FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S OPENING NOTE
Have you seen the banners outside Town Hall or the Onion Barn? Weston has officially kicked off our celebration of the Semiquincentennial founding of America and the creation of the Declaration of Independence.  The celebration will continue all year long with dozens of events to enjoy throughout the year; you can learn more about our plans, including a live reenactment, historic house tour, musical performances, Family Field Day and Town Picnic, a time capsule burial and many more events on the Weston Celebrates America 250 website. You can also show your spirit by picking up commemorative merchandise, designed by a Weston resident and available from Bonfire. You can learn more about this incredible year of events by checking out the website, attending Speak Up on March 21 at the Town Green or emailing questions to the contact on the town website.

LEGAL NOTICE: HOMEOWNERS 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.

PARKS AND RECREATION
The Parks & Recreation team has been busy building an outstanding lineup of Spring and Summer programs for our community! This spring, we’re excited to introduce NEW After School Flag Football at the Middle School. Students at WMS and WIS can also join our brand-new Back Yard Games program—featuring favorites like spike ball, cornhole, and more. WOW! Programming offers activities like Yoga, Acting, STEM and so much more.  In addition, we’re adding After School Swim Lesson options for ages 3–14, offering even more opportunities.   Spring and Summer registrations opened on-line Monday March 9 at 10:01 PM.

Please note that space is limited and programs may sell out quickly. In-person registration started Tuesday March 10 at 9:00 am.  Parks and Recreation team members are available to help with registration questions during office hours (Monday – Friday 9:00 am-4:30pm)  For complete program details, click here to visit our Parks & Recreation website.

WESTON RECEIVES DESIGNATION OF A HEARTSAFE COMMUNITY
The CT Department of Public Health notified the Town of Weston on January 5, 2026 that the Town has met the renewal requirements of a designated HEARTSafe Community.  This three-year redesignation recognizes our community's continued commitment to provide improved cardiac response and care to the residents of our community utilizing the "Chain of Survival" of early 9-1-1 access, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation and advanced care.   Click here to learn more about the HEARTSafe Program

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.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ANNUAL SPEAK-UP EVENT
March 21, 10:30 – 12:00
Weston Public Library
Speak Up brings together elected town officials, chairs of appointed boards, committees, and commissions, Town Administrator, Chief of Police, Superintendent of Schools, and other key officials to address residents questions and concerns about community and government issues. This annual event takes place at the Weston Public Library Community Room, light refreshments will be available. 

ITS STILL BUDGET SEASON!

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 was posted for review on February 5th.

• Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 pm – Board of Finance holds public hearing on budget request at Weston Middle School
• 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.

Past Meetings can be viewed on our Vimeo channel: Weston Government TV’s Videos on Vimeo

• 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.
• 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).

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. Along with meeting videos of the following meetings:

• 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 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).

PLANNED REMOVAL OF PLAYGROUND AT KEENE PARK DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS
The Town of Weston Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled the removal of the playground structure at Keene Park on River Road due to ongoing public safety concerns, vandalism, and repeated graffiti that compromised the integrity of the equipment. The Public Works Department staff will remove the structure in the next two weeks. Keene Park has been a valued community space since the 1970s as Weston’s first public park. The playground, constructed in 1999 through a community-led effort, has served generations of local families for more than two decades as a gathering place for recreation and connection.  In recent months, the playground has experienced escalating vandalism and damage. Routine   inspections identified safety hazards that could not be adequately addressed through standard maintenance or repairs. Despite increased monitoring, repeated cleaning, and repair efforts, the structure continued to deteriorate. Continued investment in repairing an ageing and repeatedly damaged playground was no longer a sustainable or fiscally responsible use of public resources. Removal became necessary to ensure the safety of park visitors.  “The safety of our residents — especially our children — is always our top priority,” said Joe Parciasepe, Parks and Recreation Director. “While we understand this playground held special meaning for many families, we could not allow continued use of equipment that posed a risk of injury.”

The Town recognizes this decision may be disappointing and appreciates the community’s understanding. Parks and Recreation will begin evaluating future options for the site, including potential park improvements. Community input will be encouraged as planning moves forward. Updates will be posted on the Parks and Recreation website (westonct.gov/parksandrec), Town Hall Happenings, Facebook, Instagram, and through the Everbridge Community Alert System under “Parks and Recreation Updates.” Residents are encouraged to report vandalism or suspicious activity to local authorities or the Parks and Recreation Department. Maintaining safe and welcoming parks is a shared community effort. For additional information, please contact: Joe Parciasepe, Parks and Recreation Director, Weston Parks & Recreation at Jparciasepe@westonct.gov

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

THE WESTON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS EXCITED TO LAUNCH A NEW STORYTIME PROGRAM AT THE WESTON PUBLIC LIBRARY!
Weston Public Library
 3:30 PM
 Wednesday, March 18
Join us on Wednesday, March 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.
Upcoming Storytime Dates (all at 3:30 PM):

• 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, click the link below 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
• Please join the youth and families newsletter mailing list!   https://mailchi.mp/westonct.gov/visit-the-weston-youth-family-newsletter-for-the-latest-community-updates-and-resources

RARE BOOKS: WHAT ARE THEY WORTH
March 21 at 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Weston History & Culture Center
Did you inherit old books and wonder what they’re worth? Then join bookseller Edward Crafts at the Weston History & Culture Center in Weston, CT on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2pm for “Rare Books – What Are They Worth”. The lecture concludes with one-on-one valuations, only one book per family. Whether you are downsizing, moving, settling an estate or redecorating, you may want to find a new home for treasured books. Weston resident Edward Crafts tells you how to assess your books’ value, and explains your options: dealers, auctions, Internet sales or donation. Bring in a book for an on-the-spot valuation! About the Presenter: Mr. Crafts is a bookseller of almost 25 years experience. His Ebay store (Ed’s Bookshelf) has sold over 6000 volumes, ranging from children’s books to 16th and 17th-century treasures. He is conversant in several foreign languages and specializes in vintage books, illustrated books, classical sheet music and transportation-related items. He volunteers at both the Weston and Westport Libraries, helping to organize book sales and Internet sales. Click here to register! Co-sponsored by Friends of the Weston Public Library and the Weston History & Culture Center.

SUNDAY SOUNDSCAPES – TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MUSIC
Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Weston Public Library
Noted virtuoso Masayo Ishigure will highlight a program of traditional Japanese music in the Weston Library’s Sunday Soundscapes series. Ms. Ishigure has received degrees in both koto and shamisen performance, and is one of the few disciples of the great masters Tadao and Kazue Sawai. Since coming to the United States, she has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Japan Society, the Metropolitan Museum and other venues in New York City. She has appeared as a guest artist with the Seattle Symphony, the San Diego Symphony, the Hartford Symphony and the New Haven Symphony, and has concertized around the world. She has been featured in multiple television broadcasts and has recorded along with Yitzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy Award-winning soundtrack from the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” (SAYURI), composed by John Williams. Since 2010 Ms. Ishigure has taught koto at Wesleyan University, CT and at Columbia University in NYC. A donation of $20 for adults and $10 for students is suggested, but not required. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. To reserve seats, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masayo-ishigure-plays-traditional-japanese-music-tickets-1980709177469?aff=oddtdtcreator  This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weston Public Library.

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.

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.

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, 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