Letters 11/14: Tavern management, 40 years of WEEFC

Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern responsible for management

The Weston Observer’s Nov. 3 article reported on the October Select Board meeting and Brian Piccini’s plans to open The Woods restaurant in the Josiah Smith Tavern. The article noted Select Board member Lise Revers’ concern with the project’s timeline and requests to review Mr. Piccini’s financials.

Mr. Piccini, a Weston resident, explained his deep commitment to the project and the reasons for selling two of his other restaurants. He also noted that the timeline was significantly delayed since the liquor license had to be reissued by the State Legislature. Mr. Piccini devoted significant time and effort advocating with the State Legislature and the Governor—further demonstrating his commitment to realizing the Town’s vision for the Josiah Smith Tavern.

Since then, Mr. Piccini has made substantial progress in obtaining design approvals from Historic New England, which holds the preservation deed restriction, and Weston’s Planning Board, Historical Commission, and Permanent Building Committee. These approvals have a direct impact on the restaurant’s design and the development of construction documents and cost estimates.

Jay Valenta, president of the Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern, clarified that the Friends were established by the Town to oversee management of the historic property, including financial negotiations with tenants, enabling the Town to step back from direct oversight of the property. As part of their process to select a restaurant operator, the Friends conducted thorough due diligence on Mr. Piccini’s financials. Three Weston nonprofits lease space in the Tavern and rent from the restaurant is expected to support the building’s ongoing operations.

The Friends are deeply grateful for the community’s ongoing support of The Woodsand for Mr. Piccini’s dedication, investment, and vision. We remain confident he has the commitment and capability to make this restaurant a vibrant destination and gathering place for Weston for years to come.

Jay Valenta, president, Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern, Brook Road

Celebrating 40 Years of WEEFC

Thanks to the Weston Education Enrichment Fund Committee for hosting a wonderful extravaganza to mark its 40th anniversary of enriching Weston public schools. Founded in response to Proposition 2½, WEEFC became a vital buffer against budget uncertainty and gave parents confidence that Weston’s educational excellence would endure.

Though it took over two years, the School Committee ultimately approved WEEFC’s formation, and Town Meeting ratified it. Back then, the PC had just been announced. No one had a personal printer. Our first mailing required printing, stuffing, and sealing thousands of envelopes. It was 10 years before the internet, 20 before cell phones. But we had two local newspapers.

From the start, we made it easy for teachers to submit proposals that empowered and inspired. We acted quickly, bringing Jane Goodall and the Bolshoi Ballet into our schools on short notice. One early grant even explored the educational value of the internet.

We focused on long-term impact, steering clear of controversy and aggressive fundraising. We collaborated with the PTO and Boosters to complement—not compete with—their efforts.

Over four decades, WEEFC has funded thousands of projects and worked with about ten superintendents, each learning what WEEFC could offer. The dedication of countless committee members made this milestone possible. Their time, energy, and vision deserve our deepest thanks.

Ed Taff, Glen Road

WEEFC Founder