Town of Fairfield News
11/25/2020 - 11.25 TOWN UPDATE
Good Afternoon Fairfielders,
We are well into the second wave of COVID-19, and the expected peak is early January. It's an especially difficult time during the holidays to be apart from loved ones, but we still have a lot to be thankful for as Fairfielders living in this wonderful community. The generosity shown either through charitable organizations, and food drives, or the simple and kind gestures shared between neighbors is what makes our Town so special. While Thanksgiving is going to be different this year, with fewer people around our tables, we can still be thankful for our health, and that of our neighbors and loved ones. I hope you will take advantage of connecting with the people you care about virtually or through a simple phone call. For me, it helps to know that making these sacrifices, will protect the people I care about the most and the people who are most vulnerable to the virus.
In a recently published op-ed by Sacred Heart University President, Dr. John Petillo, he closed with the following message, which I think is important for all of us to think about, "No matter the challenges, we are not defeated. If anything, we are encouraged, optimistic, hopeful. We know we can resist, adapt, improve and, in time, defeat this virus. By placing gratitude ahead of fear, all hands in, we grow and thrive." I agree with Dr. Petillo, as a community, we have overcome many obstacles. We can and will continue to get through this together. |
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COVID-19 Data
The Town of Fairfield currently has 1,917 cases, and 152 of Fairfield residents have sadly lost their lives.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases, including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends, and university statistics, can be found at www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. When looking at the data page, please be sure to read the notes around each chart as they explain some of the changes in the data. The Health Department updates this page daily.
The Health Department also updates the COVID-19 School Data page, which details the school-related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org.
Both Fairfield and Sacred Heart Universities published dashboards with their daily testing information, which can be found here:
Fairfield University's Dashboard
Sacred Heart University's Dashboard
I urge our residents to continue to wear masks, frequently wash your hands, and maintain a social distance from others. When you wear a mask, please be sure it is covering your mouth and nose. |
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COVID GUIDANCE | WHAT TO DO & WHEN
Click on the image to the right for a downloadable guide from the Town of Fairfield.
Please share with family and friends who may have questions about when and how to quarantine or isolate. |
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THANKSGIVING
I have heard that residents without symptoms or exposure to a COVID positive person, are getting tested to "make sure they are safe" to host or attend larger Thanksgiving dinners. Health professionals warn that a negative test only means you are not COVID positive at the time of the test, you can still become infectious between the test date and Thanksgiving, and expose all in attendance if you gather with people outside of you household.
The CDC and health professionals from across the country have strongly suggested that families limit their Thanksgiving holiday dinners to members of their household only. Currently, the State has limited private gatherings to 10. Governor Lamont shared this week that if you have a 10 person gathering in Fairfield County, there is a 24% chance someone in attendance has COVID. The State and CDC have put out guidance on ways to celebrate safely. Click on the image to read some suggestions from the Town of Fairfield. |
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COLLEGE STUDENTS RETURNING TO FAIRFIELD
For parents who have children returning home from college for the holidays, please take note of the guidance provided by the state provided through the links below.
Connecticut’s travel advisory requires students, or any resident that travels from a state on the advisory list, to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Connecticut. Please check the list linked below and follow the recommendations accordingly.
Students should avoid contact with vulnerable family members for 14 days after arriving home and before any holiday gathering. |
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TOWN HALL NEWS
In light of the recent developments I shared in last week's newsletter, I want  to let residents know I have asked John Marsilio to serve as the Town's Interim Department of Public Works Director effective today. Mr. Marsilio has years of experience in other town public works departments, he served as Director of Capital Planning and Engineering for Aquarion Water Company and has decades of experience in the construction industry. I believe John's experience and knowledge will be an asset to our DPW, and I know John will provide excellent leadership and expertise. I hope you will join me in welcoming Mr. Marsilio to his new role with our town. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Fairfield Public Schools is hiring substitutes for all schools and grade levels. If you are interested, please submit an application at this link: https://www.applitrack.com/fairfield/Onlineapp/default.aspx
Any questions should be directed to dgallo@fairfieldschools.org.
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SHOP LOCAL | SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
As a member of the American Express® Neighborhood Champions Program, the Town of Fairfield will participate in Small Business Saturday on November 28th, and we urge residents to “shop local” and support local businesses this holiday season and beyond.
In celebration of Small Business Saturday, the Town and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will host a “welcome station” on Sherman Green from 10AM until 2PM, at which shoppers can receive a complimentary “Shop Small” shopping bag, courtesy of American Express, as well as valuable coupons to local stores and other free goodies, while supplies last. All business participants and attendees are expected to follow public health guidelines and wear masks and practice social distancing, and stores will have capacity limits in effect.
Small Business Saturday is a terrific opportunity to help kick off the holiday season by remembering the small businesses that help make Fairfield special. I encourage everyone in our community to ‘Shop Small’ throughout the year, but especially during this most challenging year.
 I wish you and your family a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We're in this together, please stay safe.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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| OPERATION HOPE
Operation Hope’s annual “Hope for the Holidays” gifting program is in full swing, however, we are looking for more sponsors - families,  individuals, groups, etc. - to help our clients and their families who are truly struggling in so many ways. Due to the pandemic and adhering to social distancing guidelines to keep all of us safe, we are limiting donations to solely gift cards this year. While the process is a little different, the kindness and care for our neighbors in need in our community remains the same. We hope you will consider helping us give hope this holiday season. Here is how Hope for the Holidays will run this year:
- If you are interested in participating this year, please send an email asap to Evie Angel at evieangel@aol.com.
- Sponsors can either opt to supply general gift cards (always needed) or be matched with specific families and/or adult individuals who are currently working with their Operation Hope social workers to develop a wishlist of specific gift cards needed.
- Evie Angel, who chairs the program, has wishlists to distribute to sponsors asap.
- Sponsors have until December 4 to either mail gift cards or drop them off at Evie's home in Fairfield. She, along with a few elves (aka her husband and adult kids) will check in and organize all the gift cards by client and have each client’s gift cards wrapped in a small box so there is a gift to open. She will get the gift card packages to social workers as early as possible in December so clients have time to use the gift cards to buy gifts for their families before the holiday.
We will miss being with the dozens of volunteers from all walks of life who took the time to donate gifts, sort and wrap gifts and deliver gifts. But we know this is the best way to keep everyone safe. We WILL be back in 2021! Thank you!
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FAIRFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAM
On behalf of the families that receive the support from the Holiday Giving Program, the Town of Fairfield and Department of Human and Social Services would like to thank the community for keeping all our residents in mind for the upcoming holiday season. Can we count on your support again this year? Rather than collecting wrapped gifts and toys, this year we are requesting gift cards for local supermarkets, toy stores - anywhere families may shop for their loved ones for the holidays. If you are interested in donating or receiving holiday help, please contact Fairfield Social Services by calling 203-256-3170 or by email at socialservices@fairfieldct.org.
Donations are gratefully accepted during business hours 9 AM to 4:30 PM at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield CT 06824.
Thank you for helping your neighbors. A great big Thank You from Fairfield Social Services to Operation Hope, Al's Angels, Holy Family Church, and Fairfield residents for their generous donations of Thanksgiving dinners and gift cards for Fairfield’s families. COVID has changed the way we celebrate, but the spirit of giving and caring about our neighbors remains. |
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HOLIDAYS IN FAIRFIELD??
It is our hope that the caring and giving nature of the Fairfield community shines brighter than ever before to make this holiday season a bit more joyful for those less fortunate.
The Fairfield Police Department’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive begins on Friday, November 27, 2020. Read more here.
The Fairfield Fire Department is hosting a Light Up Fairfield Holiday Lighting Competition. Click here to register and participate.
The Kiwanis Club's Annual Poinsetta Sale is underway which benefits Scholarships to Fairfield High Schools students. Click here for more information.
A Menorah Lighting will take place on Sherman Green on December 10 with more information to follow.
The Parks & Recreation Department is organizing the Virtual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4. Santa Claus and friends are coming to town to light the tree. |
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GET INVOLVED
Interested in getting involved in the Town? The list of vacancies for Boards and Commissions on the Town Website are updated as they become available. View the current list here: fairfieldct.org/vacancies |
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| EMERGENCY ALERTS | WHEN IT MATTERS MOST
Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news from the Town of Fairfield, CT, by signing up for the Fairfield Alert system. This system enables us to quickly provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods and other emergency situations.
You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how!
If you were previously registered with us on the CodeRed system, you must sign-up again by following the instructions below, in order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield.
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LOVE LOCAL E-GIFT CARD PROGRAM
The Town of Fairfield and the Chamber of Commerce launched a new buy local initiative with the Fairfield Community e-Gift Card program, which is exclusive to Fairfield businesses only. This is a great gift for Fairfield residents this holiday season! Read the Fairfield Citizen article on the program here. |
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FEELING IN CRISIS?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, know that there are free options to help you talk through your crisis--and to send help when necessary. Fairfield Social Services is here to help. Call 203-256-3170 for more information.
Being a parent or caregiver during COVID can be extremely stressful. It is perfectly normal to be experiencing varying emotions and feel overwhelmed. No matter what you're feeling, we're here to listen. Parents and caregivers can call the toll-free Talk It Out line to discuss their feelings in a judgement-free environment. Call: 1-833-258-5011 or Visit: www.talkitoutct.com
Resources for Mental Health:
If you or a loved one is struggling:
- CT Information Hotline 211 or go to www.211ct.org for mobile crisis support for individuals and/or children.
- The Hub CT is Southwest Connecticut’s Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization. Check their website for useful resources for mental health, prevention and wellness. https://www.thehubct.org/
- Mental Health Crisis Text Line - Text “SHARE” to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Kids in Crisis also has a 24-hour hotline for assistance 203-661-1911.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health):If you need to talk to someone, text NAMI to 741741 or call the NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
- Alcoholics Anonymous - Please contact your site to see if meetings are continuing in your neighborhood.
- Bridgeport Hospital’s REACH Program is an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors. REACH is accessible to anyone, and covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance programs. Please click this link to learn more about the extensive range of treatment options available |
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| FAIRFIELD REVALUATION
The Connecticut General Statutes requires each town to do a revaluation every five years. The Town of Fairfield is in the process of a real property revaluation as required for the Grand List of October 1, 2020. This revaluation will correspond to the tax bills that will be due beginning in July 2021. For more information, click here.
To listen to the presentation from Assessor Ross Murray and Mike Fazio at the October 5 Board of Selectman meeting, click here.
Revaluation notices are scheduled to be mailed the week of November 30th, you may check our website, https://www.fairfieldct.org/taxassessor for updates. The notice will indicate the prior town assessed valuation from the 2015 revaluation and the new proposed assessed value from the 2020 revaluation. The value will be the total assessed value which is 70% of the market value. The value will not include any exemptions i.e. veteran exemptions but will include any PA 490 use value i.e. farm land. The letter will provide instructions on how to schedule an informal hearing with Municipal Valuations should you have questions concerning the new value.
The information found on our website, https://gis.vgsi.com/fairfieldct/ is scheduled to be updated December 4, 2020.
At the December 7th Board of Selectman meeting there will be another presentation to update residents.
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| FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT |
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What’s your story? What’s your reason?
DO YOUR PART...Wear a mask!
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| Download the video here so you can upload it to social media, or share it from the links below, to continue to remind our residents that part of our civic responsibility to each other is to wear a mask. |
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APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE 
The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is for families in need of energy assistance, Fairfield Social Services coordinates with Alliance For Community Empowerment to help to obtain necessary energy services for Fairfield residents in need. To make an appointment to see if you’re eligible, or if you have questions, please call Social Services 203-256-3170. |
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE: 
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working to encourage walking and biking for transportation, recreation, exercise and quality of life.
Working with multiple town departments we have established bicycle routes, installed bicycle repair stations, worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and authored the Town of Fairfield Complete Streets Policy (approved by the Board of Selectman in 2018).
With more and more of our citizens using our roads, we would like to provide you with some important safety reminders for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. View the document here. |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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Help is available to Fairfield small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic. The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that have no more than five full-time employees and that have been adversely affected by the public health emergency. Applications are still being accepted by the Office of Community & Economic Development. To learn more or to apply, please visit the website: www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
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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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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services are running 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 buses may only transport four riders per trip. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know are homebound and unable to shop, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunches are available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information: 203-256-3170. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
Testing capacity has increased in our area. To view locations where to get tested, please visit fairfieldct.org/covid19testing.
Contact Tracing
One of the key tools we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 is Contact Tracing. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents who test positive for COVID-19. Both Universities were trained and assisted by our Health Department to manage their own contact tracing for their respective campuses.
The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community.
Any Fairfield resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and has not received a phone call from the Fairfield Health Department or the Connecticut COVID Tracing system within 24 hours of receiving their result is urged to contact the Fairfield Health Department at 203-256-3022. |
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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.
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
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout Monday-Saturday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Learn more about Library Express service.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding Curbside Pickup at the Main Library and Woods Branch Library. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Visit the Library Event Calendar to find a wide and varied assortment of Virtual Programs.
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 offers curbside pickup and limited browsing hours from 3-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and from 2-4pm on Saturdays. During browsing hours visit us to check out a book or view our exhibition Crossing the Border: The Challenging Truths of Human Migration.
Outside of browsing hours, 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. |
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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.
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