GREETINGS AND WELCOME TO TODAY'S TOWN HALL HAPPENINGS!

FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S OPENING NOTE
This past Fall the Board of Selectmen approved conducting a revised survey (based on the 2018 Survey) to understand Weston’s demographics, priorities, and residents’ feelings about the Town. We hope you will encourage your friends and neighbors to participate. We welcome your feedback. To take the Town wide survey, you can scan the QR code below or visit westonct.gov home page to access this important questionnaire.

🎄 WESTON POLICE TOY DRIVE 🎁
The Weston Police Benevolent Association is kicking off its annual Toy Drive to help brighten the holidays for local families and children in need. We are collecting new, unwrapped toys at the Weston Police Department through December 15.

Join us on December 13 from 10–2 at the Weston Shopping Center for our Stuff a Police Cruiser event. Help us fill a patrol car with generosity and holiday spirit. We are also accepting new hats, gloves, socks, and underwear for adults and children. All donations will support Toys for Tots, Weston Social Services, and local houses of worship. Toys for Tots collection boxes are also located inside the Weston Police Department lobby for easy drop-off. Thank you for helping us make the season brighter for the community we serve.

WESTON WARM-UP FUND - WINTER DONATION CAMPAIGN 
It’s that time of year again when the days grow shorter and the chill of winter sets in. For some residents in our Weston community, the cost of home heating brings real worry and hardship.  You can help our neighbors keep the heat on by donating to the Weston Warm Up Fund. For more than 40 years, the Warm Up Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit, has been providing vital heating assistance to eligible Weston residents. Funded entirely by donors, the Warm Up Fund has become a lifeline during the coldest months.  Your gift can make a real difference, a contribution of any amount goes toward helping our neighbors keep their homes heated in the winter. Donations can be sent to PO Box 1254, Weston CT 06883 or online at  westonwarmup.com/makeadonation.html

🎄 WESTON WOMEN’S LEAGUE ANNUAL GINGERBREAD BRUNCH 🎄
Thursday, December 6 | Norfield Church Two Seatings Available: 10:30 AM & 1:00 PM
Join us for one of Weston’s most cherished holiday traditions—the Weston Women’s League Gingerbread Brunch. This beloved annual event brings our community together to celebrate the season with festive cheer, delicious light bites, and of course, the joy of decorating gingerbread houses. Held at the beautiful Norfield Church, the setting is as warm and inviting as the company. Whether you join us for the 10:30 AM or 1:00 PM seating, you’ll enjoy a magical experience perfect for families, friends, and neighbors alike. ✨ A festive tradition 🍽️ Seasonal light bites 🏠 Gingerbread house decorating 🤍 A beautiful community gathering Tickets are limited and this event sells out each year—be sure to reserve your spot today! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. We would love to see you there. https://www.westonwomensleague.org/event-details/2025-gingerbread-brunch 

GET READY TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250!
The year 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence and the founding of our country. Weston’s nonprofits, Library, schools, town departments and volunteers have planned an extensive array of programs for 2026 that will encourage discovery and engagement, and are certain to delight. Highlights will include a town-wide scavenger hunt, musical events and performances, a reenactment and immersive colonial experience, and the biggest, best-ever July 4th fireworks and field day with games for the entire family. All events are posted on the website and will be updated regularly. 

You can help make this a memorable, historic milestone for your family and all of Weston. Visit the Weston Celebrates America 250 website and purchase t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more with Weston’s commemorative logo at this site: https://www.bonfire.com/store/weston-celebrates-america-250/. Get something for everyone on your holiday gift list! 

And please also consider making a fully tax-deductible donation through the Donate page on the website. Your support is essential to the success of this program.

VALLEY FORGE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
The Town is waiting on a cost estimate proposal for the inclusion of stop sign warrant analyses and reconfiguration evaluations of both the intersection at Stagecoach Rd and Old Redding Road.  A revised application to the IWWC will not be submitted until after potential roadway changes are fully evaluated.  While in-person meetings with abutting property owners have currently been put on hold, these meetings will resume upon resubmission to the IWWC and all property owners are reminded that they will be afforded the opportunity to meet and/or ask questions prior to construction activities beginning and granting of any temporary rights for work on private property. We appreciate the patience of all project abutters and if you have any specific concerns you may contact Victoria Houle, at wickedhoule@gmail.com. Please click here for a fully detailed description of the project, funding, information sessions and timeline.

TRANSFER STATION SERVICES: NEW ADDITION
Gas Cylinder Recycling is now available at the Transfer Station. Acceptable residential gas cylinders include propane, butane, isobutane, helium, and propylene. Small cylinders should be placed in the cylinder collection barrel and large cylinders should be set up alongside the cylinder collection barrel.  Please visit the Transfer Station webpage for more information:  https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/transfer-station

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 Tuesday and fourth Wednesday of the month. ** Day Change ** Town Hall talks schedule:
2nd Tuesday of the Month - 1pm at the Town Hall
4th Wednesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall
RSVP required:   executiveassistant@westonct.gov

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. Weston’s Public Safety Team will continue to expertly guide us through storms by sending out texts, emails and automated phone calls via our Everbridge system. 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

WESTON HUMAN SERVICES

• Weston Human Services - Youth Services
  Weston Students Win State Youth Leadership Award!
  Weston High School’s Senior Connections Club has been honored with the Youth Leadership Award from the Connecticut Youth Services Association. The club a partnership between Weston Youth and Family Services, the Weston Senior Center, and Weston High School connects students with local seniors through visits, games, and shared conversation. Co-founded by Weston seniors Ryan Bigin, Wesley Arees, and Billy Maglione, with support from Gabe Miller, Rio Zullo, and Emmitt Capola, and advised by librarian Kara Swezey and Senior Center liaison Anne Bigin, the program fosters friendship across generations.  The award was presented at the CYSA Annual Conference in Hartford, recognizing Weston’s youth for their compassion, leadership, and community spirit.

• Weston Senior Center
  New Class! Thrive with Movement: With physical therapist Dr. Sachin Gianchandani, DPT An hour-long exercise circuit class, that combines expert guidance with gentle, purposeful movement. Designed specifically for individuals with Parkinsons, balance concerns or mobility challenges. Each class blends education and exercise to support strength and stability. All abilities are welcome. Monday afternoons 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Weston Senior Center. Call 203-222-2608 to sign up.

• Caregivers Support Group
  Third Tuesday of the month
  Next Meeting is December 16, 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM at the Weston Senior Center
  Please contact Melissa DiVito, LCSW for more information: 203-222-2585 or mdivito@westonct.gov
  
  
• Bereavement Support Group *New Day & Time*
  First Friday of the month
  2:00 PM- 3:00 PM at the Weston Senior Center
  Please contact Rashida Miller, MSW for more information: 203-222-2556 or rmiller@westonct.gov
  
  

FRIENDS OF THE WESTON SENIOR CENTER
The Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center (WSAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of Weston residents ages 55+. Thanks to your generosity, we fund the programs that help WSAC thrive, including memorable trips, welcoming spaces, expanded classes, healthy summer lunches, and more. Located in the Hurlbutt Elementary School building, the Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offers everything from art and educational lectures to Broadway outings and specialized exercise programs like our new Parkinson’s class. The Town covers the essentials that keep WSAC running, and your support is what makes it vibrant, fueling the programs, connections, and experiences our seniors look forward to all year.  Thank you for considering a gift to the Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and healthy holiday season. To donate, please visit https://westonseniorcenter.info/friends-donate.html  or send donations made payable to: Friends of the Weston Senior Activities Center, P.O. Box 1287, Weston, CT 06883

WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY 

Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebration
Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm
Come enjoy a lighthearted talk about Jane Austen and the role of dance in her life and novels. Then kick up your heels with two easy dances associated with Jane: the "Boulanger" mentioned in Pride & Prejudice and the "Savage Dance" from her family music book using instructions written in Jane's own hand! No experience needed! Lecture and dance presented by social dance historian, Susan de Guardola.  A birthday wouldn't be complete without treats. Mini-cupcakes and tea will round out this exciting afternoon as we celebrate and learn more about one of the world's most famous authors, Jane Austen. Feel free to wear a birthday hat or your favorite Jane Austen-style dress!  Click https://westonpl.librarycalendar.com/event/jane-austen-program-4271 to register   This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library and the Weston History & Culture Center. 

Virtual Gallery and Art Tour with Riva Blumenfeld: Chelsea and Tribeca Gallery Tour (ZOOM)
Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00pm
It's time to run around the galleries in Chelsea and Tribeca in the comfort of our homes, as we look at the plethora of wonderful shows this Fall. Featured artists include painter Katherine Bradford, photographer Samuel Fosso, painter Sasha Gordon, painter Robert Kobayashi, and conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas.  Don't miss out on our Fall gallery round-up! Registration is required. Click https://westonpl.librarycalendar.com/event/virtual-gallery-and-art-tour-riva-blumenfeld-chelsea-and-tribeca-gallery-tour-4685   to register. Zoom information will be in the confirmation and reminder emails.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

The Kansal Clunker - A Weston Story Author Talk
Sunday, December 21 at 3:00pm
Join us for a special book signing and author conversation with Weston's Own Neil and Ruchin Kansal. Neil and Ruchin's memoir, The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us, began right here in Weston, when Neil was a Weston High School Senior. What started as restoring a rusted Acura Integra turned into a 5,000-mile journey that reignited family bonds and inspired thousands. Registration is requested for this free event. Click https://westonpl.librarycalendar.com/event/kansal-clunker-4126   For more information on the authors, the book, and their experience, visit thekansalclunker.com.  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library. 

Historic Minis: American War of Independence Game!
Monday, December 29 at 5:00pm
Come and play with the Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, Next Gen Inc. who have great experience in running games that are fun and challenging for players. In this session, youth ages 12-18 will be reenacting battles from the Revolutionary War. Lots of fun, and learn some history as well!  Space is limited so registration is required. Click https://westonpl.librarycalendar.com/event/historic-minis-american-war-independence-game-4683 to register!

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, Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Assessment Appeals Alternate, Beautification Committee, Building Committee, Board of Ethics, Historic District Commission Alternate, Children & Youth Commission, Marketing & Communications Committee, Conservation Commission, Sustainable Weston, 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.

With gratitude,
Sam

PS: Check out my previous THH by visiting the following link!   https://www.westonct.gov/about-us/advanced-components/list-detail-pages/news-list