Weston Town Hall Happenings For Dec. 14, 2024

Press release from the Town of Weston:

12/11/2024 3:18 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Oh my goodness! Can you believe the amazing event we had last week? It was the third annual Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting, and let me tell you, it was absolutely fantastic! We had hundreds of guests join us, and it was truly a magical evening. The performers were absolutely outstanding, and we are incredibly lucky to have such amazing talent right here in our town. I can't thank them enough for their amazing performances.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, volunteers, and the hardworking municipal team. They truly brought this special program to life, and we are so grateful for their dedication and hard work. A big, heartfelt thank you goes out to the amazing team on the Commission for the Arts, especially Mark, and Paul. And let's not forget our lead sponsor, the Crown Family. Their support means the world to us.

We also want to give a special shout out to Jodi Stevens, Liz Morris, Stew Leonard's, Summer Rain Lighting, Wayne Wyatt, and all the wonderful volunteers who helped make this event a success. Margaret and the Weston Women’s League, Cindy, Shannon, Kristen, the Scouts, and all the other incredible elves - you all deserve a big round of applause for your contributions. And a very special thank you goes to Darcy, Larry, and Benny, who went above and beyond to make this program possible. We couldn't have done it without you!

Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much to everyone who made the second annual Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting such a memorable and incredible event. We are so lucky to have such a supportive and amazing community.

Holiday Festival Raffle Ticket Winners
If you have raffle ticket numbers 644135 or 644083, you’re a winner! Please call Darcy at 203-222-2656 or email: executiveassistant@westonct.gov to claim your prize

Weston Dog Park Status Update
I am pleased to report that we have started to build the parking area and access way to the dog park and the Moore Property following the guidance of the Tree Warden on the removal of trees. Dead, living, and potentially dangerous trees have been removed in accordance with the Tree Warden’s Notice of Final decision on January 13, 2023. This project utilizes 7% of the entire Moore Property -- land that was purchased by the Town more than two decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use. The dog park construction, design, and first few years of maintenance are funded with grants (ARPA, access way and parking & Greyledge plantings), gifts from private individuals through the Weston Dog Park 501c3, as well as a contribution in memory of Brian Gordon, our former second Selectman who passed away in 2018.

Weston Bridge Replacement Progress

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation
Crews are working on the Lyons Plain Road Pavement Rehabilitation. During the late fall and early winter, this project will be active until weather forces a winter shutdown. Crews will resume in the spring, typically around April 1st, if weather forces a winter shutdown. The project will consist of repairing the road structure in some areas and resetting the geometry of the road surface (eliminating high and low points and restoring the crown of the road). Drainage improvements along the entire length of the roadway will allow for better control of rainfall and help to contain solids, improving water quality before it is absorbed back into the ground. New guardrails and traffic sign installations will offer increased safety for motorists. Lastly, new pavement will finish off the project. We appreciate your patience during this period of rebuilding and urge motorists to use caution while driving through areas under construction. Please keep your vehicle speed reduced for the safety of those working to improve our Towns’ roadways. The construction of this project is paid for with a $2.7 million grant from the State of Connecticut. Please note this is a state funded project and timelines and milestones are coordinated with the CT DOT.

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

School Security Community Engagement Update from WPS
Superintendent Barbiero has provided an update for the community on next steps to engage the public on this important topic:

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.

Toys for Tots Collection

The Weston Police Benevolent Association invites you to share with us an opportunity to spread joy this holiday season. We are proud to be participating in the Toys for Tots program again and are currently collecting new, unwrapped toys to bring smiles to children in need. As you may know, Toys for Tots is a wonderful initiative founded by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which has been brightening holidays for millions of children since 1947. Their mission is simple yet profound: to ensure every child experiences the magic of the holiday season, regardless of their circumstances. Join us in making a difference. Donations can be dropped off in the main lobby of the Weston Police Department, across the parking lot from the library. Your generous contribution will not only bring happiness to a child but also help reinforce the sense of community and care that this program embodies.

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 1/14 at 1pm: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Weston 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:

Please call 203-222-2556 or email alisbon@westonct.gov to receive more information and/or make 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 rmiller@westonct.gov 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 alisbon@westonct.gov

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 rmiller@westonct.govWeston Senior Center

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: Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Building Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Veterans Affairs Committee. 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.

Weston Public Library
Songs to Celebrate Love & Light with Sheri Miller
Saturday, December 14, 2024
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Gifted singer-songwriter Sheri Miller composes and performs her soulful, anthemic love songs while accompanying herself on guitar and piano. During this FREE live concert, Sheri will sing classic favorites from the Beatles to Judy Garland as well as some original love songs. Since releasing her record Waking Up To This Miracle Life, Sheri has received fantastic national and international press, over a million streams on Spotify, and performed her music on The Today Show in Nashville, an NBC-affiliate station, one of the highest rated, most watched morning shows in the country. Registration is requested, though walk-ins are welcome. Register here: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=WESTON&curName=2024/12/14_Sheri_Miller_Concert Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

With gratitude,
Sam

PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link! https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/advanced-components/list-detail-pages/news-list

This press release was produced by the Town of Weston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.