Opening Note
We are making our way through the holiday season and the end of the year and I hope you will join me in practicing gratitude and compassion. This season is filled with exuberance for many, and extreme sadness for others. It is sometimes tempting to stay in a bubble. I hope in the flurry of the next few weeks you can take these words to heart from the Dalai Lama: “When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it also helps us to develop inner happiness and peace.”

Holiday Hours
Municipal buildings will be closed for the holiday on Friday, December 23rd and Monday, December 26th.  Municipal buildings will also be closed on Monday, January 2nd.

The Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, December 24th through Tuesday, December 27th, and will re-open on Wednesday, December 28th.  The Transfer Station will also be closed on Saturday, December 31st through Tuesday, January 3rd, and will re-open on Wednesday, January 4th.

Support Ukraine
We asked Weston resident Iryna Alkozina to provide us with a tangible way for the community to support children living in war torn Ukraine. Through the organization Big Dreams Children’s Foundation, Inc. (www.bigdreamscf.org/ukraine-humanitarian-aid) she has connected us with a school in the region that is in need of a generator. Currently 220 children study in the identified school which is in a village of 2500, 350 of whom are temporarily displaced from the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Please see here https://www.westonct.gov/home/showdocument?id=9342&t=638067921932887469  for more information on how to support Ukraine during this humanitarian catastrophe.

Sustainable Weston Receives Honors
I am delighted to share that through the efforts of Weston’s amazing volunteers, Weston has received a certificate of recognition for participation in the Sustainable Fairfield County Working Group. Sustainable Fairfield County is a working group which is hosted by Live Green CT, a 501c3 non-profit headquartered in Norwalk, CT. Sustainable Weston Committee | Weston, CT

Eversource Upgrade Project
Eversource is pursuing a project that seeks to rebuild the 9.4-mile-long section of the 1714/1720/1222 Lines between “Old Town Substation” in Bridgeport and “Weston Substation.” The purpose of the proposed Project is to improve system reliability by reducing the risk of age related failures of deteriorating lattice tower structures, replace conductor, and shield wire. On December 15th, Representatives from Eversource made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on the proposed project. I encourage all resident to review the presentation by clicking here: Eversource 1714 /1720 Line Rebuild Project. If you have any questions please contact Eversource via phone at Transmission Hotline 1-800-793-2202 or via Email at [email protected]

Update on the Dog Park at the Moore Property
The Weston Tree Warden Tom Failla has tagged trees that would be removed for construction improvements and modifications to the area. Any person or organization objecting to such removal may appeal to the Tree Warden in writing by December 23, 2022. Mr. Failla’s email address is [email protected] and his address for traditional mail is Weston Tree Warden, 56 Norfield Road, Weston, CT 06883.  Notices about any public hearings associated with the tree tagging will be advertised in future THH’s and in the Norwalk Hour and on the Town Website. I do anticipate that a public hearing related to the tagging of the trees will be held in early 2023.  

Menorah Lighting
The Weston Community Menorah Lighting is December 20, 2022 at the Weston Shopping Center. This annual event is sponsored by the Schneerson Center. Live Music, gelt and dreidels for all!

What’s Next in Weston?
The Y’s Men of Westport/Weston recently launched a podcast with Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker called Westport What’s Happening.   “Y’s Man” Dick Kalt has included Weston in the mix. This effort is 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. Check out the first episode here:  https://vimeo.com/770479116, the second Episode here: https://vimeo.com/7753791722 and the third episode is here: https://vimeo.com/779024309

ARPA Update: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ready for Charging
As part of the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) Funding, the town allocated money for two new electric vehicle charging stations at the Town Hall. The chargers and associated electrical wires have been installed in the ground and hooked up to the Town’s electrical system. Software registration has been finalized, so charge away!

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation is offering a Lifeguard Training and Recertification for all guards. Classes are on 12/23, 12/26, 27 and 28- get certified during break! All Winter session 1 Parks and Recreation programs have begun! There is still room in several sections of basketball on Saturdays- come join your friends for some fun! More information and flyers are on our website- please call with questions!

What’s Up in the Weston Public Schools?
Listen to the latest podcast where Superintendent Lisa Barbiero shares highlights about the Weston Public School District. https://anchor.fm/lisa-wolak

Road Work 2022
The road work for 2022 is complete. If you see a pot hole, please report it by taking a photo and sending to John Conte at the email address [email protected]

Board 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-selectmen

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Historic District Commission, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals

Weston Senior Center (203) 222-2608
www.westonseniorcenter.info

Pilates with Glenda
Mondays, 12:30pm
First class is free, open to 55+

Strength and Fitness with Sonya
Tuesdays, 10:45am-11:45am
First class is free, open to 55+

Yoga with Melania
Wednesdays, 10am-11am
First class is free, open to 55+

Balance Class with Sonya
Thursdays, 1pm-1:45pm
First class if free, open to 55+
To register, email Wendy: [email protected]

Dial-a-Ride
(203) 222-2576
https://westonseniorcenter.info/dial-a-ride.html

Weston Public Library

Melty Mondays
Monday, December 19 @ 3:30-5:00 PM in Community Room. Ages 5+. Registration required.
Melty Mondays is back. Come in and create a wonderfully unique Perler Bead creation. Projects must be completed by 4:45 in order to be ironed and taken home the same day.

Craft and Create -  Glowing Olaf Light
Tuesday, December 20 @ 4:30 PM. Ages 3+. Registration required .
Join Miss Laura on Wednesday nights for a themed craft. Let's see what you create!

Pokemon Club
Wednesday, December 21 @ 3:45 PM-4:45 PM in Community Room. Ages 5-12 (with parent in room if under the age of 8). Registration Required.
Talk all things Pokémon, trade and battle cards, watch movies and even win Pokémon cards during Pokémon Bingo! You are welcome to bring a device and play Pokemon Go. If the weather is nice you can walk around the library lawn and hit 5 Pokestops!

Science Club - Fake Snow
Wednesdays, December 21 @ 5:30-6:30 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.

Teen Scene: Tabletop Games
Thursdays, December 22 from 3:00-4:45 PM, Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Middle and High Schoolers are invited to join us for a special program just for you. Each week is something different, but there will always be friends and snacks.

The Library will be closed from December 23 through December 26.