Old Town Hall (Directions) 611 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Sullivan Independence Hall 725 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 203-256-3000 Find additional contact info here
8/27/2021 - 8.27 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, I realize tensions in our community are high and residents are feeling the stress of living in a pandemic for 17 months, I understand, because I feel it too. Everyone is advocating for what they believe is in their family's best interest. With Fairfield’s nearly 10,000 students returning to school soon, I have received countless emails and calls on the Governor's Executive Order No.13A, which requires masks be worn in the schools through September 30th. I want to make it clear that no town has the authority to override the Governor's statewide executive order. I have also received calls and emails concerning the temporary town wide mask policy, that went into effect on Monday, August 23 with the Towns of Westport and Easton. I felt it would be irresponsible to not implement a temporary mask policy, while the Delta Variant is moving through our community. Fairfield County moved into the CDC’s high transmission category, the Town of Fairfield moved into the red category for our case rate, and hospitalization rates were ticking up. A big consideration for me was that the increase in all of the metrics could impact the return to full in-person learning or put our most vulnerable residents at risk. While the CDC recommends mask wearing as a tool to help prevent the spread of the virus, residents have shared varying opinions on the effectiveness of mask wearing through articles, studies and personal perspectives with me – some from medical professionals and some as citizens who have done their own research. We have all learned so much over the last 17 months, since the start of the pandemic, and I know we will continue to learn more. However, the constant changes in information about COVID-19 can be confusing and produce data that can support any narrative. I understand the frustration of people who were told if you get the vaccine you won't have to wear a mask anymore, and then received revised guidance that said you should wear mask whether you are vaccinated or not. I am frustrated too. Vaccines have proven to be the most effective means to prevent serious illness/hospitalizations and masks can be an added layer of protection. I have done my best to guide our Town through the pandemic and make thoughtful decisions. I know any decision I make has broad reaching implications, and I don't make decisions of this magnitude without serious contemplation. As a First Selectwoman responsible for 61,000 residents and taking into consideration the guidance of our Health Director and Emergency Management Director, I feel this temporary mask policy could help reverse the spike in our town's COVID-19 transmission and in hospitalizations. Some residents have asked to read the declaration I instituted for the Town, I've attached it here. I made modifications to it today in consultation with the Health Director, Emergency Management Director, and Town Attorney. You can read the policy guidance here. RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE & MASK COMPLIANCE While the Town continues to require masks indoors, it is simply impossible to respond to reports of residents not wearing masks in the thousands of public spaces and private businesses throughout our Town. I continue to ask our community to engage in respectful and civil dialogue. I have been very disappointed in some of our resident's behavior on social media or at a recent Board of Education meeting when tempers flared over mask policies. I even had a resident call to share with me that they have been receiving threatening messages. One caller went so far to wish COVID-19 upon this resident's child, since they shared a different view on masks. We are better than this. Debate is an important part of our democracy. Our community must act like a community. The beauty of Fairfield should not just be on the surface, it must be reflected in our behavior and in our respect for one another. VACCINE Vaccine “breakthrough" cases have occurred in Connecticut, and in the majority of cases, symptoms have been mild and have not resulted in severe illness or hospitalizations. The most severe cases tend to be in unvaccinated individuals. Vaccination is the most important defense against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The CT Department of Public Health strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the ongoing spread of the Delta variant. We are in the planning stages with our Health Department to set up additional vaccine clinics in the coming weeks, and will share locations and times when these become available. Text your zip code to GETVAX to find a location near you. If you test positive for COVID-19 or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive, please contact the Health Department for guidance at 203-256-3020 or visit: fairfieldct.org/covid19. Residents should get a COVID-19 test if they feel unwell, even if they are experiencing mild symptoms and are vaccinated -- as vaccinated individuals can still carry and transmit the virus to others. In addition to severe COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, the Fairfield Health Department has seen many cases of people experiencing mild symptoms like sore throat, congestion/runny nose, loss of taste and smell, headache and/or fatigue. TOWN GOVERNMENT NEW FACES IN FIRE DEPARTMENT Yesterday, I was excited to welcome the newest members of the Fairfield Fire Department: Luke Hawthorne of Mansfield, CT Michael Canil of Bethel, CT Caitlin Pereira of Fairfield, CT Matthew Rowan of Trumbull, CT On August 29, the new recruits will head off to the Connecticut Fire Academy for Recruit Training. I was especially happy to welcome Caitlin Pereira, the first female firefighter in our Town in 25 years! It was also fun to have Caitlin's daughter Parker visit Town Hall with her mother. FIRST SELECTWOMAN OFFICE INTERNS I want to highlight the two students who volunteered part of their summer to intern in my office, Caroline Young (UT Austin '23) and Shaan Mehta (Fairfield Ludlowe '22). As students, both serve in leadership roles at their schools and have interest in future public service. I want to thank both of them for all their hard work this summer, and I look forward to seeing what they do next. AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING On July 19, I hosted an informational workshop to present my proposed list of projects to utilize the $24.8 million in federal funding coming to Fairfield. The goal in selecting these projects was to have an impact on a large cross section in our community and address some long overdue infrastructure projects. We looked at the Town's capital improvement plan to identify shovel ready projects that qualified under the federal guidelines, as well as new ideas to help those impacted by COVID. You can watch my presentation, the public comments, and the follow up Q&A from the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting here. Last week at the Board of Selectmen meeting, we went into detail and took more questions on my proposed priority list for ARPA here. It would be very helpful if our residents, who were not able to call in or watch the meetings, take the time to watch the recordings on FairTV or review the back up information presented during the meeting here. As I shared with elected officials during the meeting, it would be helpful to know which project you think we should remove in order to add your suggestion(s). BACK TO SCHOOL I want to wish all Fairfield students, parents, and educators good luck as you embark on another school year. As schools resume, the Fairfield Police Department have put together several important safety tips ahead of students returning to school, that I wanted to share with you. To motorists, it's important you SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION to surroundings. STOP for school busses. REMEMBER, if the school bus flashers are on and the stop arm is extended, children are present and you must stop! Violations of passing a school bus while loading or unloading is met with zero tolerance and a citation issued. Approximately 25,000 children are injured and 100 are killed in school zone accidents each year. (Source: Transportation Research Board). For more information on keeping our children safe during Back to School watch this video here. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAY Tomorrow, the Town is hosting the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on at Veteran's Park, to provide you with the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste at no charge. Just load up your car and your car will be emptied for you. There's no need to get out of your vehicle. Find more details here. RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM The Assessors Office is now accepting applications for the Renters Rebate Program. Applications are accepted between 9am and 4pm. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2021. Generally applicants need to be 65 years of age as of December 31, 2020 or be disabled, have income not exceeding $37,600 if single or $45,800 if married and have resided in Connecticut for one year prior to applying. Details can be found on the Assessors website here https://www.fairfieldct.org/rentersrebate or on the State of Connecticut’s site here https://www.fairfieldct.org/rentersrebate. AFGHANISTAN AND OUR VETERANS I am devastated by the news coming out of Afghanistan. We honor and remember the 13 service members and all the innocent men, women and children who died yesterday. I hope you will join me in keeping their families in your thoughts and prayers. Veterans across our country are feeling discouraged, as if their service was meaningless. I would like to say to each Veteran that's reading this, I join many members in our community in deep gratitude and respect for every American who has served in our military, especially our combat Veterans. I am particularly proud of my friend, Fairfield resident, and combat Veteran Alex Plitsas, who served multiple tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, for his efforts to help get Americans and Afghan allies out of Afghanistan safely. Here's a recent article about his efforts. If you're a Veteran and struggling or know a Veteran who is, please check out some of these resources that are available: Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care. Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you. VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services. MakeTheConnection.net - Information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues. RallyPoint - Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement? Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time. ABSENTEE VOTING If you will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day – November 2, 2021 - you may vote absentee by mail. Absentee Voting is permitted in the State of Connecticut for any of the following reasons: physical disability illness absence from the Town during all of the hours of voting religious tenets which forbid secular activity on Election Day Pursuant to Senate Bill 1202, of the June Special Session 2021, COVID-19 may be used as a valid reason for requesting a ballot for any election held before November 3, 2021** Connecticut does not participate in Early Voting. In order to vote absentee, you must meet one of the criteria listed above. Absentee voting in Connecticut is a two-step process. A completed and signed Absentee Ballot Application or Spanish Absentee Ballot Application must be filed with the Town Clerk before a ballot is issued. Absentee ballots will be mailed starting October 1st. Applications may be filed in person, by mail, or by e-mail. If filed by e-mail, the original, signed application must be returned with the ballot, or by mail, to the Town Clerk's Office, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield 06824 by Election Day for the ballot to be counted. COMMUNITY NEWS iCRYO GRAND OPENING After 57 years of owning and operating businesses in Fairfield, Greg and Tracey Miller opened the doors to the first iCRYO, the first location in Connecticut, which offers health and wellness services via cryotherapy and IV infusion this past Saturday at 665 Commerce Drive. Tracey Miller, who has been in the healthcare space for her entire career shared “I have been a nurse for 30 years and was looking for an alternative way to help people stay healthy and maintain their quality of life without drugs or invasive procedures. When I found iCRYO, I knew I had found the perfect solution.” I want to thank the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for organizing the ribbon cutting and Selectman Tom Flynn for officiating in my absence. I hope you'll join me in wishing the Miller's great success on this new venture together. Since I won't be sending a newsletter next Friday, in advance of Rosh Hashanah, I want to wish all that celebrate a very happy and healthy sweet New Year. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman FAIRFIELD COVID RESOURCE PAGE Scrolling below you can find additional events, information and resources organized by the following categories: Community Events Town Events August/September Updates Town Services Community Resources COMMUNITY EVENTS END OF BEACH SEASON SCHEDULE As of Monday, August 9th, there are no lifeguards on duty at Sasco, Southport, and South Pine Creek Beaches. Jennings and Penfield Beaches and Lake Mohegan – Will be staffed with lifeguards daily through Sunday August 29th. Then again on Labor Day weekend (Sept 4th – Sept 6th). Beaches may have reduced swim areas. Please be sure to obey the lifeguards and to swim in permitted areas only. Parking attendants will remain on daily through Monday, September 6th. FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET The Fairfield Farmer's Market will be open on Sundays from 10-2 PM until October 2nd. The Greenfield Hill Farmer's Market will be open Saturdays from 10-1 PM. For more information click here. VETERANS STAND DOWN 2021 Stand Downs are typically one- to-three day events providing supplies and services to homeless Veterans, such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling. Our community's will take place at Port 5 National Association of Navy Veterans 69 Brewer Street, Bridgeport, CT 06805 on September 24 from 8AM-2PM. For more information click here. KIWANI'S CLUB OF FAIRFIELD CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Please come out and support our community- either with a great day of golf, a sponsorship or even a raffle prize on September 27. For more details click here or email Richard Miller at spearfh2@gmail.com SWAB FOR SAM There is an opportunity to join the Marrow Donor registry (if you are 18-35) at Warde High School from 9am-11am on Sat. Aug. 28. Takes just 5 minutes with a simple swab to your cheek. If you can't make it, you can text "SwabForSam" to 61474 to join the registry. You could save a life. To learn more about the registry and how bone marrow donation works, click here. UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS Saturday August 28, 2021 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm – PAL Fishing Derby at South Benson Marina Saturday August 28, 2021 at 6:30pm – Concert at Sherman Green featuring Simple Jim Sunday August 29, 2021 from 10:00am – 2:00pm – Farmer’s Market at Sherman Green Tuesday August 31, 2021 at 7:00pm – Fairfield Cares Candlelight Vigil at Sherman Green Saturday September 4, 2021 at 6:30pm – Concert at Sherman Green featuring Peter G PARKS AND RECREATION WEBSITE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER UPDATES FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ... HERE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY FOUND IN FAIRFIELD The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in cooperation with USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) informed my office that there has been a detection of nymphs of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) on Ailantus (Tree of Heaven) in Southport. In 2020, multiple adult populations of SLF were found in Greenwich, New Canaan, Stamford and most recently Norwalk. To read a recent article on the discovery in Fairfield, click here. For further information, and guidance on what to do if you see the spotted lanternfly, click here. CUDDLE BEAR FUNDRAISER | POLICE DEPARTMENT The Fairfield Police Department is excited to partner with Jaclyn Brunetto for this Cuddle Bear Fundraiser. Officers can provide additional comfort to children experiencing difficult times through a story about being loved and a bear that they can hold onto when they are going through a hard and scary time. These sets will also be available to officers to give to children that they meet while on patrol. Sometimes it can be the little things that mean the most and the cuddles and hugs from Cuddle Bear can help little ones manage their big feelings. To sponsor one child with a Cuddle Bear set costs $25. The company Jaclyn works with, Usborne Books & More, is matching all donations at 50%. A $50 donation helps us purchase sets for THREE children thanks to that match! To donate, click here: https://paypal.me/pools/c/8BnoNgze7Z BUY-A-BRICK PROGRAM | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce We invite Fairfield local businesses and organizations to become a part of Fairfield’s downtown streetscape, by purchasing a commemorative brick in celebration of the Chamber’s 75th Anniversary. You will have the opportunity to see your company name (also available w/logo), for all to view and enjoy in years to come. The bricks purchased through this fundraiser program will partially be used to help beautify and reconstruct the existing semicircle pocket park alongside the Fairfield Public Library on Post Road, in the heart of downtown. For more information on purchasing a brick, click here. ROAD CONSTRUCTION AT THE TRANSFER STATION Construction is underway on Richard White Way from 7 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Residents should expect delays, and when possible, plan trips to the transfer station Mondays and Saturdays. Next week the water and gas companies will be relocating their utilities and the pile driver will be driving steel sheets at the WWTP, to protect the neighborhood from flooding. Neighbors should expect to feel some vibration from this work. BIRD FEEDING HAULT FOR SUMMER The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recommends that you remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November, due to increased reports of black bear sightings in heavily populated residential areas -- 24 specific sightings in Fairfield. Anyone who sees a bear in Fairfield can contact animal control at 203-254-4857. If the animal is behaving aggressively or refusing to leave a residential area, people should call the police department at 203-254-4800. For a list of simple steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears, click here. TOWN SERVICES FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES Library Express Service offers opportunities for quick browsing and checkout at both of our libraries. The Fairfield Public Main Library building is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am - 5pm and Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 7pm. Woods Branch building is open Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm and Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm. Both Main and Woods are open Saturdays 1pm – 5pm. Learn more about Library Express service. Facemasks are required for everyone (ages 2+) entering and using the Children’s Department in both Fairfield Public Library buildings. As of July 6th, masks are optional for fully vaccinated patrons in all other areas of our library buildings. This update is in accordance with the Town of Fairfield Health Department and the recommendation of the CT Department of Public Health. Visit CT Department of Public Health for further information regarding settings where there is likely to be a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people (including children younger than 12 years).. 2021 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages, children, teens and adults! Register NOW online. All ages are invited to enter our “Writing” Contest. Tell us a tale in words or art about an aspect of your culture or a family tradition. Entries should be no more than 750 words or in an artistic medium of your choosing. See details here. FPL 30 Day Sketch Challenge! During July, submit your daily sketch via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and tag us #fplctsummer2021 or email to: submissions@fplct.org. We’ll send you back the daily activity code for you to earn points in our Summer Reading Challenge (for teens and adults). Complete all 30 challenges to earn a badge and 5 bonus raffle ticket entries! All levels welcome – give it your best shot and show us what you can do! Every day a NEW theme! 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 Library Programs. Updates are shared via our website, newsletter and social media. HUMAN SERVICES Utility Shut-Offs are Currently Set to Resume Beginning September 15, 2021. It’s time to get signed up now for shut-off protection and energy assistance. Please look through the programs below to register or call Social Services for more information at 203-256-3170. UniteCT – Rent, and/or Electric Utility Payments - For tenants and all eligible electric utility customers affected by the pandemic: Up to $1,500 toward last six months of electric bills. Up to $15,000 in rental assistance. www.bit.ly/UniteCT. CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) - Connecticut’s annual heating assistance program. Available to all heating customers (electric heat, gas heat, oil, kerosene, coal and other deliverable fuels). Up to $1,015 basis benefit. Contact Social Services at 203-256-3170 or 2-1-1 United Way for a referral to nearest Community Action Agency for help applying for CEAP. Protection from Shut-Off Due to Medical Condition - Customer’s doctor can access utility internet portal at request of patient to certify that patient or family member has “serious illness” or “life threatening condition.” Customer cannot be shut off during winter shut-off moratorium, November 1 to May 1. Medical shut-off protections do not relieve customers of their responsibility to pay utility bills. Utility customers may be required to enter into payment agreements with the utilities, but during the protected period, cannot be threatened with shut-off for nonpayment. Most doctors know how to use the utility computer portals to certify a patient for the protection. Contact your utility directly for Arrearage Forgiveness Programs; COVID-19 Payment Plan; Reasonable Repayment Plan; Matching Payment Plan; and Financial “Hardship” (Winter Shut-Off Protection). SOCIAL SERVICES The hardest part to getting help is reaching out to make the call to the Social Services office. We are here to help. Please call us at 203-256-3170 Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM for more information about financial assistance programs. Not in a Crisis but Needing to Connect? Talk to a peer counselor at Soundview Warmline, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, seven days a week. Call 800-921-0359. EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE: If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19, and are struggling to pay your rent and utilities, you may qualify for financial assistance through a new program opened up on March 15th called UniteCT. Additional information, and the application portal, maybe found at www.bit.ly/UniteCT or you may call 1 844-864-8328. Eligible applicants include both eligible renters as well as landlords on behalf of eligible tenants. BNT HOUSING COUNSELING SERVICES - BNT (Building Neighborhoods Together) provides ongoing education and services designed to build financial skills and promote housing security, such as one on one credit counseling and benefits access (i.e. screenings to help determine available resources, as well as referrals to job training and placement programs). Call for more information: (203) 290-4255 OPERATION FUEL The Summer/Fall Season will be starting on July 12, 2021. Operation Fuel assists with utility bills, including electric, gas or water. The maximum grant amount is up to $500.00 and households can apply once per 12-month period. The income guidelines for a family of 4 is up to $90,492.00. Households are able to apply online at https://opf.toapply.org/. Please contact Social Services for additional information and documentation requirements at 203-256-3170, or visit https://operationfuel.org/. EMERGENCY PLANNING - GET STARTED NOW! There are abundant online resources that provide emergency supply lists, basic tips for emergency planning, evacuation plan checklists, and other useful information to consider ahead of a severe weather event or disaster. As the 2021 hurricane season begins, it’s important to be as prepared as possible! Here are some online resources with detailed guidance to help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy: - The CDC https://www.cdc.gov/prepyourhealth/index.htm?cid=EPR-homepage - FEMA www.ready.gov - Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG LAUNCHES ELDER JUSTICE HOTLINE Elder justice issues can range from age-based discrimination in the workplace to scams and frauds, elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If you or a senior you know have been a victim of elder abuse call 1-860-808-5555. Individuals may also access information about the hotline, resources, and an online complaint portal here: https://portal.ct.gov/ag/elderhotline. Pequot Library: We're Here, We Care – Pequot Library is open for browsing and select programming. We are open for browsing! Visit Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-4PM, and Sunday 12AM-4PM (weekend hours after Labor Day). Drop in during browsing hours to check out items from our circulating selection, see our latest exhibit in the Perkin Gallery, or view treasures from our Special Collections. Masks and physical distancing are requested from anyone in the Library. Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. Saturday: September (after Labor Day) – June: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. July – August: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday: September (after Labor Day) – June: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. July – September (before Labor Day): 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. COMMUNITY RESOURCES Behind in your rent or mortgage? Are you behind in your rent or mortgage? Operation Hope may be able to help. Please contact Brenda at 203-292-5588 x225 or email her at blobdell@operationhopect.org. All inquiries are confidential – they are there to help! Struggling to make ends meet? Reminder: Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is here to serve all Fairfield residents. We are open at 636 Old Post Road Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 and Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00. Please let them help you with groceries and other basic necessities! Operation Hope Food Pantry Operation Hope has in-person openings for meal servers this summer to help our neighbors in need. All meals are served at our Community Kitchen at 50 Nichols Street, Fairfield, next to the police station. Servers must be 18+. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Friday. The commitment can be once a week for the entire summer or for a portion. If interested, send us an email at info@operationhopect.org. Please indicate your level of commitment, as well as your preference for lunch or dinner. BOXWOODS ALERT! CHECK YOUR SHRUBS FOR THE BOX TREE MOTH | FAIRFIELD'S FORESTRY COMMITTEE Find out what it can do to your boxwood! Please check your boxwood plants for the invasive and destructive box tree moth, which can kill your shrubs. If you bought a boxwood plant during spring 2021, please inspect it for signs of the moth (caterpillars, webbing, and leaf damage) and report any findings to your local USDA office or State Agriculture Department. FREE WATER CONSERVATION KITS | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE Help make your home more water-efficient by ordering a free water conservation kit from Aquarion! Your kit will include: A water-saving faucet aerator Dye tabs to check for leaky toilet tanks A gauge to see the impact of a dripping faucet, and Information on using these waste-reducing tools This kit can save you money by finding potential leaks and reducing water usage. This follows up with the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force's prior newsfeed article, which noted that starting in 2021 Fairfield is voluntarily asked to reduce its outdoor watering usage and in 2022 is REQUIRED to reduce is outdoor watering usage. RECYCLING DO'S AND DONT'S | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE Fairfield pays close to $700,000.00 a year for our recycling programs, but a lot of our Town recycling is contaminated - in other words there are multiple items in the blue bins that CAN NOT Be recycled. Our recycling processor says that close to 25% of our recycling is contaminated - sometimes it is as simple as residents putting their recycling into plastic bags (which the processor then treats as waste even though the materials inside might be good recycling containers). Learn More: Do's and Don'ts of Recycling What else can be recycled in Fairfield? SAFTEY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN, BIKING, AND RUNNING | FAIRFIELD'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE As more of our fellow Fairfielders get out to enjoy the summer weather, our Town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee would like to remind townspeople of the following safety tips for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to ensure we operate as safely as possible. Below is a summarized list of more lengthy tips at the Committee’s website www.fairfieldct.org/bikeped that also includes Fairfield's Complete Street's Policy, maps of our town's bicycle routes, pumps, bike repair stations, and more. Motorists Expect pedestrians and cyclists on the road Reduce speed when encountering pedestrians and cyclists Look for cyclists when opening doors. Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space Connecticut is a yield State regarding pedestrians in crosswalks Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair the operation of a motor vehicle Pedestrians ALWAYS face traffic, it’s the law because it’s safer Walk/run single file Make sure you’re visible Keep your dogs on a short leash Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear Cross the street safely, use a crosswalk whenever possible Cyclists Ride with the traffic flow Obey all traffic laws Ride single file if riding with others Yield to traffic when appropriate Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear Be predictable Stay alert at all times Look before turning Watch for parked cars GET INVOLVED! TOWN BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES You can also visit our Boards and Commissions page to learn more about roles and responsibilities: https://fairfieldct.org/boards Interested in giving back to our community? Want to have a voice in shaping Fairfield? The Town relies on the hard work of citizen volunteers who are appointed to provide guidance and governance on various Boards and Commissions. The list of vacancies for Boards and Commissions are on the Town Website. Be sure to check back often as the list is updated as positions become available: https://fairfieldct.org/vacancies To learn about the application process, please click here: https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess 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. How to sign up? Click here. PREVIOUS UPDATES: August 13 July 30 July 16 July 2 June 18 June 4 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Copyright © 2021 Town of Fairfield, All rights reserved. 203.256.3030 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Archives
FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ... HERE
Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: September (after Labor Day) – June: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. July – August: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Your kit will include:
This kit can save you money by finding potential leaks and reducing water usage. This follows up with the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force's prior newsfeed article, which noted that starting in 2021 Fairfield is voluntarily asked to reduce its outdoor watering usage and in 2022 is REQUIRED to reduce is outdoor watering usage.
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.