Weston Town Hall Happenings For July 14

**News Release Submitted by Town of Weston**

July 14, 2023

Greetings and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings

Opening Note
If you look around here in Weston its anything but the hazy, lazy days of summer. We are in full swing in building significant infrastructure projects (Sidewalks, Town Green, Road Paving, and Bridges), launching a major Mental Health Care initiative with Silver Hill Hospital (Free Urgent Assessment Referral Program), giving back by already raising 10% of our goal for Siversk (our sister city in Ukraine), engaging our youngest and eldest in town with packed programs for Parks and Rec, WOW and the Senior Center, as well as receiving more grants to keep moving the town forward in a more sustainable way. I want to thank the entire municipal team in Weston and our vendors for their hard work in enabling these changes to happen and for the long hours put in to bring many of these projects to fruition.

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
Weston’s sister city project with Ukrainian city Siversk is up and running and we are moving towards our goals. The sister city project is done in conjunction with Ukraine Aid International (UAI), who has also worked on sister city projects with Westport, Stamford, and Easton. Make a difference and help secure the target amount of $150,000, which is earmarked for water filtration systems, armored vehicles, and needed medical and food supplies. Visit Weston Today and Ukraine Aid International more information about the Siversk and the Sister City Project, and listen to our podcast here: https://vimeo.com/828794138

Summer Road Repaving
Summer Paving has started and will take place next week on Tubbs Spring Court and then on Laurel Lake West. Paving has taken place on Covenant Lane, Hillside Road North, White Oak Ln, Joanne Ln, Briar Oak Ln, Graylock Rd, Heritage Ln, Broad Street, and Kettle Creek Road. 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

The Weston Town Green
Pardon our appearance while demolition commences for the new Weston Town Green. Check here for updates and progress on the construction. Thank you to the Beautification Committee for your hard work on this project. Please park and enter Town Hall on the library side of the building during the Town Green renovation project.

Sustainable Weston Action Plan
We are pleased to share an interim update on the Sustainable Weston Action Plan (“SWAP”), a cooperative project between the Town of Weston, Sustainable Weston Town Committee and Live Green CT, which has been in progress since January 2023. The Sustainable Weston Action Plan and the Action Team effort is a vital first step in a collaborative 5-year process that will support the vision of a sustainable Weston. Thank you to those who participated in the community wide survey earlier this year and to those who indicated an interest in volunteering to make Weston more resilient and sustainable. Thank you also to the municipal staff and leaders who participated in the municipal “clarity sessions” to help set goals.
There were 374 responses to the town-wide survey. The 5 projects that were prioritized are as follows:

1. Renewable Energy
2. Zero Waste Schools
3. Recycling & Organics
4. Land Stewardship
5. Water Stewardship

In addition, Live Green CT conducted thorough interviews with town staff and community leaders and identified a further 2 priorities:

1. Aging in Place
2. Electric Fleets

Based on the above, SWAP will focus on the 7 projects. We are currently building the Action Team which comprises a Task Force for each of the 7 projects. Each Task Force will be led by a dedicated municipal representative, with support from a Sustainable Weston representative, an industry expert and community champions (volunteers). The first Task Force meetings will be moderated by Live Green CT starting in September and will set the 5-year vision, annual goals and quarterly milestones for each project.

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION: If you did not have an opportunity to participate in the survey earlier this year, you can still get on board! Please email: SustainableWeston@westonct.gov All those who have indicated an interest in volunteering will be sent a questionnaire in July to determine which SWAP projects they are interested in supporting. Sustainable Weston is also looking for community members to join its volunteer data-base to support our Community Outreach Efforts. This could include sharing your own sustainability initiatives or volunteering your time at events and programs. Events we are currently recruiting for include Lachat Farmers Markets and our Living in the Country Speaker series starting in September.

New Grant Received
Governor Ned Lamont recently announced that his administration is releasing more than $6 million from the legal settlement in the Volkswagen Corporation (VW) emissions cheating scandal to fund 54 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) projects across Connecticut. Administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the state is making these funds available for the installation of EVSE to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Approximately $1.8 million is being awarded for EVSE deployment at state government sites to advance the sustainability goals of Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 1, with an additional $3.3 million awarded for municipal projects, ten of which are located in environmental justice communities. Additionally, nearly $1 million is being dedicated to support non-government, public EVSE.

Weston is one of the fifty-five projects selected for funding under this funding cycle, which over their lifetime will cost-effectively reduce 2,760 tons of NOx emissions and almost 126,000 tons of GHGs from environmental justice communities and other areas of Connecticut that bear a disproportionate share of air pollution. The details of Weston’s funding through DEEP’s VW Diesel Emissions Mitigation Program include:

• Install 2 Dual-Port, Level 2 Chargers on Outdoor Pedestals
• Award: $20,171.45
• Location: Public Works, 78 Old Hyde Road, Weston

Learn about this grant and other green initiatives on this podcast here: https://vimeo.com/user11518427...

The Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project Construction UPDATE
On Monday, May 15 the Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project began. This project creates approximately 5,500 linear feet of new sidewalk, within the Town Center and along School Road. Completion of the project will improve walkability on both the school and municipal campuses. The project will provide students with a safer pathway to and from the Weston Shopping Center via the newly completed Flashing Beacon Crosswalk across Weston Road. The project is funded from the State’s Community Connectivity Program Grant Program and will cover 100% of the construction cost. The Town was responsible for engineering of the project, including all costs associated with design. All work on School Road will start after the end of the school year to prevent any disruption. 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

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 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

EV Charger Update
The Town, using American Rescue Plan Act funding, installed a new Electric Vehicle charger in the parking lot at Town Hall. As you enter the firehouse side of the lot the charger is conveniently located in the first two parking spots. The charger went online in January 2023 but recently the charging rate has been adjusted to better align with Weston’s sustainability efforts. With lower charging rates (.30 kWh) and no idle time fees we encourage everyone with an EV to come by and charge up! While you wait, use our newly installed sidewalks to walk to Weston Center and do a little shopping. Charging rates will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, our goal is to promote the use of EV’s and make it as easy as possible for your use.

Human Services

Youth and Family Newsletter
Click here for the June Newsletter

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.

ARPA Mental Health Partnership
WESTON URGENT ASSESSMENT PROGRAM AT SILVER HILL
The 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

What’s Next in Weston? Listen here: https://vimeo.com/user11518427...
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview regarding the new grant for EV charging stations and other sustainability initiatives. The 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.

Board of Selectmen Meetings
Please 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 Boards
The 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 executiveassistant@westonct.gov if you are interested.

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 this month's Youth & Family Social Services Newsletter

Weston Public Library

Trivia Night - Books and Authors!
Thursday, July 20, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Think you know books and authors? Compete solo or with a team for bragging rights as the Book Trivia champ!
Program run by the Founder and Creator of Sticker Book Publishing, David Plaue.
Registration required.
CONTACT: Anne Mastroianni 203-222-2664 amastroianni@westonct.gov

Play with your Food - Returns to Weston this summer!
July 19, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join playreading series Play With Your Food at The Weston Library on Wednesday, July 19 for a summer afternoon of hilarious and heartwarming one-act plays read by professional actors. Come at 12 noon for a delicious boxed lunch catered by Lily’s Market followed by the plays and talkback with the cast and director. You’ll be out the door by 1:30 pm ready to continue the day! On the “menu” for the afternoon are four irresistible plays that offer something for everyone: Hardball by Mike Folie, Dissonance by Craig Pospisil, In the Trap by Carl L. Williams and even some Modern Love from The New York Times. Artistic Director Carole Schweid is thrilled to be returning to the library and says “I’ve always loved our summer shows there – it’s like a summer residence - a great opportunity for us to mount terrific new plays and to work with some of favorite (and local) actors!” In this case, in addition to actors including Molly Garbe Brown and Marca Leigh (fresh off working with PWYF during its regular season,) “local” also includes actor and beloved Weston High School English teacher Damian Long! Producer Diana Muller adds “Having Damian in the cast really brings us home to Weston. We’re grateful to the Friends of the Weston Library for inviting us back.”
Tickets are $35 for both the lunch and program and can be purchased through EventBrite online at: https://bit.ly/3r7f0SW or fill out the Form at the Library. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

Weston Senior Center

Lectures (free)

Renoir Lecture by Lisa Arnold, Art Historian
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2pm
Pierre 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 Petherick
Wednesday, 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.

Sensory Plant Experience & Tea Making Program from Bartlett Arboretum
Thursday, July 27th, 1pm at the Senior Center
Enjoy the beauty of Bartlett without having to travel! Wake up your senses as you interact with the specific plants we have on our grounds and learn about some of their special characteristics.
Then make and enjoy your own tea using dried or fresh herbs!

Exercise Classes
The Senior Center offers the following exercise classes: yoga, chair aerobics, pilates, cardio drumming, balance, strength & stretch. Drop in ($5.00 per class) or pay for the series. Classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trips
Port Jefferson Village
Friday, July 28th (bus leaves at 9:30am from the Senior Center and returns after 5pm)
$20 paid at sign-up.
Step off the ferry and walk this charming Long Island village with shops, restaurants and great ice cream! A minimum of 15 people signed up by July 20th for the trip to be confirmed. Bring money for shopping and lunch.

Coastal Connecticut
Wednesday, 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.

Lunches
July 19th at Norfield Church, 11:30 am($5/pp): Orzo Salad & Fruit Salad from Village Market.
Entertainment: Singing artists, Maxine and Ira Stone (more on the Stones, page 8).

July 26th at Norfield Church and Roy’s retirement party!! 11:30 am ($5/pp): Meat & Veggie Lasagna Salad from Calise’s and ice cream social! Please come and celebrate Roy’s well-deserved retirement with us!

August 2nd at Norfield Church, 11:30 am ($5/pp): Chicken Kale w/ Bowtie Pasta, Apples, Cranberries with Shaved Parmesan or Chicken Caesar Salad from Village Market.

To Register Call the Senior Center: 203-222-2608

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