Welcome to Dec 9th’s Town Hall Happenings!

Opening Note
The holidays are approaching fast and I wanted to remind everyone that there are many different ways to give back to the community in Weston. We are blessed to have numerous organizations that support our neighbors in town.  I do hope that you might take the time over the next couple of weeks and support some of the local non-profits that provide essential services here in Weston.

Weston Police Holiday Toy Drive
The Weston Police Benevolent Association will be conducting their annual Holiday Toy Drive now through December 20th. New unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped off anytime at the Weston Police Department Administrative Office lobby, opposite the Weston Library. On Saturday Dec. 10th at the Weston Center the Police Officers are collecting donations in person holding a "Stuff a Police Humvee" event from 10am till 2pm. Please bring your children by for a hot beverage and to check out the Police Humvee, Quads and Police Cars!!  Last year they collected toys and gifts that not only benefited the children in the Weston community but also the "Early Childhood Center" which is part of the City of Danbury Public School System. It was a big hit and so much appreciated they decided to do it again this year. The Early Childhood Center is a preschool designed and built specifically to educate children with Special Needs. The toys and gifts truly made the holiday extra special for these children and their families.

The Early Childhood Center staff are asking that the donated items are "cause and effects" toys that are interactive and stimulate thought and motor skills and made for preschool age children. They have a need for play dough clay, paint, construction paper, balls and Little Tikes type plastic playground equipment (new or lightly used) for their playground. New or lightly used children winter coats and clothing are also being collected. Please contact Sgt. Patrick Daubert at [email protected] for more information or questions.

Holiday Pet Photos
All are invited to the 5th annual “Pet Photos with Santa” event organized by Weston Dog Park (501c3). Santa will be awaiting his pet pals on Saturday, Dec 10th, 11AM-2PM in the Town Green Gazebo on Norfield Road. Photos and treats for all, pets and humans alike. 100% of suggested donations to benefit the soon to be municipal dog park in Weston.

Lachat Town Farm - Candy Cane Farm
Welcome to Candy Cane Land, the premiere farm that grows the world-supply of peppermint candy. However, it looks like the Peppermint Patch’s harvest for the year has disappeared. Guests must set out into the sugar coated wilderness and unlock the magic within to find the missing minted treasure. We are so excited to bring Lachat's popular Candy Cane Hunt back for its 5th year. Again this year, we will be collecting unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC).

Dates: December 9 - December 11
Times: Time slots beginning at 5 and ending at 8:00pm
Suggested Ages: 4-11
Cost: $20 per child (Adults Free)
www.lachattownfarm.org

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 and the second Episode here: https://vimeo.com/775379172.  The third episode drops Monday.

ARPA Update: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Installed
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 will be finalized soon.

ARPA Update: Senior Center Bathroom Renovations
As part of the American Recovery Plan Act Funding (ARPA), the town allocated money for three bathrooms to be renovated at the Senior Center. Two bathrooms have been renovated and are being used.  Renovation of the third bathroom will begin soon.

ARPA Update: Free Wifi Hotspot now available on the municipal campus!
Altice has finished installing free Wi-Fi hotspots on the Town Hall and Library buildings. That means that you should be able to get free internet near those buildings. To access the service from your device, select the network entitled “optimumwifi-Emergency.” Optimum will then ask you to accept its access terms of use. After that, you will be connected to the internet for 60 minutes. Repeat the process as needed.  The Town has paid for this service to be installed using federal ARPA grant dollars. Going forward, there will be no charge to users or the Town.

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

Holiday Luncheon 
Wednesday, December 14th, 12pm Norfield Church
Lasagna, garden salad, garlic bread (Catered by Calise's Deli)
Entertainment by The Cukes, a very fun Ukulele, sing along concert
Sign Up by Monday, 12/12 at noon, (203) 222-2608. ($5)

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

Cookbook Club - Cookies!
Thursday, December 15 @ 12:00 pm in the Community Room. Please register.
Make a batch of your favorite holiday cookies and bring enough so everyone can go home with a variety of delicious treats! 

Sunday Makers! - Glass Etching
Sunday, December 18th @1:00-2:00pm in the community room.
Use a decal from our Cricut machine to make an etched glass. Send us your decal idea at least one week ahead. Must be 18 or older to participate in this program. Registration Required.

Children's Programs

Winter Trivia
Monday, December 12 @ 4:00 PM. Ages 8-12. Registration required.
Join us for a jeopardy-like trivia game presented by our Teen Advisory Board. Answer questions about winter holidays, foods, weather, animals and more to win prizes!

Kids Crochet Club
Wednesday, December 14 @ 3:45 PM. Ages 8+. Registration required.
For those that are beginners or those that have been crocheting for years. Join our crochet club and come work on your most recent project or learn how to start crocheting. Don't have a project? Each session, we will work on a simple crochet project together.

Introduction to Bollywood Dance presented by Counsel Academy
Wednesday, December 14 @ 7:00 PM in Community Room. Ages 8+. Registration required.
Shake and groove to the magic of Indian pop music! Bollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, which produces amazing music and dance numbers that can get any party, gathering or festivities alive. Join us and feel the magic!
Wear Light, comfortable/ quick dry T shirts, Comfortable gym pants, tights, or whatever that would help in constant movement and sneakers.

Food Explorers: Chopped - Pasta Salads
Thursday, December 15 @ 4:00 PM. Ages 10-18. Registration required.
Join Food Explorers for a round of Chopped! You’ll split into teams and put your heads together to create a delicious recipe each week. You’ll select from a limited pantry of ingredients that are available to you, being mindful of which flavors and textures go together. When each team is done, you’ll taste test and see who’s is the most delicious! Recipes will be nut free and vegetarian.

Holiday Party
Friday, December 16 from 3:00-4:45 PM. All Ages. Registration required.
Whatever Holiday you may be celebrating this winter season, we invite you to come and celebrate together. We will have crafts, music, food and fun!

Click Here for more information.