Committee Meeting - Wednesday, February 14 at 3pm
For more information about these meetings and future meetings visit the District Calendar at:  https://westonps.org/district/about/district-calendar/

From the Fire Marshal
Each year, fire and rescue crews around the country respond to fires that are caused by improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for use on decks or patios.  The fact is coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many days after you think the fire is out. The exact amount of time for complete extinguishment and cooling depends on many factors such as how hot the fire was, what was burning, how much unburned fuel remains, etc. To be safe, simply treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they have had time enough to cool.   To properly dispose of ashes or coals we recommend the following:
-If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool for several days in the area where you had the fire. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.
-When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.
-Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles (away from structures, your porch, etc.) until the refuse is hauled away.
-DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.
-DO NOT use a combustible container.

State Commits $3,609,564 for Road Rehabilitation
Weston recently received the commitment to fund letter for Valley Forge Road Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 1, State Project No. L157-0003 --  Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Old Stage Coach Road. The Department of Transportation (Department) received the LOTCIP application prepared by the Town of Weston (Municipality) and submitted through the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (COG) relative to the subject project. The Department has reviewed the application materials along with the revised cost estimate provided by the Municipality and subsequently endorsed by the COG. The LOTCIP application for this project has been approved. The Department hereby commits to fund eligible project costs of $3,609,564.  Another Phase 2 of Valley Forge Road is expected to be officially funded shortly.

ARPA Update: Sustainability Plan
The Town of Weston is committed to becoming more sustainable.  Thanks to an ARPA grant we have engaged Live Green CT to professionally guide us towards a robust set of goals that will make Weston more resilient and sustainable. This survey is for you to let us know what projects you think will have the greatest positive impact on our town. The survey will be live through Tuesday, February 14th.  These goals will be finalized by the end of March 2023 and will identify 5-7 projects to implement within our community. Please link to the survey here: Weston Sustainability Action Plan – Community Feedback survey

Update: Western New England Greenway Bicycle Route & Weston
The Western New England Greenway (https://wnegreenway.org)  is U.S. Bicycle Route 7, a multi-segment, multi-state bike route that links New York City and Montreal.  It follows mostly low-volume, low-speed roads throughout CT, MA and VT so that you’ll enjoy a relaxing and invigorating ride. We are working to implement the U.S. Bicycle Route 7 program with the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area (Housatonic Heritage) to install roadway directional signs along the route.  The roadway signs will be along the entire U.S.  Bicycle Route 7(USBR7), also known as the Western New England Greenway.  Housatonic Heritage previously facilitated our town’s participation in the US Bicycle Route program, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT).  A roadway directional sign program will soon be in Weston along with all municipalities along the route. (Westport’s signs are already up).

Weston History & Culture Center Receives Grant
The Weston Historical Society D/B/A Weston History & Culture Center (WHCC) was recently awarded a $7,400.00 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities (CTH). CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.  The grant will support the WHCC’s ability to serve the community by helping to fund the development of an audio tour of the newly reinterpreted Coley House as well as a virtual tour of second floor exhibits in the Coley House. “The grant will assist us in funding audio and virtual tours of the Coley House,” said Samantha Kulish-Fargione, Executive Director. “This directly connects to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives by making our exhibitions as well as the guided portion of the Coley House tour accessible to all.”

Hurlbutt Elementary - Kindergarten Registration
Children who will turn five years of age on or before January 1, 2024 are eligible to begin kindergarten next fall. Please complete the online registration from the Hurlbutt website. The link to the “New Student Registration 23-24 School Year” is https://westonps.org/district/about/student-registration/. 

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
This year we have added an option where you can upload the required documents at the end of the online registration before you submit the form.  Without all of these, your child cannot be registered.  Should you have any questions, please call (203) 221-6300.

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an episode about the recent of Freedom of Information Commission hearings regarding the Town and School. 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

Weston Youth Services Welcomes Summer!
If you’re undecided about your child’s summer plans and are looking for a camp that doesn’t require a long term commitment, then look no further! Weston Youth Services is so excited to be offering children, entering Grades 1-6, a variety of mini summer week-long camps from June 26th through the week of July 24 th . Camps include Baking, Cooking, Creative Robotics, Video Game Design, Mad Science, Legos, Sewing, and Business programs. All camps will be held on the School Road campus. Online registration for the Weston Youth Services’ camps begins on Thursday, February 16th at 10:01 a.m.  Please visit our website at www.westonyouthservices.org to preview our catalog for program dates, grade eligibility, costs, details, and to register online.

Additionally, we’ll be collaborating with the Weston Public School District to offer the very popular Youth Summer Theatre camps. More information on the theatre programs coming soon.

Upcoming Programming at Lachat Town Farm

Let's Celebrate International Women's Day with a Tea Party
Our popular tea party is BACK in the tradition of Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ida B Wells, and other women whose courageous work led to passage of the 19th Amendment. We’ll gather on March 4 for afternoon tea and to honor our history.  A special thanks to our local partners, Old Mill Market, the Weston Historical Society, and the Weston Social Club for collaborating on this special event!

February Break Programming
Winter is here!  And while cold temperatures and the end of the growing season may bring an opportunity to rest, creatures big and small need to find ways to adapt to the harsh conditions.  This February break, 2/20-2/24, give your kids in grades K-5 the opportunity to get out of the house and learn how Connecticut wildlife finds creative ways to survive.  Sign up for select days or the whole week!

Summer Farmhands - Registration Open!
Summer will be here before we know it, head over and secure your spots for Lachat’s Summer Farmhands programs! Options are available for kids ages 3-12!

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation's Winter 2 session has begun for most programs last week. There are still spots remaining in many after school K-8 programs. Please see our registration page www.westonct.gov/parksandrec 

Parks and Recreation's summer flyers will be out next week for all of our summer day camp offerings. Our registration for Summer & Spring After School programs as well as Aquatics will begin at 12:01 AM on March 6th. Summer camps will run from June 26th-July 28th and Spring programs will begin after April Break. 

Looking for a great summer job? Consider joining Parks and Recreation as a camp counselor, pool/pond lifeguard or swim instructor. All applicants can apply at our website.

Road Work 2022
The road work for 2022 is complete. If you see a pot hole, please report it by taking a photo and sending to John Conte at the email address  [email protected]

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to Zoom into the virtual BOS 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, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Marketing, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Weston Social Services
We are excited to announce our new 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 the Family & Youth Newsletter - January

Weston Senior Center (203) 222-2608
www.westonseniorcenter.info

February 16th, Sparta and Athens: The Rise of the Two Greatest Greek City States:
Undoubtedly the two most famous Greek City States, Athens and Sparta were considered unique even among city states. This class will cover the rise of both city states. We will learn how Sparta was literally rebuilt from complete destruction during the Bronze Age Collapse, and became the greatest warriors the world has known to this day. We will also learn how Athens rose from one of the only city-states to survive the Bronze-Age collapse to become the center of Greek thought, culture, and the forefather of modern democracy.

To Register, email Linda: [email protected] 

*Joshua Hoffman’s deep love of history enabled him to graduate Magna *** Laude from Brandeis University, majoring in His- tory and minoring in both Classics and Medieval & Renaissance Studies. He also earned a Masters in Teaching from NYU Steinhardt Graduate School of Education. To Register, email Linda: [email protected] 

Weston Public Library

Tech Cafe
Wednesday, February 15, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Do you want to know how to access great library resources on your phone, tablet, laptop, or e-reader?
Bring your questions and devices to the library's cafe area for advice and a FREE cup of coffee from our Starbucks machine. No registration necessary, just stop by.

Navigating College Admissions Successfully in 2023 via ZOOM
Wednesday, February 15 @ 7:00 PM.
We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how it affects Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. Please visit the library website to register to get the Zoom link. 

Owl's One and All Storytime:
Monday, February 13 @ 2:30 PM in the Community Room. All ages. Registration required.
We invite children of all ages and their caregivers to join Miss Laura for stories, songs and a small activity. 

Tigger's Tiny Tales
Thursday, February 16 @ 11:00-11:30 AM
Ages 1-5 years. Registration required separately for each session.
Join Miss Laura for stories, songs and rhymes. 

Playgroup
Friday, February 17 @ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ages birth-6. Registration required.
Parents/ Caregivers and children are invited to join us for open play in the community room. Meet new neighbors and friends and try out some of our early learning toys. Toys and activities will be brought out for families to try out.