Weston
Connecticut
Weston Town Hall Happenings for November 8, 2024
Government and Politics
November 11, 2024
From: Town of WestonGreetings and Welcome to Town Hall Happenings!
First Selectwoman’s Opening Note
This Monday, November 11 is a significant day in our nation’s calendar as we observe Veterans Day. It is a solemn occasion where we pay tribute to the countless brave individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country, both in the past and present. In commemoration of this day, the Weston Veterans Committee organized a series of events, including a visit to the middle school and the unveiling of the new memorial on the Town Green. It is a time for us to reflect and express our gratitude to those who have selflessly served our nation. Please ensure that you take the opportunity to show your respect and extend your heartfelt thanks to these remarkable individuals throughout the weekend.
Veteran's Day Holiday Closures
Municipal Buildings will be closed on Monday, 11/11.
Please join us on the Town Green at 11 am for Veteran's Day Ceremony
Transfer Station will be closed Sunday 11/10 through Tuesday 11/12, reopening on Wednesday 11/13
Burn Ban Still in Effect
The Town of Weston instituted an emergency burn ban effective immediately, with the issuing of burn permits suspended, and those already with permits required to not burn. Residents are asked not to burn any brush on their property, or operate any outdoor grills, firepits, campfires etc. until the conclusion of the ban. With the fall being a very dry time of the year with dry vegetation, these factors add up to the season being a more of a high-risk time for fires than during the summer or spring. This is why the fire department is asking that local residents take a serious approach to the burn ban. The State of Connecticut is under a “Red Flag” alert with extremely dry conditions and lack of rain which will continue at least over the next ten days, creating high risk for the ignition and spread of wildfires. Governor Ned Lamont has declared a State of Emergency due to the critical fire weather conditions, with a large brush fire having ignited at Lamentation Mountain in Berlin and Meriden this week, and state and local agencies working to suppress several other fire incidents that have been sparked statewide. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has stated that “the vast majority of Connecticut's wildfires result from human activities” such as campfires, bonfires, cigarettes discarded on the ground, and the use of yard-care equipment. Residents are asked to be vigilant concerning the following activities which are the most common causes of wildfire ignition: discarded smoking materials; use of outdoor grills; campfires; power tools and equipment that generate heat or sparks. The burn ban should be lifted by the state and then by the town once rainfall starts back up again. Please click here to read the Town Declaration of State of Emergency
Fall 2024 Road Paving Plan
All roads that were scheduled to be paved during the 2024 Paving Program have been completed. The Department of Public Works wishes to thank our residents and guests for their patience and understanding while we:
- Paved 9.6 miles of roadway
- Installed 7,230 linear feet of curbing
- Overlayed 70 driveway aprons
- Replaced 77 catch basins
- Painted over 12 miles of road striping
Phase two of the Paving Project will continue in the spring of 2025. More information regarding roads scheduled for the spring will be forthcoming.
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 November 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 began working this week 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,, 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.
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
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.
BOE Virtual Meeting @ 7:00 pm 11/11
The Weston Board of Education will conduct a Special Meeting (Campus Building Planning) on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Click here to read the November 8 letter from Superintendent Lisa Barbiero. This meeting will be remote.
- Link to BoardBook Agenda (posted 24-hours prior to meeting): https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2468
- Link to Live Stream (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfiS5TdWMVozkWFY1FS3knw
- Public Comment: No public comment
- Link to Meeting Conduct:
Pre-school at Hurlbutt Elementary School
Hurlbutt Elementary School’s Early Learning Center (ELC) provides services for Weston’s preschool students who have special education needs. Since there are no general education preschool classes in the school district, we have developed an integrated program to include peer models. The ELC is open to Weston Families only. The program runs five days a week, 8:30 am - 1:15 pm, with parents expected to provide transportation. To participate in the ELC, children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025 and toilet trained. The anticipated cost for the program will be at least $8,039, and the final amount will be shared with families in Spring 2025.
Applications for Hurlbutt Elementary School’s Early Learning Center (ELC) are now available on the Hurlbutt Elementary School website (https://hes.westonps.org/). To find the application click on the “Academics” tab, then “Preschool” where you will find the link to the Preschool Application. You can also access the application directly at this link:
ELC Application
We are accepting applications from October 28, 2024 through November 15, 2024. In the event that we have more students apply than open slots, a lottery will be conducted on November 18, 2024. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after the lottery if additional spots remain open in the program. An in-person informational Open House will be held on November 13 at 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected] if you are interested in attending.
Veterans Day Events for Veterans
Nov 11th, 2024 Monday
- 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast for veterans and their spouses (in the Weston Middle School Cafeteria for Veterans, followed by an all-school Assembly to honor Veterans/. This is the highlight...the three Middle school grades perform for Veterans, A Red, White and Blue Extravaganza! Followed by the Living History Session in the Library (some of our Vets will give informal recaps of their service experience to small groups of 8th grade students)
- 11:10 AM Remembrance Service at Town Hall Green (all residents invited)
- Noon Lunch for Veterans at Weston High School and visits by students
- Weston High School (American Hero’s Club) organize a discussion panel with Veterans, about experiences, the draft, re-entering the work force, etc.
For more information, please email the Weston Veterans Affairs Group, Ed Hutchins. Veterans who are residents of Weston are encouraged to contact [email protected]
Save the Date: Weston Holiday Music Festival and Tree Lighting
December 5th at 6pm
Weston Town Green
Join us on the Town Green for our annual holiday music festival and tree lighting! This event is sponsored by the Commission for the Arts, Beautification Committee, and the Marketing Committee. This event is made possible by the Crown Family.
Parks and Recreation - Pickleball Courts are Open!
Pickleball Courts at Bisceglie-Scribner Park are open daily 8 am to dusk. Use is on a first come and first serve basis.
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 11/12: [email protected]
Daffodil Legacy Trail Fundraiser - We need YOUR support!!
Two years ago, the Sustainable Solutions course was launched to empower students to take action and make our school district more sustainable. Since its inception, students in the class have accomplished a number of impressive projects, including
restoring the school vegetable garden and greenhouse
building a 12x20 ft. garden shed
designing and creating a pollinator garden in the courtyard
initiating cafeteria composting across the district
and revamping the school’s recycling protocols to ensure recyclable items stay out of the waste stream.
All of these projects have been self-funded through product sales, grant writing, and fundraising efforts by the students themselves.
Our largest fundraiser is the Legacy Daffodil Trail, where parents purchase daffodil bulbs on behalf of their son or daughter, which are then planted on campus in the fall. In the spring, these bulbs bloom into a beautiful display that will last for years to come, creating a lasting legacy. Your child can return to campus year after year to visit their dedicated section of the trail. Bulbs can be purchased in sets of 6 for $25, but feel free to purchase as many as you’d like (larger sets create a more striking visual impact).
Payment can be made in one of two ways:
1. Via Venmo: @WestonSustainability24-25 (please include the student’s name, the number of bulbs desired, and a contact email in case of any issues).
2. By cash or check: Checks can be made payable to Weston High School and mailed to:
Michael Aitkenhead
115 School Rd.
Weston, CT 06883
Please include a note with your student’s name, the number of bulbs desired, and a contact email.
We need to plant the bulbs before Thanksgiving, so the ordering deadline is Friday, November 15th.Please don’t delay! Human Services
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/
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 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.
Sunday Soundscapes Presents Trio Ondata
November 17 at 4pm
Weston Public Library
On Sunday, November 17th at 4 pm in the Weston Library, Sunday Soundscapes will present the award-winning Trio Ondata in a program of music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Joseph Haydn. Trio Ondata is a New Haven-based ensemble consisting of violinist Michael Ferri, cellist Miriam Liske-Doorandish and pianist Anthony Ratinov. Formed at the Yale School of Music in 2022, this bold and exploratory ensemble swiftly garnered attention on the national stage, winning the Silver Medal and the inaugural Horszowski Trio Prize at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. In the same year they won the Yale School of Music Chamber Music Competition, and in 2023 they received both the Gold Medal and the Audience Choice Awards at the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition.
Trio Ondata presents a wide-ranging repertoire both old and new, from classical works to contemporary music. They have enjoyed summer residencies at the Mimir Chamber Music Festival in Texas and at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute in New Hampshire. In their Sunday Soundscapes debut concert, they will offer trios by Beethoven and Haydn, as well as selections from those composers’ seldom-heard arrangements of Scottish and Welsh folksongs for voices and piano trio. Joining them for the folksongs will be former Metropolitan Opera baritone Edward Crafts, soprano Emma Rogers and tenor Diego Valdez.
Reservations are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trio-ondata-plays-beethoven-and-haydn-at-weston-library-nov-17-tickets-989286952907?aff=oddtdtcreator . Suggested (but not required) donations are $20 for adults and $10 for students.