Blog

Sep 19, 2023

Weston Town Hall Happenings For Aug. 11

**News Release Submitted by Town of Weston** Aug. 11, 2023 Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings Opening Note Today’s opening note is a repost of potential good news from our

**News Release Submitted by Town of Weston**

Aug. 11, 2023

Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings

Opening Note

Today’s opening note is a repost of potential good news from our Congressman, Jim Himes regarding “Morad Tahbaz, a Weston resident who had been wrongfully detained by the Iranian regime for over five years. I hope we get to celebrate the full release of all five Americans soon and that we can welcome Morad back home to Connecticut.” For more information see here: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/us/politics/iran-us-prisoner-swap.html?mibextid=9R9pXO&fbclid=IwAR3oXeW4khXQkifKBXsE_9oLTrsXH_SfGxcR5N-tnQS5GPMI7oAhhvKuupA Message from the Tree WardenWork on the removal of the oak tree at the corner of Norfield Road and Norfield Farm Lane will take place August 14 through 16. If needed because of weather or other delays, this work may continue through the end of the week. For the safety of all during the work, Norfield Road will be closed during the day to vehicle and pedestrian traffic in both directions between Norfield Farm Lane and Old Hyde. Local access will be available to residents on Norfield Farm Lane and addresses 96 to 110 on Norfield Road. Only workers and safety officers will be allowed in and near the work zone. Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City UpdateWednesday 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-rzR6w4HGaRIXDntck9ASqjKyD0IX3mDMcf9IvsTo learn more about the program listen to our podcast here: https://vimeo.com/828794138 Renovation of Davis Hill BridgeMonday, 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 ProjectOur new sidewalks that extend all the way from the Weston Library parking lot to the High School and Intermediate School are well underway. This week the stretch of sidewalk from the Senior Center to the Intermediate School will be paved. 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 Sidewalks Phase 3 State Project No. 157-089 Federal-Aid Project No. Peds(231)Weston Town Center Pedestrian ImprovementsOn August 1st the town held a Public Information webinar regarding the project. We are currently in 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 project is slated for construction in summer 2025. More information as well as a video recording of this and the phase 2 sidewalk PIM can be found here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects 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 here for updates and progress on the construction. Wood Hill Emergency Access RoadOn 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. Police Department Locker Room RenovationsThe renovations in the basement of Town Hall has begun which will provide improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and renovate 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. Weston Commission for the Arts – Movie Under the StarsSaturday, September 2 (rain date Sept 3) at 5:30 pmE.T. The Extraterrestrial, with Music and Food Trucksat Weston Middle School Field 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. Free Community Concert & Picnic Featuring The Flying Fingers Jug BandSunday, August 27th at 4:00 pm.on the Norfield Church Front Lawn. All are welcome. The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring their unique acoustic American sound to Weston on Sunday, August 27th at 4pm for a free Community Concert & Picnic on the front lawn of Norfield Church. Bring the entire family, friends, and your own seating, lawn chairs, blankets and nibbles to this fun end-of-summer event sponsored by Norfield’s Fellowship Committee. No reservations necessary. In case of rain, the concert will move into the Parish Hall. The Flying Fingers Jug Band has consistently wowed a variety of audiences in the New York metropolitan area and features an eclectic mix of musical instruments and implements including the washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, mandolin, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp, and stove pipe, with former Westonite David Barron playing banjo and mandolin. Summer Road RepavingSummer Paving has started and is taking place on High Noon, Fall Ridge and Stonehenge Road. 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 OfficeThe 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 PartnershipWESTON URGENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AT SILVER HILLThe 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 ServicesPlease 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 What’s Next in Weston?The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview with Riley Crafts, Weston’s First Selectperson for the day. Listen here: https://vimeo.com/849973987The 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 MeetingsPlease 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 BoardsThe 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 Senior Center

Lectures – FREE!

Renoir Lecture by Lisa Arnold, Art HistorianWednesday, August 23rd, 2pmPierre 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 PetherickWednesday, 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.

$5 Exercise Classes!

The Senior Center offers:

Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trips

Coastal ConnecticutWednesday, 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.

Make a “Doily Dreamcatcher” with Mary – lunch includedSponsored by Wilton MeadowsFriday, August 25th, 12:00pm

Caregivers Support GroupTuesday, August 15th, 1:00-2:00pmWith Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSWDirector of Social ServicesMonthly 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 Weston Public Library

Swiftie SummerWed., Aug. 16 at 4:30pmAges 12-18. Registration required.Join us for bracelet making, snacks, and music! Click here to register!

End of Summer Reading!Fri., Aug. 18All agesSummer Reading is drawing to a close at the Weston Public Library, but there's still time to get in on the fun! We specifically structured this summer's reading challenge to allow anyone to join at any time. It's not too late to sign up or to get credit for your reading, but time is running out. Just by signing up you get a commemorative Weston Public Library book tote that is yours to keep and decorate! But you also earn raffle tickets and prizes for every 120 minutes of reading you complete. Get your tickets redeemed by August 18 to ensure your chance to win one of our great raffles. DId I mention you get a raffle entry just for registering? Children's raffles are on display on the bulletin board posted next to the Children's Room entrance; the adult raffle is on display in the Adult New Books section of the lobby. Adult Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library. With gratitude,

Sam

PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link! https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/advanced-components/list-detail-pages/news-lis