Weston Town Hall Happenings For Oct. 13

Press release from the Town of Weston:

10/13/2023 3:41 PM

First Selectwoman’s Opening note
I have been struggling writing this week’s opening note. I am worried that I might say too much, or not enough. So today’s note is more personal than others.

As a parent, spouse, child, sibling, a town leader, proud Jewish woman, and a human being, the violent terrorist attacks by Hamas against innocent Israelis has shaken me to my core. I have cried not only with worry for my own family in Israel, but also for the innocent children and families who are victims of these atrocities and the destruction it will bring forward, which will in turn lead to more deaths of both innocent Israelis and innocent Palestinians. I also want to be clear about this: Hamas is not Palestine. Hamas is a terrorist government organization who acts against the practice of Islam.

On Monday I issued a statement (click for link to FS Nestor Statement on Facebook) as your First Selectwoman and joined other community leaders, faith leaders and the greater Fairfield County community at Temple Israel in Westport for a community Vigil. To quote Rabbi Michael Friedman that evening, “we bring so many emotions into this space this evening: anger, fear, vulnerability, sadness, helplessness, and most importantly, deep concern. We gather to mourn, to pray, and to find strength. Most importantly, we do all of this together.”

I have been working with faith leaders and members of our community to chart a path forward and show where to give and help, but we are only seven days into this conflict, and that will take a bit of time. We will let you know as soon as we have more direction. We need to be poised to push back on a rise in hate crimes as well antisemitism online closer to home.

I am also determined that we can continue to celebrate Town accomplishments AND also stand with Israel and support our Sister City in Ukraine.

This is a lot to take in, but as Shabbat approaches, I pray for Peace and I want all those feeling the pain acutely (like me) to know that I hear you, I see you, and have your back.

It’s Fire Prevention Week!
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention” ™ works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking. Click here to see the Fire Prevention Week Proclamation issued by First Selectwoman Sam Nestor. The National Fire Prevention Association has important information about fire prevention that can be found on their website: https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

Coffee With A Cop - October 14, 10:00 to 1:00pm
at Lily's Weston Market
The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood

Municipal Elections are November 7th
Absentee ballots are available in person from the Town Clerk weekdays, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and by mail now through November 6. See the Town Clerk’s webpage for more information: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/town-clerk. For information about voter registration visit the Registrars of Voters webpage: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/registrar-of-voters

The Weston League of Women Voters – Answering Your Questions about Voting
With the changes in voting due to COVID over the last few years and the passage of the Early Voting referendum in November, many people have questions about Absentee Voting and Early Voting. The League of Women Voters of Weston will have a table in Weston Center on Saturday October 14th from 11:00 to 2:00 (weather permitting) to help answer some of these questions. We will be joined by the Weston Registrars of Voters who will be there to answer questions and register new voters.

Weston – Siversk, Ukraine Sister City Update
Launched this past June, the Town of Weston adopted our sister city Siversk through a relationship with Ukraine Aid International, Inc, which has laid the groundwork to provide support for those severely impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
To date the Sister City has provided:

There is more to fund and the Committee will be reaching out with new initiatives in the near future regarding other opportunities to help our sister city. Click here to donate: https://donorbox.org/weston-siversk-sister-cities?fbclid=IwAR1nvGQCDjgW0gMW2ouY-rzR6w4HGaRIXDntck9ASqjKyD0IX3mDMcf9Ivs To learn more about the program listen to our podcast here: https://vimeo.com/828794138

Hearts for Ukraine Available at Weston Pharmacy and Community Events
Not sure about how you can help? The Sister City partnership Steering committee has launched “Hearts for Ukraine.” These beautiful handmade bracelets may be purchased completed or as kits, with instructions, for those wishing to make them at home. To learn more about the new hearts for Ukraine campaign and how you can help Ukraine please email the Chair of the Steering Committee Iryna Akolzina at akolzina29@gmail.com.

Construction in Westport Impacting I-95
Even though it’s not Weston, this could impact our residents. CTDOT will begin its accelerated bridge construction lateral slide on the northbound side of the I-95 Bridge over Saugatuck Avenue in Westport CT, on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 8PM. I-95 will be severely restricted from Friday, October 20 at 8 PM until Monday, October 23 at 6AM. The second side on the southbound bridge will begin Friday, November 3, at 8PM severely restricting traffic on the highway until Monday, November 6, at 6AM. This is part of ABC – Accelerated Bridge Construction – which means a shorter inconvenience (a whole bridge is being replaced in a weekend!!) rather than long-term detours. FHWA has a lot of info on ABC: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/edc-2/abc.cfm

Weston Receives STEAP Grant of $438,240
Governor Ned Lamont announced that he is approving the release of $24.5 million in state grants for 60 small towns in Connecticut that will be used to complete a wide variety of infrastructure improvements, such as road safety reconstruction projects, sewer and drainage upgrades, sidewalk and pedestrian safety enhancements, recreational facility upgrades, and other kinds of capital improvement projects. Weston received $438,240 in state funding is approved for roof repairs and solar panel installation at the Department of Public Works garage. These panels will be used to power the municipal campus. The grants are provided through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP), a state program managed by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) that delivers grants to small towns for economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects.

Weston Sustainability Action Plan - Your input matters
Thank you to everyone who already responded to our Sustainable Weston survey and Volunteer Questionnaire. Our most recent outreach effort is a partnership with Housatonic Resource Recovery Authority (HRRA), Curbside Compost, Lachat Town Farm and the High School Green Team to improve recycling and waste collection at Lachat Events. Thanks for taking the time to make a difference in our town. Sent on behalf of the Sustainable Weston Town Committee https://www.westonct.gov/government/boards-commissions/appointed/select-committee-on-sustainability Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sustainable_weston/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SustainableWeston)

Recycling Guide
Recycling facilities are always free and available for all Town residents. We encourage you to reduce, reuse and recycle! Click here to see a printable recycling guide: Recycling Guide

Trunk or Treat!
Saturday, October 28 (Rain Date Oct. 29)
4:30 to 6:30 pm - Sensory Friendly 4-4:30pm
at Weston Intermediate School Parking Lot
Contact Weston Women's League for more information: http://westonwomensleague.org/index.html

Halloween Party at the Norfield Grange!
Sat., Oct. 28th
Doors Open at 7 pm
12 Good HIll Road, Weston
Venmo $50/Person @Step-Halkowycz
JOIN US IF YOU DARE! Proceeds to the Norfield Grange Scholarship Fund

Lachat Town Farm
Lachat Town Farm has a wide variety of upcoming programs including Music in the Meadow, cooking classes, gardening, photography, yoga and tai chi, knitting circles, and many programs just for kids. Please visit the Lachat Town Farm website for a complete list of programs and events

Renovation of Davis Hill Bridge
Construction is taking place on Davis Hill Bridge. The bridge will remain open to traffic, with occasional short closures during this renovation & resurfacing project. The construction of this infrastructure project is funded with grants from the State and Federal government.

Police Department Locker Room Renovations
The renovations in the basement of Town Hall continues. This renovation provides improved locker room space, new heating and air conditioning and updates this existing space. A reconfiguration of the footprint will allow for a more efficient use of the space and is a much anticipated improvement for our Police Department staff. The locker rooms will include dedicated space for women officers and enable us to be more competitive in the recruitment of female police officers.

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is taking place and inspections have been happening since March 2023. The areas of Town being inspected are posted and updated on our website throughout the entire collection process. Data Collectors have badges for identification and their cars are 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

Human Services
Weston Human & Social Services is currently taking applications for the 2023-2024 CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
To qualify your total annual household income must be at or less than the following:

• Household Size 1: $41,553
• Household Size 2: $54,338
• Household Size 3: $67,124
• Household Size 4: $79,910
• Household Size 5: $92,695
• Household Size 6: $105,481
• Household Size 7: $107,878

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.

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

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

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation offers before & after school programming, swim classes and so much more- this is primed to be a fantastic year! After school programs have been announced for Winter. Registration can be online using the registration portal. The full flyer can be found on the Parks and Recreation website. *Many programs have a habit of selling out quickly- don't miss out!

Weston WOW! Programs
Weston Parks and Recreation WOW Programs offer After-school programs and summer camps for children, including WOW fun and enrichment classes at Hurlbutt Elementary School, Weston Intermediate School, and Weston Middle School during the fall, winter and spring sessions as well as summer camps. Click here to visit our website for more information

What’s Next in Weston?
The “What’s Next in Weston” 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. Click here for the Vimeo for the podcast and search for the episodes. https://vimeo.com/user115184272

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: 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, Parks and Recreation Commission, Sustainable Weston Committee, Veterans Affairs Committee. The following elected boards have positions available: Board of Assessment Appeals, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Please click here for more information and/or to submit your information for consideration for a position.

Board of Education Meetings
Link to details on the district calendar: https://www.westonps.org/358042_2

Monday, October 16, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

November 20, 2023
Remote Meeting
6:00 PM

December 18, 2023
Weston Middle School Library
6:00 PM

Weston Senior Center Events and Activities
$5 Exercise Classes!
The Senior Center offers:

Our classes have excellent instructors who work with all fitness levels.

Trivia and Crafts
Brain Games and Lunch (free)
With Danielle Ramos
Friday, October 20th, 12:00pm
(Sponsored by National Healthcare Associates)
Join us for a light lunch of sandwiches and salads followed by brain stimulating teasers!

Trivia with Mary
Wednesday, October 25th at 1:00pm with refreshments
(Sponsored by Wilton Meadows)

Art Classes

Acrylic Painting with Nature’s Textures
With Agata Tria
Tuesday, October 17th, 24th, 31st, 10:00am-12:00pm
$20.00 for series of 4 classes
See the magic happen when you take a real object of nature and apply paint to it making a study of texture, shape, composition and space. Please bring the following to the first class: acrylic paint, brushes, and canvases

Caregivers Support Group
Tuesday, October 19, 1:00-2:00pm
With Allison Lisbon, LCSW, MSW
Director of Social 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

Flu Shot Clinic- Westport/Weston Health Department
October 18th 11-1:30pm (Appointments will be taken in September)
Location: Weston Senior Center

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

The Senior Center is collecting new and unused gifts and jewelry for our annual Holiday Gift Sale beginning November 27th. All proceeds from the sale go to the Weston Senior Center to be used for programs, lunches and trips.

Weston Public Library
Get involved with the Weston Public Library:

Check our event calendar for more ongoing crafting sessions, storytimes, game nights, clubs, playgroups, cultural/educational events, and more. We hope to see you soon!"

Weston History and Culture Center
Coley Cemetery Guided Tour
Join us for an enlightening tour of the Coley Cemetery on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 1:00 pm.
The Coley Cemetery is located on Weston Road ( Rte. 57) behind Weston Gardens.
Free Event. Limited availability. Tickets Required. Reserve Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coley-cemetery-tour-tickets-732326487237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Longtime Weston resident, Karin Giannitti, the Weston History & Culture Center's Executive Director, Samantha Fargione, and local volunteers will guide your through the cemetery as they reveal its history as well as some of the notable individuals and families buried there. This is NOT a spooky event. Please wear sturdy shoes! Tour is 60 minutes. Cemetery terrain is uneven, rocky, and has inclines. Parking at the Coley Cemetery is limited! If you can, please consider carpooling. If you plan on carpooling, you can leave a car at the Weston History & Culture Center - 104 Weston Road - and carpool to the cemetery from there. After the cemetery tour, come back to the Weston History & Culture Center for a guided tour of the Coley House and "Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted & Sculpted"! Questions: email: director@westoncthistory.org

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

Photo: Armored Delivery Van procured and delivered to our Sister City
that will deliver bread, water, and medical supplies to the residents of Siversk.

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