Greetings and welcome to July 1st’s Town Hall Happenings!

Opening Note:
Whatever your plans are, I hope you have an enjoyable and meaningful 4th of July. In honor of the anniversary of our country’s independence, July 1st’s opening note is the poem inscribed on the Statue of Library, Emma Lazarus’s iconic words, The New Colossus.

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

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!

PFAS Remediation Efforts APPROVED
As detailed in our previous announcements, the Town of Weston has detected PFAS in the School/Town Drinking Water System. The PFAS levels detected are within allowable legal limits. However, out of an abundance of caution, the schools and town offices have been using bottled drinking water until a permanent PFAS remediation system could be successfully installed.

Below is a status update:

1. A prototype remediation system installed in April by the Town’s Certified Operator dramatically reduced PFAS levels to non-detectable levels in the drinking water.

2. The Town’s Certified Operator submitted a design for a permanent remediation system to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) for its review and approval. 

3. This week, the CT DPH approved the Certified Operator’s design for a permanent remediation system, and equipment associated with the permanent system was ordered.

The permanent remediation system will be installed and producing water in time for the fall school session. We are so grateful to the CT Department of Public Health for working hand-in-hand with the Town of Weston throughout this process. I would also like to thank our teams at the Weston Public Schools, Superintendent Wolak, Town Administrator Jonathan Luiz, and Aspetuck Health District for their support.

To review previous communications regarding the School/Town Drinking Waters System as well as the recording of the public information meeting with DPH, DEEP, WPS, TOW, and Health District officials please follow this link https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/weston-school-town-drinking-water-system-232

Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds Passes
The June 18th machine ballot vote was the final step in the process of determining how Weston will use its federal ARPA funds. The spending plan that had been proposed by both the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance passed with 72% voter approval.  Thank you to everyone that voted and to those that expressed their opinions and ideas about how the funds should be spend. Special thanks to my advisory team, to the Board of Selectmen and to the Board of Finance for the excellent collaboration, cooperation, and optimism demonstrated throughout the process. We will provide updates in future THH on how the approved projects are coming along. To see the list of approved projects and the associated dollar amounts, visit:  https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8165/637898351754930000

Road repaving:
- Farrell Rd, Tannery Rd South, Trails End and Merry Lane are done.  Repaving will soon occur on:
- Davis Hill Rd from the intersection of Steep Hill Rd to the intersection of Valley Forge Rd. Driveway aprons to be repaired are associated with house numbers 66, 89, 95 and 111. This Road also includes the entrance apron to Martin Rd.
- Lords Highway from the intersection of Newtown Turnpike to the intersection of Birch Hill Rd.  Driveway aprons to be repaired area at house numbers 42 and 58.

Cavalry Road Bridge Project Update
The new bridge is open to traffic!  We understand that Westport and Weston residents have concerns about the bridge. Staffs from both Weston and Westport have collated the concerns that were communicated to us in person, via email and by phone. The list was shared with the project engineer/designer who has already begun to examine each of the issues.  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.  A speed monitoring sign has also been placed near the bridge by Westport Police.

Weston invites the public to attend a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 6th at 7:30 pm for the purpose of discussing the concerns that have been raised to date. The Weston First Selectwoman, Weston Town Administrator, Westport staff, and the project engineer/designer will be in attendance. The meeting will be held via Zoom.  To join via internet, use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84296566039 To join via phone, dial: +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 312 626 6799.  The Webinar ID is 842 9656 6039.

Newtown Turnpike Road Work
Newtown Turnpike is fully open to traffic.  Erosion remediation work has been completed.   

Valley Forge Road Work
Valley Forge Road is fully open to traffic.  Erosion remediation work has been completed.     

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 30th 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.

Crosswalk News
The State of Connecticut has almost finished an exciting pedestrian safety project on Weston Road. The State hired the NyConn Corporation to install two Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons - one near the Weston Shopping Center signage and the other directly across the road from that signage. NyConn says the project will be complete once Eversource turns on the power.

Lachat Town Farm Offutt Education Center
Construction on the new Offutt Education Center at Lachat Town Farm has begun! We are excited how this new space will enhance the programs and services of Weston's own community farm and we are so grateful to all those who have contributed and especially to the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust.  If you have any questions or concerns that come up during construction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Friends of Lachat President, Carol Baldwin by email at [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     

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 information.

Support for Ukraine
-Big Dreams Children Foundation Inc. is raising funds to support Ukrainian civilians during the war. Consider supporting its mission to address specific needs of Ukrainian people at the right time during this humanitarian catastrophe. Email Weston resident Iryna Akolzina for more information: [email protected]
-Big Dreams website: http://www.bigdreamscf.org/ukraine-humanitarian-aid  
-Link to donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=82BBTYF39YEK4 Please visit the Town of Weston Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/westonct.gov to see the results of the efforts to date.

A Message from EMS - EMS Class Starts 10/6/22
Become a certified EMS and join the Weston EMS. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch at [email protected]. Details on times to come.

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

Social Services
2022 Child Tax Rebate: You may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children). To be eligible for this rebate you must meet all of the following requirements: 1) You must be a resident of Connecticut; 2) You must have claimed at least one child as a dependent on your 2021 federal income tax return who was 18 years of age or younger; and 3) You must meet certain income thresholds. For more information visit:Child Tax Rebate Overview.  You must apply between June 1 and July 31, 2022

Parks & Recreation
Parks and Recreation camps began on Monday 6/27- there is still time to join us this summer! Camps run through July 28. New camps are being added- Tennis Camp, Mountain Biking, Field Hockey, Football & a new camp hosted by Sara Holland Sports at the Jarvis House in August- Ages 2.5-8 multisport day camp! Perfect for first timers! 

Parks and Recreation has sold out of preferred parking passes for the Town's Fourth of July Celebration on Monday July 4th. Passes are still available for parking: $20/car or $5/per person walk in fee. Come join us for food trucks, live music, fireworks and time with your Weston neighbors!  Bisceglie-Scribner Pond is now open for swimming and recreational fun- passes available online and in-house. Family, individual and senior passes available.

Weston Youth Services
Schools Out for Summer! But, have you registered for camp yet? ... Are you looking for a camp that doesn't require a long term commitment? ... Then look no further because we have you covered! For dates, programs, and to register online, please visit www.westonyouthservices.org today!

Town Closings
In observance of the July 4th Holiday, the Transfer Station will be closed Monday July 4th and Tuesday July 5th. Town Offices will be closed Monday July 4th.

Notice Taxes Due
-The first installment of Real Estate and Personal Property and Motor Vehicle Taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2021 is due and payable on July 1, 2022. Failure to pay by August 1, 2022 will result in a late payment with interest of 1-1/2% per month starting with the July 1st due date per State Statute 12-145. Minimum interest charge is $2.00.
-If you no longer have the vehicle, you must present proof to the Assessor at [email protected] or (203)222-2606.
-You can mail or make payments at the Tax Collector window in Town Hall through August 1, 2022. Alternatively, taxpayers can place their payments in the drop box outside the side entrance to the Town Hall. Other payment options include paying online at www.westonct.gov or pay by phone at 855-844-0237. Service fees will apply.  If you have any questions, please email us or call our office at 203-222-2697.  
-Please use the correct stub when making your payment. If you did not receive a tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector. You can also check online for payment amounts at the town website noted above. Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse the taxpayer from tax and delinquent interest (C.G.S.12-130).

Weston Fine Arts Festival
July 16 and 17, 10:00 – 5:00
Hurlbutt Elementary School Fields
The Weston Fine Arts Festival returns on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 on the fields at Hurlbutt Elementary School. The rain or shine event runs from 10:00 to 5:00.  Artists and vendors can register for the juried art show, artist booths, outdoor exhibit spaces, and market tables, vist the WestonArts website at: www.westonfineart.artcall.org

Weston Senior Center - The Weston Flea
Saturday, September 10th (Rain date September 11th)
Reserve your spots by calling (203) 222-2608 or email Wendy: [email protected]

Weston Public Library
Last week, our exceptional Library Director, Karen Tatarka, let us know that she will be leaving to take a new job in July. We are thrilled for her new opportunity and sad to see her go. If you have a chance, please stop by the Library and thank her for all she has done for our community.

Please note the Library's summer schedule, the Library will be closed Sundays through Labor Day. 

EnergizeCT: Energy in Action Bus
Wednesday, July 6. Sessions will be 30 minutes and run from 4:00-6:30 PM. All ages.
Registration required for the session you wish to attend at www.westonpubliclibrary.org. The EnergizeCT bus will be parked in the library's back parking lot.  Learn how you can be part of creating a more energy-efficient world by making smart, energy-saving decisions daily. You’ll learn how to make decisions that will not only save energy, but will help the planet, too! Witness and participate in mind-blowing, energy-saving experiments. Learn the benefits of becoming an energy-efficient society. And discover renewable energy sources which help create a greener and cleaner future for our planet.  Step inside our interactive exhibit for a full experience of learning and exploration:

- The Energy Grid – Watch power flow to your home
- Plasma Tube – Learn how your body conducts electricity
- Thermal Tunnel – Observe how insulation prevents heat loss
- Generation Station – Use your power to discover which light bulb is most efficient
- Wind Power – Discover How Wind Turbines Produce Energy
- Light Wall – Make your pledge to become more energy-efficient
...And More!

Beyond the Beaten Path with White Memorial Conservation Center
Thursdays @ 11:00 AM. All ages. Registration required separately for each session at www.westonpubliclibrary.org.
Teachers from White Memorial Conservation Center will be joining us to teach us about nature, animals and conservation. Each session will be on a different topic and may feature live animals, props, and audience participatory activities. You are then invited to join us at our Read Beyond the Beaten Path Storytime at 2:30 PM to explore these topics further with stories, songs and activities for littles (separate registration).

July 7: Helping Nature's Not-So-Cuddly
This program teaches children how to be heroes to creatures that often get overlooked or mistreated because of their unhuggable appearance. While meeting a live turtle and snake up close, children will learn how to safely help turtles cross the road, how to create wildlife habitat in their own backyard, and how to advocate for all of “nature’s not-so-cuddly.”  *This series of programs is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Connecticut State Library.