Weston Town Hall Happenings For April 5, 2024

Press release from the Town of Weston:

04/05/2024 6:51 PM

During the upcoming summer and fall, we will continue our ongoing construction projects, focusing specifically on bridges, roads, and sidewalks. However, that is not all! Several community initiatives are currently in progress. These include the construction of Pickleball Courts, the organization of Earth Day Events (April), the grand celebration of Memorial Day (May), and Pride programs (June).

I am delighted that significant advancements are being made in our Solar Farm and Food Scraps recycling program at the Transfer Station. This monumental step brings us closer to achieving our sustainable objectives and reducing our carbon footprint.

Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our exceptional community for their continued support and unwavering patience. It is truly a collective effort and requires time to create a positive impact. We are tremendously thankful for everyone involved in ensuring the success of these groundbreaking initiatives.

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.

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:

• Municipal Leadership Award
• Taking the Lead Award
• Excellence Award
• Social Entrepreneurship Award
• Community Role Model Award
• Boots on the Ground Award
• Mobilization Award
• Key Institutional Partner Award
• Planning & Transition Support Award
• Never Give Up Award

FOOD VENDORS to date:

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 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.

It’s Budget Season!
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process. Below is the tentative meeting schedule. The Town budget is posted here: westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11824/638435193132830000 and the First Selectwoman’s Presentation is here: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11862/638435892539730000 Watch videos of previous meetings here: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo.

Want To Get Involved at Weston’s Own Lachat Town Farm?
On Saturday, April 6th from 10 to 11am, Lachat Town Farm invites members of our community, of any age, to come find out about the many ways you can volunteer at the farm. Following the presentation, attendees are invited to join a special guided tour of the farm led by Farm founders, Carol Baldwin and Ellen McCormick.

“Our farm is a place where everyone is welcomed with kindness and inclusivity. Whether you're interested in larger commitments or smaller yet meaningful roles, there's a spot for you here. We are passionate about fostering connections across generations and promoting environmental education,” says Michelle Black, Friends of Lachat Board member and the event’s organizer. “We look forward to sharing the warmth and joy of Lachat Town Farm with you.” Refreshments will be served. Follow this link to RSVP: https://www.lachattownfarm.org/register.php?eventid=1810

Congrats, They're Going to College: How to Help Them Stay
April 9, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Norfield Hall, 64 Norfield Road
Vanessa Elias, Certified Parent Coach and Founder of Thrive with a Guide, LLC & Block Party USA
How to help prevent your child being the one in four who don't return for their second year. Presentation followed by Q&A
Free Event, registration required and refreshments will be served
Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CA9AA2CA1FDCE9-48353892-congrats#/
More information: dmedina@westonct.gov; 203.222.2585

Weston High School Sustainability Updates!
Please link HERE to read about all the great sustainability initiatives at Weston Public Schools.

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.

April 6th is the first of SIX Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off events in 2024, this one is in Danbury. This is an opportunity to safely dispose of gasoline, lawn and pool products, paint thinners, lithium-ion batteries, 1lb propane tanks and more! Head to our website to see a full list of items and dates.

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, Marketing and Communications Committee, 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
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, April 8 at 3:00pm
On April 8, Connecticut will experience a near total solar eclipse (90-92% complete). Join us at the Library, weather permitting, for a special viewing event on the Library lawn followed by arts and crafts for families in our Community Room! We will have a limited number of eclipse-viewing glasses on hand that we will distribute for free on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 3pm. Join us for this truly special day!

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

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