Opening note:
On Sep 1st’s opening note acknowledges that this weekend is an exciting moment in Weston History.  After hours upon hours of blood, sweat and tears, thanks to the Friends of Lachat and all the volunteers, community members and donors, especially The Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust, Richard Orenstein Trustee, the long awaited Daniel E. Offutt III Educational Center at the Juliana Lachat Preserve opens! Please join me in expressing my deep appreciation for all those who make Lachat Town Farm so special and epitomize “it takes a village.” We are grateful for all of your efforts.

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
A new dump truck is on its way to Siversk, Ukraine, thanks to the efforts of Westonites who generously donated to support the effort through our newly formed Sister City Partnership.  Launched this June, the Town of Weston adopted our sister city Siversk through a relationship with Ukraine Aid International, Inc, which has laid the groundwork to provide support for those severely impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine.  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 has successfully raised funds for a dump truck and the next $18,000 raised will be allocated for a back hoe. Our total target is for $150,000 to address Siversk’s needs. 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

Municipal Office and Transfer Station Closures for Labor Day
Municipal Offices will be closed Monday, September 4^th.  The Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, September 2^nd through Tuesday, September 5^th, and will reopen on Wednesday, September 6^th.

 Hazardous Waste Day
September 9, 2023 9:00AM - 1:00PM
This event will be at the Miller-Driscoll School - 217 Wolfpit Road, Wilton. Weston residents are welcome to attend, there is no charge. See flyer here: Household HazWaste Day

Recycling Guide
Recycling facilities are always free and available for all Town residents. We encourage you to reduce, reuse and recycle! Click here to see a printable recycling guide: Recycling Guide

Renovation of Davis Hill Bridge
Monday, August 7 construction began on the Davis Hill Bridge. The bridge will remain open to traffic, with occasional short closures during this renovation & resurfacing project. The construction of this infrastructure project is funded with grants from the State and Federal government.

Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
Our new sidewalks that extend all the way from the Weston Library parking lot to the Intermediate and High Schools are almost finished! The stretch of sidewalk from the Senior Center to the School 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. The school portion is complete and the last part of the project connects St. Francis Church to the next work as well as adding a crosswalk. 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

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 are complete and the elliptical path will be installed shortly. Check back here for updates and progress on the construction.

Wood Hill Emergency Access Road
The Department of Public Works has begun work on 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 connects the end of Wood Hill Road to School Road is complete. The access is secured by a gate and is not be accessible to the public. Plantings will be completed this fall. This project is funded with an ARPA allocation.

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
The renovations in the basement of Town Hall have begun.  This renovation will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and update this 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.

Summer Road Repaving
To see the full list of roads scheduled for paving in 2023, 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 on our website throughout the entire collection process.  Data Collectors have badges for identification and their cars are 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 our latest newsletter: August 2023 Newsletter

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation's fall registration began yesterday- offering before & after school programming, swim classes and so much more- this is primed to be a fantastic year! After school programs like the very popular after school Tennis, Sports & Fitness, Powerful Play, Run Club, Volleyball and of course Field Hockey Gr. 3-8 are all included in this session. Registration can be online using the registration portal. The full flyer can be found here  *Many programs have a habit of selling out quickly- don't miss out!

Weston WOW! Programs
Weston Parks and Recreation WOW Programs offer After-school programs and summer camps for children, including WOW fun and enrichment classes at Hurlbutt Elementary School, Weston Intermediate School, and Weston Middle School during the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions as well as summer camps.  Click here to visit our website for more information

What’s Next in Weston?
The “What’s Next in Weston” 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

Weston Sustainability Action Plan - Your input matters
Thank you to everyone who already responded to our Sustainable Weston survey and Volunteer Questionnaire. We are still accepting responses to our volunteer questionnaire which will be live through September 15th.  If you would like to join us and participate in community events, or take the time to lead town wide efforts via a Sustainability Action Plan Task Force, please let us know by responding to the volunteer questionnaire here (https://forms.gle/Z74CZ4S5gYQNYrZv8)!

Our most recent outreach effort is a partnership with Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA), Curbside Compost, Lachat Town Farm and the High School Green Team to improve recycling and waste collection at Lachat Events.  Thanks for taking the time to make a difference in our town.  Sent on behalf of the Sustainable Weston Town Committee  https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/appointed/select-committee-on-sustainability

Follow us on Instagram  (https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_weston/)
and Facebook  (https://www.facebook.com/SustainableWeston)

Sustainable Weston
What’s In? What’s Out? What Next?
September 26^th at 7PM at Lachat Town Farm
Please join us for an informative presentation and community discussion at Lachat Town Farm’s new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center , and the first in a series of community talks, “Living In the Country”, spearheaded by Sustainable Weston. 

What goes in your bin? What stays out? Why recycle? Where do recyclables go? Can I save money? What is the fuss about Organics and Food Scrap Recycling?
Connecticut is experiencing a solid waste, recycling and food waste crisis. More waste is generated then we have the capacity to manage. What’s happening to all that waste? Where does it go? Managing waste and knowing what to Recycle can be confusing. Come to this family-friendly event, to learn where our garbage, food scraps/organics and recycling really goes. What is the State of Connecticut’s universal recycling guide. What is the State doing with regard to the food waste crisis? What happens when you put the wrong thing in your recycling bin. What does China have to do with recycling in Connecticut. How does waste and re- cycling impact the environment. How can managing your waste save you money and how it effects your taxes. What are other towns in our region doing about Organics recycling?

Join industry expert, Jennifer Heaton-Jones, the Executive Director of the regional governmental solid waste and recycling authority, HRRA (Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority), for a one hour presentation followed by a half hour Q & A. You’re guaranteed to learn something new.  For the Q&A, Jennifer will be joined by panelists including: Larry Roberts, Weston Director of Public Works and Facilities and Sam Nestor, Weston First Selectwoman

This event is a collaboration between Sustainable Weston, Lachat Town Farm and the HRRA. 

To register, visit: https://lachattownfarm.org/register.php?eventid=1556  

For more information about HRRA, visit: https://hrra.org

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: Commission on Aging, Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Library Board, Marketing and Communications Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Sustainable Weston Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee.  The following elected boards have positions available:  Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate.  Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Lachat Town Farm

JOIN US for the official opening of the Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center at the Juliana Lachat Preserve. All weekend long, we will be offering FREE events to celebrate this huge milestone for our community.  We will celebrate this momentous event with a family fun-filled day of blacksmithing demonstrations, book reading, hayrides, pony rides (additional charge), and so much more on Sunday, September 3rd – all free to our guests! Please park on the Upper Field at 1 Ladder Hill Road S.  Get up close and personal with friendly animals and be one of the first to tour the new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center.

September 2 - Yoga with Greg
On Saturday, September 2nd we will be offering our popular Yoga with Greg at no cost – but we ask that you pre-register online as class size is limited. Yoga begins at 8:30 and ends at 9:45. Open to all levels, beginners welcome! Join us on the beautiful deck of the new Daniel E. Offutt III Education Center.

September 3 - Pastures and Pancakes
In addition to the free festivities on Sunday we will be offering a delightful old-fashioned pancake breakfast served on the hour from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage from Ox Hollow Farm, fruit, coffee, local syrup, and orange juice. We appreciate all the volunteers  especially Chef Geoff and our friends at Kiwanis for bringing this old-fashioned pancake breakfast to the community on this very exciting day for the town of Weston! Nominal cost of $10/adults and $5/children. Register below.  All pancake breakfast attendees can park in our lower lot at our main entrance at 106 Godfrey Road W. 

September 4 - Anyone Can Compost
On Monday, September 4th from 10am to 11am please join us for a great program ‘Anyone Can Compost!’. Learn how you can save water, reduce pollution and improve your garden when you start making ‘black gold’ at home. It’s easier than you think! This is a free workshop but still requires registration! Thanks to the Weston Education Foundation for the grant offering free gardening classes to the community.  Click here for the Lachat Town Farm website for more information.

From the Tree Warden

Spotted Lantern Fly Identified in Weston, CT
Weston CT, Aug. 21, 2023 – The tree warden identified the presence of the spotted lantern fly (SLF) in the south end of Weston near the Westport line along Route 57 late in 2022 and destroyed the insect and notified nearby plant nursery and the town administrator. Periodic checks have been made around town since then and until this month found no other insects and nor received any reports of the insect’s presence in town. Last Friday, a resident in the north end of town near the Redding line reported its presence.

In January 2023, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) issued a Quarantine Order with defined restricted areas for the exotic pest spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula. This insect has been detected in Connecticut with established populations detected in Fairfield, Litchfield, Hartford, New London, and New Haven counties and single individuals intercepted in numerous towns. Pictures and full details on this insect can be found at:

CT Spotted Lanternfly https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly. The Tree Warden will make a report and recommendations regarding SLF to the Board of Selectmen in early September

In summary, what should residents do or not do if they see the spotted lantern fly:

First, and most important – if you think you have observed spotted lanternflies, do not attempt to move any wood or other potentially infested material from the site. Instead, you should:

Report potential sightings of this invasive pest. If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it and fill out this SLF Reporting Form. Connecticut Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) Reporting (arcgis.com)

Kill any spotted lanternflies you find immediately.

Follow these tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies. CAES-SLF-Residential-Factsheet.pdf

Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations. These insects are known to hitch a ride on vehicles and even clothing.

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 Events and Activities

$5 Exercise Classes!
The Senior Center offers:
Yoga
Pilates
Cardio drumming
Balance
Strength & Stretch
Chair aerobics
Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trips
Westport Playhouse Tour
Thursday, September 7 (bus leaves at 9:45am from the Senior Center and returns by 12:30pm)
Take a backstage tour of the historic Westport Country Playhouse. Learn how a play gets from the page to the stage. You’ll see set designs and models, costumes and props. You’ll get to stand on stage and then tour the shop where the sets are built. The tour ends backstage in the actors’ dressing rooms and Greenroom

Historical Wooster Square in New Haven Walking Tour $10/pp for lunch Tuesday, October 3 (bus leaves at 9:30am)
Famous Sally’s Pizza (or Modern Pizza) for lunch, Libby’s pastry and other fun stops along the easy walking tour. Lots of opportunities to bring home treats! Sign up early!

Beautiful Downtown Kent Friday, October 27 (bus leaves at 10am from the Senior Center)
Beautiful foliage the whole way up and back. Shopping in downtown Kent, followed by lunch at Fife and Drum. Bring money for shopping and lunch.

Join us for lunch! $5pp 11:30 here at the Center. Please call to reserve
September 13—Chicken Piccata with salad & crusty bread (Calise)
September 20—Varied Sandwich choices & potato salad (Lily’s Market)
September 27—Pizza Party & salad (Lunch Box)

Lecture Series

Lunch & Lecture with Lisa Wexler Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Probate Court  Wednesday, Sept 6, complimentary Lunch at 12:15pm, followed by Lecture at 12:45pm
Probate Judge Lisa Wexler gives an overview of what to expect when filing an estate in probate court and answers your questions.

“The Reluctant Soldier” Lecture by Author Mark Perlman Thursday, September 14, 1pm
A Novel by Connecticut Author Mark Perlman Revives the Fascinating Story of the Harlem Hellfighters and Much More The Reluctant Soldier follows the adventures and misadventures of Virgil Carpenter, a teacher at the City College of New York, who becomes an unwitting combatant in World War I and joins the famous Negro regiment, the Harlem Hellfighters. His fictionalized story draws him into the most important events of the twentieth century. An extremely rich documentation on Black Americans in the 369th Infantry Regiment.

Ways of Listening: The Music of Mozart Program by David Stein, Thursday, September 28, 1-2pm (Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center)
This program will help attendees to appreciate Mozart’s music more deeply and understand why it is so beloved. In a one-hour presentation David Stein will explore the Gran Partita for Winds, a Mozart masterpiece that plays a crucial role in the movie Amadeus. The program uses video clips of performances and animations combined with live illustration at the piano. It is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music. David Stein has studied music history and music theory at Columbia University, music therapy at New York University and piano performance at the New England Conservatory of Music, where he was awarded the Conservatory Prize in performance of modern music. He has been playing and studying Mozart for over 50 years.

Caregivers Support Group
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]

Free Skin Cancer Screening for Weston, Easton, Westport Residents!
September 26th
Appointments between 9-12pm or 1-4pm
Location:180 Bayberry Lane, Westport
Call Judy at 203-227-9571 ext. 235 for appointment

Car Seat Safety Day
Friday September 29
10 am to 2 pm
at Weston Fire Department

Have your car seat checked for FREE by a certified child passenger safety technician.  You will lean how to correctly install and use your car seats.  Appointments are recommended, to book a free appointment email [email protected] by 9/28/23

Flu Shot Clinic- Westport/Weston Health Department
October 18th 11-1:30pm (Appointments will be taken in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center

AARP Safe Driving Course
October 12th, 9:15-1:15pm (sign-up available in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center

There are many other activities taking place at Weston Senior Center, you can read our newsletter by clicking here  To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

Sunday Soundscapes at the Weston Public Library

The Friends of the Weston Library is proud to announce the first annual Weston Library concert series, “Sunday Soundscapes”, to feature outstanding professional musicians in programs of classical, jazz and Broadway selections. The series will take place on five Sunday afternoons in the months of September, November, March, May, and July. All concerts will be presented in the community room of the Weston Library, 56 Norfield Rd, Weston, CT 06883.

Please join us for our inaugural concert on September 17th, when we present “A Night at the Opera”. Popular opera, operetta and Broadway excerpts are served up by the fabulously talented singers of Opera Vermont. Come enjoy your favorite tunes, from Mozart to Puccini to Bernstein. For more about this New England opera company please go to: https://www.operavermont.com

November 12th is a date you’ll want to reserve to hear the amazing jazz combo led by Jason Anick https://www.jasonanick.com/ . Downbeat Magazine calls him “a rising star in the world of jazz violin and mandolin”. He will be joined by pianist Matt DeChamplain, guitarist Matt Munisteri and Eduardo Belo on bass. These incredibly versatile musicians play in almost every style you can think of, from “Paganini meets Jazz” to bluegrass! Their concert with us in Weston will also serve as the launch of their newest CD release, “A Celebration of Two Jazz Greats: Oscar Peterson and Stephane Grappelli”.

In the spring and summer of 2024, we will have concerts scheduled in March, May and July, including Serenade Duo on March 24th, 2024 https://www.serenadeduo.com/, presenting music for flute and guitar, and Hannah Goodman, soprano and pianist https://www.hannahsopranah.com/, with Broadway classics from the “Great American Songbook”.

Please look to our website https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/ for further information on these concerts. Be sure to reserve a seat at our first concert by using the Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunday-soundscapes-a-night-at-the-opera-registration-682641297497?aff=oddtdtcreator/ Suggested donation at the door is $20 for adults, $10 for students. We believe everyone should have access to this music, so if those donation levels are uncomfortable for you, please give whatever you can. Conversely, if you are able to and would like to help support our series, The Friends of the Weston Library would be honored to accept your donation of a larger amount at https://www.westonlibraryfriends.org/donate/

Weston Public Library has many programs for everyone, some of our events include preschool story corner, young adult drop in, playgroups, yoga, adult crafts, cookbook club, college essay prep, Lego club, and New Yorker Roundtable, among many others.  Visit the Library website for a full list of events: https://www.westonpubliclibrary.org/

Click Here for more information.