Opening Note
Today’s opening note is to express my gratitude to the Weston municipal employees, Weston Public School team - administration and staff - and to our public safety officials who have been quietly, behind the scenes, working on the budget these past months. While many of you are seeing it for the first time, please know that it is a long process and we are blessed with teams dedicated to our town. Please try to tune in over the next couple of months to learn about the budget. And stay warm this weekend!

Town and School Budget for the period of July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Budget season is upon us! The Board of Education’s proposed budget has arrived, please see it here: https://westonps.org/board-of-education/budget/  The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to review it at its evening meeting of Tuesday, February 7.  The First Selectman’s proposed budget is in the works.  Once it is ready, I will post it on the Town’s website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/finance

A Message from Lisa Barbiero, Superintendent of Weston Public Schools
On January 24th the BOE voted to approve the 2024 school budget request of $58,047,590 representing an increase of $1,656,405 or 2.94%. Superintendent of Schools Lisa Barbiero encourages the community to review the budget and the supplemental documents that are posted on the budget page on the WPS website. She will also attend the Speak Up on February 4th.

From the Fire Marshal

Each year, fire and rescue crews around the country respond to fires that are caused by improper disposal of hot coals or ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, pellet stoves, grills or mobile fireplaces designed for use on decks or patios.  The fact is coals and ashes from fires can remain hot enough to start a fire for many days after you think the fire is out. The exact amount of time for complete extinguishment and cooling depends on many factors such as how hot the fire was, what was burning, how much unburned fuel remains, etc. To be safe, simply treat all ashes and coals as hot, even when you think they have had time enough to cool.   To properly dispose of ashes or coals we recommend the following:

If possible, allow ashes and coals to cool for several days in the area where you had the fire. These devices are designed to contain their heat safely.
When it is time to dispose of the ashes, transfer them to a metal container and wet them down.
Keep the metal container outside your home and away from any combustibles (away from structures, your porch, etc.) until the refuse is hauled away.
DO NOT place any other combustibles in the metal container.
DO NOT use a combustible container.

State Commits $3,609,564 for Road Rehabilitation
Weston recently received the commitment to fund letter for Valley Forge Road Pavement Rehabilitation Phase 1, State Project No. L157-0003 --  Valley Forge Road between Kellogg Hill Road and Old Stage Coach Road. The Department of Transportation (Department) received the LOTCIP application prepared by the Town of Weston (Municipality) and submitted through the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (COG) relative to the subject project. The Department has reviewed the application materials along with the revised cost estimate provided by the Municipality and subsequently endorsed by the COG. The LOTCIP application for this project has been approved. The Department hereby commits to fund eligible project costs of $3,609,564. Another Phase 2 of Valley Forge road is expected to be officially funded shortly.

ARPA Update: Sustainability Plan
The Town of Weston is committed to becoming more sustainable.  Thanks to an ARPA grant we have engaged Live Green CT to professionally guide us towards a robust set of goals that will make Weston more resilient and sustainable. This survey is for you to let us know what projects you think will have the greatest positive impact on our town. The survey will be live through Friday February 10th.  These goals will be finalized by the end of March 2023 and will identify 5-7 projects to implement within our community. Please link to the survey here: Weston Sustainability Action Plan – Community Feedback survey

Hurlbutt Elementary - Kindergarten Registration
Children who will turn five years of age on or before January 1, 2024 are eligible to begin kindergarten next fall. Please complete the online registration from the Hurlbutt website. The link to the “New Student Registration 23-24 School Year” is https://westonps.org/district/about/student-registration/.

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
This year we have added an option where you can upload the required documents at the end of the online registration before you submit the form.  Without all of these, your child cannot be registered.  Should you have any questions, please call (203) 221-6300.

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an episode about the recent of Freedom of Information Commission hearings regarding the Town and School. The podcast alternates between Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker (called Westport What’s Happening) and Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor as 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 6 episodes here: https://vimeo.com/785619484, https://vimeo.com/784035613, https://vimeo.com/779024309, https://vimeo.com/775379172, https://vimeo.com/770479116, https://vimeo.com/789529593

Upcoming Board of Education Meetings for the Week of February 6
Policy Committee - Tuesday, February 7 at 9am
Finance/Facilities Committee Meeting - Friday, February 10 at 9am
For more information about these meetings and future meetings visit the District Calendar at:
https://westonps.org/district/about/district-calendar/

The LWV of Weston's Speak Up 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Speak Up, an annual League event since 1992, brings together elected town officials, chairs of appointed boards, committees and commissions, and other key town and school officials to answer questions from the public about community and government issues.  Speak Up 2023 will feature the members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz, Chairs of the Board of Education, Finance, and the P&Z Commission, other Board, Commission and Committee chairs, Police Chief Ed Henion, Mark Cooper from the Health District, and School Superintendent Lisa Wolak Barbiero.  The event will be presented live at the Weston Public Library Community Room, as well as virtually, and will be moderated by LWVCT President Laura Smits.  Register to attend via Zoom here.

Upcoming Programming at Lachat Town Farm

Let's Celebrate International Women's Day with a Tea Party
Our popular tea party is BACK in the tradition of Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ida B Wells, and other women whose courageous work led to passage of the 19th Amendment. We’ll gather on March 4 for afternoon tea and to honor our history.  A special thanks to our local partners, Old Mill Market, the Weston Historical Society, and the Weston Social Club for collaborating on this special event!

Vintage Valentine Workshop
Long before the arrival of store bought cards, Valentine’s Day cards were handmade, creative and an authentic celebration of love and friendship!  This year we will host our 2nd Annual Valentine’s card making workshop to honor this tradition, and give kids ages 6-10 the opportunity to give homemade valentines this year.  Limited spots available for Saturday, Feb 4 at 1pm!

February Break Programming
Winter is here!  And while cold temperatures and the end of the growing season may bring an opportunity to rest, creatures big and small need to find ways to adapt to the harsh conditions.  This February break, 2/20-2/24, give your kids in grades K-5 the opportunity to get out of the house and learn how Connecticut wildlife finds creative ways to survive.  Sign up for select days or the whole week!

Summer Farmhands - Registration Open!
Summer will be here before we know it, head over and secure your spots for Lachat’s Summer Farmhands programs! Options are available for kids ages 3-12!

Norfield Grange  A fun themed Paint Night!!!
Tuesday, Feb. 7th @ 7-9 pm - Norfield Grange
Are you ready for some Football?? This month, we're calling an "audible" and painting TRAYS instead of canvas! We need you to make a "ComeBack" for another amazing paint night. Tues., Feb. 7th @ 7-9 pm. You can paint your favorite team colors, stadium, or use a "trickplay" and paint anything else you want. Agata Lipnicka-Tria will "coach" us through our paintings and prevent any fumbles. Take your tray home and dazzle your Super Bowl guests. Tickets available by Venmo! Pizza provided by Anthony Kesselmark HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE FIELD! Only a few spots left - don't sit this one out on the sidelines. FMI: [email protected]

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation's Winter 2 session has begun for most programs this week. There are still spots remaining in many after school K-8 programs. Please see our registration page www.westonct.gov/parksandrec

Parks and Recreation's summer flyers will be out next week for all of our summer day camp offerings. Our registration for Summer & Spring After School programs as well as Aquatics will begin at 12:01 AM on March 6th. Summer camps will run from June 26th-July 28th and Spring programs will begin after April Break.

Looking for a great summer job? Consider joining Parks and Recreation as a camp counselor, pool/pond lifeguard or swim instructor. All applicants can apply at our website.

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, Board of Ethics, Conservation Commission, and Historic District Commission, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Weston Social Services
We are excited to announce our new 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.  Be sure to sign up at the bottom of the page to receive our newsletter each month!   Link: Family & Youth Newsletter - January

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

The Bronze Age Collapse and the Birth of Ancient Greece
History Lecture Series, Joshua Hoffman, Historian *
Thursdays, 1-2pm (In-House)
February 9th, The Bronze Age Collapse and the Birth of Ancient Greece:  Ancient Greece has its origins in an arguably greater civilization: The Bronze Age. This class will give a brief overview of the Bronze Age, its sudden and mysterious collapse, and how the Greek world rose from its ashes to develop a new culture that would come to dominate the minds of the western world.

February 16th, Sparta and Athens: The Rise of the Two Greatest Greek City States:
Undoubtedly the two most famous Greek City States, Athens and Sparta were considered unique even among city states. This class will cover the rise of both city states. We will learn how Sparta was literally rebuilt from complete destruction during the Bronze Age Collapse, and became the greatest warriors the world has known to this day. We will also learn how Athens rose from one of the only city-states to survive the Bronze-Age collapse to become the center of Greek thought, culture, and the forefather of modern democracy.

To Register, email Linda: [email protected]

*Joshua Hoffman’s deep love of history enabled him to graduate Magna *** Laude from Brandeis University, majoring in His- tory and minoring in both Classics and Medieval & Renaissance Studies. He also earned a Masters in Teaching from NYU Steinhardt Graduate School of Education. To Register, email Linda: [email protected]

Weston Public Library

Take Your Child to the Library Day
Saturday, February 4
Come out of the cold and into the library for a fun activity! We'll have a scavenger hunt, crafts, and snacks from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and board games to play in the Community Room from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be a special take and make craft for adults as well as coffee, tea, or cocoa from our Starbucks machine.

Owl's One and All Storytime
Monday, February 6, 2:30 PM in the Community Room.
All ages. Registration required.
We invite children of all ages and their caregivers to join Miss Laura for stories, songs and a small activity.

Pokemon Club
Tuesday, February 7 @ 3:45 PM-4:45 PM in the 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, and watch movies! 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!