Greetings and welcome to July 28th’s Town Hall Happenings

Opening Note
A Message from the First Select-Person for the Day Riley Crafts

My name is Riley Crafts. I am 7 and ½ years old and on Thursday I got to be First Select-Person for the Day on July 27th. I made sure that I dressed in my most professional clothes and met First Select-Person Sam in Town Hall at 8:45 in the morning.  Our first item of the day was to have a party for Mr. Roy Marsh. He was retiring from 14 years of working in Weston. I even presented him with a certificate of appreciation. Then I met a bunch of people who work in Town Hall and even saw all the records and learned about how government manages money. It was interesting but I’m not sure that budgets are my thing. I asked some other people questions like “what have you experienced in town hall that you like?”, “Do you like the other employees?”, and “what do you like about them?” After a zoom meeting, I went to the break room and got some water and a muffin. And then First Select-Person Sam and I counted and looked at all the Select-people that came before her. I was surprised that there were only 6 women. That isn’t very many.  I learned so much and I think that I might become mayor or even President one day. I wanted to say to First Select-Person Sam and everyone at Town hall - Thank you for your service. I had a great day.

Congrats to Roy Marsh on his retirement after 14 years of service to Weston.
Yesterday we had a breakfast in his honor followed by a presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation from the Town. Thank you Roy and best of luck to you on your next chapter.

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023, during a meeting via Zoom, Mayor Vorobiev of Siversk and I discussed the current state of Weston’s Sister City.  Unfortunately, that day shelling from Russia destroyed the last untouched building in Siversk. This building was a hospital dually acting as a safe haven for the citizens of Siversk.  In the midst of this tragedy, the people of Siversk have not lost hope. The children of Siversk have created art as a symbol of hope, which will be delivered to Weston in the coming weeks. On the call, Mayor Vorobiev expressed his gratitude that the Weston and Siversk communities are bonded not just through Weston’s helping hands but also through our Town’s smiles that provide the people of Siversk with optimism to carry them through the end of the war. In the words of Mayor Vorobiev, “It is harder to accomplish a goal with a single finger rather than a whole fist.”  The committee is currently raising funds for a dump truck and back hoe. Please Donate here: https://donorbox.org/weston-siversk-sister-cities?fbclid=IwAR1nvGQCDjgW0gMW2ouY-rzR6w4HGaRIXDntck9ASqjKyD0IX3mDMcf9Ivs

To learn more about the program listen to our podcast here: https://vimeo.com/828794138

Sidewalks Phase 3 - Virtual Public Information Meeting - August 1 @ 6pm
State Project No. 157-089  Federal-Aid Project No. Peds(231)
Weston Town Center Pedestrian Improvements
All interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about and discuss this project in the Town of Weston. Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81887775827
Join by Phone: 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 818 8777 5827
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling 646-558-8656. Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS). The live streams generally offer closed captioning for the hearing impaired and non-English translation options.  There will be a 14-day comment period that follows the meeting, individuals may leave a question or comment via email/ phone at [email protected] or 203-234-7862.

The Weston Town Green
Pardon our appearance while installation of the new Weston Town Green continues. Thank you to the Beautification Committee for your hard work on this project. The boulders for the Veterans memorial are in place and the infrastructure is completed for the complex. In addition the sidewalks and the elliptical path will be poured in a few weeks. Check here for updates and progress on the construction.  The front entrance of Town Hall will be closed during this phase of construction.  Please use the parking lot and entrance on the side of Town Hall closest to the Library.

Wood Hill Emergency Access Road
On Friday, July 21 the Department of Public Works began tree removal for the Wood Hill Emergency Road that will allow access for Public Safety in the event of an emergency on the school campus. The road cut that will connect the end of Wood Hill Road to School Road will be completed prior to the beginning of the school year. The access will be secured by a gate and will not be accessible to the public. This project is funded with an ARPA allocation.

Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
Our new sidewalks that extend all the way from the Weston Library parking lot to the High School and Intermediate School are well underway.  This project will provide a greater level of safety for students and the public and will connect our schools and Town Hall complex to Weston Town Center. This phase of the sidewalks will be completed prior to the start of the new school year. This project is funded with a nearly $900,000 grant from the state. See here for more information about our pedestrian safety projects. https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects and here for the most recent podcast on the project: https://vimeo.com/820579482

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
This week we officially started this project. The renovations in the basement of Town Hall will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and renovate existing space.  A reconfiguration of the footprint will allow for a more efficient use of the space and is a much anticipated improvement for our Police Department staff. The locker rooms will include dedicated space for women officers and enable us to be more competitive in the recruitment of female police officers.

Weston History and Culture Center – CT Summer at the Museum – Kids get in Free!
The Weston History and Culture Center is taking parking the CT Summer at the Museum Initiative. WHCC was recently awarded a $1,000.00 grant from CT Humanities to participate in offering free admission to all Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying adult every Thursday and Sunday, July 9 - August 31 from 1pm - 4pm.  Children and their families can explore history and art at the Weston History & Culture Center.  Funding for the initiative is provided by the CT General Assembly, with the support of Connecticut Humanities and the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA.

Summer Road Repaving
Summer Paving has started and will take place on High Noon, Fall Ridge and Stonehenge Road this coming week.  Paving has already taken place on Covenant Lane, Hillside Road North, White Oak Ln, Joanne Ln, Briar Oak Ln, Graylock Rd, Heritage Ln, and Kettle Creek Road, Broad Street and Tubbs Spring Court.  To see the full list of roads that the Town plans to pave over the next few months please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is upon us and inspections have been happening since March 2023.  The areas of Town being inspected will be posted and updated throughout the entire collection process. Data Collectors will have badges for identification as well as their cars being registered with the Weston Police Department.  They will be taking photos as well as requesting an interior inspection be done at the time of their visit.  If a virtual inspection is preferred, a data mailer will follow when an inspection is not granted and the virtual option can be arranged at that time.  Please click here for more information.  Listen to the podcast about the 2023 revaluation here: https://vimeo.com/807322949

Human Services

Would you like to be added to the Reassurance Program? 
The Reassurance Program is a list of Weston residents who would like to be called by an employee of the Weston Social Services Dept in times of Town emergencies or inclement weather.  We encourage those who live alone, don't drive, or have medical needs to register as this list is also shared with Emergency Responders in times of Town emergencies.  Please email Rashida Miller, MSW at [email protected] for more information.

ARPA Mental Health Partnership
WESTON URGENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AT SILVER HILL
The Town of Weston has partnered with Silver Hill Hospital to provide Weston residents in urgent need of mental health treatment with a timely psychiatric assessment and tailored referral for ongoing care.  The Weston Urgent Assessment Program serves children, adolescents, and adults who are Weston residents at no out-of-pocket cost.  The Assessment Program is available by advance appointment only and every effort will be made to offer an assessment appointment within 48 hours of an intake call.  To schedule an intake, please complete the form found at https://silverhillhospital.org/new-canaan-urgent-assessment-program/ or call Silver Hill Hospital admissions at 1-866-542-4455 and indicate that you are inquiring about the Weston Urgent Assessment Program.  For additional information, call the Town of Weston's Human Services Department at 203-222-2663. Click here for a podcast describing the program: https://vimeo.com/837210170

Youth and Family Services
Please register for the Social Services 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!  Click here for this month's Youth & Family Social Services Newsletter

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview regarding the new grant for EV charging stations and other sustainability initiatives. Listen here: https://vimeo.com/user115184272

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. Click here for the Vimeo for the podcast and search for the episodes. https://vimeo.com/user115184272

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to attend BOS hybrid meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can still Zoom into the 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, Weston Public Library, Marketing & Communications Advisory Group, Commission on Aging, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Water Study Committee, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

Weston Commission for the Arts – Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, September 2 (rain date Sept 3) at 5:30 pm E.T.  The Extraterrestrial, with Music and Food Trucks at Weston Middle School Field

Weston Senior Center

Lectures (free) 

Renoir
Lecture by Lisa Arnold, Art Historian
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2pm
Pierre August Renoir was one of the most loved in the school of Impressionist painters in France during the mid-late 1800’s. It is no small wonder as his famous portraits were painted in a glowing style showing extraordinary skin tones. His color palette was fresh and light. He strove to create “real life” and attention should be given to his feathery and active brush strokes. Famous for portraits of beautiful women and children, he also delighted the viewer with scenes of parties and gatherings.

Wild Birds Unlimited Lecture with Chris Petherick
Wednesday, August 16th, 1pm
“Attracting Birds to your Summer Garden and Fall Migration”
Chris will be discussing what we can do to attract birds to our yards in late summer as well as what to watch for during the Fall Migration.

Exercise Classes
The Senior Center offers the following exercise classes: yoga, chair aerobics, Pilates, cardio drumming, balance, strength & stretch. Drop in ($5.00 per class) or pay for the series. Classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels. 

Trips
Coastal Connecticut
Wednesday, August 30th (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center and returns at 3pm)
Let’s enjoy our beautiful coastline! The first stop is The Book Barn in Niantic. This is more than a book store; it’s a unique CT experience for the book-lover. Next stop, Skippers Seafood, a mom & pop counter service offering casual seafood with lovely, water views. Last stop is Walnut Beach Creamery - Milford’s only handcrafted gourmet ice cream on the beach! I highly recommend a scoop of carrot cake! Bring money for all food and shopping.

Summer Lunch
August 2nd at Norfield Church and Angela’s party, 11:30 am ($5/pp): Chicken Kale w/ Bowtie Pasta, Apples, Cranberries with Shaved Parmesan or Chicken Caesar Salad from Village Market.

Beeyonder Travel Programs (Zoom)
A Walking Tour of Luxor Temple
Thursday, August 3^rd, 11:30am-12:30pm
We will start on the Avenue of Sphinxes before making our way to the open court that will lead us to the entrance of the temple. You will walk through the processional avenue that leads to Luxor Temple. We will talk about who built this amazing temple and what it was for, and the great Pharaohs that built it. We will walk through the temple ending the tour in the back shrines to the open air museum.

Trivia and Lunch with Mary
Sponsored by Wilton Meadows
At the Senior Center
Friday, August 11^th at 12:00pm

Make a “Doily Dreamcatcher” with Mary – lunch included
Sponsored by Wilton Meadows
Friday, August 25^th, 12:00pm

Caregivers Support Group
Tuesday, August 15^th, 1:00-2:00pm
With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW
Director of Social Services
Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1-2pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Caregiver Support Group email list, contact Allison Lisbon at [email protected]  To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

Click Here for more information.