Politics & Government

Town Of Fairfield: 8.27 TOWN UPDATE

See the latest announcement from the Town of Fairfield.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the Town of Fairfield:

8/27/2021

Dear Fairfielders, I realize tensions in our community are high and residents are feeling the stress of living in a pandemic for 17 months, I understand, because I feel it too. Everyone is advocating for what they believe is in their family's best interest. With Fairfield’s nearly 10,000 students returning to school soon, I have received countless emails and calls on the Governor's  Executive Order No.13A temporary town wide mask policy   town wide mask polic y that went into effect on Monday, August 23 with the Towns of Westport and Easton.  Fairfield County moved into the CDC’s high transmission category, the Town of Fairfield moved into the   and personal perspectives with me – some from medical professionals and some as citizens who have done their own research. We have all learned so much over the last 17 months, since the start of the pandemic, and I know we will continue to learn more. However, the constant changes in information about COVID-19 can be confusing and produce data that can support any narrative. Some residents have asked to read the declaration I instituted for the Town, I've attached it  VACCINE
Vaccine “breakthrough" cases have occurred in Connecticut, and in the majority of cases, symptoms have been mild and have not resulted in severe illness or hospitalizations. The most severe cases tend to be in unvaccinated individuals.  VACCINE  
Vaccination is the most important defense against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. The CT Department of Public Health strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the ongoing spread of the Delta variant. We are in the planning stages with our Health Department to set up additional vaccine clinics in the coming weeks, and will share locations and times when these become available.
 
Text your zip code to GETVAX to find a location near you.
 
If you test positive for COVID-19 or have come in contact with someone who has tested positive, please contact the Health Department for guidance at 203-256-3020 or visit: fairfieldct.org/covid19. strongly recommends that unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible to help stop the ongoing spread of the Delta variant. Residents should get a COVID-19 test if they feel unwell, even if they are experiencing mild symptoms and are vaccinated -- as vaccinated individuals can still carry and transmit the virus to others. In addition to severe COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, the Fairfield Health Department has seen many cases of people experiencing mild symptoms like sore throat, congestion/runny nose, loss of taste and smell, headache and/or fatigue. COVID-19 test  and TOWN GOVERNMENT NEW FACES IN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Yesterday, I was excited to welcome the newest members of the Fairfield Fire Department: NEW FACES IN FIRE DEPARTMENT  
On August 29, the new recruits will head off to the Connecticut Fire Academy for Recruit Training. I was especially happy to welcome Caitlin Pereira, the first female firefighter in our Town in 25 years! It was also fun to have Caitlin's daughter Parker visit Town Hall with her mother. FIRST SELECTWOMAN OFFICE INTERNS
I want to highlight the two students who volunteered part of their summer to intern in my office, Caroline Young (UT Austin '23) and Shaan Mehta (Fairfield Ludlowe '22). As students, both serve in leadership roles at their schools and have interest in future public service. I want to thank both of them for all their hard work this summer, and I look forward to seeing what they do next. FIRST SELECTWOMAN OFFICE INTERNS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT FUNDING here Last week at the Board of Selectmen meeting, we went into detail and took more questions on my proposed priority list for ARPA  here here BACK TO SCHOOL 
I want to wish all Fairfield students, parents, and educators good luck as you embark on another school year. As schools resume, the Fairfield Police Department have put together several important safety tips ahead of students returning to school, that I wanted to share with you. BACK TO SCHOOL  To motorists, it's important you SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION to  surroundings. STOP for school busses. REMEMBER, if the school bus flashers are on and the stop arm is extended, children are present and you must stop! Violations of passing a school bus while loading or unloading is met with zero tolerance and a citation issued.

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Approximately 25,000 children are injured and 100 are killed in school zone accidents each year. (Source: Transportation Research Board). For more information on keeping our children safe during Back to School watch this video here. here . Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL DAY Tomorrow, the Town is hosting the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on at Veteran's Park, to provide you with the opportunity to dispose of household hazardous waste at no charge. Just load up your car and your car will be emptied for you. There's no need to get out of your vehicle. Find more details  here . Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM October 1, 2021 Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. AFGHANISTAN AND OUR VETERANS  article  about his efforts.

If you're a Veteran and struggling or know a Veteran who is, please check out some of these resources that are available:

Find out what's happening in Fairfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

   1-800-273-8255,   http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/      1-877-927-8387   near you. VA Mental Health Services Guide   MakeTheConnection.net   -  Download VA's self-help apps Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. ABSENTEE VOTING

  • 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**

Connecticut does not participate in Early Voting. In order to vote absentee, you must meet one of the criteria listed above. two-step st filed by e-mail, the original, signed application must be returned with the ballot or by mail Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. COMMUNITY NEWS iCRYO GRAND OPENING After 57 years of owning and operating businesses in Fairfield, Greg and Tracey Miller opened the doors to the first iCRYO, the first location in Connecticut, which offers health and wellness services via cryotherapy and IV infusion this past Saturday at 665 Commerce Drive. 

Tracey Miller, who has been in the healthcare space for her entire career shared “I have been a nurse for 30 years and was looking for an alternative way to help people stay healthy and maintain their quality of life without drugs or invasive procedures. When I found iCRYO, I knew I had found the perfect solution.” I want to thank the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for organizing the ribbon cutting and Selectman Tom Flynn for officiating in my absence. I hope you'll join me in wishing the Miller's great success on this new venture together. iCRYO
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman Scrolling below you can find additional events, information and resources organized by the following categories: Community Events
Town Events
August/September Updates
Town Services 
Community Resources Community Events
Town Events August/September Updates
Town Services 
Community Resources COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMUNITY EVENTS Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. END OF BEACH SEASON SCHEDULE As of Monday, August 9th, there are no lifeguards on duty at Sasco, Southport, and South Pine Creek Beaches. 
  Jennings and Penfield Beaches and Lake Mohegan – Will be staffed with lifeguards daily through Sunday August 29th. Then again on Labor Day weekend (Sept 4th – Sept 6th).

Beaches may have reduced swim areas. Please be sure to obey the lifeguards and to swim in permitted areas only.
 
Parking attendants will remain on daily through Monday, September 6th. th FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. VETERANS STAND DOWN 2021
Stand Downs are typically one- to-three day events providing supplies and services to homeless Veterans, such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling. Our community's will take place at Port 5 National Association of Navy Veterans 69 Brewer Street, Bridgeport, CT 06805 on September 24 from 8AM-2PM. For more information click here.
VETERANS STAND DOWN 2021  Port 5 National Association of Navy Veterans 69 Brewer Street, Bridgeport, CT 06805    click here Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. KIWANI'S CLUB OF FAIRFIELD CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Please come out and support our community- either with a great day of golf, a sponsorship or even a raffle prize on September 27. For more details click here or email Richard Miller at spearfh2@gmail.com  KIWANI'S CLUB OF FAIRFIELD CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT here spearfh2@gmail.com Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. SWAB FOR SAM
There is an opportunity to join the Marrow Donor registry (if you are 18-35) at Warde High School from 9am-11am on Sat. Aug. 28. Takes just 5 minutes with a simple swab to your cheek.
 
If you can't make it, you can text "SwabForSam" to 61474 to join the registry.  You could save a life.
 
To learn more about the registry and how bone marrow donation works, click  SWAB FOR SAM here here . Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. UPCOMING TOWN EVENTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER UPDATES AUGUST/SEPTEMBER UPDATES Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. 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 ...  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY FOUND IN FAIRFIELD For further information, and guidance on what to do if you see the spotted lanternfly, click here.  CUDDLE BEAR FUNDRAISER | POLICE DEPARTMENT BUY-A-BRICK PROGRAM | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
We invite Fairfield local businesses and organizations to become a part of Fairfield’s downtown streetscape, by purchasing a commemorative brick in celebration of the Chamber’s 75th Anniversary. You will have the opportunity to see your company name (also available w/logo), for all to view and enjoy in years to come. 

The bricks purchased through this fundraiser program will partially be used to help beautify and reconstruct the existing semicircle pocket park alongside the Fairfield Public Library on Post Road, in the heart of downtown. For more information on purchasing a brick, click here. BUY-A-BRICK PROGRAM | Fairfield Chamber of Commerce th here BIRD FEEDING HAULT FOR SUMMER late March through November TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. th 2021 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages, children, teens and adults! FPL 30 Day Sketch Challenge! 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 Library Programs.

Updates are shared via our website, newsletter and social media. Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. HUMAN SERVICES
Utility Shut-Offs are Currently Set to Resume Beginning September 15, 2021 UMAN SERVICES
Utility Shut-Offs are Currently Set to Resume Beginning September 15, 2021 . It’s time to get signed up now for shut-off protection and energy assistance. Please look through the programs below to register or call Social Services for more information at 203-256-3170.

UniteCT – Rent, and/or Electric Utility Payments - For tenants and all eligible electric utility customers affected by the pandemic: Up to $1,500 toward last six months of electric bills. Up to $15,000 in rental assistance. www.bit.ly/UniteCT.

CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) - Connecticut’s annual heating assistance program.  Available to all heating customers (electric heat, gas heat, oil, kerosene, coal and other deliverable fuels). Up to $1,015 basis benefit. Contact Social Services at 203-256-3170 or 2-1-1 United Way for a referral to nearest Community Action Agency for help applying for CEAP.

 Protection from Shut-Off Due to Medical Condition - Customer’s doctor can access utility internet portal at request of patient to certify that patient or family member has “serious illness” or “life threatening condition.” Customer cannot be shut off during winter shut-off moratorium, November 1 to May 1. Medical shut-off protections do not relieve customers of their responsibility to pay utility bills.  Utility customers may be required to enter into payment agreements with the utilities, but during the protected period, cannot be threatened with shut-off for nonpayment. Most doctors know how to use the utility computer portals to certify a patient for the protection.

Contact your utility directly for Arrearage Forgiveness Programs; COVID-19 Payment Plan; Reasonable Repayment Plan; Matching Payment Plan; and Financial “Hardship” (Winter Shut-Off Protection). UniteCT – Rent, and/or Electric Utility Payments all www.bit.ly/UniteCT CEAP (Connecticut Energy Assistance Program) Protection from Shut-Off Due to Medical Condition  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. (203) 290-4255 (203) 290-4255  FEMA    Red Cross  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 Behind in your rent or mortgage? Struggling to make ends meet? Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. BOXWOODS ALERT! CHECK YOUR SHRUBS FOR THE BOX TREE MOTH | FAIRFIELD'S FORESTRY COMMITTEE
Find out what it can do to your boxwood!  Please check your boxwood plants for the invasive and destructive box tree moth, which can kill your shrubs. If you bought a boxwood plant during spring 2021, please inspect it for signs of the moth (caterpillars, webbing, and leaf damage) and report any findings to your local USDA office or State Agriculture Department. BOXWOODS ALERT! CHECK YOUR SHRUBS FOR THE BOX TREE MOTH | FAIRFIELD'S FORESTRY COMMITTEE what it can do to your boxwood USDA office State Agriculture Department Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FREE WATER CONSERVATION KITS | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE Your kit will include:

  • A water-saving faucet aerator
  • Dye tabs to check for leaky toilet tanks
  • A gauge to see the impact of a dripping faucet, and
  • Information on using these waste-reducing tools

This kit can save you money by finding potential leaks and reducing water usage. This follows up with the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force's prior newsfeed article, which noted that starting in 2021 Fairfield is voluntarily asked to reduce its outdoor watering usage and in 2022 is REQUIRED to reduce is outdoor watering usage.

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. RECYCLING DO'S AND DONT'S | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE
Fairfield pays close to $700,000.00 a year for our recycling programs, but a lot of our Town recycling is contaminated - in other words there are multiple items in the blue bins that CAN NOT Be recycled. Our recycling processor says that close to 25% of our recycling is contaminated - sometimes it is as simple as residents putting their recycling into plastic bags (which the processor then treats as waste even though the materials inside might be good recycling containers).
 
Learn More: RECYCLING DO'S AND DONT'S | SUSTAINABLE FAIRFIELD TASK FORCE Learn More: Do's and Don'ts of Recycling
What else can be recycled in Fairfield? Do's and Don'ts of Recycling What else can be recycled in Fairfield? Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. SAFTEY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN, BIKING, AND RUNNING | FAIRFIELD'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE SAFTEY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIAN, BIKING, AND RUNNING | FAIRFIELD'S BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE     Motorists

  • Expect pedestrians and cyclists on the road
  • Reduce speed when encountering pedestrians and cyclists
  • Look for cyclists when opening doors.
  • Give cyclists at least 3 feet of space
  • Connecticut is a yield State regarding pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair the operation of a motor vehicle

at least Pedestrians

  • ALWAYS face traffic, it’s the law because it’s safer
  • Walk/run single file
  • Make sure you’re visible
  • Keep your dogs on a short leash
  • Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear
  • Cross the street safely, use a crosswalk whenever possible

Cyclists Cyclists

  • Ride with the traffic flow
  • Obey all traffic laws
  • Ride single file if riding with others
  • Yield to traffic when appropriate
  • Don’t cover your ears so you can’t hear
  • Be predictable
  • Stay alert at all times
  • Look before turning
  • Watch for parked cars 

Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. 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 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.

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