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
9/2/2022 - 9.2 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, Fairfield Public Schools welcomed our students back this week and we look forward to a successful new year. I want to wish a special thanks to Fairfield’s teachers, paraprofessionals, nurses and all the staff that work in our school buildings for everything they do to create a thriving educational environment for Fairfield's students. I was also pleased to hear the news that the Fairfield Board of Education selected the next Superintendent to lead Fairfield's Schools. I look forward to meeting and welcoming Michael Testani when he begins. I also want to give a warm welcome to new and returning students of Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University. Attending college is not just about doing well in your studies and preparing for your future career, it is also about learning what it means to be a productive member of a community. The university students play a positive role in the local economy, many local businesses welcome their patronage and filling jobs. I know many families with young children who appreciate the additional babysitting options many nursing students provide. I wish all Fairfielders a wonderful 2022-2023 school year! TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS FILL PILE, PENFIELD PAVILION & REMEDIATION UPDATE This Wednesday, I held a meeting to update elected officials and residents on the status of the Fill Pile remediation and update on the Penfield Pavilion Notice of Violation (NOV) from FEMA. I have committed to our community since I was elected, that cleaning up the aftermath of the public corruption and contamination is a priority. I encourage you to watch the presentation to fully understand the complexities and the decisions the Town is facing, and view the back up here. The Town made several serious errors from 2016-2019 by ignoring the regulatory agencies, and my administration has been persistent in working with both the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), and their many divisions, as well as the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and FEMA to avoid repeating those mistakes. This process has been very long and extremely frustrating. This entire situation is going to cost the Town tens of millions of dollars and hundreds of hours dedicated by employees and outside attorneys. To date, the Town has spent $5.3 million on costs associated with testing and remediating the Fill Pile and the related sites, and we still have more to do. Two-thirds of the sites in Town have been fully cleaned up at a cost of $3 million and the one-third of the sites left will require an additional estimated $3 million. The Town is still negotiating the remedy for the Fill Pile with the CT DEEP, as well as the EPA. Penfield Pavilion is also a Julian Fill site but there are two issues with Penfield – the contaminated fill under the building, and the Town also received a NOV from FEMA due to an improperly built foundation. The NOV was issued during the construction of the building as the foundation wasn't built to FEMA regulations. While we don’t definitively know how much Julian Fill is underneath the pavilion, we have estimates based on invoices of how much fill was deposited under the building. We will only have a clear picture when the LEP and the contractors are removing the fill. If there is more fill than what was reported in prior invoices, it will increase the cost of the remediation. Remediating the contaminated fill under the building and contaminated hot spots under the parking lot is estimated to cost between $4-$5 million. Fixing the foundation will cost roughly $8 million. Now that the Town has all of the information necessary from FEMA, I am prepared to come before the Town bodies soon with a request to RFP for repair of the structure in an effort to do both that work and the remediation together in November. This option is less costly and hopefully will only take the Pavilion offline for one summer season (12-15 months). This entire situation is a catastrophe. I continue to be dismayed this happened in our Town, and as I pledged to you when I first took office, my administration will clean it up. Fairfield Citizen Article Fairfield Patch Article 8-30G | AFFORDABLE HOUSING The 8-30g State Statute continues to create challenges in neighborhoods throughout our Town. I support the spirit of 8-30g and efforts to create affordable housing in our community and throughout the State. It is vitally important we provide a full range of housing options and have affordable housing for our young people, our working families, and our senior populations. We have seen the unintended consequences of this law, as some developers have used it to subvert land-use regulations, without really furthering the number of affordable units as a percent of the total housing stock. We recently developed a Q&A for residents you can read at www.fairfieldct.org/8-30g. I want to share some good news. Using funds from the Housing Trust Fund, the Town of Fairfield recently acquired property and is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, Inc., to develop a small affordable housing complex on Greenfield Street in Fairfield's Tunxis Hill area with four duplex-style homes. The proposal fits within the neighborhood's zoning regulations, and pending approval, we anticipate beginning construction in 2023. In my opinion, this type of project, and others like it, should be supported and encouraged by the State instead of the unattainable mandates under the 8-30g Statute that takes away local zoning control from communities. The Board of Selectmen voted to enter into a contract with Habitat for Humanity on the project at our August 24th meeting. I am excited about this partnership and the good that will come from it. I don't think there is a better organization to partner with that will get the job done as efficiently as Habitat for Humanity. You can read more from a recent article in the Fairfield Patch. LIVING AT FAIRFIELD BEACH My Administration, the Police Department, Fairfield University and the Fairfield Beach Residents Association have been working together in an effort to improve the quality of life for all residents in the beach area. Through collaboration, we put together a newly published, Living at Fairfield Beach guide, which you can view by clicking on the image. The hope is that this document will provide helpful information for all residents of the rules and regulations of the Town and University in an effort to positively impact the overall experience of living at the beach. AQUARION WATER RATE CASE There has been a recently-filed rate case of the Aquarion Water Company before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The Town of Fairfield is advocating against Aquarion's rate increase during record-high inflation and vast supply chain issues that have affected our residents and small business owners. I have submitted comments to the PURA Executive to express my opposition, which you can view here. I encourage residents to voice their opinions at the following meetings below: Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 5:30 PM IN-PERSON at Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 (directions) Thursday, October 6, 2022, at 5:30 PM VIRTUAL MEETING Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 7:00 PM VIRTUAL MEETING VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS I have made it a priority to highlight volunteer opportunities for our community through my newsletter. It has been encouraging to see so many residents filling out forms to serve on one of our many Boards and Commissions in Town. Visit fairfieldct.org/vacancies for a full list. If you would like to be considered to serve on a board, please send a resume (or short bio) and a completed questionnaire to the Office of the First Selectwoman. You can submit them one of two ways: Use our Online Boards and Commissions Interest Form; or Submit your resume and a completed questionnaire to the Office of the First Selectwoman *All appointees must be registered voters in Fairfield. OUTDOOR DINING The Fairfield Economic Development Commission is proposing changes to the Town’s Zoning Regulations to support our local restaurant industry and to allow for expanded outdoor dining opportunities. The overall intent of these changes is to make it easier for restaurants to establish and expand outdoor dining opportunities and to lessen parking requirements for doing so. The Economic Development Commission intends to re-submit a proposed text amendment application to the Town Plan & Zoning Commission this fall. For more information on these changes, click here, or to sign the petition, please click here. Residents may also sign the petition at several participating restaurants, including Centro, The Stand, and Bonda. The deadline to sign is September 6th. SEEKING PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS The Town of Fairfield is looking to locate and recognize WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, OEF, OIF and other Purple Heart recipients, Gold Star families and families of deceased Purple Heart recipients. There are many Purple Heart recipients and families in our community. We would like to recognize and celebrate each one at an upcoming Veterans Day Celebration. Details to follow. To submit a name, email Veterans@fairfieldct.org or call Julie DeMarco, Human Services Department, (203) 256-3169, to share the name of a Purple Heart recipient. FAIRFIELD'S FIRST RESPONDERS FAIRFIELD POLICE THREAT ASSESSMENT SYMPOSIUM The U.S. Secret Service and the Fairfield Police Department invited the Town of Fairfield department heads, employees, emergency personnel, school administrators, teachers, counselors & mental health specialists, community partners and any others involved in risk detection/management. The presentation explored relevant past incidents, as well as findings and recommendations from NTAC’s latest research on targeted school violence and averted school attacks in the United States. It also focused on how communities can use a multidisciplinary approach to identify, assess, and intervene with students exhibiting concerning or threatening behaviors as early as possible. After the presentation from the Secret Service, the Fairfield Police Department conducted presentations and discussions on how to best incorporate NTAC’s recommendations and how we can apply their research specifically in the Town of Fairfield. I was happy to attend the symposium, as it was extremely informative, and I believe it is beneficial for our school administrators, teachers, counselors & mental health specialists to be versed in this knowledge. Thank you to Sacred Heart University for hosting this event in their community theatre. Read more here. FAIRFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Last Tuesday, I had the honor to give the oath of office and welcome new Police Officer Krystian Wiergacz to the Fairfield Police Department. Officer Wiergacz began training at the Police Academy last week. Upon completion of the Academy, he will return to Fairfield to complete the Field Training and Evaluation Program before becoming a fully certified Police Officer. I am proud our Police Department is able to recruit such quality candidates in what has been a very difficult recruiting environment for police departments statewide. I hope you will join me in welcoming Officer Wiergacz and in wishing him a safe and successful career. THANK YOU FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT I want to acknowledge the work anniversaries for members of the Fairfield Fire Department. I sincerely appreciate their dedication to our community. 41 Years of Service: FF Craig Vaporis 10 Years of Service: FF Dominic Cocchia 9 Years of Service: FF Rich Bassett – FF Erik Hubbell – FF Justin Renda – FF Mark Smuda 7 Years of Service: FF Chris Eidam – FF John Gomola – FF George Heath 4 Years of Service: FF Brendan Murray – FF Kyle Smith 1 Year of Service: FF Mike Canil – FF Luke Hawthorn – FF Caitlin Pereira – FF Matt Rowan FAIRFIELD DISPATCHER MILESTONES I join Fairfield in thanking the unseen heroes of public safety who answer the call during a crisis. They are the first of our first responders and the vital link between our residents and emergency responders. Congratulations to all on their work anniversaries. 33 Years of Service: Maria Lobo 32 Years of Service: Elizabeth Rodriguez – Lynn Erazmus 31 Years of Service: Robert Rindgen 18 Years of Service: Martha Kuczo 16 Years of Service: Susanna DeMoura COMMUNITY NEWS OVERDOSE AWARENESS On Overdose Awareness Day, recognized on August 31st, we remembered those loved ones lost to overdoses and recommitted to ending the stigma of drug-related deaths. As a Town, we must do our part in reducing the toll of overdoses in our community, which sadly claimed the lives of 1,361 Connecticut residents in 2021 and 38 in Fairfield in the past six years. WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. 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. It is up to us to show those who struggle with mental health that they are not alone. 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. If you know anyone struggling or in need of assistance, there are community resources available to help. You can access resources through the Town's Social Services department by clicking here, or the Hub, the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization. If you are experiencing negative thoughts, please dial 988. Dial 911 for emergencies. SUSTAINABLE TASK FORCE Please click on the image above for more ways to help keep Fairfield clean RECYCLE YOUR PLASTIC POTS Are you in need of recycling your plastic plant pots and are unsure where to go? The Home Depot offers customers the option to recycle their plastic plant pots at no charge, all you need to do is follow three simple steps: Look for the black recycle sign with the green plant in your local Home Depot garden center Place your pots on the rack Home Depot will accept any plastic containers For more information, please contact Home Depot at (203) 254-3888. Photo by Home Depot COMMUNITY EVENTS LOGAN'S LEMONADE STAND McKinley Elementary School student Logan Bieiling inspires kids and adults alike to give back to those in need. This past weekend, Logan hosted his 5th annual lemonade stand to raise money for charity. With his parents, Donald and Danielle's support, Logan began his participation in a LemonAID Stand for the Robin Hood Foundation, which then motivated him to create his own. At just 8 years old (going on 9), Logan welcomed a big crowd who were happy to donate to a good cause. Besides lemonade, Logan offered cupcakes, candy, raffle prizes and homemade lemonade-scented candles for customers to choose from. Photo albums from the past four years were also available to purchase, and there was even an opportunity to sign your name with a note that will go in this year’s album. This year, Logan raised about $6,800 that will support two local organizations, Brady's Smile and Charlotte's Web of Prayer. The Town is very proud of Logan and his support for our community. UPCOMING EVENTS 9/11 | NEVER FORGET As we approach the anniversary of 9/11, we reflect upon the tragedy that forever changed our world. The terrorist attacks shattered steel, but they did not shatter American resolve. We remember the Americans who perished in those attacks and their families, including the First Responders and the citizens who either risked or lost their lives to save their fellow citizens on that fateful day. Every year, Fairfielders gather at the Fire Station on Reef Road for a ceremony to reflect on our shared history that We Will Never Forget. Residents who would like to attend should arrive at 8:15 AM for the 8:30 AM ceremony. CATCH A LIFT | INAUGURAL GOLF & TENNIS OUTING Founded in 2010, Catch a Lift (CAL) was established to help post 9/11 combat-injured veterans across the United States to recover and rehabilitate both physically and mentally through physical fitness, motivation and support. This year, Fairfield will join Westport in a friendly rivalry to support the foundation's Inaugural Connecticut Golf & Tennis Outing. The event will take place on Monday, September 12th at the Patterson Club in Fairfield. Please click here for more information on how you or your team can sign up. Watch the fun video below created by Fairfield resident, Alex Vishno. Logo by Catch a Lift There are more upcoming events you can see by scrolling down below. BUSINESSES THE SALTY DOG GROOMING SHOPPE It is always exciting to cut the ribbon for a new business in Fairfield! I hope you will join me in welcoming Salty Dog Grooming. Owner Melissa Small is a third-generation Fairfield resident, as well as a third-generation groomer. Melissa’s grandmother, Doris Hyde, founded Dove-Cote Kennels in 1969 and was one of the founding members of the Bichon Frise Club of Southern New England. The breed required diligent grooming, and the family learned alongside her. Melissa has created a home environment with a professional twist. Philip J. Schafmayer, international grooming judge, speaker, teacher, and master groomer, has assisted in moving this fledgling grooming shop to new heights. Personally curated accessories for pets will also be available. SASCO PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY Dr. Michelle Neves has officially opened Sasco Pediatric Dentistry! It is especially exciting to have a Fairfield resident choose Fairfield. It was also a lot of fun to have Dr. Neves's daughter help me cut the ribbon for her mom’s new business. Small business success is Fairfield’s success! *andHOW! GRAPHICS The Fairfield Department of Community & Economic Development is pleased to announce its latest micro-enterprise assistance grant awarded to *andHOW! Graphics, located at 303 Linwood Avenue in Fairfield. *andHOW! Graphics provides graphic design and branding solutions to its clients and specializes in customized apparel, embroidery, signage, and vinyl wraps. The grant has enabled them to purchase specialized equipment to expand its business operations in Fairfield. The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to provide entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, and startup capital in order to create and sustain viable and productive small businesses in Fairfield. The program seeks to strengthen and enhance these small businesses, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a recognized form of commercial enterprise that employs five or fewer employees, have its primary operations in Fairfield, and current on all tax obligations. Since the inception of the program, the Town has assisted more than fifty small businesses. For more information on the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program, contact the Department of Community & Economic Development at (203) 256-3120. THE BRICK PROJECT | SEPTEMBER 15th PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION I do my best to identify news and announcements that may be helpful for our residents. I hope you will scroll through the resources and more upcoming events below. I hope you have a relaxing Labor Day weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman COVID-19 UPDATE The CDC uses “Community Level” indicators, which focus on the presence of severe illness as indicated by hospitalization-related data to determine prevention steps. COVID-19 cases are holding steady in Fairfield over the last several weeks and Fairfield County is currently in the CDC’s “Medium” Community-level category, with all counties in CT being in the “Low” or "Medium” categories. The Health Department recommends residents follow the CDC guidance, which includes talking to your provider about wearing a mask and other precautions if you are high-risk, staying up to date with vaccination, and getting tested if symptomatic. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for oral COVID-19 medications. For a list of Test to Treat locations in Fairfield, please visit the Test to Treat website. If you have any questions, please speak with your primary care physician. For COVID testing in the area, please visit our website. To access free COVID testing at one of the state-sponsored testing sites, please click here. For vaccination locations, there are numerous sites available in Fairfield and nearby, as well as daily walk-in clinics in many Towns. The bivalent booster was approved this week by the FDA under EUA. The Health Department is working on setting a clinic date for later this month for the new booster. Please continue to check our social media accounts and our page for updated information here. MORE UPCOMING EVENTS LINCOLN PARKAPALOOZA Lincoln Parkapalooza, a community music fundraiser hosted by the Stratfield Village Association (SVA), is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the beautification of the Stratfield neighborhood in Fairfield. Join the community and enjoy the 15+ bands, 10 host homes, 6+ food trucks, 25 local artisans, children’s entertainment, trolley, cotton candy, face painting, and more! All proceeds will go to the SVA for the benefit of the Stratfield community. Please visit the ticket site for more information on the September 10th event. SOUNDWAVES CONCERT The Fairfield Public Library will host a Soundwaves Concert on Saturday, September 10th at 2 PM featuring the internationally acclaimed Lions Gate Trio. The Library's trio-in-residence features Darrett Adkins on cello, Katie Lansdale on violin, and Florence Millet on piano. Peter Alexander is the musical director. The Library is fortunate to host this special concert through the generosity of the Friends of the Fairfield Public Library. The Friends have graciously underwritten the Soundwaves concerts each year, as well as the reception that follows – an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy some light refreshments. For information about becoming a Friends' Music Sponsor, please click here. All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free. Early registration is recommended as seating is limited. Register online here, or for more information, call (203) 256-3160. The concert will be held in the Memorial Room of the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Fairfield Public Library PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE INFORMATION FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET The Fairfield Farmer's Market has begun its season on the Sherman Green. The market will be open on Sundays from 10 AM – 2 PM until October 9th. The Greenfield Hill Farmer's Market is now open Saturdays from 10 AM – 1 PM until October 29th. For more information, please click here. SEPTEMBER UPDATES CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT PHOTO CONTEST Later this fall/early winter, the Conservation Department will be relocating to the first floor of Sullivan Independence Hall. The department's staff is asking for your help in decorating their new office space with your photos of our Town's conservation areas. Contest Rules: Photographs submitted must be taken within the Town of Fairfield. Photographs submitted shall be of natural resources/landscapes related to this Department’s charge. For example: open spaces, inland or tidal wetlands, streams, shellfish, wildlife, plants, etc. Each person may submit up to ten total images. Images shall be submitted in JPEG or PNG formats no larger than 8MB via email at conservation@fairfieldct.org. Up to fifteen images will be selected by Department staff to be printed on canvas and hung in the office. Submission Deadline: Friday, December 30, 2022, at 4:30 PM Please contact the Conservation Department at conservation@fairfieldct.org with any questions or for additional details. The Conservation Department regularly posts news to the webpage. Please visit fairfieldct.org/conservation to stay up to date on conservation news. OPERATION HOPE | FOOD PANTRY Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is open all Summer to all Fairfield residents on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Thursday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Items can be dropped off at 636 Old Post Road between 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. During the month of September, Operation Hope is in need of the following items: Cookies & Crackers Deodorant Soap & Body Wash Paper Towels & Toilet Paper Tissues & Napkins Shampoo & Conditioner Canned Dog Food Canned Fruit Chili, Stew & Chef Boyardee Honey & Jelly Coffee & Hot Chocolate Juice & Juice Boxes Clam Chowder & Vegetable Soup Pancake Mix & Syrup Thank you for considering a donation to help them feed our hungry neighbors! 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, September 6th 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM or Saturday Morning, November 17th 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $50 per student REBATES & RELIEF MYHOMECT MORTGAGE RELIEF PROGRAM MyHomeCT is a federally-funded Mortgage Relief Program for Connecticut homeowners who have experienced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This program is administered by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Homeowners may be eligible for up to $30,000 in grant assistance, paid directly to the mortgage servicer or debt provider. A complete list of eligibility criteria and program parameters may be found at www.chfa.org/MyHomeCT. Homeowners may also call (877) 894-4111. For additional support and assistance with the application process, contact one of the following local organizations: Alliance for Community Empowerment – (203) 366-8241 BNT (Building Neighborhoods Together) – (203) 290-4255 The WorkPlace – (203) 610-8511 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! 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 Please note: Both branches of Fairfield Public Library will be open from Noon – 5:00 PM on Saturdays beginning September 10th, and from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on Sundays beginning September 11th. Other hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Fridays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Join us today, September 2nd, from 3:15 – 4:30 PM at Main Library for “First Friday Jazz” with pianist Mark Edinberg. Follow the music to the Periodicals Room, where Mark performs on the first Friday of every month. On Saturday, September 10th, the Lion’s Gate Trio will perform music from Antonin Dvorak in a special “Soundwaves” concert from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Main Library. Refreshments will follow the performance and offer a chance to meet the musicians. The Library thanks The Friends of Fairfield Public Library for funding this program. Voter Registration will take place at both Libraries on September 20 (Main – 12 noon – 6:00 PM; Woods Branch — 3:00 – 6:00 PM), sponsored by the League of Women Voters. September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and training will be offered at Main Library on Tuesday evening, September 27th, from 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Fire Chief Denis McCarthy will present the program on what you should be doing to prepare for an emergency situation. Through October 8, 2022, the public can view the current show from the Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Committee at Main Library. “Poetic Journey” features the work of local artists Kristen Ambrosi, Zvi Goldman, and Steve Magee; the exhibit can be viewed during regular Library hours. Check out The Palace Project, your new source for e-books and audiobooks! We are one step closer to a single app for everything digital at the Library! Introducing The Palace Project, Connecticut State Library’s digital materials platform featuring over 11,000 titles from the state as well as another access point to our content from Overdrive/Libby. This is an app-based product to use with your phone or tablet. Download today by searching Palace Project in your app store. Save the date! The Fairfield Food Truck Festival returns on Sunday, Oct. 2nd at Jennings Beach (rain date October 9th). This year The Friends of Fairfield Public Library will partner with the Town of Fairfield for an expanded event featuring concerts, attractions, and of course, over 20 food vendors. Bring the family or meet friends between 11 AM and 6 PM and enjoy a day at the beach! 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 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 closed on Sundays from July on. 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: The Lure of the Garden: The Enduring Desire to Work and Shape the Land Whether for pleasure or practicality, humanity’s relationship with the soil has sustained since we quite literally planted roots as a species over 6,000 years ago. The Lure of the Garden invites visitors to explore the enduring desire to shape and cultivate the land, from the propagation of the “three sisters” – corn, beans, and squash – by Native Americans, to garden clubs, war-era Victory Gardens, and community and pollinator gardens. With materials dating back to the 1500s, the Monroes and the Wakemans, founders of the library, sought to curate a collection that would be democratic — of use to all classes of society from the financier to the farmer. Pequot Library’s Special Collections reflect the changing tastes, styles, and purposes of gardens, as well as their enduring lure. (On view in the Pequot Library’s Perkin Gallery from June 23, 2022 – February 5, 2023). 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. PREVIOUS UPDATES: August 19 August 5 July 22 July 8 June 24 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Archives
OVERDOSE AWARENESS On Overdose Awareness Day, recognized on August 31st, we remembered those loved ones lost to overdoses and recommitted to ending the stigma of drug-related deaths. As a Town, we must do our part in reducing the toll of overdoses in our community, which sadly claimed the lives of 1,361 Connecticut residents in 2021 and 38 in Fairfield in the past six years.
I do my best to identify news and announcements that may be helpful for our residents. I hope you will scroll through the resources and more upcoming events below. I hope you have a relaxing Labor Day weekend.