NOVEMBER IN NEW FAIRFIELD VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 || NOVEMBER 2022

HELLO, NOVEMBER!

Thanksgiving's beginnings date back to the 1600's after the Pilgrim's first corn harvest was successful. In 1870, Congress passed legislation which made Thanksgiving a national holiday. On October 6, 1941, the House passed a bill to set the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day and President Roosevelt signed it into law that December.

Let us all take the time this Thanksgiving to reflect on what we have in our lives to be thankful for: good health, good friends, loving families, loyal pets, good neighbors, a community that cares about us and living in a town surrounded by the beauty of nature.

We are thankful for all of the New Fairfield Residents- you are always there to support your neighbors and fellow citizens and are eager to participate in making the Town a caring, warm and welcoming community for everyone.

The First Selectman's View from Town Hall

VETERANS DAY IS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11

THANK A VET

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11, honoring and celebrating the military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. The U.S. holiday was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday observed in May honoring those who died in service to our country. Armed Forces Day, also observed in May, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.

Why is it important to observe Veterans Day? In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" Veterans Day is a moment for all Americans to reflect upon the sacrifices that our fellow citizens made for all of us, the ideals that they preserved for future generations and the notion of what it means to be an American. It is important that we celebrate those among us who have served and thank them for defending the freedoms and way of life that we enjoy as Americans.

The New Fairfield Veterans Association continues serving our community by providing support for veterans in the area, members and non-members alike. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center to provide the opportunity for veterans to gather together and share their common experiences with others. Serving in the military is a unique experience, and the group shares the camaraderie that comes with that common background. The NFVA also helps vets get to medical appointments and helps navigate Veterans’ Administration requirements. Not only does the Association advocate on behalf of veterans, the group often bridges the gap between the immediate needs of a veteran and the VA, providing needed resources such as wheelchair ramps and safety equipment. The Association also supports the Wheelchair Games, school requests and makes sure that all veterans buried in our local cemeteries are honored with flags on Veterans Day. Members also collect used flags for destruction and participate in Town events such as the Fourth of July parade.

The NFVA is always seeking new members to join the group, both to socialize and to provide support to local veterans in need. Monthly meetings provide the opportunity to “take a look back” and share the unique experiences of military life. NFVA also encourages residents to let them know of local vets who may be in need of assistance. The group will hold its annual Veterans Day observance on Friday, November 11 at 11:00 in Veterans Park in the center of Town. I hope that you are able to join us and pay tribute to our Veterans.

VETERANS DAY

Friday, November 11th

The importance and respect of this day has always been steadfast. We proudly honor the veterans who have fought in every war for their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms that we all enjoy today.

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NEW FAIRFIELD VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION

NOVEMBER 11 at 11:00 a.m.

The New Fairfield Veterans Association will conduct their traditional Veterans Day Celebration honoring all men and women who served in our armed forces Friday, November 11 at 11 AM in Veterans Memorial Park. All are welcomed to attend this short service in support of those who performed their patriotic duty in defense of our country.

Veterans Tribute at the Senior Center

Everyone is welcome to join the remarkable Sbano family tribute in song as they honor active duty and United States veterans at the Senior Center on November 10th at 1:00 p.m. Please let the Senior Center know if you will be attending.

ELECTION DAY

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8th

EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE

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:

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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:

You can also submit your absentee ballot application request online-click below to fill in the application:

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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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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Saturday, November 26th

SHOP LOCAL!!

Please support New Fairfield's local businesses! Saturday, November 26th is a special day that highlights our small town businesses during the holiday season-but please support them all year long!

You can find many of New Fairfield's local businesses on the Business Directory on the Town website, NewFairfield.org

If you are a New Fairfield business, you can sign up to be included on the directory on NewFairfield.org

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Sunday, November 6th at 2:00 a.m.

Daylight Savings Ends

Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour. While it will be getting dark earlier, we do gain an extra hour that day!

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DON'T FORGET TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE ALARMS AND TEST THEM TO BE CERTAIN THEY ARE WORKING!

RUN FOR THE TURKEYS

It wouldn't feel like the holiday season without the RUN FOR THE TURKEYS! This year is the 38th annual run! Register online or call the Parks and Recreation office at 203-312-5633.

If you would like to order a t-shirt, the deadline is NOVEMBER 1st from Godfather Promotions:

Please remember to bring a non-perishable food item for the NF Social Services Food Pantry. Also, the NF Rebels Cross Country Team will be hosting a used sneaker drive.

SANTA'S WORKSHOP, HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26th (Rain/Snow Date Sunday, November 27th)

The Annual Holiday Light Parade, Santa's Workshop and Tree Lighting formally usher in the holiday season here in New Fairfield. Join your friends, family and neighbors for the festivities!!

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THE COVID VACCINE CLINIC IS BACK!

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REMEMBER YOUR FLU SHOT!

Per the CDC:

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with few exceptions, as has been the case since 2010. New this season, however, is a preferential recommendation for the use of higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines in people 65 and older over standard dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines. More information on this new recommendation can be found:

HERE

What’s New for 2022-2023:

A few things are different for the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season, including: The composition of flu vaccines has been updated. For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.

The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season. For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated. While ideally it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season.

The age indication for the cell culture-based inactivated flu vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), changed from 2 years and older to 6 months and older. Pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots for children are not expected to be available this season. However, children can receive this vaccine from a multi-dose vial at the recommended dose.

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WATER TEST DAY

Saturday, November 12, 2022

The New Fairfield WPCA (Water Pollution Control Authority), in cooperation with Aqua Environmental Labs, will be holding a Water Test Day Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon at the Stop & Shop parking lot near the Gazebo. Come visit us and pick up a sample Test Kit, collect a sample at home, and return it to us. The fee for the Basic Test is $50.00 with results sent to you in a week. A limited number of test kits will be available for pickup only at the Town Hall Land Use Office Thursday, November 10, 9AM-4PM and Friday, November 11 from 9AM-12 noon.

Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust (CVRLT)

Online Silent Auction

CVRLT is having its first ONLINE SILENT AUCTION, which will run from November 3rd-10th. All proceeds raised during the silent auction will directly benefit Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust and support them in their mission to preserve and protect natural areas throughout Danbury and New Fairfield.

Click here for more information:

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Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Waste Drop-Off Event

The HRRA will be holding a hazardous waste drop-off event on Saturday, November 12th at the Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Road, Brookfield from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, click below:

Great Hollow Nature Preserve & Ecological Research Center has two wonderful programs in November - one for adults and one for children. There is something for everyone - a fun time for all - so be sure to sign up for these fantastic events.

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To find out more about Great Hollow Nature Preserve and Ecological Research Center, click below:

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PROGRAMS TO HELP WITH HEATING COSTS

You may be eligible for help with heating costs. Please see the available programs and income eligibility below:

For more information about these programs, please call Cindy White, Social Services Director at 203-312-5669.

Frontier Fiber Internet Will Be Coming to New Fairfield

You will be seeing work being done around Town in the coming months. Frontier will be working to extend their fiber services to residents and businesses in Town with this Fiber Optic Project.

If Frontier (Parkside Utility Construction, LLC on Behalf of Frontier Communications) will be working in your area, they will place one of these door hangers on your door to let you know.

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CANDLEWOOD LAKE ANNUAL DRAWDOWN

Drawdown information from FirstLight:

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TICKS ARE STILL HERE!

Adult blacklegged ticks are still active in November and throughout the fall and winter on warm days! Please remember to check yourself after you have been outdoors and keep your pet up-to-date on their preventative treatments.

The blacklegged tick goes through 4 lifecycles-egg, larva, nymph and adult, which lasts approximately 2 years. At each stage, except the egg stage, the tick must have a blood meal to survive. Adult females are active from October to May, as long as the temperatures are above freezing, which is why you must continue to be alert for ticks on yourself and your pets. Adults are easiest to see but are the most likely to carry a disease that can make you sick.

If you are bitten by a tick, you can bring it to the New Fairfield Health department for testing. Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is conducting a research study to understand the relationship between outdoor activities and tick bites. If you have submitted a tick for testing and would like to take the WCSU survey, please click below:

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CROSSWALK REMINDER

The new crosswalk in front of Town Hall has increased the safety of pedestrians crossing the street. However, there are still some cars that do not notice the flashing lights or the pedestrians indicating their intent to cross.

An Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety went into effect in October 2021.

This new crosswalk law states that any pedestrian has the right of way, and they may enter the crosswalk by signaling to drivers that they intend to do so. A pedestrian may signal by simply raising their arm toward oncoming traffic. When drivers see this, they have to yield to the crosswalk. Another way that pedestrians may signal you is by putting any part of their body, or an extension of their body, into the crosswalk. Again, when you see this, you have to yield.

You may incur a fine if you do not adhere to this law. SO, PLEASE BE AWARE AND ALERT TO PEDESTRIANS CROSSING THE STREET AT THE CROSSWALK! THANK YOU!

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WINTER PARKING ON THE ROADS

Per the Code of Ordinances of New Fairfield, Section 9-27, below-parking is not allowed on any town road while the town or its agents are working to ensure that the roads are in a safe, passable condition.

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MAILBOX REPLACEMENT POLICY

With the coming of winter, it is inevitable that we will see some snowy days requiring the roads to be plowed. Please be sure that your mailbox is properly installed and maintained. The Department of Public Works is not responsible for mailbox damage due to snow being discharged by snow removal equipment.

If you believe that your mailbox has been damaged as a result of direct contact with the snow removal equipment, please contact the Public Works Department at 203-312-5628.

Make-A-Difference

This new page on the www.NewFairfield.org website debuted in September. Please, take a moment to view this page. If you are looking to volunteer, to help your community, to meet new people-here is your opportunity! If you are a town organization and you are seeking volunteers, this is the place to find them! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE-A-DIFFERENCE!

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 will be 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.

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HALLOWEEN TRICKS AND TREATS FEST