HELLO, OCTOBER!
October is thought of as the month of Halloween. We spend a good part of this first full month of autumn decorating our homes, planning our costumes, buying candy and pumpkins and gourds. We also start planning for the holidays, family meals, parties and gifts. Amid all of the happy hubbub, remember to take time to enjoy the beauty of the color of the trees and fall flowers and take a bite out of a freshly picked, crisp apple!
The First Selectman's View from Town Hall
Happy Fall! September was a busy month in Town, and I enjoyed seeing so many of you at the September 11 remembrance ceremony, the CELA ribbon cutting ceremony, New Fairfield Fair Day and the FISH fundraiser. October promises to be equally busy, starting with a Town meeting regarding American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and culminating with the Trick or Treat Fest hosted by Parks and Rec.
As you know, the Board of Selectmen has been collaborating with the ARPA working group to identify projects consistent with the goals of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Last month, the BOS unanimously approved ten projects to be considered by voters at an adjourned town meeting. The Town meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center to set the date for a machine vote on the projects. Registered voters and residents over the age of 18 owning property with value of at least $1,000 on the current Grand list are eligible to vote at an adjourned town meeting.
ARPA provides that funds may be used as follows:
1) to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses and non-profits, or to aid impacted industries such as tourism, travel or hospitality,
2) to respond to essential workers performing essential work during the public health emergency by providing premium pay to essential workers,
3) for the provision of government services, and
4) to make necessary investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
The funds may not be used to fund pension funds, to compensate for lost tax revenue, or to replenish “rainy day” funds. The intent of ARPA is to look forward and not backward – in other words, funding should be used for new projects, not to reimburse projects already funded through other sources. Municipalities are urged to identify pre-pandemic inhibitors to growth when considering eligible projects, and to ensure that investments will result in lasting benefits. New Fairfield will receive approximately $4.1 million in ARPA funds, and details on the projects approved by the BOS can be found here:
Now on to the fun! The Parks and Rec Department has once again planned fun, family oriented activities for the month of October. Join the ghoulish fun and decorate your house creepy for display this October! Let Parks and Rec know by October 14 if you would like to be included on the list for the community to view and enjoy your creations! Our popular Tricks and Treats Fest will be held on October 28. Bring the family dressed in costume to Trick or Treat at the businesses throughout the Town Center! The Babysitter's Awareness program is Oct 15 at the New Fairfield Library from 10 – 2. Register today- the spots will fill up quickly! Hope to see you soon!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31st
The origins of Halloween began with the Celtic festival of Samhain, when they lit bonfires and wore costumes to keep ghosts at bay. Pope Gregory III, in the eighth century, declared November 1 a day to honor all Saints and the night before was known as All Hallows Eve and eventually, Halloween. This day is now one to trick or treat, have parties and carve a pumpkin.
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PARKS AND RECREATION TRICKS and TREATS FEST
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28th
Join us for a BOOtiful evening of fun! The Fest runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dress the kids in their Halloween scariest, cutest and most adventurous for safe trick-or-treating in the center of Town!
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DECORATE YOUR HOUSE CREEPY
Join the ghoulish fun and decorate your house creepy for display this October. Let the Parks and Recreation Department know by 10/14 at 203-312-5633 if you would like to be included on the list for the community to view and enjoy your creations!
SAFE TRICK-OR-TREATING
Making sure that your children are trick-or-treating safely should be the top priority on Halloween:
-Be sure costumes are bright and have reflective tape or attach reflective tape to bags so they are visible.
-Children should NEVER enter anyone's house or car to accept treats.
-Parents should inspect treats before children can eat them and discard any open treats or homemade goodies.
-Children should carry a flashlight so they can see where they are walking and also be seen by motorists.
-Children should not go out alone-they should go with an adult or with a group that includes an adult.
-Children should only accept treats from houses and people that they know.
-Children should not wear a mask that hinders vision or a costume that is too long or bulky and they should walk, not run.
-Instruct your children to walk closely near the curb where there are no sidewalks.
-Remind your children to be cautious near open flames like candles or jack-o'-lanterns.
-If you are out driving, be alert for children and remind children to look both ways before crossing the street.
By taking these precautions, everyone can have a FUN and SAFE Halloween!
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
ABSENTEE BALLOTS
If you will be unable to vote in-person on November 8th, you may be able to obtain an absentee ballot. See below for instructions on how to vote by absentee ballot, deadlines, eligibility and frequently asked questions:
For additional information, please call the Town Clerk's office at 203-312-5616 or go to the New Fairfield website at:
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FROM THE REGISTRAR OF VOTERS REGARDING POLLING LOCATIONS:
ATTENTION NEW FAIRFIELD VOTERS: Please be aware that due to the redistricting of the town, polling locations have changed based on your address and location in town. The two polling locations are: The Middle School Cafeteria & the Senior Center. Company A Firehouse is no longer a polling location.
Please see below to find out what Senate District your road is in and where you will vote on Tuesday, November 8th:
For more information from the Registrar of Voters:
THE VACCINE VAN IS BACK!
No appointment is needed-all vaccines, including the new booster targeting Omicron, will be available.
October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day
We are all so busy with our day-to-day lives and there is so much strife and discord in the world today. This day reminds us to be kind to strangers and loved ones and to do something to make the world a better place. You can help a stranger, tell someone you care about them or call them, give someone a compliment, remember to be kind to yourself and VOLUNTEER! The Social Services Department has begun a new online site where you can "Make -A-Difference" by finding volunteer opportunities or seek people who would like to volunteer and help out your town group or organization.
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MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE SITE
NEW: Site for Volunteering and Membership Opportunities in New Fairfield on Town Website
The Social Services department has partnered with the town’s technology department to create an online site called Make-A-Difference, in the Community section of the Town of New Fairfield website.
Their aim is to simplify the process of matching those seeking volunteer opportunities within the community with town groups and organizations who could use their services.
The Make-A-Difference site would serve as an access point for residents to learn about town organizations/clubs and contact them.
If your group is interested in participating, please email the following information to Cindy White, Social Services Director at:
cwhite@newfairfield.org:
• main contact person for group/club
• brief description of the organization
• volunteer opportunities your organization has available
• restrictions (ex. adults only, student age)
The site is up and running and updated as new organizations submit information to be included. Having online access to easily learn about New Fairfield’s volunteer opportunities should be beneficial to everyone and can really Make-A-Difference in our community. You can access the site below:
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
October 9-15, 2022
Important Fire Safety information from the New Fairfield Fire Marshal:
FIRE WON'T WAIT. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE.
Today’s homes burn faster than ever. Having an escape plan for yourself and your family is critical in an emergency. You may have as little as two minutes to escape your home from the time your fire alarm sounds. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance to know what to do when the smoke alarms sound. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out safely. Smoke alarms are required in every bedroom, outside of sleeping areas, and on each level of your home. If you or someone you know needs assistance establishing a home escape plan, contact the New Fairfield Fire Marshal’s office at 203-312-5731.
About Fire Prevention Week:
Since 1922, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to decrease casualties caused by fires drastically. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.
SCARECROWS AROUND TOWN
You will notice the unique and colorful scarecrows that are decorating Town Center. The scarecrows were made by the classes at Consolidated School. There are 30 scarecrows, one assembled by each of the classes. The clothing and hats were donated by parents and the Thrift Shop in New Fairfield. The PTO put together a kit for each classroom that contained a shirt, pants, scarf, glove and a head to put on the stake. Every classroom teacher helped the children to make their scarecrow come to life and each scarecrow has the name of the teacher whose room built the scarecrow. Public Works placed each scarecrow for the Town of New Fairfield to enjoy.
Thank you to all of the teachers and students for your beautiful fall decorations!
FLU CLINIC AT THE SENIOR CENTER
The Senior Center will be holding a Flu Clinic on October 21st from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. COVID vaccines will also be available for ages 12 and over.
Advance sign-up is required by calling the Senior Center at 203- 312-5665 or at the Senior Center front desk, so that there will be an adequate supply of vaccines for everyone attending the clinic.
You will be given a number when you arrive and vaccines will be administered in the order of arrival.
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Groovin' in New Fairfield Coffeehouse
Make your Saturday night plans!
Date: 10/01/2022 at 7:30 PM at the Senior Center
About Groovin’ in New Fairfield: (from GroovininNewFairfield.com): Groovin’ in New Fairfield seeks to develop and promote ongoing, regularly scheduled live music programs in New Fairfield and surrounding areas. It is a non-profit organization supported by sponsors, local businesses, grants from charitable organizations and patron donations and is staffed by volunteers. It operates under the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Commission.
Please note their upcoming shows:
-Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. - The Four Horseman w/Ursula Hansberry
-Saturday February 4, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. - Cold Chocolate
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NEW FAIRFIELD VETERANS ASSOCIATION
The New Fairfield Veterans Association will be collecting your tattered, torn, unfit for service American flags for proper retirement this coming Saturday, October 1. They will be at Stop & Shop from 10 AM to 3 PM. Come by with your flags and chat with them. They ensure that all flags are retired according to Federal guidelines.
They accept new members at any time. To find out how veterans and non-veterans can join call 203-948-3234. They meet at the Senior Center on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 PM. They also gather at Veterans Memorial Park on Route 37 for coffee every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9:30 AM, bring your coffee and chair.
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Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA)
HRRA will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Drop-off Event on Saturday, October 8th from 9:00 a.m -2:00 p.m. at the John Pettibone School in New Milford.
Did you know that the New Fairfield Drop Off Center offers FREE Electronics Recycling? See below for more details:
Additional information can be found at:
AT THE SENIOR CENTER:
Broadway Show Tunes with James Michael: Thursday, October 6 at 1:00 James Michael presents “Here’s to the Winners” music of Broadway and the American Song Book. This free event is sponsored by Synergy , Keystone Place at Wooster Heights and the Senior Center. Call 203-312-5665 to sign up for this free event.
Lunch and Learn: Medicare – Tuesday October 12, 12:00 p.m. Just in time for Open Enrollment, representatives of the CHOICES Program of the Western CT Area Agency on Aging will be here to cover how important it is to do cost comparisons each year and what to watch out for. Learn the do’s and don’ts of broker and agent behavior, how to stop unwanted phone calls, where to find reliable information and the best way to make your choices. Call 203-312-5665 to sign up for this free event.
Walk to End Alzheimer's- Tuesday, October 18 at 9:30 a.m. The Senior Center Walking Club invites you! Because we have all known someone who has suffered due to their dementia or that of someone they love, we will be hosting our own Walk to End Alzheimer's. Join us and get your friends to sponsor you. Proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association. We are adding forget-me-nots to our wall for everyone who donates. Let's fill the wall! Call 203-312-5665 or stop by the Senior Center to sign up.
The NF Commission on Aging is hosting a Community Forum on Saturday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. The topic is “Caring for Yourself-Lessons from the Pandemic” The guest speaker will be Dr. Jorge Aguilar-Zanatta, Psychiatrist and New Fairfield resident. A panel discussion will follow.
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FRIENDS OF THE SENIOR CENTER ANNUAL CRAFT AND BAKE SALE
Saturday, October 29th from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Please support the Friends of the Senior Center while shopping the many beautiful items that have been handcrafted at the Senior Center or by guest vendors.
You will want to be sure to have a delicious lunch or a snack while you are there!
Get a start on your holiday shopping while supporting the Senior Center!
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Proudly display your vintage, classic or custom car, truck or motorcyle or come be a spectator at The New Fairfield Lions Club 29th Annual Show.
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COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB SELL YOUR OLD GOLD FUNDRAISER
Turn your old, broken or no longer used gold jewelry into cash for yourself while also helping the Community Service Club fundraiser that supports their Kids Dress For Success Program and High School Scholarships-October 14th, 15th and 16th at the Community Room at the Senior Center from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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GREAT HOLLOW ANNUAL HOLLOW FEST
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Come out to Great Hollow on Saturday, October 15th for their annual Hollow Fest extravaganza! There will be fun for the whole family, including cider pressing, pumpkin painting, crafting, games, and more! All the while, they will be grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, and making hot apple cider for you to enjoy.
Entrance is $5 per person; children 3 and under are free. We hope to see you there! Entrance will open at 1pm and the festivities will go until 4pm. No dogs, please.*Rain date is Sunday, October 23rd.
For more information about Great Hollow and this event, click below:
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SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE FANTASTIC PARKS & REC EVENTS
Please be sure to put these dates on your calendar-you don't want to miss these exciting events sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department!
-November 20th-Turkey Run.
Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. for runners, walkers and the kids fun run. The kids fun run starts at 9:30 a.m. and the road race starts at 11:00 a.m. sharp.
-November 26th (Rain Date-November 27th)-Santa's Workshop and Holiday Light Parade
REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT THE EVENTS CALENDAR TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN TOWN
Town events can be found on our Events Calendar on NewFairfield.org, with the link at the top of the home page. Not only can you find a variety of events that you can attend but, also, if you have a Not for Profit fundraising event to be held in town-you can send us the information and flyer to be included on the Events Calendar. The calendar is updated daily with any new events.
Please send any information for the Events Calendar to: jgreen@newfairfield.org. If you have any questions, please call 203-312-5600.
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
Thank you, New Fairfield, for always being so generous and helping your neighbors in need. The Social Services department has prepared the following list of items that they can use to stock the food pantry. Please contact Cindy White, Social Services Director at 203-312-5669 for more information
ROAD REPAIR UPDATE-ROUTE 37
We have received inquiries about the repairing of Route 37 north of Town Center. Route 37 is a Connecticut State Road and is maintained by the State Department of Transportation.
The State plans on doing some pothole patching along the area before winter. There will be a resurfacing project from Town Center to the Sherman town line in 2023. The State has informed us that this will be one of the first scheduled jobs for 2023 and they will let us know when this will be occurring-the timing will depend upon how much prep work is needed. In addition, SR850 (Haviland Hollow Road) from the New York State Line to State Route 37 will be resurfaced in 2023.
IMPORTANT SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September saw quite a few important and exciting events take place in New Fairfield:
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CELA/Meeting House Hill Schools Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and School Tour-September 10th
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9/11 Memorial Ceremony
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Alzheimer's Awareness Week Ribbon Cutting Ceremony-September 12th
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New Fairfield Town Fair-September 17th
October 16th
Thank you to all of the wonderful bosses for their patience, guidance, mentoring and leadership.
The Town of New Fairfield employees thank Selectman Patricia Del Monaco for her kindness, honesty, hard work and leading with fairness and by example.
THANK YOU, PAT!
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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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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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