Greetings and welcome to Oct 20th’s Town Hall Happenings!

Opening Note
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which provides an important opportunity to enhance education, prevention and intervention efforts around domestic violence, and join concerned individuals and organizations, in their fight to eradicate domestic violence. As part of our event on 10/18 and the proclamation, we mourn those we have lost, and honor and support all survivors as they courageously move forward to enjoy full and healthy lives. Click here to see the proclamation.

UN Day Flag Raising
9:00 am – 10:15 am
Weston Town Hall
An event sponsored by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut commemorating the 77th anniversary of the United Nations. A raising of the UN flag, a reading of remarks written by the UN Secretary General, performances by WesTones, and addresses about why the UN matters.

Paper Shredding and Computer Recycling Fundraiser Event
Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Standard boxes for $10 each and Computers/Hard Drives for $20 each.
Simply drive through the Hurlbutt Elementary School Bus Loop, School Road, Weston and there will be folks there to help you unload. Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library Info: Westonpubliclibrary.org

Recycle Your Unwanted Mattress and Box Springs
The Weston Transfer Station now accepts mattresses from Weston residents at no charge.  Users must place their mattresses in a designated storage container.  The mattresses are taken off site and dismantled.  Steel, foam, fabric and wood get separated and eventually make new products.  

Mattresses and box springs that are eligible for free drop-off and recycling are defined as:

-Mattresses: which are defined to include any sleep surface covered with ticking or fabric that contains resilient material, such as steel innersprings, foam, fiber, or other filling or upholstery materials, used alone or in combination, regardless of size or shape, except for those products listed below:
-Box springs (also commonly called Foundations): which are defined to include a ticking- or fabric-covered structure used to support a mattress or sleep surface, and may be comprised of a frame, foam, springs or other structure, or other materials, used alone or in combination, and includes both adjustable bases or foundations and stationary foundations.
-Products that are NOT eligible for free drop-off include:
·Items that are wet, heavily soiled or infested with bedbugs
·Air mattresses that contain no upholstery material (such as camping beds)
·Car beds
·Cushions (such as from chairs, couches or patio furniture)
·Juvenile products including, carriages, baskets, dressing tables, strollers, playpens, infant carriers, lounge pad, crib bumpers
·Mattress pads
·Mattress toppers
·Pillows
·Sleeping bags
·Sofa beds
·Futons
·Collapsible roll-away beds
·Water beds that contain no upholstery material

Note: Crib and bassinet mattresses are also accepted

Update on the Town Center Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Improvements
Survey work began this week. This project includes a dedicated turning lane from Weston Road to School Road, more sidewalks on Norfield Road, and sidewalks connecting School Road next to Revson Field to Lords Highway and to Old Hyde Road. Once survey work is complete, the engineering firm SLR will start project design.

Update on the Transportation Alternatives Sidewalk Improvement Project
Survey work will continue through the month of October.  Starting the week of October 24th, an archeological survey will be performed along Norfield Road and Old Hyde Road. This is project calls for sidewalks to be designed and constructed from the Norfield Congregational Church to Old Hyde Road, and from Old Hyde Road to the intersection near Lords Highway.  The project would also include a multi-use trail measuring approximately 1,200 linear feet of which would provide additional pedestrian, bicycle and emergency access on a strip of Town land that exists between Old Hyde Road and the high school. An additional pedestrian recreational amenity would be the creation of 850 linear feet of bituminous concrete sidewalk connecting School Road and the rear of the Norfield Church property. This will provide access to a higher elevation and overlook area with scenic views of the Town Center.

Cavalry Road Bridge Project Update
Approximately 135 feet of metal guide rail was removed from the northeast quadrant of the bridge on Monday, October 10^th.  In addition, Eversource has removed the orange covers on the power lines located near the Bridge.  We continue to investigate painting options for both the guide rail and the bridge rail. 

A message from the Registrars of Voters
November 8, 2022 is the state election.  Now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote!  You can register to vote on-line or in person, click here to visit our website, register to vote or check your voter registration.  

A message from the Town Clerk’s Office
Absentee ballots for the state election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 will be available from Friday October 7, 2022 until Monday November 7, 2022

WHERE: Town Clerk's Office, Town Hall 56 Norfield Road

HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:30 pm

APPLICATIONS: Applications are available at the Town Clerk's office or online at Applications can be mailed, given to the Town Clerk or put in the Ballot box. The Ballot Box opens on Monday October 3, 2022

TO VOTE ABSENTEE: Any qualified voter may vote absentee if unable to vote in person due to: My active service in the Armed Forces of the United States My absence from the town of residence Sickness Religious tenets forbid secular activity of the day of the election My duties as an election official at a polling place other than the Town of Weston Physical disability

BALLOT BOX: Voters may drop their ballots in the BALLOT BOX located near the F'RONT entrance to Town Hall (Norfield Road side) Not the side entrance The Ballot Box is available Oct 3 through Nov 8 Until 8 PM

BY WHEN: Completed ballots must be received by the Town Clerk By mail or Ballot Box by 8 pm on Tuesday, November 8 or In person by 4:30 pm on Monday, November 7 Donna M. Anastasia Town Clerk 203-222-2616 [email protected] Shawn Amato, Asst. Town Clerk 203-222-2617 [email protected]

Please call the Town Clerk should you have special circumstances

What’s Up in the Weston Public Schools?
Listen to the latest podcast where Superintendent Lisa Barbiero shares highlights about the Weston Public School District. https://anchor.fm/lisa-wolak

Road Work 2022
The road work for 2022 is complete. If you see a pot hole, please report it by taking a photo and sending to John Conti – [email protected]. We are currently working on the program that will enable residents to report road damage through our website as well as check on the status.

Community Conversations on DEI
The Town of Weston aspires to be a community that welcomes people of all identities. Achieving this requires we understand where we are currently and where we have opportunities to improve. Therefore, we are partnering with KJR Consulting to host two virtual Community Conversations on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). During these discussions, community members will explore DEI in the Town of Weston. They will discuss experiences that have demonstrated opportunities to learn and grow in this area individually and as a community. KJR will also guide participants through an exploration of bias and its impact on community interactions and share actions we can each take to manage and disrupt moments of bias when it occurs. Space is limited, register here: https://reg.learningstream.com/view/cal10a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=49&wp=247&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=KJR&rf=&pn=

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.

Volunteers Needed for Town Boards
The following appointed boards have positions available: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, and the Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Social Services
Weston Social Services is now accepting applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This program provides assistance to income-eligible households with home heating costs over the winter months.   Income eligibility is as follows:
Household of 1: $ 39,761 or less
Household of 2: $ 51,996 or less
Household of 3: $ 64,230 or less
Household of 4: $ 76,465 or less
Household of 5: $ 88,699 or less
Household of 6: $ 103,227 or less
Schedule an appointment or pose questions by calling Weston Social Services at 203-222-2556. 

Parks & Recreation
Weston Parks and Recreation's Winter flyer has just gone up on their website , Winter session 1 includes weekend basketball, after school basketball, our extremely popular Middle School Ski Club and all of our great after school programs and activities. Registration will begin on 10/31 at 12:01 A.M.

Weston Senior Center 

Dial-a-Ride Update
We are back to a regular schedule for Dial-a-Ride services. Transportation services are available between 9:00 am -4:30pm.  Please continue to call (203) 222-2576 to make an appointment.  If you have any questions about Dial-a-Ride, call (203) 222-2608. 

If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email Wendy:  [email protected]. or call (203) 222-2608.

Pickleball Lessons (Beginner and Intermediate Level)
Friday, 11/4, 11/18 at the Senior Center
Call the Senior Center to register.  $5.00 per lesson (203) 222-2608
The court is also available by reservation.

Exercise Classes
The Senior Center offers a variety of great exercise classes including Pilates, Strength and Fitness, Yoga (Zoom and In-House), Chair aerobics and Qigong.  Call us for details on how to sign up.  The first class is free to try.

Art Lecture Series
John Singer Sargent
by Lisa Arnold, Artist/Educator
Monday, October 24th, 1pm (Zoom)
John Singer Sargent was an American expatriate artist, considered the "leading portrait painter of his generation" for his evocations of Edwardian-era luxury. He created roughly 900 oil paintings and more than 2,000 watercolors, as well as countless sketches and charcoal drawings.  
To register email:  [email protected]

Weston Public Library

Navigating College Admissions Successfully
Tuesday, October 25 @ 7PM via Zoom.
Register in advance for this meeting. 
The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com)
We are offering this Zoom presentation to help families understand how COVID has changed the college admissions landscape and how it affects Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen.

Technology Help @ the Library
Wednesday, October 26, 9:30 - 11:30 am in the Cafe area.
Bring your questions and devices to the library's cafe area for advice and a FREE cup of coffee from our Starbucks machine. No registration necessary, just stop by.

7 Ways to Support Your Student's Studying, Without Losing Your Sanity
Wednesday, October 26, at 7:00 pm via zoom.
In this free 30-minute highly dynamic, action-specific, and interactive webinar, parents are invited to learn a few tips, tools, and strategies to motivate, inspire, and support their students.
Register to receive the zoom link.

Parenting Teenagers presented by Counsel Academy
Friday, October 28 at 6:00 PM via ZOOM
An educational discussion event about the challenges of parenting teenagers and how to overcome challenges. Hosted by Counsel Academy Co-Founder and CEO Nividita Lahiri and Founder and CEO of Little Hearts Academy USA Debbi J. Stutz.
For more information and to register: https://www.counsel-academy.com/events

Children's programs:

Lego Club
Wednesday, October 26 @ 3:45 PM. Ages 5+. Registration required.
Our Lego Club is back! Monthly, join us for a meeting for those that love to build and play with LEGOs.

Teen Scene: Candy Science
Thursday, October 27 from 3:00-4:45 PM, Grades 6-12. Registration required.
Test out some of your favorite Halloween candies in our experiments and take some candy home.

Playgroup
Friday, October 28 @ 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. Ages birth-6. Registration required per family.
We have brought back our playgroup! Parents/Caregivers and children are invited to join us for open play in the community room. Meet new neighbors and friends and try out some of our early learning toys. 

Reminders: Children under the age of 12 should not be left unsupervised at the library.

Please take personal items with you if you need to leave the library. Backpacks found unattended in the conference rooms will be moved to the office and brought to the police station when the library closes.

Click Here for more information.