Greetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!

First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
Yesterday, the committed volunteer members of our public safety team left the warmth of their own Thanksgiving festivities and fought for many hours a tremendous fire which engulfed a large residence, and the team admirably prevented further destruction. I would like to thank all the Weston volunteer firefighters & Weston volunteer EMS, WPD, DPW, as well as other mutual aid towns including Westport, Easton, Wilton, Ridgefield, Georgetown, Red Cross, Aquarion, and Eversource, who battled this house fire. Thank you for your service and I am grateful everyone is safe.

Weston Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting
December 5^th on the Weston Town Green
5:00 - 7:00pm

-- 5:00 - Charles Dickens Carolers

-- 5:30 - Performances by Weston Schools Music & Choral Groups

-- 6:00 - Countdown to Tree Lighting

-- 6:05- Performance by Weston Schools and Choral Groups

Join us on the Town Green for our annual holiday music festival and tree lighting! Click https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/holiday-music-festival-and-tree-lighting for sing along materials and more information. This event is sponsored by the Commission for the Arts, and made possible by the Crown Family and Stew Leonards.

Support our Sister City in Ukraine
Last week I had the privilege of engaging in a video conference with Mayor Vorobjov from our sister city in Ukraine. During our discussion, I reaffirmed our unwavering support for their community, particularly focusing on the children from Siversk who have been displaced across Ukraine. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer, we will be sending Christmas gifts to these children, accompanied by cards signed by members of the Weston community (opportunities to sign will be available at the Holiday Music Festival on 12/5). The resilience of the Siversk community is truly inspiring, and we are committed to standing by them during these challenging times. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in their lives. We encourage everyone to participate in upcoming fundraising events, as they provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with our neighbors and show solidarity. Together, we can help restore hope and joy to the children of Siversk as they navigate this difficult chapter. To show your support for our Sister City in Ukraine, and help fund Christmas gifts for their children, please click on the following link to donate, under designation, select Siversk: [https://ukraineaidinternational.org/donate-now/

Long Live Ukraine: Ukraine Aid International Holiday Celebration
December 8 from 1 to 5 pm
Redline Restorations at 2475 Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock, CT
Join the other Sister City members and the lead organization of the program, Ukraine Aid International for a free Holiday event at Redline Restorations. This will be a gathering for a day of community celebration, antique cars, holiday festivities, and exclusive footage from recent missions in Ukraine. This holiday season, let’s unite to bring hope to the children of Ukraine. All proceeds will help provide warmth and support to those in need during the war.

Weston Dog Park Status Update
I am pleased to report that we have started to build the parking area and access way to the dog park and the Moore Property following the guidance of the Tree Warden on the removal of trees. Dead, living, and potentially dangerous trees are being removed in accordance with the Tree Warden’s Notice of Final decision on January 13, 2023.  This project utilizes 7% of the entire Moore Property, land that was purchased by the Town more than two decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use. The dog park construction, design, and first few years of maintenance are funded with grants (ARPA, access way and parking & Greyledge, plantings), gifts from private individuals through the Weston Dog Park 501c3, and the family & friends of Brian Gordon, the former second Selectman who passed away in 2018.

Weston Bridge Replacement Progress

- The River Road and Davis Hill Road Bridges are both open! These two bridges were part of a single project that was completed on time and on budget. Construction crews will be finishing up landscaping and other minor details over the next couple of weeks.

- The Michael’s Way Bridge remains closed with a projected completion date of December 15. Weather permitting, we anticipate no delays in getting the roadway open by that date. The bridge beams have been set and the road surface should be installed in the next two weeks.

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation
Crews are working on the Lyons Plain Road Pavement Rehabilitation. During the late fall and early winter, this project will be active until weather forces a winter shutdown. Crews will resume in the spring, typically around April 1^st, if weather forces a winter shutdown.  The project will consist of repairing the road structure in some areas and resetting the geometry of the road surface (eliminating high and low points and restoring the crown of the road). Drainage improvements along the entire length of the roadway will allow for better control of rainfall and help to contain solids, improving water quality before it is absorbed back into the ground. New guardrails and traffic sign installations will offer increased safety for motorists. Lastly, new pavement will finish off the project. We appreciate your patience during this period of rebuilding and urge motorists to use caution while driving through areas under construction. Please keep your vehicle speed reduced for the safety of those working to improve our Towns’ roadways. The construction of this project is paid for with a $2.7 million grant from the State of Connecticut. Please note this is a state funded project and timelines and milestones are coordinated with the CT DOT.

Emergency Alerts
Please make sure that you and your family are registered to receive emergency alerts from the Weston Office of Emergency Management. Registration can be done online by visiting https://www.westonct.gov/our-community/community-alert-system-and-e-notifications. The Weston Public safety team will continue to expertly guide us through storms by sending out texts, emails and automated phone calls via our Everbridge system. With all the new residents in town, please make sure to mention Everbridge to your new friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Please also see this link, which provides details on how to prepare for weather events: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/5929/637650804379770000

School Security Community Engagement Update from WPS
Superintendent Barbiero has provided an update for the community on next steps to engage the public on this important topic:

1. The status on the School Security Director hire: 2nd round interviews will be first week of December with expected appointment to be before holiday break. (Delay was due to First round finalist withdrew candidacy)

2. December BOE meeting will include a state-of-the school - security presentation

3. BOE creation of sub-committee on security

4. Administration will be setting up community conversation with the new School Security Director (and admin/public safety staff) to actively get community feedback to encourage two-way conversations.

Updated safety and security on school campus facilities

- During school hours, between 7 AM and 4 PM, school campus facilities will be closed to the public.

- While schools are in session, playgrounds, outdoor recess areas, track, tennis courts, and fields are closed to the public.

- The outdoor spaces are integral parts of school facilities, and classes are held outside at times - not just physical education, but also other subjects. Please do not use school outdoor spaces during school hours.

- Except for arrival and dismissal times, the auxiliary road between the high school and intermediate school is closed to cars.

- Building Department, Human Services, and Senior Center remain open and accessible to the public.

- Click here to view a map: https://www.westonct.gov/home/showdocument?id=13242&t=638642371135402283

We appreciate your understanding. Let’s all do our part to help ensure safety and security for students and WPS staff.

Public Hearing Information from Planning & Zoning
12/2 at 7:15pm
REGULAR MEETING and PUBLIC HEARING
This meeting may be attended in person at 24 School Road, Weston or via Zoom or telephone. Monday, December 2, 2024, commencing at 7:15 pm
Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88484336429?pwd=szN4QcORq9a8hAaHgdzbMsFgeES1Sb.1
To join by phone: (646) 558-8656 | Meeting ID: 884 8433 6429 | Passcode: 408192

Click here Planning & Zoning Commission | Town of Weston, Connecticut for related documents

For Public Hearing Application for four Text Amendments to Zoning Regulations - Able Construction represented by Eric D. Bernheim, Esq. to propose four Text Amendments to the Regulations, one to Section 322.2(d), one to Section 322.3(c) and two to Section 322.3(c)(ii) of the Regulations. The first proposal applies to Section 322.2(d) and 322.3(c) and will give the Planning & Zoning Commission the discretion to reduce the minimum setback for off-street parking and loading areas when the property in question abuts a residence district but the abutting property is not currently being used for single-family residential. The second is a revision to the total bedrooms per unit limitation so that Applicant, and other similarly situated developers, may develop the Property to include three (3) bedroom units. The third proposal is a revision to the second limitation established by Section 322.2(c)(ii) by increasing the total allowed square footage of floor area from 1,200 square feet to 1,800 square feet.

Volunteers at The Commission for the Arts
Have you ever wanted to create, or help bring new artistic events to Weston? Then we have an opportunity for you! The Weston Commission for the Arts is looking for fun-loving, energetic volunteers to serve on a Volunteer Committee to support existing programs including Movie Under the Stars, Tree-lighting Music Festival, Broadway Swings and our new Master Artist series. Also to help develop pilot programs such as An Evening in Paris and Mozart and Mimosas. As a volunteer, you would not be required to work on each project, only those that would meet with your special interest and availability. No experience needed just a willingness to help us brainstorm and then execute new and existing programs to further build community ties and support the arts in Weston. For more information, please contact Commission Chair Paul Levin at [email protected].

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 required. The next session is on 12/10 at 1pm: [email protected]

Weston Human Services
Weston Human Services is now taking applications for the State Energy Assistance Program. (CEAP) Your household may be eligible for CEAP if you can answer YES to the following questions:

- Are you a Connecticut resident?

- Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?

-- You receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services

-- Your annual household income falls at or below the income levels in the table below.

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Annual Income	$45,505	$59,507	$73,509	$87,511	$101,513	$115,514	$118,139	$120,765

Please call 203-222-2556 or email [email protected] to receive more information and/or make an appointment.

Medicare Open Enrollment
Even if you're happy with your current Medicare coverage, it's important to check for any changes next year, and compare with other available options. Open Enrollment is your chance to review your Medicare coverage options and find the best fit for you. You may save money, find better coverage, or both! You have until December 7th.  Certified CHOICES Counselors are available by appointment at the Weston Senior Center and can provide you with unbiased assistance in navigating your options. Weston Senior Center (203) 222-2608

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 [email protected] for more information.

Youth and Family Services
Please register for the Human 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. Click here sign up read our most recent newsletter and to subscribe to the mailing list

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]Weston Senior Center

- Click this link to visit the Senior Center website: https://westonseniorcenter.info/

- Call or email the Senior Center to register: 203-222-2608/ [email protected]

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 on Aging, Commission for the Arts, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Board of Appeals, Building Committee, Conservation Commission, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Veterans Affairs Committee. 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.

Wreath Decorating
Mon., Dec. 2nd @ 7-9 pm
Norfield Grange,12 Good Hill Road, Weston
ALL are Welcome. Come join in a "New England Tradition" and decorate a wreath to brighten your door or home. Bring your own ribbon, decorations, baubles, "natural items from your garden" too, etc. and don't forget your glue gun, wax sticks, wire, wire cutters, etc. No worries there will be plenty to share too. We have a secret weapon: a Grange Member who's a "Bow Pro" who can help make bows and teach others how-to. Sponsored by Stew Leonard's. And enter the raffle to win a holiday tree too. All proceeds go to the Norfield Grange WHS Scholarship Fund. Please register to reserve a live evergreen wreath by no later than Fri., Nov. 29th. Venmo @LynKimberly For more info. email: [email protected]

Lachat Winter Market on Dec 8th from 10-2pm
For more information on this annual community event click https://lachattownfarm.org/market.php

Click Here for more information.