Local news- Press Release
Weston, CT California - Town Hall Happenings 05 20 2022 20 May 2022 ( news )
Weston, CT , state California ( By Press Release office)
May 20,2022
| 37| 2
Greetings Weston and welcome to today’s Town Hall Happenings ( THH ) .
Opening Note:
Today’s Opening note is a shout out to the Weston Volunteer EMS on the occasion of National EMS Week . Thank you for your past ( and future ) service protecting and caring for our residents . 2022 EMS week reminds us to pause for a moment and reflect on all that you have accomplished this year and the sacrifices you make for our town . We are so grateful for your efforts!
Roadwork:
Tannery Lane South will be milled on Monday , May 23rd . Work will take place from the intersection of Steep Hill Road to the intersection of Tannery Lane North . Please drive slowly while work is taking place . Avoid the road altogether , if possible .
The Town plans to mill and pave the following roads over the next few months:
Davis Hill Road
from the intersection of Steep Hill Road to the intersection of Valley Forge Road . Driveway aprons to be repaired are associated with house numbers 66 , 89 , 95 and 111 . This Road also includes the entrance apron to Martin Road .
Merry Lane
from the intersection of Georgetown Road to the complete circle of Merry Lane back to Georgetown Road . Driveway aprons to be repaired are at house numbers 12 , 45 , 42 , and 30 .
Tannery Lane South
from the intersection of Steep Hill Road to the intersection of Tannery Lane North . Driveway apron to be repaired is at house number 42 .
Trails End Road
from the intersection of Georgetown Road to the intersection of Langer Lane . Driveway aprons to be repaired are at house numbers 81 , 71 , 37 , 22 , 29 , and 17 .
Farrell Road
from the intersection of Steep Hill Road to House number 30 . Driveway aprons to be repaired are at house numbers 16 and 24 .
Lords Highway
from the intersection of Newtown Turnpike to the intersection of Birch Hill Road . Driveway aprons to be repaired area at house numbers 42 and 58 .
Crosswalk News!
This week , the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation has begun an exciting pedestrian safety project on Weston Road . The State hired the NyConn Corporation to install two Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons - one near the Weston Shopping Center signage and the other directly across the road from that signage . The underground construction portion of the work is expected to conclude next week . The installation of the beacons themselves should be completed by NyConn sometime in July - depending on weather .
Public Hearing for Allocation of American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ) Funds
Attention residents:
a fully remote Public Hearing hosted by both the Weston Boards of Selectmen and Finance to be held virtually on Zoom on May 26 , 2022 at 6 pm for the purpose of receiving public comment on a proposed list of projects to be funded through American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ) totaling $3 , 034 , 000 . Said list is available online at
https://www . westonct . gov/government/municipal - departments/finance
and in hard copy format in the office of the Town Clerk . Please email feedback if unable to attend to
rbaldwin@westonct . gov
and
snestor@westonct . gov
.
Visit
https://us02web . zoom . us/j/84113578259
to participate via internet . To join via phone , dial 312 626 6799 and enter webinar ID 8411357825
BOS Meetings Access
Please feel free to Zoom into the virtual BOS 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
Questions for Constituent Corner may be emailed to
snestor@westonct . gov
and I will either answer you myself or forward you on to the right people!
Covid - 19 updates and information are posted regularly on the town website . Please see here
https://www . westonct . gov/government/municipal - departments/emergency - management/covid - 19
for more information .
Highlights from the BOS 5/19 Regular Meeting
Moment of Silence & BOS statement on the mass shooting in Buffalo , New York: First Selectwoman Nestor called for a moment of silence . After , Selectman Mohabeer read aloud the following statement:
“The killing in Buffalo is not just a local tragedy . It’s a national crisis . It’s a societal loss . When one life is taken by hatred based on the color of a person’s skin , we all are damaged . Sadly , we are here again . This was not just a random act of violence . More needs to be done to curtail the easy access to firearms . More needs to be done to dismantle the systemic blocks of racism . History has taught us that when we stay silent on issues of inequity , we are complicit in the violence that follows . Let’s unite and make our voices heard that we will have zero tolerance for hatred in any form . No more thoughts and prayers . We need real action . ”
Proclamation honoring the Daniel E . Offutt III charitable trust and Dick Orenstein
:
First Selectwoman Nestor read aloud a proclamation honoring Dick Orenstein . Several members of the Weston Community expressed their gratitude towards Mr . Orenstein , including Tom Socha ( Green Team ) , Karen Tatarka ( Library ) , John Weingarten ( Weston EMS ) , Mike Schlecter ( Weston EMS ) , Pam Kersey ( Weston Historical Society ) , and Claudia & John Hahn ( Weston Arts & Beautification Committee ) . Mr . Orenstein expressed his appreciation for the comments made by everyone .
Support for Ukraine
Big Dreams Children Foundation Inc
. is raising funds to support
Ukrainian civilians during the war
. Consider supporting its mission to address
specific needs of
Ukrainian people
at the right time
during this humanitarian catastrophe
. Email Weston resident Iryna Akolzina for more information:
mewithukraine@gmail . com
Big Dreams website
:
http://www . bigdreamscf . org/ukraine - humanitarian - aid
Link to donate
:
https://www . paypal . com/donate/?hosted_button_id=82BBTYF39YEK4
Please visit the Town of Weston Facebook page (
https://www . facebook . com/westonct . gov
) to see the results of our efforts to date . Sara can you please add this .
Get Rid of Your Hazardous Waste
Weston residents have multiple opportunities in 2022 to get rid of household hazardous waste: Below is a schedule of regional collection events that Westonites can participate in:
- June 4th from 9 am to 1 pm in
Bethel
at Bethel High School
- September 10th from 9 am to 1 pm in
Weston
at Hurlbutt Elementary School
- October 8th from 9 am to 3 pm in
New Milford
at John Pettibone School
- November 12th from 9 am to 2 pm in
Brookfield
at Brookfield High School
- April ( exact date to be determined ) from 9 am to 2 pm in
Danbury
at the Public Works Facility
- May ( exact date to be determined ) from 9 am to 2 pm in
Newtown
at a Public Works Facility
No need to bring money . Each town gets billed for the waste that their own residents drop off . For details about what to bring and location addresses , please visit the website of the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority here:
https://hrra . org/household - hazardous - waste/
Volunteers Needed!
The following appointed boards have positions available: Commission for the Arts , Assessment Appeals , Beautification , DEI Advisory Committee , Historic District Commission , Insurance Advisory Committee , Parks and Recreation , Sustainable Weston and the Veterans Affairs Committee .
Social Services
Governor Ned Lamont announced the launch of
MyHomeCT
– a new State of Connecticut program that is providing mortgage relief to homeowners who have experienced financial hardships due to the COVID - 19 pandemic . CT homeowners who have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID - 19 pandemic may be eligible for assistance with both mortgage and non - mortgage expenses . For more information about eligibility and to apply , please visit:
http://www . chfa . org/MyHomeCT
or call 877 - 894 - 4111
Update on PFAS Remediation Efforts
As previously detailed in my previous THH’s , the Town of Weston has detected PFAS in the School/Town Drinking Water System . This week , I was informed that the prototype remediation system installed a few weeks ago has been able to dramatically reduce PFAS levels in the drinking water . The next step in the process is for the Town’s Certified Operator to submit a final remediation design to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health for review and approval . An approval would then trigger the purchase and installation of a permanent remediation system .
Cavalry Road Bridge Project Update
Paving work was recently completed . The next significant step in the process is the installation of the bridge rail and roadway approach rail . We are hoping that is finished next week . Once the rail work is complete , a final inspection takes place and then the bridge can be opened up to traffic .
Bayberry Lane Bridge Replacement Project
Traffic Detours April 28 through November 30
Westport Town Engineer Keith Wilberg has announced that the project to replace the Bayberry Lane Bridge over the Aspetuck River begins today . The scheduled closing date of the roadway is Thursday , April 28 , and is expected to continue through November 30 . Local traffic will be directed through the designated detour route - Easton Road to Coleytown Road to North Avenue to Lyons Plain Road to White Birch Road , or the reverse , as necessary . Proper road signage will be in place prior to the road closure date . Residents adjacent to the bridge have been notified of the road closure and detour . Emergency services in Westport and Weston will be notified , as will the Westport Public Schools Bussing Representative . Motorists are advised to drive with additional caution , allow extra travel time , and obey all detour and safety signals . Please direct any questions about the project and detour to Westport Town Engineer Keith Wilberg at 203 - 341 - 1128 .
Valley Forge Road Closure
Valley Forge Road Erosion Remediation Project
It is anticipated that Valley Forge Road will completely re - open to the public on Wednesday , May 25th . Until then , please observe all road closure signs and use detours . A detour is through Godfrey Road East , Catbrier Road , Lords Highway East and Davis Hill Road .
Get your Race On! Weston Memorial Day 5k Road Race - Saturday , May 28th
The Weston Memorial Day 5k is back!! Join us as Weston comes together for this annual community celebration! The 28th Annual Weston 5k is set to run Saturday , May 28th after a 2 year hiatus . The WHS PTO allocates proceeds from the Road Race to fund a variety of enhancements to the Weston High School Curriculum . Your participation will allow the continuation of the WHS PTO’s mission to support quality education and programs for our award winning schools . A short video can highlight some of the many things the WHS PTO has been able to fund over the years . Register here:
https://www . weston5k . com
LOCAL BUSINESSES: We typically have more than 1 , 000 runners , spectators and volunteers on race day . It’s a great way to gain exposure as you give back and support WHS and the community . Sponsorship Opportunities can be found on our Sponsor page using this link .
https://www . weston5k . com/Race/WestonCTMemorialDay5KRoadRace/Page - 2
What’s Up in the Weston Public Schools?
If you are curious about what is happening at our schools , tune into Superintendent Lisa Wolak’s new Podcast . Here she shares highlights about the Weston Public School District . Click
https://anchor . fm/lisa - wolak
to check it out!
Weston Memorial Day Fair Festivities are BACK!
Fair Hours:
May 27 - 30: Friday 6 - 10pm , Saturday 2 - 10pm , Sunday 2 - 10pm , Monday 12 - 4pm
Sensory Friendly - Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 2pm Tickets Are On Sale Now!
Parks and Recreation
Spring programs are underway as well as our Summer camp registrations . Our Summer Camp early bird pricing has ended . Please link here for
www . westonct . gov/parksandrec
flyers , information and registration . Many camps are filling quickly! Our camp activity calendars were released last month - please see the website for field trips and special events happening in Weston! Mountain Biking Camps have been added to the website with a week of Intermediate/Advanced riding at several locations around Weston as well as a Beginners clinic held on Campus in July . See website for more information .
Food Truck Update
Tony Pizza Napolitano is at the Library on Friday evenings . Please reserve your spot . The Food Truck will be located in the Library rear parking lot from 5 - 7:30 pm . Visit Tony Pizza Napolitano on FB or email at
tonypizzaweston@gmail . com
to reserve your pizza .
Weston Senior Center
The Weston Flea
Saturday , September 10
th
( Rain date September 11
th
)
Reserve your spots . This year we are dividing the parking lot in categories . Call us for details!
( 203 ) 222 - 2608
wpetty@westonct . gov
St . Patrick ' s Cathedral Presentation
Presented by Art Gottlieb , Historian/Educator
Monday , May 23rd , 1pm ( At the Senior Center )
A mid - Manhattan landmark and seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York , St . Patrick’s Cathedral is located directly across the street from Rockefeller Center , its twin Neo - Gothic spires rising to a soaring height of over 325 feet above 5
th
Avenue .
To Register: email Wendy ,
wpetty@westonct . gov
.
Fermi’s Paradox An Overview – Where Are All Drake’s Aliens?
Presented by William Preinitz , Explorations , LLC ( Zoom )
Monday , May 23rd , 1pm - 3pm:
Fermi’s Paradox , in contrast to the optimistic viewpoint of the original Drake Equation , asks the question , “Where are all these aliens?” . It then proposes a series of 10 immediate explanations as to why we have been unable to detect advanced alien civilizations . Simple as they are , these explanations run a gauntlet from the existential to the humorous to the downright terrifying .
To Register: email Wendy ,
wpetty@westonct . gov
.
Lunch at St . Francis Church
Wednesday , May 25th , 12:30pm
Catered by Calise ' s Market and Deli , On the menu: Chicken Parmesan
For information , email Wendy ,
wpetty@westonct . gov
.
Weston Public Library
Mindfulness Meditation with Hilary Misiano
Tuesday , May 24 , 7PM - Hybrid program
May is National Meditation Month . In recognition , please join Weston ' s own Hilary Misiano , a Mindful Schools Certified instructor , for an introduction to mindfulness meditation .
A lot of people report , and studies show , that by practicing a form of meditation , slowing down , and taking a few minutes to breathe , they find an increase in their creativity , productivity , focus and stamina . And they find a decrease in anxiety , stress and overwhelm .
You will leave with a couple of exercises that you can easily incorporate into your life . If you’re interested in having better clarity , being able to concentrate for longer and developing some equanimity , please stop by .
Hilary has been practicing mindfulness meditation for 7 years and teaching for five . In addition to mindfulness , she enjoys creating potions with essential oils and tinkering in her workshop making jewelry .
Please register at
www . westonpubliclibrary . org
.
This program will be hybrid . Participants are welcome to join us in the Library ' s Community Room , or via Zoom . A Zoom link will be sent in advance of the program .
Weston Reads: The Island of Sea Women
Wednesday , May 25 , 10:30 - 11:30AM
Join us to discuss The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See .
This story of a real - life Korean female diving collective centers on two friends who meet as young girls . Jumping between the WWII era and 2008 it depicts challenges faced by Koreans over the course of the 20th century .
Please register for this in - person program at
www . westonpubliclibrary . org
. A zoom link will be sent to those who wish to participate remotely .
Weston Reads Book Chat: Kids Level
Tuesday , May 24 @ 4:00 - 4:30 in Community Room . Registration required at
www . westonpubliclibrary . org
.
Join us for a Weston Reads Book Chat . The books read at these book chats are ones being featured as community reads in 2022 , resulting in a vote for your favorite for each of our four levels ( Early Learners , Kids , Teens and Adults ) in the Fall . Contact
apetrino@westonct . gov
if you would like a copy of the book .
Kids Level ( Ages 7 - 12 )
May:
Pay Attention , Carter Jones
by Gary D . Schmidt
Genius Bookworms: WPL Book Chat Grades 4 - 6 .
Thursday , May 26 @ 4:30 PM via ZOOM .
This book chat is comprised of children in grades 4 - 6 . Each month we select one or two titles that we read and then meet to discuss . We invite new members to join all year round! If you need a copy of the book please email
apetrino@westonct . gov
. Register at
www . westonpubliclibrary . org
.
May Discussion: Free Choice - We ask that you bring a book you loved that you would recommend for Summer Reading!
With gratitude ,
Sam
PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link!
https://www . westonct . gov/Home/Components/News/News/506/15
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