Greetings and Welcome to Sep 22nd’s Town Hall Happenings!

Opening note
This week is a momentous week with the official opening of Weston’s first set of sidewalks. The sidewalks provide a greater level of safety for students and the public, and connects our schools and Town Hall complex to Weston Town Center. This project is funded with a nearly $900,000 Community Connectivity Program Grant from the state. We will be celebrating on Thursday afternoon with the Lt. Governor, DOT Deputy Commissioner, WPS School Superintendent and other dignitaries who helped make the sidewalks possible. So please feel free to bring your little ones and help us decorate the new sidewalks with sidewalk chalk to the area around the union barn and celebrate this historic moment with us.

On behalf of the Town of Weston and as the First Selectwoman I would like to express my joy, appreciation and relief at being able to officially welcome Morad Tahbaz back home after six long and painful years. We, the Town employees and elected officials of Weston are proud to be amongst this group offering our ongoing support and appreciation for their bravery and ability to stand tall during this horrifying experience. We sincerely want the Tahbaz family to know that when the time is right, we look forward to celebrating and honoring them publicly as important and heroic residents of the Town of Weston.

Public Safety Town Hall  9/26 at 6pm - Weston Town Hall Meeting Room
First Selectwoman Sam Nestor, the Weston Police Commission, and the Weston Police Department will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Public Safety to address the recent upturn in car thefts and break-ins that have occurred in Weston and surrounding communities. This is a pressing topic of significant public interest and import. The panel members will outline how the Police Department is dealing with these car thefts and break-ins, the work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed to address the topic, and steps that residents can and should be taking to ensure that they do not become victims. The Meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room and will be recorded.

The Weston League of Women Voters – Answering Your Questions about Voting
With the changes in voting due to COVID over the last few years and the passage of the Early Voting referendum in November, many people have questions about Absentee Voting and Early Voting. The League of Women Voters of Weston will have a table in Weston Center on September 23rd from 11:00 to 2:00 and one at Lachat’s International Market and Festival on the 30th from 12:00 to 4:00 to help answer some of these questions. At Lachat we will be joined by the Weston Registrars of Voters who will be there to answer questions and register new voters. 

Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project Ribbon Cutting 9/28 at 1:15pm - Onion Barn
Celebrate the Town of Weston’s first ever sidewalks! Please join Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, DOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King, Weston School Superintendent Lisa Barbiero, First Selectwoman Sam Nestor and other members of the Community Connectivity Grant Program who have made this milestone possible. Click here for an overview of the sidewalk projects https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects and here for the most recent podcast on the project: https://vimeo.com/820579482, 

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)

Sustainable Weston - What’s In? What’s Out? What Next?
September 26^th at 7PM at Lachat Town Farm
Please join us for an informative presentation and community discussion at Lachat Town Farm’s new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center , and the first in a series of community talks, “Living In the Country”, spearheaded by Sustainable Weston. What goes in your bin? What stays out? Why recycle? Where do recyclables go? Can I save money? What is the fuss about Organics and Food Scrap Recycling?  Connecticut is experiencing a solid waste, recycling and food waste crisis. More waste is generated then we have the capacity to manage. What’s happening to all that waste? Where does it go? Managing waste and knowing what to Recycle can be confusing. Come to this family-friendly event, to learn where our garbage, food scraps/organics and recycling really goes. What is the State of Connecticut’s universal recycling guide. What is the State doing with regard to the food waste crisis? What happens when you put the wrong thing in your recycling bin. What does China have to do with recycling in Connecticut. How does waste and re- cycling impact the environment. How can managing your waste save you money and how it effects your taxes. What are other towns in our region doing about Organics recycling? Join industry expert, Jennifer Heaton-Jones, the Executive Director of the regional governmental solid waste and recycling authority, HRRA (Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority), for a one hour presentation followed by a half hour Q & A. You’re guaranteed to learn something new.  For the Q&A, Jennifer will be joined by panelists including: Larry Roberts, Weston Director of Public Works and Facilities. This event is a collaboration between Sustainable Weston, Lachat Town Farm and the HRRA. To register, visit: https://lachattownfarm.org/register.php?eventid=1556  For more information about HRRA, visit: https://hrra.org

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

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.

The Weston Town Green 
Pardon our appearance while installation of the new Weston Town Green continues. Thank you to the Beautification Committee for your hard work on this project. The boulders for the Veterans memorial are in place and the infrastructure is completed for the complex. In addition, the sidewalks are complete and installation of the elliptical path began on Friday.

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
The renovations in the basement of Town Hall have begun. This renovation will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and update 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: September 2023 Newsletter

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation offers  before & after school programming, swim classes and so much more- this is primed to be a fantastic year! After school programs like the very popular after school Tennis, Sports & Fitness, Powerful Play, Run Club, Volleyball and of course Field Hockey Gr. 3-8 are all included in this session. Registration can be online using the registration portal. The full flyer can be found here *Many programs have a habit of selling out quickly- don't miss out! 

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 on Aging, 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

Monday, October 16, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

November 20, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

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

Weston Commission for the Arts Master Artist Series presents Maestro Steven Mercurio
Saturday, September 22 at 7pm
Weston Public Library
Fun fact...did you know that our neighbor and highly accomplished composer and conductor Maestro Steven Mercurio also wrote a symphony for dogs? Steven’s “A Grateful Tail” celebrates the unique bond between dogs and those who love them, created for music and dog lovers everywhere. Come hear Maestro Steven discuss his inspiration for this and so many other major works of his at Weston’s new Master Artist series premiering this evening at the town library at 7pm. Free admission sponsored by the Weston Commission for the Arts.

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

International Festival and Market
Date: Saturday September 30
Time: 12:00PM - 4:00PM
Cost: Upper Field Parking:$20, Lower Field Parking: $30
The International Festival and Market provides an opportunity for residents with ties around the globe to flaunt their cultural roots, showcasing the many countries that make up our community.  The International Festival and Market represents global cultures through many channels: food, music, dance, authentic goods to admire and/or purchase, art, games, traditional dress, and educational materials.  There will be musicians and youth dance troupes representing many cultures performing on stage all throughout the day.  

From the Tree Warden:  Spotted Lantern Fly Identified in Weston, CT 
Pictures and full details on this insect can be found at: CT Spotted Lanternfly https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly. If you see the spotted lantern fly: 

• First, and most important – if you think you have observed spotted lanternflies, do not attempt to move any wood or other potentially infested material from the site. Instead, you should: 
•  Report potential sightings of this invasive pest. If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it and fill out this SLF Reporting Form.  Connecticut Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) Reporting
•  Kill any spotted lanternflies you find immediately. 
•  Follow these tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies. CAES-SLF-Residential-Factsheet.pdf 
•  Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitch a ride on vehicles and even clothing.

Car Seat Safety Day
September 29  from 10:00 to 2:00
Weston Volunteer Fire Department
Have your car seat checked for FREE by a certified child passenger safety technician. You will learn how to correctly install and use your car seat. Appointments Recommended.  To book your free appointment, please email [email protected] by 9/28/23 

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.

Trips
Historical Wooster Square in New Haven Walking Tour
$10.00 per person for lunch
Tuesday, October 3^rd (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center)
Famous Sally’s Pizza (or Modern Pizza) for lunch, Libby’s Pastry and other fun stops along the easy walking tour. Lots of opportunity to bring home treats. Sign up early!

Beautiful Downtown Kent
Friday, October 27^th (bus leaves at 10:00am from the Senior Center)
Beautiful foliage the whole way up and back. Shopping in downtown Kent followed by lunch at The Fife and Drum. Bring money for shopping and lunch.

Lectures

Ways of Listening: The Music of Mozart
Program by David Stein, Thursday, September 28^th, 1-2pm
(Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Senior Center)
This program will help attendees to appreciate Mozart’s music more deeply and understand why it is so beloved. In a one-hour presentation, David Stein will explore the Gran Partita for Winds, a Mozart masterpiece that plays a crucial role in the movie “Amadeus” The program uses video clips of performance and animations combined with live illustration at the piano. It is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music.

Trivia and Crafts

Brain Games and Lunch (free)
With Danielle Ramos
Friday, October 20^th, 12:00pm
(Sponsored by National Healthcare Associates)

Arts and Crafts with Mary and Snacks (free)
Trivia with Mary
Friday, October 6^th at 12:00pm with lunch
Wednesday, October 25^th at 1:00pm with refreshments
(Sponsored by Wilton Meadows)

Friday Bingo
October 13^th
12:30pm

Crafts & Snacks with Gisselle
Wednesday, September 27, 1:00pm
(Sponsored by Always Caring of CT)
These lovely watercolor paint by number sets are designed for the beginner and hobby artist. An enjoyable way to relax! Choice of succulents, produce or coastal designs. 

Art Classes
Gourd Felt Class with Rachel
Friday, October 13^th
9:30am-12:30pm
$20.00 includes all supplies needed to make a felt gourd

Acrylic Painting with Nature’s Textures
With Agata Tria
Tuesday, October 10^th, 17^th, 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

Special Craft with Weston High School Senior Gianna
Tile painting
Monday, September 25^th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Calling all artists and creative enthusiasts! “What does the Senior Center Mean to You”? Your tile will be made into a beautifully crafted handmade mosaic.

Caregivers Support Group
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]

Free Skin Cancer Screening for Weston, Easton, Westport Residents!
September 26^th
Appointments between 9-12pm or 1-4pm
Location: 180 Bayberry Lane, Westport
Call Judy at 203-227-9571 ext. 235 for appointment.

Flu Shot Clinic- Westport/Weston Health Department
October 18th 11-1:30pm (Appointments will be taken in September)Location: Weston Senior Center 

AARP Safe Driving Course
October 12th, 9:15-1:15pm (sign-up available in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center 

To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

The Senior Center is 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:

• Coming October 6th, teens ages 12+ can now register for a night of chills, thrills and ghost stories with Paranormal Investigator Barry Pirro. 
• Those in 1st-4th grade are invited to join us for some fun with TEAM S.T.E.A.M. on Tuesdays, October 3rd, 10th & 17th. 
• Taylor Swift fans are welcome to come out for our second Swiftie party, with the chance to win prizes on October 11th! 
• 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.
• For adults looking to strengthen their cybersecurity skillsets, we have a special Password Security presentation on Tuesday, September 26 at 7pm with Dr. Teresa Piliouras in the Library's Community Room. Register here!

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!"

Weston History and Culture Center
"Stand Up For Justice", a lecture focused on the Japanese American experience during World War II will take place at the Weston Public Library in Weston, CT on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 3pm. This event is co-sponsored by the Weston History & Culture Center and the Friends of the Weston Public Library. The speaker, Joy Yayoi Futaba DeJaeger, will tell the story of her mother who was put in an American Concentration Camp during World War II.  This event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stand-up-for-justice-japanese-american-concentration-camps-tickets-699233124097?aff=oddtdtcreator or at: https://westoncthistory.org This lecture is the first in the Weston History & Culture Center's World War II Lecture Series.

Stamford, CT author, Tony Pavia will present a book talk, "An American Town Goes to War", at the Weston History & Culture Center at 104 Weston Road in Weston, CT on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 3pm. Free event but registration is recommended as space is limited. Register at: http://westoncthistory.org/  An American Town Goes to War” is the story of a group of men who went off to war. They are all from one town, Stamford, CT, but their stories are universal. Author Tony Pavia will discuss the commonalities of their experiences, highlight their personal stories as well as stories from those loved ones whom the veterans left behind.

Click Here for more information.