DECEMBER IN NEW FAIRFIELD VOLUME 1, ISSUE 10 || DECEMBER 2022

HELLO, DECEMBER!

December is a month filled with holidays for everyone to celebrate. The joy of the season is infectious. We search to buy gifts that our friends and loved ones will ooh and aah over, decorate our home to look its best, cook, bake and look forward to special parties and events. We get to catch up with old friends and relatives that we haven't seen in a while. Remember to put time for a hot cup of cocoa and a few minutes of relaxation on your to-do list, while you munch on those freshly baked cookies! ENJOY THE SEASON and all the glitter and sparkle it has to offer!

WE WISH YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS AND HEARTFELT WISHES FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The First Selectman's View from Town Hall

WINTER PREPAREDNESS

As winter approaches, we are reminded that winter in the Northeast can bring all types of weather, including snow, sleet and freezing rain accompanied by strong winds and sub-zero temperatures. As we have learned from past storms, it is not unrealistic for New Fairfield residents to be isolated and without power for an extended period of time. The following tips from the National Weather Service, CDC and NFPA will help you plan to safely shelter at home. If you are unable to provide a reliable source of heat in your home, make arrangements to shelter with family or friends who may be unaffected by the emergency.

**PLAN AHEAD TO IDENTIFY A SAFE SOURCE OF HEAT FOR YOUR FAMILY**

If you use a generator, make sure that you have a fuel supply and that you identify a safe location for the generator. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends locating portable generators at least 20 feet away from the house and any open window or vent to prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The NFPA also recommends the following:

• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings in the building. The exhaust must be directed away from the building.
• Make sure to install carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

**HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY OR FLUE INSPECTED EACH YEAR**

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.

**INSTALL A SMOKE DETECTOR AND A BATTERY-OPERATED CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR**

• If you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly and replace batteries twice a year.
• Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby.
• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside.
• Each winter season have your furnace system and vent checked by a qualified technician to ensure they are functioning properly.

**WEATHERPROOF YOUR HOME**

• Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
• Repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home or other structure during a storm.

**FOR OLDER ADULTS, KEEP AN EASY-TO-READ THERMOMETER INSIDE YOUR HOME**

If you or a loved one are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently. Our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold.

**PREPARE A BASIC EMERGENCY KIT**

The National Weather Service recommends having enough food, water and other supplies on hand to last for 72 hours.

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food - at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Fuel for generator and cars
• Supplies as needed for children and /or seniors
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications, such as pain relievers, allergy medication, etc.
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes
• Pet food and extra water for your pet

**CREATE AN EMERGENCY CAR KIT**

It is best to avoid traveling during a storm, but if travel is necessary, keep the following in your car:

• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
• Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Cat litter or sand to help tires get traction, or road salt to melt ice
• Booster cables with fully charged battery or jumper cables
• Hazard or other reflectors

I wish everyone a very happy, healthy holiday season!

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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony

The New Fairfield Veterans Association will be conducting a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, December 7th at 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

An excerpt from "A Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2021", signed by President Biden, follows:

"On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked our forces at Pearl Harbor and other locations in Hawaii, taking the lives of 2,403 service members and civilians and leading the United States to declare its entrance into World War II. It was a day that still lives in infamy 80 years later. As we mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world. Today, we give thanks to the Greatest Generation, who guided our Nation through some of our darkest moments and laid the foundations of an international system that has transformed former adversaries into allies."

"Our Nation remains forever indebted to all those who gave their last full measure of devotion eight decades ago. We will never forget those who perished, and we will always honor our sacred obligation to care for our service members, veterans, and their families, caregivers, and survivors."

The next New Fairfield Veterans Association General Membership Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Senior Center at 7:00 p.m. The December 7th General Membership meeting has been cancelled.

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December 21st

Winter Solstice, the first day of Winter, begins on Wednesday, December 21st at 4:48 p.m. This day has the shortest daylight and longest night of the year.

Solstice comes from the Latin "sol", meaning sun and "sistere", meaning stand still. The angle of the sun's rays and the equator appear to stand still for a few days with the sun being at its lowest in the sky. The Earth is tilted on its axis and as it moves around the sun through the year, the pole points toward or away from the Sun. At the Winter Soltice, the North Pole is pointing away from the sun while the southern hemisphere is pointing toward the sun. Upon the Winter Solstice, this begins to reverse and the daylight hours start to increase. In the southern hemisphere, this day ushers in the beginning of summer.

COMMUNITY HOLIDAY SINGALONG

The Economic Development Commission is sponsoring the Singalong again this year. Join us for a perfect holiday event that is sure to be one of the highlights of your holiday season!

It's beginning to look a lot like a new holiday tradition! We’re bringing the community together to spread joy and cheer this holiday season, for the second year in a row!

Sing songs celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and the most wonderful time of the year with your neighbors, while shopping local vendor booths and snacking on some winter favorites! And of course, Santa Claus will be making an appearance!

Vendors of all kinds are welcome to join us, from crafts and artisans to restaurants to organizations who just want to serve up some hot cocoa. If you are interested in setting up a FREE table, message the Economic Development Commission on Facebook, email NewFairfieldEDC@gmail.com or call or text Myke at 203-947-0332.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!

GREAT HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

December 12th-23rd

What better way to enjoy the holiday season than to share your talent for holiday decorating with your community by including your house on the holiday light display list for all to view.

If you prefer to be a viewer of the fantastic displays, you can add this to your holiday list of events!

Contact Parks & Recreation by December 5th to register your house. Home viewing begins on December 12th.

Addresses of participating homes can be found below, beginning on December 6th.

THE COVID VACCINE CLINIC IS BACK!

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New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

The New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society (NFSAW) is holding their Holiday Boutique on December 3rd from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 2 Colonial Road. All of the proceeds will be used for the animals.

There is a sneak peek preview of all of the wonderful items for sale on December 2nd from 5:00-8:00 p.m. for $5.00 admission.

Do you need a gift for someone who does not need anything or is hard to buy for-you can make a donation in honor of them! Or if you would like to add the NFSAW to your list of holiday charitable donations, please read the letter from the President, Agi Pace, below - it tells you how to donate and how your donation will be used to help our animal friends in need.

New Fairfield Lions Club Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 3rd at the NFHS Cafeteria at 8:00 a.m.

TOWN HALL HOLIDAY HOURS

Town Hall will be closed Monday, December 26th for the holiday and Monday, January 2nd for New Year's.

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DROP OFF CENTER HOLIDAY HOURS

The Drop Off Center will be closed on Saturday, December 24th and will close at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 31st.

The Drop Off Center will be open on Tuesday, December 27th from 8:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m. and on Thursday, December 29th from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

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DROP OFF CENTER RATES AND ITEMS ACCEPTED

Some of the rates for items brought to the Drop Off Center have changed. In addition, some items are no longer accepted. Please see the document below for the current rates and what you can drop off.

You can also find the rate schedule on NewFairfield.org or here:

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DROP OFF CENTER PERMIT FORM

The form to obtain a permit from the Drop Off Center is now available online. You can fill out the form and print it to take with you when you go to the Drop Off Center to obtain the permit. The permit is valid from July 1- June 30.

You can find the form at NewFairfield.org under the Public Works Department, "Drop Off Center Info". You can also access the form here:

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Drop Off Center Salt/Sand Mixture for Winter

Residents are welcome to pick up salt/sand for personal use at the Drop Off Center during regular business hours at no charge. There is a limit of two 5 gallon pails per resident per storm. (No commercial/business use.) Please bring your own buckets and shovel.

FROM THE NEW FAIRFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT:

CT Energy Assistance Program 2022-23

You may be eligible for assistance toward your winter heating bills. Please see the income guidelines below and call Cindy White, Social Services Director, at 203-312-5669 with any questions.

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Medicare Savings Program

Medicare beneficiaries should be aware that the 2022 Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends on December 7th. Social Services also wants to make sure they know about an additional Medicare Program that might help them with out of pocket costs. It’s called the Medicare Savings Program and is available to beneficiaries who qualify based upon income, as shown below:

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Donation Pickups for New Fairfield

Social Services often gets calls from residents looking for help to donate household items and furnishings, but require an organization who will pick up the donations. The list below gives them options for non-profits who provide that service:

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GET READY FOR BUDGET SEASON

The budget workshops will begin in January. Each department will present their proposed budget for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The workshops will begin the second week of January and the agendas indicating the day and time will be posted on NewFairfield.org, along with the Zoom link, on the January 2023 calendar:

If you are interested in the budget and the budget process, then these workshops will be of great interest to you and we encourage EVERYONE to attend.

SOME TIPS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Be sure to lock your car doors, whether on your driveway or when you park away from home. Do not leave anything in view in the car that might tempt someone to break in.

If you will be going away to visit relatives or on vacation for the holidays, put your lights on a timer and use motion-activated lighting to deter criminals-you want to make your home look like someone is there. Stop your mail so that it does not pile up-a sure sign that no one is home. Do not post pictures or information on social media about your trip-you do not want to advertise that you are not at home.

Clear and trim trees and bushes around windows and doors so that burglars can not be shielded while they break in and also so that passing cars and neighbors can see if someone is outside your home who does not belong. Tell your neighbors if you will not be home so they will notice anything unusual. Try to arrange for someone to clear any snow that may fall off of your driveway.

Organizations may reach out asking for donations during the holiday season and many people are quite charitable. Vendors and solicitors that go door-to-door in New Fairfield must have a permit issued by the Town that they carry with them. You can also look on the Town website, NewFairfield.org, under the Selectmen's Office for a list of approved solicitors. When contacted by phone, give only to reputable charities, do not donate by cash or wire transfers and obtain detailed information about the charity and don't feel pressured to donate. Ask for proof that your donation will be tax deductible-when in doubt, check it out first.

When you are out holiday shopping-park in a well-lit area and do not leave any packages visible in your car. Do not carry large amounts of cash and only bring a limited number of credit cards you intend to use. Always be alert to your surroundings.

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Additional Holiday Safety Tips from the National Safety Council

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 Events 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 Events 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.

Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter.

Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812

NewFairfield.org