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
5/26/2023 - 5.26 TOWN UPDATE Dear Fairfielders, This weekend is Memorial Day, a time when our community unites to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. I hope you will join me in attending one or all of the Town’s Memorial Day events and reflecting on the fallen and their families. We owe an eternal debt to these selfless heroes who served our country with unwavering bravery. May our prayers and tributes bring solace to the bereaved families, and may we strive to live lives worthy of their profound sacrifice. Fairfield Memorial Day Parade As I shared in my last newsletter, in addition to the parade, residents are invited to attend Fairfield’s 35th Annual Memorial Sea Service at South Benson Marina on Ash Creek at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 27, 2023. The memorial ceremony is for those lost at sea, and those who were buried at sea, in service to our country. For a full listing and event updates click here. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS Saturday, May 27 – 10 AM Annual Memorial Sea Service – South Benson Marina. Click here for more information. Sunday, May 28 - Memorial Day Mass - 12 PM Assumption Church will hold a Memorial Day Service Mass to honor the war dead, followed by a military remembrance service & wreath laying. Monday, May 29 – 7 AM to 12 PM St. Paul's Episcopal Church Annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast – Near Old Town Hall (Click here) Monday, May 29th –8:00am-10:00am The First Congregational Church will be hosting hot air balloon rides to support local charities. For more information, click here. 10 AM to 3 PM Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Tag Sale – Old Academy Near Old Town Hall 12 PM to 3 PM Memorial Day Open House - Fairfield Museum and History Center – Behind Old Town Hall (Click here). Annual Memorial Day Parade – 10 AM Begins corner of Post and South Pine Creek Roads and ends on Old Post Road in front of Old Town Hall. For more details on the parade visit Fairfield Parks & Recreation - Memorial Day (fairfieldct.org) Visit fairfieldct.org/MemorialDayEvents for more information and updates. MEMORIAL DAY PARADE TRAFFIC AND PARKING The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 AM at the corner of Post Road and South Pine Creek Road. PARADE ROUTE: The line of march will run East from South Pine Creek Road along the Post Road to the Library, then South along Old Post Road to Flint’s Corner, and then East along Old Post Road passing the Town Green and continuing beyond South Benson Road. ROAD CLOSURES: No traffic will be permitted along the parade route beginning at 9:30AM. No through traffic will be permitted on South Pine Creek Road after 9:00AM. Expect delays and plan an alternate route if not attending the parade. PARKING: No parking will be permitted along the parade route. Please take notice of temporary "No Parking" signs along the route (South Pine Creek Road to Bungalow Ave. East side of Reef Road from Oldfield Road to Crescent Road. South Pine Creek Road from St. Anthony’s Church to Post Road). CHAIRS/BLANKETS: Parade goers are permitted to begin laying chairs/blankets along the parade route beginning Sunday morning. INCLEMENT WEATHER: The Emergency Management Team will review weather conditions through the Memorial Day Weekend and if warranted, based on unsafe conditions, will make a decision by 6:00 am Monday morning to cancel the parade. Notification will be made on the Town website, Facebook pages, WICC (600), Channel 8 and Channel 12. GRADUATIONS Fairfield congratulates the graduating classes from Sacred Heart and Fairfield Universities. Fairfield is unique with two universities that bring vibrancy to our town and where many of the graduates choose to remain and become part of the Fairfield community. Congratulations to the Fairfield Prep Class of 2023 as they celebrate their 81st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 26th. Good luck to all of the graduating seniors. BEACH SEASON IS HERE Town beaches will officially open Saturday, May 27th. Beach stickers are available from the Parks & Recreation Department. The guards at the beaches cannot accept receipts in lieu of beach stickers. Parking restrictions are effective beginning the 27th and remain in effect until Labor Day. Violators are subject to ticket and/or tow. Please take notice of all posted parking signs. Beach area residents are reminded that a permit is required on all vehicles parked in the roadway outside of your homes. "Beach Permit Violations" and "No Parking Violations" in the beach area are subject to a $200 fine. Lifeguards will be on duty at the beaches from 10am to 6pm, weekends only, from May 27 to June 18. Regular summer hours will begin on Monday, June 19 with lifeguards on duty daily 10am to 6pm at all beach sites. Lifeguards will be on routinely at Lake Mohegan from 10am to 8pm, from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. I want to thank our Parks & Recreation Department for their work in keeping our beaches and public facilities clean. For all important information visit fairfieldrecreation.com TOWN GOVERNMENT NEWS All Town Offices will be closed, Monday, May 29th in honor of Memorial Day. DIGESTER UPDATE Repairs to the digester are on track for completion by the end of May. The WPCA is pleased to report that 80% of the new odor control system is now running at the plant. Next steps will be to conduct a smoke test to ensure the integrity of the seal and then the commissioning which will take 30 to 45 days to reintroduce the effluent. While the digester malfunction was very likely due to a lack of maintenance over the years, the Town appreciates the surrounding neighborhoods patience during this repair process. I want to thank all the employees at the WPCF plant who work every day to ensure our town's solid waste is processed and especially for their hard work to get the digester repaired. For more information about the digester, you can read about it in my previous newsletter, here. DUCK FARM ROAD BRIDGE UPDATE Construction continues on the Duck Farm Road Bridge. The original notice sent out to residents stated the bridge would be closed for 8 to 16 months beginning in mid-April 2022. The Town is still currently on target for that expected timeline for bridge construction. We are optimistic this project will be completed on schedule in the beginning of September. Construction at the Duck Farm Road Bridge project is in full swing. The contractor is currently running two crews. One crew is installing micro piles while the other is forming and pouring concrete for the foundation and wing walls of the new bridge. The Town has also had coordination meetings with all the utility companies involved to discuss restoration and the work they need to do for completion. In addition, there has been some change in subcontractors on the job. We are confident that this change will significantly expedite the remaining construction work and allow us to overcome the delays we have faced. The Town is still on target for the original expected timeline of 8-16 months for bridge construction. We have commitment from the contractor for substantial completion (i.e., open to local traffic) come September. If you have any additional questions, please contact the town’s project manager, Eli Ghazal at (203) 256-3034. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK On Monday, May 22nd, I joined our Public Works Department to kick off National Public Works Appreciation Week to sincerely thank them for all their hard work for the residents of Fairfield. Fairfield recognizes National Public Works Week in appreciation of our Public Works professionals. These dedicated employees at all levels of government are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting transportation, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and many more areas that are essential for our residents. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Town’s Public Works employees for their substantial contribution to keeping our Town beautiful - including our beaches and parks - safe and running. PENFIELD PAVILION REPAIR Updates on the project at Penfield Pavilion are provided monthly at the BOS meeting. Please check the website for updates and information as we move forward on remediating and repairing the structure. Construction is set to begin after Labor Day. Penfield Pavilion Updates ROAD PAVING UPDATE Road paving is actively taking place throughout town. For residents who live on a street scheduled for paving, if you are enrolled in the Town's Emergency Alert system, you will be notified when your street will be impacted by road work. To enroll in the Town's notification system, please click here. To read more about road paving click here. FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT/POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATIONS You can receive real time updates on power outages specific to your home or business by registering to receive text messages regarding Outages, Restoration Times and Power Restored Confirmation. It is easy to register online or by text. Click here for more information from the Fire Department. CONSTRUCTION ON CARRIAGE DRIVE Reminder, as of Monday, May 15, 2023, closures will be in place on Carriage Drive for sanitary sewer installation work. The project is expected to last 3 to 4 weeks. Construction will begin at the intersection of Mill Hill Terrace and Carriage Drive. Fairfield Police personnel will be on site to assist with traffic flow at the intersection. Construction will then advance up Carriage Drive with traffic open to local residents only. The intersection of Southport Terrace and Carriage Drive may be temporarily closed during the day. At the end of each day, road construction plates will cover the road, allowing traffic to flow in both directions. Roadwork and detour signs will be in place at the appropriate times during the construction project. RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM The Assessor's Office is now accepting applications for the Renters Rebate Program. Applications are accepted between 9am and 4pm. The deadline to apply is September 29, 2023. Generally, applicants need to be 65 years of age as of December 31, 2022, or be disabled, have income not exceeding $40,300 if single or $49,100 if married and have resided in Connecticut for one year prior to applying. Details can be found on the Assessors website here, or on the State of Connecticut’s site. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OPENING The Town of Fairfield is still seeking a qualified Fairfield resident from any political party to serve a six year term – July 2023 to July 2029 – on the Board of Library Trustees. The Board of Trustees work with the Town Librarian and staff to set policy, oversee Library operations, and help with strategic planning. If you are interested in serving, please fill out this form and submit it no later than June 15, 2023. FAIR TV COMMISSION NEWS FAIR TV COMMISSION VACANCIES The Town is also currently accepting applications for residents to serve on the Fair TV Commission. If you have an interest in our government and education public service channels there are currently two vacancies that need to be filled. Per Town Ordinance, one of the vacancies must be filled by a registered Democrat and the other by a registered Republican. The FairTV Commission generally meets virtually on the third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 pm. To learn more about the Commission please, click here. To apply please click here. FAIR TV MANAGER VACANCY The FairTV Commission is currently seeking a part-time FairTV Manager. This person is an independent contractor hired by the Commission to manage the FairTV channel operations. To learn more click here. To be considered please send a letter of interest via e-mail to the FairTV Commission, fairtvcommission@fairfieldct.org. AGE FRIENDLY INITIATIVE | COMMUNITY SURVEY I’m sure you have read about Age Friendly Fairfield, a town-wide initiative to make our community a great place to grow up and grow old. Fairfield has committed to assessing the challenges of our aging population, identifying policies, programs and new ideas that will improve the quality of life for all ages. Click Here to take the Age Friendly Fairfield Survey before June 15. Your response will help develop the Action Plan and priorities for Age Friendly Fairfield. Please take the 15 minutes necessary to complete it. The anonymous information you provide will be used to help inform our planning processes as we work with residents, businesses, and government agencies, to build upon the existing successes and make Fairfield even more livable. The survey is for residents age 45 or older. Please spread the word! For information about Age Friendly Fairfield, visit Age Friendly Fairfield. TAKE THE SURVEY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS The Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development is pleased to announce a new partnership with Fairfield Video Group / CT Biz Tour to produce customized promotional videos for Fairfield small businesses at a special discounted rate. Under this program, bricks & mortar establishments located within the Town of Fairfield with five or fewer employees may be eligible to receive 50% reimbursement for these video production and marketing expenses up to a maximum of $450 per approved business. To be considered for the program and eligible for reimbursement, businesses must apply on-line and be pre-approved by the Town of Fairfield. Approved businesses may then contract with Fairfield Video Group/CT Biz Tour and create their own promotional videos. Businesses enrolled in the program will receive a 60-90 second video as well as a 15 second teaser that they can use for their websites and social media channels. The program is funded through a grant from the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development. Funding is limited. Applications will be accepted and processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are fully committed. For more information on this program or to apply, please contact the Fairfield Office of Community and Economic Development at 203-256-3120 or click here. COVID RECOVERY FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE The Town is continuing to accept applications for the Fairfield COVID-19 Recovery Fund with ARPA funding. The Fund was established in 2022 to provide limited, one-time assistance to Fairfield residents who have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have exhausted any other assistance funds or available resources for which they may be eligible. Financial assistance will be considered for housing and essential household costs such as utilities; childcare; auto loans and expenses; medical bills and health care expenses; other bills upon request and explanation, excluding credit card debt; business and investment losses, or any other expenses/losses unrelated to the pandemic or deemed inappropriate by the application and/or review committee. Applicants must be Fairfield residents and must be current on all tax obligations to the Town of Fairfield at time of application. For information about the application process and eligibility requirements for the COVID Recovery Fund call Fairfield Social Services at 203-256-3170 or go to COVID-19 Recovery Fund - Town of Fairfield, Connecticut (fairfieldct.org). Financial assistance will be granted on a first come, first served basis. COMMUNITY NEWS COMMISSIONING OF PEQUOT YACHT CLUB The Fleet Commissioning at Pequot Yacht Club is a traditional event that marks the official opening of the summer season. While the ancient practice of wearing olive wreaths is no longer observed, modern naval commissioning ceremonies still involve the reading of commissioning directives and the raising of pennants. The ceremony at Pequot Yacht Club follows a similar formal structure, with addresses and guests gathering to celebrate the new officers. BIGELOW CENTER MEMORIAL DAY BBQ The Bigelow Center held their annual Memorial Day Barbecue this week, complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, cornhole and music. I enjoyed visiting with everyone at this very well attended event. ODYSSEY OF THE MIND The 5th Grade Burr School Odyssey of the Mind Team recently placed second in the Connecticut State Championship. Now they are on their way to Michigan State University to compete in the World Championships. To raise money to pay for their trip they hosted a bake sale outside of Sorrento's and I was lucky to run into them last week. It’s very exciting to have one of Fairfield’s Odyssey teams heading to the World Championship. If you’d like to help the team, you can donate to their go-fund me page here. 3V3 CHARITY HS TOURNAMENT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS HOCKEY Fairfield resident James Murphy, Class of 2024, Fairfield Prep, has started a wonderful initiative that supports special needs hockey. On May 21st, James organized a hockey tournament to raise money and awareness for the Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey non-profit organization. There were 16 teams that participated with a total of 85 players who competed in his tournament. The money raised will be used to buy helmets so that more developmentally disabled players can participate safely. If you would like to donate, please click here. MS. PRESIDENT US - AVERY HOLTZ Fairfield has a newly elected Ms. President US – Avery Holtz. Avery won with the help of her campaign team: Vice President Emily Smith, Chief of Staff/Operations Ellie Holtz, and Communications Director Harper Smith. The confident and caring fourth grader focused her platform on improving public safety. When explaining her motivation to run, she said, “I have had people I know be affected by potential crime and safety issues.” She specifically focused on providing kids with tools to handle matters of public safety. Congratulations to Avery. TREE PLANTING FOR THE LATE ROTARIAN GEORGE MARKLEY Last week, I attended the tree dedication ceremony in honor of George Markley. George was a remarkable member of our community and a well-accomplished man. During his 25 years with the Rotary Club, George occupied almost every board position, including President. He always had a strong desire to do good for his community, and his faith was quintessential to who he was. George's legacy will endure and remain influential. SEWER SYSTEM TELEVISING (CCTV) WEEKDAYS FROM MID-MAY TO EARLY JULY 2023 Vortex Services, on behalf of the Town of Fairfield Water Pollution Control Facility and Wright-Pierce Engineering, will be conducting closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of the Town of Fairfield’s sanitary sewer system starting the week of May 22nd through early July 2023. The purpose of this fieldwork is to identify leaks or other defects in the sanitary sewer system for future remediation. HOW THIS AFFECTS YOU: Most of the work will be performed on public property, usually in the street right-of-way. However, some of these activities may involve accessing manholes on residential property where the town has an easement. For more information, click here. SMARTER WATERING BEGINS WITH YOU People across the country are putting water high on the list of things to use more efficiently, especially given the large fluctuations in the amount of rain and snow we receive. Plus, of course, the finite nature of the water supply and the essential role it plays in human, economic and environmental well-being. Fairfielders are requested to follow a MANDATORY twice-weekly irrigation schedule from April 1 through October 31. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand-held watering are allowed at any time. Some residential and commercial customers may qualify for a variance from the schedule. For more information, click here. FAIRFIELD COMMISSION ON disABILITIES ANNOUNCES NEEDS FOR ASSESSMENT SURVEY Dan Van Horne, Chair of the Commission on disAbilities and Director of Human and Social Services, Julie DeMarco, are pleased to announce a partnership with graduate students in the Occupational Therapy Program at Sacred Heart University. The Masters-level students are conducting a town-wide needs assessment of services for people with disabilities of all ages and for people with loved ones with disabilities. The Fairfield Commission on disAbilities was established to ensure that Fairfield is a welcoming community where people with disabilities can lead inclusive and fulfilling lives, participating and contributing as active members of our town,” said Mr. Van Horne. “Understanding these needs will guide the Commission to focus on topics that will deliver lasting benefits to those with disabilities and will change the dialogue on what we can do to be a more inclusive community.” To complete the survey, click here. All input from residents will remain confidential, will help our Committee set priorities for future work, and is vital to achieving our mission. For more information about the Commission on disAbilities, go to its webpage, here. Information about town services and programs available for people with disabilities is available by calling the Fairfield Department of Human and Social Services at 203-256-3170; and on its website (https://www.fairfieldct.org/humanservices); or by email at socialservices@fairfieldct.org. FPS GREEN TEAM SUSTAINABILITY TIP OF THE WEEK NATIONAL BIKE AND MOTORCYLCE AWARENESS MONTH This month is National Bike Month and Motorcycle Awareness Month which promotes the health and safety of all of Fairfield's bikers. The Fairfield Police Department shares their tips on how to practice safe biking as they share the road with other vehicles. Click here for more information from the Fairfield Police Department on how to stay safe on the roads! COMMUNITY EVENTS GREENFIELD HILL FARMERS MARKET SEASON HAS BEGUN Located at 65 Hillside Road, the Greenfield Hill Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm from now through October. Be sure to stop by to check out their many local vendors. DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET EIGHTH SEASON Fairfield Farmers Market and the Town of Fairfield are happy to announce the return of the popular summer farmers market on Sunday, June 11th. The Market will be held every Sunday 10AM-2PM, rain or shine, on the Sherman Green. Over 30 local farms and small batch food producers will participate. Three Connecticut farms will offer fresh seasonal vegetables, fruit, and salad greens. In addition to produce, vendors will offer other essentials such as meat, eggs, fish, baked goods, bread, salami, honey, sweet treats, CBD products and more. There will be live music in the gazebo twice monthly. New food and artisan vendors are bringing new excitement to the market, and we are thrilled to have them able to participate this year. For more information, including a list of venders, please visit the Fairfield Farmers Market webpage. FLAG RAISING CEREMONY This will be the fifth year the Town of Fairfield will fly the Pride Flag in front of Town Hall, which serves as a reminder that our community will stand against discrimination of any kind. I look forward to welcoming residents to join us for our newly created family friendly celebration. The ceremony will take place on June 15th at 5:30pm, followed by a free, outdoor event at Burr Mansion from 6:00pm-8:00pm. For more details, click here. OPERATION HOPE SPRING CLEANING Spring cleaning is in season and it's the perfect time to set aside beloved items and plan to host a tag sale at your home to benefit Operation Hope! We are excited to hold our annual Town-Wide Tag Sale on Saturday, August 12, 9am-3pm, rain or shine. We seek Tag Sale hosts! We are asking friends to host tag sales in their own yards and garages around Fairfield and Southport that Saturday. This is your chance to purge so others and our neighbors in need can benefit from your treasures! Get all the details, sign up and read the FAQs here. Thank you for lending a hand, and especially for opening your home and heart to help us end hunger and homelessness, one person at a time. MAKE MUSIC FAIRFIELD Make Music Fairfield returns on Wednesday, June 21st from 12PM – 9PM with artists performing all over Town – from Jennings Beach, Greenfield Hill Commons, Southport, Sherman Green Gazebo, and more! Be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram @MakeMusicFairifeld! To sign up as an artist, volunteer, or learn more, click here. 46th ANNUAL APPALACHIA SERVICE TRIP 220 Fairfield teens will be traveling south for a week of service through the Appalachia Service Project, Inc. during the first week of July. With a required ratio of two adults for every five youth, 88 adults are needed for this year’s trip. Rev. Alida Ward, the trip’s organizer, is seeking twelve additional adult leaders to participate with our teens! Sponsored by Greenfield Hill Congregational Church annually since 1978, this service trip gives our teens the opportunity to do hands-on home repair for impoverished families in West Virginia. There is no charge to adult participants, though donations toward the trip cost are welcome. Home repair experience is not required -- just a willingness to help our youth help others! To learn more, please contact Rev. Ward at award@greenfieldhillchurch.com, and to find out more about the trip, click here. SUSTAINABLE WARDE/FAIRFIELD WARDE HIGH SCHOOL FUNDRAISER Sustainable Warde is hosting a town wide bottle deposit drive on June 3rd from 9am-1pm. Please collect and save all your redeemable beverage containers (plastic bottles/aluminum cans/glass bottles) for donation. For more information, click here. UPCOMING EVENTS MEMORIAL DAY OPEN HOUSE | MAY 29 The Fairfield Museum will be hosting a Memorial Day Open House. Bring your family and friends are a fun-filled afternoon with many activities. For more, click here. EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE | MAY 31 The Fairfield Museum will also be hosting an educator open house on May 31st from 4:00-6:00. K-12 educators are invited for a light reception and sneak peek of the new “Creating Community” exhibition. To RSVP, click here. ?? WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES | JUNE 3 The annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event raises community awareness to end violence against women and girls. High Heels are Optional. Click here for more information. FLARE DAY | JUNE 3 Flare Day at the Southport Harbor has been postponed due to the predicted rain for this Saturday. The rescheduled date is Saturday, June 3rd from 10:00am to noon. For more information, please contact Harbor Master Bryan LeClerc at 203-919-7989 or harbormaster@fairfieldct.org FAIRFIELD HALF MARATHON & 5K RUN | JUNE 3 & 4 The popular Fairfield Half Marathon and 5k races, sponsored by MJP Wealth Advisors will be hosting the 2023 Fairfield Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Fun Run. Packet pick-ups will begin on June 2nd. To learn more or sign up, click here. 2023 CT OPEN HOUSE DAY | JUNE 10 The Fairfield Museum and History Center will be hosting an open house where guests are invited to enjoy a tour, stroll through the Historic Dooryard Garden, and experience a living history demonstration. For more information, click here. CLAM CLINIC | JUNE 24 The Town of Fairfield Shellfish Commission will be hosting its annual Clam Clinic at low tide on Saturday June 24th 9:30 - 12:00 pm at Sasco Beach. SAVE THE DATE FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K | JULY 19 The annual Fairfield Police Department 5k is open for registrations and sponsorships. All proceeds benefit the Fairfield Police Scholarship Fund and the Fairfield Police Foundation. Register here: fpdcops.com/5k. BUSINESS It's always exciting to welcome and support new businesses in Fairfield and congratulate those that are celebrating anniversaries. Our local business' success is Fairfield's success. Fairfield salutes our many small businesses owners who have the courage and fortitude to pave their own path. BACK ON THE RACK The Town of Fairfield welcomes Back on the Rack with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new thrift store is located on 88 Post Road. To see more, click here. Photo by Mike Lauterborn @fairfieldhamlethub on Instagram. SHAMPOOCH PET GROOMING I am excited to welcome Shampooch to Fairfield with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Located on 2244 Black Rock Turnpike, Shampooch is a full-service salon for dogs and cats. Welcome to Fairfield! STATE NEWS The State Legislature is in session. 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 state legislation, reach out to your State Senator and State Representative. You can find their contact information here. I hope you enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and take time to reflect on the sacrifices made on our behalf. I hope to see at you at the parade on Monday. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman MAY UPDATES MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in our' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. For more information and resources click here. My mother always said, "Be kind to everyone because you do not know the burden they may be carrying." I hope everyone in our community will take the time to share acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and empathy with our fellow citizens or simply be there for someone who may need a friend. The Parks & Recreation Summer Brochure is out and registration began May 2nd. The summer concert series has also been released here. BIGELOW CENTER & SOCIAL SERVICES Please click here to open the May 2023 Bigelow Center for Senior Activities newsletter. FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AWARD RECIPIENT The Fairfield Museum has been awarded the 2023 Daniel E. Offutt III Arts & Culture Empowerment Award’s Nonprofit Award. Chosen from among all cultural organizations in Fairfield County, the ACE Award recognizes the Fairfield Museum for making a distinct contribution to arts and culture through visionary leadership, commitment to advancement, community engagement and creative innovation. The Museum will be hosting a Memorial Day Open House on May 29th, and an Educator Open House on May 31st. Click here for more events. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES Please note that both branches of Fairfield Public Library will be closed on the following days for the Memorial Day holiday: Saturday, May 27; Sunday, May 28, and Monday, May 29. Subsequent to May 29, both Libraries will be closed on Sundays throughout the summer. The Library’s Summer Reading Challenge for all ages kicks off next month! Adults, teens and children can create their Beanstack app accounts beginning May 22 and officially start logging reading minutes on June 16th. Prizes will be given out at various levels and programs and activities will be offered all summer at both Libraries. Attend our official “opening day” at Fairfield Museum Commons from 10-12 on Friday, June 16. There will be games and crafts for children and giveaways for all while supplies last! The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery Committee invites the public to view its current exhibit, “Places to Wander,” featuring the work of Rebeca Fuchs, Kate Henderson and Jason Pritchard, in the Kershner Gallery at Main Library. The show will run until June 17 and can be viewed during regular Library hours. Save the date for the Fairfield Food Truck Festival, to be held on Sunday, Sept. 10 this year! More details will follow as they become available. Vendors who wish to participate can contact fairfieldfoodtruckfestival@gmail.com Fairfield Public Library continues to offer a mix of in-person and virtual programming at both locations for children, teens and adults. Please view our online calendar of events on our website to see the offerings and reserve your spot: https://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/ The 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 Pequot Library welcomes summer with a number of programs for all ages, all of which are free with the exception of our June 2 Southport Garden Stroll fundraiser. May 31 at 5:00 p.m. marks the Fairfield Public Schools 49th Annual Art Show Reception with Food Trucks. We’ll showcase two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks made by Fairfield Public Schools students. The Southport Garden Stroll starts with a June 1 (6:00 p.m.) Champagne & Canapé Kickoff sponsored by TV host, realtor, author and Mar Jennings and held at a private harbor side home. Join Marisa Marcantonio, a creative strategist whose work focuses on transforming luxury home brands and the author of a widely read design blog, Stylebeat. A resident of Southport, she will discuss what makes this part of Connecticut well-suited for beautiful interiors and landscaping. The Southport Garden Stroll comes the following day, June 2, and runs in shifts from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the library wishes to recognize and thank premier sponsor On the Harbor real estate. Featuring eight of Southport’s finest private gardens, this self-guided walking tour starts at the heart of Southport Village at Pequot Library. Attendees wind their way through a floral adventure in an idyllic seaside New England neighborhood. The library also presents a companion program at 8:30 a.m.: a talk with Connecticut’s Historic Gardens President Jill Hogan. On June 3 at 11:00 a.m., join Children’s Librarian Jane Manners and Plant Coco’s Garden. Come with a plant (herbs, basil, dill, cilantro, parsley or lettuce) and decorate its marker, then help prepare the soil to renew the eating garden for Coco, the library’s resident Reading Ambassador rabbit. This program is intended for children ages five-plus. Click here for more information. OPERATION HOPE | FOOD PANTRY Operation Hope’s Food Pantry is open all Spring 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. PREVIOUS UPDATES: MAY 12 April 28 April 14 Penfield Pavilion Update FY 24 Budget Archives Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here. Copyright © 2023 Town of Fairfield, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Town of Fairfield 725 Old Post Rd First Selectwoman's Office Fairfield, CT 06824-6684 Add us to your address book 203.256.3030 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Archives
SMARTER WATERING BEGINS WITH YOU
People across the country are putting water high on the list of things to use more efficiently, especially given the large fluctuations in the amount of rain and snow we receive. Plus, of course, the finite nature of the water supply and the essential role it plays in human, economic and environmental well-being.
Fairfielders are requested to follow a MANDATORY twice-weekly irrigation schedule from April 1 through October 31.
Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand-held watering are allowed at any time. Some residential and commercial customers may qualify for a variance from the schedule. For more information, click here.
FAIRFIELD COMMISSION ON disABILITIES ANNOUNCES NEEDS FOR ASSESSMENT SURVEY Dan Van Horne, Chair of the Commission on disAbilities and Director of Human and Social Services, Julie DeMarco, are pleased to announce a partnership with graduate students in the Occupational Therapy Program at Sacred Heart University. The Masters-level students are conducting a town-wide needs assessment of services for people with disabilities of all ages and for people with loved ones with disabilities.
The Fairfield Commission on disAbilities was established to ensure that Fairfield is a welcoming community where people with disabilities can lead inclusive and fulfilling lives, participating and contributing as active members of our town,” said Mr. Van Horne. “Understanding these needs will guide the Commission to focus on topics that will deliver lasting benefits to those with disabilities and will change the dialogue on what we can do to be a more inclusive community.”
To complete the survey, click here. All input from residents will remain confidential, will help our Committee set priorities for future work, and is vital to achieving our mission. For more information about the Commission on disAbilities, go to its webpage, here. Information about town services and programs available for people with disabilities is available by calling the Fairfield Department of Human and Social Services at 203-256-3170; and on its website (https://www.fairfieldct.org/humanservices); or by email at socialservices@fairfieldct.org.
I hope you enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and take time to reflect on the sacrifices made on our behalf. I hope to see at you at the parade on Monday. Brenda L. Kupchick Fairfield First Selectwoman