Old Town Hall (Directions) 611 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Sullivan Independence Hall 725 Old Post Road Fairfield, CT 06824 203-256-3000 Find additional contact info here
10/14/2022 - 10.14 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, I join members of our community and throughout our state feeling heartbreak over Thursday morning's news of two murdered police officers and one seriously injured as they responded to a call for service in the Town of Bristol, a town similar in size to Fairfield and only an hour away. This news was especially difficult for those who put on a uniform every day. I have been thinking of the men and women of the Fairfield Police Department a lot over the last two days. I am reminded of the incredible courage it takes to choose a career in law enforcement. Webster’s Definition of Bravery: The quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty; the quality or state of being brave; having or showing courage – showing bravery under fire. I have to imagine that every member of the department thought over the last few days and since entering law enforcement, “there but for the grace of God, go I”. Yet, every member of the Fairfield Police Department will continue to put on their uniforms with bravery, willing to sacrifice their lives to serve and protect the people in Fairfield every day, never knowing what they’ll encounter when they answer a call for service. I hope our residents will take the time when given the opportunity to thank our officers when you see them patrolling the Town, directing us safely around work zones or just seeing a member of our Police Department doing their duty, for their courage and putting themselves in harm's way for our community. FAIRFIELD RAISES AWARENESS October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Friday, September 30th, the Fairfield MOMbies were a big hit at the rally in support of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital on the eighth anniversary of the Pink Pledge. A large group of Fairfield moms put their heads and hearts together, secretly learning some dance moves to surprise their kids and the community, with their Dance-To-Donate Project. The project, created by Terry Davis, is all about making people smile with some old-fashioned fun. The MOMbies hopes to share a message of love and support with those living with breast cancer and to inspire people to donate to two important 501c3 organizations in our Town, Norma Pfriem Foundation and The Cancer Couch Foundation. You can see their dance supporting Norma Pfriem's Pep Rally Event here and the Fairfield Citizen article here. Norma Pfriem Breast Center is recognized for its medical excellence and compassionate and complete care in providing screening, diagnosis, and other life-saving programs and services to all women and their families regardless of their ability to pay. Norma Pfriem has served more than 40,000 women and their families since 1999, including over 20,000 women in need without insurance or underinsured through its medically underserved initiative. I wish continued success to Dr. Donna Twist and the dedicated staff, physicians and care providers of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center as well as the numerous volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to support the Center’s mission. A big thanks to residents Kristen Staikos and Meghan McCloat (pictured below), the Pink Pledge 2022 co-chairs, who worked so hard to make this entire campaign, as well as the Town's employee pledge, so wonderful. Photos by Barbara LaRocca On Saturday, October 1st, it was so much fun to wake up to a “Flock” of flamingos on my front lawn! It's time to spread some cheer throughout our community. Send a fun-loving friend a flock of flamingos in support of the Fairfield Ludlowe High School Girls Volleyball Team and Norma Pfriem Foundation. Each flock will come with a "You've Been Flocked" sign and a letter explaining their arrival. The flock will migrate to another yard in 24-48 hours. If you’d like to flock a friend, you can sign up here. On Wednesday, October 5th, Fairfield got their PINK ON! Norma Pfriem Breast Center asked if the Town would participate in the Pink Pledge Wear Pink Day. We more than doubled our goal and raised over $1,100.00. I enjoyed getting the photos from the departments and I am very proud of Fairfield employees' collective participation. To view all the department photos, visit our donation page here. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Fairfield County communities gathered this past week for a vigil to honor the 32 people who lost their lives to domestic violence last year. This event is hosted each October by the Center for Family Justice to bring awareness to the public. The center provided support services to about 5,500 people last year in the six towns they serve, including more than 3,000 from Bridgeport. Demand for services continue to increase since the pandemic. The center reminds us that abuse is about power and control; it's not always physical and often goes unnoticed by loved ones. Counselors and advocates are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Domestic Abuse Hotline: (203) 384-9559, Sexual Assault Hotline: (203) 333-2233 Photo by Hearst CT Media TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY OCTOBER 30! Launched last week, the Town of Fairfield is re-launching its effort to update its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The Plan guides the Town in making decisions related to housing, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, facilities, open space, and both historic/cultural and environmental resources. Residents, business owners, students and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the online survey workshop here. The POCD will establish goals by identifying future economic development growth opportunities in Fairfield’s commercial districts, such as around major train stations, expanding housing options to retain seniors and attract young professionals; and outlining major infrastructure investments needed for future wastewater management, drainage, transportation and sea level rise mitigation. Residents who want to stay informed about the plan can sign up for updates here. TOWN CHARTER Residents will have an opportunity to cast their vote on proposed changes to the current Town Charter in this year’s election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Per state statute, the Town Clerk has written and released the "explanatory text" of the charter revisions, which was authorized by the RTM and approved by the Town Attorney. I sent an update earlier this week which you can read here. NEW FOOD WASTE DROP-OFF PROGRAM The Town of Fairfield is starting a new food waste program. Residents with a valid sticker can drop off their food waste at no charge at the Town Transfer Station beginning October 17th. Please stop at the scale house for a ticket. Food waste must be placed in a BPI-certified compostable bag. These bags can be purchased online as well as several local grocery stores. For more information, please contact sustainablefairfieldtaskforce@gmail.com. Acceptable materials for drop-off composting: Fruit scraps and peels (remove stickers and ties) Vegetable scraps Coffee grounds/filters Tea bags (remove staples) Eggshells Nuts Meat, poultry including bones Dairy Products Fish scraps including shellfish and bones Bread, pasta and grains No liquids No packaging Compost all of your food scraps and divert roughly 20% of your waste into useful soil-enriching compost. NOTICE OF NON-COLLECTION In the coming days, the Solid Waste and Recycling Department will be stepping up the enforcement of keeping Fairfield’s recycling stream clean. This sticker, a Notice of Non-Collection, will be placed over residents’ blue recycling toters and then turned to face the opposite direction so that haulers know not to pick up the contaminated contents. Contamination prevents large batches of material from being recycled. Recyclables become contaminated when items are placed in the wrong bin, a dirty food container gets into the recycling, or recyclable items are mixed with trash or other non-recyclables. The Town of Fairfield is committed to Single stream recycling, the most viable and cost-effective way to convert waste into reusable material. Questions can be directed to (203) 256-3163, or https://www.fairfieldct.org/solidwaste. FAIRFIELD SHELLFISH COMMISSION SHELL RECYCLING COMMUNITY DROP-OFF The Fairfield Shellfish Commission has been running a successful oyster and clam shell recycling program with local restaurants for over seven years. To date, we have recycled over 79,000 pounds of shell which would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. We are very excited to announce that we now have our first community drop-off site! It's located in front of the Conservation Workshop at 265 Richard White Way. Just look for the large, red recycling bin. Anyone can stop by any time and drop off their used oyster or clam shells in the red bin. The recycled shells are transferred to our shell collection site, where they cure for a least six months to kill off any bacteria or unwanted organisms. Once the shells have cured, they are returned to our local waters by the Shellfish Commission, where they are used for ongoing restoration projects to help rebuild oyster reefs and grow more oysters. ROOSTER RIVER FLOOD MITIGATION The acquisition of 150 Villa Avenue has been approved by the Town boards, which will allow the Town to build detention ponds in an effort to alleviate some flooding in the area. This project is part of the $3.2 million set aside in ARPA funds for the Phase I Rooster River Flooding Mitigation Project. You can read more information about it in the Fairfield Citizen. I recently met with the Town's Engineering Department, who advised me much of our progress is being held up by two obstacles. The first is the permitting process. We have applied for 4 permits with the State Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and the US Army Corps of Engineers. They are pending review. The second challenge is easements to access the river via residents’ backyards. We have sent letters, knocked on doors and continue to ask neighbors to sign easements so this work can commence. The Town has received and accepted a proposal to collect and test sediment samples in Rooster River to investigate the possible removal of sediment material in the river. The Town's Department of Public Works can remove some debris in the river: a). with the assistance of the neighborhood; or b). the Town obtains temporary easements to access the river as it is not Town property. The Town has some other ideas on options to access the river without going through residents’ private properties. The Engineering Department is going to pursue those options in collaboration with Bridgeport while continuing to obtain more easements from residents in the Rooster River Flood Plain. If you live in one of these areas and are willing to sign an easement, please call Engineering at (203) 256-3015. ADA COALITION OF CONNECTICUT The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a "comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in all aspects of life on the basis of disability." In 1990, the ADA was signed into law by President George W. Bush Sr. For the third time, the ADA Coalition of Connecticut (ADACC) recognized Fairfield for the Town's active membership and training with the ADACC to continue the fight against workplace discrimination towards people with disabilities. ELECTION DAY SIGNS ON TOWN PROPERTY I want to take this opportunity to remind residents Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 8th. Candidates, political parties and the public have been advised by law enforcement that no signs, including campaigns, businesses and nonprofits are permitted on public or Town property and should only be placed, with permission, on private property. I receive regular complaints from residents about the numerous signs placed on Town property, especially on islands and intersections in the sight lines of motorists. We recommend anyone wanting to promote a charity event, candidate or business ask permission from businesses or homeowners to place a sign. In accordance with zoning ordinances, signs cannot be affixed with ties, rope, or string to mailboxes, street signs, or stop signs. ABSENTEE VOTING If you will not be able to make it to the polls on Election Day – November 8, 2022 – you may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee Voting is permitted in the State of Connecticut for any of the following reasons: Physical disability Illness Absence from town of residence Religious tenets which forbid secular activity Active US Military Connecticut does not participate in Early Voting. In order to vote absentee, you must meet one of the criteria listed above. Absentee voting in Connecticut is a two-step process. A completed and signed Absentee ballot application must be filed with the Town Clerk before a ballot is issued. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open on Saturday, November 5th for absentee balloting from 9 – 12 noon. Applications may be filed in person, by mail, ballot dropbox or e-mail. If filed by e-mail, the original, signed (wet-ink signature) application must be returned with the ballot, or by mail, to the Town Clerk's Office, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield 06824 by Election Day for the ballot to be counted. Please be aware that some campaigns are sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to likely voters. The Town Clerk’s Office does not send absentee ballot applications unless requested. If you plan to vote in person on Election Day, you can destroy the application. Polls will be open from 6 AM – 8 PM. You can view the sample ballot for November's election here. MESSAGE FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE The 1st half of Sewer Use Taxes and 2nd quarter of Real Estate taxes become due on October 1, 2022, and the last day to pay timely is Tuesday, November 1, 2022. On November 2, 2022, statutory interest accrues at an initial rate of 3%. Per state statute, interest accrues at 1.5% per month from the original due date of October 1, 2022. You may pay by check or cash in person. The Tax Office is open to the public, no appointment is necessary. Any original tax bill can be paid at any M&T bank branch location between October 1st and November 1, 2022. You do not need to be a customer. For more details on payment options, penalties and contact information, view the Legal Notice or contact the Tax Collector's Office. FAIRFIELD'S FIRST RESPONDERS MADD AWARDS I join a very proud Town in congratulating members of the Fairfield Police Department, Sergeant Evan Kaesmann, Officer Eurico Dias, Officer Anthony Falbo and Officer Felix Gonzalez, who were recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at this year’s 36th Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony held on September 30th. These fine officers were recognized for their dedication to the fight against drunk driving. The Town is extremely fortunate to have officers such as Kaesmann, Dias, Falbo and Gonzalez protecting and serving our residents. Police Chief Robert Kalamaras, Captain Peter Koval, Lieutenant Hector Irizarry, Officer Eurico Dias, Officer Anthony Falbo, Officer Felix Gonzalez & Deputy Chief Keith Broderick FAIRFIELD POLICE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NETWORK On Thursday, I joined the Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network for their end-of-the-year meeting. In 2011, the Fairfield Police Department built a Crisis Intervention Team, which trains their patrol officers to recognize, respond to and appropriately resolve mental health issues as they are occurring in the field. In January of 2022, Captain Edward Weihe created the Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network as an important component of the Police Department's Crisis Intervention Program. The network is made up of local mental health agencies. Representatives from all of the organizations and departments gather quarterly to increase access and timeliness of access to a variety of mental health, substance use and quality of life services. They are crucial to uncovering the reasons behind repeated police responses and finding a wraparound approach to limit future occurrences. Captain Edward Weihe 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. Please click here to view the recent work anniversaries. FAIRFIELD POLICE & FIRE SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The Fairfield Fire and Police Departments are supporting the Norma Pfriem Breast Center along with Aquarion Water Company. Aquarion is the center's Cheer Mobile Sponsor, while the Police Department has provided one of its cruisers to partake in the Pink Pledge, which hosted its very successful kick-off on September 30th. I am excited to see the Fire Department's banner proudly hanging and the cruiser around Town representing this important cause. COMMUNITY NEWS DUCK FARM BRIDGE The Duck Farm Road Bridge project has experienced some delays and complications, but activity has picked up significantly this week. The public utilities finally completed their work which enabled the contractor to start the demolition of the bridge. The Town’s consultant revised the bridge design, and the contractor has been able to make up for any supply chain issues. The contractor now has access to the necessary materials needed for bridge construction. Major demolition started October 6th and typically takes 2 weeks for completion. In mid/late October, the contractor will begin the new foundation work. The original notice sent out to residents stated the bridge would be closed for 8 to 16 months. The Town is still currently on target for the original expected timeline of 8 to 16 months for bridge construction, although it will likely be the latter timeline. The Town is considering winter construction, which was not in the original contract, in an effort to expedite the bridge construction timeline. In summary, per the contract and state DOT protocol, the Duck Farm Bridge Project will stop on December 1st and restart on April 1st. The Town and state may approve a waiver to allow construction to continue through winter, providing its “productive” work. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Engineering Department at (203) 256-3015. KIWANIS FIELD OF VALOR? To honor our Military Veterans and those men and women actively serving our country, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield is hosting its 6th annual Field of Valor by displaying U.S. Flags. The Field of Valor will include more than 200 full-size (3'x5') American flags and will be on display to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11th. This display will be created in Jennings Park (adjacent to Hansen's Florist and across from Bob's Shopping Center) from November 6th through the 19th. To purchase a flag in honor of a veteran or someone currently serving, click here for more details. FAIRFIELD UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION This past weekend, the Fairfield United Soccer Association (FUSA) U11 Pre-Premiere team won the U11 bracket in the Parsippany Pride Invitational Tournament. The girls impressively went the entire tournament undefeated. I hope you will join me in congratulating the team on their victory, as well as all of Fairfield's sports teams that were successful over the weekend! COMMUNITY EVENTS GREENFIELD HILL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL It was fun to stop by the Greenfield Hill Improvement Society's (GHIS) annual Pumpkin Festival at Haydu Farm, Fairfield's oldest working farm. Since 1995, the GHIS has sponsored this fall festival with a celebration of scarecrow making, hayrides, hot cider, Audubon exhibits, and everyone's favorite fall activity, pumpkin decorating. It was especially fun to go on a hayride with Mr. Haydu and tour the farm on such a beautiful fall day. Bob Haydu RTM Member Melissa Longo & GHIS Member Tom Bremer TASTE OF FAIRFIELD I want to thank the FairfieldMoms for their hard work in organizing this year's “Taste of Fairfield” after a long pause due to COVID. Taste of Fairfield showcases our amazing local restaurants and businesses while also supporting critical nonprofits that make a difference in our community. It was so much fun to taste all that Fairfield has to offer. SOUTHPORT GLOBE ONION DAY Southport, Connecticut, was once considered the ‘Onion Capital of the World’ with over 200,000 barrels of locally grown onions shipped on sloop sailboats from 1840-1890 to New York City markets. During this period, onion farming was one of Southport’s leading industries. Prized for their flavorful taste, shape, long shelf life and high levels of vitamin C that prevented scurvy, Southport’s onions were a staple of the Union Navy during the Civil War, and helped the Union Army treat gangrenous wounds. Southport was world famous for growing the best quality seed and also holds the patent on many vital onion cultivation tools that changed the paradigm of how this crop was cultivated across the country. To pay homage to the return of the once-prolific allium heirloom to local soils and to mark the annual harvest celebration to honor Connecticut’s agrarian roots, Ms. Sefra Alexandra, the Sausquanaug Association and Pequot Library proudly inaugurated the October 9th Southport Globe Onion Festival at the Library in conjunction with Pequot’s The Lure of the Garden exhibition. Photos by Pequot Library COFFEE WITH A COP This year's Coffee with a Cop was a huge success! Thank you to Cafe Piccolo and McDonald's on Post Road for hosting and for your continued support and generosity. Thank you to all law enforcement who participated in this fun community event. UPCOMING EVENTS FAIRFIELD HARVEST MARKET Join us Saturday, October 15th, rain or shine from 10 AM – 4 PM for the annual Harvest Market located on Old Town Hall Green. The Fairfield Harvest Market features 70+ vendors offering artwork, crafts, pet products, jewelry, upcycled and rustic furniture, home décor items and beauty products. Food trucks and vendors from the weekly Fairfield Farmers Market will be there too. A Dog Halloween Costume Parade will start promptly at noon. Line-up will begin at 11:45 AM. Dress your fur baby in their Halloween costume to parade along Old Post Road. HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS Human trafficking affects 25 million people around the world. The crime is a violation of a victim's rights through coercion and commercial exploitation. Traffickers often study their victims and prey on their vulnerability. Here are some signs to spot human trafficking: Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations or houses of worship? Is the person disoriented, confused or showing signs of mental or physical abuse? Is the person fearful, timid or submissive? Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep or medical care? Is the person often in the company of someone who seems to be in control of the situation/coached on what to say? Is the person living in unsuitable conditions/denied freedom of movement? Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation? There are more upcoming events you can see by scrolling down below. BUSINESS It's always exciting to welcome and support new businesses in Fairfield. Our local business' success is Fairfield's success. LATINA CANTINA I want to extend Latina Cantina a warm welcome to Fairfield! You can visit them at 348 Black Rock Turnpike. I had the pleasure to try their beautiful and tasty food. Latina Cantina is open Monday through Sunday beginning at 3 PM. Check out their menu here. GAI JA CHICKEN RICE I hope Fairfielders will join me in welcoming and supporting Peter and his new business. Gai-Ja provides a version of chicken rice that originated in Hainan, China, and spread while being perfected in places like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Their tasty fried chicken was a delight. Here is a recent article in the Fairfield Citizen about their business. J.P. PHILBIN'S LANDSCAPING & NURSERY I joined JP Philbin Landscapes to cut the ribbon on October 7th to celebrate the expansion of their business by acquiring the former Colonial Gardens business. JP Philbin Landscapes is a local long-time family business in Fairfield. James Philbin's dad began his career in landscaping in 1974. The family has been serving the local community area as business partners. WHIP SALON This past Wednesday, we welcomed Whip Salon’s newest location at 58 Post Road! The salon serves women and men with hair cutting, styling and coloring. Photos by Mark Lauterborn 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, including the return of the Fairfield Harvest Market! I will send another newsletter next Friday, October 21st, and then every other Friday thereafter. I hope you have a lovely weekend. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman SAVE THE DATES The 11th annual Fairfield Restaurant Week will make its return on Monday, October 24th, and run through Sunday, November 6th. Over two dozen restaurants are participating in this year’s culinary event! For more information and to view participating restaurants, please click here. MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY CARNIVAL The McKinley Elementary School PTA is excited to host its eagerly-anticipated Carnival this October! This fun-for-all-ages event will offer families traditional and affordable entertainment and carnival treats that all can enjoy close to home. The Carnival will run Friday, October 21st through Sunday, October 23rd in the Jennings Beach parking lot. Parking and admission are free. Wristbands for the special price of $30/each will be sold each day of the Carnival so kids and adults can enjoy unlimited rides all day and night. Single tickets will also be available for purchase. Coffee and caffeinated treats will be available from Cafe Piccolo on Saturday and Sunday, 1 – 5 PM. Click here for details and the latest info. FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER Walking Tour Don't miss the Fairfield Museum and History Center's Town Hall Green walking tour on Saturday, October 15th from 10 – 11:30 AM. You'll learn about a Native prehistoric village, the 1639 Town center, witch trials, the Revolutionary War battleground, and the Burr Homestead, where John Hancock married Dorothy Quincy. These stories, and more, await a fascinating journey through time. Visit their website to register in advance of the tour! Legends & Hauntings Tours Reawaken Fairfield’s history on the Legends and Hauntings tour in the Town’s centuries-old Burying Ground. As you walk among the ancient gravestones of the Old Burying Ground, prepare to be greeted by spellbinding characters such as Eunice Burr, Samuel Smedley, and Goody Knapp, who was convicted of and executed for witchcraft in 1653. Registration is open for Thursday, October 27th, Friday, October 28th & Saturday, October 29th here. THE ENCHANTED CASTLE The Enchanted Castle, presented by the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County, is a family-friendly event that will take place October 26th – 30th at the Burr Mansion! Attendees will get to walk through each decorated room and listen to a story performed by live characters from Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast and Aladdin. To learn more and to purchase tickets, click here! HALLOWEEN ON THE GREEN The Fairfield Museum, in partnership with Fairfield Parks & Recreation and Experience Fairfield, is excited to present the 6th annual Halloween on the Green event on Sunday, October 30th from 12 – 4 PM on the Museum Commons. This free family event will feature trick-or-treating, giveaways, displays in the historic buildings, food vendors, a bounce house, and much more. Get your family costumes ready! FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET The Fairfield Farmer's Market on the Sherman Green is closed as of October 9th. The Greenfield Hill Farmer's Market is open Saturdays from 10 AM – 1 PM until October 29th. For more information, please click here. OCTOBER UPDATES 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. Please visit the CDC website for the current level of Fairfield County. 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 has been approved by the FDA under EUA. The Health Department has been conducting bivalent booster clinics and are working on setting additional clinic dates. Please continue to check our social media accounts and our page for updated information here. RATE CASES Aquarion Water Rate Case There has been a recently-filed rate case of the Aquarion Water Company before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). 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 meeting below: Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at 7:00 PM VIRTUAL MEETING On September 8th, the first public hearing was held in person, with many in attendance opposed to this increase. You can read the article in the CT Insider covering the topic here. Aquarion is proposing an inclining block rate structure for single-family, residential customers. This tiered approach would result in smaller increases for efficient/average-use customers. Inefficient/high-use customers would see a larger increase at the top two rate tiers. UI Rate Case United Illuminating (UI) has filed a motion to amend its rate schedule. This rate increase would raise an individual's total bill by 4.9% per year regardless of their rate class. PURA has scheduled four public comment hearings in this proceeding that I recommend residents attend: Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 5:30 PM IN-PERSON at Edward Smith Library, Schafer Community Room, 3 Old Post Road, Northford, CT 06472 (directions) Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at 5:30 PM IN-PERSON City of New Haven City Clerk Hearing Room, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510 (directions) Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 12:00 PM VIRTUAL MEETING Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 7:00 PM VIRTUAL MEETING FAIRFIELD BEACHES UPDATE The Town's Department of Public Works will begin winterizing all the beach bathrooms and park comfort stations on October 17th. Penfield I bathroom, located on the lifeguard side, will close for the season on November 1st. AQUARION INFRASTRUCTURE WORK Aquarion Water Company continues to perform essential work on water infrastructure in Fairfield necessary to ensure continued system reliability. On September 6th, construction of a pressure-reducing facility replacement project began at the intersection of Governors Lane and Bronson Road in Fairfield. This infrastructure upgrade is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system and to ensure the highest quality water and service. The project is designed to maintain water main pressure and fire flow capacity in the greater Bridgeport area and is expected to be completed in April 2023. For any questions regarding the infrastructure work, please click here. 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 October, Operation Hope is in need of the following items: Pasta Sauce & Tomato Paste Honey & Jelly Baking Mixes & Jell-O & Pudding Pasta & Rice Side Dishes Canned Chicken (& other meats) Pancake Mix & Syrup Cookies & Crackers Peanut Butter Oatmeal & Cereal Canned Fruit Deodorant & Shaving Supplies Paper Towels & Toilet Paper Cleaning Products Chili & Stew Ensure & Boost Ramen & Ramen Cups 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, November 15th 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM $50 per student FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES Please note: Both branches of Fairfield Public Library are open from Noon – 5:00 PM on Saturdays, and from 1:00 – 5:00 PM on Sundays. Other hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Fridays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. From October 15 – December 10, 2022, the public can view the new show from the Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery, “Moving Lines.” This show features the work of Charles Douthat and Mary Manning and can be viewed during regular Library hours at Main Library. There will be an opening reception for “Moving Lines” on Thursday, October 27, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM; the artists will speak at 6:15 PM. All are welcome. On Sunday, October 16th, at 4:00 PM, Fairfield Public Library in partnership with WSHU Radio presents “Jacqueline Schwab, An Intimate Piano Performance” at WSHU’s Broadcast Center. Jacqueline has composed and recorded many of the soundtracks to Ken Burns’ documentaries, including Baseball, Civil War, and The National Parks, and will perform selections from her new album, I Lift My Lamp. Tickets are $20; $5 for students and children under 18, which can be purchased here. Parents of children ages 0-5 can bring their little ones to a Halloween Parade around and through Main Library on Monday, October 31st. Come in costume and bring your trick-or-treat bag! Please register for ONE of two sessions – 10:00 or 10:45 AM – through the Library’s online calendar or by calling (203) 256-3161. Space is limited so reserve your spot early! New at both Main Library and Woods Branch: solar-powered device-charging stations! Sprint stand-up charging stations have been installed outside of both libraries, providing power for smartphones, tablets, and other handheld devices. They are equipped with LED lighting, a tabletop, and USB/USB-C charging outlets and can be accessed by library users even if the building is closed or there is a power outage. Purchase of the outdoor charging stations, as well as additional Library acquisitions such as mobile shelving units, was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), administered by the Connecticut State Library. 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 been 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: Charter Explanatory Text September 30 September 16 8-30g Op-Ed September 2 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Archives
I join members of our community and throughout our state feeling heartbreak over Thursday morning's news of two murdered police officers and one seriously injured as they responded to a call for service in the Town of Bristol, a town similar in size to Fairfield and only an hour away. This news was especially difficult for those who put on a uniform every day. I have been thinking of the men and women of the Fairfield Police Department a lot over the last two days. I am reminded of the incredible courage it takes to choose a career in law enforcement. Webster’s Definition of Bravery: The quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty; the quality or state of being brave; having or showing courage – showing bravery under fire. I have to imagine that every member of the department thought over the last few days and since entering law enforcement, “there but for the grace of God, go I”.
Yet, every member of the Fairfield Police Department will continue to put on their uniforms with bravery, willing to sacrifice their lives to serve and protect the people in Fairfield every day, never knowing what they’ll encounter when they answer a call for service. I hope our residents will take the time when given the opportunity to thank our officers when you see them patrolling the Town, directing us safely around work zones or just seeing a member of our Police Department doing their duty, for their courage and putting themselves in harm's way for our community.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Fairfield County communities gathered this past week for a vigil to honor the 32 people who lost their lives to domestic violence last year. This event is hosted each October by the Center for Family Justice to bring awareness to the public. The center provided support services to about 5,500 people last year in the six towns they serve, including more than 3,000 from Bridgeport. Demand for services continue to increase since the pandemic. The center reminds us that abuse is about power and control; it's not always physical and often goes unnoticed by loved ones. Counselors and advocates are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Domestic Abuse Hotline: (203) 384-9559, Sexual Assault Hotline: (203) 333-2233
Contamination prevents large batches of material from being recycled. Recyclables become contaminated when items are placed in the wrong bin, a dirty food container gets into the recycling, or recyclable items are mixed with trash or other non-recyclables.
The Town of Fairfield is committed to Single stream recycling, the most viable and cost-effective way to convert waste into reusable material.
Questions can be directed to (203) 256-3163, or https://www.fairfieldct.org/solidwaste.
In 2011, the Fairfield Police Department built a Crisis Intervention Team, which trains their patrol officers to recognize, respond to and appropriately resolve mental health issues as they are occurring in the field. In January of 2022, Captain Edward Weihe created the Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network as an important component of the Police Department's Crisis Intervention Program. The network is made up of local mental health agencies. Representatives from all of the organizations and departments gather quarterly to increase access and timeliness of access to a variety of mental health, substance use and quality of life services. They are crucial to uncovering the reasons behind repeated police responses and finding a wraparound approach to limit future occurrences.
KIWANIS FIELD OF VALOR? To honor our Military Veterans and those men and women actively serving our country, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield is hosting its 6th annual Field of Valor by displaying U.S. Flags. The Field of Valor will include more than 200 full-size (3'x5') American flags and will be on display to commemorate Veterans Day on November 11th. This display will be created in Jennings Park (adjacent to Hansen's Florist and across from Bob's Shopping Center) from November 6th through the 19th. To purchase a flag in honor of a veteran or someone currently serving, click here for more details.
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, including the return of the Fairfield Harvest Market! I will send another newsletter next Friday, October 21st, and then every other Friday thereafter. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
This infrastructure upgrade is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system and to ensure the highest quality water and service. The project is designed to maintain water main pressure and fire flow capacity in the greater Bridgeport area and is expected to be completed in April 2023. For any questions regarding the infrastructure work, please click here.