FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S OPENING NOTE
Last night I presented the First Selectwoman’s budget to my colleagues on the Board of Selectmen. Over the next few weeks, we will discuss and deliver the Board of Selectmen proposed budgets. It is crucial to keep in mind that the final decision on this budget lies in the hands of the residents in our Town. I kindly request that you stay well-informed (all relevant dates and meeting information can be found below) and actively engage in this important process. The discussions begin next week so I hope you can tune in.

TOWN OF WESTON: HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Municipal Buildings will be closed on Monday, February 16
Transfer Station will be closed on Tuesday, February 17 (in addition to regular closures on Sun. & Mon.)

SAND AND SALT AT PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY
Residents of Weston can stop by the Public Works Department located at 78 Old Hyde Road if they need salt or sand to help with snow and ice removal. How this works:

• The salt and sand are for Weston residents to use at their own home. Please, no commercial use, no landscapers.
• Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM. Please do not enter the facility outside of these hours.
• Bring your own buckets, we allow two 5 gallon buckets per household.
• We have a shovel here for you to use.
• Inside the barn there is salt. This is manufactured for use on roadways and is a powerful deicer. Use it sparingly on your driveways and walkways, a little goes a long way. Although it is brown in color, it is pure salt.
• Outside the barn is a large pile of sand, if you prefer to not use salt you can take two bucket of sand or a mixture of the two.
• Lastly, no climbing on the piles! Please keep your children safely in the car.

LEGAL NOTICE: HOMEOWENERS AND TOTALLY DISABLED TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
The Town of Weston Assessor's Office will be collecting applications from February 2nd to May 15th, 2026 from qualified homeowners for the following two state Tax Relief Programs who meet the eligibility criteria. The State of Connecticut Tax Credit Program for Elderly and/or Totally Disabled Homeowners (Connecticut General Statute 12-170aa) applicants must be 65 years or older as of December 31, 2025, or 100% disabled per the Social Security Administration, and own or have life use of a property, and have a maximum 2025 gross income of $46,300 for single applicants or $56,500 for married applicants.

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


WESTPORT-WESTON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TASK FORCE
We’re excited to share to share that the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force has expanded and is now the Westport–Weston Domestic Violence Task Force.  This change reflects the work we’ve already been doing together across both towns and our shared commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. This move is about strengthening collaboration, expanding access to resources, and increasing our ability to reach people who may need support but don’t always know where to turn. The Task Force works closely with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) to raise awareness, provide education, and support families through community drives and outreach efforts. This expanded partnership allows us to do that work more effectively and with greater reach across both communities. Weston residents interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to reach out to Rashida Miller, MSW, Youth & Family Social Worker for Weston Human Services, at rmiller@westonct.gov or 203-222-2556.

ITS BUDGET SEASON!
WESTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGET INFORMATION
The Weston Public School proposed operating and capital budgets, along with supplemental documentation can be found on the district website under Board of Education/Budget.

• January 5, 7-9 PM: Presentation of the Superintendent's Proposed Operating & Capital Budgets
• January 6, 9 AM-1 PM: BOE Budget Workshop
• January 14, 7-9 PM: PUBLIC FORUM #1 for community members to participate in public comment
• January 15, 9 AM-12 PM: BOE Budget Workshop
• January 22, 7-9 PM: PUBLIC FORUM #2 for community members to participate in public comment
• January 26, 9 AM-12 PM: BOE Budget Workshop
• January 27, 7-9 PM: BOE Approval of Proposed FY27 Operating & Capital Budgets
• January 29, 7-9 PM: (if needed) BOE Approval of Proposed FY27 Operating & Capital Budgets

TOWN BUDGET MEETING CALENDAR
The public is highly encouraged to participate in this year’s budget process.  Below is the meeting schedule that was approved by the Board of Selectmen on 12/15. The Town budget will be posted for review on February 5th.

• Thursday February 5, 2026, 7:00 pm – First Selectwoman Presents Town Budget request to Board of Selectmen
• Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:00 pm – Board of Selectmen reviews Board of Education’s budget request.
• Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5:00 pm – Board of Selectmen reviews First Selectwoman’s budget request.
• Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:30 pm – Public Comment on the Town Budget
• Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 7:30 pm – Board of Selectmen votes on and transmits First Selectwoman’s and Board of Education budgets to Board of Finance. Board also nominates moderator for ATBM.
• Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request.
• Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Selectmen’s budget request
• Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6 pm – Board of Finance reviews Board of Education’s budget request and Board of Selectmen’s Budget (if necessary).
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request
• Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6 pm – Board of Finance budget deliberation meeting.
• Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 8 pm – Annual Town Budget meeting at the High School Auditorium.
• Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12pm to 8 pm –Annual Town Budget Referendum at the Town Hall.
• May 4 – Board of Finance meets to set mill rate.

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. 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 Wednesday of the Month - 6pm at the Town Hall
RSVP required: executiveassistant@westonct.gov

FROM THE WESTON TAX COLLECTOR – NOTICE OF TAXES DUE
The second installment of real estate and personal property taxes as well as the supplemental motor vehicle taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, are due and payable on January 1, 2026. Failure to pay by February 2, 2026, will result in a delinquent payment with interest of 1-1/2% per month starting with the January 1st due date per State Statute 12-145. The minimum interest charge is $2.00.

If you no longer have a vehicle that you received a bill for, you must present proof to the Tax Assessor.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (203) 222-2694. Taxpayers have several options to pay their bill. You can pay in person during town hall hours from 9 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. Town Hall is located at 56 Norfield Road. Alternatively, you can put your payment in the drop box outside the side entrance to Town Hall, mail the payment, or pay online at:  paymybills.link/Weston. Service fees will apply. If you do not receive a tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector.  

Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse the taxpayer from tax and delinquent interest (C.G.S.12-130).

WESTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS BRICKS AND MORTAR NEWSLETTER
Read the brand-new Bricks and Mortar newsletter to get the most up to date information on the BOE facilities meetings.  Here is a direct link:  https://app.smore.com/n/dpz7x

IT'S HERE – WESTON CELEBRATES AMERICA 250!
Have you seen the banners outside Town Hall or the Onion Barn? Weston has officially kicked off our celebration of the founding of America and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. The celebration will continue all year long with a town-wide scavenger hunt, musical events and performances, a reenactment and immersive colonial experience, and a July 4th weekend that includes our best fireworks show ever, a family field games day and town picnic. You can help make this a memorable, historic milestone for your family and all of Weston. Visit the Weston Celebrates America 250 website to see our calendar of events and purchase t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more with Weston’s commemorative logo.

THE WESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS EXCITED TO LAUNCH A NEW STORYTIME PROGRAM AT THE WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY!
Weston Public Library
 3:30 PM
 Wednesday, February 18
Join us on Wednesday, February 18, at 3:30 PM for a fun and friendly Storytime where kids can meet a police officer and enjoy a short kindness-themed story.  This month’s story is from Paw Patrol: 5-Minute Kindness Stories, perfect for young readers and listeners.
Storytime Dates (all at 3:30 PM):

• Wednesday, February 18
• Wednesday, March 18
• Wednesday, April 22
• Wednesday, May 20

It is a great chance for kids to meet an officer in a relaxed, positive setting and ask questions in a comfortable environment.  We hope to see you and your little ones there.

WESTON HUMAN SERVICES
Caregiving takes many forms. You might help with grocery shopping, drive to appointments, manage insurance calls, assist with personal care, or simply be the family coordinator. Caregiving can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging—both feelings can be true at the same time. It’s normal to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure.

The good news is that support exists! Our Monthly Caregivers Support Group offers a safe and caring space to share your story, listen to others, and find comfort in knowing you are not alone. Together, we’ll share resources, offer tips, and explore self-care strategies.

Join us every third Tuesday of the month from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at the Weston Senior Activities Center. For more information or to be added to the list, please contact Melissa DiVito, LCSW, at mdivito@westonct.gov

• 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. To learn more  episode that features the Senior Connections Club. It does a great job highlighting what the club is all about and really captures the positive impact it’s having. The discussion gives a thoughtful and authentic look at how the program works and why it’s such a meaningful and growing movement for both students and seniors. I thought you might enjoy listening and appreciate how well the club’s mission and value come through. https://apersonaljourneywithmartintubridy.buzzsprout.com/2295753/episodes/18621504
• 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
  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

WESTON TOWN CENTER INTERSECTION & PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT (LOTCIP FUNDED)
The LOTCIP funded Town Center Intersection & Pedestrian Improvements Project has recently been awarded to Priority Landscaping, LLC and will begin construction this Spring. Improvements to be constructed as part of this project include:

• Traffic signal improvements, addition of a right-turning lane on Weston Road (CT Route 53/57) at the intersection of School Rd.
• Construction of approximately 800 linear feet of new sidewalk along Norfield Rd extending along the Town Hall frontage to Norfield Church.
• Construction of new sidewalk and path connection, approximately 1,800 linear feet in length, along Revson field continuing down Lords Highway to the intersection of Old Hyde Rd.

These improvements will result in much desired pedestrian safety and traffic congestion improvements in the Weston Town Center area, including Town Schools, Municipal Buildings, the Town Library and other destinations within Town Center.

As a reminder, the construction phase of this project, estimated as $1.87 million, is being funded with 100% state funds through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (CT DOT) Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP). Questions about this project may be directed to Victoria Houle, Project Management Consultant for State and Federally Funded Projects, at wickedhoule@gmail.com.

LYONS PLAIN RD REHABILITATION (LOTCIP FUNDED)
The LOTCIP funded portion of the Lyons Plain Rd Rehabilitation Project, which extended from the Weston/Westport townline to the Davis Hill Rd/Kellogg Hill Rd/Valley Forge Rd intersection is now complete! This project included pavement rehabilitation as well as needed drainage improvements and installation of new guiderail and timber obstruction markers. The total project cost came in at $2.7 million which was 100% funded with state funds through a CT DOT’s LOTCIP grant.

Town staff have also heard the resident concerns with the look of the new guiderail and has obtained a cost estimate for future painting of the metal guiderails a brown color similar to that used on the Davis Hill Rd bridge and is looking to secure funding in conjunction with the upcoming FY27 budget. If funding is approved, guardrails can be painted as early as this Summer.

Questions about this project may be directed to Victoria Houle, Project Management Consultant for State and Federally Funded Projects, at wickedhoule@gmail.com.

VALLEY FORGE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION (FUTURE LOTCIP FUNDED)
The Town’s consultant, SLR, is currently working on preparing updated plans, including improvements to better align the intersections of Old Stage Coach Rd and Old Redding Rd at Valley Forge Rd. A revised application will also be prepared, with updated information on potential wetland impacts, to be submitted to the Weston Conservation Commission at a future date this Spring. Town staff have met with many of the owners along the roadway to discuss their initial concerns and questions and while in-person meetings with abutting property owners have currently been put on hold, these meetings will resume upon resubmission of a wetlands permit application.

All property owners are reminded that they will be afforded the opportunity to meet and/or ask questions prior to granting any temporary rights to work on private property and construction activities beginning.

We appreciate the patience of all project abutters and if you have any specific concerns, you may contact Victoria Houle, Project Management Consultant for State and Federally Funded Projects, at wickedhoule@gmail.com.

PARKS & RECREATION - TWO GREAT WESTON PARKS AND REC EVENTS HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY!

**FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13: Family Ski Trip to Stratton Mountain in Vermont**
NO SCHOOL! Family Ski Trip to Stratton Mountain, Vermont
Join us for a fun-filled day of skiing and snowboarding at one of Vermont’s finest ski resorts!
Ages: 5+ welcome (children in 6th grade and under must be accompanied by an adult chaperone) 
Departure: Weston Middle School at 5:00 AM (sharp!)
Pricing: The cost includes bus transportation and lift ticket. Rentals and lessons can be purchased directly through the mountain prior to our trip.

• Lift & Bus: $285
• Bus Only: $160 (IKON pass holders or those just along for the ride)
  Space is limited — GET REGISTERED. CLICK HERE!

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: Building Committee, Board of Ethics, 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