Town Of Fairfield: 6.18 TOWN UPDATE

Press release from the Town of Fairfield:

6/18/2021

Dear Fairfielders,

With the school year coming to a close and summer officially kicking off on Monday, the Town has many fun, community events coming up organized by our Park and Recreation Department. I know our residents are looking forward to a much better summer than we had last year.

Monday, June 14 was Flag Day, which commemorates when the United States approved the final design for our country's first national flag in 1777. This year, for the first time, we reached out to United Illuminating (UI) to ask permission to install 70 flags along Post Road. This was to not only honor the American flag, but also to decorate our Town in the lead up to Independence Day. I want to thank our Department of Public Works crews who installed them, and I hope that this display of patriotism will bring joy to our community. 

Some of our residents reached out to me asking if we could keep the flags up permanently. While I would love to do that, UI only grants usage of their utility poles on a temporary basis, for safety purposes. Next year, I will request additional flags be installed in more areas throughout the Town. Dear Fairfielders,

With the school year coming to a close and summer officially kicking off on Monday, the Town has many fun, community events coming up organized by our Park and Recreation Department. I know our residents are looking forward to a much better summer than we had last year.

Monday, June 14 was Flag Day, which commemorates when the United States approved the final design for our country's first national flag in 1777. This year, for the first time, we reached out to United Illuminating (UI) to ask permission to install 70 flags along Post Road. This was to not only honor the American flag, but also to decorate our Town in the lead up to Independence Day. I want to thank our Department of Public Works crews who installed them, and I hope that this display of patriotism will bring joy to our community. 

Some of our residents reached out to me asking if we could keep the flags up permanently. While I would love to do that, UI only grants usage of their utility poles on a temporary basis, for safety purposes. Next year, I will request additional flags be installed in more areas throughout the Town. COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS GRADUATIONS  LOCAL BARBERSHOP CLOSES AFTER 51 YEARS IN FAIRFIELD TOWN GOVERNMENT As I shared with you in my  March 12 newsletter PROPERTY TAX BILLS | A Message from the Tax Collector Property Tax Bills to be mailed out on June 25th Property Tax Bills to be mailed out on June 25th June 25 th th The 2020 Grand List property tax bills that become due on July 1, 2021 will be mailed out on Friday, June 25th. The Tax Office is open to the public and no appointment is necessary. Once the bills are mailed, you may also look up your bill and pay online by visiting  . Payments with an original bill coupon can also be made at any People's United Bank location, beginning Thursday, July 1st. You do not need to be a customer. 

Please note that according to State Statute, tax payments are due July 1st with a grace period until August 2nd. Interest begins to accrue on Tuesday, August 3rd at a rate of 1 1/2% per month, dating back to July 1, 2021.

Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions regarding tax payments.

FAIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS On Wednesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of administering the oath of office at the Fairfield Fire Department to three new fire fighters: Andrew Batchelor, Paul Couture and Nick Demko, along with new mechanic Dave Gillis, and observing the promotion of Lt. Phil Plante. I hope our community will welcome these fine gentlemen to our Town's Fire Department. As the Town welcomed new fire fighters to its ranks, we also recognized and thanked Rick Kazzi, who completed his career as a first responder with the Fairfield Fire Department for 41 years, where he has been decorated numerous times for his service. Rick served in all of our fire stations, as a Chief’s Aide, as acting Lieutenant, and as Union Secretary. The Fairfield community salutes Rick Kazzi for his work in making the Fairfield Fire Department better than he found it. On Tuesday, 24 members of the Fairfield community graduated from the 2021 Fairfield Citizen Police Academy (CPA), a 12-week program designed to get a glimpse of life within the Police Department. The CPA provides deep insight into the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves. The comprehensive program includes a wide array of topics and presentations across all divisions of the Fairfield Police Department. The CPA not only provides an opportunity for residents to get to know our Officers, but also for our Officers to have additional opportunities to interact with our residents. I wanted to share an excerpt of an email I received from one of the graduates.

Learn more at fpdct.com/citizenacademy.  On Tuesday, 24 members of the Fairfield community graduated from the 2021 Fairfield Citizen Police Academy (CPA), a 12-week program designed to get a glimpse of life within the Police Department. The CPA provides deep insight into the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves. The comprehensive program includes a wide array of topics and presentations across all divisions of the Fairfield Police Department. The CPA not only provides an opportunity for residents to get to know our Officers, but also for our Officers to have additional opportunities to interact with our residents. I wanted to share an excerpt of an email I received from one of the graduates.

Learn more at  fpdct.com/citizenacademy .  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. RACIAL EQUITY AND JUSTICE TASK FORCE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION The Town of Fairfield Racial Equity & Justice Task Force (REJTF) is hosting a virtual roundtable discussion on June 24, from 7:30-9:00 pm. Attendees will hear about the work of the REJTF, be given an opportunity to share stories of experiences with race in Town, and provide input to the REJTF on their recommendations for the Board of Selectmen. Please email lynchk.rejtf@gmail.com your RSVP by noon Thursday, June 24th to receive the WebEx meeting login instructions. For more information about the task force's work click here. The Town of Fairfield Racial Equity & Justice Task Force (REJTF) is hosting a virtual roundtable discussion on June 24, from 7:30-9:00 pm. Attendees will hear about the work of the REJTF, be given an opportunity to share stories of experiences with race in Town, and provide input to the REJTF on their recommendations for the Board of Selectmen. Please email  lynchk.rejtf@gmail.com  your RSVP by noon Thursday, June 24th to receive the WebEx meeting login instructions. For more information about the task force's work click  here . Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. AAA BOND RATING
I'm proud to announce that after several meetings with the rating agencies, the Town of Fairfield unanimously received a AAA rating from the top three rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Services, and S+P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. I look forward to the bond sale, at which time the Town will award the bond issues to the bidder who provides the lowest interest rate. This enables the Town to borrow money at a low rate, saving taxpayer dollars. I'm proud to announce that after several meetings with the rating agencies, the Town of Fairfield unanimously received a AAA rating from the top three rating agencies, Moody’s Investor Services, and S+P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. I look forward to the bond sale,  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. I hope you'll take some time to review additional Town information and upcoming events by scrolling below.  I hope you'll take some time to review additional Town information and upcoming events by scrolling below. 
Brenda L. Kupchick
Fairfield First Selectwoman Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Scrolling below you can find additional events, information and resources organized by the following categories: Town Events
June Updates
Community Events
Town Services 
Community Resources Town Events Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. Friday June 18, 2021 at 6:30pm – Sand Jam Movie Night at Jennings Beach
Saturday June 19, 2021 at 6:30pm– Concert at Sherman Green featuring Gypsy Brown
Saturday June 19, 2021 at 7:00pm – Comedy Night at Penfield Pavilion
Sunday June 20, 2021 from 10:00am – 2:00pm– Farmers Market at Sherman Green
Sunday June 20, 2021 at 6:30pm - Concert at Sherman Green featuring 3 Way Street
Monday June 21, 2021 at 12:00pm – 9:00pm  – Make Music Day – multiple locations throughout Fairfield
Wednesday June 23, 2021 at 10:15am – Peanut Butter Jam at Sherman Green featuring T- Bone
Thursday June 24, 2021 at 6:30pm – Concert at Sherman Green featuring Barons
Friday June 25, 2021 at 6:30pm - Sand Jam Movie Night at Jennings Beach
Saturday June 26, 2021 at 6:30pm– Concert at Sherman Green featuring Lake Avenue Project
Sunday June 27, 2021 from 10:00am – 2:00pm– Farmers Market at Sherman Green
Sunday June 27, 2021 at 8:00am – Faxon Law Fairfield Road Races
Sunday June 27, 2021 at 6:30pm - Concert at Sherman Green featuring The Boondocks Band
Wednesday June 30, 2021 at 10:15am – Peanut Butter Jam at Sherman Green featuring Tom Weber Sand Jam Movie Night at Jennings Beach Concert at Sherman Green featuring Gypsy Brown Comedy Night at Penfield Pavilion Farmers Market at Sherman Green Concert at Sherman Green featuring 3 Way Street Make Music Day – multiple locations throughout Fairfield Peanut Butter Jam at Sherman Green featuring T- Bone Concert at Sherman Green featuring Barons Sand Jam Movie Night at Jennings Beach Concert at Sherman Green featuring Lake Avenue Project Farmers Market at Sherman Green Faxon Law Fairfield Road Races Concert at Sherman Green featuring The Boondocks Band Peanut Butter Jam at Sherman Green featuring Tom Weber JUNE UPDATES JUNE UPDATES 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. COMMUNITY EVENTS FAIRFIELD FARMER'S MARKET Fairfield Farmer's Market click here MAKE MUSIC FAIRFIELD  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K FAIRFIELD POLICE SUNSET 5K July 21 at 6:30 PM... Details  HERE HERE Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. FAXON LAW FAIRFIELD ROAD RACES FAXON LAW FAIRFIELD ROAD RACES Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES TOWN SERVICES RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM RENTERS REBATE PROGRAM 2021 BEACH STICKERS  RENEW DOG LICENSING st  st Renewals are now available online. To apply for the license by mail, send the required certificates to Betsy Browne, Town Clerk, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield CT 06824, along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. https://www.fairfieldct.org/doglicense  https://www.fairfieldct.org/doglicense HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY The Town is updating its 2014 Housing Plan and 2016 Plan of Conservation and Development - both of which look at the current and anticipated future housing needs in Fairfield. The survey is an opportunity for Fairfield residents to provide input about their housing experiences and feedback about housing options that Fairfield might consider. I hope you will take 5-7 minutes to complete the survey which can be found here.   BIGELOW CENTER FOR SENIOR ACTIVITIES Reopening date – Monday, July 12th!! Click here to view the Reopening Packet. Please note the important changes taking place with the reopening and registration process.  There will be priority registration for Fairfield residents and you must pre-register for ALL classes, activities and events—unfortunately, no walk-ins at this time.  We can’t wait to see everyone. Safety for all members, our staff and instructors is a priority!    
 
Please click here for the July Newsletter.  Registration for Fairfield Residents Only for classes and activities begins on Monday, June 21st at 9:00am.  Registration for non-residents begins on Monday, June 28th at 9:00am.
 
Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Membership – Did you know that you have to renew your membership EVERY year?  The 2021/2022 Bigelow Center Membership renewal is underway and the form is now online!  Forms can be completed and submitted online via the town website. https://www.fairfieldct.org/bigelow/membership. Paper copies are also be available for pick up at the Bigelow Center.
 
The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities welcomes Jennifer Henry as our new Activities Coordinator!  Jennifer is a lifelong CT resident with experiences in event planning and world class travel, preschool teacher and a mom of three girls.  We are thrilled to have her as part of our team! Reopening date – Monday, July 12th!! th Fairfield Residents Only st th Bigelow Center for Senior Activities Membership Library Express Service offers opportunities for quick browsing and checkout at both of our libraries. The Fairfield Public Main Library building is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am - 5pm and Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 7pm. Woods Branch building is open Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm and Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm. Both Main and Woods are open Saturdays 1pm – 5pm.  Learn more about Library Express service.

In accordance with the Town of Fairfield Health Department and the recommendation of the CT Department of Public Health, facemasks are required in Fairfield Public Library buildings. Visit CT Department of Public Health for further information regarding settings where there is likely to be a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people (including children younger than 12 years).

2021 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages, children, teens and adults!
 Register NOW online. 

All ages are invited to enter our “Writing” Contest. Tell us a tale in words or art about an aspect of your culture or a family tradition.  Entries should be no more than 750 words or in an artistic medium of your choosing.  See details here.

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. 2021 Summer Reading Challenge for ALL ages, children, teens and adults! SOCIAL SERVICES (203) 290-4255 one –  John James Audubon's  A Return to Pequot Library 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. COMMUNITY RESOURCES 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? Do's and Don'ts of Recycling What else can be recycled in Fairfield? FAIRFIELD BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN COMMITTEE  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. 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. bicycle routes bicycle repair stations 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. 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.