Weston Town Hall Happenings For March 29

Press release from the Town of Weston:

03/29/2024 4:31 PM

Spring
by Mary Oliver

Somewhere
a black bear
has just risen from sleep
and is staring

down the mountain.
All night
in the brisk and shallow restlessness
of early spring

I think of her,
her four black fists
flicking the gravel,
her tongue

like a red fire
touching the grass,
the cold water.
There is only one question:

how to love this world.
I think of her
rising
like a black and leafy ledge

to sharpen her claws against
the silence
of the trees.
Whatever else

my life is
with its poems
and its music
and its glass cities,

it is also this dazzling darkness
coming
down the mountain,
breathing and tasting;

all day I think of her -—
her white teeth,
her wordlessness,
her perfect love.

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 has received over 500lbs of food scraps in the first two weeks! At this rate, we are on track to 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, 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: An Earth Day Celebration | April 26, 2024, at 4pm
Mark your calendar because we've got an incredible celebration coming up - our very first Earth Day event! It's going to be a blast, I promise! This year, our Green on The Green gathering is all about "Reducing our Footprint," and we'll be recognizing those amazing organizations who have truly made a difference in our community. We are so grateful for them! And that's not all - we'll have delicious food, awesome music, informative activities, vendor booths, and the best company you could ask for. This fantastic program is proudly sponsored by Sustainable Weston. So, don't forget to save the date and join us for this special event!

Road Paving Plan Underway
At the past two BOS meetings, DPW Director, Larry Roberts has been meeting with the members to discuss the state of deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. We are in the early stages of planning and anticipate more robust conversations with the BOF and the greater community. At the most recent BOS & BOF meetings, the team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection is poised to finish the second week of April. Please check the website to simulcast the meeting. To see the most recent presentation click here: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11698

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, https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11616/638412714105571090. 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.

• Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request.
• Thursday, April 4, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting.
• Monday, April 8, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting (if necessary).
• 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 the Town Hall.
• Monday, May 6, 2024, 6 pm – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate

From the Registrars of Voters: Presidential Preference Primary
The Presidential Preference Primary is when voters in a political party vote for the candidate of that party that they would like to be their presidential candidate in the upcoming general election. You must be enrolled in a political party to vote in the CT presidential preference primary.

Important Dates

Important Links

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: dmessina@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.

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Winter session 2 programs are winding down. Spring program registration for Parks & Recreation, WOW and Aquatics have begun. Programs will start after April break. Spring isn't the only thing happening- Summer Camp registrations have begun and camps are filling quickly! We're also currently accepting applications for Lifeguards, Head Lifeguards, Camp staff and pond monitors. Application links are available at the bottom of our website: Parks & Recreation | Weston, CT as well as flyers for all of our programs, camps and more!

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. Click here to preview our after school program offering catalogs for WOW! HES and WIS.

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 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.

CANS + BOTTLES
Where does the money go?
By now you know about “Cans + Bottles,” the student-run program that recycles redeemables at the Transfer Station and turns them into cash. But do you know where that cash goes? 100% of the money (over $12,000 per year) is donated to the High School Boosters Club and the High School Green Team. In 2023, the Boosters money added to the Turf Replacement Fund and purchased State Championship Jackets, cameras for live streaming of competitions, shooting machines for our basketball programs, safety screens for our baseball and softball programs, Swim & Dive touch pads, among many other necessary items. The Green Team used their share to restore the school garden and build a 20’ x 12’ garden-tool shed. This Spring, funds are being used to create a showcase native pollinator courtyard, providing countless educational opportunities for students. More about the Booster Club can be found here: www.whsboosters.com

But the Cans + Bottles Program does more than generate much-needed funds. Over the last three years alone it has prevented over 800,000 single-use items from entering landfills (where it takes centuries for them to break down). It saves the town thousands of dollars in refuse-collection and -dumping fees. Best of all, it helps participating high schoolers understand the importance of recycling. So please support Cans + Bottles and bring your plastic, aluminum, and glass redeemables to the three brightly colored collection stations at the Transfer Station (237 Godfrey Road East), a 6-minute drive from Lily’s Market. Every item you donate helps the kids, the town, and the Earth.

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,Commission on Aging, 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

Stand Up Against Antisemitism and Hate
Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30pm
How can we be better allies to our Jewish neighbors and those of other marginalized groups? Join us for a community conversation with Stacey Sobel, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League Connecticut, about how we can move toward a future without antisemitism and hate. There will be a question and answer session following the lecture. Registration is required: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=WESTON&curID=688582&CFID=107346612&CFTOKEN=1a9e22c978ca31f9-6F26EA9F-D4AE-528A-5350C54C81FDE5D9

Stacey Sobel Bio: Stacey G. Sobel, is the Director of ADL’S (the Anti-Defamation League's) Connecticut Office and is passionate about ADL's mission of fighting hate for good. For nearly a decade, Stacey was the executive director of Child Advocates of Connecticut, which serves the needs of abused and neglected children. A lawyer by training, earlier in her career Stacey was in private practice and served in the General Counsel’s office of Continental Can Company. Law school: Boston University School of Law. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library, League of Women Voters of Weston and Weston History & Culture Center.

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.