Town Of Fairfield: 10.8 TOWN UPDATE

Press release from the Town of Fairfield:

10/8/2021

Dear Fairfielders, The month of October is Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last Friday, I was honored to join warriors against breast cancer at the 7th annual Pink Pledge and Jam. I have walked with our community for the last seven years in support of Norma Pfriem Breast Center and Fairfield’s own Pink Pledge Warrior Donna Twist. The Norma Pfriem Breast Center has impacted the well-being of the Greater Fairfield County community by placing life-saving healthcare options within reach of everyone, and I wish continued success to Dr. Donna Twist and to the staff, physicians, and care providers of the Norma Pfriem Breast Center.  Norma Pfriem Breast Center This week, the Police Department went purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is often considered a hidden issue that happens behind closed doors, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Raise awareness about the signs of domestic violence. Talk to your friends and family, coworkers, and neighbors. Together, we can end domestic violence. To learn more, go to https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/. 

Domestic Abuse Hotline - 203.384.9559, Sexual Assault Hotline - 203.333.2233 https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/ Photography by Mike Lauterborn, HameltHub Photography by Mike Lauterborn, HameltHub TOWN GOVERNMENT During the meeting, I provided the Board of Finance with an update on the ongoing expected costs related to the fill pile contamination and public corruption that occurred under the former administration. While it would have be my preference for the Town to use the remaining approximately $6 million in revenue surplus, to reduce the tax burden on our residents, I felt it was important to recommend the remaining surplus be deposited into the Town's fill pile fund, towards the mounting costs for remediation. here  here.  here. CHARTER REVISION CHARTER REVISION all all all  only click here You can write . As you would in a public meeting, please include your name and address with your comment. All comments received and verified will be included in the minutes with your name and address. Your email address will be excluded.   here here .  MASKS
Last Friday I sent an interim update announcing my decision to lift the Town wide mask mandate. You can read the information here. This decision was made in consultation with our Health Director and Emergency Management Director, after seeing a consistent downward trend across case rates and hospitalizations, and an increase in our community's vaccination rate. Fairfield’s current positivity rate is 1.1% and yesterday the Town was downgraded to the yellow category. Connecticut’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 1.7%. Hospitalizations in Fairfield County are down to 37, 18 less than when we lifted the mandate last week. 

The Town is following the CDC guidance that recommends masks be worn indoors and when in close contact with others.

Some residents have written in saying the decreasing trends are evidence the mask mandate worked. And while I respect and understand why one would draw that conclusion, I would just say that there are many towns in our state that don’t have mask mandates in effect and have similar or lower case rates than Fairfield. We are monitoring trends not just as a Town, but also as a county, state and country.

The NY Times published an update this week that said the number of new daily cases in the U.S. has fallen 35 percent since Sept. 1 and worldwide cases have dropped more than 30 percent since late August. Read the full article, "Covid, in Retreat". 

I continue to ask residents to please be respectful to each other, regarding differences of opinion regarding masks, because in the end, we are all neighbors and are all dealing with the added stress this pandemic has caused in different ways. MASKS Last Friday I sent an interim update announcing my decision to lift the Town wide mask mandate. You can read the information  here . This decision was made in consultation with our Health Director and Emergency Management Director, after seeing a consistent downward trend across case rates and hospitalizations, and an increase in our community's vaccination rate. Fairfield’s current positivity rate is 1.1% and yesterday the Town was downgraded to the  yellow  category. Connecticut’s seven-day positivity rate dropped to 1.7%. Hospitalizations in Fairfield County are down to 37, 18 less than when we lifted the mandate last week. 

The Town is following the CDC guidance that recommends masks be worn indoors and when in close contact with others.

Some residents have written in saying the decreasing trends are evidence the mask mandate worked. And while I respect and understand why one would draw that conclusion, I would just say that there are many towns in our state that don’t have mask mandates in effect and have similar or lower case rates than Fairfield. We are monitoring trends not just as a Town, but also as a county, state and country.

The NY Times published an update this week that said the number of new daily cases in the U.S. has fallen 35 percent since Sept. 1 and worldwide cases have dropped more than 30 percent since late August. Read the full article,   recommends "Covid, in Retreat".   I continue to ask residents to please be respectful to each other, regarding differences of opinion regarding masks, because in the end, we are all neighbors and are all dealing with the added stress this pandemic has caused in different ways. Currently, the Fairfield Health Department is NOT hosting any COVID-19 vaccination clinics. If clinics are scheduled, be sure to follow our social media accounts and news section on our website for updated information. Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised ONLY
Effective August 13, 2021 the CDC has recommended that individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and received either Pfizer or Moderna, are eligible to receive a third dose of either Pfizer or Moderna, if it has been at least 28 days since their second dose. Eligible individuals include: rd

• Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g. DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advances or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteriods (i.e.,>20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Pfizer Vaccine ONLY
On September 22, 2021 the FDA amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer vaccine ONLY. Individuals who received Pfizer are eligible to receive a single boost dose as long as it has been at least 6 months since their second dose. Eligible individuals include: Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Pfizer Vaccine ONLY rd Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson Booster (3rd shot) COVID-19 Vaccine for those who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson rd While we anticipate there will be at some point, at this time, there is no approval for a Moderna or Johnson and Johnson booster (3rd dose) vaccine. The FDA is scheduled to meet later this month to approve a potential booster shot for individuals who received Moderna or Johnson and Johnson.

While the health department does not currently offer any booster clinics for those who are immunocompromised or those who received the Pfizer vaccine, you can check the local pharmacies as they are currently giving these out. The health department will continue to monitor the approval process. rd For a list of locations currently offering Booster (3rd dose) vaccinations in Fairfield, please click the button below. UI UTILITY PROTECTION ZONE PROGRAM UI UTILITY PROTECTION ZONE PROGRAM These are the next group of streets UI will be performing the Utility Protection Zone tree pruning and removal work. The list of streets are below and for more information visit here.  These are the next group of streets UI will be performing the Utility Protection Zone tree pruning and removal work. The list of streets are below and for more information visit  here .   Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story.

• Black Rock Turnpike
• Congress St
• Fairfield Woods Rd
• Hoydens Hill Rd
• Morehouse Hwy
• Nepas Rd
• Nonopoge Rd
• Winnepoge Rd

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FALL LEAF PICKUP FALL LEAF PICKUP The Town of Fairfield provides four weeks of leaf collection for all neighborhoods outside of Greenfield Hill. There is no pickup during Thanksgiving week. 

There is no specific pickup day for a particular street or neighborhood. Bags must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on Mondays to assure pickup during that week. Bags placed outside of the Town right-of-way will NOT be picked up.

Greenfield Hill residents may enter a service request (select "Leaf Collection Request (Greenfield Hill)") or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177.

POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES APP FOR  RESIDENTS TO PLACE ANONYMOUS TIPS  The Fairfield Police Department is increasing its crime-fighting arsenal with a new app to help residents connect with the department to find information and submit anonymous tips from their smartphone. 

The new Fairfield PD app enables the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation. The Fairfield PD app and Tip411 anonymous text a tip system are 100% anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before police see the tips and there is no way to identify the sender.

The Fairfield PD app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store or on their website at https://fpdct.com/tips. Those without a smartphone can share information with police by sending an anonymous text tip via their cell phone to police by texting keyword FPDCT and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted via the department’s website at https://fpdct.com/tips https://fpdct.com/tips https://fpdct.com/tips BEWARE OF SCAMS - TIPS FROM OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS On Monday, our Police Department did a great job hosting a Senior Scam Workshop at St. Pius. While our seniors are especially vulnerable to scams like these, I felt I should share some of the information with all of our community. Click  here here  to read the tips. If you would like to review the ballot that will be available at your polling place, you can view and print a copy using the links below. Paper copies are available in the   at 611 Old Post Road. CAMPAIGN SIGNS

• physical disability
• illness
• absence from the Town during all of the hours of voting
• religious tenets which forbid secular activity on Election Day
• Pursuant to Senate Bill 1202, of the June Special Session 2021, COVID-19 may be used as a valid reason for requesting a ballot for any election held before November 3, 2021

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAIRFIELD RESIDENT INTRODUCES THE  FUTURE OF HOME BUILDING IN FAIRFIELD On September 23, Fairfield resident and acclaimed architect Leigh Overland, along with his wife Nancy Evans, unveiled their residential home at 110 Shoreham Terrace, built entirely of sustainable insulated concrete forms (ICFs). As opposed to the traditional wood frames, the ICFs make the home both storm, fireproof, and mold/mildew-proof. 

I want to thank our Community Economic and Development Director Mark Barnhart for attending the ribbon cutting in my place and congratulate Leigh and Nancy on the bringing new innovation to Fairfield. Photography by Jarrett Liota, Fairfield Patch Photography by Jarrett Liota, Fairfield Patch NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAIRFIELD HARVEST MARKET & DOG HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE As a free event, open to the public, The Fairfield Harvest Market features 70 + vendors offering artwork, crafts, pet products, jewelry, upcycled and rustic furniture, home décor items, and beauty products.  Food trucks and vendors from the weekly Fairfield Farmer’s Market will be there too.
 
A Dog Halloween Costume Parade, sponsored by Pet Pantry Warehouse, will start promptly at noon. Line-up will begin at 11:45am (along the side of Old Town Hall, facing Beach Road). Dress your fur baby in their Halloween costume to parade along Old Post Road. The first 25 dogs to line-up will receive a free Chamber dog bandana and doggie treats. Prizes will be awarded for costume creativity.
  
For more details and information, please click  70 + vendors Dog Halloween Costume Parade,  here here . KIWANIS FIELD OF VALOR  To purchase a flag in honor of a veteran or someone currently serving, click   for more details. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story.
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Community Events
Town Events
September Updates
Town Services 
Community Resources Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS CARS FOR K9'S October 10 from 9AM-1PM YOUTHFUL HEARTS CHOIR October 20 at the SHU Community Theatre from 10AM-12PM. HALLOWEEN ON THE GREEN Sunday, October 24 from 12-4  here RESTAURANT WEEK
Save the date for Fairfield's 10th Annual Restaurant Week October 25 - November 7. We welcome you to go back to your favorite, local restaurant or try a new place!  RESTAURANT WEEK October 25 - November 7 For the most up-to-date information and a list of participating restaurants, please visit    or follow us @ExperienceFairfield on  Facebook  &  Instagram . UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS Phantoms of Penfield at Penfield Pavilion – October 28 at 8:00pm - https://www.fairfieldct.org/Phantoms-of-Penfield

Hole in One Fore Hunger at Carl J. Dickman Par 3 Golf Course – November 6 from 9:00am – 1:00pm

Christmas Tree Lighting on Town Hall Green – December 3 at 7:00pm (choir begins at 6:00pm)

Echoes of Sinatra at Penfield Pavilion – December 4 at 7:00pm - https://www.fairfieldct.org/Echoes-of-Sinatra

Holiday Breakfast at Fairfield Ludlowe High School – December 11 at 10:00am Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. OCTOBER UPDATES OCTOBER UPDATES UPCOMING ROAD PAVING Be prepared for detours and delays. This schedule is weather dependent and subject to change:

• October 8: Villa Ave (all)
• October 9: Melville Ave (Cornell Rd to Melville Dr)
• October 12: Melville Ave (Villa Ave to Old Stratfield Rd)
• October 13: Melville Ave (Old Stratfield Rd to Knapps Hwy)
• October 14: Querida St, Roselle St, Jackman Firehouse , Merritt St, Lu Manor Dr.
• Jefferson St.: To be determined
• One Rod Hwy: To be determined

This list includes Town roads only, it does not include State roadways.

Thank you to Fairfield DPW for their hard work as always! does not include State roadways. FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE FAIRFIELD PARKS & RECREATION 2021 FALL BROCHURE Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ...  Check out some of the programs and events coming up this Fall ...  TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. CPR/AED TRAINING FOR THE LAY PERSON CPR/AED TRAINING FOR THE LAY PERSON If you are interested in CPR/AED training, please contact the Fairfield Regional Fire School at   or call (203)  254-4708.  254-4708. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAIRFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARIES  The Fairfield Public Main Library building is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am - 5pm and Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 7pm. Woods Branch Library is open Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm and Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm. Both Main and Woods are open Saturdays 1pm – 5pm.  Both Main Library and Fairfield Woods Branch will be open on Sundays from 1-5pm beginning October 17th.

As per the CDC, masks are recommended at all indoor spaces and social distancing is advised. The Children’s Department at both libraries is open for browsing and borrowing of materials, but play areas remain closed at this time.  Please do not bring food into either library.

We are excited to be continuing with robust Fall programming for Children, Teens, and Adults! There will be a mix of in-person, outdoor, and virtual events.  Please view our online calendar of events on our website (www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org) to see the offerings and reserve your spot!  

Study Rooms are now available for use by persons 16 years and up at both libraries. There are 10 study rooms (5 new!) for use at Main Library and 2 for use at Fairfield Woods Branch.  Study rooms can be used for tutoring sessions, study sessions, and small group business meetings (limit of 4 persons per room); users must have a valid Connecticut library card registered with Fairfield Public Library.  For more information or to make a study room reservation, call (203) 256-3160 (Main) or (203) 255-7308 (Branch).
 
The Bruce S. Kershner Art Gallery at the Main Library has reopened!  The current exhibit is “Behind the Scenes: Art by the Curators,” which will run through November 27th during regular Library hours. th th  Fairfield Public Library continues to offer 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  to 833-232-4100). Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Veterans and Service Members Student Loan Relief:  **and did you know that veterans may be reimbursed for travel to medical appointments? Safe Return Network:  Commission on disAbilities Seeking Volunteers Rental & Utility Assistance UniteCT

• Cover arrears accrued since March 13, 2020, rather than only those accrued in last 6 months
• Pay landlords for 100% of covered arrears, rather than only 85%
• Cover 3 full months of prospective rent
• Protect tenants from evictions for nonpayment of rent during the months covered by the prospective rent payments
• Continue to consider waiving the $10,000 limit on rent assistance, on a case by case basis, for households with extenuating circumstances
• Rely where possible on information about an applicant’s enrollment in other state programs to streamline the application process

Please Note: Anybody without a social security card or ITN number may call CIRI (Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees) for rental assistance at 203-336-0141.
 
Additional Utility Assistance Through CEAP: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is underway for 2021/2022. Alliance for Community Empowerment, Fairfield’s local Community Action Agency (CAA), is now accepting early intake applications. Contact Alliance at 203 384-6904.  You may explore their website at www.AllianceCT.org  
If you are unable to apply for energy assistance on your own, you may also apply with the help of the Department of Social Services beginning September 1st. Please call 203-256-3170 to make an appointment.
 
Emergency Lien Assistance Program: Beginning October 1 Public Act 21-44 will establish an emergency lien assistance program within the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program. The program is designed to offer loans to homeowners facing foreclosure due to liens from municipal water or sewer charges, municipal tax debt, or association assessments and fines accrued at condos and similar types of housing.
 
Eviction Help: For those facing the possibility of eviction, legal services are available at 1-800-453-3320 (toll free). Also, if you do not know your rights, The Connecticut Fair Housing Center can help. Call 860-247-4400 or 888-247-4401, or explore their website at www.ctfairhousing.org.  Pay close attention to the tab labelled “Evictions During Covid-19 Pandemic”. This provides updated information about Governor Lamont’s Executive Order relating to the Eviction Process and UniteCT Program.
 
Foreclosure Prevention: BTN (Building Neighborhoods Together) offers both Foreclosure Prevention Counseling, and also Foreclosure Prevention Clinics. For more information: info@bntweb.org/class-descriptions  or call 203-290-4255. Additional information and resources may be found at the aforementioned CT Fair Housing Center: 860-247-4400 or 888-247-4401; www.ctfairhousing.org
 
Mortgage Assistance: Contact the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) – 860-571-3500. Financial Assistance is also available through Operation Hope. Contact Brenda Lobdell at 203-292-5588, ext. 225.
 
Important Change for SSI Recipients and Applicants: The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently changed its rules about how pandemic-related financial assistance is considered, such that it will no longer count pandemic related financial assistance against an applicant’s eligibility or benefit amounts. The SSA is now reviewing applications, redeterminations, appeals, and other records going back to March 2020. To access or restore benefits, you do not have to wait to be contacted. Reach out to the Social Security Administration directly at 866-331-6399. If you need additional support or assistance, please call the Department of Social Services at 203-256-3170.
 
Emergency Broadband Benefits: For a monthly discount on broadband service up to $50, eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting getemergencybroadband.org. Check website regularly for latest information: www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit Additional Utility Assistance Through CEAP:  st Emergency Lien Assistance Program:  Beginning October 1  Eviction Help:  Foreclosure Prevention:  Mortgage Assistance:  Important Change for SSI Recipients and Applicants:  Emergency Broadband Benefits:  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. –  Monday – Friday:
10:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. Outside of browsing hours, 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. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY RESOURCES FAIRFIELD CARES RECEIVES $635K YOUTH DRUG PREVENTION GRANT The Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, the Local Prevention Council for the town of Fairfield, is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Fairfield Public Schools, it has received a five year federal Drug Free Communities Grant of $625,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant, allocated at $125,000 per year, will take effect on September 30, 2021, and will provide funding to prevent and reduce youth alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use, the two most frequently used substances by youth in Fairfield. For more information on this grant, click here. The Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, the Local Prevention Council for the town of Fairfield, is pleased to announce that, in partnership with Fairfield Public Schools, it has received a five year federal   of $625,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant, allocated at $125,000 per year, will take effect on September 30, 2021, and will provide funding to prevent and reduce youth alcohol and cannabis/marijuana use, the two most frequently used substances by youth in Fairfield. For more information on this grant, click  . GET INVOLVED! TOWN BOARD AND COMMISSION VACANCIES You can also visit our Boards and Commissions page to learn more about roles and responsibilities: https://fairfieldct.org/boards

Interested in giving back to our community? Want to have a voice in shaping Fairfield?  The Town relies on the hard work of citizen volunteers who are appointed to provide guidance and governance on various Boards and Commissions.  The list of vacancies for Boards and Commissions are on the Town Website.  Be sure to check back often as the list is updated as positions become available: https://fairfieldct.org/vacancies To learn about the application process, please click here: https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess https://fairfieldct.org/appointmentprocess Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. EMERGENCY ALERTS | WHEN IT MATTERS MOST  Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news from the Town of Fairfield, CT by signing up for the Fairfield Alert system. This system enables us to quickly provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods and other emergency situations. You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more. You pick where, you pick how!

If you were previously registered with us on the CodeRed system, you must sign-up again by following the instructions below, in order to continue receiving Emergency and Community alerts from the Town of Fairfield.

How to sign up? Click here.                                        PREVIOUS UPDATES: Did someone forward you this email? Sign up to receive my update directly here

This press release was produced by the Town of Fairfield. The views expressed here are the author’s own.