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
12/16/2022 - 12.16 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, This past weekend, our Town came together for the annual Tree Lighting where residents and their families were able to enjoy the new addition of the Winter Whimsy. Take a moment to watch this short but beautiful video, produced by A2V Media, highlighting a lovely community event. I want to express my appreciation to the Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department with a special shout-out to our Town's Parks & Recreation Director, Anthony Calabrese and his team, for planning such a fun event for our community – it felt like we were in a Hallmark movie. Thank you to our Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police Department and Department of Public Works making the night run safely and smoothly. The Town's Youth Council generously provided hot chocolate and glow necklaces. We even saw some fantastic performances from the Warde High School, Fairfield Woods & Tomlinson Middle Schools Choirs and Fairfield Center Stage. This night would not have been possible without the combined efforts of these important departments and organizations and I look forward to doing it again next year. I want to wish those celebrating a festive and Happy Hanukkah this weekend. I look forward to joining residents for the 15th annual menorah lighting on the Sherman Green this Sunday. You can view more details below on the three upcoming menorah lightings. The holiday season celebrates the idea of miracles. Jewish people all over the world celebrate the miracle of light, the little bit of oil that was meant to last for only one day, burned bright for eight days. Whether it's lighting a menorah, a Christmas tree, or the candles on a Kinara in celebration of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the miracles before us every day. Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season. Highlights in this week's newsletter: Town Government News Upcoming Menorah Lightings Fairfield Holiday Giving Program Write a Letter to Santa (and receive a response!) Free Landscape Service to Active Military in Fairfield Green Initiatives in Town UI Public Informational Meeting – Fairfield to Congress Railroad Transmission Line Rebuild Projects Remembering the 10-Year Anniversary of Sandy Hook TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS FILL PILE & CRIMINAL COURT PROCEEDINGS Recently, I have shared updates on the criminal court proceedings with regard to the fill pile public corruption scandal facing our Town. Today, the Town's former CFO was arrested on additional charges including Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st Degree by Defrauding the Public Community and Conspiracy to Commit Disposal of Solid Waste. I am grateful to our law enforcement and the State’s Attorney's office for their continued work and diligence in investigating any and all crimes committed against the residents of the Town of Fairfield. I will continue to hope that those that defrauded our community will be held to account through our justice system. Mr. Mayer is due in court next week for his application for accelerated rehabilitation. As I shared in the last update, residents are able to object to Mr. Mayer's accelerated rehabilitation by emailing the court here. You can read my last update here. You can read today's article in the CT Post here. PARKS & RECREATION The Town's Parks & Recreation Department recently attended the Connecticut Recreation & Parks Association (CRPA) Annual Conference. Our very own Director, Anthony Calabrese, is the new president of CRPA and kicked off the conference. The new H. Smith Richardson Golf Clubhouse won the Facility of Merit Award given to a department that has developed or renovated an exceptional facility within the last two years. I cannot express how lucky we are to have a Parks & Recreation team who takes the initiative and gets the job done. Because of their efforts, Fairfield has so many recreational opportunities for our residents to enjoy. CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT PHOTO CONTEST Soon 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. 2022 EVSE INFRASTRUCTURE AWARDED TO TOWN OF FAIRFIELD Live Green CT and Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities Coalition have recognized the great work Fairfield has done in sustainability. Fairfield has been awarded for excellence in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure along with the SFC award. Mary Hogue was able to proudly represent Fairfield and accept the awards at the SFC recognition on Tuesday. I am proud of our Community & Economic Development Department and Public Works Department for spearheading the efforts to modernize vehicular infrastructure to make Fairfield greener! SANTACON Following the SantaCon event at Lantern Point on Saturday, December 10th, I held a meeting with the Police Department and Fairfield University on Monday morning to review what happened and identify ways to improve going forward. I want to thank all our first responders who rendered medical aid to the eventgoers. It was a very busy day for our Police and Fire Departments facing a very large and unexpected crowd at Fairfield beach. To read the full statement from the Town, Police Department and Fairfield University, please click here. FAIRFIELD'S FIRST RESPONDERS FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT It was my honor to give the oath of office to three members of our Fire Department moving into new leadership roles and a brand new recruit beginning his service in Fairfield. I hope Fairfielders will join me in congratulating Assistant Chief Patrick Barry, Lieutenants Jordan Charney and Mark Goletz, and probationary firefighter Michael Waugh. Deputy Chief Kyran Dunn, Probationary Firefighter Michael Waugh, Lieutenant Mark Goletz, Lieutenant Jordan Charney, Assistant Chief Pat Barry & Chief Denis McCarthy FAIRFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT Fairfield's own Police Crisis Negotiators had the privilege of attending the NYPD’s 6th Annual Hostage Negotiator Training Conference this past week. I am incredibly proud of our Officers who consistently seek out and attend advanced training such as this to ensure the residents of Fairfield are provided with the most professional and comprehensive services possible. HOLIDAY LUNCHEON AT BIGELOW CENTER The Fairfield Police Union hosted another successful Holiday Luncheon at Fairfield’s Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. I always enjoy visiting the center and meeting all the members, especially being able to celebrate the holiday season together. I want to thank the Fairfield Police Department and the staff at Bigelow Center for their combined efforts in hosting this event every year. I am already looking forward to next year! HOLIDAY EVENTS CANDY HOUSE WORKSHOP On December 17th, celebrate the magic of the season by creating a sweet and colorful Candy House built with recycled materials and lots of sweet treats. Let your imagination bring to life a holiday scene decorated with gumdrops, peppermints, marshmallows, licorice and more! Registration is required. Please click here for more information and to reserve your spot. MENORAH LIGHTINGS There are three upcoming Menorah Lightings in Town for residents to enjoy. On December 18th, the Chabad of Fairfield invites the community to the 15th annual Menorah Lighting on the Sherman Green. Activities begin at 2:00 PM. Further details can be viewed here. All are welcome to join Chabad of Westport, Chabad of Fairfield and the Pequot Library for a Menorah Lighting on December 20th at 6:30 PM. Those who attend will enjoy music by DJ Chaim and great food, including delicious latkes and donuts. For more information and to RSVP, please click here. Celebrate the holidays with Mishkan Israel Day Camp on Sunday, December 25th. Rabbi Stock will be lighting the Menorah on Sherman Green at 6:00 PM. Please click here for more information. HOLIDAY LIGHT TOUR The Town's Holiday Light Tour is back thanks to the Fairfield Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation. Follow our map to see this year’s entries for their Light Up Fairfield competition and don’t forget to share your holiday decorations with our Parks & Recreation Department! SANTA'S MAILBOX Hey kids, let Santa Claus know how good you've been this year! Write a letter to Santa and drop it in any one of Santa's Mailboxes throughout Town and our Parks & Recreation Department will deliver it to the North Pole, Polar Express style! Check out the Map here for Mailbox locations. Santa's Mailboxes are available now until December 20th. Please make sure a return address is included so the Jolly Old Gent can answer your letter! HOLIDAY EXPRESS TRAIN SHOW The Holiday Express Train Show officially opened this month and will remain open to the public until January 2nd. Come and view the model train displays winding around spectacular winter villages and beautiful holiday scenery. Visit the Museum's website for more information here. Admission is $3 per person/$10 per family. FAIRFIELD FAMILY HOLIDAY GIVING PROGRAM Fairfield Social Services has kicked off its 2022 Family Holiday Giving Program to help Fairfield families in need during the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday seasons. Last year 150 families received gift cards, generously donated by their neighbors, including individuals, businesses, faith-based and community organizations. Every year we see more families struggling to pay their utilities and heat their homes. During this special, yet stressful time of year, we are again requesting gift cards for supermarkets, gas stations, local stores and businesses, Amazon, Target, and Walmart – anywhere families may shop for their loved ones for the holidays. The ability to select and purchase gifts provides our clients with another level of independence in an otherwise difficult time. Donations are accepted during business hours, 9 AM – 4:30 PM, at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield CT 06824. For more information, please contact Fairfield Social Services at (203) 256-3170 or email socialservices@fairfieldct.org. HISTORIC KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS Are you still searching for the perfect holiday gift? The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is selling historic keepsake pewter ornaments of Fairfield landmarks. Please click here to view and purchase them. COMMUNITY NEWS GREENWAY MILITARY INITIATIVE Greenway Property Services, Inc. (GPS) is proud to announce a new initiative, which is being launched exclusively in partnership with the Town of Fairfield, designed to show our thanks to the local military for their service and dedication. As part of this pilot military support program, GPS will provide basic monthly landscaping service to the family of troops actively deployed outside the country at no cost or obligation to the active service member, their family or the Town of Fairfield. This is currently a pilot program, and as such, it is only being offered to active military service members that reside in the Town of Fairfield. Members of all branches of the military are invited to apply. The active service member only needs to submit a letter/email which contains the full name and address of the active service member and related home address to be serviced, as well as any specifics about the service requested and a copy of the active service members deployment orders (to confirm out of country deployment). For more information on eligibility and to submit the information for the program, contact GPS at GPS-Military-Support@greenwayps.com. BENEFICIAL PROGRAM FOR BUSINESS & NONPROFITS The State Department of Revenue Services announced a list of approved business contributions to charitable organizations in Fairfield under the Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) Program. Businesses receive a tax credit against their State corporate tax liability for contributions made to approved local programs. The Town also had three local non-profits receive charitable contributions totaling $46,750. The following programs were approved for inclusion in the 2022 NAA Program: Fairfield Theatre Company – General Operating Support Fairfield Theatre Company – Energy Efficient Upgrades to Stage One CT Radio Information System – Audio Accessibility for Visually Impaired Persons Operation Hope of Fairfield – Energy Efficient Rehab for Affordable Housing Operation Hope of Fairfield – Community Hunger & Homelessness Services Wakeman Boys & Girls Club – Southport Clubhouse Energy Efficiency Upgrades This is a real ‘win-win’ situation for both the non-profit groups and the businesses involved. On the one hand, community organizations are able to raise much-needed funds to help support a number of very worthwhile initiatives that benefit local residents. On the other, businesses that make a charitable gift toward these programs are able to reduce their corporate tax liability. The entire list can be viewed here. HELP A NEIGHBOR! LOOKING FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FOR SHOVELING FOR SENIORS The weather report and chill in the air have reminded us to start planning for winter. Fairfield Social Services is gathering names of student volunteers for our Shoveling for Seniors programs. If you know of middle- and high-school students who might be interested in helping a senior or neighbor with disabilities, would you please send them our way? It’s a great service opportunity. Click here for information about volunteering, and parent permission slip for students to register. As soon as we have a list of volunteers ready to help, we’ll provide information on how to register for shoveling. Please do not call Social Services to register for a list of shovelers at this time. A MESSAGE FROM THE FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT A MESSAGE FROM THE FAIRFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PUMPKIN RECYCLING PROJECT The Pumpkin Recycling Project was spearheaded by Becky Bunnell for the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force in cooperation with our Town's Department of Public Works. The project was funded in part by a Recycle CT grant and complements an ongoing food waste recycling pilot project. The purpose of the grant is to encourage the recycling of pumpkins after Halloween rather than disposing of them in the trash. This program took place in multiple schools across Fairfield including Stratfield, Mill Hill, North Stratfield and Dwight. A dumpster was placed for one week at each school and the pumpkins were processed at WeCareDenali and ultimately turned into healthy soil-enriching compost and mulch. There was also an option for local residents to take their pumpkins directly to WeCareDenali for Organics recycling. Based on the US Composting Council, if the pumpkins we composted were to end up in a landfill, they would produce methane or nitrous oxide. Correspondingly, every ton of food waste reduced emissions by the equivalent of 6 Metric Tons of Carbon, so the efforts this year likely reduced close to 34 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. Therefore, the project successfully offset about 85,000 miles driven by a gasoline-powered vehicle. I am very proud of all who participated to make Fairfield greener. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREEN TEAM With the aspirations of becoming a more sustainable community, the North Stratfield Elementary School Green Team chaired by Courtney Radosavljevic and Amanda Ingrassia, have completed and fulfilled the CT Green LEAF Schools certification. They are paving the way for their school to reduce environmental impact and cost, improve the health and wellness of their students and staff, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education. Congratulations! FRONTIER FIBER INTERNET Frontier® Fiber Internet is coming to Fairfield, and residents will have access to high-speed internet. Frontier is expanding the reach of its fiber network so homes and businesses can benefit from its mission to build Gigabit AmericaTM. Frontier now offers internet service as fast as 2 gigabits per second, allowing consumers to upload videos and files up to 50 times faster than the broadband service offered by cable companies in Connecticut. That means more people in the same household can enjoy great speeds at the same time, while working from home, homeschooling, streaming, or just surfing the web. Please note, this is a wired fiber-optic infrastructure project; it is not a 5G wireless project. You will also notice a lot of activity in surrounding areas, including increased truck traffic during the construction process. Before Frontier brings fiber to your neighborhoods, they will: • Secure local permits • Locate other utilities to avoid impacting their facilities • Create a path for the network and set up connection points to bring fiber to customers • Conduct technical and engineering work in their central office facilities and on the network itself. If you are interested in knowing if your address qualifies for Frontier® Fiber service, contact 1-855-887-0992 (residential), 1-888-534-1751 (business), or visit getfrontierfiber.com for more information. If you have any questions, contact Frontier’s Senior Construction Manager Keith Casey at (203) 694-4065. UPCOMING MEETINGS PLEASE NOTE: UI RAILROAD TRANSMISSION LINE REBUILD PROJECT The United Illuminating Company (UI) is proposing to remove UI’s existing 115-kV lines and infrastructure from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) railroad catenary structures that span the Metro North (MNR) tracks in both Fairfield and Bridgeport. Along approximately 7.3 miles of the MNR tracks, the 115-kV lines will be removed from about 100 catenary structures and rebuilt on single or double-circuit monopoles, which will be located within or near the CT DOT-owned railroad corridor. In Fairfield, the new monopoles will be located south of the MNR tracks; in Bridgeport, the new monopoles will be positioned north or south of the tracks, depending on location relative to the existing built environment or alignment into UI facilities. The Project will also provide an upgrade to connections at four UI substations, all located in Bridgeport. These transmission line upgrades will help maintain system reliability, promote climate resiliency, preserve safety within and adjacent to the transmission lines and provide technological enhancements to legacy system equipment. The Public and all interested parties are invited to attend to ask questions or comment on the proposed Project. For more information, please click here. WHO: Property owners, businesses, and residents south of the MNR from Sasco Brook to Ash Creek. WHAT: UI Public Informational Meeting – Fairfield to Congress Railroad Transmission Line Rebuild Projects. WHERE: Fairfield Public Library, Rotary Room, 2nd Floor, 1080 Post Road, Fairfield. WHEN: Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Inclement weather date – January 18th – same time and location). SUSTAINABLE TASK FORCE | HEATSMART CAMPAIGN HeatSmart is a statewide initiative designed to help homeowners cut their energy costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions that is now coming to Fairfield. To take part, the first step is getting a home energy evaluation under the Energize CT program. Utility-certified technicians will evaluate your home’s energy performance and make energy-saving fixes such as sealing air leaks and installing energy-efficient LED lights and low-flow showerheads. Residents also receive written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as high-efficiency windows and appliances. The evaluation is $50 for most residents; no-cost evaluations are free for income-eligible residents. An information session for residents on HeatSmart and heat pump technology will be held on Monday, January 9th, 6:30 PM, at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library. A home energy evaluation can be arranged by signing up at one of the information sessions. Information on the program is also available on the HeatSmart Fairfield website. COMMUNITY EVENTS SHOP & STROLL I want to thank the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the Community & Economic Development Department for their work in putting together our most successful Shop & Stroll to date. The High School choirs brought great music to the event, putting everyone in the holiday spirit. The Fairfield Shop & Stroll has become a wonderful holiday tradition, and it was heartwarming to see so many residents shopping at our local businesses. Photos by Mike Lauterborn MCKINLEY WINTER CONCERT I was delighted to be invited to McKinley's annual Winter Concert on December 8th. It was so much fun getting into the spirit of the holidays while listening to the students sing classic holiday songs that I grew up with. I hope you enjoy one of my favorite songs the students performed by clicking the link here. UPCOMING EVENTS FAIRFIELD BASKETBALL TICKETS Join Fairfield University this Sunday, December 18th when the Men's Basketball team takes on Coast Guard in the brand new Mahoney Arena. Fairfield residents can purchase $5 tickets by visiting this link. The game tips off at 2 PM. Doors open at 12:30 PM. FAIRFIELD MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER The Fairfield Museum & History Center is hosting a number of family activities this holiday season. Please see below for their schedule: Monday, December 26th – Drop-in: Build-a-Train Tuesday, December 27th – Drop-in: Build-a-Train Wednesday, December 28th – Drop-in: Build-a-Train 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SANDY HOOK I was a member of the CT General Assembly in 2012 when the shooting in Sandy Hook took place. It had an impact on those families most of us will never understand. At that time, every resident in Connecticut was feeling the gut-wrenching pain of this unimaginable tragedy. I soon realized I would be called upon with my legislative colleagues to answer our state's residents' cries “to do something”. The legislature spent the entire legislative session working on bills that were introduced in nearly every committee. There were hundreds of hours of public hearings, hundreds more spent discussing legislative proposals and even more listening, talking and emailing with the residents of Fairfield and beyond. What still stands out the most to me was meeting the families who lost a precious child or family member in the school that day. Looking into their eyes and broken souls was heartbreaking. That year legislators from both sides of the aisle worked together on gun violence, school safety and mental health legislation that was passed into law in Connecticut. I don’t have all the answers, I’m not sure any of us do. What we can do is honor the lives senselessly taken ten years ago and their families who carry a tremendous loss with them every single day. I ask members of our community to perform Acts of Kindness this holiday season to commemorate those affected by the Sandy Hook Massacre, whether it be as simple as spending time with your loved ones or helping a neighbor in need. My mother always said, "Be kind to everyone because you do not know the burden they may be carrying." Those who wish to donate directly can do so to the Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization that provides resources and advocates to protect children from gun violence. I have sincerely appreciated the support and feedback from our residents over the last year. I want to wish you and your families a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! My next newsletter will go out on January 6, 2023. Sincerely, Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman DECEMBER UPDATES STRATFIELD VILLAGE ASSOCIATION BRICK CAMPAIGN The Stratfield Village Association (SVA) is a certified 501c3 non-profit organization, which aims to preserve, protect and improve the character of the Stratfield Village neighborhood in Fairfield. In 2021, they announced the launch of a brick fundraising campaign to supplement funding for the Four Corners renovation project. Individuals and businesses will be able to purchase a brick with a customized engraving to be included in the new brick sidewalks that are part of the project. The engraved bricks will be available for purchase only until December 31, 2022. To purchase the engraved bricks, please visit bricksrus.com/donorsite/stratfieldvillageassociation. Bricks can be purchased in two sizes – 4”x 8” for $100 with up to three lines of text, or 8”x 8” for $200 with up to 6 lines of text. Lastly, a corporate sponsor may purchase an 8”x 8” brick with 3 lines of text and include a company logo. 2023 FISHING LICENSES As of December 1st, the 2023 Fishing Licenses are available. Don't miss one day of potential fishing. Get yours now online or stop by the Town Clerk’s Office Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 4 PM to purchase. LIVING WITH COYOTES With an increase in coyote sightings, we ask that you take a moment to learn more about Living with Coyotes. The risk of a coyote attacking a person is extremely low. This risk can increase if coyotes are intentionally fed and then learn to associate people with food. I encourage you to follow the link below to increase the safety of pets and livestock, enhance human safety, and learn how to coexist with coyotes. Click here to read more. 2023 BEACH STICKERS HAVE ARRIVED The 2023 Beach/Transfer Station Stickers have arrived and are currently available for purchase/renewal. Please take a moment to RENEW your sticker online for 2023. You can also renew by fax, mail or in person at the Parks & Recreation Office. Please note, the solid waste transfer station will accept 2022 stickers through the end of December. OPERATION HOPE | FOOD PANTRY Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is open all Winter 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 December, Operation Hope is in need of the following items: Ensure/Boost Canned Chicken & other meats (spam, etc) Dried Potatoes Canned Fruit Juice Adult Diapers Shaving Supplies Deodorant Soap & Body Wash Paper Towels & Toilet Paper Peanut Butter Jelly & Honey Pasta Sauce & other tomato products (diced, paste, etc) Coffee & Hot Chocolate Pancake Mix & Syrup Oatmeal & Cereal Thank you for considering a donation to help them feed our hungry neighbors! FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES 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. Special holiday hours for both locations: The libraries will be closed from Saturday, December 24th through Monday, December 26th for the Christmas holiday, and from Saturday, December 31st through Monday, January 2th, for New Year’s. Please stop by this month to view a special holiday display in the lobby featuring beloved children’s book characters such as Madeline, Eloise, Charlie Brown, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, and of course, Santa Claus! Highlights of the exhibit are original artworks by Dr. Seuss and Norman Bridwell, of “Clifford” fame. The Library is grateful to Kathleen and Gil Rodriguez of Darien for sharing their private collection with us this season. From December 17, 2022, through February 11, 2023, the public can view the new exhibit at the Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery at Main Library. “New Beginnings…After the Pause” is a community art show featuring the work of 60 area artists working in various mediums. The exhibit can be viewed during regular Library hours. Join us on Thursday, December 22nd, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a reception in the Kershner Gallery. Light refreshments will be served. For the second year in a row, the Library invites adult patrons to join its year-long reading challenge--renamed “Genre Challenge”—beginning January 1st. Each month participants will be encouraged to choose a book from a genre such as Fun in the Sun (beach reads), Short Stories, and Screen Gems (book-to-movie or -TV adaptations). Journals will be provided to keep track of your reading and occasional meet-ups will be scheduled throughout the year. Watch our website or social media sites for more information! (www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary, @fairfieldlibrary on Instagram). 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). COVID-19 UPDATE All US households are now eligible to order 4 more free at home covid test kits. To do so visit www.covid.gov/tests. 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. 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. 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: December 2 November 18 Fill Pile Court Update Fill Pile Update November 4 Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Archives
The following programs were approved for inclusion in the 2022 NAA Program:
This is a real ‘win-win’ situation for both the non-profit groups and the businesses involved. On the one hand, community organizations are able to raise much-needed funds to help support a number of very worthwhile initiatives that benefit local residents. On the other, businesses that make a charitable gift toward these programs are able to reduce their corporate tax liability.
I have sincerely appreciated the support and feedback from our residents over the last year. I want to wish you and your families a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year! My next newsletter will go out on January 6, 2023. Sincerely, Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman