Weston School Superintendent Cheryl Maloney is leading the long-range five-year plan for the school district. Now in year three, Superintendent Maloney reports that the district has already accomplished many goals. The elementary professional development program was updated for effectiveness and efficiency. The telephone system has been replaced and wireless capability expanded. The ‘one-to-one” computer pilot program is under way, providing iPads to all seventh-grade students. Exciting updates are still to come that will benefit the whole Weston community. Construction on a new Field School should begin next summer. It is schedule for completion in 2014. This year, Superintendent Maloney will focus on hiring a new director of student services, addressing budget challenges, and preparing for upcoming school reviews.

Who knew there was a Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety? The Office has established standards for dams in the Commonwealth. The Weston Reservoir Dam needs an upgrade to meet official standards. Work will begin this fall and is expected to take four months. The early stage of the project is removal of 270 large white pines along the steep slope of the dam. Trees on the slope of dams compromise the integrity of dams, and must, therefore, be removed. In the second stage of the project, a new 1000 foot long, 36 inch high crest and parapet wall will be built. This will provide added protection against heavy flooding.

The MWRA expects to maintain public access to the Weston Reservoir throughout the project, and has planned the project with the beauty and historical significance of the Weston Reservoir in mind. Those considering a move to Weston will still be able to walk around the reservoir lands and discover this beautiful part of Weston.

The Weston real estate market is ready to kick it into high gear for the fall market!  With 100+ single family homes to choose from in town, buyers can tailor their search to fit their needs and budget and become a part of the Weston community. 

New to the market this week is 419 North Ave.  Listed at $579,000, it is the most affordable property on the market by nearly $100,000.  Although the home is in need of some updating, it is also a unique and beautiful property.  Built in 1834, the home boasts three bedrooms, one and a half baths, nearly half an acre of land, and beautiful period details and antique hardwood floors. 

Weston home values are remaining strong in spite of the dip in the greater Boston real estate market.  If you are considering a move to Weston, be assured that the value of your purchase will be insulated and worthwhile.

Families considering a move to Weston will want to spend time exploring the town to get a sense of Weston living, and maybe just stop for lunch in between house visits. For a quick casual lunch with kids in tow, try Theo’s Pizzeria and Grill or Off Center. For breakfast before exploring the town, stop by Ye Olde Cottage Restaurant or Bruegger’s Bagels. And, when the kids are tired of house hunting and you can use a break to talk about your options, stop for an ice cream at Dairy Joy. Off course, once settled in to a new Weston home, you’ll want to explore dining options in the greater Weston area. Popular options in neighboring Wellesley and Waltham include Tempo Restaurant and Bar, The Ponzu Restaurant, Blue Ginger, and Milestone. The number of nearby options is extensive.

          A move to Weston involves a lot of big planning as well as many smaller details. A new home means new utility hookup, new phone service, and meeting new neighbors. One of those small, but important, details is figuring out trash disposal. Beginning November 1, Weston will implement a PAYT, Pay-As-You-Throw, trash system. Residents pay an annual $75 permit fee ($25 for seniors) to use the Weston transfer station. Clearly marked and identified town trash bags will be sold locally in two sizes for $1 and $2. Only town trash bags will be accepted at the transfer station. This system is designed to increase recycling and composting and reduce waste disposal, as well as generate some revenue for the town. Other communities have increased recycling between 20 and 27% following implementation of a PAYT program. A reasonable number of bulky items will be accepted at the transfer station without charge. There is no charge to drop off items for recycling of leaves/yard waste for composting.

While the town of Weston is very close to all of the cultural offerings of Boston and Cambridge, it also boasts an active community theater group that puts on two shows every year.  In its storied history, the Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts has performed such musical favorites as Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma!, and Seussical. One of the oldest theater groups in the United States, its ties to the Weston community are strong.  This fall the centerpiece show will be The Music Man, premiering on November 26^th for six shows.  Open to residents of Weston and beyond, the Weston Friendly Society of the Performing Arts is a great example of the creativity, teamwork, and culture that Weston offers.  If you are considering a move to Weston, be sure to engage in these and other opportunities to get to know your future neighbors!

Weston School Superintendent Cheryl Maloney has received a stellar performance review for her work during the 2010-2011 school year! Home buyers considering a move to Weston can take confidence not only in the high quality of the school system, but in its leadership. Superintendent Maloney received particularly rave reviews for communications and relations with the Weston community, including increased forums for parent voice and feedback. Maloney’s high marks for financial and operations management reflect, in part, her management of the Field School project, and increasing energy conservation and other green initiatives. One requested change is that the school committee limit meeting time to ten minutes per report, allowing more time for community discussion. Superintendent Maloney’s good working relationships, ability to communicate, and professionalism in handling of issues in the Weston schools bode well for Weston students and families.

There is no better time for building improvements than when the students are away. Weston Public Schools are well into their summer “to-do” list. New science labs are being built at the high school. The middle school roof is being replaced. Teachers and staff are attending professional development programs. And the new Field School project is moving forward.

This summer, meetings are underway to prepare to submit the Field School building design to the Massachusetts Building Authority. For updates, Weston families, and those considering a move to Weston, can watch a show about the new Field School on Weston Cable. Additional updates can be found here.

Weston Public Schools have also announced a significant staffing change: Superintendent Maloney has announced the appointment of Michael McGrath as the new Athletic Director. No doubt, all these changes will contribute to Weston’s academic prominence.

One of the great things about summer is the opportunity for Weston families to get out and enjoy the summer weather with the entire Weston community. The town provides the perfect opportunity with its Wednesday night concerts on the Town Green. Summer Wednesday evenings at 7pm, join your neighbors (or future neighbors) to listen to a musical variety. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the upcoming Glamour Girls performing hits of the 60′s and 70′s in period costumes, the Beatles tribute band HELP!, and the John Penny Band representing country music. It’s a great opportunity for Weston families to enjoy community programming and meet new people!

For a place that brings the Weston community together, look no further than Land’s Sake. For 30 years, Land’s Sake has fulfilled its mission of connecting people to the land. Their work only begins with the farm on Weston’s 40 Acre Field. This locally grown produce is important to the CSA (community supported agriculture) families and to Boston area food banks, recipients of 20,000 pounds of fresh produce. Last year, more than 1,200 public and private schoolchildren participated in farm-based education and summer programs. Classes range from bee keeping to maintaining organic laws. Beyond its contribution to town farming and education, Land’s Sake is a steward of town trails and fields. Weston is fortunate to have this dedicated group and program, keeping Weston residents’ hands in the earth.