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

3/3/2023 - 3.3 TOWN UPDATE
Dear Fairfielders,

As the second woman elected to lead the Town of Fairfield in 383 years, I’m particularly proud to recognize March as Women's History Month. I want to share several upcoming local events in celebration of the amazing women who have helped shape our town, state and country's history. 

You can join me on Tuesday, March 21st at 10:30 AM for coffee and conversation in honor of Women's History Month at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. Registration is free. The Center is also offering “Celebrating 300 Years of CT’s Remarkable Women” on March 22nd for an interactive multimedia program by the Connecticut Woman's Hall of Fame. Be inspired as you learn about well-known figures like Ella Grasso, Prudence Crandall, Katharine Hepburn and Marian Anderson. You can register for both events on MyActiveCenter, or call (203) 256-3166 for assistance.
On March 23rd, Women Rock: Flower Power Music from the Generation of Love, will take place at Fairfield Center Stage to benefit the Center for Family Justice. You can buy tickets here.
 
The Fairfield Museum & History Center is offering a discussion on women’s rights that same day with more information here.

Pequot Library and author Robin Kall are hosting a special event to benefit Operation Hope of Fairfield. Please join bestselling women authors Lauren Willig, Heather Webb, Sarah Penner and Robin Kall for an entertaining conversation about historical fiction at Pequot Library on March 21st from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Please click here for more information and registration.
Highlights in this week's newsletter – click to skip down to a section of interest:
TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS
PENFIELD PAVILION
This morning I sent out an email update on Penfield Pavilion, which will be on Monday's Board of Selectmen agenda.

I want to thank the many residents who have responded with their feedback. Please click the link below for more information. 
Penfield Update
TOWN BUDGET
On February 23rd, I sent an interim newsletter update on the FY24 budget I presented to the Board of Selectmen (BOS). You can read it here.

I appreciated the positive comments from both Selectman Flynn and Selectwoman Lefkowitz about the overall budget during this difficult economic climate.

After a great deal of discussion, debate and even disagreement, I am pleased the budget passed unanimously and look forward to the same level of civil discourse that took place at the BOS table during the Board of Finance and RTM budget deliberations.

The budget includes a large investment in Fairfield Public Schools, funds our long-term liabilities, the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief program, which gives back to those residents who helped build Fairfield for the next generation, and keeps spending low despite record high inflation and supply chain issues. It also continues efforts to reorganize the town’s workforce to improve processes and services for residents, while also effectively managing the many existing projects and pending infrastructure needs so Fairfield remains attractive for generations to come. 

I believe the budget the BOS is sending to the BOF is responsive to the needs of residents and businesses and responsible to taxpayers with a less than 1% increase in the mill rate (.98%).

I am proud of the work my administration continues to do to make sorely needed and long overdue changes. I will continue to provide updates on the budget process and welcome your feedback. I am looking forward to a new year filled with hope and promise for Fairfield. 

Below I have linked my proposed budget, the presentation and a link to FairTV where all meetings are posted. Click here to visit the budget website.
FY 24 Budget Proposal
Slide Text Presentation
BOS Meeting Recordings
FAIRFIELD'S BUILDING OFFICIAL NAMED
Patrick Mahoney has officially been named Fairfield's new Building Official and has been serving as our interim Building Official over the last several months. Pat has demonstrated his commitment to following all building codes and has a friendly customer-service approach and responsiveness that has been appreciated by residents, businesses and colleagues. I look forward to working with Pat in this role.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
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.
GARBAGE INCREASE ACROSS TOWN
I have received an influx of complaints regarding littering across our town. While I know it's frustrating for the majority of us who don't litter, I am asking residents and businesses alike to take the time to pick up any garbage on or in front of their properties in an effort to maintain the beauty of our community. I am working with our Public Works Department to schedule a series of community clean-ups that I hope will be helpful towards this effort.

I want to remind our residents that the town has a Blight Prevention Ordinance that defines a blighted premise as real property, including any building or structure thereon, which is and continues to be in a state of disrepair or is becoming dilapidated, which can be evidenced by excessive amounts of garbage or trash on the property.

If you wish to file a blight complaint, please fill out the Blight Complaint Form and submit as directed on the form. Please note that per the Blight Ordinance unsigned anonymous complaints can not be accepted.
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.

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 POLICE DEPARTMENT
On February 23rd, Fit Club BJJ hosted a defensive tactics training for female police officers. Officers from Fairfield, Weston, and North Branford Police attended this unique and vital training. 

I appreciate the time these officers took out of their day to improve their defensive skill set for the safety of our community. It truly shows their dedication to the service of protecting our residents.
COMMUNITY NEWS
CONSERVATION PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS
I join our Conservation Department in their enthusiasm and gratitude for the 173 photos that were submitted by members of our community, 18 of which were selected over a 6-month period for the Conservation Photo Contest. The winning photographs were printed on canvas and will be displayed in the new and improved Conservation Department Office, as well as the Conservation Workshop. The photos that were chosen have a wide representation of the conservation areas in our town, which include inland and tidal wetlands, watercourses, open spaces and shellfish.
I want to thank and congratulate winners Tatiana Roshenets, Tim Macklin, Pandora Kerma, Gail Robinson, Amy Parent, Jonathan Klein, Erin Lopez, Lin Guan, Geoffrey Steadman, Jamie Shamas (2 photos), Laura Becker Lawlor, Lauren LaFronz, Michael Nishball, Peter Hood, Sally McCauley, Salvatore Vassallo and Stanley Gorzelany for submitting such beautiful photos that will be proudly displayed.

I want to especially thank our Conservation Director Tim Bishop and Wetlands Compliance Officer Sarah Neafsey for spearheading this contest. We were also lucky to be joined today by Conservation Commission Chair Lukas Thomas, Commission member Peter Hood, Shellfish Commission Vice Chair Tim Macklin and Tom Coarse of our Conservation Department.
HONORING REVERAND MATTHEW MCDONALD
This past Tuesday, I had the pleasure of meeting and issuing a proclamation for Fairfielder Reverend Matthew McDonald for many accomplishments including becoming a Reverend, working to realize his dream of homeownership right here in the Town of Fairfield in 1970 with his lovely wife Edith Swinton McDonald.

Reverend McDonald also proudly established his own business, McDonald’s Cleaning Service, where he served as a model boss employing men and women of different color fairly and equitably. It made my week to meet this wonderful man, his loving family and his good friends.

You can read the full proclamation here.
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. 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.
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.
HELP A NEIGHBOR! LOOKING FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS FOR SHOVELING FOR SENIORS
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.
FPS GREEN TEAM SUSTAINABILITY TIP OF THE WEEK
UPCOMING EVENTS

SEEDS OF CHANGE CHALLENGE | FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY
On Sunday, March 12th from 4 – 6 PM, the Fairfield Theatre Company is hosting a celebration of the earth, the importance of seed sovereignty, soil ecology, and the small changes every individual can make to their CT lives to feel they are part of preserving a healthy environment. 

Starting at 4:00 PM, there is an exhibition of natural vendors and local environmental groups. 

At 4:30 PM, a breathing exercise will be led by Megan Zwerlein, a local yoga instructor, followed by a movie screening of Seeds of Vandana Shiva. This documentary tells the remarkable life story of eco-activist Dr. Vandana Shiva, how she stood up to the corporate Goliaths of industrial agriculture, rose to prominence in the seed and organic food movement, and is inspiring an international crusade for change. There will be a Q&A after the film moderated by Sefra Alexandra, the Seed Huntress featuring Dina Brewster (The HIckories), Elle Angerame (Green Village Initiative) and Clan Mother Shoran Waupatuquay Piper of the Paugussett Nation. 

You may register for the event here. 
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.
FAIRFIELD MUSEUM & HISTORY CENTER | UPCOMING EVENTS
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 is open, so reserve your seat early! Author talks are also scheduled for the children’s (The Rhino Suit), middle-grade (Hope Wins) and teen’s (Hope Nation) companion books. See the Library’s online calendar of events for a schedule of all programming.
BUSINESS
It's always exciting to welcome and support new businesses in Fairfield. Our local business' success is Fairfield's success. I want to thank our Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart, Marketing Director Mary Alice Limperopulos and Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz for standing in for me for the past few weeks welcoming our new businesses while I was working on the town's budget.
LA FLOR DI GAVAI SALON
We are so excited to welcome La Flor Di Gavali to Fairfield! Please visit Gabriella, Shelby and their team at 1630 Post Road to check out their new salon.
FOUNDATION FAIRFIELD
Welcome to Fairfield, Foundation Fairfield!

Visit Yeymy at her store located at 2465 Black Rock Turnpike! Foundation Fairfield is a vitamins and sports supplements store that provides items such as protein-based snacks, prepared meals, supplements, and more.
GEORGE BILLIS GALLERY
Originally a New York Gallery established in 1997, with another location in Los Angeles, the George Billis Gallery has now joined our community! The Gallery features work by both national and international emerging and established artists, and I am excited about the expansion of our Town's art culture.
Photos by Mike Lauterborn

I hope you have a lovely and peaceful weekend.


Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman
MARCH 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 March, Operation Hope is in need of the following items:
  • Paper Towels
  • Size 6 Diapers
  • Sugar & Oil
  • Microwave Popcorn & Crackers
  • Canned Fruit
  • Stew & Clam Chowder
  • Canned Fish Other Than Tuna
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Honey
  • Ensure, Boost & Glucerna
  • Shaving Cream
  • All Purpose Cleaners & Sponges
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.

During the month of March, please visit Main Library’s “cardboard zoo,” a collection of amazing cardboard animals crafted by 9th-grade art students at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. The animals are on loan from Virginia Zimmermann’s 3-D Foundations class, where the students used principles of anatomy and structural engineering to create large, 3-D sculptures from cardboard strips. There will be a reception for the student artists at Main Library on Thursday, March 9th, at 6:00 PM in the Periodicals Room. The public is encouraged to attend!

Until April 18th, IRS-certified volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance to seniors and low-income households on Tuesdays 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 here. Please call (203) 256-3160 for more information.

The public is invited to view the new art exhibit “Moon Dance” at the Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery at Main Library until April 15th. “Moon Dance” features the work of photographer Steve Labkoff and painters Ronnie Gold and Marjorie Sopkin. Drop by and view this dazzling display during regular Library hours.

“Memory Kits” and Simple Music Players are now available at both Libraries to assist with the 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 jog 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.

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.  

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
Scholars and activists will hold an in-person presentation and panel discussion on the Lights Out Connecticut initiative, which addresses how bird migration is significantly impacted by light pollution, on March 7th at 6:00 PM. On March 8th at 6:00 PM, Greenwich-based author Timothy Cole joins the Library for a Meet the Author event centered on his newest book Murder This Close, the second installment in The Gold Coast Mystery series which follows retired CIA agent Dasha Petrov. 
 
On March 9th at 6:30 PM, the Library hosts an in-person conversation about Founding Father and educator Noah Webster with author Joshua Kendall and Jennifer Matos, former Executive Director of West Hartford’s Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society. This program is being held in conjunction with Pequot Library's new exhibition, Alphabets, Bedtime Stories, and Cautionary Tales: Children’s Books and the Shaping of American Identity, on view through May 6th. Historian Wes Haynes will join Pequot Library on March 15th at 6:00 PM for a talk commemorating the 134th anniversary of Pequot Library’s founding and the history of Connecticut’s public libraries. 

For children: our popular Lenihan Irish Dance Performance returns on March 11th at 10:30 AM. Also developed in conjunction with the current exhibition, children's author Jerry Pallotta visits the Library on April 3rd, and we're holding a workshop inspired by his Who Would Win? series on March 15th at 4:30 PM. Starting on March 16th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM, students in grades 6 to 12 are invited to grab their dice and pencils for a spring Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Pizza will be included. This same age group is invited to Take Over the Exhibition for April Fool's Day on March 24th at 4:00 PM. Each participant will write their own fictional wall label for one of the items on display at our current exhibition. Students in grades 6 to 12 are also welcome to a workshop on Architectural Drawing led by Westport’s One River School, to be held on March 25th at 1:30 PM. One River will also hold a Shel Silverstein workshop on March 20th at 3:00 PM, a program intended for elementary school children but open to all ages.
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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