HELLO, SEPTEMBER!
September (from the Latin Septem, meaning seven, since September was seventh month in the early Roman calendar) sees the dwindling of Summer and the beginning of Fall. The Autumnal Equinox, start of Fall, is on September 22 and is at the same exact moment worldwide. While we are sorry to see the last days of Summer, we can look forward to fresh apples, apple pies and pumpkins, refreshing brisk air and beautiful fall mums and foliage.
The First Selectman's View from Town Hall
It’s hard to believe that it’s September and time for back-to-school! It’s an exciting year as we open the brand new Consolidated Early Learning Academy for our youngest learners. Opening a new school always comes with a few “hiccups” in the beginning, so I am asking for your patience, especially as we introduce a new traffic pattern at MHHS/CELA. Gillotti Road, home to all of our schools, becomes very congested at school arrival and dismissal time. With a new traffic pattern at MHHS/CELA and on-going construction at the High School, we strongly recommend that all students ride the bus to school to ease the congestion and to keep everyone safe. If you must drive your child to school, please obey the speed limit and follow the direction of police, crossing guards and Administrators directing traffic. The following safety tips are provided by the National Safety Council:
Bus Riders:
- Some 25 million students nationwide begin and end their day with a trip on a school bus. Designed for safety, with flashing lights, giant mirrors, stop-sign arms and that bright yellow color, students are 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. School buses are designed to protect students through compartmentalization – closely spaced seats and high, energy-absorbing seat backs. Seat belts protect students, too.
Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice with them:
- Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus
- Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb
- If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him or her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other
At the Bus Stop:
- Arrive early at the bus stop – at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
- Supervise young children around the bus
- Cross in front of the bus – at least 10 feet (or five giant steps) – and make eye contact with the driver before crossing
- Never walk behind the bus
- If you drop something near the bus, do not pick it up; tell the bus driver instead
Getting On/Off the Bus:
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus or standing up on the bus
- Use the handrail
- Secure any loose or hanging objects like straps on a backpack or drawstrings on a hood
Behavior on the Bus:
- Buckle up if seat belts are available
- Stay in your seat keeping head, arms and papers inside the bus, and talk quietly
- Keep aisles clear of books and bags
Driving Your Child to School:
- Stay alert and avoid distracted driving.
- Obey school zone speed limits and follow your school's drop-off procedure
- Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street
- Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus
Teen Drivers:
- Car crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teens.
- Teens crash because they are inexperienced; practice with new drivers every week, before and after they get their license
- Set a good example; drive the way you want your teen to drive
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PATRIOT DAY-SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
On December 18, 2001, Congress passed a joint resolution designating September 11th as Patriot Day and on September 4th, 2002, President Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002 as the first Patriot Day. This day is observed to remember and honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and Flight 93.
The resolution calls for the President to issue an annual proclamation to fly all U.S. flags at half-staff and to ask for a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EST, when the first airplane struck the World Trade Center. There are also many events and memorials on this day around the country to honor those who lost their lives, were injured and were first responders.
In New Fairfield, we will never forget that day-each of us remembering exactly where we were when we heard the news and saw it on tv. We honor the memory each and every day in our hearts and minds and formally every year on September 11 in New Fairfield.
Please join us at the New Fairfield Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, September 11 at 5:00 p.m. at the 9/11 Memorial Park behind the Senior Center.
We Extend a Warm Welcome to Dr. Kenneth G. Craw
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Craw to New Fairfield as the new Superintendent! He is an asset to the New Fairfield Schools and to the Town of New Fairfield. We look forward to working with him and wish him all the best in his new role.
Here is an excerpt of the welcome back letter Dr. Craw sent to school families and staff:
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you back! The beginning of the 2022-23 school year is upon us, and it is an exciting time in New Fairfield as we all return from our summer endeavors. I am looking forward to seeing everyone, as I listen intently and learn about our district. At the most recent board of education meeting, I shared publicly my entry plan for gathering feedback and building relationships with the school community.
I feel privileged to be the new superintendent entering the New Fairfield school system at the same time our kindergarteners (class of 2035) start their educational journey with us. I share their natural curiosity, excitement and anticipation as the school year begins. It will be great to see our students’ smiling faces, on both campuses, on the first day of school, Tuesday, September 6. Also joining us are several new staff members as the administration has been actively working to fill open positions throughout the summer. It has been a busy hiring season!
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our summer staff. They have been diligently preparing for the opening, and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Please join me in thanking them for their hard work to ensure a smooth start to the year.
CONSOLIDATED EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY (CELA)
The Consolidated/Meeting House Hill Schools will be open to welcome students for the new school year!!
GET TO KNOW THE CONSOLIDATED/MEETING HOUSE HILL PRINCIPALS
The principals sent the following to the school families to introduce themselves and they would like to share a little bit about who they are with the the Town, also:
Mrs. Story- I am so excited to be your new principal! I love teaching and being with my students. Being principal means I get to spend time with a whole school of amazing students. One of my favorite things to do is come into classes and read (pretty fitting based on my last name too)! When I am not at school I love spending time with my husband and two children, Trenton and Camryn. This summer we went to Disney World, visited our family in Massachusetts, and hung out by the pool. It was so much fun! I also love to bake, cook, read, and travel. I can't wait to hear about everyone's summer adventures.
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Mr. Groccia- I am so thrilled to be a part of the Con/MHHS family! In this new role, I have the opportunity to meet and engage with all of the New Fairfield community! Outside of school, I am an avid golfer and general sports enthusiast, Go JETS!!! This summer I went to Hilton Head, visited family in Georgia, and coached a travel lacrosse team. As hard as it is to say goodbye to summer, I am excited to welcome back our staff, families and students to our beautiful campus!
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Dr. Hilderbrand-I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as one of the assistant principals at Consolidated/Meeting House Schools. I look forward to meeting students and families, being part of students' learning, and having the opportunity to participate in classroom activities. This summer, I took a trip to Florida with my husband and children, Olivia and Stephen, to visit our friends. We also spent a lot of time at the pool with family and friends, enjoying each other's company. I am grateful to be a member of the New Fairfield Community.
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Mr. Spino- I’m looking forward to the new school year, the opening of our new school, and getting to know the Meeting House staff better. After 23 years as a principal, this year I am excited to move into a new role assisting Mrs. Story as she assumes the role of campus principal. This summer was very eventful for the Spino family, we took a family trip to Thailand to visit my oldest son who is living and teaching there. We also spent time on the Cape and were surprised with the engagement of my oldest daughter, who just started her career as a school psychologist in Boston. The two youngest Spino children are off to college and Mrs. Spino and I are enjoying our new-found freedom. I’m really looking forward to seeing the children and starting a new year.
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We are so pleased to have such amazing professionals in New Fairfield and students can expect an exciting, informative and fun school year with so much to learn from these four fantastic principals!
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Consolidated/Meeting House Hill on Saturday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m., followed by tours of the new schools. Residents are welcome to take a tour to view the wonderful new additions to the New Fairfield Schools!
SCHOOL OPENS SEPTEMBER 6-PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY
School is open on September 6! Please be alert for children crossing the street to get to and from bus stops, getting on and off the bus, and when they are outside playing. PLEASE be aware of the SPEED LIMIT for the road you are driving on and obey the posted limit for your safety and others.
Connecticut's Stop Arm Law (referring to the stop-sign shaped arm that extends when the flashing lights are on) requires you to immediately stop your vehicle at least 10 feet away from the front or rear of a school bus that is displaying its flashing red signal lights and to remain there until the lights are no longer flashing. There are penalties associated with violating this law, in addition to endangering safety.
ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS-PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE
You will notice that Town Hall is illuminated by purple lights and several Town buildings are adorned with purple ribbon during the week of September 12-17, as September is Alzheimer's Awareness month. The Town, as well as some businesses, is participating in promoting awareness and education for patients and caregivers afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease during this week. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Town Hall on Monday, September 12th at 10:00 a.m. to kick off the week.
The Press Release from the Fairfield County Alzheimer's Association about their New Fairfield "Paint the Town Purple" initiative is below:
Two free Alzheimer's educational programs will be open to the public to attend:
-The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's at the N.F. Senior Center on Wednesday, September 14th at 2:00 p.m.
-Effective Communication Strategies and tips for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers on Thursday, September 15th at 5:00 p.m. at the Library Community Room.
**Please note that pre-registration is recommended for these programs by calling the Senior Center (203-312-5665) or the Library (203-312-5679)
There are two Alzheimer's Association Walks to End Alzheimer's in our area-the information can be found on the flyers below:
The Alzheimer's Association will be at the New Fairfield Town Fair on September 17th from 12:00-5:00 p.m. Please stop by and get information, find out where you can get help or see how you can volunteer and participate to create awareness.
Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia. It causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. You can find more information about the disease and how you can participate in creating awareness about it at alz.org.
NEW FAIRFIELD TOWN FAIR
Mark your calendars for September 17 to attend the Town Fair for a fabulous afternoon of fun, food, music, local businesses and events. There is something of interest for everyone to enjoy!
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**SAVE THE DATES**
Please put these dates on your calendar for Parks and Recreation's awesome upcoming events that you won't want to miss:
-Tricks and Treats Fest on October 28th
-Turkey Run on November 20th
-Santa's Workshop and Holiday Light Parade on November 26th (Rain date November 27th)
WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
What's Happening at the Senior Center in September
Here are some of the events that will be at the Senior Center in September. Please call 203-312-5665 for more information or to register for any of these programs:
-Cooking with Putti: Burritos and Tacos: Thursday, September 8 at 1:00. Come join Putti and she will demonstrate her winning recipe for Burritos and Tacos. Sampling is available. Sign up at the front desk.
-The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: Wednesday, September 14 at 2:00. This program will help you recognize common signs of the disease in yourself and others and next steps to take, including how to talk to your doctor.
-AAA Driving Improvement Course – Monday, September 19, 9:00 -1:00. The AAA Defensive Driving Course is packed with up-to-date safe driving techniques and can help sharpen a mature driver’s behind-the-wheel skills. AAA offers this defensive driving course for free.
-“Reverse Mortgage” with Mutual of Omaha : Thursday, September 22 at 1:30. Learn how the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage may give you the option to reserve the right to borrow against your home at a competitive rate giving you the flexibility to draw on these funds when needed in the future.
-New Fairfield Lions Club Senior Picnic – Saturday, September 24, 12:00.
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Save the date for these October events at the Senior Center:
-Groovin' in New Fairfield Coffeehouse is proud to present Holley McCreary, award winning singer, songwriter and cancer survivor. Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. All seats $15. Reservations with payment can be made at the Senior Center.
-New Fairfield Commission on Aging Community Forum “Caring for Yourself – Lessons from the Pandemic.” Saturday, October 22, 10:00 am-12:00 noon. Keynote speaker – Dr. Jorge Aguilar-Zanatta, MD, Psychiatry Specialist and New Fairfield resident. Panel discussion to follow.
Put on your poodle skirts and saddle shoes! - FISH of New Fairfield will be holding their 2nd Annual Fundraiser 1950's Retro Party on September 16, 2022 at the Senior Center.
Money raised at this event will enable FISH of N.F. to cover the insurance and administrative costs that allow them to provide free rides to NF residents who cannot drive themselves to their medical appointments, both in town and in surrounding towns. You can contact them at fishofnf@gmail.com or call Reggie at 203-746-1074 or Gina at 203-994-2250 with any questions or for tickets and reservations.
If you would like to volunteer to be a driver, please contact them at 203-312-5627.
Community Service Club’s “Junk in a Trunk”-September 10
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Do you have an assortment of “junk” to get rid of, but not necessarily enough to hold your own tag sale? Would you like to turn that junk into cash without having to invite the treasure-hunting public to your home? Would you like to help support an organization which has consistently provided so much to our community…and have fun doing it? Well, here’s your chance.
The Community Service Club (CSC) of New Fairfield is planning to hold its annual “JUNK IN A TRUNK” event on Saturday, September 10 (rain date Sunday, September 11). Just like last year’s successful sale, JUNK IN A TRUNK will provide an opportunity for those who have things to sell to essentially sell from their car trunk! A non-refundable donation of $30 made payable to the NF Community Service Club will gain each vendor a designated space with publicity provided to draw tag sale shoppers from far and wide. What you earn from what you sell is yours to keep. This is a perfect opportunity to clear out your basement or attic, raise a little extra cash for yourself, and best of all, support the Community Service Club.
So start accumulating your saleable treasures, mark your calendar for Saturday, September 10. If you would like more information, please call Janet Capozzola at 203-313-5892.
SOCIAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES FUEL PROGRAM IS STARTING UP 9/1/22 TO HELP WITH HEATING COSTS
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE REGIONAL EVENT
The Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) will hold its next hazardous waste regional event on Saturday, September 10 from 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Hurlbutt Elementary School, 9 School Road, Weston, CT.
Additional information can be found at the HRRA website-click the button below:
A Message from the Fire Marshal
Before we know it, cooler weather will be upon us. Now is the time to prepare. Have heating appliances cleaned and inspected. Annual maintenance will reduce the likelihood of a chimney fire, furnace malfunction, etc.
Clean dryer vents, toasters, grills, and ovens. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, if you or someone you know cannot afford them, contact my office.
If you have younger children in the home, get them involved. Have them help develop an evacuation plan in the event there were an emergency in your home and practice it.
If you enjoy a nice campfire on a cool night, make sure the fire is at least 25’ away from any structures or anything that can burn. Find a level location and clear away any leaves or dried grass that could spread the fire. Never use any kind of accelerant like gasoline, etc. Do not let kids or pets play in the area of the fire and always have a water source.
PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE!
New Fairfield is home to many wonderful types of wildlife-bears, coyotes, deer, bobcats, racoons, rabbits, to name a few. These animals are beautiful and free and we should let them live as wild and not interfere with their habitats or food. We can admire them and be amazed by their beauty from afar.
Feeding wild animals causes them to rely on these feedings and to not be afraid of humans, which can result in conflicts. In addition, it can cause them to become ill from eating food that is not meant to be digested by their bodies.
-NEVER FEED BEARS-this can lead to them becoming bold and aggressive. Remove all easily accessible food sources, grills, garbage, outdoor pet food and bird feeders in the spring, summer and fall.
-NEVER FEED DEER-Deer are ruminants and they have a four part stomach with bacteria that helps to digest the natural vegetation they eat. When other types of food are introduced into their diet, the bacteria is not present to help with their digestion, which can cause them to become ill and possibly die. There is ample food for them during the spring, summer and fall and they are able to make it through winter thanks to the winter coat they grow and the fat they store. They also decrease their metabolic rate during the winter and require less food.
SO...PLEASE DO NOT FEED ANY WILD ANIMALS-YOU ARE NOT HELPING THEM AND MAY CAUSE THEM HARM!!
-BIRDS-Do not feed during the spring, summer and fall. Birds can survive on their own during the winter months but on the coldest of days, can use a little boost of calories. Remove the feeder immediately if bears or other animals are eating from it and clean up any seed that has spilled onto the ground.
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STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Stormwater is the rain or snowmelt that runs off the surfaces of roadways, driveways, rooftops, lawns, etc... to our wetlands, brooks, streams, rivers and lakes. This runoff picks up contaminants such as motor oils, sediment, pet waste, detergents, fertilizers, brake dust and other trash that harm the local waterbodies, causing an unsafe condition for swimming and aquatic life.
What can you do to help reduce this stormwater runoff pollution?
-Do not dump ANYTHING down the storm drains.
-Take your car to the car wash where the water is filtered and recycled and if you wash your car at home, use soap sparingly and try to wash on a grass or gravel surface.
-Limit the amount of fertilizers and pesticides used on your lawn.
-Be sure to repair any fluid leaks in your car and recycle motor oil.
-Be sure to maintain your septic system.
-Dispose of pet waste in the garbage.
We can all do our part to keep our lakes, ponds and streams healthy for ourselves and the aquatic life that calls them home.
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NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
BE READY
In July, we suggested ways to be prepared in an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month and we want to remind you to have an emergency plan and be sure to sign up to receive emergency alerts.
*BE ALERTED TO POSSIBLE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS:
You can enroll in the New Fairfield AlertNow system at www.NewFairfield.org on the homepage, the link is below:
You can also sign up for the Connecticut Emergency Alerting and Notifications System here:
In addition, you can sign up for emergency alerts on your iPhone under "Settings" and "Notifications".
*MAKE AND HAVE A PLAN FOR EMERGENCIES AND COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FAMILY ABOUT IT (Remember to practice your plan):
Have a plan for your family and seniors and your pets so you know what to do in the event of an impending emergency. Be sure to have all of your important records stored in a safe place that you can access if needed.
The Family Emergency Communication Plan forms below and additional information on creating your family emergency plans can be found at:
*HAVE YOUR SUPPLY KIT READY
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that you have a kit ready for any emergency that might occur.
You can find more detailed information about supply kits on www.ready.gov or or www.fema.gov
The best scenario that can happen is that you are fully prepared and never need to use any of your preparations. BUT, if there is an emergency situation-YOU ARE READY!
Sunday, September 11
The first Sunday after Labor Day was officially proclaimed a holiday by Jimmy Carter. We owe so much gratitude to our grandparents and learn from their wisdom, history, stories and the traditions they pass on to us. Celebrate your grandparents and let them know how much they mean to you!
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Library Newsletter
The Library has its own newsletter and you can subscribe to it here:
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Senior Center Newsletter
The Senior Center also has a newsletter and you can find it, as well as their calendar of daily events, here:
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Events Calendar
Town events can be found on our Event Calendar. If you have a Not-for-Profit fundraising event to be held in town - please send us the information and flyer to be included on the Event Calendar.
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Meeting Calendar
The calendar for the Town of New Fairfield board and commission meetings can be found at:
Please join us at our meetings to find out what is going on in New Fairfield in further depth. The calendar will let you know if the meeting is in person or will provide the Zoom link if it is remote. We look forward to you attending the meetings and welcome your participation.
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Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter.
Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
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