First Selectwoman’s Opening Note

Exciting Announcement! The lease of town-owned land at the transfer station was unanimously approved during the Special Town Meeting, marking a significant milestone. What's even better is that we will enjoy the benefits of a solar array without incurring any costs. That's right, not a single penny! Instead, Greenskies Clean Energy, a reputable company headquartered in North Haven, will provide the town with annual lease payments. The construction of the solar array is scheduled to commence this summer, as soon as all the necessary approvals and permits are obtained. While it will take approximately two months to complete the process, the wait will undoubtedly be worthwhile.

STATE of THE TOWN

To watch the First Selectwoman’s State of the Town Video please click HERE

It’s The Home Stretch of Budget Season! ATBM Vote Round 2

Thank you to all citizens who turned out in record numbers for this year’s budget Vote. While the Town and School Operating budgets are determined, the Capital Budget was a tie and not approved by a majority of Qualified Voters (section 9.6 of Weston Town Charter) and was sent back to the BOF for review on 5/9/24. During that meeting a compromise was made: 3 out of the 4 cut capital projects were added back into the budget (+$450,000) the BOF also removed projected debt service for an Annex replacement ($191,000), bringing the total net budget decrease to 1.72% ($1,307,994). Watch ALL videos of previous budget meetings here: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo.

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12-8 pm – ATBM Voting continues for the Revised Capital Budget as approved by the Board of Finance.

Introducing 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 schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Tuesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall

RSVP to the inaugural session on 5/28:  [email protected]

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:

River Road Bridge Replacement (near the intersection of Good Hill Road): Complete Road closure for through traffic began on April 1st and continues through November 2024.

Davis Hill Road Bridge Preservation (near the intersection of Valley Forge Road): This project is currently in winter shutdown and work resumed April 1st. During construction the roadway will remain open with only intermittent closures. Future updates will be provided in advance of any full day road closures.

Michaels Way Bridge Replacement (at Newtown Turnpike): The Michael's Way bridge replacement may appear to be off to a slow start but, in fact, the project is underway. Required utility work is being completed prior to the closure of the roadway altogether. Eversource, Southern CT Gas, and Frontier Communications are coordinating the required work in a manner that will not cause any service disruption to the community. Complete closure of the span will occur around mid-May and continue until late Fall. Additional updates will be issued as required. Weston Department of Public Works.

Lyons Plain Road Rehabilitation: Final Design has been submitted to the CT DOT. Pavement and drainage repairs are scheduled to start late Spring 2024 and continue through the summer months. Construction will require intermittent road closures. This project has not yet been awarded and future updates will be provided.

Georgetown Road Milling and Paving by The Connecticut Department of Transportation: CDOT will be repaving a portion of Route 57 (Georgetown Road) beginning on May 28, 2024. The milling and paving project will extend from the intersection of Route 107 (Redding Road) in Georgetown into Weston and finish at the intersection with Trails End Road. Road crews will operate from 7:00am until 5:00pm each day, there will be no work on Sundays. Georgetown Road will be down to one lane during construction hours. Traffic control will be handled by the Weston Police Department and CDOT personnel. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 13, 2024.

It’s EMS Week! May 19-25

Half a century ago, a presidential proclamation called on the nation to support efforts to improve emergency medical care across the country. It also established the first national EMS Week, a tradition we proudly continue today. Much has changed since 1974, yet there is still much we can learn from those trailblazing professionals who helped EMS evolve into the sophisticated branch of medicine it is today. Their dedication, commitment and sacrifice inspire us to take bold steps of our own, to continue to seek out ways to better serve out-patients and our communities.

This year, we celebrate EMS Week by honoring our past—by taking a pause to recognize the contributions of each generation, the people who dreamed that we could save more lives and have less suffering, and then found ways to make it happen.  EMS Week is never just about the past, however. It’s also about inspiring the EMS professionals just starting out and the young people who haven’t even discovered EMS yet. It’s about learning from the challenges and building on the successes of the last five decades. It’s about forging our future—a future in which the next generation has the tools they need to deliver compassionate care and alleviate suffering in communities everywhere.

Memorial Day Weekend

Each year the Weston community celebrates Memorial Day with a fair, 5K, parade honoring our Veterans (and breakfast). It is an annual tradition that attracts thousands of families from surrounding communities as well as its own Westonites. The fair is run by volunteers from the Hurlbutt and Weston Intermediate School PTOs and the 5K is run by the Weston High School PTO. Both of these events are their largest fundraisers of the year. We are so grateful to the PTO and to the Weston Volunteer Fire Department who coordinates and sponsors the Memorial Day Parade and Festivities.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 24

Memorial Day Fair: 6:00-10:00 PM

Saturday, May 25

Weston Kids Run/5K: 8:00 AM
Memorial Day Fair: 2:00-10:00 PM (Sensory-Friendly: 1:00-2:00 PM)
West Fest: 3:00-10:00 PM

Sunday, May 26

Memorial Day Fair: 2:00-10:00 PM (Sensory-Friendly: 1:00-2:00 PM)
West Fest: 3:00-10:00 PM

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day Parade: 10:45 AM
Memorial Day Fair: 12:30-4:00 PM
Learn more about these events and how to support them here: weston5k.com and westonmdf.com

Paper Shredding and Computer Recycling Sponsored by the Friends of the Library
When: Saturday June 1 10am to 1pm
Where: Hurlbutt Elementary School Bus Loop
What: Standard Boxes (10x12x15) - $10, Computers - $20 each

The Food Scrap Recycling program at the Transfer Station update

Averaging 650lbs per week, we have over 200 households signed up. 4,500lbs since program inception 2 months ago diverted from Municipal Solid Waste! At this rate, we will easily 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.

Road Paving Plan Underway

DPW Director, Larry Roberts is determining the deterioration and rehabilitation planning for our roads, in collaboration with the engineering firm, Beta Group. The BOS & BOF team approved a plan to collect more data with Beta. Data collection is nearly complete. The new plan should be in place by the end of the month and eventual approval via Special Town Meeting for financing will follow.

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. Parks and Recreation commission has met with neighbors regarding implementing sound mitigation measures. The trees have been cleared and we will soon be starting the bidding process for the construction of the courts! 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.

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.

Human Services

Applications are now being taken for the CT Elderly and Disabled Renters' Rebate Program.  Please get in touch with Weston Human Services at 203-222-2556 to schedule an appointment. More information and eligibility requirements can be found here: CT Renters' Rebate Program.

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 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 [email protected]

Bereavement Support Group With Rashida Miller, MSW
Monthly meetings are held every fourth Tuesday, 1-2 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]

FairyTale Farm (Or What Happened After Happily Ever After)
an immersive adventure theatrical experience
LIVE at Lachat Town Farm , Weston, CT, May 17, 18 &19, 2024

This May, Lachat Town Farm will magically be transformed into Fairytale Farm! Guests will be transported into an enchanted countryside where they’ll meet hilarious characters from their favorite fairytales, all now living beside each other on a magical farm. Join Hansel and Gretel, determined to get in shape after quarantining together for months in The Witch’s Candy House... Hang with Pinocchio, a former child star now trying to find his place in the world as a real boy... Help a “Recently Woke” Beauty with her chores as she starts her new job caring for the goats... Watch Goldie and Baby Bear pitch their newest invention to Shark Tank... No one knows what might happen next or who might pop out of a barn on Fairytale Farm!

Play fun games, listen to thrilling stories and see how fairytale life plays out after happily ever after! The fully immersive theatrical experience is written and designed to be fun for kids ages 5 to 105. Fairytale Farm will run Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 17th, 18th &19th at Lachat Town Farm, 106 Godfrey Rd, W, Weston, CT, 06883. The experience is designed to last between 1-2 hours. Entrance times on Friday May 17th are 5pm & 6:30pm and entrance times Saturday & Sunday May18th & 19th are12pm & 1:30pm. Tickets are $25, available at www.lachattownfarm.org. Food and drink will be available to purchase at the farm.

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, 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 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/ [email protected]