Greetings and Welcome to Oct 20th’s Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Today is National Mammography Day. National Mammography Day serves as a reminder that early detection saves lives. We want to remind women - no matter your age - to attend your annual well woman exam and talk with your primary care physician to determine when to begin annual mammograms or other regular cancer screenings. When cancer is caught earlier, before it has a chance to grow or spread, it is much easier to treat. #BreastCancerAwareness

Municipal Elections are November 7^th
Absentee ballots are available in person from the Town Clerk weekdays, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and by mail now through November 6. See the Town Clerk’s webpage for more information: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/town-clerk. For information about voter registration visit the Registrars of Voters webpage: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/registrar-of-voters

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. 
To date the Sister City has provided:  

Armored Delivery Van: We have successfully procured and delivered an armored van that will deliver bread, water, and medical supplies to the residents of Siversk.

Student Retreat for more than 500 Siversk Students dispersed in the region which will provide social and emotional healing as well as a thread and continuity to their classmates. (Underwritten by the Pesco Family)

Medical Expenses: We are funding on an ongoing basis doctors on the ground who live in Siversk.

Rat Poison was delivered after plea for rat poison to prevent disease.

There is more to fund and the Committee will be reaching out with new initiatives in the near future regarding other opportunities to help our sister city. Click here to donate:  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

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].

A Message from WPS Hurlbutt Principal Laura Kaddis Regarding Kindergarten  
Many of you are aware that the State of Connecticut has changed the age requirements for students to enroll in a public school kindergarten. The new law states that students entering kindergarten in the 2024-2025 school year must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2024. For your reference, the change is reflected in Public Act 23-208 section 1(a).   Any child who is not five years old on or before September 1, 2024, but turns five before January 1, 2025, may submit a request in writing to me, Mrs. Laura Kaddis, Principal of Hurlbutt Elementary School, to be considered for early enrollment. Prior to any request, I encourage families to discuss this important transition with their child’s preschool provider.  Students who are enrolled in the Hurlbutt Early Learning Center (ELC) who are not 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2024, will remain in the ELC until they are age-eligible for kindergarten.  The Weston Board of Education is in the process of reviewing and amending the Ages of Attendance Policy (5112) to reflect the new legislation. As a reminder, Hurlbutt Elementary School opens the kindergarten registration process beginning in January 2024.  Please contact Laura Kaddis directly at [email protected] if you have questions.

Construction in Westport Impacting I-95
Even though it’s not Weston, this could impact our residents. CTDOT will begin its accelerated bridge construction lateral slide on the northbound side of the I-95 Bridge over Saugatuck Avenue in Westport CT, on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 8PM. I-95 will be severely restricted from Friday, October 20 at 8 PM until Monday, October 23 at 6AM. The second side on the southbound bridge will begin Friday, November 3, at 8PM severely restricting traffic on the highway until Monday, November 6, at 6AM.  This is part of ABC – Accelerated Bridge Construction – which means a shorter inconvenience (a whole bridge is being replaced in a weekend!!) rather than long-term detours. FHWA has a lot of info on ABC: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc-2/abc.cfm

Weston Receives STEAP Grant of $438,240
Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is approving the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects. Weston received $438,240 in state funding is approved for roof repairs and solar panel installation at the Department of Public Works garage. These panels will be used to power the municipal campus. The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

Weston Sustainability Action Plan - Your input matters
Thank you to everyone who already responded to our Sustainable Weston survey and Volunteer Questionnaire. Our most recent outreach effort is a partnership with Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA), Curbside Compost, Lachat Town Farm and the High School Green Team to improve recycling and waste collection at Lachat Events. Thanks for taking the time to make a difference in our town. Sent on behalf of the Sustainable Weston Town Committee https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/appointed/select-committee-on-sustainability  Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_weston/)  and Facebook  (https://www.facebook.com/SustainableWeston)

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 

Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event in Brookfield
Saturday, November 4, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Road, Brookfield CT
Weston residents can dispose of household hazardous waste at this event
Visit the HRRA website for more information:  https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste/

Trunk or Treat! 
Saturday, October 28 (Rain Date Oct 29)
4:30 to 6:30 pm  - Sensory Friendly 4-4:30pm
at Weston Intermediate School Parking Lot
Presented by the Weston Women's League:   http://westonwomensleague.org/index.html

Halloween Party at the Norfield Grange!
Sat., Oct. 28th 
Doors Open at 7 pm
12 Good HIll Road, Weston
Venmo $50/Person @Step-Halkowycz
JOIN US IF YOU DARE! Proceeds to the Norfield Grange Scholarship Fund

Lachat Town Farm
Lachat Town Farm has a wide variety of upcoming programs including Music in the Meadow, cooking classes, gardening, photography, yoga and tai chi, knitting circles, and many programs just for kids.  Please visit the Lachat Town Farm website for a complete list of programs and events

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. 

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is taking place and inspections have been happening since March 2023. The areas of Town being inspected are posted and updated on our website throughout the entire collection process.  Data Collectors have badges for identification and their cars are 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

Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
To qualify your total annual household income must be at or less than the following:

- Household Size 1: $41,553
- Household Size 2: $54,338
- Household Size 3: $67,124
- Household Size 4: $79,910
- Household Size 5: $92,695
- Household Size 6: $105,481
- Household Size 7: $107,878

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 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

Weston Human Services in connection with Wilton and Westport invite you to join the following events:

12 Executive Functions: How to Build Skills for Home and School
Tuesday, October 24 at Noon
Children and teens with Executive Function deficits have difficulties managing time and space constructively; setting goals appropriately; controlling emotional and behavioral impulses; prioritizing; sustaining attention; planning and organizing; starting tasks and following through; self-regulating; being flexible; and making mature judgments regarding right & wrong and cause & effect.  During this webinar, Dawn Matera, EdD, will explain, in readily understandable terms, the complex topics of executive function and working memory– crucial aspects of a child’s ability to be successful in school and with everyday tasks– with an emphasis on how parents can assist their children in developing and implementing helpful strategies.  Click here to register:  https://spednet.org/12ef/

Free Short Films:  Don’t Wait
with Online Discussion Options for Parents and Guardians
K-12 parents are encouraged to watch the short film "Don't Wait" (52 minutes) to be empowered to have discussions about substance use with your kids throughout their upbringing. Sign up to watch the film in the privacy of your own home at any time during October. As a follow-up, we invite you to bring any questions, concerns, or suggestions to one of our 2 online discussion hours: Oct 24 and Oct 26 from 7-8pm. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link for the discussion a few days prior. Download the "Don't Wait" parent guide at https://addictionisreal.org/dont-wait-discussion-guide/  

Parents and guardians can RSVP here to get a pre-paid promocode allowing them to stream the film at their convenience anytime during October. As follow-up, WPC is also offering two drop-in zoom sessions for parents who want to ask questions or learn more. Click to sign up for the October 24 session or the October 26 session, both at 7pm.

Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation wants you to get ready for a winter adventure like no other with our latest flyer! With basketball, the middle school ski club, and before/after school programs available, there's something for everyone. Don't let the season pass you by – join us for some fun! Head to the registration portal to register!  Registration begins on 10/26 at 10:01 P.M. be sure your account is set up correctly, you can login successfully. Please be sure participants are in the correct grade!

Weston WOW! Programs
Weston Parks and Recreation WOW Programs offer After-school programs and summer camps for children, including WOW fun and enrichment classes at Hurlbutt Elementary School, Weston Intermediate School, and Weston Middle School during the fall, winter and spring sessions as well as summer camps. Click here to visit our website for more information

What’s Next in Weston?
The “What’s Next in Weston” 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:  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 boards have positions available:  Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Board of Education Meetings
Link to details on the district calendar: https://www.westonps.org/358042_2

November 20, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

December 18, 2023
Weston Middle School Library
6:00 PM

Weston Senior Center Events and Activities
$5 Exercise Classes!
The Senior Center offers:

- Yoga
- Cardio drumming
- Balance
- Strength & Stretch
- Chair aerobics

Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trivia and Crafts
Halloween Arts and Crafts with Gisselle
Wednesday, October 25^th, 1:00pm
(Sponsored by Always Caring Connecticut)
Join Gisselle in painting ceramic Halloween decorations. All supplies included along with sweet Halloween snacks.

Art Classes

Acrylic Painting with Nature’s Textures With Agata Tria
Tuesday, October 24^th, 31^st, 10:00am-12:00pm
$20.00 for series of 4 classes
See the magic happen when you take a real object of nature and apply paint to it making a study of texture, shape, composition and space.
Please bring the following to the first class: acrylic paint, brushes, canvases

Card Games

Canasta Players Needed!
Group meets every Friday at 1:00pm 

Learn How to Play Pinochle
Date and time to be determined 

Caregivers Support Group

Tuesday, 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] 

We are collecting new or unused gifts and jewelry for our annual Holiday Gift Sale beginning November 27^th. All proceeds from the sale go to the Weston Senior Center to be used for programs, lunches and trips.

Weston Public Library
Get involved with the Weston Public Library:

Shred Day October 21, 10 am – 1 pm
At Hurlbutt Elementary School on School Road
Standard boxes (10″x12″x15′): $10 each
Computers: $20 each
Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Library

We also have several education lectures for various age groups such as  The 4 Step Method to Getting Into Your First Choice College, Early Start to STEM Education, and Everything You Need to Know About the New Digital SAT.

Check our event calendar for more ongoing crafting sessions, storytimes, game nights, clubs, playgroups, cultural/educational events, and more. We hope to see you soon!"

Friends of Weston Public Library
Book Sale at Weston Public Library
November 3, 4, & 5
For more information, click here:  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/xp_newpopevent.cfm?zeeOrg=WESTON&EventID=7351659&sw=1366

Weston History and Culture Center
Coley Cemetery Guided Tour
Join us for an enlightening tour of the Coley Cemetery on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
The Coley Cemetery is located on Weston Road ( Rte. 57) behind Weston Gardens.
Free Event. Limited availability. Tickets Required. Reserve Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coley-cemetery-tour-tickets-732326487237?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Longtime Weston resident, Karin Giannitti, the Weston History & Culture Center's Executive Director, Samantha Fargione, and local volunteers will guide your through the cemetery as they reveal its history as well as some of the notable individuals and families buried there. This is NOT a spooky event.  Please wear sturdy shoes! Tour is 60 minutes. Cemetery terrain is uneven, rocky, and has inclines. Parking at the Coley Cemetery is limited! If you can, please consider carpooling. If you plan on carpooling, you can leave a car at the Weston History & Culture Center - 104 Weston Road - and carpool to the cemetery from there. After the cemetery tour, come back to the Weston History & Culture Center for a guided tour of the Coley House and "Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted & Sculpted"! Questions: email: [email protected]

Click Here for more information.