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
5/13/2022 - 5.13 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day weekend surrounded by family and friends. Mother's Day is a day we celebrate the strong women who raised us. Motherhood is not an easy job, but it is also one of the most important and rewarding experiences. We also recognized Teachers and Nurses this month. Last week, throughout our Town, schools celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. I want to personally thank all of Fairfield's teachers for their tremendous dedication and hard work in shaping our students into future leaders. I think each of us can point to at least one teacher who went above and beyond and had a real impact on our lives. For me, that teacher was Mrs. Srager. She was one of those teachers who took a personal interest in her students, including me. She recently visited me at Town Hall, and it warmed my heart when she told me she was very proud of one of her students becoming the First Selectwoman of Fairfield. May 6th was National Nurses Day. Nurses play a vital role in our Nation's healthcare system and are the backbone of any doctor's office or hospital. Our Town, State, and country have a greater appreciation for the heroic nurses of our nurses during the pandemic over the last two years. I'm personally grateful for the nurses who work for our Town. I hope Fairfield will join me in thanking them for their dedication to keeping our community safe and healthy. FAIRFIELD RECOGNIZES NATIONAL POLICE WEEK May 11th through the 17th, we observe National Police Week. National Police Week was established in 1962 by a joint resolution of Congress. During this week, we honor and recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of the communities they served. The Fairfield Police Department and police departments everywhere have shouldered many challenges in modern policing that require so much more of the men and women who protect our Town every day. Fairfield thanks the Fairfield Police Department for their selfless and dedicated service to our community. Fairfield pays special recognition to its Officers whose names appear on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: Officer James Cavanaugh (EOW 04/11/1966) and Deputy Sheriff Francis Melville Pike (EOW 05/13/1894), who served Fairfield prior to the official formation of the Fairfield Police Department in 1930. TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS TOWN BUDGET I sent out a budget update last Friday after the BOF set the mill rate for Fiscal Year 2023, at 27.24, a .96% increase. Ultimately, the budget is where Town operations and financials meet. It has been my goal to improve services and create efficiencies in Town government while being mindful of the impact on taxpayers. I believe additional budget adjustments could have been made by the Town bodies to reduce spending, especially considering the record-high inflation rates residents are experiencing. I encourage you to continue voicing your opinions on the budget and other Town matters with all your elected officials. CHANGE IN POLLING LOCATIONS I want to share with residents what occurred at an emergency RTM meeting on Tuesday evening with just 24 hours’ notice given to its members and the public. This meeting resulted in nearly 40% of Fairfield's registered voters unnecessarily having a new polling location this year, and will potentially face being assigned another new polling location for November of 2023. The State Legislature redrew its legislative district lines in accordance with the Census for this November’s state elections. State Statute requires towns to redraw their RTM district lines by the Spring of 2023, ahead of the municipal elections. There was a fundamental disagreement between the political parties as to whether or not we needed to change the polling locations this year. Personally, I think changing polling locations is disruptive and should only be done when required. The Town verified for the RTM that it does not have to redraw district lines until the Spring of 2023, with the staff attorney in the Secretary of State’s Office and was confirmed by the Town Attorney. (You can read the legal opinion from the Secretary of State’s office in the backup on page 5 linked here.) Ultimately, on a party-line vote, the RTM voted to add three polling places to the Town's existing ten, for this year’s State primaries and general elections. This will result in 16,600 voters having to go to a different polling place this year and will generate more costs to run the elections. There is a high likelihood that many voters will see another change in the 2023 municipal elections when the new RTM district lines are redrawn. While I have no authority to intervene in the RTM's decision, as your First Selectwoman, I will make sure to keep you informed of changes to your polling locations and any new information coming out of the Registrar of Voters office. You can watch the emergency RTM meeting here. To see if your polling location has changed, please click here. CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION The Charter Revision Commission (CRC) has been working diligently over many months, reviewing our Town Charter with a Charter Revision Attorney to assist with this work. There has been a lot of feedback from the community and careful review by CRC members. The Commission held a special meeting on May 11th, where it discussed Articles II-VII of the Town Charter, Articles VIII and IX, and the budget. You can watch the discussion here. The Commission also convened on May 12th to discuss the Board of Education, cooperation provision, uniform creation standards, and specific board and commission issues. You can watch the discussion here. The next meeting will be held on May 17th. Please check the CRC website for any updates. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN The Affordable Housing Committee held a public hearing Wednesday to receive comments on its proposed 2022-27 Affordable Housing Plan. You can view a copy of the proposed Plan here, the presentation here, and the recording of the public hearing here. The Affordable Housing Plan is intended to outline goals and strategies to facilitate the development of affordable housing and housing options in Fairfield over the next five years. The Town last updated its affordable housing plan in 2014. Under State law, communities must prepare or update an affordable housing plan by June 1, 2022, and every five years thereafter. The Affordable Housing Committee will meet next week to review and make any final adjustments to the Plan, before submitting it to the Board of Selectmen in advance of the June 1st deadline. For more information, please visit the Affordable Housing Committee's website. FAIRFIELD SHELLFISH COMMISSION The Fairfield Shellfish Commission made it into the latest edition of NOAA’s Sea Grant magazine, “Wrack Lines." To learn more about the work the Shellfish Commission is doing to aid restorations of Ash Creek, please click here. Photo by Judy Benson Photo by Tim Macklin STATE LEGISTLATION ADEQUATE SHELTER BILL I am pleased to share that HB 5170, "An Act Concerning the Tethering and Sheltering of Dogs," has passed the house and Senate. HB 5170 will now be sent to the Governor's office for his signature to become law. I was very passionate about this legislation when I served in the Connecticut General Assembly and took the time to share written testimony on the bill this year. I have always been a strong advocate for animal welfare issues and served as Co-Chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus for several terms in the legislature. During my time in the legislature, I worked on many common-sense animal welfare laws to protect those who cannot protect themselves. I believe the passing of this legislation will make it easier for Fairfield's local ordinance on proper shelter and tethering of dogs that is being proposed by the RTM. Once the ordinance is reviewed by the Town Attorney, it will be brought before the RTM for consideration. COMMUNITY NEWS ROAD WORK ON FAIRFIELD BEACH ROAD The Town is currently milling on Fairfield Beach Road in preparation for the paving that will begin early next week. The paving will take place on Monday afternoon, May 16th, and continue into Tuesday, May 17th. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Town Garage on Monday at (203) 265-3177. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is an important issue because so many in our community have struggled with mental health issues at either one point in their lives or in the last two years dealing with the pandemic. The Kuczo's, a beloved Fairfield family, lost their son Kevin who struggled with mental health issues. The Kuczo's have found strength, determination, and resilience by sharing their son’s story and their incredible loss through Kevin's Afterglow. The family's message to all of us is, "it's okay to not be okay," which is an important and powerful statement to remember. My mother always said, "Be kind to everyone because you do not know the burden they may be carrying." I hope everyone in our community will take the time to share acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and empathy with our fellow citizens or simply be there for someone who may need a friend. BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED Friends of Fairfield Public Library welcome your gently-used books for their upcoming book sale at Main Library (no textbooks, please). Donations can be brought to the Friends’ Book Room on the first floor of Main Library during regular Library hours. The Main Library is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. BOARD OPENING Fairfield Public Library Board of Trustees Is Seeking Nominations for Board Seat Opening. Nominations are open to fill a Fairfield Public Library Board of Trustees position which is available as of July 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees work with the Town Librarian and staff to set policy, oversee library operations and assist in strategic planning. Individuals who wish to be considered for this Trustee position should connect with Board Chair David Gray at caulkins67@gmail.com with your resume and interest in the position. For a full description of the Trustee position, go to our website at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/libraryboard. FAIRFIELD EAGLE SCOUT I am very proud of Fairfield Warde Senior Joe Grabowski, who has earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Along with being heavily involved in our community, Joe helped restore and upgrade the obstacle course to Army specifications for the Civil Air Patrol at Sikorsky Airport. I hope you all can join me in congratulating Joe on all he has accomplished and the leader he has become by taking on such a significant initiative. FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY The Town of Fairfield congratulates the Fairfield Theatre Company on celebrating its 10th ENCORE Gala anniversary this year! The Town appreciates the FTC for the renowned arts and culture it brings to our community. If you wish to support this vibrant arts institution and attend its gala in the FTC Warehouse, please click here for more information. WAKEMAN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AWARDS The Wakeman Boys & Girls Club recently awarded two hardworking students for their exemplary roles with the club. Megan Sullivan, Fairfield Ludlowe senior, received the 2022 Southport Clubhouse Youth of the Year Award for her strong leadership. Rania Ahmad, current Co-President of the Southport Clubhouse’s Keystone Club and Trumbull High senior, also received the 2022 Southport Clubhouse Youth of the Year Award. Rania has been recognized for her leadership, service, and volunteerism. Please join me in congratulating Megan and Rania for all their hard work. I wish them success as they enter their freshman year of college this fall. Megan Sullivan (left) & Rania Ahmad (right) RIBBON-CUTTING This week, we welcomed NicholsMD to 1215 Post Road with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This is their third location, and we are excited to welcome them to our community.To learn more, please click here. NicholsMD is always looking to grow its team! Head to their website, or follow them on Instagram to check for career opportunities. Photo by Mike Lauterborn from HamletHub COMMUNITY EVENTS MAKE MUSIC DAY Calling All Musicians, Performers and Singers! Please sign up to participate in the global music celebration, MAKE MUSIC FAIRFIELD on Tuesday, June 21st 12 – 9 PM. Free music will be heard all over Town, from Jennings Beach to Sherman Green Gazebo to The Old Post Tavern, The FTC parking lot to Southport Harbor. Do you play guitar? The saxophone? Sing in a chorus? Anyone and everyone is invited to sign up for an hour performance slot. For more information please visit www.makemusicday.org/fairfield and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. NOTRE DAME FAIRFIELD GARLIC FESTIVAL Join Notre Dame Fairfield for their annual Garlic Festival, held from May 13th – 15th. Show your support for Notre Dame's students, as all proceeds will provide financial aid for incoming and returning students. It will be a fun-filled weekend of food & drinks, live music, carnival rides, games, Bingo, and craft vendors. For more information on the event and times, please click here. FAIRFIELD'S BOYS LITTLE LEAGUE Thank you to Fairfield American Little League for inviting me to throw out the first pitch for their April 30th opening day ceremonies! It was a lot of fun to be a part of kicking off the season with the little league teams, play ball! SHOP & STROLL Kudos to our Community and Economic Development Department for putting on a fun Shop & Stroll for our local businesses, with a special thank you to Director Mark Barnhart, Mary Alice Limperopulos, and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for spearheading this event to create an enjoyable community experience. Thank you to all those who attended this year’s Shop & Stroll Into Spring Event; it was a successful evening of shopping and fun! Thanks to J.B. Percival Co. for hosting the pre-event kick-off party, in which we raised $700.00 for the Fairfield Foundation for Education. I love supporting our local merchants and buying local! Below you will find more events and information, including save the dates for Memorial Day activities. I will provide more details in my May 27th newsletter. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman COVID-19 UPDATE The CDC has changed from community transmission indicators to a community indicator based on hospitalization data. CT is currently rated as "medium," as is Fairfield County. For vaccination locations, 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. The Health Department will be offering a COVID-19 booster clinic on Thursday, May 19th – Moderna only from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Appointments should be made through the CDC VAMS website. Clinics will be held at our Public Health Nursing Office located at 100 Mona Terrace in the white portable behind the Senior Center. MAY UPDATES MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS Memorial Day is May 30th, and there are several community events you can attend. Saturday, May 28 – 10 AM Annual Memorial Sea Service – South Benson Marina Monday, May 30 – 7 AM to 12 PM St. Paul's Episcopal Church Annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast – Near Old Town Hall Monday, May 30 – 8 AM to 10 AM Memorial Day Hot Air Balloon Ride – First Church Congregational Monday, May 30 – 9 AM to 2 PM Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Tag Sale – Old Academy Near Old Town Hall Annual Memorial Day Parade – 10 AM Begins corner of Post and South Pine Creek Roads and ends on Old Post Road in front of Old Town Hall. Memorial Day Picnic & Concert – 12 PM to 3 PM Fairfield Museum and History Center – Behind Old Town Hall BIRD FEEDING HALT 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. 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, residents should call the police department at (203) 254-4800. For a list of simple steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears, please click here. COMMUNITY CLASSES 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. Heartsaver Layperson CPR/AED Certification Tuesday Evening, May 31st 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM or Saturday Morning, November 27th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $50 per student BLS Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Saturday Morning, August 27th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $90 Per Student PLEASE CLICK ABOVE IMAGE FOR DETALS ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FAIRFIELD ROTARY'S ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC It’s time to hit the links… The Fairfield Rotary Club announces its 34th Annual Golf Tournament at Brooklawn Country Club on May 16th. Information about Sponsorship, Team sign-up, and Individual sign-ups can be found on the Fairfield Rotary website www.fairfieldrotary.org under 34th Annual Golf Tournament. All prices include greens fees, cart, lunch on the course and heavy appetizers after golf. To Register – go to www.fairfieldrotary.org and look for the Annual Golf Tournament, for details. Events like this one help to provide grants and scholarships as well as support for humanitarian projects locally and around the world. So, please consider supporting this excellent cause by joining our golf outing this year. For more information contact: Bill Llewellyn at (203) 400-3111 or at bill@universalprinting4u.com FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K The 4th Annual Fairfield Police Sunset 5k – Presented by MONECO Advisors, is scheduled for July 20th at 6:00 PM. This Town favorite and family friendly event will be held at picturesque Penfield Beach, followed by a food truck rodeo. Come run, walk of just cheer on the crowd, all are welcome! Proceeds from the race will benefit the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund & The Fairfield Police Foundation. For more information, to sign up or consider sponsorship, please click here. TOWN SERVICES 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. 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 Both branches of Fairfield Public Library are open the following hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 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 Sunday, May 29th, and Monday, May 30th, in observance of Memorial Day. Summer hours: The Library will be closed Sundays from May 29th – September 4th, 2022. Ongoing Events at FPL: April 9th – June 4th, Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Exhibit: “Kaleidoscope”. The Kershner Gallery’s latest exhibit at Main Library features the work of local artists Patrick Burhenne, Katya Lebrija, and Jill Harrington Nichols. Stop by the Gallery anytime during regular Library hours. Wednesday evenings, April 27th – June 15th, 6:00 – 7:30 PM – “Am I the Only One? Helping Parents/Caregivers Adjust to a Post-Covid World.” Fairfield Public Library and Fairfield Counseling Services have partnered to offer eight weeks of workshops led by licensed behavioral professionals at Main Library. Topics will include handling stress and increasing motivation, starting the conversation with your LGBTQ+ child/teen, and achieving a healthy work/life balance, among others. Registration is recommended but not required; check our online calendar for specific dates and topics. Special Events: Friends of Fairfield Public Library will host their annual Literary Luncheon at the Patterson Club in Fairfield on Wednesday, May 18th, from 12 noon – 3:00 PM. This year’s featured guest is Jennifer Weiner, author of The Summer Place. Cost is $100 per person; see our online calendar for a link to purchase tickets. The Friends of the Library will also hold their BIG spring book sale from May 20th – 22nd in the Rotary Room at Main Library. Stop by and select from thousands of books, DVDs, and other items, most priced between $1 – $5. Hours are Friday, May 20th, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Saturday, May 21st, 1:00 – 4:30 PM, and Sunday, May 22nd, 1:00 – 4:30 PM. All proceeds benefit the Library. On Sunday, May 22nd, enjoy the music of our latest Soundwaves concert, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in the Memorial Room at Main Library. Violinist Katie Lansdale and pianist Max Levinson will perform. Free to all; light refreshments will be offered. Registration recommended. 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 (www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org) 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 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: [Her]story - Women's Roles Through History Dating from the 1700s forward, holdings from Pequot’s Special Collections reveal the evolution of roles women have held and hold. The selected items will uncover the impressive accomplishments made by women and show connections to Pequot Library over time, featuring local and national figures such as Mary Hull Wakeman, Mabel Osgood Wright, and Amelia Earhart. Join Pequot Library for a walk through [her]story from Colonial America, the Gilded Age, Women’s Suffrage, World War employment, and to modern professional life. Looking at a girl’s life then and now will tell a story of fluid educational and social norms. Follow visionary women through text and visual representations to witness their strength and resilience, as they move from atop a pedestal to protest, lead, and love. 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. FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR HOME REPAIRS Spring showers bring…home repairs? If you’re a Fairfield homeowner dealing with a leaky roof or if you’re needing to make other repairs to your home, the Community & Economic Development Department may be able to help. Eligible homeowners can receive up to 60% of the total project cost, up to a maximum of $15,000 per qualified applicant, per year. Financial assistance is provided in the form of a special, no-interest loan that is repaid when the owner sells, refinances, or transfers the property. Eligible home improvements include exterior painting, siding, or roofing projects; installation of new or replacement storm windows and doors; lead-based paint or asbestos abatement projects; installation of replacement boilers or hot water heaters; heating, plumbing, or electrical improvements to address code deficiencies and modifications to accommodate persons with disabilities. Applicants must be income-eligible and a current Town of Fairfield homeowner to participate in this program. Certain other restrictions do apply. For additional information, please contact Sonia Hine at the Office of Community & Economic Development via email at shine@fairfieldct.org or by calling (203) 256-3120. 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: Budget Update April 30 April 14 April 1 March 18 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Archives
BLS Healthcare Provider CPR/AED Saturday Morning, August 27th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $90 Per Student