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Departments & Services > First Selectwoman's Office > First Selectwoman News

2/17/2023 - 2.17 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,

This coming Monday is Presidents' Day, originally established in 1885 in recognition of George Washington's birthday.

George Washington visited and dined at Penfield’s Sun Tavern located on our historic Town Green in 1789, just months after his inauguration, which is part of our Town's rich history. I recently read Travels with George by Nathan Philbrick, which follows the route of our first president as he visited every state in the union, stopping in Fairfield while in Connecticut. 

As a reminder, Town offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday.
GOVERNOR LAMONT VISITS FAIRFIELD
I was happy to receive a call from the Governor's Office inviting me to join him for lunch in Fairfield yesterday. This gave me a good opportunity to share many of the important issues facing our Town. One of the topics I discussed with the Governor was the $2 million in state bonding money that was approved to help fund the fill pile remediation costs. I also shared with the Governor the current status of the Notice of Violation from FEMA regarding Penfield Pavilion and the upcoming public meeting. I took the opportunity after lunch to show off our newly renovated downtown SHU Community Theatre and redesigned streetscape, which was a collaboration between Sacred Heart University and the Kleban family. I pointed out the impact of the potential 8-30g proposed development right next to the theatre. After serving on the Housing Committee in the State Legislature for nine years, I shared my ideas of how the state could increase affordable housing without the negative unintended consequences of the 8-30g Statute. The Governor was particularly impressed when I told him about the partnership between the Town and Habitat for Humanity to build true lifelong affordable housing, the first of its kind in Fairfield. 
 
The Governor and I also had a very refreshing conversation about the erosion of civility and basic decorum we've come to see in public service, especially on social media. I appreciate the Governor taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit and hear more about Fairfield. Even though the Governor and I are on opposite sides of the political aisle, I think our professional relationship is an important example that governing should always take precedence over politics.
Highlights in this week's newsletter – click to skip down to a section of interest:
TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS
TOWN BUDGET
It is my honor to present my fourth budget as First Selectwoman at the February 22nd Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting. You can tune in live on FairTV. Updates on the budget, all back up information and the full meeting schedule will be posted at fairfieldct.org/budget.  

After the BOS votes on February 27th, the budget will then go to the Board of Finance, where additional changes in the form of cuts or additions can be made, then the budget will be referred to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), where only reductions can be made.  

My goal when crafting a budget is always to protect taxpayers, invest in our schools, continue efforts to right size government for improved services, invest in public safety and maintain the fiscal health of the town by funding our long-term obligations.

With record high inflation, supply chain challenges, increased energy costs, and contractual obligations on both the town and Board of Education sides, have made crafting this year's budget a very challenging one. I will continue to share budget updates through the newsletter with residents as the process moves forward. 
APPROVED TOWN PROJECTS
At last Monday's Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting, we approved a list of Non-Recurring Capital projects and additional ARPA-funded projects that will benefit our community. I am excited to move these projects forward, as many have been awaiting action, most notably, pickleball courts, and other critical infrastructure projects and/or needs of the Town. You can view the full list below:

ARPA Projects:
  • Fire Vehicle Replacement, Fire Shift Commander Vehicle Replacement & Fire Station 
  • New Sergeant Murphy Playground (Reef & Nichols St.)
  • Police Department Headquarters Rehabilitation
Non-Recurring Capital Projects:
  • Guiderail Repairs Phase 2
  • KHW Greens Farm Bridge Construction
  • Design of Stratfield Road (RSA)
  • Design of Post Road & Jug Handle
  • Round Hill Road and Reef Road Sidewalks
  • Lower Wharf/Fishing Pier 
  • Fire Pumper Truck – LSN 14
  • H. Smith Richardson Driving Range Upgrades
  • Post-Tension Tennis Courts at Fairfield Woods
  • Tunxis Hill Park Pickleball Court Replacement (4) and 2 NEW Courts
  • Vestibule Projects at North Stratfield & Osborn Hill Elementary Schools & Fairfield Woods Middle School 
  • Fairfield Warde High School Boiler Burner Replacement, Tennis/Basketball Courts
You can watch the full meeting here.

EAST TRUNK SEWER WETLANDS CROSSING
The BOS also unanimously approved the East Trunk Wetlands Crossing project, which will replace approximately 311 linear feet of existing 33” sanitary sewer pipe with a new 36” pipe along the same alignment within an embankment across the Ash Creek Inlet wetlands adjacent to the Metro Center. This project will reduce Inflow & Infiltration (I&I), reduce Sewer System Overflows (SSO), and increase capacity for future development. Construction Plans are completed, and permits have been obtained to start construction. This project, which includes two phases, services 2/3 of our Town's sewers and is a critically important project. 

I am disappointed the Board of Finance (BOF) has not yet taken up this important item for a vote. My understanding is if the BOF and RTM don't approve this project soon, the Town will be in jeopardy of losing a $750,000 grant awarded from the state toward this project. 
Click here for more information
We recommend residents attend in person but if you are unable, you can view the meeting virtually and submit questions in the chat: https://tofit.my.webex.com/join/fairfield

Viewing only at FairTV’s cable channel: 79 for Fairfield Cablevision customers and 6010 for Frontier Cable customers
FairTV’s website https://fairfieldct.org/fairtv/government
By phone to listen only: Dial 510-338-9438, enter access code or meeting number: 624 512 956 #
ROOSTER RIVER FLOOD MITIGATION
The Town of Fairfield and the City of Bridgeport worked together this week to remove impediments in the Rooster River in the Lynnbrook neighborhood, in areas where they could access the river.

This cleanup included the removal of trash, debris, logs and low-hanging branches.

I want to thank our Fairfield Public Works crew who worked to pull debris from the river, and together with the assistance of Bridgeport, hauled away seven truckloads of debris. 
WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT
I join our residents in their frustration with the odor coming from the Waste Water Treatment Facility. For those who may not be aware, one of the digesters at the plant broke last year, which led to an increase in odor from what is typical since the plant began operations decades ago. This is due to the change in how the sewage at the facility is being processed.

The Town has explored all avenues to expedite the process, but unfortunately, we’ve been told by all contractors there’s no way to speed it up. Fortunately, the repair for the digester is underway and based on the scope of the required repair, it is expected to take until May to be completed. In an effort to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance, we have put $350,000 in next year's budget towards the second digester to prevent this situation from happening again. 

WPCF has hired a company to assist with controlling the odor issues in the interim. Those attempts have proven to be effective but not perfect. Some days are worse than others. Wind direction and weather contribute to impacted areas surrounding the facility.

WPCF crews are fully engaged in addressing this issue and are aware of the impact on the neighborhoods because they work at the plant and are subject to the same odor, as well as our DPW, Fire Training School and Fairfield Animal Control staff, who also work in the area. 

The Town hired an outside firm to perform testing to ensure there was no health risk from the increased odors. You can read more about these efforts here, and more additional information on the testing here. I want to assure residents while the digestor repair is a major undertaking, the contractors are working as quickly as possible to have the repair completed by May.
FAIRFIELD TOWN MAP & GUIDE
The Town plans to update and re-issue the Fairfield Town Map & Guide as part of the Town’s ongoing tourism campaign and invited local businesses to take part. First published in 2016, the Fairfield Map & Guide has become a staple of the Town’s tourism efforts and has proven extremely popular with residents and visitors alike. The map, which features a beautiful, hand-drawn, watercolor illustration of the Town, provides an introduction to the Fairfield community, including information on significant landmarks, cultural assets, recreational areas, business centers and other points of interest.

More than 50,000 maps will be printed this spring and distributed at more than 280 locations in the New York metro area right before the start of the busy summer tourist season.
 
Sponsoring businesses and organizations will receive copies of the map to distribute to their customers. A limited number of ads are available in the Map & Guide at a range of sizes and prices. Commitments will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through March 3, 2023. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Marketing Coordinator Mary Alice Limperopulos at (203) 256-3120 or via email.
FLOODING STUDY OF FAIRFIELD UNDERPASSES
By way of reminder, the Connecticut Institute for Climate Resiliency and Adaptation (CIRCA) and the Town of Fairfield are collaborating on a planning level to study and investigate solutions of persistent flooding problems at four underpasses that cross under the New Haven Line in Fairfield.

CIRCA will be hosting the first of three engagement events This event will be an opportunity for residents to meet the study team, learn about CIRCA and the scope of Fairfield's pilot project, and provide feedback about your experience with flooding downtown and at these underpasses.

The meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, February 23rd has tentatively been rescheduled for Thursday, March 2nd. Check back to the Town website for updates.
BIGELOW CENTER & SOCIAL SERVICES
Please click here to open the March 2023 Bigelow Center for Senior Activities newsletter.
 
AARP Tax Help: AARP Foundation is again offering free, in-person tax prep services. Appointments for hour-long sessions with trained, certified volunteers will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9:00 AM and noon, starting February 6th – April 12th.        

Although this service is geared toward seniors with limited incomes, AARP volunteers will assist anyone of any age. Volunteers do not have access to your prior year's information. Call (203) 256-3166 to make an appointment. Appointments fill up fast.
 
Check out the Social Services Winter Newsletter for various programs addressing financial assistance programs; information for Veterans; career development; and mental health help.
TOWN SEEKS MEMBERS FOR NEW FAIRFIELD ARTS COMMISSION
The Town is seeking qualified residents to serve on a new Fairfield Arts Commission that was recently adopted by the Representative Town Meeting.

The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission shall be to stimulate, foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield, including exploring the possibility of designating a "culture district" within our community.

The Commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the Board of Selectmen, no more than five of whom shall be registered with the same political party. Of the members first appointed, three shall serve for one year; three shall serve for two years; and three shall serve for three years. Thereafter, each succeeding member shall be appointed for a term of three years. Membership should include at least one representative from each of the following:
  • Local cultural council/arts council
  • Cultural organizations (historical society, museum, ethnic heritage organization)
  • At least one artist that lives and/or works in the district
  • Organizations that represent artists (artist cooperative, etc.), if applicable.
  • For-profit creative business i.e., gallery, theater
  • Local business and/or Chamber of Commerce
If you are interested in serving, please fill out this form. For more information, please click here.   
FAIRFIELD SCHOOL NURSES SUPPORT HEART HEALTH MONTH
To promote Heart Health month, the Fairfield School Nurses participated in an additional emergency training focusing on the new AEDs in our schools. This training along with others attended by the nursing staff yearly contributes to our efforts to provide the best in emergency care in the school setting.
STATE LEGISLATION
The State Legislature is in session and during this month there will be many public hearings for proposed bills. You can see the weekly schedule, sign up to track bills, watch live and learn how to submit testimony for or against any bill through cga.ct.gov.

This time of year, I typically include links to specific bills that I feel will have a negative or positive impact on Fairfield.

Today, there is a public hearing on HB 6650, an Act Concerning Public Access to Certain Coastal Resources. You can read our Parks & Recreation Director, Anthony Calabrese's, testimony here. 

To view bills proposed by State Senator Tony Hwang, click here.
To view bills proposed by State Representative Cristin McCarthy-Vahey, click here. 
To view bills proposed by State Representative Jennifer Leeper, click here.
To view bills proposed by State Representative Sarah Keitt, click here. 

For questions on pending station legislation, reach out to your State Senator and State Representative. You can find their contact information here. 
FAIRFIELD'S FIRST RESPONDERS
FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
I am excited to welcome the newest member joining the ranks of the Fairfield Fire Department, Sean Pichette. I hope you will join me in wishing Sean a safe and successful career serving the residents of Fairfield.
COMMUNITY NEWS
REMEMBERING KENNETH DALLING
It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Kenneth Dalling, a dear friend, and a beloved member of our community. Ken dedicated his services to Fairfield always with a smile on his face. He was the Fairfield Park Commissioner for years and was the one who got the ball rolling on the construction of the Coast Guard building, and the downtown gazebo, which was recently dedicated to him in his honor.

Ken was a lifelong Fairfielder, and he will be truly missed.
SEEKING A FUREVER HOME
Meet Max, a young adult male pit bull found on Jennings Road. No one has claimed him, and he is available for adoption. At first, Max would bark at strangers, but now he knows he is safe and accepts all with a tail wag and playfulness. Max loves to go for walks, and being a strong dog, he can sometimes pull but listens well. When it's time to go inside, Max will roll over on his back and does not want to go in because he wants to get more playtime. Max has turned into a staff favorite and can be seen by stopping by the shelter any day.

If you are interested in adopting Max, please contact Fairfield Animal Control or go to fpdct.com/animalcontrol for more information. You can also call (203) 254-4857.
BEAGLE BROTHERS FIND FUREVER HOME
I am happy to announce our two young beagle brothers, Harry and Lloyd, were adopted together to a new home. New owners Ray and Betsy stopped by the shelter over the weekend in hopes of giving one lucky dog a happy home but instead fell in love with both beagles.

Ray and Betsy are experienced dog owners who have a history of adopting their dogs from the shelter. Thank you Ray and Betsy for once again supporting and adopting from the Fairfield Animal Shelter. I am grateful knowing both brothers will be loved and cared for by two wonderful people.
BELOVED FAIRFIELD RESTAURANTS
For years, Penny's Diner and the S&S Dugout shared a long-time commitment to our Town by running small businesses that brought joy and many fond memories to generations of Fairfielders. 

I know firsthand the dedication and sacrifice that running a successful small business takes. Both restaurants were run by our neighbors who are an integral part of our community. They truly made Fairfield feel like home and will be sorely missed by all.
FAIRFIELD STANDS WITH FLAGMAN
Flagman Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives, is launching its national K-12 Education Outreach program in Fairfield from April 17th – 28th. The program aims to educate students about their role in road safety and the importance of slowing down and moving over for first responders and highway workers.
 
The Iodice family, a highly regarded member of Fairfield's towing community for nearly 70 years, founded Flagman Inc. in response to the tragic death of Corey Iodice, who was struck and killed while assisting a disabled motorist.
 
The objective of Flagman’s K-12 education outreach program is to instill in students a sense of responsibility when driving or riding in a vehicle and to raise awareness about the importance of safety for first responders and highway workers. To engage students, Flagman's education team is seeking gift cards ($5) or monetary donations to support the initiative. Your support of the Flagman Slow Down Move Over K-12 program will help educate our youth and save lives.
SAVE THE CHILDREN |TÜRKIYE & SYRIA EARTHQUAKE
Fairfield-based Save the Children is concerned that the window to deliver aid to save lives at risk in some of the hardest-hit locations is closing. The first 72 hours following a disaster are critical. Survivors of the quakes are threatened by freezing temperatures and bad weather conditions—to which children are particularly vulnerable. Survivors in Türkiye and Syria urgently need humanitarian aid such as food, shelter, blankets, and clean water. Sanitation in temporary shelters is also a growing priority, as without running water and latrines, waterborne diseases, which are particularly deadly to children, will quickly spread. Children are also at risk of being separated from their families, which puts them at risk of exploitation and abuse. 

As of February 8th, Save the Children Türkiye’s emergency response team was responding to the needs of the children and families who are affected and currently residing in temporary facilities such as sports centers by providing hot meals across various locations. Save the Children's teams on the ground are preparing to support affected communities with winterization and emergency kits, including blankets and winter clothing, food, baby food, water, fuel, hygiene kits and dignity kits, and more. They are supporting its partners in Northwest Syria to deliver additional ready-to-eat rations, tents, emergency kits, remove debris, as well as offering assistance to health centers with medical supplies and fuel.  

How to Help:

Your donation to the Children's Emergency Fund enables us to respond to crises around the world, whether from conflict, climate change or natural disaster. Gather your network of friends and family to fundraise for the Children's Emergency Fund, supporting children affected by the earthquake as well as crises around the world.
FPS GREEN TEAM SUSTAINABILITY TIP OF THE WEEK
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SOUPER BOWL DRIVE
I was happy to support and want to thank the Fairfield Equity Coalition and Assumption Church's Souper Bowl Drive for hosting food drives this past weekend to help our neighbors in need.
UPCOMING EVENTS
HONORING CHARLIE CAPALBO
Charlie Capalbo was a Fairfield ice hockey goalie who touched the lives of everyone he met. Charlie demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and inspiration throughout his battles with cancer that inspired and will continue to inspire those who are also affected by childhood cancer. Our community rallied behind him with their encouragement, prayers and goodwill showing Charlie he was never alone.

On Saturday, February 18th at 8:00 PM, #30 will be retired in his honor at the Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport. The Fairfield Co-op Team invites everyone in the Fairfield community to join us in honoring Charlie and the inspiration he was both on and off the ice. The ceremony will be followed by the Fairfield Co-op team taking on the Greenwich Cardinals immediately after. 

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students at the doors.
GREENFIELD HILL GARDEN CLUB
The Greenfield Hill Garden Club is pleased to continue its community outreach by extending an invitation to residents to attend an educational and inspiring program “Turning Lawns into Meadows: How to create a healthy, biodiverse meadow in place of a monoculture lawn”. 

The event will take place on Tuesday, February 21st at 11:00 AM, located at the Connecticut Audubon Fairfield Center. Presenter Owen Wormser, a landscape architect, founder of Abound Design, and author of Lawns into Meadows will discuss his book and allow time for Q&A.

All are welcome and asked to pre-register by noon on February 20th by email to greenfieldhillgardenclub2@gmail.com. There is no charge for this event.
FAIRFIELD MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER | UPCOMING EVENTS
CERT TRAINING CLASS
The Fairfield Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is offering free disaster response training beginning Saturday, March 4th. CERT volunteers have been extraordinarily helpful in many different areas for our community. For example, these trained volunteers were crucial during the pandemic. This is a great opportunity to volunteer for your community. Attendees are trained in personal preparedness and guidance is also shared so you can care for yourself and your loved ones in the event of a major emergency or disaster. The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and FEMA developed the training and, upon completion of the course, participants are eligible and invited to join the Fairfield CERT team.
 
2023 CERT training begins March 4th, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, and runs for five consecutive Saturdays ending April 1st. Classes are held at the Fairfield Regional Fire School Classroom, 205 Richard White Way, Fairfield. Attendance at all classes is required. The training is free and open to those 18 and older. Register online here. For more information, contact Norma Peterson, Fairfield CERT Liaison, at citizencorps@optonline.net.
FAIRFIELD HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Fairfield and its Department of Community & Economic Development invites the public to attend the 2023 Fairfield Health and Fitness Expo, Saturday, March 11th, held at the Fairfield University RecPlex, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
 
Both the Chamber and Town are proud to host an event that promotes a healthy lifestyle experience for young and old, invites everyone to attend to have fun, watch some fitness demos, and get answers from our local business owners to identify what is needed to stay fit and healthy as well as how to help our seniors! Whether people are interested in fitness or need medical, wellness, or senior services information, it can be found at the expo.

Event information is updated daily, so I encourage residents to visit the Fairfield Chamber Website and the Chamber’s Facebook Event Page for the most current exhibitor listings and activities. Volunteers are also needed throughout the day to meet and greet attendees. To register for the event, please click here.
ONE BOOK ONE TOWN
March is One Book One Town month at Fairfield Public Library!  This year’s selection is I Keep Trying to Catch His Eye, a memoir by Fairfield resident and ESPN sportswriter Ivan Maisel. Ivan will speak at Fairfield University’s Quick Center at 7:00 PM on March 28th; registration for this popular event opens on February 28th, so reserve your seat early! See the Library’s online calendar of events for a schedule of related programming.
BUSINESS
It's always exciting to welcome and support new businesses in Fairfield. Our local business' success is Fairfield's success.
RIKO'S PIZZA
It was fun to kick off the weekend with a ribbon cutting to welcome Riko's Pizza and owners Charlie Aysseh and Jay Fitzgerald to Fairfield!

Be sure to check out Riko's Pizza at 1920 Black Rock Turnpike.
SOUTHPORT FAMILY DENTAL
We celebrated Southport Family Dental's move to a new location with a ribbon cutting this past Tuesday.

Visit Dr. Gibson, Dr. Randall, and their team in Southport Crossings at 3530 Post Road in Southport!

I hope you have a lovely weekend.


Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman
FEBRUARY UPDATES
UI TREE TRIMMING FOR 2023
This spring, UI will begin pruning and removing trees as part of the Utility Protection Zone Program. Residents will be notified prior to any work being conducted. The list of streets can be found here. For more information, visit UI's website here. 

Work planners from UI, Nelson Tree Service, Lewis Tree Service and Asplundh Tree Experts will be canvassing neighborhoods and contacting residents in early spring.
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOST BENEFIT FASHION SHOW
The Friends of Fairfield Public Library are pleased to announce that Fairfield-based fashion designer Jennifer Butler will debut her spring collection at the Fairfield Public Library’s Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery on Sunday, March 12th at 3:30 PM. The show is open to the public and all donations benefit the Fairfield Public Library’s programs and services. Light refreshments will be served. The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery is located in the Library’s main location at 1080 Old Post Road in Fairfield.
 
To attend, please register here.   
FUND TO ASSIST RENTERS FROM BEING EVICTED FROM HOMES DUE TO OVERDUE RENT
The Connecticut Department of Housing has launched a new fund to assist renters who are on the verge of being evicted from their homes due to owing past due rent. Utilizing $12.5 million in funding from UniteCT and the Rent Bank, the Eviction Prevention Fund will provide households with up to $5,000 to pay off past-due rent with their current landlord.

To apply, tenants must call the UniteCT Call Center at 1-844-864-8328 to be screened for eligibility. Eligible applicants will receive direct assistance from a local UniteCT Resource Center, where they will complete the application. If a tenant requires but does not have legal representation, access to mediators at Quinnipiac University’s Center on Dispute Resolution will be provided. For more information, please click here.
FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFERS FREE TAX ASSISTANCE
Fairfield Public Library will once again be offering free tax preparation help to patrons through the services of AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program.

On Tuesdays from January 24th – April 18th, patrons can seek assistance at Fairfield’s Main Library between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM. This service is especially suited to seniors and low-to-moderate-income households. No appointment is necessary; patrons will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who prefer virtual assistance, tax counselors will also be online here; a Smartphone, tablet with a camera, or computer with a scanner will be needed.

Patrons appearing for in-person assistance will need: a government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license, US passport, CT State ID card); Social Security cards for ALL household members, and any necessary tax documents, such as W-2 forms and past tax returns. Please note that masks are preferred but not required to be worn in the tax preparation room, and patrons are asked to bring no more than ONE additional person with them. Health safety protocols are mandated by the Town of Fairfield and are subject to change.
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 – 4:00 PM to purchase.
2023 BEACH STICKERS
The 2023 Beach/Transfer Station Stickers 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 no longer accept 2022 stickers.
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 February, Operation Hope is in need of the following items:
  • Single adult toothbrushes & toothpaste
  • Canned stew & Chef Boyardee
  • Instant soup cups
  • Canned clam chowder
  • Mayonnaise & salad dressing
  • BBQ Sauce
  • Honey 
  • Shelf-stable almond & soy milks
  • Canned/jarred olives, mushrooms & artichokes
  • Cleaning Wipes (ex. Clorox)
  • Cleaning Spray (ex. Clorox)
  • Paper Towels
  • Flushable Wipes
  • Small Bottles of Dish Soap
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.

For the second year in a row, the Library invites adult patrons to join its year-long reading challenge--renamed “Genre Challenge”—which began 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. For full rules and more FAQs, visit our website at www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.   

On Tuesdays from January 23rd through April 18th, IRS-certified volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low-income households at Main Library, either in-person or virtually, from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM. In-person help is on a first-come, first-served basis; the virtual option can be accessed via https://simplifyct.org. Please call (203) 256-3160 for more information.

From February 18th through April 15th, the public can view the new exhibit, “Moon Dance,” at the Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery at Main Library. “Moon Dance” features the work of photographer Steve Labkoff and painters Ronnie Gold and Marjorie Sopkin. There will be an opening reception to which the public is invited on Thursday, February 23rd, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Gallery; the artists will speak at 6:00 PM.

Beginning this weekend at BOTH libraries, patrons can check out “Memory Kits” and Simple Music Players to assist with care of dementia patients. The Memory Kits are packaged in backpacks with items to manage varying degrees of dementia, including DVDs, puzzles, coloring books and games to jar the memory and start conversations. The Simple Music Players are easy to use and pre-loaded with over 200 songs for the dementia patient who enjoys music. Memory Kits and Simple Music Players can be checked out together or separately with a library card.

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
February 18th at 3:00 PM marks the Opening Reception for Pequot Library's current newest exhibition, Alphabets, Bedtime Stories, and Cautionary Tales: Children’s Books and the Shaping of American Identity. The featured speaker will be Cecily Dyer, Special Collections Librarian. In honor of this theme, children ages three to five can join Children's Librarian Jane Manners for a few bedtime stories via Zoom on February 22nd at 6:30 PM. The following night, February 23rd at 6:30 PM, join Joan DiMartino, Curator of the Prudence Crandall Museum, in Canterbury, CT.  for an in-person lecture on boundary-breaking educator and abolitionist Prudence Crandall and her student, Sarah Harris.

On February 22nd at 6:00 PM, in support of this year’s One Book, One Town selection, I Keep Trying to Catch His Eye: A Memoir of Loss, Grief, and Love, join area mental health experts in a panel discussion on how grief is processed at different ages and life stages. Dr. Harry Schmitz, a clinical psychologist and former professor at CUNY and Fordham who also headed his own international consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies, will serve as co-moderator.

The Midwinter Book Sale returns on February 18th and 19th from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission is free. All proceeds support Pequot Library’s annual programs for adults and children, serving more than 33,000 participants a year. Books will be priced at $2 or less. On February 28th at 4:00 PM, as part of the Library Speakers Consortium, join us for an invigorating online conversation with highly acclaimed author Sadeqa Johnson as she talks about her brand new novel, The House of Eve. Finally, check our calendar for recurring events such as our February 24th (5:00 PM) Friday Night Artist's Café, when children ages six to sixteen perform their music in our historic auditorium.
COVID-19 UPDATE
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.
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