Weston Town Hall Happenings For March 21, 2025

Press release from the Town of Weston:

03/21/2025 3:35 PM

I fully echo these leaders’ sentiments. We stand united in opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism, and discrimination in all forms. Our shared goal is to ensure our schools—and our entire town—remain safe and welcoming for everyone.

Together Against Antisemitism Community Conversation
March 27, 2025 @ the Weston Public Library Community Room – 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Please join Rabbi Friedman and the Mothers in Blue for a conversation about Antisemitism and how we can respond to it.

Land Mobile Radio Project is Almost Complete
The Land Mobile Radio (LMR) project is entering the final stages of installation. This project has spanned three years and, when finished, will have completely replaced our Public Safety radio communications systems. The new system will allow Police, Fire, EMS and Public Works to talk with the Communications Center (911 Dispatch) and with each other. Communications with our mutual aid partners and State Police will now be possible, greatly increasing the safety of our first responders. In fact, the system will allow radio coverage throughout the entire southwest portion of our State. All ground based equipment has been delivered and installed and vehicle radio installations began this week. All equipment should be installed by the end of April 2025. Preliminary testing of the new system is in progress with formal acceptance testing to occur in early summer. This project has been partially funded with State and Federal Grants.

Sign Policy on Town Hall Campus
The BOS approved 3-0 at their September 18, 2024 meeting a sign policy on Town Hall Campus. This policy has been in effect since October 1st. Please see the link to the sign policy here: Town Hall Campus Sign Policy | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

Weston Awarded State Grant for Traffic Control
Weston has applied for and was recently awarded a state grant for “high risk rural roads” to help control high risk driving behaviors on rural roads in Connecticut. Weston was awarded $43,370 at no cost to the Town, to conduct enhanced traffic enforcement on local roads and to purchase speed enforcement devices. Citizens should expect to see enhanced presence of Weston officers on our roads conducting enforcement activities during the grant period from March 1st through May 30th. Please be aware that there is increased pedestrian traffic during the upcoming spring months and obey posted speed limits and other traffic signage around town. Please help us to keep our roads safe in Weston.

It's Budget Season!

Budget Overview
On the evening of February 28th, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved the Town Operating and Capital budget for next fiscal year, which is available here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/finance. I am very proud of the budget presented. It struck a balance between funding valued services, investing in needed capital projects, and establishing a mill rate that keeps Weston an affordable place to live. The Board of Selectmen worked collaboratively on this budget and then voted to transmit it to the Board of Finance. They reviewed the budgets on 3/11 and 3/13 this past week.

Town Budget Meetings
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. Below is the meeting schedule. The Town budget is posted on the Town website

• Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request
• Thursday, April 10, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting.
• Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 8 pm – Annual Town Budget meeting at the High School Auditorium.
• Saturday, May 3, 2025, 12pm to 8 pm –Annual Town Budget Referendum at the Town Hall.
• Monday, May 5, 2025, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate.

Past Meetings can be viewed on our Vimeo channel: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo

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. The months of March and April will be dedicated to addressing your questions regarding the Town budget. Come with your questions!

Town Hall talks 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 3/25 at 6pm: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Weston Public Schools Budget Information
The Weston Public School proposed operating and capital budgets, along with supplemental documentation can be found on the district website under Board of Education/Budget. Below is a list of WPS budget meetings that have already taken place. Please see the letter with detailed information from the School Superintendent Lisa Barbiero HERE as well as the dates below regarding the Weston Public School Budget.

Below are previous meetings which can also be found on the WPS website under Board of Education/Previously Recorded Meetings.

Weston’s Board of Police Commissioners now accepting nominations for its annual Citizen of the Year Award
Each year the Commission recognizes an outstanding citizen who makes a unique contribution to the town. Historically, recipients of this award have been involved in programs, committees, or organizations that contribute to public safety or quality of life and have positively impacted our town. When you submit a nominee, please highlight noteworthy achievements or projects showing the nominee's commitment. The mission is to identify someone with unwavering dedication, leadership, and selflessness in serving our town and whose contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of residents while exemplifying the spirit of community and civic responsibility. The Commission will discuss candidates, make a selection in early May, and present the award in June. Nominations will be accepted up until May 6th and can be sent to the chair of the award selection committee, Commissioner Kirby Brendsel, at kbrendsel@westonct.gov or mailed to 12 Godfrey Rd W.

Weston High School Company Presents: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Show Dates and Times:

Singing, spelling and side-splitting shenanigans are coming to Weston High School as the drama club presents The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It’s a battle of wits as six unique contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious, that’s H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S, musical comedy. The show runs March 28th-30th with new surprises every night. Audience members and maybe even some favorite Weston High School teachers will join the cast on stage as the contestants try to spell their way to a win! Don’t miss this chance to embrace your inner nerd! Visit www.whscompany.comfor tickets and details.

Weston Dog Park
I am pleased to report that the Dog Park construction has seen much progress over the Winter months. Despite having to shut down work for five weeks due to snow and cold weather, the dog park is nearing completion. The driveway, parking area and pathway back to the park have been installed. Select tree removal and dog run fence are complete. Park benches, trash receptacles and signage are being delivered over the next few weeks. With the better weather, Weston Public Works crews have started work again on the road drainage system. Final roadway material placement and grading will follow. We are looking towards an early Spring opening of the park. 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.

STEAP Grant Update: DPW Roof Replacement/Solar Array
The roof on the Department of Public Works is currently being replaced. The 30-year-old roof will be replaced to make way for the addition of a new 100kWh solar array. The solar panels will offset the energy costs of the Public Works building and Town Hall complex. This project is funded by a Small-Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant of nearly $500,000 with a 20% percentage match by Town of Weston. The roofing portion of the project will be completed by March 7 and the Solar array will go out to competitive bid in mid-March.

Valley Forge Road Rehabilitation Project
This project is proposed to address heavily deteriorated pavement conditions along Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Bradley Hill Road. The project was presented to the Conservation Commission on February 27 and committee members will walk the length of the construction on March 1. The project, with an estimated construction cost of $5.3 million, will involve full-depth reconstruction of a 1.25-mile-long segment of Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Bradley Road. Minor widening will be required in some areas to accommodate 10' travel lanes with 2’ shoulders in each direction. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of retaining walls will help hold back the existing steep slope along the easterly side of the road. Approximately 2,750 LF of steel cable guide rail will be replaced and approximately 150 LF of new guide rail will be placed to improve safety. Driveway aprons will be repaved to match the new pavement elevation as part of this work. The project also includes storm drainage improvements including improvements to culverts, replacement of catch basins and drainage pipes, and cleaning of the system.. Several drainage easements are proposed adjacent to existing end walls to provide ongoing maintenance. The Town has received WestCOG endorsement for funding through the State’s Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program for 100% of construction costs. The Town is responsible for designing the project, including all costs associated with design. Please note this is a state funded project and timelines and milestones are coordinated with the CT DOT. This winter we had a Public Information Meeting https://vimeo.com/1040804703 The projected start time of this project is Fall 2025 (estimate).

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation
Lyons Plain Rd Rehabilitation - Roadway work is fully underway. Remaining work includes replacement of catch basin tops, milling (removal) of pavement between the Weston/Westport town line and Davis Hill Road as well as replacement of guide rail and roadside restoration. The roadway will remain open for traffic for the majority of work although there may be temporary detours, especially to accommodate work at the intersection of Davis Hill Rd, Kellogg Hill Rd, and Valley Forge Rd. Residents are asked to seek alternate routes when possible and plan for minor delays.

Join The Food Scraps Recycling Program
If you have not yet signed up for the Food Scraps Recycling Program and would like do so, click here: https://hrra.org/organics-food-scraps-weston/ As with mixed, glass, mattress or redeemable recycling, there is NO FEE to use the Food Scraps Recycling program for Weston residents. Residents simply collect their food scraps in a designated counter collection bin or bucket and then tip their container into the Curbside Compost bins located next to the red mattress recycling container at the Transfer Station.

School/Town Water Supply Update
On Wednesday, March 4 a new backup emergency generator was installed at the pump and filtration station on School Road. This project will replace the 25 year old generator with a new one. This pump station supplies water to all Board of Education facilities, Public Library, Firehouse, Town Hall, Senior Center, Department of Public Works and Bus Garage. This new generator will ensure uninterrupted service during times of power outages. The $47,000 project was funded by a special appropriation approved by the Board of Selectman and Board of Finance.

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

Hurlbutt Elementary - Kindergarten Registration
Hurlbutt Elementary School is already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. This includes registering the incoming class of 2038. If your child will be five years old on or before September 1, 2025, they are eligible to begin kindergarten in the fall.
Please complete the online registration from the Weston Public Schools website.

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
You can upload the required documents at the end of the online registration before you submit the form. Without all of these, your child’s registration cannot be processed. It may seem early in the year to register. However, Hurlbutt needs to begin the kindergarten registration process now in order to secure staffing needs and to plan for the incoming class. Should you have any questions, please call (203) 221-6300, the Hurlbutt Elementary School office and speak to our registrar, Nicole DiPierro.

Elderly Tax Relief Applications for Abatement, Deferment, and Freeze Programs
The Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2025 for the upcoming Grand List year. You must apply every year for all programs. You can request an application from the Tax Collector’s office. Please call 203-222-2696 or email jmorse@westonct.gov. You will be required to attach a copy of your completed 1040 and all back up material showing all income sources including your 1099s with your application. You also need to provide documentation about your net worth. Examples are: any mortgage or loans on your home and any checking, savings and retirement accounts. After completing your application, you can mail or bring it to: Tax Collector’s Office, 56 Norfield Road Weston, CT 06883. You may put your application in the drop box located on the library side entrance to the Town Hall. You can also email your application. Please be sure you have included copies of all supporting documents. You can call us anytime with questions. To qualify, you must be age 65 by the end of December 2024. You must not be delinquent on your taxes by the closing date of May 15, 2025. Income cannot exceed $49,000 for Abatement; $125,000 for Deferment and $100,000 for Freeze. Net worth cannot exceed $1,000,000 for Abatement. There is no net worth ceiling for Deferment or Freeze programs. Benefit will apply to only the first $400,000 of your assessment for Abatement and Deferment and for the first $800,000 of assessment for the Freeze. Click here for the Application Form for Elderly Tax Assistance for Abatement, Deferment, or Freeze

Weston Human Services

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 Melissa DiVito, LCSW at mdivito@westonps.org 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. Link to Register: Town of Weston

Caregivers Support Group with Melissa Divito, LCSW
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 Melissa at mdivito@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.gov

Weston Senior Center

The Assessment Program at Silver Hill Hospital
We are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Silver Hill Hospital, the Town of New Caanan, and most recently, the Town of Westport to provide Weston residents of all ages with timely, comprehensive mental health assessments and personalized referrals for ongoing care. These assessments will remain available at no cost to Weston residents. This program was initially funded through ARPA grants and will receive future funding from the opioid settlement fund. For more information or to request an appointment please visit this link: Silver Hill Hospital’s Assessment Program | Silver Hill Hospital

Parks & Recreation
Exciting after-school programs are coming to Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Intermediate, and Weston Middle School! From tennis and robotics to creative arts, STEM, and fitness, there’s something for every child to explore!

Registration 3/24- 10:01 PM

Spots are limited—register now! Programs begin April 21st!
Locations: Hurlbutt Elementary, Weston Intermediate, Weston Middle School

*Summer camp registrations have begun- space still remains.

**We will also be releasing our Pickleball Schedule/Lessons/pass information in the coming days! Keep your eyes peeled!

Weston Public Library

Ukrainian Egg Demonstration
Saturday, March 22 at 2pm
The art of Pysanky, or Ukrainian Egg Decorating has been practiced for thousands of years. The eggs and the symbols on them represented the coming of spring and new life. Modern eggs are associated with Easter and can contain religious symbolism as well. Join us to see examples, learn where to source supplies, and watch a demonstration of this unique craft. Click here to register.

Virtual Gallery and Art Tour with Riva Blumenfeld: Venice Biennale
Tuesday, March 25 at 7pm (ZOOM)
Explore the Venice Biennale, known as the “Olympics of Art” since 1895, featuring an impressive lineup of global artists. The show consists of a central exhibition spanning two locations as well as 90 independent pavilions organized by individual nations. We will look at the groundbreaking work of Jeffrey Gibson, the first solo Indigenous artist to represent the United States, alongside talents like Julien Creuzet (representing France), Kapwani Kiwanga (Canada) and Archie Moore (Australia). Riva Blumenfeld is an art historian and educator with 40 years of experience in the art field. Riva was educated in Art History at Washington University in St. Louis and has taught Art Education at the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Having owned an art gallery in Soho for a short period, Riva has a unique knowledge of New York City's art scene and offers insight into the sometimes-intimidating world of New York City's art galleries. Prior to the pandemic, Riva conducted small group tours of NYC's art world. Zoom information will be in the confirmation and reminder emails. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

My Family's Holocaust Story: Helen and Sam Bronner
Saturday, March 29 at 2pm
Renee’s mother Helen was the only survivor of her immediate and extended family of more than 50 people in Poland. Her father Sam, along with one brother were the only survivors of their large immediate and extended family. Having met while imprisoned in concentration camp during the atrocities of the Holocaust, Helen and Sam found each other after being separated during the War. They married soon after liberation. Eventually, they immigrated to the USA to start a new life. Renee feels it is more urgent than ever to share their story, especially to community listeners, to ensure that history does not repeat itself. She is able to do so through excerpts from her mother’s video testimony to the Shoah Foundation and family pictures saved through the horrors of the Holocaust.

Renee Bronner Pessin, a Redding resident, is a descendant of two Holocaust survivors. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, she has lived in several cities and towns over the years. After moving to Redding over seven years ago, she and her husband know now that they love Redding life! It doesn’t hurt that two daughters and their families (including grandchildren) are close by in Ridgefield and Bethel. Over the years, Renee has worked as a registered nurse, editorial associate for scientific journals and most recently, for over 20 years, as a freelance biomedical grant and manuscript editor. Registration is requested though not required. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

Writing a "Legacy Letter": Sharing Your Values with Loved Ones
Thursday, April 3 at 6:30pm
A legacy letter (also called an “ethical will”) is a written document that allows you to share your life lessons, express your values and transmit your blessings to future generations. A legacy letter is not a formal legal document or a full-length memoir; it’s a brief personal statement, typically just a few pages. Writing one is a rewarding experience that creates an enduring gift for your family, friends and loved ones. This workshop is designed to introduce the concept of legacy letters and to help you craft your own legacy letter. It includes discussion and brief writing exercises. Jay will offer advice to help you complete your legacy letter, share it with loved ones and preserve it for future generations.

Jay Sherwin has practiced law, given away money for five charitable foundations and served as a hospital chaplain. Drawing on all those experiences, Jay created the Life Reflections Project to educate people about legacy letters and ethical wills; he now teaches classes and workshops on legacy writing and helps people create their own legacy documents. You can read more on Jay’s website at www.jaysherwin.com. Registration is required. Click here to register. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

Live Music & Food at the Norfield Grange
Saturday, March 29, Doors Open at 7 pm
ALL are Welcome. Weston Brothers Kiran and Previn Edwards of "Residual Groove" will be playing a mix of classic covers, catchy originals, and captivating improvisational passages. https://www.residualgroove.com/ Tickets: Pre-Paid $25/PP and At the Door: $35/PP In addition we have: Drink Bracelets for $10/PP Get tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/live-music-residual-groove-at-norfield-grange-tickets-1141131818989?aff=oddtdtcreator There will be delicious food for purchase too from: "Craven Dawgs & Ting". Their food is amazing - featuring: Home of the Original Gourmet Jerk Chili and Plantain Hot Dogs (All Beef Natural Casing Hot Dogs) and the Best Fresh Smash Burger in Fairfield County plus yummy sides of curry potato salad, mac & cheese and french fries. https://www.cravendawgs.com/ All proceeds go to our WHS Scholarship Fund. The Norfield Grange John Twarda Scholarship Fund awards annual monetary scholarships to WHS Graduating Seniors who apply the funds to post-grad educational and life pursuits FMI: NorfieldGrange@gmail.com

Networking Breakfast presented by the Weston Marketing Committee
April 2, 9:30 to 11 am
Come and meet and learn from other business leaders in town. Together, we can promote success for everyone. RSVP: westonctmom@gmail.com

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, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Building Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Children & Youth Commission, Marketing & Communications Committee, Panel of Moderators (R), Parks & Recreation, Sustainable Weston, 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.

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

Photo: Weston High School Company Presents the
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, March 28-30

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