Greetings and Welcome to July 22nd's Town Hall Happenings! 

Opening Note
Weston residents continue to inspire me. This weekend, the Weston Fine Arts Festival was a triumph thanks to wonderful artists, sponsors, and volunteers who produced the event.  The highlight of the event for me was watching Weston’s own José Feliciano perform, meeting his delightful family, and proclaiming July 17^th as “José Feliciano Day” in Weston. I look forward to more community gatherings celebrating Weston.

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!

Voter Registration Session for Upcoming Primaries
In preparation for the August 9^th Democratic and Republican party primaries, the Weston Registrars of Voters will hold a special voter registration session on Tuesday, July 26 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Weston Town Hall.  The Registrars will be available to hear requests by persons previously removed from the rolls to add their names back to the registry list and to register new voters.  Unaffiliated voters are not eligible to vote in primaries in Connecticut.  If you are already registered to vote and are a member of either the Democratic or Republican party you are eligible to vote in your party primary.  To check your voter registration status on-line, visit https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx.  If you are not registered to vote or would like to enroll in a political party and you have a valid CT Driver’s License you can register on-line at https://voterregistration.ct.gov.  The deadline to switch parties and to be eligible to vote in the primary was May 9.  However, if you are a new voter or not enrolled in a political party you can register or enroll in a party through August 4 either on-line or by mail.  You may register to vote or enroll in a party in person at Weston Town Hall until noon on August 8.  For questions regarding voter registration, please visit the Registrars of Voters website at https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/registrar-of-voters.  Absentee ballots are available in the Town Clerk’s office, weekdays 9:00 am – 4:30 pm through August 8, 2022.

A message from Police Chief Henion
In previous THHs the EMS chief put out an important notice regarding the dangers of speeding. Today the Police Chief reminds residents that during the summer months speeding is especially dangerous because pedestrians and bicyclists are sharing the road. Police are being vigilant and will enforce violations when they are found.  Four speed-trailers are in the process of being deployed throughout town. The Police Commission and the Police Chief have also sent a letter to the State Traffic Commission to review state roads within Weston to make sure signage and markings are proper.  

Spending Plan for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds Update
As you know, 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. As promised here is a brief update on select projects:

- The Fire Department is beginning the procurement process for a new Fire Rescue 5 replacement truck.

- The Project Management for the Town Green project has begun.

- The Town has been sued (again) by a handful of people that opposed the construction of the Dog Park. The claim resides in Superior Court. I am confident that the Town will prevail once again.

- The ARPA contribution has been delivered to the Friends of Lachat to qualify for matching by the Daniel Offutt III Charitable Trust – the Lachat Offutt Center construction is in full swing.

- The Parks & Recreation department continues to investigate possible locations for the new Pickleball Courts, we hope to have clarity soon and be able to move the project forward.

- Engineers, town officials, and Friends of Lachat have met at Lachat Farm to begin the process of remediating wetland issues at the location.

- The Town has been meeting with representatives from the Wood Hill Road neighborhood with the objective of reaching a consensus on the emergency access to be used for catastrophic events.An engineer will now begin drafting project documents that would ultimately be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen and be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a report.

- With the help of the Building Committee, the Town is moving forward to schedule the renovation of three bathrooms at the Senior Center.

- The Town will be cutting a check to the Weston Food Pantry in the amount of $20,000.

- The Sustainable Weston Committee leadership and I have discussed the process for the composting pilot and the development of an achievable sustainability plan.

- We have engaged with Altice to install WIFI hotspots around the municipal campus.

- Finally, we are looking forward to new charging stations at Town Hall this year and have engaged with Titan Energy to begin the project.

To see the list of approved projects and the associated dollar amounts, visit:  https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/8165/637898351754930000

2023 Road repaving
Farrell Rd, Tannery Rd South, Trails End and Merry Lane are done.  Lords Highway has been milled and will be paved next week.  Following that, we will mill and pave 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.

Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
A necessary easement has been secured by the Town.  Tree work has commenced.  Also, the Town has begun coordinating with utility companies for the relocation of a few poles and other communication infrastructure.  We will have a better understanding of when this project will be completed once the utility companies provide us with a timeline for completion of their work.

Crosswalk News – Flashing Beacon is Complete
The State of Connecticut has 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. 

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, 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.  A speed monitoring sign has also been placed near the bridge by Westport Police.  The next step in the process is for the project team to investigate whether or not any modifications could be made, and if so, determine how much they would cost and if they would be eligible for a federal grant reimbursement.  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
Connecticut was recently placed under stage 2 drought conditions. Governor Lamont has asked that residents be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment. To learn more, please visit the Connecticut Drought Information Center at https://portal.ct.gov/Water/Drought/Drought-Home

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 - 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
Last Saturday the United States transitioned the 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988 – an easy-to-remember three-digit number for 24/7 crisis care. The lifeline, which also links to the Veterans Crisis Line, follows a three-year joint effort by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to put crisis care more in reach for people in need. You should call 988 when anyone:

-Talking about or is at risk of suicide
-Threatens or is at risk for violence-
-Has been victimized/traumatized
-Is in harm’s way without immediate assistance
-Is behaviorally “acting out” or out of control
-Is in emotional or mental distress
-and/or uncommunicative
-Is depressed and you are worried
-Is having any other behavioral health crisis
-Needs mobile crisis

Parks & Recreation
Bisceglie-Scribner Pond is now open for swimming and recreational fun- passes available online and in-house. Family, individual and senior passes available.

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 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]

Tai Chi with Bill
Thursdays at 9:30am
Outside in front of the Weston Library
The first class is free, but registration is required.
To register:  email Wendy, [email protected] 

Pilates with Karen
Mondays at 12:30pm
To register:  email Wendy, [email protected] 

Lunch at Weston Senior Center
Wednesday, July 27th, 11:30am
Catered by Lily’s Market
Entertainment with Don Cartamone
For information, email Wendy, [email protected].

Beyond Van Gogh an Immersive Experience
Thursday, September 8th, 9:00am—4:00pm
At the Hartford Convention Center
$70.00 for Tickets, Bus and Box Lunch.  A $35 non-refundable deposit is due when you sign up.
Beyond Van Gogh is a new truly immersive experience. While other shows use virtual reality or still images, our show breaks barriers by incorporating both still and moving art. Masterpieces, now freed from frames, come alive, appear, and disappear, flow across multi-surfaces, the minutia of details titillating our heightened senses. The show is projected on every surface around you, this makes you feel as though you have stepped directly into a Van Gogh painting. We accompany the show with a beautiful score and include many other surprises! 
To register, email Wendy:  [email protected]

Weston Public Library

Afterhours Pickup
Can’t get to the library before closing time? Arrange to have your requested items put in our secure lockers for pickup. Service is available Monday - Friday. Call the Library for details.

Make a Succulent Bowl Garden
Saturday, August 6 @ 2:00 PM. Adult program, registration required.
Stop by and make a tiny succulent garden!
In person in the Community Room, but if the weather is good we'll set up outside.

Children's Programs
Pet Professionals with the Connecticut Humane Society
Monday, July 25 @ 4:00 PM. Ages 10-18. Registration required.
This program offers students a look at the wide array of careers in the animal welfare field. Students will learn about the skills and education needed for different positions and hear about a typical work day from the Connecticut Humane Society staff.

Chibi-Manga Cartoon Fun: Amazing Superheroes
Wednesday, July 27 @ 4:00 PM. Ages 5-12. Registration required.
Join Cartoonist Debi Hamuka-Falkenham in creating Amazing Chibi Superheroes. Kids have fun as they work on Chibi and Manga cartoon basics such as drawing faces, expressions, and how to create different action poses with lots of movement and expression. They will also develop their own unique cartoon characters and learn how to develop stories around their creations.

Beyond the Beaten Path with White Memorial Conservation Center- Animal Adaptations
Thursday, July 28 @ 11:00 AM. All ages. Registration required.
Animal Adaptations uses natural props, animal mounts, and a couple of LIVE animals to illustrate the definitions of both a structural and behavioral adaptation, as well as how adaptations help animals survive in different environments.