Town of Fairfield News
6/19/2020 - 6.19 Town Update
Dear Fairfielders,
I hope you and your family are doing well, enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful weather.
I want to share information about the Governor's Phase 2 Reopening that kicked off on June 17 and is in full effect. Our Town is doing everything we can to help assist businesses and organizations to safely reopen in accordance with the phase 2 reopening guidelines. Indoor private gatherings have been increased up to 25 people and outdoor gatherings of 100 people are now permissible under the new orders.
For the latest updated guidelines from the State of Connecticut, visit: portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus.
In the Town of Fairfield, Effective June 20th:
All playgrounds will open. Please be sure to maintain physical distance from others, use hand sanitizer before and after visiting, and face coverings are required when you can't keep a safe distance from others.
We reopened the Beach at Lake Mohegan which is open daily from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. The concession, bathrooms, and Splash Pad at the lake will also be open. Lifeguards will regularly clean the splash pad's activation button.
I want to remind residents to please maintain a safe distance while visiting our recently reopened spaces.
Effective June 27th:
Organized sports will resume on town fields after training and informational meetings can be provided for all coaches. All of our fields were recently visited by a sub-committee of our Town Emergency Management's planning team to assure they could be opened for organized sports safely. Detailed guidance has been developed for leagues, coaches, parents and players.
COVID UPDATE:
The rate of new positive COVID-19 cases in Fairfield continues to trend downward and we have had no new cases in the last three days. This is great news for our community. As we open more locations and allow for more gatherings, we are all taking on more risk.
All residents should continue to wear face coverings in public per the CDC guidelines and Governor's executive order, which has also been scientifically proven to dramatically reduce the spread. Especially when in grocery stores and other public locations.
The Town of Fairfield has 641 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 137 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 641 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 297 have reported that they have fully recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing samples, and different trend lines can be found at fairfieldct.org/covid19data. |
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| MUSIC DAY:
Fairfield will again take part in Make Music Day, a global musical celebration that is held each year on the date of the Summer Solstice: June 21 Come join the celebration of the longest day of the year…but remember to bring your masks and keep 6' apart!
Please visit the website makemusicday.org/fairfield to find the schedule of events and to sign up as a performer or venue.
PRIDE FLAG:
 On Wednesday, I was proud to participate in a ceremony and assist in raising the Pride Flag in honor of National Pride Month. I appreciated Reverend Sara Smith-Scott and Reverend Curtis for joining me, students from our high schoools, representatives from the Triangle Community Center and elected officials for this special occasion. This is the second year the Town of Fairfield has flown the pride flag that serves as a reminder that our community will always stand against discrimination of any kind and believes in liberty and justice for all. I want to thank John Brannelly for organizing Wednesday's program. Residents can watch the flag raising ceremony from my Facebook page by clicking here facebook.com/bkupchick. |
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HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONIES:
It has been a challenging time, especially for our high school seniors who lost out on making those special memories that are part of senior year. I’m grateful for our town's emergency management team and education officials who came together to offer a special graduation ceremony for the class of 2020. Congratulations to our seniors! |
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I hope you will scroll through new announcements and resources below that may be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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?? NEW EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM ??
The Town of Fairfield will no longer be utilizing the current alert system known as CodeRed to issue emergency and community alerts to residents and business owners. We are switching to a new system.
In order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield, you must sign up again. Visit www.fairfieldct.org/alerts |
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 The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one-time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that employ five or fewer employees and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by clicking below.
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JOIN THE KIWANIS CLUB IN HONORING OUR FRONT LINE WORKERS
A 100' wide heart ground display of flowered pinwheels beginning July 1 through July 8 at Jennings Park. Sponsor a pinwheel flower for a front line worker with a $10 donation. The proceeds will benefit the Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund. More information here. |
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HEAT KILLS: If You Love 'Em, Don't Leave 'Em
It takes just a few minutes for the temperature inside a vehicle to skyrocket, sometimes causing entirely preventable tragedies. I worked hard to launch this program in 2015 with the Fairfield Police Department, which has been replicated throughout the state, in an effort to remind residents of the dangers of leaving their kids or pets in a car during warm weather. I thank all the stores who have posted these signs in their parking lots.
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| Heading to the beach or Lake Mohegan? Check the parking lot capacity before you go: |
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SAFETY TIPS FOR FAIRFIELD ROADWAYS:
The Fairfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee reminds residents that with local gyms and parks closed, more people than ever have been outside biking, walking, running and enjoying our neighborhood streets and sidewalks.
Pedestrians:
- Walk against traffic
- Use the sidewalks
- If there are no sidewalks, walk single file when in groups
Bicyclists:
- Ride With Traffic
- Announce Yourself When Approaching Pedestrians Not Facing You
- Observe All Street Signs
- Ride Single File When in Groups
- And, WEAR A HELMET! |
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FARMER'S MARKETS:
The downtown farmers market will return to Sherman Green on June 28th, and will continue on Sundays, from 10AM-2PM throughout the summer months and into the fall season. In keeping with CDC and State of CT guidelines, face masks and social distancing protocols are required. For more information and a list of vendors, please visit www.fairfieldfarmersmarket.org. For those unable to make Sundays, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market, located at 65 Hillside Road, is another great local option which is open on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM, through the fall.
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FIREWORKS 
All fireworks are illegal in the State of Connecticut, with the exception of sparklers and fountains.
Residents may report the illegal use of fireworks within the Town of Fairfield by calling (203) 254-4800.
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here. |
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FOR BUSINESSES
The deadline for businesses to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan is June 30th. There is still more than $120 billion available and now more flexible loan forgiveness terms. For more information or to find a lender, click here.
SBA is once again accepting applications for its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and cash advance grant program. SBA can issue loans of up to $2 million with a 30-year term, with interest rates beginning at 2.75%. For more information or to apply click here.
The Town has a limited supply of free face shields available for local non-profits or businesses in need. Face shields will be distributed on a first come, first served basis until supplies are exhausted. Please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development at 203-256-3120 or cedoffice@fairfieldct.org if you are interested. |
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MORTGAGE RELIEF
The state has provided a FAQ which is a resource to help answer many of your questions about unemployment, mortgage relief, and more. Please read it here. The Governor provided information on mortgage payment relief with over 50 credit unions and banks to help residents and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days.
All landlords are prohibited from issuing a notice to quit or beginning eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020, except for serious nuisance. Read more. |
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SOCIAL SERVICES
Fairfield CARES and Fairfield Social Services invite you to Fairfield Faces Racism, an online educational program about racism, presented by Dr. Mara Gottlieb, LMSW. Wednesday, June 24 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.
There is no better time than the present day to understand racism and its toxic effects on all of us, regardless of our skin color. But we cannot confront what we don't know how to discuss, or educate with information we don’t have. This honest, informative conversation will get participants started on the path to productively addressing issues of race, racism, and skin color privilege. We will discuss the socially constructed meanings of skin color and race, and the resulting impact of racism in the United States. Finally and most importantly, we will discuss practical solutions that empower us to debunk and dismantle structural and individual racism. All attendees will be provided with a list of further resources. Space is limited to 100 guests. Moderated by Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz. Click here for more information.
Social Services continues to assist by telephone town residents who are experiencing difficulty providing the basic needs for themselves and their families, especially during these unprecedented times. Please call with any questions or concerns: 203-256-3170.
fairfieldct.org/humanservices. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services have resumed on a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Reservations for rides are first-come, first-served for shopping and medical appointments and must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
The number of riders per trip is limited to four. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides on fixed routes based on neighborhoods either Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. GBT buses will continue to provide weekly trips to the Supermarket for residents of Senior and Disabled Housing. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM (do not schedule any appointments after 1:30 PM).
Meals for those who are unable to cook or get to the market, and Senior Grocery bags, provided by the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, will continue to be delivered by Senior Center staff and CERT volunteers.
Bigelow Center and Social Services staff is available by phone during normal business hours to answer your questions. The Senior Center phone number is 203-256-3166, or email BigelowCenter@FairfieldCT.org. |
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FAIRFIELD SENIOR ADVOCATES
Fairfield Senior Advocates are having weekly ZOOM Meetings with the senior community and guest speakers. Recently they had Probate Judge – Kate Maxham and First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick as guests. More information at: fairfieldsenioradvocates.com. |
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LOCAL TAXES
Tax Deferment: Any real estate, motor vehicle, personal property or sewer taxes that became due on April 1st will not be considered delinquent if paid by July 1st. Also, all taxes that become due on July 1st will not be considered delinquent if paid by October 1st. Please note that Fairfield landlords can learn more about how to qualify by contacting the tax collector's office. For anyone with questions, please click here or call 203.256.3100.
Senior & Disabled Tax Relief both the State and Town Programs: The Governor issued Executive Order 7S which includes a provision to eliminate the refiling requirement for those applicants due to refile this year. If you were due to refile this year, you were notified by mail in February. As a result of this Executive Order, you are no longer required to come into our office to refile. In addition we mailed a postcard to those that do not need to reapply on April 16,2020, as confirmation.
If you are seeking benefits for the first time you will need to apply. Please contact the office at 203-256-3110 and we will work with you on submitting the required documentation. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
CVS has expanded their drive-thru testing to include 12 new sites in CT. These new sites will utilize self-swab tests and will be available to individuals meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, in addition to age guidelines. Learn more here.
At this time, testing priority is given to those who are high risk. For more information on testing sites and protocols click here or visit www.fairfieldct.org/covid19. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-up service at 636 Old Post Road offering prepacked bags of groceries appropriate for various-sized households.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY: OPEN ONLINE
On Monday June 22nd Fairfield Public Main Library and Woods Branch will launch scheduled curbside pickup to Fairfield library card holders for library items that have been placed on hold. Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding this service. In the interest of everyone’s safety and health, library buildings will remain closed while providing this contact-free service.
Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines and movies plus a wide and varied assortment of virtual programs. Learn more here: fplct.librarymarket.com/.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library's doors may be temporarily closed, but our librarians and staff are still here for you! Enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! Get details on our website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Sign up for Pequot Library's Digital Digest eNewsletter or contact our Chief Librarian for personalized book recommendations.
On Monday, June 22, Pequot will be curbside pickup. Please contact us for more information. |
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PUBLIC SAFETY REQUESTS
In an Emergency, please Dial 911. Our Police and Fire Departments remain fully staffed, ready and able to respond to any emergency.
For non-emergency complaints or requests for service, please utilize the phone numbers below:
Police: (203) 254-4800
Fire: (203) 254-4700 |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Each department will have new guidelines as to how you can reach them on various services. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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HELP FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
The Center for Family Justice closed its main Bridgeport offices in  response to the COVID-19 pandemic but staff is now working remotely to serve clients in crisis.
The hotline numbers are:
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Sexual Violence: 203-333-2233
Spanish Hotline: 888-568-8332 |
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
For additional information and prevention tips, refer to the Health Department website at: www.fairfieldct.org/health or the Fairfield homepage under news at www.fairfieldct.org.
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PREVIOUS COVID-19 UPDATES:
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