Weston Town Hall Happenings for Aug. 16

Press release from the Town of Weston:

08/16/2024 1:58 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
I am pleased to inform you that our municipal team has been diligently working throughout the summer to advance various projects to different stages of completion and to kickstart new initiatives. In recent weeks, we have been ushering forward the construction of our new Pickleball Courts, launched the most extensive paving program in Weston's history, and commenced the renovation/rehabilitation of three bridges. We have either finalized the bidding process or begun work on projects such as the solar project/roof repair at DPW, the Police Records Room, and the Lyon Plains Road Rehabilitation. Additionally, we have completed the design phase and held tree removal hearings for the turning lanes into school road and sidewalk access for the schools via Lords Highway/Revson Field and sidewalks across from Town Hall. Unfortunately, due to approval delays at the CTDOT, we were unable to proceed with the turning lane/sidewalk project this summer. Rest assured, we will provide updates on the timeline for this project in collaboration with the schools, CTDOT (state road), and the Town of Weston DPW. We are grateful that many of our infrastructure projects are predominantly funded by state and federal sources, which also necessitate additional levels of approval from the respective agencies financing the projects. We are committed to keeping you informed of each project's progress. As we move forward, we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of these important initiatives and to enhance the overall infrastructure of our community. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors of Weston through these projects and initiatives, and we appreciate your continued support and patience as we work towards achieving these objectives. Thank you for your ongoing interest and involvement in the development and progress of our town, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding the projects or any other municipal matters.

Pickleball Update
The Town went out for bid this summer for construction of three pickleball courts at Bisceglie Park. Bids were opened on June 20 and the contract was awarded to Hinding Tennis, who have constructed many pickleball courts. The bid came in within the budgeted amount for the project. The project is being paid for with a combination of funding from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) which is federal funding awarded to the Town as well as Park & Recreation Department fee revenue. Construction is nearly complete with post tension cables installed and the concrete pour was Thursday! We are getting closer!

Road Paving Plan - Approved
Since January, DPW Director, Larry Roberts has been determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. After consideration, the BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more road condition data with Beta to support a paving plan for FY24-25. Data collection was completed this spring. The revised plan was presented to the BOS at their 5/30 meeting. There was also a joint BOS/BOF meeting regarding the plan and next steps on 6/3. At the 6/10 BOS meeting, the BOS unanimously approved the list of streets to be paved and referred the resolution for funding via Bond Anticipation Notes/Bonds to the BOF as well as set the Special Town Meeting Date for approval. The BOF met on 6/18 to move the process forward and unanimously approved the financing. Westonites approved the plan at the Special Town Meeting on July 9th for up to $6 million in financing so we can start this summer through the fall. The BID Opening is today so we will know next week the exact schedule. For more information click here: Special Town Meetings | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

WPS Track Closed for Renovation
Town of Weston: Please be advised that the track is currently under renovation. We ask that all community members refrain from accessing the track area. The gates are closed and signs are posted. Over the weekend the construction area was accessed and damage occurred creating a half day set back in our progress. Please understand that the area is closed so we can meet our deadline to have this ready for our students upon their return. We appreciate your adherence to this restriction.

Weston Road Work – Construction Projects Fully Paid for with Grants from CT DOT and Federal Agencies

New Police Officer Swearing In Ceremony: August 20th at 3pm
The Weston Police Department invites you to the Swearing-In Ceremony for our new Police Officer: Robert Durkin. Weston Town Hall Meeting Room, 56 Norfield Road, Weston CT.

Parks and Recreation
While it's sad to say school and fall are coming- the best part of that is, new programs- new fun- and new adventures! Our Parks and Recreation Afterschool/WOW program flyer is up on our website - you'll notice the WOW programs are now all included in this brochure. The booklet is sorted by each school. When it comes time for registration- ALL programs are under the AFTER SCHOOL box on our registration portal - here if you want to see WOW programs only, use the search box on the left - type "WOW" and press enter/search- that should sort JUST WOW programs. If you missed it- our registration date has changed. We will now hold registration online at 10:01 P.M. on Wednesday 8/21 and the following day starting at 9 A.M. at 47 Norfield Road for programs with space remaining. Cash/checks only in the office.

Prior to registration you should make sure your child's grade is correct for the 2024-2025 school year, you may change this information by heading to: household account management > household member update
Please let us know if you have any questions, we will send another reminder closer to registration. Have a wonderful weekend!

Weston History & Culture Center in Weston Fundraiser
A House Tour & Cocktail Party at the Peter Thorp House in Weston, CT will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 4pm - 7pm all to benefit the Weston History & Culture Center in Weston, CT. Explore one of Weston's oldest homes on this exclusive house & garden tour. Enjoy a cocktail party and musical performance in the home's rose garden. The Peter Thorp House is featured on Instagram: @peterthorphouse with over 30,000 followers! The home is also the focus of the exhibit, "Weston...What Lies Beneath" at the Weston History & Culture Center and has recently been featured in Domino Magazine and in photographer Shana Novak’s latest book, The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell. Now is your chance to explore this exciting home and property! Tickets: early bird tickets are $125 and receive 5 complimentary raffle tickets. Purchase at: https://westoncthistory.org

Town Hall Talks
As an enhancement of the weekly Town Hall Happenings newsletter, please join First Selectwoman Sam Nestor for "Town Hall Talks," on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Come with your questions and we will be there with updates on Town activities.

Town Hall talks Fall schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall

RSVP to the next session being held on 9/10: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

Human Services
Applications are now being taken for the CT Elderly and Disabled Renters' Rebate Program. Please get in touch with Weston Human Services at 203-222-2556 to schedule an appointment. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here: CT Renters' Rebate Program.

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! Family & Youth Services | Town of Weston, Connecticut (westonct.gov)

Caregivers Support Group with Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW, Director of Human Services
Monthly meetings are held every third Tuesday, 1:30-2:30pm 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

Bereavement Support Group with Rashida Miller, MSW
Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1:30-2 :30 pm, at the Weston Senior Center. For questions or to be added to the Bereavement Support Group email list, contact Rashida Miller at rmiller@westonct.gov

Weston Senior Center
--Click this link to view the Senior Center Newsletter: Weston Senior Center Weekly Bulletin
--Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/ jbraden@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. 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 Public Library
Adventure begins at the Weston Public Library this summer. Everyone is invited to take part in the WPL Scavenger Hunt! Pick up your Scavenger Hunt materials at the Library and explore the Town of Weston by visiting locations marked on a map. Summer Reading Programs for adults and children of all ages take place through August 16. Come join the adventure!

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

Work is progressing on the Pickleball Courts!

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