Blog

Sep 25, 2023

Weston Town Hall Happenings For Aug. 18

**News Release Submitted by Town of Weston** Aug. 18, 2023 Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings Opening Note As we embark on the final full week of summer vacation, I want to wish all

**News Release Submitted by Town of Weston**

Aug. 18, 2023

Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings

Opening NoteAs we embark on the final full week of summer vacation, I want to wish all the kids, parents and teachers a fun week and thank everyone for making our summer so meaningful (you know who you are). Enjoy every minute left. Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City UpdateA 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 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 Intermediate and High Schools are well underway. 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. 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 Weston Town Center Pedestrian ImprovementsOn August 1st the town held a Public Information webinar regarding the project. There was a 14-day comment period following the meeting. The project is slated for construction in summer 2025. More information as well as a video recording of this phase of the 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 back here for updates and progress on the construction. Wood Hill Emergency Access RoadThe 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 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 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 RepavingPaving is taking place on Laurel Lake West and Thorp Drive. 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 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 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 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 “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 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: 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 – Farmers MarketAugust 25, 4:00-8:00pm106 Godfrey RoadShop local vendors, listen to live music, and catch up with your neighbors. Click here for the Lachat Town Farm website for more information. 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. Weston Senior Center Events and Activities

Lectures – FREE!RenoirLecture 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.

$5 Exercise Classes!The Senior Center offers:YogaPilatesCardio drummingBalanceStrength & StretchChair aerobicsOur classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

TripsCoastal 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 GroupWith Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director 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]

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 Weston Public LibraryWeston Public Library has lots of 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/ 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