Weston Town Hall Happenings For April 12

Press release from the Town of Weston:

04/12/2024 3:16 PM

On another note, THH will also be taking a break during Spring Break and will be back the following week. For those families also traveling, I wish you a safe journey and a wonderful time away and for those especially those staying in Weston, enjoy our beautiful town!

STATE of THE TOWN
To watch the First Selectwoman’s State of the Town Video please click HERE

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
The Board of Selectmen were joined by Weston resident Kristine DeLay, Ambassador for the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, in proclaiming April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Click here for the Proclamation, more information can be found here: https://www.parkinson.org/

Upcoming Road Closures for Repairs
As Spring approaches, much needed bridge and road construction will soon begin. This email outlines the projected timeline for road closures during the construction period. Unforeseen delays may occur and, if they do, I will update everyone as needed. Please note this does not include summer paving which begins in the summer. The following road closures may affect routes normally taken:

We are Hiring!
The Town of Weston is currently looking for members of our municipal team. Please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/town-hall/municipal-job-openings for more information.

It’s The Home Stretch of Budget Season!
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. The Town budget is posted www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/12038/638464571487730000 To learn more you may Watch ALL videos of previous budget meetings here: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo.

• Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 8 pm – Annual Town Budget meeting at the High School Auditorium
• Saturday, May 4, 2024, 12pm to 8 pm–Annual Town Budget Referendum at Town Hall
• Monday, May 6, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate

Transfer Station News!
The Food Scrap Recycling program at the Transfer Station update: 5 weeks into the program, we have 205 households signed up. 2,290lbs/ 1.145 tons collected /diverted from Municipal Solid Waste! At this rate, we will easily reduce our Municipal Solid Waste by 13,000lbs per year. The participation in the program has exceeded our expectations and shows the dedication our residents have towards sustainability. For those wishing to sign up for the program (we have already over 200 participants), please click here: Food Scrap Recycling Signup **Please note the Transfer Station now accepts credit cards.

School Road Turning Lane Update: Voters Approve Land Sale to Connecticut DOT
At the Special Town Meeting on March 19 voters unanimously approved the sale of 6,600 square feet of town-owned land to the Connecticut Department of Transportation for nearly $85,000. The transfer is needed for the state-funded improvement of the intersection of Route 57 and School Road, where northbound traffic will have a dedicated right turn lane onto School Road and, southbound, the road will be slightly widened to facilitate left turns. The traffic light system will also be upgraded. We are confident that these upgrades will eliminate congestion at the intersection that builds up at the beginning and end of school days.

Green on The Green event, on April 26th from 4 - 7pm. SAVE THE DATE
This will be the Town of Weston & Sustainable Weston’s very first Earth Day event on the Town Green. This year, our Green on The Green gathering is all about "Reducing our Footprint," and we will be recognizing grassroots initiatives, local sustainability organizations and other amazing people/partners who have truly made a difference in our community. We are so grateful for them. There will be many local sustainability partners and a few food vendors present, as well as live music and informative and family friendly activities. An Awards Ceremony is slated for 5pm. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket. We hope to see you there!

AWARDS include:

LIVE MUSIC

LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS to date:

Road Paving Plan Underway
DPW Director, Larry Roberts is determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. The BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection is poised to finish the second week of April. The new plan should be in place by the end of the month and eventual approval via Special Town Meeting for financing will follow.

Pickleball Moves Forward!
The Parks & Rec Commission and Parks & Recreation Department has completed a comprehensive plan for Pickleball Courts at Bisceglie Park. This designated area, spanning approximately 0.20 acres, is situated conveniently near the walking path leading to the pond and adjacent to the parking lot, enclosed by a charming split rail fence. During the 1/18 BOS meeting, the team presented their well-thought-out proposal to the Board of Selectmen. On 2/5 the P&Z Commission issued a positive 8-24 report. The Conservation Commission approved the application for 3 courts on 3/21. Parks and Recreation commission has met with neighbors regarding implementing sound mitigation measures. The trees were tagged and are slated for removal over the next month. The expectation is that we will have three fully operational courts by the upcoming summer season. This project is being funded through the ARPA grant, as well as the Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund at no cost to Weston taxpayers.

Sidewalk Phase 3 Update (link HERE for Press Release or read below)
I have become aware of information being disseminated to residents that states that the Town has no right to construct sidewalks along Old Hyde Road. I am releasing this statement to set the record straight and to refute some of the statements and implications that have surfaced.

First and foremost, there is evidence of the Town’s right to construct sidewalks adjacent to the paved portion of Old Hyde Road. The Town’s analysis has been confirmed by representatives of the State (acting through the Department of Transportation) and by the Town Attorney’s office.

That evidence includes the following key facts:

There has been overwhelming support of the “sidewalk project” and I believe it is an important and worthwhile project to see through to completion.

Route 57 West Fest on Memorial Day Weekend
The WIS and Hurlbutt PTO’s proudly present the inaugural Route 57 West Fest, a vibrant celebration of arts and education taking place over Memorial Day Weekend at the Memorial Day Fair. This first-of-its-kind, two-day arts festival will feature an exciting lineup of local bands, including performances by talented student musicians and "rock star" parents, alongside a diverse array of daytime acts such as dance troupes and cheer squads. Under the mentorship of experienced PTO parents and guided by the expertise of an Emmy Award-winning executive producer, the festival not only promises a showcase of Weston's rich cultural talent but also offers a unique, hands-on learning experience for students involved in its production. Join us for a weekend filled with music, art, and community spirit, celebrating the extraordinary talent within our community.

Weston Parks & Recreation - WOW! After School Programs and Camps!
If you haven’t already registered for one or more of our Spring WOW! after school programs for children in Grades K-5, there’s still time to enroll. From art and science to legos, baking, theatre, and so much more, there's something for everyone! Programs are scheduled to begin when we return to school after April recess on April 22nd! Space is limited.

Registration is also underway for our fabulous Summer Camps! All of our camps are held at Weston Intermediate School and run from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Click here to view our offerings for children entering Grades 1-9.

From the Office of the Tax Collector: Applications for Elderly Tax Relief
The Tax Collector is currently accepting applications for the Abatement, Deferment and Freeze programs through May 15, 2024 for the upcoming Grand List year. You must apply every year for all programs. You can request an application from the Tax Collector’s office. Please call 203-222-2696 or 2697 or email cneblett@westonct.gov or jmorse@westonct.gov.

You will be required to attach a copy of your completed 1040 and all back up material showing all income sources including your 1099s with your application. You also need to provide documentation about your net worth. Examples are: any mortgage or loans on your home and any checking, savings and retirement accounts. After completing your application, you can mail or bring it to: Tax Collector’s Office, 56 Norfield Road Weston, CT 06883. You may put your application in the drop box located on the library side entrance to the Town Hall. You can also email your application. Please be sure you have included copies of all supporting documents. You can call us anytime with questions. To qualify, you must be age 65 by the end of December 2023. You must not be delinquent on your taxes by the closing date of May 15, 2024. Income cannot exceed $49,000 for Abatement; $125,000 for Deferment and $100,000 for Freeze. Net worth cannot exceed $1,000,000 for Abatement. There is no net worth ceiling for Deferment or Freeze programs. Benefit will apply to only the first $400,000 of your assessment for Abatement and Deferment and for the first $800,000 of assessment for the Freeze. Click here for an application: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11934/638442056817970000

Message from HRRA: GEARING UP FOR SPRING CLEANING?
HRRA is here to remind you of some important tips as you plan to clean out your garage, basement, or attic.

Human Services
Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
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 rmiller@westonct.gov for more information.

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

Caregivers Support Group With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human 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 alisbon@westonct.gov

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please feel free to attend BOS meetings where you can watch in person at the Town Hall Meeting Room or you can stream 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 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, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected board has a position available: Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. The Town of Weston Board of Selectmen will conduct interviews of candidates for appointed boards, commissions and committees in private, unless the candidate requests that the interview occur in public. Through the CT Freedom of Information Act, the state legislature expressly allows the Town Board of Selectmen to hold non-public executive sessions to discuss “the appointment, employment, performance, evaluation, health or dismissal of a public officer or employee." C.G.S. § 1-200 (6)(a). Like Weston, several nearby municipalities have also implemented similar policies to protect residents interested in volunteering their service from the abuse of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, social media, and personal identity theft. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Weston Senior Center
Click this link to view the Senior Center Newsletter: https://westonseniorcenter.info/newsletters.php
Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/lgilmore@westonct.gov

Weston Public Library

Positive Practical Veterinary Spirituality
How to Optimize Your Pet's Quality of Life While Saving Money
Saturday, April 20 at 3pm
Our pets' bodies communicate the same way ours do to tell us that something needs to be listened to, something needs attention: Symptoms. They're how our bodies respond to the outside world and just like our own bodies, no one can know your pet's body better than you. Join us for an engaging session with veterinarian Jeff Feinman, VMD, CVH, who will share insights on enhancing our pets' lives by attentively listening to and engaging with their symptoms. We'll explore methods to listen deeply, comprehend, and perceive symptoms as friends, aiming to ensure our cherished companions lead the fullest lives possible. Following an overview of this positive and practical symptom-focused approach, we'll open the floor for a Q&A session, allowing us to apply these principles to the common health challenges faced by our pets. Register here: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=WESTON&curID=695316

Dr. Feinman, a veterinarian and molecular biologist since 1985, is the founder of the online platform Holistic Actions! His mission is to optimize pets' lives by bridging the gap between holistic and conventional veterinary medicine through nature-inspired, energy-driven actions. Jeff helps empower pet parents with resources, webinars, and a supportive community, ensuring their furry friends live their healthiest, happiest lives. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library

Daniel E. Offutt, III Art Lectures
Virtual Gallery and Art Tour with Riva Blumenfeld
Manet / Degas at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Thursday, April 25 at 7pm (Zoom)
Please join Riva this month as she explores the recent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Édouard Manet (b. 1832) and Edgar Degas (b. 1834) were friends, rivals and sometimes antagonists who helped define modern painting in France. By examining their careers in parallel and presenting their work side by side, this exhibition investigates how their artistic objectives and approaches overlapped. All registrants will be sent the Zoom link the day of the program. Please register no later than 4 pm that day to receive the link. Register here: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=WESTON&curID=696728 Sponsored by the Friends of the Weston 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-list

C-SPAN StudentCam Competition Awards Ceremony
at Weston High School

This press release was produced by the Town of Weston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.