Opening Note
Today’s opening note is a special thank you and farewell to Wendy Petty, our Senior Center Director for 11 years. She has made an indelible impact on our community both as the Senior Center leadership and during her time as a Weston resident. It was heartwarming to see so many people attend her farewell this week. We are grateful for her dedication and love for our town and we wish her well in her new position as director of the Westport Senior Center. To see the farewell remarks from commissions, volunteers and colleagues, please see the link here https://www.dropbox.com/s/ry3zjy9nste6fnh/Wendy%20Petty%20Day%20in%20Weston.mp4?dl=0.

Rose Cruz hired as New Senior Center Director
The Town of Weston has hired Weston resident Rose Cruz to be its next Senior Center Director. Rose, who is a graduate of George Mason University, has worked for the Town of Weston since 2018 in the role of Social Services Program Assistant. Specifically, Rose has served as a "choices counselor" in Weston Social Services, helping Weston seniors and persons with disabilities with Medicare understand their Medicare coverage and healthcare options. Rose's first day as Senior Services Director will be Monday, January 30th.  We are thrilled to welcome her to her new role.

Ian Parsells hired as New Library Director
Following a comprehensive search process, the Town of Weston has hired Ian Parsells as Director of the Weston Public Library. Ian has served as Head Librarian/Director of the Derby Neck Library Association in Derby, CT since 2011. He also serves on the Bibliomation Board of Directors. During his tenure, Ian served as a strategic community ambassador and leveraged partnerships to design programs and services tailored to the needs of his patrons.  He began his library career in 2010 as a Teen Reference Librarian at Glen Rock Public Library in New Jersey. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in literature from Ramapo College and a master of library and information science from Rutgers University. Concerning his appointment in Weston, Ian had this to say: "I am beyond honored and fortunate to have been selected for the position of Director of the Weston Public Library. Thank you to everyone involved in the selection process for your hard work and for having the confidence in me to take on this great responsibility. I look forward to working alongside the staff, the Library Board, The Friends of the Weston Library, Town Hall, and community partners to continue bringing excellent service, collections, and programming to the Weston community.”   Ian will fill the position vacated by Karen Tatarka who is now the Library Director of the UConn Hartford Library. He will assume his role on March 6, 2023. A reception will be held thereafter to provide the community an opportunity for introductions and to welcome Ian to Weston.

Town and School Budget for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Budget season is upon us! The Board of Education’s proposed budget has arrived, please see it here: https://westonps.org/board-of-education/budget/  The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to review it at its evening meeting of Tuesday, February 7th.  The First Selectman’s proposed budget is in the works.  Once it is ready, I will post it on the Town’s website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/finance

A Message from Lisa Barbiero, Superintendent of Weston Public Schools
On January 24th the BOE voted 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. She will also attend the Speak Up on February 4th.

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 Friday February 10th.  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

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 PFAS remediation of the school and town water system. 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. Check out the first 6 episodes here: https://vimeo.com/785619484, https://vimeo.com/784035613, https://vimeo.com/779024309, https://vimeo.com/775379172, https://vimeo.com/770479116, https://vimeo.com/789529593

The LWV of Weston's Speak Up 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Speak Up, an annual League event since 1992, brings together elected town officials, chairs of appointed boards, committees and commissions, and other key town and school officials to answer questions from the public about community and government issues.  Speak Up 2023 will feature the members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz, Chairs of the Board of Education, Finance, and the P&Z Commission, other Board, Commission and Committee chairs, Police Chief Ed Henion, Mark Cooper from the Health District, and School Superintendent Lisa Wolak Barbiero.  The event will be presented live at the Weston Public Library Community Room, as well as virtually, and will be moderated by LWVCT President Laura Smits.  Register to attend via Zoom here.

Norfield Grange 8th Annual Barn Dance!
Sat., Jan. 28th @ 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Our 8th Annual Barn Dance, Dinner & Bonfire.  A great evening for ALL Ages and ALL are Welcome!
The tickets are $25/person and that includes dinner, drinks, a caller and live music (violin & mandolin) + a bonfire w/marshmallows.
12 GOOD HILL ROAD, WESTON
SPACE IS LIMITED, RESERVE TICKETS IN ADVANCE!
VENMO @LYNKIMBERLY ? FMI: [email protected]
The proceeds are going to the Weston Food Pantry

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation's Winter Session 2 registration began on Monday, 1/9 at 12:01 A.M. on the registration portal:  WebTrac Splash  and at 9 A.M. at the Parks and Recreation office, 47 Norfield Road. All after school programs will begin after session 1 ends and session 2 will wrap up before April break. Swim lessons begin this weekend at the Middle School pool, limited space still available. Please see our website for more information about swim lessons and open swim pool times. A swim pass must be purchased to attend open swim. Continue to follow us on facebook and instagram for updates and happenings around town!

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, and Historic District Commission, and the 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!   Link: Family & Youth Newsletter - January

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

The Bronze Age Collapse and the Birth of Ancient Greece
History Lecture Series, Joshua Hoffman, Historian *
Thursdays, 1-2pm (In-House)
February 9th, The Bronze Age Collapse and the Birth of Ancient Greece:  Ancient Greece has its origins in an arguably greater civilization: The Bronze Age. This class will give a brief overview of the Bronze Age, its sudden and mysterious collapse, and how the Greek world rose from its ashes to develop a new culture that would come to dominate the minds of the western world.

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]

Pickleball Lessons
With Betsy Hume
Fridays, 9am-12pm January 6th, 20th , February 3rd, 24th  $5 per lesson.
9am: Beginner Lessons 10-12pm: Intermediate Clinics $5 per lesson.
Space is limited, sign-up is required

Weston Public Library

Owl's One and All Storytime
Monday, January 30 @ 2:30 p.m. 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 Storytime
Thursday, February 2 @11:00-11:30 a.m.
 Ages 1-5 years. Registration required.  Join Miss Laura for stories, songs and rhymes.

Playgroup
Friday, February 3 @ 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.

Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Take Your Child to the Library Day is an international initiative that encourages families everywhere to take their children to their local library. Stop by for a fun activity! We'll have a scavenger hunt, crafts, and snacks from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and board games to play in the Community Room from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Sip and Stitch
Thursday, February 9 @ 7:00 p.m. Registration required.
Come spend an evening with friends and neighbors and share your projects. We can share our progress on old projects and the new ones we are starting!