Weston Town Hall Happenings For Nov. 22, 2024

Press release from the Town of Weston:

11/22/2024 3:49 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other as is though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein

With Thanksgiving on the horizon next week, I am reminded of the importance of practicing gratitude. I am so appreciative of the Town of Weston staff and volunteers, the Weston Public School teams, and our dedicated public safety officials who run this amazing town smoothly and selflessly. To Weston’s wonderful residents, I am in awe of your charitable spirit and good nature, I am so fortunate to serve such a special community. I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank my family, whose patience and understanding enables me to focus on being your First Selectwoman.

I hope you and your family have a meaningful and very happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Holiday Closures
Municipal Offices and the Transfer Station will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, November 30. For more information about the Transfer Station hours, visit the website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/transfer-station

Support our Sister City in Ukraine
Last week I had the privilege of engaging in a video conference with Mayor Vorobjov from our sister city in Ukraine. During our discussion, I reaffirmed our unwavering support for their community, particularly focusing on the children from Siversk who have been displaced across Ukraine. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer, we will be sending Christmas gifts to these children, accompanied by cards signed by members of the Weston community (opportunities to sign will be available at the Holiday Music Festival on 12/5). The resilience of the Siversk community is truly inspiring, and we are committed to standing by them during these challenging times. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in their lives. We encourage everyone to participate in upcoming fundraising events, as they provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbors and show solidarity. Together, we can help restore hope and joy to the children of Siversk as they navigate this difficult chapter. To show your support for our Sister City in Ukraine, and help fund Christmas gifts for their children, please click on the following link to donate, under designation, select Siversk: [https://ukraineaidinternational.org/donate-now/].

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:

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 projected completion date of December 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
Crews began working this week 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.

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

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

Save the Date: Weston Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting
December 5th at 5 pm
Weston Town Green
Join us on the Town Green for our annual holiday music festival and tree lighting! This event is sponsored by the Commission for the Arts, Beautification Committee, and the Marketing Committee. This event is made possible by the Crown Family.

Burn Ban in Effect
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

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.

Kiwanis Supports Weston Food Pantry
Kiwanis is again holding a Food and Personal Care Products drive at Weston Center by Lily’s on Saturday, November 23rd from 9:30AM until 1:30 PM with all we collect going to the Weston Food Pantry.

Volunteers at The Commission for the Arts
Have you ever wanted to create, or help bring new artistic events to Weston? Then we have an opportunity for you! The Weston Commission for the Arts is looking for fun-loving, energetic volunteers to serve on a Volunteer Committee to support existing programs including Movie Under the Stars, Tree-lighting Music Festival, Broadway Swings and our new Master Artist series. Also to help develop pilot programs such as An Evening in Paris and Mozart and Mimosas. As a volunteer, you would not be required to work on each project, only those that would meet with your special interest and availability. No experience needed just a willingness to help us brainstorm and then execute new and existing programs to further build community ties and support the arts in Weston. For more information, please contact Commission Chair Paul Levin at porchpupe@aol.com.

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 11/26 at 6pm: 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.

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 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: 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 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.

Wreath Decorating
Mon., Dec. 2nd @ 7-9 pm
Norfield Grange,12 Good Hill Road, Weston
ALL are Welcome. Come join in a "New England Tradition" and decorate a wreath to brighten your door or home. Bring your own ribbon, decorations, baubles, "natural items from your garden" too, etc. and don't forget your glue gun, wax sticks, wire, wire cutters, etc. No worries there will be plenty to share too. We have a secret weapon: a Grange Member who's a "Bow Pro" who can help make bows and teach others how-to. Sponsored by Stew Leonard's. And enter the raffle to win a holiday tree too. All proceeds go to the Norfield Grange WHS Scholarship Fund. Please register to reserve a live evergreen wreath by no later than Fri., Nov. 29th. Venmo @LynKimberly For more info. email: NorfieldGrange@gmail.com

Weston Public Library
Family Mars Talk with NASA!
Tuesday, November 26th, 4PM.
Join Sarah Marcotte, Mars Communications lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA to hear the latest news from the robotic explorers on the Red Planet. Curiosity and Perseverance continue to make surprising discoveries about Mars, as well as collecting data that could help future human explorers. She’ll also share the many ways that you can follow the Mars missions. Sarah Marcotte, Mars Communications Lead, grew up in Weston and attended school from kindergarten through 10th grade. Her parents have lived on Kettle Creek for over 50 years.

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westonct.gov
Instagram: Town of Weston, CT (@townofwestonct)

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.