FIRST SELECTWOMAN’S OPENING NOTE
At long last we are in the final stage of the budget process. After months of deliberation, debate and discussion, the passing of the operating budgets of Town and the Schools as well as Capital budget are going to be in our citizens hands. Please vote on May 2^nd at Town Hall from 12-8pm.  (absentee ballots are available from the Town Clerk Monday thru Friday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm)  https://www.westonct.gov/government/municipal-departments/finance.

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.

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.

AMERICA 250
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 on the town website.   

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

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Registration is OPEN! Secure Your Summer Camp Spot Before Prices Increase!  Summer is closing in fast, and spots for Summer 2026 are filling up quickly! If you haven't registered your child for Weston Summer Camps or WOW Camps yet, now is the time to act.

Registration is officially OPEN! However, our early-bird pricing ends soon. Camp fees for our classic summer camps will increase on May 1st!  Don't miss out on five action-packed weeks from June 29 through July 31- Please remember to register your child for the grade they will enter in Fall 2026.

🏕️ Weston Summer Camp Lineup

• Junior (Pre K & entering K): A great introduction to summer camp and an excellent way to make new friends before school starts! Hours: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm MORE Camp available 1:00 - 3:00 pm *additional fees apply. .  Cost: $375 per week or $1775 for 5 weeks
• Soaring Eagles (Gr. 1 & 2): The perfect high-energy summer kickoff for our younger campers! Campers will enjoy on-site events and local trips. Hours: 8:30 am - 1:00 pm MORE Camp available 1:00 - 3:00 pm *additional fees apply.  Cost: $400 per week or $1900 for 5 weeks
• Stars (Rising 3rd - 5th Graders): Action-packed weeks featuring on-site events and local trips! Highlights include the Grit Ninja mobile course, Greenwood Cinema, and an epic finale at Jumpz/Thrillz and Quassy.  Cost: $425 per week or $2025 for 5 weeks.
• All Stars (Rising 6th - 8th Graders): The ultimate adventure tier! We hit the road for exciting field trips! Excursions include Powder Ridge Mountain, Lake Compounce, Club Getaway, Brownstone Park, Thrillz/Jumpz, and Quassy Park.  Cost: $450 fees per week / $2150 for 5 weeks.

✨ WOW Camps Lineup:  Looking for something specialized to spark their creativity? WOW Summer Camps run Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 12:00pm at Weston Intermediate School! Note: When registering, you must click the SUMMER CAMP programs and click to page 3 to find all WOW camps.

• Week 1 (June 29 - July 2): Choose from Knitting 101, Photo Camp, or Video Game and Game Controller Design!
• Week 2 (July 6 - 10): Exciting options include Science Potions and Explosions Lab, Summer Art Camp (Animals), and Yoga.
• Week 3 (July 13 - 17): Keep them engaged with Chess Wizards, Lego Spike Prime System Coding, or Summer Art Camp (All Nature).
• Week 4 (July 20 - 24): Spark their imagination with Clay Creations, Mad Science Spark STEM Lab, or My First Lemonade Stand.
• Week 5 (July 27 - 31): Finish the summer strong with Aspiring Fashionistas, Creative Robotics, or Dino Design Legos!
•  

⏳ Beat the Price Hike!  Space is strictly limited across all programs. Registering today guarantees your child's spot and locks in the lowest possible rate!

• 🚨 First Price Increase: May 1st
• 🚨 Second Price Increase: June 12th (Late fees will apply)

👉 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Registrations should be done at westonct.gov/parksandrec. Make sure your child's age/grade are accurate in our system. If you need any assistance getting signed up, our team is standing by to help at 203-222-2655 or visit us online at www.westonct.gov/parksandrec.  Let’s make this the best summer yet!

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

GREEN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY
April 25
Friendly Reminder to Leaders / Friends / Do Gooders:  It is starting to turn green and time to spring into action! Your participation will make a difference in a cleaner greener Weston. Whether it is the road / street you live on, or public areas. YOU DECIDE and your efforts will help make Weston look even nice. This year, Green Up Day is Saturday, April 25, 2026, the last Saturday in April per CT Act passed in the mid-1990s.  Weston Kiwanis has been championing this local annual event for over 50 years.

New for 2026:

• Efficiency: You don't pick up trash bags from Kiwanis at Norfield Church. Start whenever you'd like, using your own bags.
• Logistics: Pick up trash wherever you decide. When you are finished, just drop the trash you collected at the Weston Transfer Station (237 Godfrey Road East) and mention "Weston Kiwanis Green Up Day" and they will collect for free and tally.
• Optional: Send me pictures of your trash (to this email address Harry.L.Spencer@gmail.com).

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://www.westonps.org/campus-revitalization

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 203-222-2608to 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

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 has begun construction. 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 Stagecoach 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

      Sidewalks in front of Town Hall!