Today’s opening is a reminder that we are approaching the season of extreme weather here in our region and that we should all seek to be prepared for power outages, downed trees, and other incidents related to weather emergencies. With so many new families in town, I would urge all of you to be sure your neighbors and friends are signed up for the emergency alerts https://member.everbridge.net/index/431700047822927/#/signup as Weston no longer is affiliated with the Code Red system. In addition, we have an important guide about what to do before and after a weather emergency: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5929/637650804379770546  We have an exceptional Emergency Management team, and we can all do our part do understand how to best be prepared.

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

September 11th Community Memorial Ceremony
Monday, September 11 at 9:00 am
At Weston Volunteer Fire Department
56 Norfield Road

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 Weston Road. The next work is 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.

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

Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
To qualify your total annual household income must be at or less than the following:

Household Size 1: $41,553
Household Size 2: $54,338
Household Size 3: $67,124
Household Size 4: $79,910
Household Size 5: $92,695
Household Size 6: $105,481
Household Size 7: $107,878

If you think you may qualify or are having difficulty paying your heating bills please call 203-222-2556 or 203-222-2585 to schedule an appointment.

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: September 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

Norfield Grange Fair: Sunday, Sept. 10th @ Noon-5 pm @ 12 Good Hill Road

Fun for all ages !!

Featuring: Brooks Bunny Farm (petting zoo, bunnies for sale & "Support Bunnies" too)
Kids Games + Dunk Tank
Eating Contests: 2 PM: Corn-on-the-Cob + 2:30 PM: Donut + 3 PM: Watermelon
Raffle & Mystery Raffle
Tony Pizza Napolitano, Grange Snack Bar, and College Creamery
Live Music + 2 pm Square Bears Square Dance Demo & Free Instruction (Inside the Hall)
Enter the 9 Judged Contests: Fruit - Veggies - Flowers - Eggs - "Homemade Hooch" - Art - Photo - Knit/Crochet - Sewing/Needlework - RIBBONS & $ PRIZE For Best in Show
Vendors Selling Handmade Goods & More.
Our building, porches, side lawns and parking lot are used for the Fair activities so all parking will be on street parking. FMI: [email protected]

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 26th 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
Lachat Town Farm has a wide variety of upcoming programs including Music in the Meadow, cooking classes, gardening, photography, yoga and tai chi, knitting circles, and many programs just for kids.  Please visit the Lachat Town Farm website for a complete list of programs and events

From the Tree Warden
Spotted Lantern Fly Identified in Weston, CT
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 made a report and recommendations regarding SLF to the Board of Selectmen this past week.  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 (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 Senior Center Events and Activities

$5 Exercise Classes!
The Senior Center offers:

Yoga
Cardio drumming
Balance
Strength & Stretch
Chair aerobics
Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trips

Historical Wooster Square in New Haven Walking Tour
$10.00 per person for lunch
Tuesday, October 3rd (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center)
Famous Sally’s Pizza (or Modern Pizza) for lunch, Libby’s Pastry and other fun stops along the easy walking tour. Lots of opportunity to bring home treats. Sign up early!

Beautiful Downtown Kent
Friday, October 27th (bus leaves at 10:00am from the Senior Center)
Beautiful foliage the whole way up and back. Shopping in downtown Kent followed by lunch at The Fife and Drum. Bring money for shopping and lunch.

Lectures

Ways of Listening: The Music of Mozart
Program by David Stein, Thursday, September 28th, 1-2pm
(Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Senior 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 performance and animations combined with live illustration at the piano. It is non-technical and accessible to anyone with an interest in classical music.

Trivia and Crafts
Brain Games and Lunch (free)
With Danielle Ramos
Friday, October 20th, 12:00pm
(Sponsored by National Healthcare Associates)
Join us for a light lunch of sandwiches and salads followed by brain stimulating teasers!

Arts and Crafts with Mary and Snacks (free)
Wednesday, September 20th, 1:00pm
(Sponsored by Wilton Meadows)
DIY sunflower coasters are perfect to celebrate the end of Summer and to welcome Fall!

Trivia with Mary
Friday, September 15th & October 6th at 12:00pm with lunch
Wednesday, October 25th at 1:00pm with refreshments
(Sponsored by Wilton Meadows)

Friday Bingo
September 8th, 22nd, October 13th
12:30pm

Crafts & Snacks with Gisselle
Wednesday, September27, 1:00pm
(Sponsored by Always Caring of CT)
These lovely watercolor paint by number sets are designed for the beginner and hobby artist. An enjoyable way to relax! Choice of succulents, produce or coastal designs.

 Art Classes

Colors of Autumn: Making Art Inspired by the Season
With Maj Kalfus
Tuesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
September 12th, 19th, 26th, October 3rd
A 4 week class to employ the beauty of the autumn colors in drawing, collage and color composition with the use of graphite, pastels, paper collage and paint.
Bring the following supplies to class: 11x14 drawing pad (white paper), dark graphite pencil #7, 8 or 9, set of soft pastels, water colors or color pencils, brushes, glue stick, a bag of autumn leaves, a small collection of paper clippings for collage, scissors

Gourd Felt Class with Rachel
Friday, October 13th
9:30am-12:30pm
$20.00 includes all supplies needed to make a felt gourd

Acrylic Painting with Nature’s Textures
With Agata Tria
Tuesday, October 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, 10:00am-12:00pm
$20.00 for series of 4 classes
See the magic happen when you take a real object of nature and apply paint to it making a study of texture, shape, composition and space.
Please bring the following to the first class: acrylic paint, brushes, canvases

Special Craft with Weston High School Senior Gianna
Tile painting
Monday, September 25th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Calling all artists and creative enthusiasts! “What does the Senior Center Mean to You”? Your tile will be made into a beautifully crafted handmade mosaic.

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

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

To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

Weston Public Library

Check out these upcoming youth events! Five Steps to a Winning College Application Essay on Monday, September 11, 6:30pm. Slime Time on Tuesday, September 12 at 3:30pm. Energy in Action Mobile Learning Experience on Saturday, September 16th, 11-1pm. Recurring Children and Teen programs include Story Corner, Creative Corner, weekly crafts, Playgroup, game nights (ft. Nintendo Switch), and more.  

Take advantage of our puzzle swap in the Children's Library! Donate new or used children's puzzles of all difficulty levels, or take one home to try yourself. We encourage swapping your puzzles out for new ones after completion to maintain a new supply for everyone to enjoy.

For adults, we have the kickoff event, "A Night at the Opera," for the Friends of the Weston Public Library's concert series Sunday Soundscapes on Sunday, September 17 at 4pm with a performance from Opera Vermont! Next week, we also see the return of our popular clubs such as the New Yorker Roundtable on Tuesday, September 12 at 10:45am and the Friends of the Library Book Group on Thursday, September 14 at 10:30am.  

Register for all of these events and others on our Calendar of Events today.