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
10/8/2021 - 10.8 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, The month of October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last Friday, I was honored to join warriors against breast cancer at the 7th annual Pink Pledge and Jam. I have walked with our community for the last seven years in support of Norma Pfriem Breast Center and Fairfield’s own Pink Pledge Warrior Donna Twist. The Norma Pfriem Breast Center has impacted the well-being of the Greater Fairfield County community by placing life-saving healthcare options within reach of everyone, and I wish continued success to Dr. Donna Twist and to the staff, physicians, and care providers of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center. This week, the Police Department went purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is often considered a hidden issue that happens behind closed doors, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Raise awareness about the signs of domestic violence. Talk to your friends and family, coworkers, and neighbors. Together, we can end domestic violence. To learn more, go to https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/. Domestic Abuse Hotline - 203.384.9559, Sexual Assault Hotline - 203.333.2233 I am proud Fairfield has gone pink and purple this month. Photography by Mike Lauterborn, HameltHub TOWN GOVERNMENT SURPLUS, FILL PILE CONTAMINATION & REMEDIATION On Tuesday night, the Board of Finance (BOF) met to discuss the Town's $9.3 million surplus, which was largely created from the Town budgeting for a lower tax collection rate than was actually collected. The Town also achieved savings on the expense side, mostly due to lower personnel costs. The BOF voted to transfer $1.3 million of the expense surplus to contractual commitments for the retired Town employee healthcare fund. This left approximately $1.7 million of the $3 million expense surplus that they voted to transfer to the Town's Fund Balance. During the meeting, I provided the Board of Finance with an update on the ongoing expected costs related to the fill pile contamination and public corruption that occurred under the former administration. While it would have be my preference for the Town to use the remaining approximately $6 million in revenue surplus, to reduce the tax burden on our residents, I felt it was important to recommend the remaining surplus be deposited into the Town's fill pile fund, towards the mounting costs for remediation. The projected contamination costs that I presented are estimates based on preliminary evaluations by environmental consultants, but even at the low end of the range of costs, the numbers are staggering. You can watch the outline I gave to the BOF here. I will be bringing the item for a vote before the Board of Selectmen on October 18 and I will ask the BOF and RTM to do the same. There is a spreadsheet for residents to view the status of the sites on our website, and linked here. CHARTER REVISION I was very disheartened by the recent politicization regarding the Charter Revision Commission (CRC) by some elected officials and members of our community. I hope that we will all keep an open mind throughout this process, and listen to all ideas that come forward. I certainly will, because this is a genuine effort to improve Fairfield's governing document. It was not my obligation under State Statute, but rather my decision, to appoint a balanced commission that consists of 3 Democrats, 3 Republicans and 1 unaffiliated member. For some to suggest that this process is somehow tainted, while it has just started, is unfortunate. I appreciate and respect these residents who have stepped forward and agreed to volunteer their time on the CRC in service to our community. I want to remind our residents that the point of this commission is for everyone in our community to bring forth ideas and suggestions. You may feel there are no changes needed, and that's okay too. I've provided a link to the charter below, that you may find helpful to review. I will be making recommendations to the commission based on my experiences over the last two years, including making sure our Charter aligns with the Town Code, re-examining purchasing and contract oversight, and ensuring sure we have all the government we need, but only the government need. Our Town Attorney and department heads will similarly be making recommendations. While the Board of Selectmen will be presented recommendations to vote on from the CRC, the ultimate decision on any changes to our Town Charter will be up to all residents of Fairfield on the 2022 Election Day ballot. The CRC held its second meeting on Wednesday evening, which was a public hearing to receive feedback and recommendations on changes to the Charter. You can watch the public hearing here. All updates will be posted on the website linked below. To read my earlier update with more background on this process, click here. You can write to the commission at CRC@fairfieldct.org. As you would in a public meeting, please include your name and address with your comment. All comments received and verified will be included in the minutes with your name and address. Your email address will be excluded. Charter Revision Commission Website Fairfield Town Charter AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING UPDATE My proposal to the Town boards to spend the $24.8 million in federal funds has been approved, and my administration is now working to get these projects off the ground. We put together a comprehensive package that will have a broad impact on our community – some urgent and long neglected needs like Rooster River flooding mitigation, downtown flooding in the business district, funds to pave roads in disrepair, and fix or connect sidewalks. Additionally, the funding for the Police Department’s body and dash cameras over the next 10 years will put the Town in compliance with recent State legislative mandates and will take pressure off the Town's annual operating budget. Other projects include a study for beach erosion and coastal resiliency, funding for air conditioning at Fairfield Woods Middle School, ADA compliance, upgrades for the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities (including a new outdoor patio), new playgrounds for multiple neighborhoods across Town, and funding for nonprofits, to address the growing mental health and financial hardships as a result of the pandemic. There is also $1 million appropriated toward the mounting costs associated with the remediation and cleanup from the ongoing fill pile catastrophe. Some of the items on the list will also provide savings in future Town budgets and projects that were on the long-term capital plan that will reduce debt service. I am grateful for the tremendous amount of feedback and input from our residents over the last two months. It has been almost two years since I took office and there have been many challenges, but I have been listening and I will continue to do my best for our community. To view the full list of items with back up information, click here. COVID-19 UPDATE MASKS Last Friday I sent an interim update announcing my decision to lift the Town wide mask mandate. You can read the information here. This decision was made in consultation with our Health Director and Emergency Management Director, after seeing a consistent downward trend across case rates and hospitalizations, and an increase in our community's vaccination rate. Fairfield’s current positivity rate is 1.1% and yesterday the Town was downgraded to the yellow category. Connecticut’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 1.7%. Hospitalizations in Fairfield County are down to 37, 18 less than when we lifted the mandate last week. The Town is following the CDC guidance that recommends masks be worn indoors and when in close contact with others. Some residents have written in saying the decreasing trends are evidence the mask mandate worked. And while I respect and understand why one would draw that conclusion, I would just say that there are many towns in our state that don’t have mask mandates in effect and have similar or lower case rates than Fairfield. We are monitoring trends not just as a Town, but also as a county, state and country. The NY Times published an update this week that said the number of new daily cases in the U.S. has fallen 35 percent since Sept. 1 and worldwide cases have dropped more than 30 percent since late August. Read the full article, "Covid, in Retreat". I continue to ask residents to please be respectful to each other, regarding differences of opinion regarding masks, because in the end, we are all neighbors and are all dealing with the added stress this pandemic has caused in different ways. BOOSTER (3RD VACCINE) INFORMATION Currently, the Fairfield Health Department is NOT hosting any COVID-19 vaccination clinics. If clinics are scheduled, be sure to follow our social media accounts and news section on our website for updated information. Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised ONLY Effective August 13, 2021 the CDC has recommended that individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received either Pfizer or Moderna, are eligible to receive a third dose of either Pfizer or Moderna, if it has been at least 28 days since their second dose. Eligible individuals include: Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy) Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) Advances or untreated HIV infection Active treatment with high-dose corticosteriods (i.e.,>20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory. Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Pfizer Vaccine ONLY On September 22, 2021 the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine ONLY. Individuals who received Pfizer are eligible to receive a single boost dose as long as it has been at least 6 months since their second dose. Eligible individuals include: individuals 65 years of age and older individuals 18-64 years of age at high risk for severe COVID-19 individuals 18-64 years of age whose frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARs-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19 Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson While we anticipate there will be at some point, at this time, there is no approval for a Moderna or Johnson and Johnson booster (3rd dose) vaccine. The FDA is scheduled to meet later this month to approve a potential booster shot for individuals who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson. While the health department does not currently offer any booster clinics for those who are immunocompromised or those who received the Pfizer vaccine, you can check the local pharmacies as they are currently giving these out. The health department will continue to monitor the approval process. For a list of locations currently offering Booster (3rd dose) vaccinations in Fairfield, please click the button below. BOOSTER LOCATIONS FAIRFIELD COVID RESOURCE PAGE UI UTILITY PROTECTION ZONE PROGRAM These are the next group of streets UI will be performing the Utility Protection Zone tree pruning and removal work. The list of streets are below and for more information visit here. Black Rock Turnpike Congress St Fairfield Woods Rd Hoydens Hill Rd Morehouse Hwy Nepas Rd Nonopoge Rd Winnepoge Rd FALL LEAF PICKUP The Town of Fairfield provides four weeks of leaf collection for all neighborhoods outside of Greenfield Hill. There is no pickup during Thanksgiving week. There is no specific pickup day for a particular street or neighborhood. Bags must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on Mondays to assure pickup during that week. Bags placed outside of the Town right-of-way will NOT be picked up. Greenfield Hill residents may enter a service request (select "Leaf Collection Request (Greenfield Hill)") or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177. More Information on Leaf Pickup Service Request POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES APP FOR RESIDENTS TO PLACE ANONYMOUS TIPS The Fairfield Police Department is increasing its crime-fighting arsenal with a new app to help residents connect with the department to find information and submit anonymous tips from their smartphone. The new Fairfield PD app enables the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation. The Fairfield PD app and Tip411 anonymous text a tip system are 100% anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before police see the tips and there is no way to identify the sender. The Fairfield PD app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store or on their website at https://fpdct.com/tips. Those without a smartphone can share information with police by sending an anonymous text tip via their cell phone to police by texting keyword FPDCT and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted via the department’s website at https://fpdct.com/tips BEWARE OF SCAMS - TIPS FROM OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS On Monday, our Police Department did a great job hosting a Senior Scam Workshop at St. Pius. While our seniors are especially vulnerable to scams like these, I felt I should share some of the information with all of our community. Click here to read the tips. 2021 LOCAL ELECTIONS FAIRFIELD ELECTIONS, SAMPLE BALLOTS, AND RESOURCES For residents who are new to Town, this year’s election will include Fairfield’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), some members of the Board of Finance, the Board of Assessment Appeals, Constable, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Education and the Town Plan & Zoning Commission. If you would like to review the ballot that will be available at your polling place, you can view and print a copy using the links below. Paper copies are available in the Registrar of Voters Office at 611 Old Post Road. If you need to find your polling place or RTM district, you can consult our "Where do I Vote?" page. CLICK TO VIEW YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT: Polling Place RTM District Ballot Link Dwight School 1 View St Pius X School 2 View Fairfield Woods MS 3 View Stratfield School 4 View Fairfield Warde HS 5 View McKinley School 6 View Holland Hill School 7 View Fairfield Ludlowe HS 8 View Sherman School 9 View Mill Hill School 10 View KnowYourReps.org is a local non-partisan website, which outlines Fairfield's government and explains each office up for election. It's a great resource to learn about who is running for which office. The League of Women Voters, is also an election resource and will be hosting a virtual debate on October 25 at 7:00 pm.. CAMPAIGN SIGNS Candidates and political parties have been advised by law enforcement that lawn signs are not allowed to be placed on public or Town property and should only be placed, with permission, on private property. In accordance with zoning ordinances, they cannot be affixed with ties, rope, string to mailboxes, street signs, or stop signs. 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 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. 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. Absentee Ballot Application COMMUNITY NEWS FAIRFIELD RESIDENT INTRODUCES THE FUTURE OF HOME BUILDING IN FAIRFIELD On September 23, Fairfield resident and acclaimed architect Leigh Overland, along with his wife Nancy Evans, unveiled their residential home at 110 Shoreham Terrace, built entirely of sustainable insulated concrete forms (ICFs). As opposed to the traditional wood frames, the ICFs make the home both storm, fireproof, and mold/mildew-proof. I want to thank our Community Economic and Development Director Mark Barnhart for attending the ribbon cutting in my place and congratulate Leigh and Nancy on the bringing new innovation to Fairfield. Photography by Jarrett Liota, Fairfield Patch NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY This Wednesday, I was invited to participate in National Walk To School Day by NSS parent Jose Oromi and NSS PTA President Katie Flynn. Fairfield always wants to ensure our children can safely walk to and from school safely. "National Walk to School Day" is intended to bring awareness to school walker safety, something I highlighted to in my August 27 newsletter. Please ensure our children make it school safely, by slowing down and paying attention to your surroundings when driving. FAIRFIELD HARVEST MARKET & DOG HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE As a free event, open to the public, The Fairfield Harvest Market features 70 + vendors offering artwork, crafts, pet products, jewelry, upcycled and rustic furniture, home décor items, and beauty products. Food trucks and vendors from the weekly Fairfield Farmer’s Market will be there too. A Dog Halloween Costume Parade, sponsored by Pet Pantry Warehouse, will start promptly at noon. Line-up will begin at 11:45am (along the side of Old Town Hall, facing Beach Road). Dress your fur baby in their Halloween costume to parade along Old Post Road. The first 25 dogs to line-up will receive a free Chamber dog bandana and doggie treats. Prizes will be awarded for costume creativity. For more details and information, please click here. KIWANIS FIELD OF VALOR To honor our Military Veterans and those men and women actively serving our country, Kiwanis Club of Fairfield is hosting their annual Field of Valor by displaying U.S. Flags. The Field of Valor will include more than 200 full size (3'x5') American flags and will be on display to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11th. This display will be created in Jennings Park (adjacent to Hansen's Florist and across from Bob's Shopping Center) from November 7th through the 21st. To purchase a flag in honor of a veteran or someone currently serving, click here for more details. As a reminder, Town offices will be closed on Monday, October 11 for the Columbus Day Holiday. I want to end this week's newsletter with my sincere appreciation to the residents who sent cards, food, and flowers to me and family after my Mom's passing. All the words of support and kindness shown to me has made this very difficult time less painful. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman Scrolling below you can find additional events, information and resources organized by the following categories: Community Events Town Events September Updates Town Services Community Resources COMMUNITY EVENTS CARS FOR K9'S October 10 from 9AM-1PM at Fairfield Train Station at Mill Plain Road. YOUTHFUL HEARTS CHOIR SHU Community Theatre is pleased to announce "Youthful Hearts", a new community choir for singers ages 70 and older that will rehearse and perform at the downtown theatre. Open auditions will be held on October 20 at the SHU Community Theatre from 10AM-12PM. If you have questions call 203-371-7956 or email communitytheatre@sacredheart.edu HALLOWEEN ON THE GREEN Little witches and goblins (and their adults) are invited to join us on Sunday, October 24 from 12-4 on the Museum Commons behind the Fairfield Museum. For more information and to register, click here. RESTAURANT WEEK Save the date for Fairfield's 10th Annual Restaurant Week October 25 - November 7. We welcome you to go back to your favorite, local restaurant or try a new place! This year, we would especially like to thank Bankwell, for their continued support of Fairfield Restaurant Week, and Fairfield University, for their support this year as well! For the most up-to-date information and a list of participating restaurants, please visit www.experiencefairfieldct.org/eats or follow us @ExperienceFairfield on Facebook & Instagram. UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS Phantoms of Penfield at Penfield Pavilion – October 28 at 8:00pm - https://www.fairfieldct.org/Phantoms-of-Penfield Hole in One Fore Hunger at Carl J. Dickman Par 3 Golf Course – November 6 from 9:00am – 1:00pm Christmas Tree Lighting on Town Hall Green – December 3 at 7:00pm (choir begins at 6:00pm) Echoes of Sinatra at Penfield Pavilion – December 4 at 7:00pm - https://www.fairfieldct.org/Echoes-of-Sinatra Holiday Breakfast at Fairfield Ludlowe High School – December 11 at 10:00am PARKS AND RECREATION WEBSITE OCTOBER UPDATES UPCOMING ROAD PAVING Be prepared for detours and delays. This schedule is weather dependent and subject to change: October 8: Villa Ave (all) October 9: Melville Ave (Cornell Rd to Melville Dr) October 12: Melville Ave (Villa Ave to Old Stratfield Rd) October 13: Melville Ave (Old Stratfield Rd to Knapps Hwy) October 14: Querida St, Roselle St, Jackman Firehouse , Merritt St, Lu Manor Dr. Jefferson St.: To be determined One Rod Hwy: To be determined This list includes Town roads only, it does not include State roadways. Thank you to Fairfield DPW for their hard work as always! FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ... HERE TOWN SERVICES CPR/AED TRAINING FOR THE LAY PERSON If you are interested in CPR/AED training, please contact the Fairfield Regional Fire School at frfs@fairfieldct.org or call (203) 254-4708. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES The Fairfield Public Main Library building is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am - 5pm and Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 7pm. Woods Branch Library is open Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm and Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm. Both Main and Woods are open Saturdays 1pm – 5pm. Both Main Library and Fairfield Woods Branch will be open on Sundays from 1-5pm beginning October 17th. As per the CDC, masks are recommended at all indoor spaces and social distancing is advised. The Children’s Department at both libraries is open for browsing and borrowing of materials, but play areas remain closed at this time. Please do not bring food into either library. We are excited to be continuing with robust Fall programming for Children, Teens, and Adults! There will be a mix of in-person, outdoor, and virtual events. Please view our online calendar of events on our website (www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org) to see the offerings and reserve your spot! Study Rooms are now available for use by persons 16 years and up at both libraries. There are 10 study rooms (5 new!) for use at Main Library and 2 for use at Fairfield Woods Branch. Study rooms can be used for tutoring sessions, study sessions, and small group business meetings (limit of 4 persons per room); users must have a valid Connecticut library card registered with Fairfield Public Library. For more information or to make a study room reservation, call (203) 256-3160 (Main) or (203) 255-7308 (Branch). The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery at the Main Library has reopened! The current exhibit is “Behind the Scenes: Art by the Curators,” which will run through November 27th during regular Library hours. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to its digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Information services are available in person, by phone (203- 256-3160), by email at eref@fplct.org, and via text messaging (text askfplct to 833-232-4100). SOCIAL SERVICES The hardest part to getting help is reaching out. 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 or to schedule an appointment. Veterans and Service Members Student Loan Relief: Veterans and service member with student loans may be eligible for special programs that forgive interest on loans, or even cancel the loan entirely. The Department of Education is working with government agencies to automatically apply these benefits to all eligible loans, but for more information, contact your lender. **and did you know that veterans may be reimbursed for travel to medical appointments? The VA is trying to get everyone to file their travel claims online via its new Beneficiary Travel Self Service System, or BTSS. However, travel claims may also be filed at kiosks located in VA medical centers, help desks, or patient services offices at many VA hospital or local clinics. Safe Return Network: If a family member is prone to “wandering” or getting lost, consider registering for a new program developed to assist emergency personnel in locating them. To register go to fpdct.com/safereturn; for more information, contact Officer Anthony Krushinsky at akrushinsky@fairfieldct.org or call 203-254-4800 Commission on disAbilities Seeking Volunteers Applications are currently being accepted for volunteers to join the newly established Fairfield Commission on disAbilities, a group intended to promote the inclusion and integration of differently abled people in community activities, services, and employment opportunities. Visit the Fairfield Commission on disAbilities page here to learn more. To apply, please visit the town of Fairfield’s Appointment Process page here. Rental & Utility Assistance Tenants and property owners may be eligible for up to $10,000 towards overdue rent and $1500 towards utility payments through UniteCT. Apply online at www.bit.ly/UniteCT, or call 1-844-864-8328 for assistance. UniteCT will now: Cover arrears accrued since March 13, 2020, rather than only those accrued in last 6 months Pay landlords for 100% of covered arrears, rather than only 85% Cover 3 full months of prospective rent Protect tenants from evictions for nonpayment of rent during the months covered by the prospective rent payments Continue to consider waiving the $10,000 limit on rent assistance, on a case by case basis, for households with extenuating circumstances Rely where possible on information about an applicant’s enrollment in other state programs to streamline the application process Please Note: Anybody without a social security card or ITN number may call CIRI (Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees) for rental assistance at 203-336-0141. Additional Utility Assistance Through CEAP: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is underway for 2021/2022. Alliance for Community Empowerment, Fairfield’s local Community Action Agency (CAA), is now accepting early intake applications. Contact Alliance at 203 384-6904. You may explore their website at www.AllianceCT.org If you are unable to apply for energy assistance on your own, you may also apply with the help of the Department of Social Services beginning September 1st. Please call 203-256-3170 to make an appointment. Emergency Lien Assistance Program: Beginning October 1 Public Act 21-44 will establish an emergency lien assistance program within the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program. The program is designed to offer loans to homeowners facing foreclosure due to liens from municipal water or sewer charges, municipal tax debt, or association assessments and fines accrued at condos and similar types of housing. Eviction Help: For those facing the possibility of eviction, legal services are available at 1-800-453-3320 (toll free). Also, if you do not know your rights, The Connecticut Fair Housing Center can help. Call 860-247-4400 or 888-247-4401, or explore their website at www.ctfairhousing.org. Pay close attention to the tab labelled “Evictions During Covid-19 Pandemic”. This provides updated information about Governor Lamont’s Executive Order relating to the Eviction Process and UniteCT Program. Foreclosure Prevention: BTN (Building Neighborhoods Together) offers both Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, and also Foreclosure Prevention Clinics. For more information: info@bntweb.org/class-descriptions or call 203-290-4255. Additional information and resources may be found at the aforementioned CT Fair Housing Center: 860-247-4400 or 888-247-4401; www.ctfairhousing.org Mortgage Assistance: Contact the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) – 860-571-3500. Financial Assistance is also available through Operation Hope. Contact Brenda Lobdell at 203-292-5588, ext. 225. Important Change for SSI Recipients and Applicants: The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently changed its rules about how pandemic-related financial assistance is considered, such that it will no longer count pandemic related financial assistance against an applicant’s eligibility or benefit amounts. The SSA is now reviewing applications, redeterminations, appeals, and other records going back to March 2020. To access or restore benefits, you do not have to wait to be contacted. Reach out to the Social Security Administration directly at 866-331-6399. If you need additional support or assistance, please call the Department of Social Services at 203-256-3170. Emergency Broadband Benefits: For a monthly discount on broadband service up to $50, eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting getemergencybroadband.org. Check website regularly for latest information: www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit 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 OPERATION HOPE 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! 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. FAIRFIELD CARES RECEIVES $635K YOUTH DRUG PREVENTION GRANT The Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, the Local Prevention Council for the town of Fairfield, is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Fairfield Public Schools, it has received a five year federal Drug Free Communities Grant of $625,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant, allocated at $125,000 per year, will take effect on September 30, 2021, and will provide funding to prevent and reduce youth alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use, the two most frequently used substances by youth in Fairfield. For more information on this grant, click here. 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: October 1 September 22 September 10 August 27 August 13 July 30 July 16 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
Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised ONLY Effective August 13, 2021 the CDC has recommended that individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received either Pfizer or Moderna, are eligible to receive a third dose of either Pfizer or Moderna, if it has been at least 28 days since their second dose. Eligible individuals include:
The Town of Fairfield provides four weeks of leaf collection for all neighborhoods outside of Greenfield Hill. There is no pickup during Thanksgiving week.
There is no specific pickup day for a particular street or neighborhood. Bags must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on Mondays to assure pickup during that week. Bags placed outside of the Town right-of-way will NOT be picked up. Greenfield Hill residents may enter a service request (select "Leaf Collection Request (Greenfield Hill)") or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177.
If you would like to review the ballot that will be available at your polling place, you can view and print a copy using the links below. Paper copies are available in the Registrar of Voters Office at 611 Old Post Road.
If you need to find your polling place or RTM district, you can consult our "Where do I Vote?" page. CLICK TO VIEW YOUR SAMPLE BALLOT:
To purchase a flag in honor of a veteran or someone currently serving, click here for more details.
FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ... HERE
CPR/AED TRAINING FOR THE LAY PERSON If you are interested in CPR/AED training, please contact the Fairfield Regional Fire School at frfs@fairfieldct.org or call (203) 254-4708.
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.
FAIRFIELD CARES RECEIVES $635K YOUTH DRUG PREVENTION GRANT The Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, the Local Prevention Council for the town of Fairfield, is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Fairfield Public Schools, it has received a five year federal Drug Free Communities Grant of $625,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant, allocated at $125,000 per year, will take effect on September 30, 2021, and will provide funding to prevent and reduce youth alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use, the two most frequently used substances by youth in Fairfield. For more information on this grant, click here.
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.