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answerbook.2010
the weston forum special section
2 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 3

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4 History The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

History
What is the town’s history? Lyons Plains and Valley Forge, once thriving villages, lingered
Weston was originally home to the Paugussett Indian tribe, as population centers. As late as the 1880s wandering Indians
called the Aspetucks — a name meaning “river originating at the still camped in the Den.
high place — by white inhabitants in the area. “Early in the 1900s artists, musicians, theatre people, writers
According to the sign in front of the Weston Town Hall, erect- and summer colonists discovered Weston, the vanguard of the
ed by the town of Weston, the Weston Historical Society, and the waves of commuters who arrived by automobile after the Sec-
Connecticut Historical Commission (text by Jim Daniel): ond World War, and brought the sleepy town vigorously back to
“Originally the Nor’field parish of old Fairfield (1639) to the life. The mixture gives Weston its special character.”
south, present Weston was divided into long lots circa 1670, Until the 1930s, Weston was farm country, made up of several
commencing our agricultural development. By 1757 there were agricultural communities, each centered around its own one-
enough families to become a separate ecclesiastical society. Dur- room school and/or local grist mill and forge. At one time there
ing the Revolution British General Tryon’s forces passed nearby were as many as seven one-room school houses in Weston.
en route to and from the burning of Danbury. To escape, Weston By the late 1940s and early 1950s, Weston was populated with
mothers fled with their children to the Devil’s Den, a wilderness a combination of farmers and business people who commuted to
landmark since earliest times. New York City and had evolved into a bedroom community with
“Near dawn, Dec. 14, 1807, a large meteorite exploded over one central school.
Weston, one of the first such phenomena recorded in America. In the late 1950s there were two remaining dairy farms; one
A 30-pound fragment became the nucleus of Yale University’s was the Waterbury farm, where Nimrod Road is now, and the
meteorite collection. other at the Lachat farm on Godfrey Road West. By the 1960s,
“Incorporated since 1787, Weston prospered from onion one was closed down and the other became Nimrod Riding Sta-
farming and other early industries. Our forested slopes provided ble.
charcoal and our rapidly falling rivers the water power for iron
forges and foundries shipping their products all over the East.
“Peaking at 2,997 in 1830, the population steadily fell off to Where did the name come from?
1,117 in 1860, 840 in 1900, and 670 in 1930. The decline re- Some say it is named after a town in England. Others say it is
sulted from the loss of territory to form Westport and Easton, the purely geographical, presumably named for being the western
opening of the richer Ohio farm lands, the rise of steam-powered section that split off when the two towns of Easton and Weston
industry on the coast, and isolation from canals and railroads. were formed in 1845.

Table of Contents
������ Complete index on pages 68-69

��������������� History.................................................4-8
Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers Demographics ......................................10
as a special section of The Weston Forum. Government.....................................12-22
Copies are also available at real estate offices, Town Officials......................................17
town hall and Chamber of Commerce. Schools ............................................23-28
For additional copies, call 203-438-6544. Public Services ................................30-33
Contents are online at TheWestonForum.com.
Emergency Services ........................35-43
Thomas B. Nash, publisher Map of Weston/Points of Interest....36-37
Kimberly Donnelly, editor
Shelagh Barrett, advertising director
Business ...............................................44
Dave Pross, account executive Shopping .........................................44-45
Cover photo by Kimberly Donnelly Property Issues ................................46-47
Cover design by Ian Murren
Map by David Raabe Health ..............................................48-54
Recreation .......................................55-60
Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: Clubs................................................62-64
editor@thewestonforum.com
Religion ................................................65
Web Sites .............................................66
Advertiser Index...................................70
©2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers
16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Conn., 06877
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 5
6 History The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Who were the first town officials? The Jarvis Military Academy on the corner of Norfield and
The selectmen of Weston in 1845 were Joseph Rowland, Weston Roads was at one time the most valuable four acres
David Patchen, and Hanford Nichols. Mr. Nichols lived in the in town — literally, since the owner, Andrews Sanford Jarvis,
Lyons Plains area, Mr. Rowland lived near the center of town mortgaged the property over and over but never recorded them
(he owned some of the land our schools now occupy) and Mr. properly in his capacity as town clerk. He not only enlarged the
Patchen was from the Newtown Turnpike/Godfrey Road area, school and failed to pay the builders, but before the end, he was
so it would seem that diversified interests were represented. actually borrowing money from his hired help. When his bank
The first town treasurer was William Noyes, the son of Rev- finally foreclosed in 1879, he was forced to record the original
erend John Noyes, and the grandson of Reverend Samuel Sher- mortgages, which he had apparently managed to conceal from
wood. Perhaps they trusted him to balance the town budget since his subsequent creditors for more than 12 years.
he and his forebears had lots of practice in making ends meet on Unfortunately, many of Weston’s interesting historic places
a limited salary. William Noyes had earlier organized a local cot- are no longer visible or visitable.
tage industry in shirt-making. Mr. Noyes kept the books for this There is the site of the Bradley Edge Tool Company on Lyons
endeavor in pounds, shilling, and pence right up to mid-century, Plain Road along the Saugatuck River, which made tools that
and it is possible he kept the town records in the same way. sold all over the country. It closed in 1911 and the buildings
The first town clerk was Matthew Buckley — the same man burned in the 1930s.
who started the Weston Boarding School (a.k.a. Jarvis Military The Coley Mill on River Road is now a private residence.
Academy) at the corner of Route 53 and Norfield Road, that Another major industrial and residential area known as Val-
was later mismanaged by his son-in-law Andrew Jarvis. Andrew ley Forge, is now under water, flooded over by the building of
Jarvis was also a town clerk, but his reputation for honesty is in the Samuel P. Senior Dam in the 1930s to make the Saugatuck
question. Matthew Buckley went on to become Weston’s repre- Reservoir. An interesting account of this is the book Village of
sentative in the State Legislature. the Dammed by local writer Jim Lomuscio. The Valley Forge
area is prized more now for its scenery and ambiance than for its
historical importance.
What are some historic points Other places of historic interest are the various cemeteries
around town, the largest being the Coley Cemetery on Weston
of interest? Road.
Norfield Church on Norfield Road, Emmanuel Church on Ly-
ons Plain Road, Banks Tavern on Lyons Plain Road, Hamilton
Toll House on Newtown Turnpike, Cobb’s Mill Inn on Cobb’s Are there any historic districts
Mill Road, and The Onion Barn (at one time, onions were a large
export business in Weston) on Weston Road each hold a place in in town?
Weston’s history. Weston has five historic districts: Norfield, Kettle Creek, Ly-
The Old Weston Post Office on Route 53, just north of the in- ons Plain, Bradley Edge Tool, and The Den.
tersection of Routes 57 and 53, is the remaining one of two that The Historic Districts Commission of Weston was established
serviced Weston in the 19th Century. in the late 1960s, and the five districts were established at different
The Coley House on Weston Road is the home of the Weston times since then, the first district being the Norfield Historic District
Historical Society. and the latest being the Den Historic District, established in 1985.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 7

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8 History The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Public Library, Weston Town Hall, and the historical society’s


Coley House.
Images of America: Weston, by Kathleen Failla (Arcadia Pub-
lishing) is a pictorial history of the town. It may be purchased
through Amazon.com or in local bookstores.
There is also Village of the Dammed by Jim Lomuscio, which
tells the story of the Valley Forge area of town that is now most-
ly covered by the Saugatuck Reservoir.
The Quarterly Chronicle is the publication of The Weston His-
torical Society, edited by Karin Giannitti. It is a comprehensive
compilation of articles about Weston history. Herb Day (former
editor of the Quarterly Chronicle) wrote many history-related
articles for that publication.
There are also many articles about various aspects of the
town’s history written by Jim Daniel, Jim Hoe, and Mary Ann
Barr that have appeared in The Weston Forum, The Westport
Town Crier and Herald, Westport Magazine, and Weston Maga-
zine. These and various other writings are in the archives of the
Weston Historical Society.

Does there a town historian?


Yes. Kathleen Failla is town historian, a volunteer position
appointed by the Board of Selectmen. She acts as a steward for
town history and serves as an advocate on historic preservation
projects. She may be reached at 544-1048.

What is the role of the historical


society?
The mission of the Weston Historical Society is as follows:
“The purpose of the society shall be to discover, procure and
preserve whatever may relate to the Coley Homestead, the town
of Weston and the region, with regard to its place in history and
to educate the public with respect to such history. Further, the
society shall actively preserve and maintain the Coley Home-
stead as an example of a prosperous Weston working farm that
evolved through the 19th and early 20th Centuries.”
The society works to provide programs for young people that
are history oriented. Coley House is open to the public on Sat-
urdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The society is run by vol-
unteers and interacts with the community by opening the Coley
Is there any place in Weston on the Homestead on a regular basis, by sponsoring various events, and
National Register of Historic Places? by encouraging residents to volunteer to help preserve our his-
Yes: The Norfield Historic District, The Kettle Creek Historic tory.
District, and The Fitch House on Goodhill Road. The society’s Web site is www.westonhistoricalsociety.org.

What are the oldest houses in town? Does the town have an archive?
There are several houses that date from the 18th Century. Not yet, but it will soon. The hisorical society is in the process
Many of them are listed at the Historical Society. of building an archive facility at the Coley Homestead. It re-
One of the oldest homes dates from 1728 and is in the Den ceived a grant to help fund the $1.2-million project, and is rais-
Historic District. The Capt. Daniel Godfrey House on Norfield ing the rest of the money thorugh private donations. The 4,000-
Road was built circa 1760; near it is the Jonathan Taylor House, square-foot archive will include a temperaure and humidity
built circa 1797, one of the oldest double houses in town — each controlled vault and adjacent archive workroom. The vault will
half is a mirror image of the other, with a common chimney in store maps, letters, and various historical artifacts, including the
the middle. town’s historic Fitch diaries, costumes, hats, and quilts. There
will be an exhibit hall for archival display, plus a society office,
reading room, and bathrooms. The historical society hopes the
Are there any town histories? facility will be completed this year.
The latest to be released is Doors of Weston by Julie O’Connor.
This book of photographs of Weston’s iconic homes and historic Information for much of this section was compiled by Mary
buildings includes anecdotes and historical information. It is Ann Barr, archivist and co-collections manager at the Weston
available through the historical society by calling 226-1804. Historical Society, and Lynne Barrelle, house histories research-
Weston: The Forging of a Town by Thomas Farnam may be er and genealogy researcher for the society. Karin Giannitti and
purchased at Barnes & Noble, and is available at the Weston Nina Daniel helped update the information.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 9

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10 Demographics The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Demographics
How big is Weston? average selling price was $540,471 and the median price was
Weston is 20 square miles. It is bordered by Redding to the $496,000. The highest price paid for a land sale was $833,300;
north, Easton to the east, Fairfield and Westport to the south, the lowest was $300,000.
and Wilton to the west. The ZIP code is 06883. The area code This information was supplied by Westonite Gail Lilley Za-
is 203. wacki of Coldwell Banker Riverside in Westport. www.South-
Weston is known for its green spaces; almost one-quarter of ernCt.com; gail@southernct.com; 203-682-9444.
the town is permanently devoted to open space use. (See Parks
and Recreation section for main tracts of open space.)
What is the town’s employment
picture?
How many people live here? According to information from the Connecticut Department
According to the CERC (Connecticut Economic Resource of Labor for March 2010, Weston’s labor force was 4,877. Of
Center) Town Profile for 2010, Weston’s population as of 2009 that number, there were 4,629 people employed and 248 report-
was 9,799, down from the national 2000 census of 10,037, and ed as unemployed for an unemployment rate of 5.1%, up slightly
down by 284 from the previous year. It is projected to drop to from 4.9% for the same period last year, but well below the state
9,128 by 2014. average of 9.3% and the national average of 10.2%.
Females outnumber males by 4,944 to 4,855. According to data from the 2000 Census, the highest number
Racially, the population breaks down as follows: white, 9,168; of workers who live in town also work in town. The next most
black, 165; Asian Pacific, 267; Native American, 9; other/multi- popular place for Westonites to work was Manhattan, followed
race, 190; Hispanic (any race), 331. by Westport, Norwalk, and Stamford.

What is the median age Who tops the town’s grand list
of Westonites? for assessed property value?
The median age of people living here is 42. According to the town assessor, Ken Whitman, that would be
About 10% of the town’s population is over 65; about 8% are Connecticut Light & Power Co., Aspetuck Valley Country Club,
under five. and Aquarion Water Company.

What is the median household Who are Weston’s largest employers?


income? The top five major employers are the town itself, the Weston
According to the CERC Town Profile, there are 3,203 house- public schools, Peter’s Weston Market, Norfield Children’s Cen-
holds in Weston. The median household income is $190,636, ter, and the Cobbs Mill Inn.
much higher than median household income for both Fairfield
County ($82,184) and the state ($68,055).
How far is Weston from major cities?
Weston is about 50 miles from midtown Manhattan, 65 miles
How many cars are there? from Hartford, and about 145 miles from Boston.
In 2009, 8,983 vehicles in Weston were reported registered by
the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How far is Weston from the Indian
Point nuclear power plant?
What does the real estate picture Weston is about 25 miles from the power plant in Buchanan,
look like? N.Y.
In 2009, there were 92 single family homes sold with an aver-
age selling price of $936,174. The median price was $825,000.
The average time on the market was 131 days. The highest price What is the average temperature?
paid was $2.9 million; the lowest price was $172,500. Average highs and lows in degrees Fahrenheit: January, 37/19;
There were also four land/building lots sales in 2009. The April, 60/38; July, 84/62; October, 64/40.
average selling price was $473,750 and the median price was On average, the warmest month is July, the coldest is January.
$385,000. The average time on the market was 271 days. The The highest recorded temperature was 103°F in July 1966; the
highest price paid for a land sale was $950,000; the lowest was lowest recorded temperature was -15°F in January 1968.
$175,000.
2010 is starting off very well with 41 sales through April 30,
compared to 13 during the same period in 2009. What is the average rainfall
In 2008, there were 114 single family homes sold with an aver- and snowfall?
age selling price of $1,133,342. The median price was $900,000, September is the wettest month, with an average of 4.54 inch-
with an average time on the market of 115 days. The highest es of rain. January appears to be the snowiest month, with about
price paid was $5.2 million; the lowest price was $172,500. 10.5 inches on average.
There were also seven land/building lots sales in 2008. The
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 11

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12 Government The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Government
Where are town offices?
Town offices are on a campus on Norfield Road. Many mu-
nicipal departments, including finance, the assessors office, the
town clerk, and the tax collector, are in Weston Town Hall. The
entire land use staff, including planning and zoning, the building
department, town engineer, conservation, and the fire marshal,
are located in the Town Hall Annex adjacent to the school cen-
tral office building on School Road. Also in the annex are the
offices for Dial-A-Ride bus service and social services.
Parks and Recreation is located in the historic Jarvis House on
the southeast corner of Norfield and Weston roads.
The police department, fire department, ambulance corps, and
library are also on the campus.
Office hours are generally 9 to 4:30, and offices are closed
on federal holidays. The main phone number for information
is 203-222-2500. The fax number is 203-222-8871. The town’s
Web site is www.westonct.gov. The mailing address is Town of
Weston, P.O. Box 1007, Weston, CT 06883.

Who is the chief executive of the


town?
The chief elected executive is First Selectman Gale Weinstein,
a Democrat. She is also head of the Board of Selectmen. The
two elected selectmen are David Muller, a Democrat, and Dan
Gilbert, a Republican. The positions are part-time.
The selectmen’s administrative assistant is Judy DeVito. She
can be reached at 203-222-2656 or jdevito@westonct.gov.
The first selectman position is part time, and so Weston also
has a full-time town administrator, Tom Landry, whose office is
in town hall. He is responsible for planning, coordinating, and
evaluating the activities and policies of the town government,
overseeing day-to-day operations, personnel management, and
helping to develop the town budget. He may be reached at 203-
222-2677 or tlandry@westonct.gov.

Is there a directory of town officials?


Yes. There is a directory of elected officials and some town
employees right here in the Answerbook. There is also a list-
ing of officials on the town Web site, www.westonct.gov. The
Leaugue of Women Voters of Weston publishes a handy direc-
tory, available at town hall, called Know Your Town.

What is the town budget?


The town budget for 2009-10 is $63.227 million, a 0.3%
decrease from the previous year. Expenditures for the town
for 2009-10 total about $10.973 million. Expenditures for the
schools total $43.976 million. There are also expenditures of
about $6.954 million in debt service, and a $1.2-million capital
improvement budget, as well as $300,000 appropriation for re-
building the Lyons Plain Firehouse.
The approved gross budget for 2010-11 (the fiscal year begins
July 1) is $63,242,422 million, a 0.5% increase from the cur-
rent budget. Expenditures for the town for 2010-11 total about
$10.98 million. Expenditures for the schools total $44.697.
There are also expenditures of about $6.9 million in debt service
and a $730,000 capital improvement budget.

What is the town’s bond rating?


The town has a bond rating of Aaa.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Government 13

What is the current tax rate in town?


The tax rate on both assessed property and personal proper-
ty is 23.61 mills, which represent a real tax of $23.61 on each
$1,000 of assessed value.
If your home were assessed at $500,000, you would pay
$11,805 in taxes.
For the 2010-11 fiscal year, the mill rate increases slightly to
23.86.

Where and when do I pay my town


taxes?
Bills for real estate taxes are sent in June but taxes are due
twice each year, on July 1 and Jan. 1. Car taxes are due on July
1. Residents can either mail in their payments or pay in person at
town hall at the tax collector’s office (203-222-2696).
Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt a property owner
from payment of taxes or any penalties or accrued interest.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes


on time?
Residents are charged 1.5% per month interest on all back
taxes owed, which works out to an 18% annual percentage rate.
If back taxes are owed, the town will put a lien on a property,
preventing it from being sold before taxes are paid.

What’s a grand list?


A New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base and
represents all taxable property in town. It is compiled every Oct.
1.
The net 2008 grand list totals $2,625,536,367, up just 0.25%
from the previous year.
Real estate assessments make up about 95% of Weston’s grand
list, and total about $2.5 billion; personal property assessments
total about $18.3 million; motor vehicle assessments are about
$107.8 million.

Who determines how much my house


is worth for taxing purposes?
The town assessor, Kenneth Whitman (203-222-2606) deter-
mines the assessed value of each property in Weston.

How often is property revalued?


The state requires a revaluation every five years. Every 10
years, a “physical inspection” is required, meaning that every
building is visited and measured. Weston completed its last full
measure and list revaluation of all properties in 2008.

Why is property revalued?


The purpose of regular revaluation is to create an equitable
distribution of the tax load. The process is an attempt to deter-
mine accurate and equitable values for all properties within a
municipality.
In Connecticut, all property assessments reflect 70% of mar-
ket value, based on the last time there was a revaluation.

How do I find the assessed value of


my home?
You may call the assessor’s office at 203-222-2607 or you
may go to the assessor’s office and look at the field card for your
14 Government The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

property. The field card lists the particulars in figuring the valu- cnichols@westonct.gov). If you have a question about your tax
ation of your home. bill, call her.

How do I know if my assessment is Who can get tax breaks?


correct? There is a tax abatement program and a tax deferral program
In general, to determine if your assessment is correct you for seniors 65 and older. Both have income eligibility require-
should ask yourself the following questions: ments.
Can I sell my property for approximately that amount (noting The abatement program is a reduction of taxes. Abatements
that assessments reflect 70% of market value, based on 2008 are calculated at either 60% or 76%, depending on income, and
values)? applications are due to the tax collector no later than May 15.
Does the assessor’s office have the correct information on my With the deferral program, a percentage of property taxes
property? (plus interest) is put off until the house is sold. Applications are
How much are similar properties in my neighborhood selling due May 15. For details, call the tax collector at 203-222-2696.
for? The town also offers a tax freeze program for seniors. Anyone
65 or older with a combined family income up to $100,000 may
have tax increases on up to $800,000 of the assessed value of
What do I do if I think my assessment their property frozen at the previous year’s level. Details and
applications, which must be filed by May 15, are available at the
is unfair? tax collector’s office.
Your first step is to call the tax assessor’s office to review the Veterans (honorably discharged) who served in very specific
assessment for any possible inaccuracies. If none are found and conflicts an within a certain time frame are eligible for a $4,500
you still consider the assessment unfair you may apply to appear property tax exemption. In addition, veterans who fall below
before a scheduled hearing of the Board of Assessment Appeals. a $32,800 per year pay scale may be eligible for an additional
Applications must be filed early in the year. Call the assessor’s exemption. Applications must be filed with the assessor’s of-
office for details. fice prior to Oct. 1. For details, call the assessor’s office. Veter-
ans should file their original DD-214 discharge papers with the
Weston Town Clerk to be eligible for the property tax exemp-
Who is the tax collector? tion.
Weston’s tax collector is Charity Nichols (203-222-2696 or
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Government 15

I got a tax bill for a car I don’t own ct.us/ElectionsDivision/Elecform.html.


anymore. What should I do?
The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains vehicle own- Do I need to bring documents when I
ership records, which it forwards to the town assessor’s office
to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Westonites. If you register?
forgot to turn in the plates of your old vehicle, the DMV will Yes. You will need some evidence that you live in Weston. A
continue to send ownership reports to the town. state driver’s license or state ID is usually all you will need. If
To remove your car from the tax roll, return the plates to the you do not have a driver’s license or state ID, you may submit
DMV on Main Avenue in Norwalk and take the DMV return a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, or government
receipt to the assessor’s office. document that shows your address. If you are registering by mail
and you are registering for the first time in town, you should sub-
mit a copy of your driver’s license or other document as noted
What are our political parties above.
and enrollments?
As of May 2010, there were 6,268 registered voters in Weston. Do I need to renew my voting
The breakdown by political party is as follows: Republican,
1,864; Democrat, 2,162; unaffiliated, 2,229; other (i.e., Green, privileges?
Libertarian, Concerned Citizen), 13. The registrars do an annual You do not need to reappear at town hall to renew your voting
canvass of voters, and in June will make inactive all voters they privileges, but you may need to confirm your voting residence
have not heard from. on a form the registrars’ office may mail to you periodically. If
you fail to return the card, you will be made an inactive voter.
If your name is placed on the inactive list and you turn up at the
How can I register to vote? polls to vote, you will need to be restored as a voter before you
You may register Monday through Friday during business are able to vote.
hours at the registrars’ office or town clerk’s office at town hall.
You may also register at the Weston Public Library or by mail. Are there voting districts in town?
To get a mail-in registration form, call the registrars’ office (203- There is only one voting district, with the exception of state
222-2686). elections, where there are two Senatorial Districts, 26 and 28.
The Department of Motor Vehicles also has voter registration Everyone votes at Weston Middle School.
cards, and will accept completed forms, which it will forward to
the registrars. Who can vote by absentee ballot?
To obtain a registration form online, visit www.sots.state. Any registered voter who will be out of town during all voting

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16 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Keeping You
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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Town Officials 17

Town Officials
Board of Selectmen
First Selectman Gayle Weinstein (D) gweinstein@westonct.gov 203-222-2656
David Muller (D) david.muller@rohatyngroup.com 203-226-7120
Dan Gilbert (R) 1ctyankee@optonline.com 203-226-0514

Board of Education
Philip Schaefer, (D) (ch) voiceguy@optonline.net 203-226-4663
Ellen Uzenoff (R) (vice ch) ellen@uzenoff.com 203-227-8368
Richard Bochinski (D) raboch@optonline.net 203-454-3256
Denise Harvey (D) dih912@gmail.com 203-227-7865
Dana Levin (D) danaaynn@aol.com 203-222-4918
Sonya Stack (R) tribestack@gmail.com 203-557-4131
Les Wolf (R) lajw@optonline.net 203-227-7415

Board of Finance
Michael O’Brien (D) (ch) michael.obrien@marsh.com 203-544-9636
Gerald Sargent (R)(vice ch) jerry_sargent@mastercard.com 203-222-9212
Robert Atkinson (D) ratkins1@optonline.net 203-226-3284
Michael Carter (R) mcarter@cartermorse.com 203-227-9595
Steven Ezzes (D) steve@airliegroup.com 203-661-6200
Patrice Kopas (R) kskopas@cs.com 203-227-6181
Melissa Koller (D) mzkoller@optonline.net 203-454-2217

Planning & Zoning Commission


Stephan Grozinger (R) (ch) sgrozinger@optonline.net 203-227-7813
David Allen (R) dallen@idgroupae.com
Jane Connolly (D) ejsjdc@aol.com 203-454-3654
Kathryn Gregory (R) wnkgregory@optonline.net 203-226-2220
Joseph Limone (D) limone5656@yahoo.com 203-227-0242
Donald Saltzman (R) donald@optonline.net 203-226-4066
Ridge Young (D) ridgeyoung@yahoo.com 203-226-3401

Police Commission
Richard Phillips (R) (ch) phillip4@optonline.net 203-222-1454
Beth Gralnick (D) (vice ch) bgralnic@optonline.net 203-227-1690
William Brady (R) brady3@optonline.net 203-222-1112
Jess DiPasquale (R) jpd@alliancegrp.com 203-221-9129
Jeffrey Eglash (D) jeffrey.eglash@ge.com 203-227-8405
Peter Ottomano (R) p.ottomano@snet.net 203-227-2748
Hal Shupack (D) norfieldpartners@yahoo.com 203-226-5843

Zoning Board of Appeals


Richard B. Wolf (R) (ch) rwolf@awolfandson.com 203-454-3819
W. MacLeod Snaith (D) (vice ch) wmsnaith@optonline.net 203-227-2259
Robert Gardner (D) bobgardner74@sbcglobal.net 203-226-2644
Frederick C. Noyes, Jr. (R) fnoyes@optonline.net 203-227-0086

Board of Assessment Appeals


Marina Coprio (D) coprio@aol.com 203-226-3023
Ryan Cornell (R) ryan@ryancornell.com 203-247-0718
Susan Seath (R) sseath@optonline.net 203-227-6744

Animal Control: Mark Harper mharper@westonct.gov 203-222-2642


Assessor: Kenneth Whitman kwhitman@westonct.gov 203-222-2606
Building Inspector: Rack Gleason rgleason@westonct.gov 203-222-2659
Parks and Rec. Director: Dave Ungar dungar@westonct.gov 203-222-2655
Police Chief: John Troxell jtroxell@westonct.gov 203-222-2667
Public Works Director: Joe Lametta jlametta@westonct.gov 203-222-2662
Reg. of Voters (R): Susan Moran votereg@westonct.gov 203-222-2686 (1)
Reg. of Voters (D): Laura Smits votereg@westonct.gov 222-2686 (2)
Selectmen’s Administrative Assistant: Judy Devito jdevito@westonct.gov 203-222-2656
Senior Center Director: Jennifer Ruddy jruddy@westonct.gov 203-222-2608
Social Worker: Charlene Chiang-Hillman chillman@westonct.gov 203-222-2663
Tax Collector: Charity Nichols cnichols@westonct.gov 203-222-2696
Town Administrator: Tom Landry tlandry@westonct.gov 203-222-2677
Town Clerk: Donna Anastasia danastasia@westonct.gov 203-222-2616
Youth Services Director: Kristin Ferrara kferrara@westonct.gov 203-222-2585
18 Government The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

hours may cast an absentee ballot. Certain other reasons, such as


�������� illness or physical disability, religious beliefs, or your duties as
an election official at a district other than your own allow use of
absentee ballots by people who will be in town during polling

������������� hours. If you are a first-time voter voting by absentee ballot you
may be required to submit identification with your ballot.

� For what elections can I use an


absentee ballot?
You may vote by absentee ballot for any federal, state, or local
������������� municipal election. You may vote absentee for any referendum
with less than three weeks notice or adjourned town meeting
vote. When a referendum is held with less than three week’s
��������������� notice, absentee ballots will be available within four days after
the questions are finalized by legal council, and are only issued
in person.

How and where do I get an absentee


ballot?
You must first fill out an application, which you may pick up
at the town clerk’s office in the town hall, or it may be mailed to
you at any address. Absentee ballot applications are also avail-
able on the town Web site, www.westonct.gov, and the Secretary
of the State Web site, www.sots.ct.gov.
After you return the application, it will be processed and the
absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks
before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you
may fill it out at the town clerk’s office. Absentee ballots, how-
ever, cannot be mailed to a person for a referendum.
���������������������������������
��������������������������� Can a non-resident vote here?
Non-resident property owners who are currently paying lo-
cal taxes on property or personal property in excess of $1,000
������������������������������� in assessed value and who are U.S. citizens, 18 years or older,
may vote in any town referendum that deals with financial or
���������������������� money matters. They cannot vote in Weston under any other
conditions.

What do the registrars of voters do?


��� Registrars Susan Moran (Republican) and Laura Smits (Dem-
ocrat) are elected for a term of two years and serve as the local
arm of the Connecticut Secretary of State.
They administer all federal, state and constitutional provisions
relating to elections, town meetings and referenda. They are re-
sponsible for safeguarding the integrity of the election process,
����������������������� including the acquisition and exercise of voter rights. They are
also responsible for hiring and training the election officials who
�������������� serve at every election and town meeting.
They may be reached at 203-222-2686 or votereg@westonct.
gov.

How can I get involved in town


government?
������������� To get actively involved in town government, you may
become affiliated with a political party, and volunteer your ser-
���������������� vices. If certain functions of government interest you — such
as education, recreation, or zoning — attend some of the meet-
ings of the agency involved. All town agency meetings are
������������������������� open to the public.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Government 19

For more information, you may want to call Glenn Major,

Blackbird Yoga
Republican Town Committee chairman, at 203-226-7120 or
Barbara Reynolds, Democratic Town Committee chairman, at
203-227-5074.
28 Main Street Redding, CT 06896 (203) 587-1221
What is a Town Meeting?
������������������������������
When are they?
Town Meetings are the town’s legislative body. They are ������� � �
scheduled as necessary. However, the Annual Town Budget ��������������� ������������� �������
Meeting to deal with town and school budgets traditionally takes �������������� ������������� �����
place in mid-April. ��������������� ������������ �����
Town Meetings are held as a forum for Westonites and prop-
erty holders to voice concerns, support, and make decisions on �������������� ������������ ����
items such as next year’s budget, budget transfers, capital proj- �������
ects, and changes in town ordinances. ��������������� ������������� ������
Special Town Meetings are held as needed to discuss changes
and transfers within the current year’s budget, proposed ordi- ���������������� ������ � �����
nances, borrowing proposals and other matters. �������������� ����������� �����
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Who schedules the Annual Town
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Budget Meeting? Who can call for ��������������� ������������� ����
a Special Town Meeting? �������������� ��������� � ����������
The Board of Selectmen issues the call for the Annual Town ��������������� ����������� � ������
Budget Meeting and Special Town Meetings. �������������� ��������� � ����
A Special Town Meeting must be called if requested by a peti-
tion of 50 or more registered voters. ��������
��������������� ������������� ������

Who can vote at a Town Meeting? ���������������� ������ � �����

Any registered Weston voter may cast a vote at a Town Meet- �������������� ����������� � ������
ing. Non-registered residents and non-resident property holders �������������� ������������ �����
(who hold at least $1,000 of property or personal property on the ��������������� ������������� �����
previous Oct. 1 grand list and are U.S. citizens at least 18 years
old) may vote on financial matters. ������
���������������� ��������� � ����������
���������������� ������������ �����
What is a referendum? �������������� ������ � �����
A referendum is a question or proposal that is submitted to
a vote of the electors or voters of a municipality. The outcome ��������
may be legally binding or non-binding, depending on the nature ��������������� ������ � �����
of the question. Typically, a referendum is used to approve or �������������� ������������� �����
reject a major project. ��������������� �������������� ������
�������������� ����������� � ������

When do elections of town officials �������������� ��������� � �����

take place? ������


Like the national elections, elections for town officials are on ��������������� ������ � �����
the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November. They take �������������� ������������� �����
place in odd-numbered years (i.e. 2009, 2011...). State and fed- �������������� ������������������ �����
eral elections are held during even-numbered years. �������������� ������������ ������
�������������� ������������������� ��������

Who may vote in a primary? ����������������������


Any registered voter who is affiliated with a major party (i.e. ��������������������������
Democrat, Republican) may vote in a primary. Only members of
the party may participate in their own party’s primary.
Buy a 10 Class Card,
Can I look up old deeds? Get 3 more classes FREE!
Yes, they may be found at town hall. All land records are
housed in the vault of the town clerk’s office. It is open to any- www.blackbirdyoga.com
one for inspection and research.
20 Government The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Are birth, marriage, and death records rgleason@westonct.gov), reviews and grants all building per-
mits and inspects renovations and new construction. He issues
public? certificates of occupancy after work has been inspected and
Marriage and death records are public record; birth records passed.
are not. Birth records may be obtained only by the individual in
question or a family member.
What does the code enforcement
Besides clergy, who can perform officer do?
The code enforcement officer is responsible for enforcing
weddings? local laws passed by the Board of Selectmen. He investigates
A justice of the peace or a probate judge can also perform complaints through site visits. He also represents the town in
weddings in Connecticut. The town clerk has a list of the justices court hearings concerning zoning matters and other town laws
of the peace. at the request of the town attorney.
Weston’s code enforcement officer is James Pjura. He may be
reached at 203-222-2559 or jpjura@westonct.gov.
Where do I get a marriage license?
A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the
bride lives, the groom lives, or where the wedding will take What does the town engineer do?
place. No blood test is needed. The fee is $30; the license is is- The town engineer is responsible for planning, directing, su-
sued immediately and is good for 65 days. Couples are asked to pervising and coordinating professional engineering services for
make an appointment when applying for a license. For details, the town. He is primarily concerned with roadways, storm drain-
call the town clerk’s office (203-222-2616). age, septic systems, water lines, and bridges. He supervises and
inspects town building additions, school code compliance work,
drainage, and site work as well as all construction work con-
How do I get a license for a civil nected to town property.
union? Weston’s town engineer is John Conte. He may be reached at
A civil union is a legal union between two people of the same 203-222-2680.
sex, which grants them the same benefits, rights and protections
as are granted to spouses in a marriage. While some states allow
same-sex marriages, Connecticut only recognizes civil unions. How are candidates for town boards
Civil Union License Certificates may be obtained in the town chosen?
clerk’s office. There is no waiting period and no residency re- Candidates for elected positions are nominated by the political
quirement. The fee is $30. The ceremony may be performed by parties. However, non-party sponsored candidates may petition
a justice of the peace or a minister. For details, and a list of JPs to get on the ballot.
who will perform the ceremony, call the town clerk at 203-222- Candidates for appointed boards are chosen by the selectmen,
2616. usually upon recommendations from the political parties and the
current board members. However, the selectmen are not obliged
to follow the town committee recommendations.
What is a notary public? Where can I
find one?
A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness sig- What town agencies have elected
natures, certify documents and take depositions and affidavits. members?
Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary The Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Education, Board
publics. There is a notary public in the town clerk’s office. Some of Finance, Board of Selectmen, Planning and Zoning Commis-
may charge a small fee to notarize a document. sion, Police Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

What boards and commissions are


What does the building department
appointed?
do? The Library Board, Parks and Recreation Commission,
In compliance with the Connecticut State Building Codes, Conservation Commission, Historic District Commission,
the building department (203-222-2658) issues permits for all Building Board of Appeals, Panel of Moderators, Commission
new construction, alterations, remodeling, additions, renova- for the Arts, Commission on Aging, the School and general
tions, temporary structures, decks, storage buildings, and some town Building Committees, and the Board of Ethics.
repairs. These permits are generally issued after approvals from The selectmen also appoints members of the Committee
the planning and zoning, conservation, and health departments. for Veterans Affairs, Lachat Building Committee, Tower
The building department is in the Town Hall Annex adjacent to Committee, Ivy Moore Cottage Committee, Insurance
the school central office on School Road. Advisory Committee, Cemetery Committee, Beautification
If you are applying for a building permit, hours are Monday Committee, and the Select Committee for Sustainability.
through Friday from 9 to 11. If you are applying for a sub-per-
mit (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.) you may do so from 9 to
4:30. What does the town clerk do?
Weston Town Clerk Donna M. Anastasia has her office in
Weston Town Hall and may be reached at 203-222-2616 or
What does the building inspector do? danastasia@westonct.gov. The town clerk acts as the state’s
Weston’s building inspector, Rack Gleason (203-222-2659 or agent for permits and certificates, and is the registrar for vital
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Government 21

statistics. ance administration, and purchasing.


Her office keeps all town records from 1787 to the present Tom Landry has filled this position since December 2001. He
time; records, indexes, and maintains documents in the Weston may be reached at 203-222-2677 or tlandry@westonct.gov.
land records; records maps, trade name certificates, birth, death,
and marriage certificates; files military discharges (all veterans
receive assessment reductions); issues marriage, dog, hunting, What does the finance department
and fishing licenses; issues certified birth certificates; issues ab- do?
sentee ballots and prepares paperwork for elections, and regis- The Finance Department is responsible for overseeing the dai-
ters voters. ly financial affairs of the town, including employee payroll and
As a chief election official, the town clerk is responsible for year-end tax functions. The department also assists in the annual
the absentee ballot process, voting statistics, execution of refer- budget development as well as longer term financial planning
enda and final election procedures and results. The town clerk and coordinates the town’s annual financial audit.
administers the Oath of Office to all elected and appointed of- Other responsibilities of the Finance Department include
ficials, and is responsible for the enforcement of campaign fi- handling insurance related matters, overseeing the issuance of
nance compliance. bonds, providing financial reports to the Boards of Selectmen
The town clerk is the official clerk of all Town Meetings. Her and Finance, and monitoring the budget throughout the year.
office also keeps a calendar of all town meetings. Official no- The finance director is Richard Darling. He may be reached at
tices and agendas are posted with the town clerk. She keeps a 203-222-2678 or rdarling@westonct.gov.
record of all elected and appointed officials, and maintains all
vacancies, appointments, and state records for members of the
town’s boards and commissions. The town clerk also attends What does the Board of Finance do?
town meetings and records the minutes. She also notarizes docu- The Board of Finance is responsible for developing the annual
ments. town budget. It also reviews and approves or denies all budget
transfers within the annual budget. Members are elected to six-
year terms and are listed in the town officials list.
What does the town administrator do?
The responsibilities of this position are redefined by each new
Board of Selectmen and first selectman. Presently, the town ad- What are legal notices? Where can I
ministrator has oversight responsibilities for all town employees
and departments with the exception of the Weston Police De- read them?
partment. This includes budget development and administration, Legal notices are notifications concerning meetings and ac-
labor negotiations, personnel policies, program review, insur- tions of local commissions and boards. In addition, other im-
portant town government information such as proposed budgets,

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22 Government The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

town ordinances and invitations to bid on projects or sell the CT 06897, 203-762-3232; in Hartford at 800-842-1421; or by
town services appear in legal notices. e-mail at Toni.Boucher@cga.ct.gov.
Legal notices may be found in the town clerk’s office at town In the 28th District, our senator is John McKinney, a Repub-
hall. Many legal notices are required to be published in a news- lican. He may be reached at 300 South Gate Lane, Southport, CT
paper having circulation in the town and almost all appear in 06490, 203-254-1639; in Hartford at 800-842-1421 or 860-240-
The Weston Forum. 8805; or e-mail John.McKinney@cga.ct.gov.

How do I know if a meeting is What state house districts are we in?


scheduled? Weston is in the 135th Assembly District, represented by Re-
The Freedom of Information Act requires that all town com- publican John Stripp. Write to Mr. Stripp at 4 Scatacook Trail,
mission and board meetings be public. The schedule for a Weston, 06883, or call 227-8917. In Hartford, call 800-842-1423
board’s regular meetings must be filed each year with the town or 860-240-8700. E-mail him at John.Stripp@housegop.ct.gov.
clerk. Special meetings may be called up to 24 hours in advance. His Web page is at www.repstripp.com.
Emergency meetings may be held without notice; however, the
board must file its minutes — including the reason for the emer-
gency — at the town clerk’s office within 72 hours of the meet- How can I express my views to the
ing. Meetings are posted in the town clerk’s office, town hall. governor?
The Forum publishes a list of upcoming meetings known at Write to Gov. M. Jodi Rell at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Av-
press time in its Meetings column. Meetings are also posted on enue, Hartford 06106, call 860-566-4840 or 800-406-1527, or
the town Web site, www.westonct.gov. e-mail Goveror.Rell@ct.gov.

Can a commission or board meet Who represents us in the


privately? U.S. Senate?
Generally, all meetings involving a quorum of commission or Connecticut’s senators are Christopher Dodd, Democrat,
board members (three members of a five-person board, four of a and Joseph Lieberman, an Independent.
six-member board) must be open to the public. However, Con- Senator Dodd may be reached at Room 448, Russell Sen-
necticut statutes allow a commission to close a meeting to the ate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823;
public if it is discussing personnel matters, litigation strategy, or or Connecticut Constituent Office, 100 Great Meadow Road,
contract negotiations. Room 205, Wethersfield 06109, 800-334-5341; or e-mail Sen_
To close a meeting and enter into “executive session,” the Dodd@Dodd.senate.gov. Web site: www.dodd.senate.gov.
board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be sup- Senator Lieberman may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Build-
ported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commis- ing, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041; or 1 Constitution
sion cannot take any action while in an executive session. It Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford 06103, 800-225-5605, fax 860-549-
must return to open session before voting on any items. 8478; or e-mail Senator_Lieberman@Lieberman.senate.gov.
Web site: www.lieberman.senate.gov.

What if I think a commission held an


illegal private meeting? Who represents us in the House of
You can file a complaint with the state Freedom of Informa- Representatives?
tion office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT Weston is in the 4th Congressional District and is repre-
06106. sented by Jim Himes, a Democrat.
Mr. Himes has an office in Bridgeport at 211 State Street,
2nd Floor, 06604. The phone number is 203-333-6655. He can
What state senatorial district are be reached at his Stamford office at 888 Washington Blvd.,
we in? 10th Floor, 06901. The phone number is 866-453-0028.
Weston is mainly in the 28th state Senatorial District. A small In Washington, D.C., he is at 214 Cannon House Office
portion in the south is in the 26th District. Building, 20515; 202-225-5541. Web site: www.himes.house.
In the 26th district, our senator is Toni Boucher, a Republi- gov.
can. Ms. Boucher may be reached at: 5 Wicks End Lane, Wilton,
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Schools 23

Schools
What does the Board of Education
do?
The board is responsible for proposing a budget to run the
schools, overseeing spending, setting policies and rules, hiring
the superintendent, approving administrators, adopting books
and courses, negotiating staff contracts, and hearing citizen ap-
peals.
Regular Board of Education sessions generally take place the
third Monday evening of the month (sometimes it’s a Tuesday)
at 7:30 p.m. in the Weston Public Library community room.
Most meetings there is an executive session at 6:30. Specific
information about regular and committee meetings — including
dates, agendas, and locations — are posted in the district office,
schools, and on the Web site at www.westonk12-ct.org.
Board members are listed under Town Officials here in the
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Answerbook, and are also listed on the district Web site.

Where is the school district office? ����������������������


The district office is at 24 School Road. The phone number
is 203-291-1400; fax is 203-291-1415. The school Web site is ����������������������������������������
www.westonk12-ct.org. �����������������������������������������������
The superintendent of schools is Jerome Belair. He may be ������������������������������������������������
reached at 203-291-1401.
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What public schools are in town and ���������������������������������������
how many children attend each? ����������������������������������������������
As of Oct. 1, 2009, there are a total of 2,519 students enrolled
in the Weston school district. Weston’s four public schools, oc- ���������������������������
cupy a 117-acre campus adjacent to town municipal offices and
the district office.
The schools are: ����������������������
Hurlbutt Elementary School, (PreK-2) 9 School Road, 203-
291-1444, fax 203-291-1452; Joanna Genovese, principal (203- ����������������������������������������������
291-1448). There are 489 students. �����������������������������������������
Weston Intermediate School, (Grades 3-5) 9 School Road,
203-291-2700, fax 203-291-2717; Patricia Falber, principal ��������������������������������������������
(203-291-2701) There are 628 students. ��������������������������������������������
Weston Middle School, 135 School Road, 203-291-1500, fax ����������������������������������������������
203-291-1516; Kenneth Craw, principal (203-291-1515). There
are 600 students.
Weston High School, 115 School Road, 203-291-1600, fax
203-291-1603; Lisa Wolak, principal. There are 802 students. ������������������������������
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What are the average class sizes at �������������������������������������������������
each school? ��������������������������
Last year, average class sizes were as follows:
At Hurlbutt: 19.8 for kindergarten, 19.1 for first grade, 22.9
for second grade.
At Weston Intermediate School: 21.5 for third grade, 23.1 for
fourth grade, and 23.1 for fifth grade. ������������������������������
At Weston Middle School: 21.7 for sixth grade, 20. for sev-
enth grade, 20.3 for eighth grade.
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What are the hours of operation at the
schools?
The regular class schedule is as follows:
Weston High School, 7:45 to 2:30
24 Schools The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

scheduled as the last day of classes. Extra snow days would be


made up in June.

What is a DRG?
District Reference Groups (DRGs) are the state education
department’s way of grouping like school districts based on spe-
cific socioeconomic factors. They are most often used to com-
pare test scores within “comparable” school districts.
Weston is in DRG-A. This group is considered by the state
education department to be the “most affluent and least needy”
group of school districts in the state. Other school districts in
DRG-A are Darien, Easton, Redding, Region 9 (Joel Barlow
High School, shared by Easton and Redding), Ridgefield, New
Canaan, Westport, and Wilton.

What tests do students take?


Students in third through eighth grade take the Connecticut
Mastery Test, a state assessment whose results are reported un-
der No Child Left Behind.
The Connecticut Academic Performance Test is given to 10th
graders.

How have students performed on the


Connecticut Mastery Tests?
Since March 2006, reporting reqirements of the federal No
Child Left Behind Act require the Connecticut Mastery Test
(CMT) to be given annually to students in grades three through
eight.
For the test taken in 2009, the percentage of Weston students
achieving at or above goal level are as follows:
Third grade — Math: 84.7%; reading: 82.1%; writing: 76.4%
Fourth grade — Math: 88.6%; reading: 85.3%; writing:
85.1%
Fifth grade — Math: 90%; reading: 87.1%; writing: 87.7%;
science: 86.3%
Sixth grade — Math: 90.9%; reading: 92%; writing: 83.4%
Seventh grade — Math: 94.5%; reading: 96.2%; writing:
Weston Middle School, 7:45 to 2:30 92.4%
Weston Intermediate School, 8:30 to 3:15 Eighth grade — Math: 89.6%; reading: 94.5%; writing:
Hurlbutt Elementary School, 8:30 to 3:15. 93.1%; science: 86.1%
Early dismissal is at 11:45 for the high schoo and the middle
school, 12:35 for the intermediate school, and Hurlbutt.
In the event of bad weather or other conditions, delayed open- How have students performed on the
ings are two hours after the regular opening: 9:45 for the high
school and middle school, 10:30 for the intermediate school and CAPTs?
Hurlbutt. The Connecticut Academic Performance Tests, known as
CAPTs, test proficiency in math, science, reading, and writing.
Taken in early spring 2009 by the Weston High School soph-
What school holidays are planned? omore class, the percentage of students who performed at or
The school calendar calls for 180 days for students, 187 days above state goal was as follows:
for staff. The school board has approved a district calendar Math - 86.7%
through the 2011-12 school year, and they are available on the Science - 83.6%
school Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org, under Annual Calen- Reading - 81.7%
dars. Writing - 92.4%
The first day of school this year was Sept. 3, and graduation
is set for June 24.
For the 2010-11 school year, the first day of school is sched- What is the SAT?
uled for Sept. 2. The holidays and vacations are: Sept. 6, Labor The SAT is a standardized test that the College Board admin-
Day; Sept. 9, Rosh Hashanah; Oct. 8, Professional Development isters nationally seven times a year. The SAT tests students in
Day; Oct. 11, Columbus Day; Nov. 2, Election Day; Nov. 25- mathematics, critical reading, and, beginning in 2005, writing.
26, Thanksgiving Recess; Dec. 24-Jan. 2, Winter Recess; Jan. Test results are reported on a scale of 200 to 800 for each cat-
17, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Feb. 21-25, February Recess; egory. The Class of 2006 was the first class to take the three-part
April 18-22, April Recess; May 30, Memorial Day. June 15 is SAT.
Most colleges request student applicants to submit scores
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Schools 25

from either the SAT or the standardized ACT test. What percentage of students go on to
What are the average SAT scores for college?
For the Class of 2008, 98.4% of students went on to higher
seniors at the high school? education.
Weston High School’s Class of 2009 had among the highest
average SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) scores of any school
district in the state. With a combined average score of 1,779 out When can my child enter
of a possible score of 2,400, within DRG-A Weston ranked third
in reading, fifth in math, and fourth highest in writing. The aver- kindergarten?
age scores for Weston students were: Math, 599; reading, 588; Any child who turns five before Jan. 1 during a given calendar
and writing, 592. year may enter kindergarten that fall; otherwise they enroll the
next year.

Does the school offer SAT


How do I register my child for school?
preparation? To register a child for kindergarten through grade two, call or
The PTO offers afterschool PSAT and SAT review courses. visit Hurlbutt Elementary School (203-291-1446) and ask for a
They are open to all students. A fee is established each year. The registraiton packet. For grades three, four, and five, call the in-
PSAT review is offered in the beginning of October and the SAT termediate school (203-291-2700). For grades six through eight,
review is held in April. For information, call the Weston High call the middle school registrar at 203-291-1525; and for high
School guidance department or PTO. school, call 203-291-1600.
The Weston Public Library also offers free 24/7 SAT study Information that will be needed includes a copy of your child’s
help to anyone with a Weston library card through prepme.com. birth certificate, previous academic records, health records, in-
Visit www.biblio.org/weston for details. cluding immunizations, and verification of address.

How have students performed on the What interscholastic sports are


National Merit Scholarship program? offered at the high school?
This year, Weston High School had seven semi-finalists and More than 70% of Weston High School students participate in
13 commended scholars. school sports. Weston High School offers the following:
Fall/Boys: Cross Country, Football, Soccer
Winter/Boys: Basketball, Ice Hockey, Indoor Track, Skiing,

The Weston Gardens, Inc.


The Weston Gardens, Inc.
1 Goodhill Road
1 Goodhill Road
Weston, CT ������
Weston, CT
227-3871
227-3871 ����
westongardens@aol.com
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26 Schools The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Swimming/Diving, Wrestling Does anyone offer before- or


Spring/Boys: Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Ten-
nis after-school care?
Fall/Girls: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soc- Norfield Children’s Center (203-227-7047), 64 Norfield Road,
cer, Swimming/Diving, Volleyball offers before and after school child care services from 7:30 a.m.
Winter/Girls: Basketball, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Indoor to 6 p.m. for ages 3 to 10.
Track, Skiing The Westport/Weston YMCA, 59 Post Road East, offers child
Spring/Girls: Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track, Softball, Tennis care programs for children 2 to 12. Transportation is provided
for children in Weston schools. For details, call 203-226-4221.

What extracurricular activities are


How can I find out if school is
at the high school?
Clubs and activities available at Weston High School in- canceled?
clude: American Cancer Club; Company/Theater Arts; Dance There is a link at the top of The Weston Forum’s home page,
Club; Debate Club; Diversity Club; Future Business Leaders www.theWestonForum.com, that takes you directly to any
of America (FBLA); Heliotrope (yearbook); HOW (Help Our school cancelation or delay notices. Many local radio and televi-
World environmental club); Inlook (literary magazine); Instru- sion stations announce school delays and cancellations due to
mental Music; Intramurals; Junior Engineering-Technical So- weather or other causes. You may also visit the school district
ciety (JETS); Key Club; Leadership Council; National Honor Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org, and click on “Delays & Can-
Society; Pep Band; Risk Club; Student Government; The WHS cellations.” Another helpful Web site is www.ctweather.com.
Journal (school newspaper); Young Democrats Club; and Young
Republicans Club.
What is the district’s transportation
policy?
What about the middle school? Any student in grades kindergarten through five who lives
Clubs and activities at the middle school include: Chamber more than 0.25 miles from school, and those in grades six
Singers; Chamber Orchestra; Community Connector (mentor- through 12 who live more than 0.5 miles from school are eligible
ship program); Environmental Club; Intramurals and After for transportation to and from school. (Exceptions may be made
School Sports; Jazz Ensemble; Math Team; Newspaper; Short for physical conditions or hazardous conditions.)
Wharf (theater); Spanish Club; String Ensemble; Student Asso- The school district employs First Student Bus Company (203-
ciation; Writing Club/Literary Magazine; and Yearbook. 454-1984) to handle its transportation services. Bus routes are
posted on the school district Web site, www.westonk12-ct.org,

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Schools 27

just before the beginning of the new school year. How can I find out if my child needs
David Lustberg is the schools’ transportation coordinator. He
may be reached at 203-291-1477 or davidlustberg@westonk12- special education?
ct.org. The Early Learning Center is a district program that will eval-
uate any child from two years nine months to five years old.
Children from three to five who exhibit mild to moderate delays
What is the Weston Education are recommended for placement in a preschool special educa-
tion program. For information, call the director of pupil services
Foundation? at 203-291-1405.
The Weston Education Foundation is a non-profit, community
organization that promotes excellence and innovation in educa-
tion through grants for teacher and curriculum development, Are there any special education
technology initiatives, and community education. For informa-
tion, including a list of the board members, visit www.weston- resources?
educationfoundation.org. Weston SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Associa-
tion) offers information and support to parents with children
receiving special education services in Weston or through the
What is the current school budget? Connecticut Birth to Three System. For information, contact
The Board of Education budget is $43,975,602 million for the Elayne Robertson Demby at 203-222-8107 or edemby@ix.net-
2008-09 school year. The approved school budget for 2010-11 com.com; or Amy Sierra at 203-226-5847 or asierra001@aol.
is $44,697,023. com.
SPED*NET is the Special Education Network, a monthly fo-
rum for discussing special education and section 405 issues. It is
What is special education? Who does an independent nonprofit and often offers workshops and talks
for parents and interested community members. Information
it help? is available on the Web at www.spednet.org. You may e-mail
Special education offers services for physically handicapped info@spednet.org.
and learning disabled children. In Connecticut, special educa- The Connecticut Birth to Three System helps families meet
tion and related services are available to eligible children by age the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and
three and are provided by local and regional school districts. toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For information, call
the Child Development Infoline at 800-505-7000 or visit online
at www.birth23.org.
28 Schools The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Fatima, 225 Danbury Road (203-762-8100 or www.olfrs.org), a


Catholic school for pre-school through eighth grade; and Mon-
tessori School, 34 Whipple Road (203-834-0440), which offers
preschool through sixth grade.
In Ridgefield, St. Mary’s Regional Catholic School (203-438-
7288 or www.stmaryschoolridgefield.org) on High Ridge offers
kindergarten (full-day) through eighth grade; and Ridgefield
Academy (203-894-1800 or www.ridgefieldacademy.com) of-
fers preschool through eighth grade at 223 West Mountain
Road.
Fairfield Prep (203-254-4000 or www.prep.fairfield.edu), a
boys-only Catholic high school in Fairfield is run by Jesuits. Im-
maculate High School (203-744- or www.immaculatehs.org) is
a co-ed Catholic high school in Danbury.

Is there adult education?


Weston Open Learning is a community education program
sponsored by the Weston Education Foundation and Weston
Public Schools. Winter and spring sessions are offered with
courses covering a wide variety of topics. For information, visit
www.westoneducationfoundation.org.

What colleges are nearby?


Norwalk Community College (203-857-7000) in Norwalk
offers a degree program. Western Connecticut State University
(203-837-8200) in Danbury has both graduate and undergradu-
ate courses as does the University of Connecticut, Stamford
(203-251-8400), Fairfield University (203-254-4000), and Sa-
cred Heart University (203-371-7999).

Is there an art school?


The Silvermine School of Art (203-966-6668) in New Canaan
offers courses for all ages and levels of expertise. The Ridgefield
Guild of Artists (203-438-8863) in Ridgefield offers instruction
for beginners and advanced students, as well as many children’s
programs. There’s also the Wooster Community Art Center
Is there a PTO? (203-743-6311) in Danbury.
Each school has a parent teacher organization, which raises
money for teacher appreciation, school enrichment, and student
activities. For information, visit the PTOs’ Web sites: Hurlbutt What dance schools are here?
Elementary School PTO (hurlbutt-pto.org.), Weston Interme- Margaret Bisceglie, 239 Newtown Turnpike, offers classes in
diate School PTO (wis-pto.org), WestonMiddle School PTO creative dance ad ballet for girls and boys ages 3 and up. Call
(wms-pto.org) or Weston High School PTO (whs-pto.org). 203-227-8893.
The Academy of Dance is in Westport (203-226-9987 or west-
portdance.com). There is also the Wilton Dance Studio (203-
What nursery schools are in town? 544-9007 or www.wiltondance.com).
Emmanuel Nursery School, 285 Lyons Plains Road (203-226- In Georgetown, there is The Conservatory of Dance (203-544-
4432), Norfield Children’s Center, 64 Norfield Road (203-227- 8455 or www.conservatory-of-dance.com), The Art of Dance
7047), and Saint Francis of Assisi Preschool, 35 Norfield Road (203-544-9821 or www.artofdancegtown.com), which is also
(203-454-8646), are in Weston. The Westport-Weston Coopera- home to the Western Connecticut Youth Ballet, and The Milleni-
tive Nursery School (203-227-9318) in the Unitarian church um School of Irish Dance (203-544-9868 or millenium-school.
at 10 Lyons Plain Road, is just over the town line in Westport. com).
There are many nursery schools in neighboring towns.
Where is the nearest vocational
What private schools are in the area? school?
Greens Farms Academy at 33 Beachside Avenue, Greens Henry Abbott Regional Vocational and Technical School on
Farms (203-256-0717 or www.gfacademy.org), is an indepen- Hayestown Road in Danbury offers an academic curriculum
dent coeducational day school from kindergarten through 12th along with programs in auto repair, auto body, electrical, elec-
grade. tronics, manufacturing technology, machine drafting, HVAC,
In Wilton, there is Connecticut Friends School on Route 106 graphic communications, plumbing, hairdressing, culinary arts,
(203-762-9860 or www.ctfriendsschool.org), a Quaker school and off-site LPN training. Call 203-797-4460, ext. 4427, for in-
that offers kindergarten through eighth grade; Our Lady of formation or visit www.cttech.org/abbott/.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 29

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30 Public Services The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Public Services
Is there a library and when is it open? members; applications are available in the library. The group
The Weston Public Library is at 56 Norfield Road. The phone also encourages citizens of Weston to financially support the li-
number is 203-222-BOOK. The library is open Monday, Tues- brary.
day, Thursday, and Friday from 9 to 5; Wednesday from 9 to 8;
Saturday from 10 to 4; and Sunday from noon to 4. The library is
closed on Sundays from mid-June to mid-September. The direc- Does the library accept books for
tor is Jane Atkinson. book sales?
The Web site is www.biblio.org/weston. The library’s e-mail There is an ongoing sale in the library, but there isn’t room for
address is westonlibrary@weston-ct.com. large donations of books.

What does the library offer, besides Is there a town social worker?
books and magazines? The Department of Social Services (203-222-2663) is on the
Although small in size, the library offers videos, audio books, lower level of Town Hall. It is best to call in advance for an ap-
and DVDs, as well as other items most libraries have for research pointment.
or circulation. For those with laptop computers, the library of- The town social worker is Charlene Chiang-Hillman, MSW,
fers free WiFi wireless Internet access during library hours. LCSW. Her office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from
Through the library’s Web site you can access eAudioBooks 9 to 3. Assistant Social Worker Suzanne Friedman, RN, MS, is
(electronic book titles that can be downloaded to your computer in the office on Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:30, and Wednesday and
or MP3 player), purchase museum passes and discount cards, Thursday from 10 to 2.
access interlibrary loan services, and ask a librarian just about The office offers a number of confidential services to Weston
any question you can think of using infoAnytime. residents including: crisis intervention; short-term counseling,
diagnosis, and referral; case management, child and elderly pro-
tective services referrals. The office also screens people for ser-
Can I access the card catalog from vices such as the food pantry and energy assistance applications,
and also assists with applications for agencies such as ConnPace,
home? Medicare, and Medicaid. Meals-on-Wheels and Dial-a-Ride are
You may search the general library catalog as well as the chil- also coordinated through this office.
dren’s catalog from your home computer. Weston’s Social Services Department also works with the re-
Through iCONN, you may search thousands of general and gional United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, which focuses
scholarly articles published from 1980 to the present. The data- on helping to prepare children for school, helping families be-
base also includes Spanish-language articles, newspapers, busi- come and remain financially stable, providing access to quality
ness information, health and wellness information, and more. health care, and providing a link to basic needs services like
You will need your library card number for access. food and shelter. Visit www.unitedwaycfc.org or call the United
The library’s Web site also offers a link to Facts on File News Way’s Infoline at 2-1-1.
Services. You will also need your library card number for this
service.
Does the town have a food bank?
Yes. It is located in the parking lot behind the Police Station
Are there any library activity groups? and near the Norfield Firehouse. The Weston Food Pantry is
During the school year, the library has Story Hours for chil- open 24 hours a day to all Westonites who need to supplement
dren 2-4 years old. Registration is required and children must be their groceries. Call the Department of Social Services (203-
accompanied by an adult. Story Hours run 45 minutes to an hour 222-2663) for details on using it or making a donation.
and include stories, songs, games, and films. Contact Joy Beck-
with at 203-222-2651 for schedules and more information.
Two book discussion groups meet once a month, one during What is the Weston Warm-Up Fund?
the evening and one in the late morning. Anyone is welcome to The Weston Warm-Up Fund provides financial help to low-
join. Call the library. income Weston families and individuals. Assistance is available
Chess Mates is a relatively new program for kids interested for the purchase of oil, gas, or electricity for heat; repairs to or
in playing and learning more about chess. There are sessions replacement of heating equipment; and home improvements to
for those in grades 1-3 and in grades 4-6. Call the library for increase energy efficiency.
specifics. For information on applying for assistance, call Barbara Solo-
Occasional concerts, author talks, and art exhibits also take mon at 203-222-0517 or Dawn Egan at 203-221-9114.
place at the library. Town groups use the Community Room for To make a donation to the fund, send a check to P.O. Box 1254,
special programs. Weston, CT 06883. The tax-exempt number is 061087836.

What is the Friends of the Weston Does the town offer help to those who
Public Library? find themselves temporarily or perma-
This is a volunteer group of members of the community that
provides extra services and programs not covered by the town nently homeless?
budget by paying for many educational, cultural, and literary Call the town social worker, Charlene Chiang-Hillman, at
programs. The Friends of Weston Public Library welcomes new 203-222-2663.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 31

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32 Public Services The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Homes with Hope, also known as the Interfaith Housing As-


sociation, is located in Westport, but it serves Weston clients.
Homes with Hope provides supportive services in a structured
We are Realtors. environment to enable people achieve independent, self-suffi-
cient lives through permanent affordable supportive housing;
casework and supportive services; emergency shelter for men,
What makes us so good women, and families; food and meals; and life skills training.

at what we do? What do I do with my trash?


There is no municipal trash collection and most residents con-
tract with a private hauler.
For do-it-yourselfers, the Weston Transfer Station (203-222-
2668) is at 237 Godfrey Road East and is open Monday through
Friday from 8 to 3:45 and Saturday from 8 to 2:45. Stickers are
required for vehicles entering the transfer station. They are is-
sued free to Weston residents with their motor vehicle tax bills
each June, and are valid for one year. For an extra sticker, or if
you are a new resident, visit or call the Selectman’s Office (203-
222-2656) at Weston Town Hall. You will need a copy of your
car registration and proof of residency.
You may drop off solid waste, which is regular garbage, includ-
ing food waste, paper or plastic bags, paper towels, etc. Stickers
are required on each bag, which can weigh up to 30 pounds.
Stickers are $1 each and are available at Weston Town Hall (in
the Selectmen’s Office) or at Weston Hardware in Weston Shop-
ping Center. Garbage stickers are going up to $1.50 per bag as
of July 1. There is a discount for those who are receiving tax
abatements.
You may also drop off what is called bulky waste — scrap
material, construction debris, old furniture, etc. — for 15 cents
per pound. Payment is by check on site.
To dispose of tires will cost $3 per car tire and $5 per truck
tire, without rims.
This is what matters most to us – No leaves, grass, or brush will be accepted.

������������������������������������������� Is there a recycling center?


������������������������������������������� There is a recycling center at the Weston Transfer Station (see
�������������������������������������� above). Standard recyclables may be disposed of for free. For
information, call the station at 203-222-2668 or the Selectman’s
���������������������������������� Office at 222-2656.
Each spring and fall the Connecticut Resources Recovery Au-
������������������������������������������ thority (CRRA) offers a Residential Electronics Recycling Col-
�������������������������������������� lection program where you may get rid of old computers, moni-
� tors, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, printers,
radios, and stereos for free. For dates, check the Web site www.
Without all these the rest doesn’t matter. crra.org or keep an eye on The Weston Forum.

AN UNBEATABLE How do I get rid of my hazardous
waste?
COMBINATION! There are a number of hazardous waste collection days — list-
ed on the town Web site — to which Westonites may bring their
hazardous waste. The one at the Weston Department of Public
Works garage is usually held in conjunction with Green-up Day,
the last Saturday in April. There is a list of what can and cannot
Mary Ann Laurita ���������������������� be disposed of. For information, call the Selectman’s Office at
Prudential CT Realty 203-222-2656.
203 856-9383�������
203 429-1088����������
203 226-1386���������������� Where can I get help with my income
www.WestonWestportHomes.com taxes?
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (Tax-Aide) is a free program
laurita@optonline.net that provides federal and state income tax preparation service
for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Public Services 33

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those 60 and older. The service is offered at Westport Senior �������
Center, 21 Imperial Avenue, through April 17. Appointments are ��������
required. Call 203-341-5099.
The Weston Senior Activities Center also offers tax help for
seniors. Call 203-222-2608.

Is there a community calendar


g S o o n …
of events?
Each week The Weston Forum publishes What’s Happening, ������� Comin
a round-up of community events. It is available online at www. �������������������
theWestonForum.com. There is also a calendar of town events �����������������������������������
online at www.westonct.gov. The Weston Community Service ��������������
Coalition keeps an updated list of service opportunities and ac-
tivities at www.wcscct.net.
For area events, check out The Forum’s Arts & Leisure page Gerald Laurita ������
for extensive information on happenings all across the region. Prudential CT Realty
203 856-4546�������
Is there a town lost and found? 203 429-1088����������
The closest thing to a lost and found is the police station. Any 203 226-1386�����������������
item may be turned into the dispatch office, which is next to www.WestonWestportHomes.com
the fire department. To inquire about a lost item, call 203-222-
2600. geraldlaurita@optonline.net
34 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Emergency Services 35

Emergency Services
What kind of calls should be made to Maple Street. Call 203-852-2160.
If you live near the Georgetown line, you are closer to Danbury
9-1-1? Hospital, where the emergency room is on Locust Avenue. Call
Only emergency calls should be made to 9-1-1, such as to 203-739-7100.
report a fire, medical crisis, or police emergency like a home
intruder or other life-threatening situation.
People should not call for directions, to find out if roads are What ambulance service is available?
icy, or for routine service such as barking dogs. Routine police Since 1962, the town has been served by the all-volunteer
calls should be directed to 203-222-2600; routine fire calls to Weston Emergency Medical Services (originally called Weston
203-222-2647. Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Squad), headquartered at 52
If you dial 9-1-1 by accident, stay on the line, otherwise police Norfield Road. The non-emergency number is 203-222-2649.
will wind up at your doorstep when they can’t determine the Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 to noon. The Web site is
cause of the call. www.westonems.com.
Weston EMS has its own ambulances, which are staffed with
three Weston EMTs and a paramedic from Norwalk Hospital.
Who answers the 9-1-1 line? The service has about 45 members.
Weston Police dispatchers answer 9-1-1, which is available 24
hours a day. Dispatchers can send police, fire, and/or emergency
medical services depending on the situation. The police suggest Where will the ambulance take me?
that when calling, you try to remain calm and answer any ques- The ambulance will most likely take you to Norwalk Hospital,
tions. unless Danbury Hospital or a Bridgeport Hospital is closer. If
An upgraded mobile 9-1-1 system enables dispatchers to the patient is stable, the ambulance will usually take a patient to
quickly track a cell phone caller’s location anywhere in the the hospital of his choice.
state.

What kind of training do Weston EMS


Where is the nearest emergency
volunteers have?
room? Training is ongoing and includes monthly drills and meetings
The nearest emergency room is likely at Norwalk Hospital on and periodic special drills, such as pediatric, new equipment,

Emmanuel
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nonsectarian preschool dedicated to

���������� helping young children and their parents


learn and grow!

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Five-day program for 4s
Three- and five-day 3s programs
Afternoon enrichment classes
Certified teaching staff
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where the focus is on learning,
���������� and our students and their families
receive individualized attention
������������������������������
Open to all!
������������������������������� 203-226-4432
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285 Lyons Plain Road
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36 Points of Interest


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Points of Interest 37
38 Emergency Services The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

and mass casualties. Volunteers are on call a minimum of four ganizations. For information, call 203-222-2649.
12-hour day or night shifts per month. Everyone is re-certified
every two to three years.
What else does Weston EMS do
Do we have paramedics and what can besides answer emergency calls?
A lot! EMS volunteers are on site at all manner of special
they do? events in town, such as the Memorial Day and Fourth of July
Weston EMS does provide paramedic service. Paramedics can celebrations, road races, the Norfield and Emmanuel Church
provide advanced life support treatment and care. fairs, and all youth and high school football games.

How much does an ambulance call How can I join Weston EMS?
cost me? To become a Weston EMT you do not need any prior medi-
Nothing. Weston EMS is a free service, unlike neighboring cal knowledge, just a commitment to help others. Yo must be at
towns, in which an ambulance call can routinely cost from $500 least 18 years old to apply and able to pass a physical exam.
to $700. For other requirements and questions, e-mail Giselle Vogel,
head of EMS membership, at gisellevogel@aol.com or call her
at 203-227-9127.
How many calls did the ambulance
service answer last year? How can I help Weston EMS?
In 2009, Weston EMS responded to 599 calls for service, up Make a donation. Weston EMS receives no funds from the
slightly from the previous year’s 558. town and therefore is funded solely by private contributions.
Running an emergency medical service is an expensive under-
taking. An ambulance costs about $200,000 and must be re-
Does Weston EMS have any commu- placed every five to seven years.
nity programs? Donations must also cover the cost of the department’s state-
Yes, Weston EMS offers Weston Injury Prevention (WIP), of-the-art equipment, all of its training, supplies, operating ex-
an ongoing education program to prevent injury in and around penses, and maintenance costs. Donations are tax deductible.
the home. The goal is to educate families on how to make their You may make a donation online at www.westonems.com.
home injury proof, as well as what to do in case an injury does To send a check, make it payable to Weston EMS and send to
occur. It is especially appropriate for scout troops and civic or- Weston EMS, P.O. Box 1163, Weston, CT 06883.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 39

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40 Emergency Services The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Where is the fire department?


The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is headquartered at 52
Norfield Road town behind town hall. Office hours are Monday
through Thursday from 9 to noon. The non-emergency number
is 222-2647. The Web site is www.wvfd.com.
There are two fire stations. Station #1 is the headquarters on
Norfield Road. Station #2 at 234 Lyons Plain Road was rebuilt
this past year.
Except for town funds to pay for fire equipment, the depart-
ment relies on private donations to supplement operating costs.

How does the department operate?


The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is made up entirely
of volunteers and since 1931 has been the sole source of fire
and rescue services in town. The department is divided into Fire
Rescue and Emergency Medical Services (for EMS, see above).
Their combined membership is about 90, with many people
serving on both divisions. The fire chief is John Pokorny. He is
also the town’s fire marshal.
Firefighters have monthly and weekly drills. The firefighting
force is state certified Firefighter One (130 hours of training) and
many members have achieved Firefighter Two certification (an
additional 160 hours of training).

What equipment does the fire


department have?
At the Norfield Station, there are three class A fire engines,
one engine dedicated to water supply that carries over a mile
of hose and can pump 2,250 gallons of water per minute, and a
tanker with a 2,500-gallon capacity.

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Emergency Services 41

The Norfield station also houses a mobile communications Must my fire alarm be registered?
bus, a dive/rescue boat, and “Old Mack,” an historic fire engine Yes. Homeowners must register their automatic alarm systems
dating back to 1934. with the secretary at the police department. Call 203-222-2600
At the Lyons Plain station, there is one class A engine that for details.
has a capacity of 1,000 gallons and can pump 1,500 gallons per
minute. (Most engines need to pump at the rate of 200 to 300
gallons per minute.) Where is the police department?
Each engine carries hundreds of feet of hose, various tools, The Weston Police Department is headquartered at 56 Nor-
and ground ladders up to 35 feet in length. The rescue truck, field Road. The non-emergency number is 203-222-2600. The
which is at the Norfield Station, carries a wide variety of special- department Web site is www.westonpolice.com.
ty equipment and power tools as well as a Jaws-of-Life power The department provides emergency service 24 hours a day,
unit that allows rescuers to work on two vehicles at once. seven days a week. Its mission is to protect life and property and
The fire department also has a supply of oxygen masks de- foster and maintain the feeling of stability and security in the
signed to fit dogs and cats. Each Weston fire pumper engine car- community. Weston police officers are well trained and demon-
ries a set of the animal masks, which plug into the same tank strate a high level of skill and motivation in the investigation of
used to give oxygen to humans. crimes and motor vehicle accidents.

How can I become a volunteer How many policemen does the town
firefighter? have?
You must live or work in Weston, be 16 or older and in good The Weston Police Department has 10 full-time patrol offi-
physical condition to join the fire department. The department cers, three sergeants, one detective, and one civilian clerk.
will provide all necessary training. For information, call Bruce The chief of police is John Troxell.
Ando at 203-222-2647 and leave a message with your name and
number, or e-mail membership@wvfd.com.
How do I get an accident report?
Call the police station at 203-222-2600 and ask for the records
How many calls did the fire department. They will let you know if the report has been filed
department answer last year? and processed. Then you may pick it up.
In 2009, the department responded to 502 calls, including
automatic fire alarms, down slightly from the previous year’s
534 calls,

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42 Emergency Services The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

What are the town’s police activity Is there a Neighborhood Watch


statistics? Program?
In fiscal year 2008-09, the Weston Police Department re- The Weston Police Department has a “cyber” neighborhood
sponded to 8,083 incidents, p from 7,245 in 2007-08. This in- watch program called e-Watch, which now numbers more than
cluded 1,909 crime-related calls (compared to 2,065 the previ- 300 members. Those who have signed up receive regular e-mail
ous year); 4,344 motor vehicle-related incidents (compared to alerts about recent crime activity in the community. Members
3,061 the previous year); and 1,778 call for general services, may also alert the police about scams they have encountered or
including fire, ambulance, and animal control assists (compared other suspicious activity.
to 2,119 the previous year). Subscription to the program is free. To be added to the list, e-
Among the most common incidents to which Weston police mail cfilsinger@westonpolice.com and put “E-WATCH” in the
responded were alarms (1,119), larceny (70), vandalism (43), subject line.
and reports of suspicious people, incidents, or vehicles (327 to-
tal) total).
The department also responded to 32 reports of assault or in- Will the police fingerprint me for an
timidation, 10 reports of burglary, and investigated 40 claims of application?
fraud. The police offer this service to Weston residents and town em-
The department made 52 arrests of adults and no juvenile ar- ployees. You may visit the police department during business
rests for criminal violations. In addition, officers made 498 mo- hours, but they can’t guarantee an officer will be available. Try
tor vehicle arrests (up considerably from 158 the previous year) calling ahead.
and 18 arrests for driving under the influence. The issued 839
written warnings and issued 52 parking tickets. The department
also handled 182 motor vehicle accidents and made 1,554 motor Does the police department have a
vehicle stops.
Lost and Found?
Yes. Found items may be turned in to the dispatch office, ad-
Are police involved in any community jacent to the fire department on Norfield Road, at any time. For
inquiries about lost items, call 203-222-2600.
programs?
The department periodically runs a Citizen Police Academy.
The eight-week program is open to all town residents and is de- Do I need to register my burglar
signed to give citizens an overview of the department and the
American Criminal Justice System. alarm?
Yes. Call the police department secretary at 203-222-2600.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Emergency Services 43

Am I allowed to carry a gun in town? gov, www.ct.gov/hls (CT Office of Homeland Security), www.
To carry a firearm, either on your person or in your vehicle, whitehouse.gov/homeland (Department of Homeland Security),
you must obtain a permit to do so. The records department www.ed.gov/emergencyplan (Department of Education), and
(203-222-2600) can provide you with information regarding the www.ready.gov (also 800-Be-Ready) provides citizens with in-
necessary requirements. Or, check with the Connecticut State formative preparedness suggestions and advice for families.
Police Special License and Firearms Unit, at www.state.ct.us/ Mike Ferullo (203-222-2633) is the director of Emergency
dps/SLFU/index.html. Management for Weston.

Is there a town emergency plan? What should I do in the event of a


Weston has an Office of Emergency Management that is com- severe storm?
mitted to the safety and security of those who live and work Connecticut Light and Power offers the following tips: Check
here. The department is responsible for handling emergencies medications that need refrigeration. You may want to keep a
that arise from both natural and man-made disasters. small cooler handy for that purpose. Have a supply of canned,
There is a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that non-perishable food and drinking water that will last a couple
details what each department (such as Fire, Police, and EMS) is of days. Get extra ice and put it in plastic bags. This will help
required to do during an actual emergency. There are a number maintain the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer.
of ways people may be notified of an emergency, inlcuding the Set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; a bucket
CodeRed® emergency notification system, with which town of- in the bowl is all that’s needed for flushing. You can buy bottled
ficials can automatically call the entire town or certain streets or water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside, but don’t bring
neighborhoods to deliver a pre-recorded phone message. grills into the house.
The Town of Weston Emergency Operations Manual contains Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flash-
the Emergency Operations Plan. The town works with munici- lights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill
pal neighbors and the South Western Regional Planning Agency your car’s gas tank. Stay away from downed power lines.
to create both terrorism and bio-terrorism responses to add to the You should avoid talking on the phone or watching TV during
Emergency Operations Manual. The town is in constant contact a lightning storm. Consider unplugging expensive items such as
with the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Management, computers, televisions and refrigerators to avoid power surge
the American Red Cross, and the Office of Homeland Security at damage, which can occur even if they are plugged into surge
both the federal and state levels in order to ensure the safety and protectors.
security of the community. If you lose power, call Connecticut Light and Power at 800-
For more information on emergency preparedness, the fol- 286-2000.
lowing Web sites will be helpful: www.redcross.org, www.fema.
44 Business/Shopping The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Business
Is there a business district? Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection hotline at
Weston Center at 190 Weston Road is the closest thing Weston 800-842-2649 or visit state.ct.us/dep.
has to a business district. It is a small shopping center with Pe- The department will investigate cases where consumers feel
ter’s Weston Market, The Lunch Box, Lang’s Pharmacy, Peter’s they were cheated or defrauded. It will also accept written com-
Spirit Shop, Weston Hardware & Houseware, Camelot Realty, plaints, which can be mailed to 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford,
Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services, LLC, and Fairfield CT 06106.
County Bank. Weston Service Center and the post office are also
in Weston Center. Where is the post office?
The Weston Post Office is in Weston Center, 190 Weston Road.
Is there a Chamber of Commerce? Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5, Saturday from
Weston merchants may belong to the Westport/Weston 9 to 1. For information, call 800-ASK-USPS. The postal service
Chamber of Commerce (227-9234 or www.westportchamber. Web site is www.usps.com.
com) with offices at 215 Main Street in Westport. The chamber
serves the business community through a number of events and
services, and also contributes to the community in general. Where can I ship something via UPS?
Regular events include networking breakfasts (Business Be- There is nowhere in town, but there are several UPS Stores
fore Hours the second Wednesday of every month) and eve- and self-serve drop boxes just over the town line in Wilton and
ning events (Bsiness After Hours the fourth Thursday of every Westport. Check www.ups.com for the most convenient loca-
month). There are also special business and social events. tion.

Who protects consumers?


The local Better Business Bureau is in Wallingford. For in- What banks are in town?
formation, call 203-269-2700 or visit www.bbb.org. Fairfield County Bank has a branch office and 24-hour ATM
The Better Business Bureau provides reports on businesses, machine in Weston Center at 190 Weston Road. The Web site is
charity groups, and organizations. It can help resolve consumer www.fairfieldcountybank.com or call 319-7820.
disputes with businesses and promotes ethical business stan- The bank is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 .m.,
dards. You may file a complaint online at www.connecticut.bbb. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
org or call for information.
You may also file a complaint about a business through the

Shopping
Are any stores open all night? Silverman’s Farm at 451 Sport Hill Road in Easton (203-261-
There are none in Weston. The Dunkin’ Donuts at 35 Danbury 3306) offers peaches, apples, nectarines, and sunflowers. There
Road (203-761-8663) is open 24 hours. There are other possi- is a farm market, florist, animal farm (admission fee), seasonal
bilities along Route 7 toward Norwalk. cider, and tractor rides. It is open all year.
Warrups Farm on Route 7 in West Redding (203-938-9403) is
an organic farm offering pick-your-own flowers, summer veg-
What supermarkets are in town? etables, squash, and pumpkins. There is a small farm stand and
Peter’s Weston Market at 190 Weston Road (known as Weston farm animals across the street. Seasonal hayrides. In December,
Center) is the town’s only food market. The phone number is there are cut-your-own Christmas trees.
203-227-2066.
Where can I buy plants and garden
Where is the nearest farmers market? supplies?
There is a great seasonal farmer’s market right here in town, Weston Gardens at 1 Goodhill Road (203-227-3871) is a nurs-
open Saturdays from 8 to 11. It is held at the Weston Histori- ery that offers landscaping and lawn and garden supplies.
cal Society on Route 57, and is organized by the Weston Wom- Weston Hardware in Weston Center (203-227-7995) also of-
en’s League. In addition to fresh local produce and products, fers gardening supplies.
the league also arranges for entertainment on most Saturdays.
If you miss the market on Saturday, there is also a Georgetown
Farmer’s Market at Route 57 and 107. It is open Sundays from Where can I buy a newspaper?
10 to 2. Peter’s Weston Market (203-227-2066) sells The Weston Fo-
rum and other popular newspapers.
Where can I pick my own fruits and
vegetables? Can I buy school supplies in town?
The nearest pick-your-own places are Silverman’s Farm and You can buy many of them at them Peter’s Weston Market and
Warrups Farm. at Lang’s Pharmacy in Weston Center. School PTOs will often
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Shopping 45

provide opportunities to buy a “Back to School Kit.”

What restaurants are in town?


There are two restaurants in town. The Cobbs Mill Inn (203-
227-7221 or www.cobbsmillinn.com) at 12 Old Mill Road is a
gracious sit-down restaurant overlooking the Saugatuck River.
The Lunch Box (203-227-4808) at Weston Center is a more
casual restaurant offering pizza delivery, sandwiches, burgers,
and more.

Is there a liquor store in town?


Yes. Peter’s Spirit Shop (203-226-3740 or www.peterspirit.
com) is at Weston Center.

Where can I get an ice cream cone?


You can satisfy your craving for ice cream at The Lunch
Box.

Who sells coffee to go?


Grab a cup to go at The Lunch Box or Peter’s Weston Mar-
ket.

Is there a catering service?


Try Cheers Catering and Butler Service on Old Mill Road
(203-857-4666), A Dash of Salt (203-943-9950), Bon Soiree
on Salem Road (203-222-7327), Cabbages & Kings Catering
on Lords Highway (203-226-0531), or AMG Catering on Briar
Oak Drive (203-227-5535). The Lunch Box, Cobbs Mill Inn,
and Peter’s Weston Market also offer food-to-go services.

Is there a hardware store?


Yes. Weston Hardware & Houseware (203-227-7995) is at
Weston Center.

Where can I get my clothes dry


cleaned?
There is no longer a dry cleaner in Weston Center, but Minute
Men Cleaners (203-227-6153, ext. 101) in Westport offers free �����������������������������������
pick-up and drop-off service on Monday and Thursday. Items ����������������������������������
picked up are returned the following delivery day. Standard ��������������������������������������
over-the-counter rates apply, but they do ask for a minimum ����������
of three dry-cleaned garments per week (three laundered shirts ���������������������
equal one dry-cleaned garment).
Colonial Cleaners in Ridgefield (203-431-6397 or www.co- ���������������������
lonialcleaners.com) and Classic Cleaners in Georgetown (203- ��������������������
544-9177) also provide pick-up and delivery service in Weston. ��������������������������������������
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Is there a mall nearby? ����������������������������������
A ride north on Route 7 will lead to the Danbury Fair Mall

for50 years
(Park Avenue exit) with more than 200 stores.
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The Stamford Town Center is at Grey Rock Place in down-


town Stamford (Atlantic Street exit off I-95 south) and offers ���������
135 retail outlets.
The Trumbull Mall is off Exit 48 of the Merritt Parkway.
46 Property Issues The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Property Issues
When do I need a building permit? What are the regulations regarding
If you are planning any kind of home construction or renova- fences?
tion, construction of a deck, driveway, pergola, just about any- Fences and walls up to six feet tall are permitted. Walls or
thing, you should first check with the building department (203- fences taller than six feet but no more than eight feet are allowed
222-2659). Building permit applications must be accompanied only if they are at least three-fourths open construction. Deer
by approvals from a number of other departments depending fencing of open mesh is permitted so long as the total height
on the type of work being done. These may include the health does not exceed 10 feet. For fences around playing courts, con-
department, town engineer, conservation planner, fire marshal, sult Planning & Zoning.
zoning, and tax collector. If you are building a fence or wall within 20 feet of a town
road, you must get a zoning permit and it can be no more than
four feet tall.
When do I need a zoning permit?
If you are doing any building, alterations, additions, or exca-
vation work, you will need a zoning permit. Call 203-222-2614 What are the setback requirements?
for assistance. All buildings must be set back a minimum of 50 feet from the
front lot line and 30 feet from side and rear lot lines. Buildings
are limited to 35 feet in height and the total footprint of all build-
What are the regulations on swim- ings (residence, outbuildings, etc.) may not exceed 15% of the
ming pools? total lot area.
Swimming pools and tennis courts are allowed but must be
within the minimum setback requirements (see below). Before a
building permit is issued for a swimming pool, the homeowner Can I bring in landfill?
must secure a certificate of approval from the town health officer Probably, but you should check with Planning & Zoning. You
regarding construction, drainage, filtering, etc. will probably need a permit and you should make sure you are
The state building codes have additional requirements for not anywhere near a wetland.
safety including fencing. The fence must be at least four feet
high and enclose the pool.
What is a wetland and a watercourse?
Wetlands are diverse and not always visible to the eye. In
Connecticut, they are defined by the chemical and physical char-
acteristics of the first 18 to 24 inches of soil.
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water which contains water or a flow of water at least six months
in the aggregate during the course of an average year.”

�� What are the rules regarding “for sale”


signs?
You may have one sign advertising the sale or lease of a prop-
erty. It may be no bigger than two square feet and it must be set
back at least five feet from the property line. It may be only one
board and may not have anything hanging from it.
�����������������������������������
What if I have a tag sale?
������������ Tag sale signs are permitted as long as you have a tag sale
special permit issued by the selectman’s office.

�����������������������������
May I rent an apartment in my house?
You may have one apartment, as long as it is part of the main

�������������� house and you, the owner, live in the house. You may not have
an apartment in an outbuilding and you may not rent out both the
main house and apartment. There are quite a few rules regarding
accessory apartments. Consult Planning & Zoning.
���������������������
������������������������� May I take in boarders?
Yes, but you are restricted to no more than three and they may
not have separate cooking facilities.
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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Property Issues 47

Do I need a permit for a business in or landscaping, it might be a good idea to have it tested. In addi-
tion, if you notice a strange taste or a funny odor in your water,
my home? have the well tested. Various private laboratories can test your
You do not need a special permit from Planning & Zoning for water quality; look under Laboratories — Testing in the yellow
a single person; you do need one if you have one or two em- pages or online directory.
ployees. Home businesses are not permitted to have more than
an employers plus two employees. There are quite a few rules
and regulations regarding home businesses. They are outlined in How do I take care of my septic sys-
the town’s zoning regulations available online at www.westonct.
gov. tem?
You should have it cleaned out every few years by a licensed
company. If you think you have a problem, call a licensed septic
May I burn brush? system installer.
Yes, you may burn brush but not leaves. You don’t need a The Norwalk River Watershed Initiative offers a simple, non-
permit, but you do need verbal permission, which will depend technical brochure for homeowners called Septic Care & Main-
on that day’s air polution, fire hazard status, and exactly what tenance for the Homeowner. It is available online at www.con-
you are planning to burn. Call the Communications Center (203- servect.org/southwest.htm. Click on the septic care link and then
222-2600) before burning anything outside. Burning is allowed click on the link for the downloadable format.
at any time of year.
Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic
How do I know if my well water is safe system is leaking onto my property?
to drink? First call your neighbor, then call the Westport Weston Health
A private well means that it is your responsibility to have the District at 203-227-9571.
water checked. All new wells must have tests submitted to the
town health department before a new water supply is approved
for use. May I shoot off fireworks at home?
It’s not a bad idea to have a bacterial check done on an annual No. Anything that goes “bang” is illegal. Only non-exploding,
basis. If you suspect the well has been damaged by construction non-aerial sparklers may be used by anyone over 16.
48 Health The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Health
How can I find a good doctor for my Main Street (Route 25) is affiliated with Bridgeport Hospital. To
access information online, go to www.bridgeporthospital.org and
family? click on Community Services, then Walk-in Medical Centers.
All hospitals have physician referral services. Try Norwalk
Hospital (203-852-2609 or www.norwalkhosp.org), Danbury Are there CPR classes in town?
Hospital (203-797-7001 or www.danburyhospital.org), St. Vin- Weston Emergency Medical Services, through its HeartSmart
cent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport (877-255-SVHS or www. program, offers CPR training to groups such as the Girl and Boy
stvincents.org), or Bridgeport Hospital (203-384-3000 or www. Scouts, community service organizations, sports programs, and
bridgeporthospital.org). There are also published directories at high school students. Call Nisan Eventoff from Weston EMS
area libraries, and lots of online referral services like www.phy- at 203-222-2600 to arrange a HeartSmart program or for more
sicianreports.com or www.AmericasTopDoctors.com. Some- information.
times the best references come through word of mouth. The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the American Red
Cross, 158 Brooklawn Ave., Bridgeport, offers CPR, first aid,
and baby-sitting courses in the area. For times and locations, call
Do any doctors take walk-in patients? 800-319-9935 or visit www.sefairfieldco.redcross.org.
There are none in town. In Wilton, there is Wilton Medical
Walk In Clinic (203-834-8885) at 35 Danbury Road. It’s open
Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, Saturdays from 9 to 2, Sun- Is there a town health department?
days from 9 to 1, and holidays from 9 to 1. The last patient is The Westport Weston Health District is a regional health de-
seen one-half hour before closing. partment that provides professional health services. It is at 180
In Fairfield, the Walk-In Medical Care Center (203-259-3440) Bayberry Lane, Westport. Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30. The
is at 1055 Post Road, and the Fairfield Family Medical Cen- phone number is 203-227-9571. The Web site is www.wwhd.
ter (203-384-2273), 525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff, is open Monday org.
through Friday, 9 to 9; Saturday and Sunday, 9 to 3.
In Norwalk, there’s Primary Medical Care (203-849-7777 or
www.pmcc-ohc.com) at 345 Main Avenue, open from 8 a.m. to Is there a clearinghouse of health
9 p.m. weekdays, 9 to 5 on Saturday and Sunday. Call for hours
on holidays. services?
Immediate Medical Care of Monroe (203-459-0191), 388 Infoline of Southwest Connecticut offers information and

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Health 49

referrals on adult day care, nutrition, home care, respite care, How can I arrange for home health
health services, mental health, social services, legal services,
transportation, financial services, and other topics. Call 2-1-1 or care?
visit www.211infoline.org. You, your doctor, or a friend can call any of several visiting
The Connecticut Self-Help Network is a statewide clearing- nurse services to arrange for home health care.
house for all support groups across the state. Its Self-Help Di- The Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network offers several home
rectory lists more than 1,450 local and statewide groups dealing care programs. Assisted Living @ Home is offered to people
with abuse, addictions, bereavement, disabilities, health, mental who need support to remain independent at home and out of
health, parenting, and many other stressful life situations. It also a long-term care facility. Services include help with bathing,
has contact information for more than 1,000 national networks. cleaning, cooking, dressing, driving and shopping, running er-
For information, call 203-624-6982. rands, and even providing companionship. Offered by NHC Se-
lect Care, a division of the network, call 800-898-4663 for more
information. The Web site is www.visitingnurse.net.
Does anyone make house calls? Nursing & Home Care, which is part of the network, provides
The Westport Weston Health District Homebound Health high-tech and long-term professional nursing; aides for personal
Check program provides regular non-skilled home visits by a care and home management; physical, occupational, and speech
registered nurse to Westonites unable to leave their home due therapists; and volunteer peer counselors. Call 203-762-8958 or
to chronic illness or advanced age. Services are tailored to meet 800-898-HOME.
individual health needs and include monitoring of vital signs, VNS of Connecticut offers skilled nursing for children and
blood sugar levels, and medication compliance. For information adults; occupational, physical and speech therapy; medical so-
or to register, call Loren Pace, RN, at 203-227-9571. cial work; and home health aides as well as many specialty ser-
vices. Call 203-838-8621 or visit www.vnsct.com.

Where’s the nearest nursing home?


The nearest nursing homes are in Wilton: Wilton Meadows Is there a clearinghouse of informa-
Health Care (203-834-0199 or www.wiltonmeadowshealth- tion on home health care?
care.org), 439 Danbury Road; and Lourdes Health Care Center Home Health Compare allows consumers to see clinical infor-
(203-762-3318), 345 Belden Hill Road. In Georgetown, there mation about home health agency quality. The service is spon-
is Meadow Ridge (203-544-1000 or www.meadowridge.net) sored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It
at 100 Redding Road. Quality-related information on nursing is available online at www.medicare.gov.
homes is available online at www.medicare.gov.

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50 Health The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

How can I get help with household


������������������������
��������������������������
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illness?
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of jewelry...
of the Visiting Nurse/VNA Care Network in Wilton, people can
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help with bathing, cleaning, cooking, dressing, driving and
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������������������������������������� Who provides hospice service?
Mid-Fairfield Hospice, a partner with Nursing & Home Care,
����������������� provides hospice services in Weston. Hospice is a community-
based program that focuses on pain relief, symptom control and
������������������ �
comfort for terminally ill patients, allowing them to be cared for
���������������������� where they are most comfortable, usually at home. For infor-
����������������� mation, call 203-762-8958 or 800-898-HOME or visit online at
�������������������������������������� www.visitingnurse.net.
From its Norwalk office, VNS of Connecticut offers hospice
care for Weston patients in their homes. For information, call
203-838-8621 or visit www.vnsct.com.

How can I become a hospice


��������������������������������������������� volunteer?
����������������������� Volunteers are an integral part of a hospice program. Mid-
������������������� Fairfield Hospice offers volunteer training courses at least twice
���������������� each year. Volunteers may choose to work with patients and
�������������������

������������������������ families, or may help in many other ways. Call the Mid-Fairfield
��������������� ���������������� Hospice at 203-762-8958 for details.
�������������������

�������������������� VNS of Connecticut offers a free, eight-week training pro-


����������������������������� gram for adults over 18 who are interested in becoming a hos-
pice volunteer. The program takes place in the Norwalk office at
����������������

137 East Avenue. For details, call 203-366-3821.


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��������������������� Does anyone help the handicapped?
��������������������� Call the Department of Social Services (203-222-2663) for
����������������� referrals.

Is there a therapeutic riding program?


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Earrings,
Lang’s Pharmacy,
Emeralds, a family-owned pharmacy that began with
Y.Z. Jewelry Mfg.
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Gems. and shipping. Pharmacy hours are Monday
���������������������������������������������������� through Saturday, 9 to 6; closed on Sundays. Call 203-226-
�������������������������������������������� 7800.
Stop & Shop Pharmacy is in Wilton Center. Pharmacy hours
there are Monday through Friday 8 to 8, Saturday, 9 to 5, and
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Sunday, 9 to 3. The pharmacy may be reached at 203-834-
9735.
Achorn’s Pharmacy at 166 Main Street in Westport serves
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Westonites, and also offers free morning delivery for residents.
Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 7, Saturday, 8
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excellent service. noon to 5. Call 203-226-0741.
There is also Colonial Druggists at 611 Post Road East (203-
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Health 51

227-9538) and CVS at 397 Post Road East in Westport (203-


227-7343). For those closer to the north end of town, there is
Redding Pharmacy, 73 Redding Road (Route 107) in George-
town (203-544-8306).
The nearest 24-hour pharmacies are in Norwalk. CVS (203-
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847-2351) is at 235 Main Street and Walgreen’s...(203-845-0457)
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Who organizes blood drives? ������������������������������������������������
How can I give? � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ���������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������
With local sponsorship of groups like the Kiwanis Club of �����������������������������������������
Weston and the Weston Women’s League, the American Red �������������������������������������
Cross Mid-Fairfield County Chapter, 158 Brooklawn Ave., �������������������������������������������
Bridgeport (800-319-9935 or www.sefairfieldco.redcross.org)
conducts blood drives. ���������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������
Is there a flu clinic in the fall? ������������������������������������������
The Westport Weston Health District has flu clinics in the fall
at its Westport office, as well as at various community locations ������������������������������
in both Westport and Weston. Sites and times are published in
The Weston Forum and are posted online at www.wwhd.org or �������������������������������
call 203-227-9571 for more information.
The health district also offers a pneumonia vaccine clinic for
seniors that offers a once-in-a-lifetime vaccine, covered by most
Medicare plans. Call for details.

Is there a wellness clinic? ����� ������� ��������


The Westport Weston Health District (203-227-9571) offers
a walk-in clinic for adults and children on Mondays from 9 to
10:30 at its Westport office. The clinic offers free blood pressure
screening, monitoring, and counseling. Blood sugar, and TB
testing are available for a minimal charge. No immunizations
are given during the wellness clinic. ������� ������ �������

��������������������������������������������
Can I get my cholesterol checked? ������������������������������������������
The Westport Weston Health District offers cholesterol screen-
ing that includes total, LDL, and HDL levels, blood sugar, and
�����������������������������������������������
triglyceride levels. Fasting is required. There is a fee, which �������������������������������������������������
must be paid in cash. For an appointment, call Monica Wheeler, ����������������������������������������������
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get necessary immunizations? ����������������������������������������
The Westport Weston Health District offers immunizations, ��������������������������������������������
preventive medications, and travel health counseling.
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appointment call Janet Hanna in the Travel Clinic
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9571, ext. 243. Fees are payable by cash, check,ytMasterCard,
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Where can I get my child’s
immunizations? ��������������������������������������������
Most parents bring their child to their pediatrician, but the
Westport Weston Health District offers immunizations and
boosters to children and adults. There is a fee payable by cash or
check, MasterCard, or Visa. Call 203-227-9571 for an appoint-
431 Post Road ������������
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ment.
The health district also offers immunizations for school or
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college-bound students that include MMR, Meningitis, llecxe dna sdnomaid y����������������������������������������
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52 Health The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

but it’s a good idea to call ahead for details. Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (203-966-3651); or Hall
Brooke Behavioral Health Center in Westport, (203-277-1251).

Where is the closest drug treatment


center? Where can I get help for an eating
For information about drug abuse and treatment centers, call disorder?
Social Worker Charlene Chiang-Hillman at 203-222-2663. The Renfrew Center of Southern Connecticut, 436 Danbury
Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455 or www. Road in Wilton (203-834-5020 or www.renfrew.com) offers an
silverhillhospital.com) has inpatient and outpatient programs for intensive outpatient program for young people and adults with
drug and alcohol abuse. eating disorders. The center also offers nutritional counseling
Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Services in Westport (203- and support groups for individuals (adults and adolescents),
277-1251 or www.hallbrooke.org) also has inpatient and outpa- families, and couples. A free support group meets every Satur-
tient programs. day morning at 11. The drop-in group is open to anyone strug-
Norwalk Hospital has a wide range of mental health and sub- gling with eating disorders, their families or friends.
stance abuse services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. The Wilkins Center (203-531-1909 or www.wilkinscenter.
Call 203-852-2988 or visit www.norwalkhosp.org. com) is located in Greenwich, but has staff members with of-
fices located throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The
center provides integrated psychiatric, medical, and nutritional
What type of help or counseling is care.
available for the mentally ill and their Danbury Hospital (203-797-7000) has an outpatient program.
Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan (800-899-4455); and Hall-
families? Brooke Behavioral Health Center in Westport (203-277-1251)
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has a Stamford- offer treatment programs for anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and
Greenwich affiliate at 730 Summer Street, Stamford. Call 203- other eating disorders.
388-1603.
For information about supervised apartments or for consulta-
tions, call the Mental Health Association of Connecticut’s Sup- What is radon gas and what can I do
ported Living Community (203-797-8621 or 798-2527). The as-
sociation has a list of support groups throughout the state; call about it?
800-842-1501. Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that
The Care Network, a group of three area health care agen- cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. In open air it is harmlessly
cies, offers treatment, counseling and help in finding community dispersed, however, well water passing through soil with high
resources; call 800-898-HOME. Other sources of help include levels of the gas may be a significant source of radon in a home.
High levels of radon occur in Connecticut, particularly in Fair-
field County.
Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung
cancer. According to the U.S. E.P.A., radon causes more cancer
deaths than any other single air pollutant except tobacco smoke.

���� When exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone


else’s smoke, the risk increases dramatically.
Radon gas gets into homes through cracks in foundations,

������ block walls, sump pumps, drains and other openings in cellar
floors and walls. It can also be released into the air by running
water from faucets and showers if the source of water is a well

�������
with high levels of radon.
The simplest way to find out if your home has high levels of
radon is through a carbon filter test. Kits are available in stores
or may be purchased inexpensively by calling the Radon Hot-
�������������������� line — 800-SOS-RADON — operated by the National Safety
Council.

Should I worry about Lyme disease?


��������������� Lyme disease, spread by ticks, is prevalent. The most common
carrier is the deer tick, which is about the size of a poppy seed.
����������������������������������� Take precautions when going in the woods and fields. Use in-
sect repellent, dress in light-colored clothing, roll pant cuffs into
socks, wear long sleeves and a hat. Inspect pets that roam daily.
������������������� Insect repellents that contain DEET are quite effective against
ticks. Follow the label instructions for use and application.
Products containing 15% or less DEET are recommended for
������������������� ������������������� children, but products containing DEET should not be used on
infants.
����������������� If you notice a tick bite or any bite around which a redness
forms in the shape of a bull’s-eye target, or if you have flu-like
����������������������������������������������� symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Health 53

What about other tickborne illnesses? for testing. Call 203-227-9751 for details.
There are other tickborne diseases found in this area — eh- The Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Lab will examine
rlichiosis and babesiosis. ticks for the presence of the pathogen that causes Lyme disease.
The symptoms of erlichiosis include fever, headache, chills, The fee is $35. Wrap ticks in a moist towel sealed in a zip-lock
malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. Acute bag and bring or send to Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Lab,
weight loss, low platelet count, and a low white blood cell count University of Connecticut, 61 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT
can also occur. 06269-3203. Results will be received in one to two days.
The symptoms of babesiosis include a gradual onset of mal-
aise, loss of appetite, and fatigue, followed by intermittent fe- How can I get information about Lyme
ver, with temperatures as high as 104 degrees. Usually one or disease?
more of the following occur: Shaking, chills, sweats, headache, The Westport Weston Health District has extensive informa-
muscle aches, and anemia. tion aout Lyme disease on its Web site, www.wwhd.org; click on
Target Lyme Disease.
The following Web sites also are recommended: www.time-
Does anyone test ticks for Lyme forlyme.org; www.ilads.org; www.columbia-lyme.org; www.
disease? cdc.gov. Color pictures of several variations of the Lyme rash
The Westport Weston Health District will identify ticks for may be viewed at the Lyme Disease Foundation Web site, www.
residents for $10. There will be no additional fee to send en- lyme.org.
gorged ticks to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment station
54 Health The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Is there a support group for those What should I do if I have been


with Lyme disease? exposed?
Adult and teen groups meet regularly at the Comstock Com- Consult a doctor immediately and report the incident to the
munity Center in Wilton. For either group, call Yvonne at 203- local health district (203-227-9571) and animal control officer
762-2437 or e-mail kos1@earthlink.net. Time for Lyme also of- (203-222-2642). Because the rabies virus is carried in saliva, the
fers support group meetings at Greenwich Town Hall on the first wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This
Thursday of each month. Call 203-969-1333. decreases the chance of infection. If possible, the animal should
be captured for testing. The Veterinary Medical Association sug-
gests trapping the animal under a large box, but do not try to
How prevalent is rabies in this area? handle it. Because the testing procedure for rabies involves dis-
According to the state Department of Public Health, two of secting the brain, the animal must be euthanized in order to be
the eight raccoons that tested positive for rabies in Fairfield tested.
County in the first four months of 2010 were found in Weston. Once rabies has been contracted, it is nearly always fatal.
Statewide, 36 animals (25 of them raccoons) tested positive for (There has been only one known survivor.) However, prophy-
the disease in the first quarter of the year. However, Weston’s lactic treatment in the form of a series of injections is available
animal control officer reports that he disposes of scores of wild for people who have been exposed to the virus. The procedure
animals every year that he is fairly certain were rabid. involves administering a dose of immunoglobulin, followed by
Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that travels through a vaccination. This is succeeded by a series of four injections
the body to the brain via the nervous system. Once it reaches the given in a 28-day period after the initial treatment.
brain, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which
results in neurological damage and cannot be treated.
During the last 15-20 years, there has been an outbreak of What is West Nile virus?
rabies along the East Coast. Raccoons, skunks, and bats are the West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause
most common carriers of the rabies virus. encephalitis. Mosquitoes trapped in Weston have tested positive
The best way to protect yourself against rabies is to not ap- for West Nile virus.
proach or handle wild animals (dead or alive) or strange pets and Although most mosquitoes do not transmit the virus, the one
to keep your own pets vaccinated. most commonly associated with it is the Culex pipiens mosqui-
to, also known as the common house mosquito. These mosqui-
toes can reproduce in any stagnant water that lasts more than
four days. People can best protect themselves by eliminating
any such pools of stagnant water around their home, such as
birdbaths, old tires, kiddy pools, and clogged gutters. Minimize
outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. Consider the use of
mosquito repellent.
Viral encephalitis may not have any symptoms at all; mild
cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infec-
tions are marked by a rapid onset of high fever, head and body
aches, and usually occur five to 15 days after exposure. There is
no specific treatment for viral infections, other than to treat the
symptoms and provide supportive care. Those who may be most
susceptible to encephalitis are infants, the elderly and people
with damaged immune systems.

Where is smoking banned?


Smoking is banned in all public buildings in Weston. A state
����������������� law bans smoking in all restaurants, bars, health care institu-
tions, schools, retail stores, elevators, and private businesses.
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How can I find an Alcoholics
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Anonymous chapter?
�������������� The local AA help line is 203-227-2496, the Web site is www.
ct-aa.org. Many alcohol abuse hotlines are listed in the phone
������������������������������������� book. Al-Anon, for families of alcoholics, and Alateen, for
young people affected by a drinking problem, may be reached at
�������������������������������������������� 888-825-2666. The Web site is www.ct-al-anon.org.
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Does anyone offer HIV/AIDS testing?
The Westport Weston Health District offers anonymous or
confidential HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. There is no
��������������������� charge, but a $10 donation is suggested. For details or an ap-
pointment, call 203-227-9571.
������������������������
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Recreation 55

Recreation
What local parks are there? What do Where can I go hiking?
they offer? Weston is one of the greenest towns in Fairfield County, with
Weston has three municipal parks. They all open at sunrise hundreds of protected acres and miles of trails. Some trails rec-
and close at dusk. ommended by the Aspetuck Land Trust include:
Bisceglie-Scribner Park on Newtown Turnpike has a picnic Trout Brook Valley off Bradley Road;
area with a pavilion and picnic benches; a half-mile, 22-station Stonebridge Waterfowl Preserve, Newtown Turnpike and
fitness trail; a swimming pond with lifeguards; a playground; Stonebridge Road;
and three Little League fields. Dogs are allowed on leashes on Elizabeth Luce Moore Nature Preserve, entrances on Hill
the trails only, not on the fields. Farm Road and Davis Hill Road;
The 32-acre Morehouse Farm Park is also on Newtown Honey Hill Preserve on Wampum Hill Road (park on May-
Turnpike. It is an active recreation area with five fields for soc- apple);
cer, softball and baseball. It, too, has a picnic pavilion with ta- Benjamin Wildflower Preserve on Old Stagecoach Road;
bles, and there is plenty of parking. No dogs allowed. Walter Wagner Preserve at the intersection of Pleasant Hill
Keene Park is on River Road. This is a more natural park Road and Partridge Lane.
with a path to the Saugatuck River and a sandy area. There is a The land trust offers printable trail maps of these properties on
toddler playground for preschool age children and a small park- its Web site at www.aspetucklandtrust.org. Maps are also avail-
ing area. able at town hall.
There is also wonderful hiking at the Devil’s Den Preserve on
Pent Road (see above).
Where is the parks and recreation de- Bisceglie-Scribner Park has walking trails.
Aquarion offers a hiking permit that allows access to the five-
partment? mile Saugatuck Nature Trail along the shore of the Saugatuck
The offices are in Jarvis House on the corner of Weston and Reservoir and 35 miles of scenic trails in Weston and Redding.
Norfield roads. The parks and recreation director is Dave Ungar. Call the watershed management department at 203-452-3510.
Office hours are 9 to 4:30. The number is 203-222-2655.
The recreation department publishes information on seasonal
programs, which it also maintains on its Web site. Go to www. Where can I go swimming?
westonct.gov and click on Municipal Departments, then Parks You have two choices for municipal swimming.
& Recreation. During the summer, you can swim at the pond at Bisceglie-

Are there any nature preserves?


There are quite a few.
The largest is the Devil’s Den Preserve (203-966-9577),
which is in Weston and Redding. A 20-mile trail system winds �������
through the preserve’s 1,756 acres past numerous rocky crests ����

and cliffs and more than 500 types of trees and wildflowers. ������
More than 140 bird species and mammals such as red fox, bob-
cats, and coyotes call the Den home. There are a number of pro-
grams for all ages and guided hikes, or you can strike out on
your own. Parking is at the end of Pent Road. The preserve is
owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy.
The Aspetuck Land Trust manages a number of properties
in Weston. They are detailed on the Web site www.aspetuck-
landtrust.org. One of the most diverse is the 1,009-acre Trout
Brook Valley Conservation Area with trails for humans and
horses. (Part of Trout Brook Valley is owned by the state.) There Ages 6 weeks to 6 years
�����������������������
are a number of places to park, including Bradley Road and Elm
Drive. There is better parking at the land trust’s Crow Hill and ������������������������������������
Jump Hill Preserves in Easton, from which you can access Trout �����������������������������������������������
Brook Valley.
The Elizabeth Luce Moore Nature Preserve encompasses �������������������
28 acres in Weston. There are four trails. Parking is on Hill Farm
Road.
�����������������������������������������������������
The Stonebridge Waterfowl Preserve is traversed by the ��������������������������
Saugatuck River. There are also numerous wetlands and a pond ���������������������������������������
on this 21-acre property. Parking is just off Newtown Turnpike
north of Stonebridge Road.
The 38-acre Honey Hill Nature Preserve is on the Weston- ����������������������
Wilton border. Although Wampum Hill Road leads to the pre- ���������������������������������������������
serve, there is no parking. Park at the end of Mayapple in a
cul-de-sac and walk to the Honey Hill entrance at the end of ������������������������������������
Wampum Hill Road. ����������������
56 Reacreation The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Scribner Park. Seasonal passes are required. Call parks and Where can I play tennis?
recreation at 203-222-2655 for details. There are six municipal tennis courts at the Weston High
During cooler weather, Weston residents may swim at the pool School athletic complex behind the football field and track. They
at Weston Middle School. Swim permits are good from Sep- have hard courts with a four-layer rubberized cushion coating.
tember through mid-June. The pool is open early in the morning The courts are open for play on a first-come, first-served basis
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; Monday and Wednesday with priority during the school year going to the high school ten-
evenings; and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For information, nis teams and physical education classes. From Memorial Day
check the parks and recreation Web site or call 203-291-1560. through Labor Day, there is a pass required for play, which can
The town also sells beach stickers for Compo Beach in be purchased at the parks and recreation office.
Westport at the town clerk’s office in Weston Town Hall. Beach The Weston Racquet Club is a private tennis club at 405
stickers are required from May 1 through Oct. 1. For Westonites, Newtown Turnpike (203-226-3349). The Weston Field Club,
the stickers cost $200 per car, or $100 for seniors. The drop-in 38 Ladder Hill Road South (203-227-8487 or www.westonfield-
cost is $15 per day on weekdays, and $30 per day on weekends club.com) has several types of individual and family member-
and holidays. ships, and facilities include outdoor courts.
Several private clubs in town offer swimming facilities to
members; these include The Weston Field Club (203-227-8487
or www.westonfieldclub.com), which has a fresh water lake and Are there any races in town?
an outdoor pool, and the Aspetuck Valley Country Club (203- The Weston Memorial Day 5K Road Race is an annual event
226-9989) has an outdoor pool. at Weston High School. There is also a Children’s Fun Run. Visit
www.hitekracing.com/weston5k/ for more information.
Where is the nearest public beach?
Sherwood Island State Park (203-226-6983) on Long Island Are there any running clubs in the
Sound in Westport has changing rooms and eating areas, two
large picnic grounds, space to play beach sports, and a conces- area?
sion stand in season. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. The Lightfoot Running Club, based in Norwalk, offers a
There is a parking fee from Memorial Day through September. little social activity and a newsletter, but primarily the club runs
No pets allowed. races, sponsored by the Norwalk Parks and Recreation Depart-
There is also Jennings Beach in Fairfield and Calf Pasture ment, every other weekend from late spring through the fall. For
Beach in Norwalk. details, visit www.lightfootrunners.com.
The Wolfpit Running Club in Ridgefield is open to runners
and walkers of all abilities. For information, check online at
www.wolfpitrunningclub.org.

Is there an adult softball league in


������������������������������ town?
����������������������������������� Parks and recreation runs softball teams for men and women.
Call Paul Schaeffer at 203-222-2655.

What public golf courses are in the


area?
���������������������� Public golf courses include the Ridgefield Golf Course at
���������������������������������� 545 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield (203-748-7008); Richter Park
������������ Municipal Golf Course, Aunt Hack Road, Danbury (203-792-
2550); and Oak Hills Golf Course, 165 Fillow Street, Norwalk
��������������������������������������������� (203-853-8400).
������������������������������������������� The Aspetuck Valley Country Club, 67 Old Redding Road
(203-227-9989) is a private, members-only golf club in town.
���������������������� ��������������������������
����������� ����������
���������������������� ����� Are there any driving ranges in the
��������������������� ������������� area?
���������� There are no driving ranges in Weston. Belmont’s Ridgefield
�����������������������
Golf Complex (203-431-8989) is on Ethan Allen Highway
������������������������ ����������������������� (Route 7). Golf Quest (203-775-3556) in Brookfield has a driv-
�����
�������������� ing range, a putting and chipping area and practice bunkers. In
Bethel, the Stony Hill Long Drive (203-778-2777) is on Stony
Hill Road.
We Deliver!
227-4808 Are there any miniature golf courses
�������������������������������������������� in town?
����������������������������� Belmont’s Ridgefield Golf Complex (203-431-8989) is in
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 57

������������
58 Recreation The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Ridgefield on Route 7, at the intersection with Picketts Ridge Where can I go boating?
Road. It has both miniature golf and a driving range. Weather Although the Saugatuck River goes through Weston, it is
permitting, the complex is open daily year-round. There is also not navigable at that point. There is a public boat launch on
Golf Quest (203-775-3556) in Brookfield. the Saugatuck River on Underhill Parkway off Bridge Street in
Westport. It is a paved launch, good for large or small boats. It
is a popular spot for canoeists and kayakers to convene. From
Is there an ice rink or public skating in the launch, you can paddle about a mile north to a dam or you
town? can paddle south to Long Island Sound. Since the Saugatuck is
There is no ice rink and no public skating. Skating is not al- a tidal river, you might want to check the tide tables. Kayakers
lowed on area reservoirs. However, there are many ponds in report it’s more fun at high tide.
Weston where people skate at their own risk. Crystal Lake is
one of the more popular ponds.
The Winter Garden ice rink at 111 Prospect Ridge Road, Is there a rowing club?
Ridgefield, is open from October to late May, with public skat- The Norwalk River Rowing Association offers youth and
ing, hockey leagues and figure skating. Call the rink at 203-438- adult programs, instruction, and recreational and competitive
4423 for information on memberships. activities. For information, call 203-299-5467 or visit www.nor-
walkriverrowing.org.

Where are some good places to go Where can I go fishing in town?


Fishing is available in all public ponds and lakes if you have a
sledding? state fishing license. For privately owned ponds and lakes, per-
One of the more popular spots for school children is the hill mission from the owner must be obtained. Particularly popular
behind the Weston Public Library. Otherwise, Weston’s public is the Saugatuck Reservoir off Route 53 (a permit is required,
areas are pretty flat. see below), and the Aspetuck River off Route 58.
Aquarion offers fishing permits that allow access to reservoirs
in Weston, Redding (including the Saugatuck), Monroe, and
Where can I fly a kite? Shelton. Call 203-452-3510 for details.
What’s not good for sledding is good for kite flying. There are
plenty of open fields at the parks and school campus. Be careful
of power lines, buildings, trees, and bird nests.
What kinds of fish can you catch
Are mountain bikes allowed in open here?
Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, largemouth
spaces? bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, striped
Mountain bikes are allowed on some trails at Trout Brook Val- bass, white perch, yellow perch, walleye, brown bullhead, chan-
ley Conservation Area. Check the map online at www.aspetuck- nel catfish, and whitefish are typical to the area, including in
landtrust.org. Long Island Sound. Check the latest Connecticut Angler’s
Guide descriptions of these fish — free copies of the guide may
be found in the town clerk’s office in town hall.
Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?
Children age 12 and under must wear a helmet when bicycling
in Connecticut.
When does fishing season start?
Are there any good bicycling routes? You may fish year-round in Long Island Sound but for most
There are many fine roads for bicycling in the area. The inland locations, the season begins the third Saturday in April
Weston Forum has a free guide to 19 trips ranging from five to and continues through November.
45 miles, in Fairfield County and nearby Westchester. For a copy
send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to Bi-
cycle Trips, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, Box 1019, Ridgefield,
CT 06877. Where do I get a fishing license?
Inland fishing licenses are $28 (free to seniors and the dis-
abled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. They are avail-
Are there any bicycling clubs in the able at the town clerk’s office and many tackle shops. Fishing
licenses are not needed in the marine district unless you are
area? taking lobsters or menhaden. For details, check the Connecticut
The Tokeneke Road Club, 151 Tokeneke Road, Darien, is a Angler’s Guide, available free at the town clerk’s office or on-
road-racing team. For details: 203-655-2600 or www.tokeneke. line at www.dep.state.ct.us.
org.
Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield County
year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and members What do I need to get a hunting
are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area bicycle shops.
For information, visit www.soundcyclists.com. license?
To obtain a hunting license, you must have had a resident li-
cense within the last five years or have proof of successful com-
pletion of a hunter safety course. A firearms hunting license costs
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May 27, 2010
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The Weston Answerbook,���������������������������������������������������������������
Weston, Connecticut 59
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60 Recreation The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

$19, $11 for a junior (age 12 to 15) firearms hunting license. An What are the hunting seasons here?
archery license is $41, $19 for juniors. Hunting licenses may be Depending on the game, hunting seasons begin and end at dif-
purchased at town hall, archery licenses must be applied for by ferent times. Check the latest state Hunting and Trapping Guide,
mail. Permits for hunting specific animals are extra. For details, available in the town clerk’s office or online at www.dep.state.
consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide, available ct.us.
free at the town clerk’s office, call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit Bowhunting deer seasons are from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14, and
the Web site at www.dep.state.ct.us. Dec. 20-30 on state land; Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 at state bowhunt-
ing-only areas; and Sept. 15 to Jan. 31 (except Dec. 31-Jan.1) on
private land. The shotgun-rifle season for deer on private land is
Where can I go hunting in town? Nov. 15-Dec. 5. For landowners it is Nov. 1-Dec. 30.
While the Aspetuck Land Trust does not allow hunting on The spring turkey season is May 3-27. Fall turkey bowhunt-
its property, you may hunt on the state-owned portion of Trout ing season is Sept. 15 to Nov. 14 and Dec. 20-30. The firearms
Brook Valley Conservation Area in Easton. It is open for turkey season is Oct. 7-31.
hunting in the spring and deer hunting in the fall. Check on spe- Hunting on Sunday is prohibited in Connecticut.
cific requirements.
You may hunt on private property. All hunters are required to
have permission from the landowner when hunting on private Can I shoot a gun on my property?
lands. Verbal permission for the hunting of animals other than You may shoot for target practice on your property as long as
deer and turkey is sufficient. the projectile doesn’t leave the property.
Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of Hunting regulations stipulate that hunting, shooting or carry-
the landowner for the current season on official DEP forms. A ing a loaded firearm within 500 feet of any building occupied by
landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the people or domestic animals is illegal. Hunting or shooting from
use of a rifle for deer hunting. or across the traveled portion of a public roadway, or from motor
For further information on game law issues, bowhunting, or vehicles, is also prohibited. Shooting toward a person, building
conservation, refer to the latest issue of the state Hunting and or domestic animal when within range is illegal.
Trapping Guide, available at the town clerk’s office or online at
www.dep.state.ct.us.
Where can a person practice
Who teaches firearms safety shooting?
There are the Ramapoo Rifle and Revolver Club in Ridgefield
courses? (203-438-2095), and Shooting Sports Limited Indoor Range
Try firearms dealers or call the state’s Conservation Education (203-847-2767) in Norwalk. The Wooster Mountain Shooting
Firearms Safety office in Burlington at 860-675-8130. Range on Route 7 in Danbury is open for public shooting sea-
sonally. The range phone number is 203-794-9821.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 61

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62 Clubs The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Clubs
How can I find somewhere to theWestonForum.com. Click on “Links.”
A list of community groups also appears on the town of Weston
volunteer? Web site, www.westonct.gov, under Important Links.
Many of the civic groups and organizations listed through-
out the pages of The Weston Answerbook welcome volunteers.
Some are listed below. Volunteer Solutions (www.VolunteerSo- How can I get involved in a political
lutions.org), a United Way initiative, lists area nonprofits look-
ing for volunteers. Specific projects are listed. Another is Volun- party here?
tev er Match of Stamford-Norwalk (www.volunteermatch.org). To help the Republican party, call RTC Chairman W.Glenn
The Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield County Major at 203-226-7120.
(www.hscct.org/vac), a Human Services Council of Connecticut To help the Democrats, call Barbara Reynolds, 203-227-
initiative, promotes, coordinates and recognizes volunteerism 5074.
in Norwalk, Westport, Weston and Wilton and offers ways for
volunteers to connect with their community by exploring vol-
unteer opportunities that match their interests, skills and time What does the League of Women
availability. Voters of Weston do?
Locally, groups that invite or depend on volunteers include The League of Women Voters promotes citizen awareness of
the Weston Warm-Up Fund, Weston Food Pantry, Meals-On- civic issues in town. Each February it presents the Speak Up
Wheels, the Weston Women’s League, and the Women’s Club program, enabling citizens to air their concerns to local officials.
of Weston. Each May, it hosts the Betty Hill Forum on International Af-
Check with the town Social Services Department (203-222-2663 fairs.
or e-mail Charlene Chiang-Hillman at chillman@wetsonct.gov) The league produces a directory of town and school district
and with local churches for suggestions and contact information. elected and appointed officials and staff. It offers an online guide
to the town budget process and a series of educational meetings
on topics of local interest.
How can I get a guide to the town’s The Web site, www.lwvweston.org, also offers links to state
government and community-minded and national issues. For membership and other information, e-
mail webmaster@lwvweston.org.
organizations?
The Weston Forum has an extensive list of links at www.

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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 63

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64 Clubs The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Is there a women’s club? September to May, and feature guest speakers on a wide variety
The Weston Women’s League promotes a sense of commu- of topics. Club members may also participate in numerous ac-
nity through civic services, raising money for local charities, tivities such as golf, bowling, camera club, bridge, chess, sing-
and sponsoring social and cultural activities. Membership is ing, investments, sailing, and hiking, as well as organized trips.
open to Weston women over age 21. The group meets the sec- Members also volunteer for community programs. Any retired
ond Tuesday of each month at Norfield Congregational Church or semi-retired man in Weston is invited to join. For informa-
Parish Hall. tion, contact Bill Balch, 226-3228 or wbalch@optonline.net, or
For information, visit www.westonwomensleague.org. visit www.ysmenwestportweston.org.
The Women’s Club of Weston is open to all women who live
in Weston. The club sponsors activities and discussion groups
that appeal to a variety of interests, such as book discussion What about a Kiwanis Club?
groups, gardening, antiques, theater trips, needlecraft, invest- The Kiwanis Club of Weston supports local causes through
ments, volunteering, and pot luck suppers. For more informa- community service and fund-raising. While it serves citizens
tion, call Eileen Buckley, chairman, at 203-227-5698. of all ages, there is a special emphasis on youth services. The
The Y’s Women of Westport/Weston is a club affiliated with Weston Key Club, a youth services organization, focuses on
the Westport Weston Family Y. The club meets the second and community service, good citizenship, and friendship. The Ki-
fourth Monday of the month, September to June, at the Y. Meet- wanis Club has more than 80 members and raises money for
ings feature speakers on various issues. There are also smaller causes like Make A Wish Foundation and other local charities.
group activities. For information, call Arlene Bloom, 203-254- The Web site is www.westonkiwanis.org.
9096, or visit www.yswomen.org. The Kiwanis Club meets every Saturday for breakfast at the
The Westport/Weston chapter of Hadassah is one of the larg- Norfield Congregational Church parish hall. For details, contact
est volunteer women’s organizations in the United States. Ha- William Barron, president, at 212-907-9715, or visit www.we-
dassah supports the Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel stonkiwanis.org.
and works to enhance the quality of life in the U.S. and Israel
by initiating and supporting health care, education and youth
programs. For information, e-mail Leiba Lander at region. Is there a veterans organization?
connecticut@hadassah.org, or visit www.connecticut.hadassah. Many Weston veterans are members of the Georgetown Area
org. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10190. The post espouses a
long tradition of honoring veterans and embraces all of the ef-
forts of the national VFW. It raises money to benefit veterans
Is there a men’s club? and the community. Area residents who fought in any foreign
The Y’s Men of Westport/Weston is an organization of re- war or campaign are invited to attend one of the post’s meet-
tired and semi-retired men. Meetings are every Thursday, from ings, held the second Wednesday of every month, 8 p.m., at the
Georgetown Firehouse, 6 Portland Avenue (203-544-8800).

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Is there an organization devoted to
the arts?
WestonArts, Inc. was formed in 2005 with the broad mission
of raising funds to support and develop the arts in Weston. Its
first project was to raise money toward the refurbishment of the
Weston High School auditorium, a project that was completed at
the end of 2008. It works in cooperation with the Board of Edu-
cation and the town to promote a mindset of on-going enhance-
ments to the arts facilities and programs in Weston.
The Web site is www.westonarts.org; e-mail is info
@westonarts.org.

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open space?
����������������������� The Aspetuck Land Trust is devoted to preserving open
space in Weston, Easton, Westport, and Fairfield. Since it was
����������������� formed in 1966, it has preserved more than 1,700 acres of land.
The land trust is managed by a board of directors from the four
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Land is obtained in one of three ways: Outright gifts, ease-
��������������������� ments (in which the owner gives up development rights), and
through purchases. For information, visit the Web site at www.
�������������������������� aspetucklandtrust.org or e-mail info@aspetucklandtrust.org.
The Nature Conservancy’s Connecticut chapter has its
������������ largest preserve in Devil’s Den Nature Preserve in Weston and
Redding. For Nature Conservancy information, call 860-344-
0716, e-mail ct@tnc.org, or go online to www.nature.org. For
������������������������ Devil’s Den information, see the section on Parks and Recre-
������ ation.
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut Religion 65

Religion
What houses of worship are in town Is there a Jewish center?
or nearby? The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, 8 Webb Road,
The following churches are in Weston: Westport (203-226-5451; www.humanisticjews.org) is a wel-
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 285 Lyons Plain Road, 203- coming, supportive community, for secular Jews and their fami-
227-8565, www.emmanuelweston.org lies to enrich Jewish identity and values. Events and programs
Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Road, 203- take place throughout the area.
227-7886, www.norfield.org The Wilton Jewish Center-Nefesh Yehudi is a multi-denom-
St. Francis of Assisi Church, 35 Norfield Road, 203-227- inational center for Jewish study and worship. Creative rituals
1341, www.sfaparish.com include shabbat and holiday services, monthly women’s Rosh
Chodesh celebrations, healing services, etc. For information,
The following are in nearby towns: call 203-762-7089, e-mail thejewishcenter@aol.com, or visit
Georgetown Bible Church, Main Street and Route 107, 203- www.wiltonjewishcenter.org.
544-8673 The Chabad Jewish Center of Ridgefield, 10 Sarah Bishop
First Church of Christ, 55 Compo Road South, Westport, Road, offers Hebrew school, adult education, and holiday events.
203-227-4357 Call 438-4421, e-mail chabadridgefield@aol.com, or visit www.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Church Street, Georgetown, chabadridgefield.com.
203-544-8154. Other temples and synagogues are listed above under houses
Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Church Lane and of worship.
Myrtle Avenue, Westport, 203-227-0827
Hope Church, 240 Wolfpit Road, Wilton, 203-762-0706
United Covenant Church, 68 Westport Road, Wilton, 203-
834-0644
Bethlehem (ELCA), 44 Portland Avenue, Georgetown, 203-
544-8858
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 41 Easton Road, Westport, 203-
227-7441
Wilton Presbyterian Church, 48 New Canaan Road, 203-
762-5514
Wilton Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
(Quaker), 317 New Canaan Road, Route 106, 203-762-5669
The Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plain Road, Westport, 203-
227-7205
Georgetown United Methodist Church, 33 Church Street, � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � �
Georgetown, 203-544-8394
United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road, Westport, 203- �������������������������
227-4707 ����������������
Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport, 203-227-1293
Temple B’Nai Chaim, 82 Portland Avenue, Georgetown,
203-544-8695 � � � � � � � � ���� � � � �� �� �
The Conservative Synagogue, 30 Hillspoint Road, Westport,
454-4673 ���������������������������
Beit Chaverim Synagogue of Westport/Norwalk, 85 Post �����������������������������������������
Road West, Westport, 203-227-3333
Adat Torah Conservative Congregation, Wilton, 203-762- �����������������������������������������������
5210
For information on when services take place, call the church
���������������������������������������
or temple or look in The Weston Forum under Religious Ser-
vices. ����������������
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Are there Bible study programs? ������������������������������
Emmanuel Episcopal Church offers Bible study following
services on Wednesday morning at 9:30. � � ����������������������
Georgetown Bible Church offers small group home Bible � � � ������������������������
studies, and a men’s Bible study on Saturday mornings.
Norfield Congregational Church offers Bible study Wednes- � �������������������������������������
day mornings at 9:30. � � � ������������������
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church offers Bible study
most Wednesday mornings. Call 203-938-0874. The Scripture
Network meets the second Tuesday of each month, 10 to noon
to explore different books of the Bible. Call 203-544-8942 or
203-226-3389.
� � � � � � �� � � � �
66 Web Sites The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Web Sites
Weston Web Sites Weston Community Service Coalition -
www.wcscct.net
About Town - www.aboutweston.com Weston Education Foundation -
ADAP (Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program) of www.westoneducationfoundation.org
Weston - www.westonadap.org Weston EMS - www.westonems.com
Aspetuck Land Trust - www.aspetucklandtrust.org Weston Fire Department - www.wvfd.com
Emmanuel Episcopal Church - Weston Forum - www.theWestonForum.com
www.emmanuelweston.org Weston Historical Society -
e-Watch - www.westonpolice.com/Ewatch1.htm www.westonhistoricalsociety.org
First Night Westport Weston - Weston Lacrosse - www.westonlax.com
www.firstnightww.com Weston Little League - www.westonll.com
Kiwanis Club of Weston - www.westonkiwanis.org Weston Music Center -
League of Women Voters of Weston - www.westonmusiccenter.org
www.lwvweston.org Weston Police Department -
Norfield Congregational Church - www.norfield.org www.westonpolice.com
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church - Weston Public Library - www.biblio.org/weston
www.sfaparish.com Weston Public Schools - www.westonk12-ct.org
Town of Weston - www.westonct.gov Weston Soccer Club - www.westonsoccer.com
Weston Arts - www.westonarts.org Weston Swimming - www.westonswimming.org
Weston Baseball Association - Weston Women’s League -
www.westonctbaseball.com www.westonwomensleague.org
Weston Basketball Association - Westport/Weston Chamber of Commerce -
www.westonbasketball.com www.westportchamber.com
Weston Boy Scout Troop 788 - Westport Weston Health District - www.wwhd.org
www.westontroop788.org Westport Weston Family Y -
www.westportymca.org

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Area Web Sites
American Red Cross - www.westernct.redcross.org
CL&P Power Outages -
www.cl-p.com/stormcenter/outage.aspx
Connecticut General Assembly -
www.cga.state.ct.us
Nature Conservancy - www.nature.org
Norwalk River Watershed Association -
www.norwalkriver.org
Nursing & Home Care - www.visitingnurse.net
Representative John Stripp (State) -
www.housegop.state.ct.us.members/stripp.htm
Senator Toni Boucher (State) - www.senaterepubli-
cans.ct.gov/sen_info/Boucher.aspx
Senator John McKinney (State) www.senaterepubli-
cans.ct.gov/sen_info/mckinney.aspx
Representative Jim Himes (U.S.) -
www.himes.house.gov
����������� �����������������������
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������������������������������ Senator Christopher Dodd (U.S.) -


����������������������������������������������� www.dodd.senate.gov
Senator Joseph Lieberman (U.S.) -
www.lieberman.senate.gov
�����������������������������������������������������������
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State of Connecticut - www.ct.gov
����������������� United Way of Coastal Fairfield County - www.unit-
���������������������������������������������� edwaycfc.org
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 67

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Beautiful homes built before
1978 may be carrying a secret
hazard — lead.
Lead paint, which can cause
lead poisoning, was commonly
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The Planning and Zoning Commissionjoint
the Board of Selectmen will hold
meeting on Monday to get public
proposed changes to the town plan.
a
and

input on

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used in housing construction The selectmen will review a draft
before it was banned in 1978 Conservation and Development (POCD)of the
pre-
because of health risks. pared by P&Z members and members
In 2010, more than 30 Conservation Commission at the selectmen’s
years since the ban, the U.S. meeting tonight, Thursday, May 6.
A public
Protection May
Environment al hearing on the POCD is set for Monday,
Agency (EPA) is still trying to 10, at 7:30 p.m. at town hall.
grapple with the dangers of lead The plan sets out the policies, goals,
and
economic
standards for the physical and

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paint.
On Earth Day, April 22, the development of Weston.
EPA enacted a regulation called State law requires each town in Connecticut
the Renovation, Repair, and to generate a new POCD every
10 years.
Painting Rule, requiring remod-
elers working in homes built �����������������������
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before 1978 to follow practices
designed to minimize the expo- �������������������������������������
sure of residents to lead haz-
ards.
According to the Centers for ���������������
��������������������������������������� Disease Control, lead is a harm-
ful substance for both adults and
children, and can attack every
system in the body.
For adults, lead inhalation can
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lead to hypertension, muscle and
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joint pain, fatigue and nausea ��������������������������������������� ���������� �������������������������
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among other symptoms. ���������������������������������������� build
The question of whether the town will least
In pregnant women, it can ����������������������������������������� at
a new cemetery is still up in the air, but look
cause miscarriage or prema- now officials know exactly what the
sites

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ture birth. Even with just short like that are under consideration.
exposure, lead poisoning can But unlike real diamonds, with members of the Board
��������������� of Education, Parks and On Saturday, the selectmen and members
cause memory loss and mental any sparkle and brilliance the of the town Cemetery Committee,
as well as
����������������������� ballfields had quickly faded. Recreation, and other town three
decline.
officials to come up with a some members of the public, walked have
Even more than adults, chil- It is doubtful there will be town-owned pieces of property
that
When Revson Field on strategy for dealing with
dren are at risk for lead poison- much of a fifth year anniver- been identified as possible locations
for a
School Road in Weston offi- Revson’s future.
ing. The Connecticut Department sary celebration for Revson
cially opened on May 14, 2005, She plans to discuss the cemetery.
of Health ranks lead poisoning next week. First Selectman Gayle Weinstein
said on
there was a ribbon-cutting cer- meeting further with the other
as the number one most com- Responding to complaints Monday that all three sites — the Jarvis
prop-
emony and much excitement selectmen tonight, Thursday,
mon environmental hazard for from organizations that use
about the two new baseball
young children.
diamonds that were about to Revson Field, First Selectman ���������������������
Gayle Weinstein met last week
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68 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

Reader Index
2-1-1, 30, 48 Coley House, 6 Hiking, 55
9-1-1, 35 Coley Mill, 6 Historian, town, 8
Absentee ballots, 15 Colleges, 28 Historic districts, 6
Accident reports, 41 Community calendar, 33 Historic points of interest, 6
Adult education, 28 Counseling, 30, 52 Historical society, 8
Alarms, burglar, 42 CPR training, 48 Histories, town, 8
Alarms, fire, 41 Crime, 42 HIV/AIDS, 54
Alcoholics Anonymous, 54 Daniel Godfrey House, 8 Home health care, 49
Ambulance service, 35, 38 Death certificates, 20 Homeless, 30
Animal control, 17, 54 Deeds, 19 Homes with Hope, 32
Annual Town Budget Meeting, 19 Democrats, 15, 19, 62 Honey Hill Nature Preserve, 55
Apartments, 46 Demographics, 10 Hospice, 50
Aquarion, 58 Devil’s Den, 4, 55, 64 Hospitals, 48
Arts, 64 Directory, town, 12, 62 House calls, 49
Aspetuck Land Trust, 55, 64 Doctors, 48 House district, federal, 22
Aspetuck Valley Country Club, DRG, 24 House district, state, 22
56 Driving ranges, 56 Houses, historic, 6
Assessor, 13, 14, 17 Drug treatment, 52 Hunting, 58, 60
Babesiosis, 53 Dry cleaners, 45 Hurlbutt Elementary School, 23,
Banks, 44 Early Learning Center, 27 24, 25, 26
Banks Tavern, 6 Eating disorders, 51 Ice cream, 45
Beach stickers, 56 Ehrlichiosis, 53 Ice skating, 58
Beaches, 55 Elections, 18, 19 Immunizations, 51
Benjamin Wildflower Preserve, Emergencies, storm, 43 Income, 10
55 Emergencies, townwide, 43 Indian Point nuclear power plant,
Better Business Bureau, 44 Emergency plan, 43 10
Bible study, 65 Emergency rooms, 35 Infoline, 30, 48
Biking, 58 Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 65 Jarvis House, 6, 55
Birth certificates, 20 Emmanuel Nursery School, 28 Jewish centers, 65
Birth to Three, 27 Employment, 10 Jonathan Taylor House, 8
Bisceglie Pond, 55-56 Enrollment, 23 Justice of the peace, 20
Bisceglie-Scribner Park, 55 eWatch, 42 Keene Park, 55
Board of Education, 17, 23 Executive session, 22 Kites, 58
Board of Finance, 17, 21 Fairfield County Bank, 44 Kiwanis Club, 51, 64
Boarders, 46 Farmers market, 44 Landfill, 46
Boating, 58 Fences, 46 Lang’s Pharmacy, 44, 50
Bond rating, 10 Finance director, 17, 21 League of Women Voters, 62
Book clubs, 30 Fingerprinting, 42 Legal notices, 21
Bradley Edge Tool Company, 6 Fire department, 40, 41, Library, 8, 12, 15, 20, 23, 25, 30,
Budget, 12, 21 Firehouses, 30 58
Budget, school, 27 Fireworks, 47 License, civil union, 20
Building department, 46 First selectman, 12, 17, 21 License, fishing, 58
Building inspector, 20 First Student, 26 License, hunting, 58
Burning, 47 Fishing, 58 License, marriage, 20
Buses, school, 26 Flu clinics, 51 Liquor store, 44, 45
Business district, 44 Food Pantry, 30, 62 Lost and found, 33, 42
Camelot Realty, 44 Freedom of Information, 22 Lunch Box, 44, 45
CAPT, 24 Friends of the Weston Library, 30 Lyme disease, 52-54
Cars, 10, 15 Garbage, 32 Malls, 45
Catering, 45 Garden supplies, 44 Meals-on-Wheels, 30, 62
Chamber of Commerce, 44 Gas station, 44 Meteorite, 4
Chess, 30 Golf, 56 Mill rate, 11
Cholesterol, 51 Governor, 22 Mini golf, 56
Churches, 65 Grand list, 10, 13 Morehouse Farm Park, 55
Citizen Police Academy, 42 Grocery store, 44 Name, 4
CL&P, 43 Guns, 43, 60 National Merit Scholars, 25
Class size, 23 Hamilton Toll House, 6 National Registry of Historic
Clinics, 48 Handicap services, 50 Places, 8
CMT, 24 Hardware store, 44, 45 Nature Conservancy, 55, 64
Cobbs Mill Inn, 10, 45 Hazardous waste, 34 Nature preserves, 55
Code enforcement officer, 20 Health department, 48 Newspapers, 44
Coffee, 45 Health services, 48 Norfield Children’s Center, 26, 28
Coley Cemetery, 6 Helmet laws, 58
May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 69

Reader Index
Norfield Congregational Church, 6, 64, 65 Special education, 27
Norwalk River, 47, 58 SPED*NET, 27
Notary public, 20 Sports, 25-26
Nursery schools, 28 St. Francis of Assisi Church, 65
Nursing homes, 49 St. Francis of Assisi Preschool, 28
Old Weston Post Office, 6 Stonebridge Waterfowl Preserve, 55
Open space, 64 Superintendent, 23
Paramedics, 38 Swimming pools, 46
Parks and Rec. Department, 55 Swimming, 55-56
Parks, 55 Synagogues, 65
Paugussett Indians, 4 Tag sales, 46
Permits, building, 46 Tax abatement, 14
Permits, business, 47 Tax collector, 14, 17
Peter’s Spirit Shop, 44, 45 Tax deferral, 14
Peter’s Weston Market, 44 Taxes, 11, 32,
Pharmacies, 50-51 Temperature, 10
Police activity, 42 Tennis, 56
Police Department, 41-42 Therapeutic riding, 50
Political parties, 15, 20, 62 Ticks, 53
Population, 4, 10 Town administrator, 17, 21
Post office, 44 Town clerk, 6, 20, 22
Precipitation, 10 Town engineer, 20
Primaries, 19 Town Hall Annex, 20
PTO, 25, 28, 44 Town hall, 10, 55
Rabies, 53-54 Town meeting, 19
Races, 56 Town officials, 6, 17, 19
Radon, 51 Transfer station, 32
Real Estate, 10 Trout Brook Valley, 55
Records, 21 U.S. Senator, 22
Recycling, 34 United Way, 30
Red Cross, 48 UPS, 44
Referendum, 19 Valley Forge, 4, 6
Registered voters, 15 Veterans, 14
Registrars, 17, 18 Veterans, 64
Republicans, 15, 19, 62 VFW, 64
Restaurants, 44, 45 Visiting nurses, 49, 50
Revaluation, 13 Volunteering, 62
Rowing, 58 Voting, 15, 18, 19, 22
Running, 56 Walter Wagner Preserve, 55
Samuel Senior Dam, 6 Water, 47
SAT, 24-25 Web sites, 66
Saugatuck Nature Trail, 55 Weddings, 20
Saugatuck River, 6, 45, 55, 58 West Nile virus, 54
School, art, 28 Weston Center, 44
School, calendar, 24 Weston Education Foundation, 27
School, dance, 28 Weston EMS, 35, 38, 48
School, extracurricular, 26 Weston Field Club, 56
School, hours, 23 Weston Gardens, 44
School, registration, 25 Weston Hardware & Houseware, 44, 45
School, tests, 24 Weston High School, 23-25
School, transportation, 26 Weston Intermediate School, 23
School, vocational, 28 Weston Middle School, 23, 26, 55
Schools, private, 28 Weston Open Learning, 28
Senate district, state, 22 Weston Racquet Club, 56
SEPTA, 27 Weston Service Center, 44
Septic, 47 Weston Warm-Up Fund, 30, 62
Setbacks, 46 Weston Women’s League, 62
Signs, 46 WestonArts, 64
Sledding, 58 Westport Weston Health District, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54
Smoking, 54 Wetlands, 46
Social Services, 12, 30, 49, 50, 51, 62 Women’s Club of Weston, 62
Social worker, 17, 30 Zoning, 20, 46
Softball, 56
70 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut May 27, 2010

weston answerbook.10
west o n a n s we r b o o k i n d e x o f a d ve r t i s e r s

ABC Man With a Van . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Norfield Children’s Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31


American Wanderer Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Northeast Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Ancona’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Norwalk Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
BBM Home Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Omega Custom Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Blackbird Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Optical Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Camelot Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Prudential/Mary Ann & Gerald Laurita 32, 33, 37
Camelot Real Estate/Carrie Shea . . . . . . . . . . 25 Redding Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Carolton Rehabilitation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Ridgefield Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Castelli Construction & Landscaping . . . . . . . 63 Riverside Realty/Alex Chingas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Cesar’s Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Riverside Realty/Barbara Babcock . . . . . . . . . . 3
Coldwell Banker/Gail Zawacki . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Savoy Rug Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
D’Amico Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Scap Chrysler/Jeep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Edward Zawacki, Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Service Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Emmanuel Nursery School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Shepherds, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Exteriors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 United Way of Coastal Fairfield County . . . . . 43
The Greens at Cannondale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Unquowa School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Greg’s Driveway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Village Pediatrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Gutierrez Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Weston Arborists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Landmark Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Weston Arborists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lang’s Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Weston Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Lima Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Weston Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Little People Learning Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Weston Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lock Install . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Weston Music Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lucci Electric. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Weston Service Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lunch Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce . . . 23
Maritime Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 William Pitt/Wright & Kelley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Mercedes-Benz of Fairfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Wonderland of Ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Mr. Handyman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Yankee Doodle Stove & Fireplace Center . . . . . 39
Michael DeMattio Landscape Contractor. . . . 65 Y.Z. Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50, 51
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May 27, 2010 The Weston Answerbook, Weston, Connecticut 71

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