Greetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
The Town of Weston instituted an emergency burn ban effective immediately, with the issuing of burn permits suspended, and those already with permits required to not burn. Residents are asked not to burn any brush on their property, or operate any outdoor grills, firepits, campfires etc. until the conclusion of the ban. 

With the fall being a very dry time of the year with dry vegetation, these factors add up to the season being a more of a high-risk time for fires than during the summer or spring. This is why the fire department is asking that local residents take a serious approach to the burn ban.

The State of Connecticut is under a “Red Flag” alert with extremely dry conditions and lack of rain which will continue at least over the next ten days, creating high risk for the ignition and spread of wildfires.  Governor Ned Lamont has declared a State of Emergency due to the critical fire weather conditions, with a large brush fire having ignited at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden this week, and state and local agencies working to suppress several other fire incidents that have been sparked statewide.  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has stated that “the vast majority of Connecticut's wildfires result from human activities” such as campfires, bonfires, cigarettes discarded on the ground, and the use of yard-care equipment. 

Residents are asked to be vigilant concerning the following activities which are the most common causes of wildfire ignition: discarded smoking materials; use of outdoor grills; campfires; power tools and equipment that generate heat or sparks.

The burn ban should be lifted by the state and then by the town once rainfall starts back up again. 

Please click here to read the Town Declaration of State of Emergency

Message from the Town Clerk and Registrars: November 5, 2024 Election, Absentee Ballots, and Early Voting

Early Voting
Through November 3
10 am to 6 pm
Weston Town Hall

Election Day Voting
November 5, 2024
6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Weston Middle School, Rear Entrance

Thank you to the election workers, Registrars of Voters, and Town Clerk’s Office for working tirelessly to make this happen.

Fall 2024 Road Paving Plan
All roads that were scheduled to be paved during the 2024 Paving Program have been completed. The Department of Public Works wishes to thank our residents and guests for their patience and understanding while we:

- Paved 9.6 miles of roadway

- Installed 7,230 linear feet of curbing

- Overlayed 70 driveway aprons

- Replaced 77 catch basins

- Painted over 12 miles of road striping

Phase two of the Paving Project will continue in the Spring of 2025. More information regarding roads scheduled for the Spring will be forthcoming.

Weston Bridge Replacement Progress

- The River Road and Davis Hill Road Bridges are both open! These two bridges were part of a single project that was completed on time and on budget. Construction crews will be finishing up landscaping and other minor details over the next couple of weeks.

- The Michael’s Way Bridge remains closed with a project completion date of November 15. Weather permitting, we anticipate no delays in getting the roadway open by that date. The bridge beams have been set and the road surface should be installed in the next two weeks.

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation
Work is scheduled to begin over the next two weeks.

Sign Policy on Town Hall Campus
Leaves are falling and campaign signs have come up.

The U.S. Supreme court ruled in 2015 that regulations of signs that are based on what the signs say (content-based regulations) are subject to strict scrutiny - a standard that requires compelling government justification and will likely be struck down.

The Town of Weston’s zoning regulations states that “the installation of temporary signs erected solely for political purposes shall be permitted.”

The rules for signs in the State right-of-way is different.  The State of Connecticut has specific rules which prohibit the posting of political advertising in the public rights-of-way controlled and maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

The Town has established a sign policy for all other signs:  The BOS approved 3-0 at their September 18 meeting a new sign policy on Town Hall Campus. This policy went into effect on October 1^st. Please see the link to the sign policy here: Town Hall Campus Sign Policy | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

FEMA Disaster Assistance Programs
FEMA has declared a major disaster in Connecticut and Fairfield County due to the extreme flooding on August 18th and 19th, 2024, as authorized by President Biden.  Per FEMA's announcement: "Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster."  There are presently two separate federal opportunities for assistance: directly through FEMA Disaster Assistance or through the Small Business Administration (SBA).  You can apply for both. Please click here https://www.westonct.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1093/15 for complete information, how to apply and contact information for questions.

Emergency Alerts
Please make sure that you and your family are registered to receive emergency alerts from the Weston Office of Emergency Management. Registration can be done online by visiting https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/community-alert-system-and-e-notifications. The Weston Public safety team will continue to expertly guide us through storms by sending out texts, emails and automated phone calls via our Everbridge system. With all the new residents in town, please make sure to mention Everbridge to your new friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Please also see this link, which provides details on how to prepare for weather events: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5929/637650804379770000

Updated safety and security on school campus facilities  

- During school hours, between 7 AM and 4 PM, school campus facilities will be closed to the public.

- While schools are in session, playgrounds, outdoor recess areas, track, tennis courts, and fields are closed to the public.

- The outdoor spaces are integral parts of school facilities, and classes are held outside at times - not just physical education, but also other subjects. Please do not use school outdoor spaces during school hours.

- Except for arrival and dismissal times, the auxiliary road between the high school and intermediate school is closed to cars.

- Building Department, Human Services, and Senior Center remain open and accessible to the public.

- Click here to view a map:  https://www.westonct.gov/home/showdocument?id=13242&t=638642371135402283

We appreciate your understanding. Let’s all do our part to help ensure safety and security for students and WPS staff.

Veterans Day Events for Veterans
Nov 11th, 2024 Monday

- 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast for veterans and their spouses (in the Weston Middle School Cafeteria for Veterans, followed by an all school Assembly to honor Veterans/. This is the highlight...the three Middle school grades perform for Veterans, A Red, White and Blue Extravaganza!  Followed by the Living History Session in the Library (some of our Vets will give informal recaps of their service experience to small groups of 8th grade students)

- 11:10 AM Remembrance Service at Town Hall Green (all residents invited)

- 12 Noon Lunch for Veterans at Weston High School and visits by students

- Weston High School (American Hero’s Club) organize a discussion panel with Veterans, about experiences, the draft, re-entering the work force, etc

For more information, please email the Weston Veterans Affairs Group, Ed Hutchins.  Veterans who are residents of Weston are encouraged to contact [email protected]

Upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off events
This is an opportunity to safely dispose of gasoline, lawn and pool products, paint thinners, lithium-ion batteries, 1lb propane tanks and more! For more info: www.HRRA.org

-- Nov. 2, 2024 9am – 2pm Brookfield

Parks and Recreation - Pickleball Courts are Open!
Pickleball Courts at Bisceglie-Scribner Park are open daily 8 am to dusk. Use is on a first come and first serve basis.

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 required. The next session is on 11/12:  [email protected]

Human Services
Weston Human Services is now taking applications for the State Energy Assistance Program. (CEAP) Your household may be eligible for CEAP if you can answer YES to the following questions:

- Are you a Connecticut resident?

- Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?

-- You receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services

-- Your annual household income falls at or below the income levels in the table below.

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Annual Income	$45,505	$59,507	$73,509	$87,511	$101,513	$115,514	$118,139	$120,765

Please call 203-222-2556 or email [email protected] to receive more information and/or make an appointment.

Medicare Open Enrollment
Even if you're happy with your current Medicare coverage, it's important to check for any changes next year, and compare with other available options. Open Enrollment is your chance to review your Medicare coverage options and find the best fit for you.  You may save money, find better coverage, or both!  You have until December 7th.  Certified CHOICES Counselors are available by appointment at the Weston Senior Center and can provide you with unbiased assistance in navigating your options. Weston Senior Center (203) 222-2608

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 Human 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. Click here sign up read our most recent newsletter and to subscribe to the mailing list

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 visit the Senior Center website: https://westonseniorcenter.info/
-- 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 on Aging, Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Building Committee, 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.

Sunday Soundscapes Presents Trio Ondata November 17
On Sunday, November 17^th at 4 pm in the Weston Library, Sunday Soundscapes will present the award-winning Trio Ondata in a program of music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Haydn. Trio Ondata is a New Haven-based ensemble consisting of violinist Michael Ferri, cellist Miriam Liske-Doorandish and pianist Anthony Ratinov. Formed at the Yale School of Music in 2022, this bold and exploratory ensemble swiftly garnered attention on the national stage, winning the Silver Medal and the inaugural Horszowski Trio Prize at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. In the same year they won the Yale School of Music Chamber Music Competition, and in 2023 they received both the Gold Medal and the Audience Choice Awards at the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition.

Trio Ondata presents a wide-ranging repertoire both old and new, from classical works to contemporary music. They have enjoyed summer residencies at the Mimir Chamber Music Festival in Texas and at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute in New Hampshire. In their Sunday Soundscapes debut concert, they will offer trios by Beethoven and Haydn, as well as selections from those composers’ seldom-heard arrangements of Scottish and Welsh folksongs for voices and piano trio. Joining them for the folksongs will be former Metropolitan Opera baritone Edward Crafts, soprano Emma Rogers and tenor Diego Valdez.

Reservations are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trio-ondata-plays-beethoven-and-haydn-at-weston-library-nov-17-tickets-989286952907?aff=oddtdtcreator. Suggested (but not required) donations are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Click Here for more information.