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Weston Town Hall Happenings - June 9, 2023

Government and Politics

June 9, 2023

From: Town of Weston

Opening Note

With the end of the school year fast approaching, I wanted to be sure I thanked everyone at the WPS for all of their hard work this year for our families, children and community. Your efforts are appreciated and  please know that I wish everyone involved with the schools an amazing last week of school and wonderful summer holiday.

Summer Road Repaving
Summer Paving has started and Covenant Lane is complete. Paving on Hillside Road North took place on June 8;  White Oak Ln will take place on  June 8 & 9; and paving will take place on Joanne Ln, Briar Oak Ln, and Graylock Rd on June 12, 13, & 14.

To see the entire list of roads that the Town plans to tackle over the next few months please click here: https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works

Pride Month Programs at Weston Public Library

Hoopla e-Books:  Here is a link for eBooks on Hoopla to celebrate PRIDE, which Weston residents can checkout using their library card: https://www.hoopladigital.com/collection/4019

Y.A. DIY: Pride Style
Thursday, June 15th @ 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Teens.  Registration appreciated, drop-ins welcome.

Stop by the community room to upcycle something of your own, or create something new just in time for pride! Bring your own shoes, bags, or other clothes to decorate and we'll provide the rest. Nothing to bring? No problem. Make some jewelry, buttons, or other accessories completely from scratch  http://www.eventkeeper.com/mars/xpages/xp_newpopevent.cfm?zeeOrg=WESTON&EventID=7277677&sw=1920

Construction Started on Monday, May 15!
The Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project
On Monday, May 15 the Community Connectivity Sidewalk Project began. This project creates approximately 5,500 linear feet of new sidewalk, within the Town Center and along School Road. Completion of the project will improve walkability on both the school and municipal campuses. The project will provide students with a safer pathway to and from the Weston Shopping Center via the newly completed Flashing Beacon Crosswalk across Weston Road. The project is funded from the State’s Community Connectivity Program Grant Program and will cover 100% of the construction cost.  The Town was responsible for engineering of the project, including all costs associated with design. All work on School Road will start after the end of the school year to prevent any disruption. See here for more information about our pedestrian safety projects. https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/public-works/infrastructure-projects/pedestrian-safety-projects and here for the most recent podcast on the project: https://vimeo.com/820579482

New Employees & Promotions

Director of Public Works and Facilities

We are thrilled to announce that Larry Roberts, currently director of the Communications Center, was appointed Weston’s Director of Public Works and Facilities Management at the  June 1 BOS meeting. He will be starting on 6/12, as John Conte is retiring. Larry has lived in Weston for 30 years and has been running the town’s emergency dispatch operation since early 2021. He also currently oversees Town facilities and major projects since the departure of the last Town Administrator. Please join us in congratulating Larry.

Human Services Case Worker
We are excited to announce an addition to the Weston Human Services team, Rashida Miller, who will fill the position of Human Services Case Worker.  Rashida has her Master’s in Social Work from Hahnemann University and her social work experience includes working with children and families providing case management and counseling services. Rashida is a resident of Weston and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of community members. She joined the Human Services team on Monday, June 5th, in the Town Hall Annex. Please join us in welcoming her.

Assistant Tax Collector
We are so pleased to announce that Jen Morse is our new Assistant Tax Collector.  Jen started work on Tuesday, May 30.  Many of you may know Jen for her years of service as Treasurer for the PTOs and we are thrilled to have her as part of our Town Hall team.

We are Hiring!
Open positions include Senior Center Assistant Program and Communications Coordinator, Communications Center Director, and Town Administrator.  Visit our website for more information: https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/town-hall/municipal-job-openings

Message from the Weston Assessor's Office
The 2023 Revaluation is upon us and inspections have been happening since March 2023.  The areas of Town being inspected will be posted and updated throughout the entire collection process.  Data Collectors will have badges for identification as well as their cars being 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

Message from Weston Police Department
Weston Police Department urges everyone to prioritize vehicle safety and take necessary precautions to protect your property.

Lock it up: Always remember to lock your vehicles, even when parked at your own residence. Opportunistic thieves are known to target unlocked cars, making it easy for them to gain access and steal valuables.

Keep your keys safe: Never leave your keys inside your vehicle, especially when parked. Leaving keys accessible only facilitates theft and increases the risk of your vehicle being stolen.

Remove valuables: Take a moment to remove all valuable items from your vehicles. Purses, wallets, electronics, and other personal belongings left in plain sight can tempt thieves and make your vehicle a target.

Report suspicious activity: If you notice anything unusual or suspicious in your neighborhood, please contact the Weston Police Department immediately. Your vigilance can help prevent crimes and keep our community safe.

Let's work together to create a safer community for everyone. Share this reminder with your friends and family, and let's make vehicle safety our shared responsibility. If you have any information regarding the recent vehicle thefts or notice anything suspicious, please reach out to the Weston Police Department at 203-222-2600. Stay vigilant, stay safe!

Land Mobile Radio Project Is Approved at the 6/7 Special Town Meeting
A new radio system, the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network (CLMRN), will allow Weston’s Public Safety personnel to communicate more easily with our surrounding communities, therefore addressing our current lack of interoperability. The complex system will cost $4.5M to purchase and install. This system, also being adopted by Wilton, Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield, will increase the range of our communications exponentially. Thank you to all those involved who made this project possible.

EV Charger Update
The Town, using  American Rescue Plan Act funding, installed a new Electric Vehicle charger in the parking lot at Town Hall. The charger is conveniently located in the first two parking spots of the firehouse side of the Town Hall parking lot. The charger went online in January 2023 and recently the charging rate has been adjusted to better align with Weston’s sustainability efforts.  With lower charging rates (.30 kWh) and no idle time fees we encourage everyone with an EV to come by and charge up! While you wait, use our newly installed sidewalks to walk to Weston Center and do a little shopping. Charging rates will be evaluated on a quarterly basis, our goal is to promote the use of EV’s and make it as easy as possible for you to use.

From The Tax Collector
Reminder:  the Tax Collector’s office will be closed on Fridays until further notice

Social Services
Are you caring for a loved one?
Join our monthly Caregiver Support Group.  We meet every third Tuesday from 1-2:15 pm at the Weston Senior Center.  For questions or to be added to the support group email list, please get in touch with Allison Lisbon, LCSW at [email protected] Our next meeting is scheduled for June 20th.

Youth and Family Newsletter
Click here for the June Newsletter

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.

ARPA Mental Health Partnership
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. The program will begin on July 1 and is funded by ARPA.  For additional information call Weston Human Services at 203-222-2663

What’s Next in Weston?
The most recent podcasts from the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston features an interview with State Senator Ceci Maher regarding the most comprehensive gun violence prevention legislation in a decade – HB 6667. The 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. https://vimeo.com/833345221

Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation summer camps will begin on June 24. We offer full day camps as well as specialty sports camps & activities during the summer months. Tennis, Field Hockey & mountain biking, to name a few. All coached by fantastic coaches, counselors and teachers.

Bisceglie Pond passes are available now on our website and at the Recreation office at 47 Norfield Road. The Pond will open to the public on June 24

Lastly, the moment you've all been waiting for- 4th of July fireworks premier parking passes are on sale now. We have sold 1/4 of our parking spaces. The Family 4th of July Fireworks Celebration & Picnic will be on July 4th with 4 food trucks, live music and of course our wonderful fireworks experience. One of Weston's preeminent events, don't miss out. Parking Passes sold at 47 Norfield Road and on the 4th of July are CASH ONLY.

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: Assessment Appeals, Beautification, Board of Ethics, Weston Public Library, Marketing & Communications Advisory Group, Commission on Aging, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, and Veterans Affairs Committee. Elected position openings are 2 open alternate seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Please email [email protected] if you are interested.

Weston Social 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 this month's Youth & Family Social Services Newsletter

A Message from Weston Youth Services…
The school year is quickly winding down, field days are in progress on school campus, our spring WOW! programs are over and there' still time to think about your child's summer plans.  Weston Youth Services is your answer if you're looking for a half day weekly camp that is fun, exciting, and local!

Check out our wonderful offerings for children entering Grades 1-9 from June 26th through the week of July 24th. You're sure to find a lot to choose from.

SocietyCraft: Minecraft Civilization Camp and Club
Flight School Camp
Sitter Safety
Citizen Invention Camps  
Mad Science Camps
Legos Camps
Theatre Camps
Bake Your Heart Out with Gabriela!
Welcome to the Breakfast Club with Gabriela!
Sew Awesome!

So if you’re looking for one or more fabulous and local camps for your child(ren) this summer, we have you covered!  For more information, dates, grade eligibility, and to register online, please visit our website at www.westonyouthservices.org.  And if you have any questions, please contact Charlene Monn, Program Coordinator, at 203-222-2586 or email [email protected]

Weston Public Library

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

Wednesday, June 14th @ 4:30 p.m. Ages 2-8. Registration required.
Join us at the library with your favorite stuffie for an exciting evening of stories and a sleepover!  Leave your stuffed friend at the library overnight, and then return on Thursday morning to hear all about the activities that they got up to while you were gone. It's sure to be a night to remember.

Weston Senior Center

UPCOMING TRIPS
--   June 15- 12pm Captain's Cove in Bridgeport - There are a few spots left in our van!   Please bring money for lunch and shopping!
--   June 27th- 9:30am Grace Farms Tour - $15 for the tour

LUNCHES at Norfield Church $5/pp (served buffet style in the dining hall)
--  June 21, 11:30am - Catered by Lilly's: Hero Sandwiches, chips and salad. Entertainment: Gene the Amazing Magician
--  June 28, 11:30am - Catered by Calise's: Chicken Marsala. Entertainment: Folk Singer, Suzanne Sheridan

ASK A NURSE:  11:30am Visiting Nurse of Fairfield County will be here at the Senior Center to answer your medical questions!

LECTURE SERIES: June 14th Sailing Around the World Presentation w/ Scott Kuhner
Scott Kuhner shares his slide show presentation of his sailing trip around the world with wife, Kitty by his side . “Back in 1969, I met the girl of my dreams and we got married two months later. We took our honeymoon sailing my 23 foot boat from Westport to Nantucket and back. Soon I was able to talk her into getting a bigger boat and do some offshore sailing. We bought a 30 foot Allied Seawind and in the fall of 1971 we quit our jobs and took off on what turned out to be a four year circumnavigation of the world. We went to many places including Tahiti in French Polynesia, Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, Bali, South Africa, and the Caribbean. As we were on our last leg home, we got caught in a brutal hurricane but managed to survive. That four year trip was an incredible adventure and defined our lives.”