Town of Fairfield News
10/2/2020 - 10.2 TOWN UPDATE
Good Afternoon Fairfielders,
I have received a great deal of emails over the last week from residents with concerns about mask wearing, the increase of cases in our High School population, student athletics, and COVID in general.
I want to again remind residents to please do your part, and wear a mask when in public and when a 6' distance from others cannot be maintained. It is incumbent upon all of us to protect each other and slow the spread of the virus. Please, if you have symptoms, make sure you get tested and stay home.
With regard to students wearing masks while playing sports; the state sector rules from the Governor do not require masks to be worn while playing sports outside. Masks are only required to be worn while on the sidelines and not participating. The Town's Parks & Recreation Department will continue to remind coaches of the sector rules. |
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COVID-19 UPDATE:
The Town of Fairfield has 889 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 145 of our residents have sadly lost their lives. Of the 889 residents who have tested positive in Fairfield, 390 have reported that they have fully recovered and 229 are assumed recovered.
Charts and data on Fairfield cases including age, gender, nursing home statistics, testing results, different trends and university statistics can be found at https://www.fairfieldct.org/covid19data. When looking at the data page, please be sure to read the notes around each chart as they offer explanations of some of the changes in the data. The Health Department updates this page daily. |
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Schools
This week, the Health Department became aware of five additional students at Fairfield Ludlowe High School (FLHS) who tested positive for COVID-19.
This group of cases lead to over 30 close contacts having to quarantine. As of yet there is no clear connection between last week’s cases and this week’s cases. In total 136 close contacts, including family members, friends, and classmates were asked to quarantine in relation to the cases at FLHS.
The Health Department created the COVID-19 School Data page, which details the school related metrics and is updated each week as the State releases the data. The Fairfield Board of Education also has a dashboard on their homepage at https://www.fairfieldschools.org/.
This week, our Police Department, Health Department, Fire Department and my office held conference calls with both Universities to receive updates to make sure we continue to work together for our entire community.
The Universities each have websites with updated information on their testing, which can be found here:
Fairfield University's Dashboard
Sacred Heart University's Dashboard
Contact Tracing
One of the key tools we have to contain the spread of COVID-19 is Contact Tracing. For this initiative to be successful, the Health Department needs the cooperation of residents who test positive for COVID-19. Both Universities were trained and assisted by our Health Department to manage their own contact tracing for their respective campuses.
The primary purpose of contact tracing is to identify and notify direct contacts of confirmed cases as quickly as possible and to ensure those exposed are self-quarantining. The information provided in the interviews with confirmed cases helps reduce the potential spread of the virus in our community.
Any Fairfield resident who tests positive for COVID-19 and has not received a phone call from the Fairfield Health Department or the Connecticut COVID Tracing system within 24 hours of receiving their result is urged to contact the Fairfield Health Department at 203-256-3022.
By way of a reminder, the state's phase 3 reopening will be in effect on October 8th: For more information, click here. |
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SHU Community Theatre Update
I recently got a chance to tour the new Sacred Heart University Community Theatre with President Dr. John Petillo, our former Police Chief Gary MacNamara who is now SHU’s Public Safety & Government Affairs Executive Director, SHU Community Theatre Director Bill Harris and Community and Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart.
The university has assumed a 10-year lease with Kleban Properties to create a premier, non-profit cinema arts, live performance and education venue at the former Community Theatre, a 100 year-old cultural landmark in the heart of downtown Fairfield. Extensive renovations are transforming the theatre into a state-of-the-art facility, expected to formally open and celebrate its Centennial in the new year.
Ken Kleban of Kleban Properties LLC said, "Kleban Properties will soon be transforming the area in front of the theatre into a garden plaza with outdoor dining and an added exciting restaurant concept." I look forward to working with the Klebans regarding their design ideas for the town space in front of the community theatre and businesses.
Click here to watch a preview: https://vimeo.com/454158015! Follow along at shucommunitytheatre.org. |
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Fairfield Students Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award!
Congratulations to the nine Fairfield high school students who received the President’s Volunteer Service Award! These outstanding young leaders took on the PVSA challenge accumulating 50+ community service hours in one year - despite the pandemic - which they saw as an opportunity and a necessity to help others. A few of the examples of community service performed include sending cards to senior citizens to make them feel less isolated, cooking dozens of meals for local shelters, organizing food drives, picking up groceries and yard work.
SASO, pronounced “say-so” and whose name stems from the catch phrase “if you need help, just ‘say-so,’” is an inclusive mother/son service organization for boys who live in or attend any high school in Fairfield. SASO focuses on having mom and son teams participate in events that help partnered philanthropies such as Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Operation Hope, Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, The Pilot House, Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, and many more.
Each SASO award recipient received a medallion, certificate and letter of gratitude for his service signed by the President of the United States. For more information on SASO or the PVSA: http://www.sasofairfield.org/boys/pvsa/pvsa-requirements.
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Greens Farms Garden Club Celebrates 90 Years!
This week, I had the pleasure of issuing a proclamation to the Greens Farms Garden Club in celebration of its remarkable 90th anniversary. The Greens Farms Garden Club was founded in 1930 by Mrs. Oliver H. Jennings of Greens Farms who organized a small group of “garden-minded” women to form a new club.
Environmental awareness and protection, conservation, education and activism continues to be part of the Club’s Charter and is enhanced through its annual Plant Sale, education to the public about environmental threats and the conservation of our natural resources and “garden therapy” at nursing homes, eldercare centers and homes for children with intellectual disabilities. Thank you to all members – past and present - for your positive contributions and the beauty you have so generously shared with our community!
Tree Warden Jeff Minder, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick holding the proclamation, Club President Ann Watkins, Conservation and Environment Chair Mary Lou McGuire, Civic Development Chair/Victorian Cottage Carol MacDonald, 90th Anniversary Committee Chair Maybette Z. Waldron and Fairfield Museum and History Center Director of Interpretation Laurie Pasteryak |
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I'm always excited to welcome a new small business to our town. I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon for ONE 5 at the Brick Walk at 1215 Post Road. The Boutique offers women’s clothing and accessories with stylish fun and affordable pieces for all seasons. The Town of Fairfield was able to award a micro-enterprise grant to help them open her new business. I wish ONE 5's owner, Casey Deck Prchal success with her new business in our town. I hope you will stop by and visit and welcome her to our community.
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I hope that you and your family stay safe and have a lovely weekend. Below are some announcements and resources for residents.
Sincerely,
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman |
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 CHECK OUT THE NEW EXPERIENCE FAIRFIELD WEBSITE!
www.experiencefairfieldct.org is a comprehensive resource for anyone who wants to learn about the richness and diversity of Fairfield and what it has to offer. This updated website includes beautiful new photos, smart filters and maps to learn more about each community in Fairfield. In addition, the site features new restaurant and retail information, and guided audio tours for walking or biking. A calendar feature will be continuously updated with events at the Fairfield Theatre Company, Quick Center, Edgerton Center and other Fairfield venues when they’re safe for in-door audiences. The website’s new look and content was developed by a cross community project team led by Mark Barnhart. We hope you take a few minutes to check it out.
ANNOUNCING A FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT - AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LIVE LEARNING! 
Get out of the house for a fun and safe Town scavenger hunt with your children and win a $25 Shopping Certificate! Answer easy-to-solve riddles about Fairfield with your young ones and enter them at www.experiencefairfieldct.org/know-your-town. The first 25 families that enter and answer at least three of the nine riddles correctly and post related pictures will receive a $25 gift card redeemable at participating stores and restaurants in Fairfield. Kudos if you correctly answer all nine riddles! Full contest instructions, rules and the entry form can be found on the link. We hope you take time to view other web pages while you are on experiencefairfieldct.org. |
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APPLY FOR ENERGY ASSISTANCE
With the heat and power shut-off moratorium ending Oct. 1, Fairfield residents should apply  for help now. If you need help with your heating bill, Fairfield Social Services can help families with the process. It's important to apply now because the utility moratorium on power/heat shut-offs ends October 1, 2020.
Fairfield Social Services is now making appointments to assist Fairfield residents with applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program. Energy assistance pays for a household's primary heating source such as oil, natural gas, electricity, propane, kerosene, coal, wood and wood pellets on behalf of eligible households. The amount of heat assistance may not be sufficient to cover a household's entire winter heating cost. Homeowners and renters may apply.
Due to risks associated with Covid-19, there will be no in-person appointments for Energy Assistance. Please call the Social Services office to set up your telephone appointment: 203-256-3170. Don't wait, do it now. |
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ALPHA COMMUNITY SERVICES: WALK WITH US TO END HOMELESSNESS
As much as we all enjoyed our premiere fundraiser and the beautiful walk with our friends and family, from Captain’s Cove through St. Mary’s by The Sea, we have met an additional challenge of bringing our community together in a safe way for our 19th Annual Walk to End Homelessness. We are creating a virtual walk culminating with an exciting virtual special event sponsored by Star 99, WEBE, WICC and The Patterson Club.
Our Silent Auction is live Friday, Sept 25 – October 3 5:55pm. We have great items available – Getaway Weekends, Restaurant Gift Cards and more. Please register and submit your bid. |
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2020 CENSUS
The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade. Visit 2020census.gov.
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DOGS
As of October 1st, Dogs are permitted on Town of Fairfield Beaches, however, they are prohibited from Boardwalks, Pavilions and playgrounds. Persons responsible for dogs must clean up after their animals while they are on the beach, in open spaces or in the parking areas. Dogs are not permitted in any Town of Fairfield parks or playground areas.
The CDC Guidelines have not changed regarding dogs being leashed at all times and under the control of their owner. I know our town has allowed dogs to be unleashed at Jennings Beach and at Lake Mohegan, however it would not be responsible for the Town of Fairfield to ignore the CDC guidelines during this pandemic. I hope our Town's dog owners understand that we must follow these guidelines while visiting any Fairfield Parks, Beaches & Open Spaces.
According to the CDC, we should "treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection." The "CDC recommends that pet owners limit their pet’s interaction with people outside their household."
In addition, the CDC states that you should "walk dogs on a leash at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from others" and "avoid public places where a large number of people gather."
We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
For the complete text of the Town Ordinance pertaining to dogs on beaches, open space areas, and marinas, go to: https://buff.ly/34jJsKm |
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| FAIRFIELD REVALUATION
The Connecticut General Statutes requires each town to do a revaluation every five years. The Town of Fairfield is in the process of a real property revaluation as required for the Grand List of October 1, 2020. This revaluation will correspond to the tax bills that will be due beginning in July 2021.
There are five major phases to a municipal revaluation: Data Collection, Market Analysis, Valuation, Field Review, and Informal and Formal Appeal Hearings. During these phases many tasks will be implemented in order to successfully complete the revaluation.
Revaluation is a revenue neutral process. This means that a municipality's tax levy is not changed by the revaluation, thus the total amount of taxes the Town will need to collect will be about the same, regardless of whether or not a revaluation takes place. What does change in a revaluation is the amount of taxes individual taxpayers pay. In July 2021, the first tax payments under this revaluation will be due.
For more information, click here.
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FAIRFIELD'S ANNUAL GREEN EXPO:
Fairfield’s Annual Green Wheels Expo Will Roll Online Featuring Special Guest Jay Leno:
The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF)’s acclaimed Green Wheels Expo will roll again this September, in a feature-packed online format providing viewers a host of opportunities, safely accessible right from home, to sample the many appealing models of electric vehicles (EVs) transforming how we travel.
The hub of this year’s online Expo will be a dedicated website accessible via the Green Wheels Expo tab at SustainableFairfield.org, featuring EV webinars from Monday, Sept. 28 to Friday, Oct. 2, daily at 1 pm, plus a showcase of new EV models, informational articles and videos, and testimonials from EV owners.
Comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno (now seen talking cars on CNBC's Jay Leno's Garage) will make a special guest appearance on the site, in an extended Zoom conversation about EVs with Fairfield-based automotive writer and SFTF member Jim Motavalli. Read more here.
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PLATFORM TO EMPLOYMENT:
Click the images below for more information.
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FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE: 
The Town of Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has been working to encourage walking and biking for transportation, recreation, exercise and quality of life.
Working with multiple town departments we have established bicycle routes, installed bicycle repair stations, worked to improve pedestrian infrastructure, and authored the Town of Fairfield Complete Streets Policy (approved by the Board of Selectman in 2018).
With more and more of our citizens using our roads, we would like to provide you with some important safety reminders for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. View the document here. |
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VOTING:
Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM on Election Day sanitized with social distancing measures in place. If you do not wish to go to your polling place you may vote by absentee ballot.
Absentee Ballots must be received by 8:00 pm on Election Day. A secure ballot drop box is available in front of Old Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road should you prefer this method over mailing your ballot. Applications may be dropped off in this box as well.
View the ballot here: www.fairfieldct.org/ballot |
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TOWN GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Sullivan Independence Hall and Old Town Hall are open to the public by appointment only for the safety of employees and residents. Please visit this summary page for an overview and follow links to specific departments for more information. |
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Help is available to Fairfield small businesses that are struggling due to the pandemic. The Fairfield COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one time direct financial assistance to eligible Fairfield small businesses that have no more than five full-time employees and that have been adversely affected by the public health emergency. Applications are still being accepted by the Office of Community & Economic Development. To learn more or to apply, please visit the website: www.fairfieldct.org/covidsbr.
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The Fairfield COVID-19 Relief Fund was established to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of the funds must be directly related to the effects of the virus. Donate to the fund or apply for relief by clicking below.
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FARMER'S MARKETS:
The downtown farmers market is held Sundays on Sherman Green, from 10AM-2PM throughout the summer months and into the fall season. In keeping with CDC and State of CT guidelines, face masks and social distancing protocols are required. For more information and a list of vendors, please visit www.fairfieldfarmersmarket.org. For those unable to make Sundays, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market, located at 65 Hillside Road, is another great local option which is open on Saturdays from 10AM to 2PM, through the fall. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information. For frequently asked questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) for workers and employers click here. |
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ASSISTANCE FOR RENTERS, HOMEOWNERS & RESIDENTIAL LANDLORDS
Governor Lamont announced a comprehensive plan to put more than $33 million in state and federal resources to work providing emergency assistance to renters, homeowners, and residential landlords impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Rental assistance information can be found here. Further information is below:
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SOCIAL SERVICES
Social Services continues to assist by telephone town residents who are experiencing difficulty providing the basic needs for themselves and their families, especially during these unprecedented times. Please call with any questions or concerns: 203-256-3170 or visit at fairfieldct.org/humanservices. |
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BIGELOW CENTER
Transportation services are running on a limited basis for medical appointments and grocery shopping. Reservations for rides are first-come, first-served for shopping and medical appointments and must be made no less than one week in advance. Please call the senior center for more information: 203-256-3166.
The buses may only transport four riders per trip. For those who do not live in Senior and Disabled Housing, Fairfield Senior Transportation will provide rides Tuesdays or Thursdays each week. Masks must be worn to board the buses. Rides are now available to medical appointments for Fairfield’s seniors and people with disabilities on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 – 3:00 PM.
If you or anyone you know are homebound and unable to shop, the Mobile Food Pantry is available every other week and lunches are available for those who are homebound. Please call Social Services for more information: 203-256-3170. |
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COVID-19 TESTING
Testing capacity has increased in our area. To view locations where to get tested, please visit fairfieldct.org/covid19testing. |
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OPERATION HOPE FOOD PANTRY
Operation Hope wants to make sure residents of Fairfield are aware that the food pantry remains open and is ready to help by providing food and other basic needs to community residents, as they have for nearly 35 years. The pantry is currently operating as a drive-up service at 636 Old Post Road offering prepacked bags of groceries appropriate for various-sized households.
Hours of Operation: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00-12:00; Thursday from 4:00 -6:00. Visit operationhopect.org. |
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FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
 The Fairfield Public Main Library is open for quick browsing and checkout on weekday afternoons 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Learn more about Library Express service. Coming Soon…additional Library Express service hours at the Main Library. Beginning Saturday October 17th Library Express Service will be expanded to include Saturdays 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Please visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org for full details regarding Curbside Pickup at the Main Library and Woods Branch Library. Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 24/7 access to their digital collection of books, music, magazines, movies and databases. Visit the Library Event Calendar to find a wide and varied assortment of Virtual Programs.
Need a library card? Follow this link fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/my-fpl/library-cards/ and get started today!
Sign up for the library newsletter here. |
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PEQUOT LIBRARY: WE'RE HERE, WE CARE 
Pequot Library's doors may be temporarily closed, but our librarians and staff are still here for you! Enjoy digital programs like story times, author talks, book clubs, and more! 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.
On Monday, June 22, Pequot will be curbside pickup. Please contact us for more information. |
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Important COVID-19 Links:
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Contact Information:
For general questions you can call 211
Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 Clinical Command Center hotline, staffed by healthcare professionals, is now available to the community. To reach the 24-hour hotline, call 860.972.8100 or (toll-free) 833.621.0600.
YNHH has a call center number it’s 1-833-ASK YNHH that’s open from 7am - 7pm.
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