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
2/18/2022 - 2.18 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, This coming Monday is Presidents' Day, originally established in 1885 in recognition of George Washington's birthday, which became known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971's Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Many residents may not know that George Washington himself dined at Penfield’s Sun Tavern located on our historic Town Green in 1789, just months after his inauguration, which is part of our Town's rich history. During President Washington's travels, he referenced Fairfield's devastating aftermath of the Revolutionary War that was still evident after ten years, “The destructive evidences of British cruelty are yet visible both in Norwalk and Fairfield; as there are the chimneys of many burnt houses standing in them yet." As Washington predicted, Fairfield later thrived through rebuilding and became the prosperous Town we know today, over 230 years later. I hope you will join me in reflecting on the life and liberties all our presidents have protected in their service to our nation. As a reminder, Town offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday. A MESSAGE TO ALL MY NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS I was very disappointed to learn Democratic Town Committee Chairman, Steven Sheinberg, requested through the State Freedom of Information Act, to "inspect and obtain" the email addresses of every resident who is signed up for my newsletter. I felt that you should be aware I am legally required to turn over your email addresses to the leader of a political organization and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I started sending the newsletter right after I took office two years ago because I believe communicating with our residents is critical to our community's collective success, and your responsive feedback has been very helpful to me. When the pandemic hit, the newsletter became an increasingly valuable tool in keeping our community updated on the fluid events during the pandemic. I believe this communication was crucial in keeping our residents safe during those early months when there were so many unknowns. Since then, the newsletter list has grown, with many members of our community signing up to get the latest Town news. It means a lot to me to know that our residents find the newsletter updates helpful. Again, I want to apologize in advance if in the future you receive any unsolicited emails. PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS ATVs, DIRT BIKES & STREET RACING Our community has shared with our police department and me, their strong concern regarding groups riding dirt bikes and ATVs on public roadways. The Fairfield Police Department has shared in press releases, which I have shared in previous newsletters, that off-street vehicles are not registered and not legally operated on any Town road or state highway. Those operating motorized bikes and ATVs are reckless and cause a great deal of alarm to residents. This is an issue occurring not just in Fairfield and neighboring communities, but all across the State. The Fairfield Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community and they make every effort possible to deter and prevent this behavior. Unfortunately, when police attempt to stop these individuals, they do not heed the officer’s request to stop and flee at high rates of speed. This causes further reckless behavior and additional risk to our residents. The pursuit of these vehicles presents a danger to the lives of the public and police officers, in addition to those operating the motorized vehicles. In accordance with state-wide pursuit policy, police are prohibited from engaging these vehicles in pursuit should they flee. Statewide policy states, "offenses that constitute infractions, property crimes (to include stolen motor vehicles), non-violent misdemeanors and non-violent felonies shall not be justification to engage in a pursuit of another vehicle…" In addition, many of these motorists are also juveniles. According to State policy, "a pursuit shall be terminated if the police officer knows or is reasonably certain, that the fleeing motor vehicle is being operated by a juvenile and the suspected offense is not a violent felony." Our officers attempt to identify these offenders in a variety of ways, including checking for registration information through the use of license plate recognition technology, however, most of these vehicles do not bear any license plates or have plates affixed to them that are stolen or belong on another vehicle or not street legal. The police also utilize video surveillance technology to identify operators, however, faces are often covered by helmets and masks. In addition, they work with other jurisdictions to track the movement of these vehicles using technology in hopes of finding them at their final destination; however, they are often abandoned after the fact. Most importantly, police monitor the movement of these groups to ensure the safety of innocent motorists and pedestrians. While the police are doing their best, unfortunately, offenders in these cases, much like juvenile suspects in car thefts, are well aware of the flaws in the legal system. I recommend residents write their State Senator and State Representatives to seek a resolution on the criminal justice laws. The state delegation can be contacted here. Click to view the State of CT Model Pursuit Policy. Please report any reckless driving to the Police. FAIRFIELD POLICE ISSUE SCAM ALERT Police warn local residents of a scam with the phone number on the Caller ID is being “spoofed” or altered to appear as if they are coming for the Police Department. Please just ignore the call and do not respond. The Fairfield Police Department does not generally call individuals regarding active arrest warrants and never calls anyone regarding missed court appearances. With any scams like this, you should never give out your personal or financial information to anyone you do not know, or whose identity cannot be verified. The Police Department encourages any resident who is contacted by an unknown individual and is asked for money to contact them if they are concerned or in doubt about the legitimacy of the call. Any resident who thinks it is a scam with the purpose of extorting individuals for money, should contact Police at (203) 254-4800. More information on protecting yourself and family from falling victims to scams can be found here. TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS TOWN BUDGET Next Wednesday, February 23rd at 10:00 AM, I will formally present my budget to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) for the Fiscal Year of 2023 (FY23). As you have come to know, this is a very long process that starts with the BOS and then goes to the Board of Finance in March, where they have the authority to make changes to the budget with a majority vote, and then heads to the RTM. The RTM has the ability to reduce the budget but cannot increase it. I will be sending an interim newsletter update to residents next week with a copy of my budget presentation and the full budget proposal. I have worked for many months with my administration to put together a budget that I believe is responsive to the needs of residents and businesses, and is responsible to taxpayers. The budget I'm presenting on Wednesday continues my efforts to modernize Town services, and moves forward my priority to right-size our Town workforces, while improving access and transparency in Town government. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN An updated review of Fairfield’s Floodplain Management Plan is available for public review on the Town’s Plan and Zoning Department webpage. Fairfield’s flood reduction action items are located within MetroCOG’s multi-town Hazard Mitigation Plan, adopted in 2019, which is available here. The Town has made progress on the following action items as part of the Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan including: The Riverside Drive tide gate system is completing design in order to be ready for construction in 2023. The Town’s Waste Water Treatment Facility protection berm and bulkhead project is nearing completion. ARPA funds will target increasing Fairfield’s resiliency including beach protection and off-shore wave reduction studies, implementation of some of the Downtown Green Infrastructure projects, and water detention projects in the Rooster River corridor. Fairfield is collaborating with the CT Institute of Resiliency and Adaptation (CIRCA) to study reducing flooding under railroad underpasses. The Town has also installed tide gauge markings in the marina and beach area with 24-hour remote monitoring in order to better Emergency Management preparation. Fairfield participates in FEMA’s voluntary Community Rating System (CRS), which awards a rating to communities that go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood plain management requirements. These efforts result in a 10 percent discount for its 2,053 policyholders, or approximately $337,661 in annual savings. Fairfield is only one of thirteen communities in the State that currently participates in the program. ROOSTER RIVER Recently, I have received emails from residents who live along the Rooster River, asking for the status of the Phase 1 part of the project. The overflow of Rooster River that occurred in the years 2006, 2007, 2018, and during recent storms, has had a serious impact on many residents' properties. The recurring flooding is a major concern and it’s why I proposed to use $3,250,000 of ARPA funds to bring some resolution in implementing Phase 1b of the Rooster River Mitigation Plan. Fairfield’s Department of Public Works (DPW) hired a consultant to perform a hydrologic study of the Rooster River watershed with designs at six strategic locations. The study focused on potential detention sites along the Rooster River watershed that would provide some relief for property and homeowners within the watershed. It is our hope that this project will bring forth designs that will reduce the amount of flooding, reduce the frequency of flooding, reduce property damage, improve access, and improve water quality. In rare cases, excavation will be required, but in a majority of the areas, a berm or dike will be constructed to hold back the water and limit environmental impacts. To ensure the process is carried out properly, the Town has been going through the process of obtaining permits through the US Army Corps of Engineers, CT State Historic Preservation Office, CT Department of Environmental & Energy Protection, and local inland wetland permits. We also reached out to the City of Bridgeport, and they agreed to commit some of their ARPA funds toward detention areas for Rooster River on their side of the river in a coordinated effort to tackle this well-known flooding problem. This coming spring, the Town also plans to assist with neighborhood clean-ups. We hope to acquire the permits over the next 2 to 6 months and work on the areas that need to be cleared of debris before construction commences. The most beneficial projects with the highest priority are scheduled for construction in Spring/Summer 2023. Other detention areas and projects that involve more construction may start in Fall 2023, and we can likely expect construction to last until at least Spring 2024. The official plans are available for viewing at the Fairfield Engineering Department and linked here: Tunxis Hill Park and Fairchild Wheeler. CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION At the February 10th Fairfield Charter Revision Commission meeting, they heard from a panel of elected officials from around Connecticut regarding the different forms of municipal government. The speakers included: the Honorable James Pascarella of Hamden, the Honorable Ellen Zopp-Sassu of Bristol, the Honorable Dan Salerno of New Britain, the Honorable Jamie Cosgrove of the Branford RTM, Scott Shanley of the Manchester Council, the Board of Selectman/Legislative Council of Newtown, and the Honorable First Selectman Dan Rosenthal of Newtown. You can view the meeting here. I want to thank the dedicated individuals on the Commission who have already spent many hours reviewing the Town Charter and listening to input from the community. I look forward to following their continued progress and hope our residents will too. When they make their final recommendations, the Board of Selectmen will vote whether or not to put those recommendations on the ballot for voters to ultimately decide. CERT TRAINING The Fairfield Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is offering free disaster response training beginning Saturday, February 26th. Attendees are trained in personal preparedness and guidance is also shared so you will be able to care for yourself and your loved ones in the event of a major emergency or disaster. The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and FEMA developed the training and, upon completion of the course, participants are eligible and invited to join the Fairfield CERT team. 2022 CERT training begins February 26th, 8 AM to 2 PM, and runs for five consecutive Saturdays ending March 26th. Classes are held at the Fairfield Regional Fire School Classroom, 205 Richard White Way, Fairfield. Attendance at all classes is required. The training is free and open to those 18 and older. Register online at Fairfield Parks and Recreation. www.fairfieldct.org/cert COMMUNITY NEWS CAPALBO STRONG Charlie is a long-time Fairfield resident and a two-time cancer survivor. Throughout his diagnoses, Charlie has remained strong and continues to fight each day. On February 19th at 8:00 PM, a hockey game will be held in Charlie's honor, where Fairfield will be playing Greenwich. Fairfielders can continue their support of Charlie and his family by attending the Capalbo Strong hockey game this coming Saturday. CELEBRATING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR, CHARLES OHLENBERG On Thursday, February 17th, the Town of Fairfield proudly honored and recognized resident Charles Ohlenberg on his 100th birthday. Charles has led an extraordinary life full of accomplishments. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1922, Charles is the sole Holocaust survivor of his family. His father, a well-known physician at the time, was sent to a concentration camp during the devastating Kristallnacht in Vienna. Thankfully, Charles survived the war via the Kindertransport, a British organization that transported children to England. Charles was on the first Kindertransport from Vienna and was taken in by a religious family in England. Once in England, he volunteered with the Rescue Squad during all of the bombings in Coventry. From England, Charles moved to New York City, arriving in 1953. It was there that he would meet the love of his life, Elisabeth Willis. Charles and Elisabeth happily married in 1956 and then left the city to raise their three children, Richard, Annette, and Claire, in Huntington, New York, before moving to Fairfield in 2003, which they have called their home ever since. Charles is a member of the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut and has spent many years lighting candles at Fairfield’s Annual Holocaust Commemoration in memory of all who died in concentration camps. The Town of Fairfield is very fortunate to have such extraordinary residents like Charles, who exemplify strength and heroism. It was an honor to meet Charles' daughter, Claire, and hear her speak of her Dad and his experiences. Charles' story is a reminder that we must ensure the horror of the Holocaust is never forgotten, and we educate ourselves on this tragic history, so it never happens again. For more than two decades, antisemitism has been on the rise, first in Europe and other regions, and more recently, here in the United States. To read the 2021 survey on antisemitism and for more information, you can visit the American Jewish Committee's website here. I hope our community will join us on April 27th for the Holocaust Commemoration at First Church Congregational - stay tuned for more information. FAIRFIELD'S OLYMPIANS Cheering on Fairfielders in the Olympics has been so much fun. Below is an update we can all be proud of as Mac and Kristen represent us on a global stage! Kristen Santos came in close to third place, competing in the Women's 1,000-meter short-track final on February 13th. Kristen placed 2nd in the Finals B Heat for the Women's 1,500-meter short-track event this past Wednesday. She qualified to advance to the semi-finals, where she was run into by another skater, Sumire Kikuchi of Japan, preventing her from moving forward in the games. Kristen has put her heart and soul into the sport since she was 9-years-old, and it was evident watching her compete that she brought the same spirit to the Olympic rink. Follow Kristen's accomplishments in the Olympic games here. Mac Forehand qualified for finals in Big Air on February 7th, placing in the top 12. He placed 20th in the Big Air finals on February 9th. While Mac did not end up qualifying for the Men's Freeski Slopestyle event this past Tuesday, I am sure we will see him in future Winter Olympics. This young and talented skier has a bright future ahead of him, and I am very proud of his accomplishments. You can view Mac's impressive results here. Photos from Getty Images EVERYDAY HEROES On January 30th, a local dispatcher responded to a call from an elderly woman who dialed 911. The woman's husband was choking, and dispatcher, Martha Kuczo, provided the woman with CPR instructions over the phone, subsequently saving his life. I would like to recognize Kuczo for successfully providing life-saving information to the resident's wife during a high-stress situation. Our Police & Fire Departments have difficult jobs, and they continue to keep our residents safe each day. I hope Fairfielders will join me in thanking Martha for her service to our Town. I’m grateful to have Martha on the 911 Emergency Communications Team always ready to answer our community's calls for help. I'm glad everyone is safe, and I wish the family well. You can read more about dispatcher Kuczo's heroic efforts here. CHAMBER BREAKFAST On February 9th, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Economic Outlook Breakfast. I had the honor of being a guest speaker for this event alongside John Traynor of People’s United Bank. It's always a treat to hear Mr. Traynor's informative presentation on local and national economics. His insights were well received by the audience. I also shared the good work the Town has been doing to improve services to businesses. I want to thank Chamber President, Beverly Balaz, for her work in support of our local businesses and her collaboration with the Town. It was wonderful to be in person with the Chamber again. PET EMERGENCY CARDS On Thursday, February 10th, the Town of Fairfield proudly honored and recognized resident, Jake Blumenfeld for his extraordinary efforts in taking the initiative to create a pet emergency card that helps owners keep their pets safe and healthy. About three years ago, Jake was ill and had to be sent to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for a lung biopsy. Instead of worrying about himself while in the hospital, all Jake could think about was who would care for his rescue dog, Teddy. Jake turned this life-changing life event into a positive experience by helping others in similar situations. The pet emergency card contains the pet’s name, address, an emergency contact, the veterinarian’s contact information, and the amount of food that should be given to the pet. Jake has distributed these cards to police departments, the Bridgeport and New Haven Animal Shelters, and numerous veterinarians throughout Fairfield County. During these unstable times of supply chain issues, Jake has also made it a priority to deliver thousands of pet food items to residents in need throughout Fairfield County. Pet owners are deeply grateful for Jake’s selflessness and determination in helping them keep their animals alive and well and out of shelters. I encourage all residents to thank Jake for his thoughtful and innovative efforts. VISITING TOWN HALL It was a nice way to end the week with a surprise visit today from Rotarian Kevin Lesko, who is also Chairman of the Economic Development Commission, and his dog, Scout. I hope you will take the time to view the information below, which includes new information and resources. Have a nice weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman COVID-19 UPDATE Important steps recommended by health professionals include: Get vaccinated if you are not or get a booster if you are eligible Check yourself for COVID-like symptoms each day and stay home and get tested if you have any If you are in isolation or quarantine stay away from others and limit your activity to only what is essential Wear a mask when indoors in public, especially if you are unvaccinated Limit activity involving groups especially where others vaccination status is unknown Wash your hands frequently For vaccination, there are numerous sites available in Fairfield and nearby as well as daily walk-in clinics in many towns. There are 10 COVID testing sites in Fairfield under contract to offer no-cost testing to CT residents. Fairfield's Positivity Rate: 9.7% State of CT Town Rating: Red Fairfield County Hospitalizations: 67 Vaccine First Dose: 84.02% The current requirement is for all unvaccinated to wear masks indoors and the Town supports the CDC recommendation that all individuals wear masks indoors due to the “High” transmission classification of Fairfield County. FAIRFIELD COVID RESOURCE PAGE FEBRUARY UPDATES IMPROVING FAIRFIELD'S STREETS The Fairfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee (FBPC) has launched an online form to make it easier for residents to share their experiences of walking, biking, rolling, and crossing the street in our Town. Visit here to complete the form today. You can upload pictures and provide a description of what makes a particular street/intersection/location feel unsafe and/or uncomfortable when traveling by foot, bike, wheelchair, roll, etc. PARK & RECREATION Registration IS OPEN! Please visit www.fairfieldrecreation.com for more information. RENEW YOUR 2022 BEACH/TRANSFER STATION STICKER PURCHASE YOUR 2022 GOLF ID BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES Fairfield senior center's mission is to provide services and programs for older adults that promote well being, support independence, and encourage involvement in community life. To become more involved with local activities and stay informed on news surrounding the Senior Center, you can view their Newsletter. FRAUD ALERT | NEW TOOL TO HELP HOMEOWNERS With the launch of the Town of Fairfield’s Fraud Alert, property owners can now sign up to be notified of new transactions regarding their property. With Fraud Alert, you can sign up to receive alerts whenever a document, such as a mortgage, is recorded under your name. Documents can be viewed online at: Town of Fairfield, CT - SearchIQS. Please remember that there may be other property owners in Town that have the same name. Town Clerk Betsy Browne shared that this new tool provided by IQS is an easy way for homeowners to have peace of mind, especially with the increase in scams recently. You can sign up now at: Fraud Alert - SearchIQS TOWN SERVICES GLASS RECYCLING The Town of Fairfield Transfer Station is proud to announce that we have added a GLASS ONLY collection bin along with our mixed recycling bins. I hope residents will take advantage of this opportunity which will help save the Town money in recycling costs – but also will help our efforts to be a more environmentally conscious community. I want to thank DPW, and all the volunteers on the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force and Solid Waste & Recycling Commission for working to bring this new initiative forward. We would like to encourage residents to separate their glass containers and drop them off at the Transfer Station. As always, recycling is at no charge to residents with a valid beach sticker. You can read more information here. ACCEPTABLE Beverage Bottles Juice Bottles Condiment Bottles Food Bottles NOT ACCEPTABLE Mirrors Window Glass Drinking Glasses Decorative Glassware Ceramic Cup & Plates Ovenware Clay Pots Lightbulbs SOCIAL SERVICES The hardest part of 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. For more additional information and resources, social services offers a comprehensive newsletter with various programs addressing career development, service members, and housing here. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES Fairfield Public Library are open the following hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00AM – 8:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 PM. The Library will be closed on Monday, February 21st, for Presidents Day. Meeting rooms at both libraries have reopened for outside rentals beginning this month. Reservations can be made online via the Library’s website. Current mask policy: Patrons over age 2 MUST wear masks in all programs, during meeting room use, and when entering the Children’s Room. Social distancing is advised. Free tax assistance is once again being offered at Main Library on Tuesdays until April 12, 2022. IRS-certified counselors will meet with residents between 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary. This service is intended for low- and middle-income households and those over age 60, although all individuals will be assisted. Join the Library in a Town-wide reading of this year’s One Book One Town selection, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Copies are available to borrow at both branches of Fairfield Public Library. Please check our website for related programming! The author will appear at the SHU Community Theatre on Tuesday evening, March 1st, at 7 PM; register for the waitlist for this popular event OR register to view the event virtually. The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Committee at Main Library welcomes the public to view its new show, “Color Play.” The exhibit features the work of Earl Grenville Killeen, Dionne Pia, and Emily Teall and runs through April 2nd during Library hours. Mark your calendars for the return of the Lion’s Gate Trio on Saturday, March 5th, at Main Library! The trio of musicians on cello, violin and piano will present a radiant selection of chamber music followed by light refreshments and a chance to meet the musicians. Event begins at 2:00 PM and is made possible by generous funding from The Friends of Fairfield Public Library. It’s not too late to join the Library’s Adult Reading Challenge, going on now until Dec. 31, 2022! Explore new genres, discover new authors, and be entered to win prizes while you enjoy reading. Read just one book from each genre listed before midnight on New Year’s Eve to complete the challenge! Check the Library’s website for information on how to get started. The Library continues to offer a mix of in-person and virtual programming at both locations for children, teens and adults. Please view our online calendar of events on our website (Fairfield Public Library | You Belong Here!) to see the offerings and reserve your spot! Fairfield Public Library offers 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). Pequot Library: We're Here, We Care – We are open for browsing! Visit Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM, and Sunday Noon – 4 PM. 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. Now on view: Magic, Mayhem, & Maturity: The Growth of Youth Fantasy Literature Drawing on materials from the Children’s Historical Collection and the modern circulating collection, this exhibition examines the emergence and evolution of youth fantasy literature. Oftentimes, stories from this genre use magic as a metaphor for the turbulent transition from childhood to adulthood. Spanning fairy tales to 19th century works like Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz to more modern stories like Harry Potter, Children of Blood and Bone and The Gilded Ones, this exhibition further explores how these stories have evolved to tackle this transition in a more frank manner and, significantly, to embrace all voices. For more programming, visit Upcoming Events – Pequot Library 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 CAREERS IN THE TRADES & PUBLIC SAFETY Thursday, April 28th, Fairfield Warde and Ludlowe High Schools, along with the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, are hosting their first "Careers in the Trades and Public Safety Expo." The event will take place from 7 PM – 8 PM at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, 386 Center Street in Southport, where students from grades 8 – 12 are invited to attend. This expo will be a tremendous opportunity to share information about your company, industry, and educate students on different career paths. Space will be limited, so reserve your spot today! Please contact Alice Gorman at agorman@fairfieldschools.org. COMMUNITY CLASSES A number of community classes are to be held at the Fairfield Regional Fire School, 205 Richard White Way. If you have questions regarding any of these courses, please contact (203) 254-4708, or email frfs@fairfieldct.org. CPR/AED - FIRST AID Certification Sunday Morning, March 13th 9 AM – 4 PM $100 per student Heartsaver Layperson CPR/AED Certification Thursday Evening, April 21st 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM $50 per student OPERATION HOPE 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 AM to 12:00 PM and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Please let us help you with groceries and other basic necessities! PREVIOUS UPDATES: February 4 January 21 January 7 2021 Year in Review December 17 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Archives
Our community has shared with our police department and me, their strong concern regarding groups riding dirt bikes and ATVs on public roadways. The Fairfield Police Department has shared in press releases, which I have shared in previous newsletters, that off-street vehicles are not registered and not legally operated on any Town road or state highway.
Those operating motorized bikes and ATVs are reckless and cause a great deal of alarm to residents. This is an issue occurring not just in Fairfield and neighboring communities, but all across the State.
The Fairfield Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community and they make every effort possible to deter and prevent this behavior.
Unfortunately, when police attempt to stop these individuals, they do not heed the officer’s request to stop and flee at high rates of speed. This causes further reckless behavior and additional risk to our residents. The pursuit of these vehicles presents a danger to the lives of the public and police officers, in addition to those operating the motorized vehicles. In accordance with state-wide pursuit policy, police are prohibited from engaging these vehicles in pursuit should they flee.
Statewide policy states, "offenses that constitute infractions, property crimes (to include stolen motor vehicles), non-violent misdemeanors and non-violent felonies shall not be justification to engage in a pursuit of another vehicle…" In addition, many of these motorists are also juveniles. According to State policy, "a pursuit shall be terminated if the police officer knows or is reasonably certain, that the fleeing motor vehicle is being operated by a juvenile and the suspected offense is not a violent felony."
Our officers attempt to identify these offenders in a variety of ways, including checking for registration information through the use of license plate recognition technology, however, most of these vehicles do not bear any license plates or have plates affixed to them that are stolen or belong on another vehicle or not street legal. The police also utilize video surveillance technology to identify operators, however, faces are often covered by helmets and masks. In addition, they work with other jurisdictions to track the movement of these vehicles using technology in hopes of finding them at their final destination; however, they are often abandoned after the fact.
Most importantly, police monitor the movement of these groups to ensure the safety of innocent motorists and pedestrians. While the police are doing their best, unfortunately, offenders in these cases, much like juvenile suspects in car thefts, are well aware of the flaws in the legal system. I recommend residents write their State Senator and State Representatives to seek a resolution on the criminal justice laws. The state delegation can be contacted here.
Click to view the State of CT Model Pursuit Policy. Please report any reckless driving to the Police.
The Police Department encourages any resident who is contacted by an unknown individual and is asked for money to contact them if they are concerned or in doubt about the legitimacy of the call. Any resident who thinks it is a scam with the purpose of extorting individuals for money, should contact Police at (203) 254-4800.
More information on protecting yourself and family from falling victims to scams can be found here.
CELEBRATING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR, CHARLES OHLENBERG
On Thursday, February 17th, the Town of Fairfield proudly honored and recognized resident Charles Ohlenberg on his 100th birthday. Charles has led an extraordinary life full of accomplishments. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1922, Charles is the sole Holocaust survivor of his family. His father, a well-known physician at the time, was sent to a concentration camp during the devastating Kristallnacht in Vienna. Thankfully, Charles survived the war via the Kindertransport, a British organization that transported children to England. Charles was on the first Kindertransport from Vienna and was taken in by a religious family in England. Once in England, he volunteered with the Rescue Squad during all of the bombings in Coventry. From England, Charles moved to New York City, arriving in 1953. It was there that he would meet the love of his life, Elisabeth Willis. Charles and Elisabeth happily married in 1956 and then left the city to raise their three children, Richard, Annette, and Claire, in Huntington, New York, before moving to Fairfield in 2003, which they have called their home ever since. Charles is a member of the Holocaust Child Survivors of Connecticut and has spent many years lighting candles at Fairfield’s Annual Holocaust Commemoration in memory of all who died in concentration camps. The Town of Fairfield is very fortunate to have such extraordinary residents like Charles, who exemplify strength and heroism. It was an honor to meet Charles' daughter, Claire, and hear her speak of her Dad and his experiences. Charles' story is a reminder that we must ensure the horror of the Holocaust is never forgotten, and we educate ourselves on this tragic history, so it never happens again. For more than two decades, antisemitism has been on the rise, first in Europe and other regions, and more recently, here in the United States. To read the 2021 survey on antisemitism and for more information, you can visit the American Jewish Committee's website here. I hope our community will join us on April 27th for the Holocaust Commemoration at First Church Congregational - stay tuned for more information.
ACCEPTABLE Beverage Bottles Juice Bottles Condiment Bottles Food Bottles