Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings:

Opening Note:
Today’s opening note recognizes the tremendous changes we have had this week -- as a community and globally.  To meet this moment, I am choosing to share words by contemporary poet, Ann Beard from her poem simply titled,

CHANGE
Our world forever changes every second every day. Nothing halts the pass of time; old age will have its way. each mighty cliff or ancient tree will suffer the same fate life seems just an experiment, a transitory state. The planet earth its fertile soil, the mysteries of heaven, all forever changing in more ways known to man. From the wonder of first breath to surrender of the last, Time becomes the enemy devours all moments past. Nothing is more fragile than the spirit of mankind, as good and evil battle in each subconscious mind. change is hardly noticed until friends or lover’s die, then we weep and fear mortality while we say goodbye. Change has made us who we are, a visitor, a guest we dine on nature’s beauty babies suckle at the breast. A child will learn and grow maybe someday take my place But in a very different world, for I alone lived in this space.

Questions for Constituent Corner may be emailed to [email protected] and I will either answer you myself or forward you on to the right people!

Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Weston residents have multiple opportunities in 2022 to get rid of household hazardous waste. Below is a schedule of regional collection events that Westonites can participate in:
September 10th from 9 am to 1 pm in Weston at Hurlbutt School  (Click here for info)
October 8th from 9 am to 3 pm in New Milford at John Pettibone School
November 12th from 9 am to 2 pm in Brookfield at Brookfield High School
No need to bring money. Each town gets billed for the waste that their own residents drop off.  For details about what to bring and location addresses, please visit the website of the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority here: https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste/

September 11th Community Memorial Ceremony

First responders, Town Leaders, Scouts, Religious Leaders, and those in Weston who have been directly impacted by the events that occurred on 9/11, will gather on Monday September 12th at 8:30 am to honor and pay tribute to the over 3,000 lives lost, the family and friends left behind, and the first responders who selflessly helped and made the ultimate sacrifice. Community members are welcome to join us as we gather on the steps near the September 11th Memorial Bench.

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://member.everbridge.net/431700047822927/login . 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

A Message from the Animal Control Officer
Be Mindful of Bears in Our Neighborhoods
Please be aware that our local bear population has been very active recently. A reminder: take IN your bird feeders especially those that contain suet. Keep your trash locked up and indoors if possible - It's a good idea to keep your garage doors closed day and night.   We have two Mama Bears each with two sets of cubs. Please do not approach them under any circumstances as the adult bears will fiercely protect their young.   Do not try to solve the bear problems yourself.  Call for help! Our Animal Control Department and the Police are there for you and the Connecticut Deep Game Wardens are well prepared to handle any issues with bears. If you see a bear in Town call ACO at 203-222-2642, we like to keep track of their location. However if it’s a true emergency please call 911.

Community Conversations about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Town has created two opportunities for Weston residents to participate in a virtual Community Conversation about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).  The first opportunity is on Saturday, October 1st from 2 – 4 pm.  The second is on Saturday, October 22nd from 2 – 4 pm. Space is limited, so please register for only one event.  Click here to registe

Below is description of the event…
The Town of Weston desires to become a welcoming community where everyone will want to live and return to. With DEI serving as a crucial component in fostering a welcoming atmosphere, consultant KJR will facilitate a conversation that guides the community through understanding the key concepts of DEI. Together we will align on a common language for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will explore the science of bias and the impact of default thinking in community interactions, and provide participants with the tools, strategies, and techniques to decode and disrupt bias in real time. Finally, KJR will provide a high-level introduction to race and racism and lead a brief discussion on the systemic effect on achieving the goals and outcomes of inclusion and equity.

2022 Road Repaving
Weston has completed its 2022 road repaving work! Work was performed on the following roads: Farrell Road, Tannery Lane South, Trails End, Merry Lane, Davis Hill Road and Lords Highway.  Over the next few months, the Town will work with an engineering firm to produce a list of roads to be repaved in 2023

Land Mobile Radio Project
With the approval of the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance, the Town hired a consultant to evaluate our aged Land Mobile Radio System and recommend next steps.  This system currently supports communications between and among Weston’s 911 Communications Center, Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Animal Control, and the School District.  On August 4, 2022, the consultant met with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance for the purpose of presenting his findings and discussing next steps. This multi-million dollar project has been on the Board of Finance’s “radar screen” for many years. The Town has saved up enough money over the years to hopefully be able to cover all the project costs without having to bond (borrow money) or raise revenue from new taxes. The next step in the process is for the project consultant to secure rough order of magnitude estimates from a vendor.

edestrian Safety Projects
The Town accepted a state-funded project for pedestrian improvements on Weston Road.  Two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons have been installed that alert vehicles when pedestrians are crossing Weston Road.  This project was paid for entirely by the state.

The Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project continues to move forward after the State of Connecticut approved adjusted plans. We recorded a critical easement, tree work has commenced, and we are coordinating with utility companies for the relocation of poles and other communication infrastructure that need to be moved. Once the utility companies provide a timeline for completion, we will be able to estimate a completion date. The State has allocated approximately $400,000 in grant funding for this construction project

We are in the preliminary design phase of the Transportation Alternatives Sidewalk Improvement Project, which calls for sidewalks to be designed and constructed from the Norfield Congregational Church to Old Hyde Road, and from Old Hyde Road to the intersection near Lords Highway.  The project would also include 1,200 linear feet of a 12' wide multi-use trail which would provide additional pedestrian, bicycle and emergency access on a strip of Town land that exists between Old Hyde Road and the high school. An additional pedestrian recreational amenity would be the creation of 850 linear feet of 5' wide bituminous concrete sidewalk connecting School Road and the rear of the Norfield Church property providing access to a higher elevation and overlook area with scenic views of the Town Center. The Connecticut DOT has approved Weston’s selection of an engineering firm that has begun performing preliminary design on this project. Surveying of Old Hyde Road and the land next to the Road began on Monday, August 15 and will continue for several weeks. 

Last year, we received a commitment to fund letter from the State of Connecticut for a Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant for Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Improvements. This project includes a dedicated turning lane from Weston Road to School Road, more sidewalks on Norfield Road, and sidewalks connecting School Road next to Revson Field to Lords Highway and to Old Hyde Road. We are now working on the project design.

Weston Town Green Project
The town has been working on the discovery and documentation of underground utilities located in front of the Town Hall.  As part of that process, there are currently markings and small flags in the ground in front of the Town Hall.  The surveys of the area are complete.  As soon as the drawings are finished, the survey will be turned over to a landscape architect charged with producing construction documents.

Wi-Fi Hotspot
Altice is in the process of creating a wi-fi hotspot around the Town campus.  It is anticipated that the hotspot will be active before November 1st.

Cavalry Road Bridge Project Update
The new bridge is open to traffic!  We understand that Westport and Weston residents have concerns about the bridge. Staff from both Weston and Westport have collated the concerns that were communicated to us in person, via email, by phone and via a Zoom meeting. At the advice of the Weston Police Chief and the Westport Police Chief, the Weston Public Works staff has performed stop sign related work near the bridge.  Specifically, they have reset stop signs, repainted white stop bars on the ground and cut back vegetation near a particular stop sign. Recently, Weston Public Works staff cleaned up the area where the construction trailer was for several months, cut back more roadside vegetation on the south side of the bridge, and made pavement improvements that lead to a “leak off.”  A speed monitoring sign has also been placed near the bridge by Westport Police.  The project architect has designed the removal of some guiderail, which will be removed as soon as a contractor can perform the work. In addition, Town staff has received some information from another town about painting guiderails. Stay tuned for more information.

Bayberry Lane Bridge Replacement Project
The Town of Westport has begun replacing the Bayberry Lane Bridge over the Aspetuck River. The roadway will remain closed through November 30, 2022.  Local traffic has been directed through the designated detour route - Easton Road to Coleytown Road to North Avenue to Lyons Plain Road to White Birch Road, or the reverse, as necessary. Residents adjacent to the bridge have been notified of the road closure and detour. Motorists are advised to drive with additional caution, allow extra travel time, and obey all detour and safety signals.  Please direct questions about the project to Westport Town Engineer Keith Wilberg at 203-341-1128.

Drought Conditions in Connecticut
Despite the recent rainfall, Connecticut is still experiencing drought conditions.   As almost all of Weston is dependent on wells, and we all share a common aquifer, we are asking for you to practice water conservation by doing the following:
-Reducing lawn watering, gardens, and other landscaped areas. If watering is essential, late evening hours are best;
-Avoiding burning in or near woodlands or brush-lands;
-Taking shorter showers;
-Running dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads;
-Shutting off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously;
-Avoiding washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings;
-Refraining from using water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads;
-Postponing the planting of new lawns or vegetation; and
-Minimizing overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
Voluntary participation now can help prevent more serious drought conditions.

oard of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to Zoom into the virtual BOS 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-selectme

Covid 19
Covid-19 updates and information are posted regularly on the town website. Please see here https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/emergency-management/covid-19  for more informatio

Message from EMS - EMT Class Starts 10/6/22
Become a certified EMT and join the Weston EMS. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch at [email protected]. Registration for our Fall EMS class is now open! Here is the link to register and become a certified EMT: https://westonems.com/programs.html

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Conservation Commission, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Historic District Commission, Marketing & Communications Advisory Committee, and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Social Services
Weston Social Services is now accepting applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)  This program provides assistance to income-eligible households with home heating costs over the winter months.   Income eligibility is as follows:

Household of 1: $ 39,761 or less
Household of 2: $ 51,996 or less
Household of 3: $ 64,230 or less
Household of 4: $ 76,465 or less
Household of 5: $ 88,699 or less
Household of 6: $ 103,227 or less

Schedule an appointment or pose questions by calling Weston Social Services at 203-222-2556.

Parks and Recreation
Weston Parks and Recreation's Fall registration began on last week- many of our programs are getting full- don't miss a chance to get into fun and exciting after school activities. We are offering programs for Pre-K through 8th grade. Programs take place directly after school, on campus and are a fun and safe way to spend an afternoon. We're excited to announce that Mountain Biking clinics will be offered for Beginners and Intermediate/Advanced riders, this popular program was just announced! Please see our website & flyer for more information about Fall programing and Mountain Biking!  https://www.westonct.gov/home/showdocument?id=8631 . 

Weston Senior Center
September/October Newsletter:  https://westonseniorcenter.info/content/newsletters/2022SepOct.pdf
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email Wendy:  [email protected].

Dial-a-Ride Update
We are currently on a modified schedule for Dial-a-Ride services.  Transportation services are available between 8:30am-2pm.  Please continue to call (203) 222-2576 to make an appointment.  If you have any questions about Dial-a-Ride, call (203) 222-2608.

The Weston Flea
Saturday, September 10th (Rain date September 11th)
Reserve your spots.  (203) 222-2608
This is a great event for crafts, art, tag sale, student sales, information and new membership for organizations and clubs, and more.  We hope to see you at the Flea.

Fickleball Lessons (Beginner and Intermediate Level)
Fridays in September at the Senior Center
Call the Senior Center for details on dates and times.  $5.00 per lesson
(203) 222-260

Weston Public Library

Cookbook Club- The Favorite Thing You Made This Summer
Thursday, September 15 @ 12:00 PM. Registration Required
The Weston Public Library Cookbook Club is an opportunity for those who love cooking to share favorite recipes and try new recipes with neighbors and friends!

Conversations: Truth, Myth and Democracy
Thursday, September 22 @ 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Banned Book Week Case Study: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Virtual)
This virtual webinar will be hosted via Zoom.  Registered participants will receive an invitation with link prior to the program. Please include a cell phone number to receive text reminder.

For more information and to register, click here.

hildren's Programs

Cooks and Books with Sticky Fingers Cooking ||Monday, September 12 @ 6:00 PM via ZOOM. All ages with parent assistance. Registration Required
Join us for a cooking lesson inspired by the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Hosted by Sticky Fingers Cooking, you will learn how to make Mischievous Red Pepper Goulash, Wild Rumpus Buttered Noodles and Ice Cream in a Bag. Ingredients are not provided by the library.  Ingredient list will be provided before the program

Science Club - Crystal Gardens

Tuesday, September 13 @ 4:30-5:30 PM. Ages 5+. Registration required.

Join us at our weekly Science Club with Miss Laura. Each week we will have new science activities for you to take part in.