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Weston Town Hall Happenings - June 16, 2023

Government and Politics

June 16, 2023

From: Town of Weston

Opening Note

Congrats Weston graduates! Here is a bit of wisdom from Ralph Waldo Emerson
“To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, To find the best in others, To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Municipal Offices and Transfer Station Closures
Municipal offices will be closed on Monday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth. The Transfer Station will also be closed on Tuesday, June 20.

Summer Road Repaving
Summer Paving has started and Covenant Lane is complete. Paving has also taken place on Hillside Road North, White Oak Ln, Joanne Ln, Briar Oak Ln, and Graylock Rd. Paving will take place on Kettle Creek Road on June 14 – 16 and Broad Street on June 19 – 20. To see the entire list of roads that the Town plans to tackle over the next few months please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works

Juneteenth: A Candid Conversation
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday celebrating the end of slavery. On the surface, that’s what it means, but it’s far more than that. Join us on Thursday, June 22 at 7pm for a virtual conversation with Dr. Martha Brackeen-Harris and Dr. Camesha Scruggs as they talk candidly on the history of Juneteenth, its meaning to their families, and why it’s crucial to our nation’s identity and discourse. Dr. Martha Brackeen-Harris is the former director of Community Outreach at Renbrook School. She has been a classroom teacher and administrator in both public and independent schools for over 40 years. A focus of her work has included working with issues of diversity and working toward making educational communities become places where all members feel included and work for equity and justice. She has conducted diversity workshops, facilitated book talks, and has spoken about civil rights both in the greater Hartford community and nationally. Dr. Camesha Scruggs is a Professor of History at CCSU, teaching on the 20th century US, African American, Public History, and Gender & Empire. This event is presented in coordination with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Register here to receive the Zoom information.

The Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project Construction UPDATE
On Monday, May 15 the Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project began. This project creates approximately 5,500 linear feet of new sidewalk, within the Town Center and along School Road. Completion of the project will improve walkability on both the school and municipal campuses. The project will provide students with a safer pathway to and from the Weston Shopping Center via the newly completed Flashing Beacon Crosswalk across Weston Road. The project is funded from the State’s Community Connectivity Program Grant Program and will cover 100% of the construction cost. The Town was responsible for engineering of the project, including all costs associated with design. All work on School Road will start after the end of the school year to prevent any disruption. 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

We are Hiring!
The Town of Weston is currently hiring for the following positions: Senior Center Assistant Program and Communications Coordinator, an Administrative Support Specialist, Communications Center Director, and Town Administrator. Visit our website for more information: https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/town-hall/municipal-job-openings

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`

Land Mobile Radio Project Is Approved at the 6/7 Special Town Meeting
A new radio system, the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN), and its associated costs will allow Weston’s Public Safety personnel to communicate more easily with our surrounding communities, therefore addressing our current lack of interoperability. The complex system will cost $4.5M to purchase and install. This system, also being adopted by Wilton, Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield, will increase the range of our communications exponentially. Thank you to all those involved who made this project possible.

EV Charger Update
The Town, using American Rescue Plan Act funding, installed a new Electric Vehicle charger in the parking lot at Town Hall. As you enter the firehouse side of the lot the charger is conveniently located in the first two parking spots. The charger went online in January 2023 but recently the charging rate has been adjusted to better align with Weston’s sustainability efforts. With lower charging rates (.30 kWh) and no idle time fees we encourage everyone with an EV to come by and charge up! While you wait, use our newly installed sidewalks to walk to Weston Center and do a little shopping. Charging rates will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, our goal is to promote the use of EV’s and make it as easy as possible for your use.

From The Tax Collector
Starting April 7, the Tax Collector’s office will be closed on Fridays

Human Services

Are you caring for a loved one?
Join our monthly Caregiver Support Group. We meet every third Tuesday from 1-2:15 pm at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the support group email list, please get in touch with Allison Lisbon, LCSW at [email protected]. Our next meeting is scheduled for June 20th.

Youth and Family Newsletter
Click here for the June Newsletter

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 Weston 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, visit Silver Hill's website at https://silverhillhospital.org/NCUA or call the Town of Weston's Human Services Department at 203-222-2663.

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview with State Senator Ceci Maher regarding the most comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation in a decade – HB 6667.

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/833345221

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation summer camps will begin on June 24th. We offer full day camps as well as specialty sports camps & activities during the summer months. tennis, field hockey & mountain biking, to name a few. All coached by fantastic coaches, counselors and teachers.

Bisceglie Pond passes are available now on our website and at the Recreation office at 47 Norfield Road. The Pond will open to the public on June 24th.

Lastly, the moment you've all been waiting for- 4th of July fireworks premier parking passes are on sale now. We have sold 1/4 of our parking spaces. The Family 4th of July Fireworks Celebration & Picnic will be on July 4th with 4 food trucks, live music and of course our wonderful fireworks experience. One of Weston's preeminent events, don't miss out. Parking Passes sold at 47 Norfield Road and on the 4th of July are CASH ONLY.

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, 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.

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. Click here for this month's Youth & Family Social Services Newsletter

A Message from Weston Youth Services…
The school year is quickly winding down, field days are in progress on school campus, our spring WOW! programs are over and there' still time to think about your child's summer plans. Weston Youth Services is your answer if you're looking for a half day weekly camp that is fun, exciting, and local! Check out our wonderful offerings for children entering Grades 1-9 from June 26th through the week of July 24th. You're sure to find a lot to choose from.

SocietyCraft: Minecraft Civilization Camp and Club
Flight School Camp
Sitter Safety
Citizen Invention Camps
Mad Science Camps
Legos Camps
Theatre Camps
Bake Your Heart Out with Gabriela!
Welcome to the Breakfast Club with Gabriela!
Sew Awesome!

So if you’re looking for one or more fabulous and local camps for your child(ren) this summer, we have you covered! For more information, dates, grade eligibility, and to register online, please visit our website at www.westonyouthservices.org. And if you have any questions, please contact Charlene Monn, Program Coordinator, at 203-222-2586 or email [email protected]

Weston Public Library

Summer Reading Kickoff!
Friday, June 23rd. 12p.m. - 4:30p.m. in the Community Room. All Ages. Drop in

June 23rd marks the official start of the Weston Public Library's Summer Reading Program! Join us on the Beanstack app to log your minutes read this summer. After registering online, meet us at the library to pick up your Summer Reading tote bag. Then stop by the community room to personalize it with us! Don't forget the register separately for the Bring The Hoopla hooping sessions at 2 and 2:30 on kickoff day.

Bring the Hoopla!
Friday, June 23rd @ 2 PM - 2:30 PM
On the lawn. Ages 3-5. Registration Required.

Bring the Hoopla puts the fun back in fitness with this high-energy, unique program using hoola hoops as the main tool. Build self-confidence, and focus on teamwork and creativity. This program encourages self-expression through the journey of positive movement.

Register here.

Weston Senior Center

TRIP
June 27th- 9:30am Grace Farms Tour $15 for the tour.

LUNCHES at Norfield Church $5/pp (served buffet style in the dining hall)
-June 21, 11:30am- Catered by Lilly's: Hero Sandwiches, chips and salad. Entertainment: Gene the Amazing Magician
-June 28, 11:30am - Catered by Calise's: Chicken Marsala. Entertainment: Folk Singer, Suzanne Sheridan

ART
Textured Abstract Art with Agata Tria.
Tuesdays 10am-12pm
June 20th, 27th
July 11th,18th & 25th

PICKLEBALL CLINICS
Next one is June 30th!
9am-Intermediate players
10am-Advance Beginners
11am- Intermediate players

MOVIES on Tuesdays
12:30 showtime
6/20th: Women Talking, PG-13