The First Selectman's View from Town Hall
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Independence Day-July 4th
Amid all of the parades, fireworks and family fun, let us not forget the meaning behind the celebrations.
On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, an historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson, which declared the colonies' separation from Great Britain.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Preamble to the Declaration of Independence
The New Fairfield Lions Club July 4th Parade
Celebrate with the Town of New Fairfield on July 4th at 9:30 A.M.
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***IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE TAX OFFICE***
Please note that the 2023/2024 town and school budgets are used to create the tax bills due July 1st. Delays in approving the budget also delays the mailing of the tax bills. On Monday June 26th, the Board of Selectmen set a mill rate so that tax bills can be created and the Town can pay necessary operating expenses. Tax bills will be mailed the third week of July and due August 1st.
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Parks & Recreation Department July Events
Come on down to Memorial Field and join a fun evening with your family and meet some friends to watch Minions: The Rise of Gru on July 21st and to listen to some great music on July 13th and 27th!
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BOAT PARADE
July 14th (Rain Date: July 15th)
New Fairfield Beach entrance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Be sure to come watch the beautifully decorated illuminated boats pass by on Candlewood Lake on July 14th. It is a parade like you have never seen before and an experience not to be missed!
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SAVE THE DATE FOR NEW FAIRIFIELD DAY
More information on this Parks & Recreation sponsored event will be coming soon!
September 9th, Rain Date: September 10th
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Senior Center July Events
The Senior Center is offering informative and educational events in July that you may want to attend:
**AAA Driving Improvement Course – Monday, July 10th, 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
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 $15. Please sign up with the receptionist.
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**Danbury Westerners: Tuesday, July 11th at 11:00 a.m.
The New England Collegiate Baseball League is summer baseball at its best, representing the most competitive brand of amateur wooden bat summer baseball in the country. With 13 teams located in all six New England States and nearly 150 Major League Baseball alumni, the league entertains our region for two months every summer. Meet some of the current players in person when the Danbury Westerners are here to share the teams progress this year and when and where the next games will be played.
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** Lecture: Biography of Dolly Parton: Wednesday, July 12th at 1:00 p.m.
Stephen Armstrong has a 40 year history of being a college and high school instructor and administrator, always related to Social Studies and History. We enjoyed his talk on 50’s and 60’s music and he will be back to share the biography of Dolly Parton.
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**Dementia Awareness Seminar: Thursday, July 27th at 1:00 p.m.
Amy from Maplewood in Bethel will be here to do a Dementia Training Seminar. Come learn more about Dementia in this Dementia 101 Training session.
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The New Fairfield Lions Club Old Tyme Carnival
The annual New Fairfield Lions Club Olde Tyme Carnival is on Tuesday July 18th through Saturday July 22nd - and they have some great live entertainment lined up!
Tuesday - Split Decision
Wednesday - Out of Time
Thursday - On the Road Again
Friday - Not Sorry
Saturday - The Barn Rats
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National Adoption Weekend
June 30th - July 2nd, 2023
Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust July Events
Music Around the Pond
Ball Pond
July 15th at 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Join us on Saturday, July 15th, from 5-8 p.m. for one of our hottest events of the summer, Music Around the Pond, hosted by Friends of Ball Pond! Stop by Hahlawah Preserve in New Fairfield, whether on foot or by boat, for a fun night out. Catch the sunset and enjoy the views while listening to some LIVE music provided by Al Rivoli. We hope to see you there!
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BOTANICAL DRAWING CLASS
Komlo Preserve
July 29th at 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
CVRLT is sponsoring a Botanical Drawing Class on July 29th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Komlo Preserve, located at 130 CT-Route 37 in New Fairfield, behind the Nuvance Health building. Laura Cunningham, Conservation Biologist and Natural Science illustrator, will conduct a plein air botanical drawing class. Please bring a sketch pad, pencil, and folding chair.
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**NEW** A FREE SERVICE FROM THE TOWN CLERK
PROTECTION FROM PROPERTY & MORTGAGE FRAUD
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Additional information about PropertyCheck from New Fairfield Town Clerk, Holly Smith
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2ND ANNUAL PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE
New Fairfield will be joining the Alzheimer's Association again this year for Paint the Town Purple 2023 to be held from September 9-16. The week will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, September 8th. More details will be coming in the weeks ahead-be sure to see the schedule in the August newsletter.
There will be two Walks to End Alzheimer's near New Fairfield in the fall. Please see the flyer below on dates and locations and PLEASE register to walk and help with this very important fundraising event!
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The next HRRA Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event will be on Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at 217 Wolfpit Road, Wilton.
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Milling & Resurfacing Project
Route 37 & Service Road 850 (Haviland Hollow Road)
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin a milling and resurfacing project on Route 37 from the intersection of Route 37 and Route 39 north to the Sherman Town Line and on Service Road 850 (Haviland Hollow Road) from the New York State Line to Route 37.
Milling is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 26th and be completed on Friday, July 7th. The resurfacing is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 13th, to be completed on Monday, July 31st. No work will be performed on the day before or after July 4th.
Motorists can expect delays and one lane alternating traffic. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
DROP OFF CENTER PERMITS
Drop Off Center Hours: Tuesday & Saturday 8 A.M. to 3:45 P.M, Thursday 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
(Please note that the Drop Off Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th)
Annual Drop Off Center permits will be valid from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
To obtain your new permit for the year, the application can be obtained at the Drop Off Center or found on www.NewFairfield.org under "Public Works" or below:
You will need to bring the completed application to the Drop Off Center, along with your payment, to receive your new permit.
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The current Permit Fee Rates and cost for items dropped off is as follows (and can also be found on www.NewFairfield.org):
You can find guidelines as to what can be brought to the Drop Off Center on www.HRRA.org (Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority) below:
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WE NEED YOUR HELP - FISH of New Fairfield is growing! FISH provides a wonderful service to adults living in New Fairfield by providing transport to those in need - We are now averaging 15-25 rides a month! While we could definitely use more volunteer drivers so we can ALWAYS say YES to a client; we REALLY could use a few volunteers to help manage our email account.
You only need to check the email a few times during the work day. (NOT a huge commitment) One day a week is preferred, but we would gladly accept 1, 2 or 3 days a month. If you are willing to volunteer either to help with our email account or to become a driver, please reach out to us at fishofnf@gmail.com or message us here with your email address. Please consider becoming a volunteer.
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NEW FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY CLUB DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The Community Service Club’s Volunteers are preparing to outfit students for the 2023/24 school year. Through their fundraising, they are able to assist our neighbors and their young learners. They rely on the generosity of the Community to help them maintain this very important program. Please consider a donation to the Kids Dress for Success Program, helping bring confidence and joy to our youngest residents as they start off their new year.
Donations can be made via PayPal or by mailing a check to The Community Service Club, PO Box 8260, NF CT. 06812
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HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM PREPAREDNESS
Hurricane Season began on June 1st. New Fairfield has been in the path of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes in the past and now is the time to be prepared, before a storm arrives.
From the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ct.gov):
Before a Hurricane
Prior to the arrival of a hurricane, it is important to heed the warnings of local and state public officials. Staying informed and understanding the situation can make the difference to you and your family's safety!
To prepare for a hurricane, you should do the following:
- Have a plan for your family including children, loved ones with functional needs and pets. Ready.gov has information on how to plan for an emergency.
- Have an emergency kit ready at all times. Your kit should include food, water, first aid supplies, battery-powered radio, flashlight, and other emergency supplies. You can learn more about building an emergency supply kit on Ready.gov.
- Check with your insurance company about the National Flood Insurance Program as homeowners' insurance does not cover flooding during a hurricane. Take photos of your home and its contents. For more information on preparing your home and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for a disaster, visit the Connecticut Department of Insurance.
- Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8" marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Consider building a safe room.
- Make sure your gas tank is full of gas in case you have to evacuate.
During a hurricane
During a hurricane it is important to listen to the directions of your first responders and find ways to stay informed during an ongoing situation. The following are some action steps you and your family should take if a hurricane is likely in your area:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
- Homeowners with private wells should save as much water as possible since their well will not work if the power is out. Fill the bathtub with water to be used for toilet flushing during a loss of power. If your well is flooded or damaged by the hurricane, assume that it is contaminated and do not use it until it has been flushed, disinfected and tested for bacteria.
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks. Be sure your cell phone is charged.
- Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies.
- Moor your boat if time permits.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
- Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
- Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
- Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
- Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
After a Hurricane
Hurricanes have been known to cause severe damage to property, as well as disrupt lives and cause serious injury. After a hurricane, there may be power outages, flooding, downed electrical wires, and debris, all of which can be a hazard to your health and safety.
Power Outages and Carbon Monoxide
Gasoline-powered generators release carbon monoxide (CO) which can be deadly. If your power goes out and you are using a gasoline-powered generator for energy, be sure that the generator is installed safely and far from your home. Never use your generator indoors or in an enclosed area, like a garage.
Electrical Wires
Strong winds from a hurricane can knock down electrical wires. Some of these wires may be live. If you see a downed wire, DO NOT TOUCH IT as it could shock you and even kill you. Report it to your local police or fire department.
Flooding
Severe rain during a hurricane could cause flooding which may cause structural damage, mold, and free asbestos or lead pieces. Broken glass, splintered wood, exposed nails and water-damaged electrical devices can cause electric shock, cuts and other injuries. After a flood you should: Check your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Turn off your electricity before entering your home to avoid electrical shock. Enter your home carefully. If your door is hard to open, it could be because your ceiling is sagging. Open the door and wait for debris to fall. Check your ceiling for signs of sagging. Shovel out any mud and remove water quickly with a mop, squeegee, water-rated pump or wet vacuum. Take pictures of your home, its contents and any damage for your insurance claim. Roads may be flooded and bridges washed-out so avoid driving in flooded areas.
Mold
Water damage will cause mold to grow in your home. Porous items that have stayed wet in a home for more than 48 hours should be removed and thrown away. People with asthma and who are sensitive to mold should consider having somebody else do the clean-up.
Food
Food may spoil if there is a loss of electricity. Check for and throw away any spoiled food.
Animals
Snakes, rodents, raccoons and other wild animals may have been driven out of their homes by damage from the storm as well. When working around your home, be aware of animals as they may bite or carry disease. Insects- Standing water after the storm can be the perfect place for disease-causing insects, like mosquitoes, to lay eggs. Empty out containers with standing water. Use bug-repellant which has 10-35% DEET to protect yourself from bug bites.
Drinking Water
After a storm, water from public water supplies and private wells may not be safe to drink. Water that is dark, has an odor, or has floating pieces should NOT be used. Listen to the news or your water company to know if your water’s safe. Private wells may be contaminated and should be disinfected before use.
Call your local health department to decide if your well water is safe. To disinfect water, use ONE of the following methods: Boil at a rolling boil for one minute. Make sure water is clear of floating pieces before boiling; OR, Add 8 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of clear water or 16 drops per gallon for cloudy water. Do NOT use bleach that has perfumes or ingredients other than sodium hypochlorite as it may be toxic; OR, Add water purification tablets according to directions on the package. Mix completely and let water stand 30 minutes before using.
For more information:
A Tour of Town Hall Photos and Artwork
There are many Town services now available online and you may not have been in Town Hall in quite a while. There are quite a few beautiful pieces of historic and New Fairfield pictures and artwork that you may be interested in seeing. Here are some of them:
-Lobby-
-Town Clerk-
-Hallway-
-Selectman's Office/Conference Room-
-Downstairs-
We hope that you enjoyed this tour of the beautiful artwork and photographs in Town Hall!
Library Newsletter
The Library has its own newsletter and you can subscribe to it here:
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Senior Center
Take a look at the Senior Center's beautiful new website where you can find out about programs, events and all that the New Fairfield Senior Center offers, as well as their newsletter:
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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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Meetings Calendar
The calendar for the Town of New Fairfield board and commission meetings can be found at www.NewFairfield.org or by clicking the button below:
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.
If you are a New Fairfield not-for-profit organization and would like to include an event in the newsletter, please contact us at: jgreen@newfairfield.org.
Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
Credits:
Created with images by Olga Ionina - "Red and blue berries of currants, gooseberries and blueberries, on a white background flat lay. Hello July wallpaper, summer table background. Banner" • justasc - "Celebrating the Fourth Of July. Independence day July 4th." • Meawstory15Studio - "Colorful of fireworks display for background." • adogslifephoto - "Cats and Dogs Peeking Over White Web Banner" • Polarpx - "Fraud sign made of wooden blocks on a white desk" • martinfredy - "New asphalt road. Road asphalt works. Construction works." • NAMPIX - "traffic cones standing in a row on the road" • elroce - "Satellite view. Hurricane Florence over the Atlantics close to the US coast . Elements of this image furnished by NASA." • imagesbykenny - "Debri in road during typhoon" • Kathy images - "Wind storm damage" • sara_winter - "Red-white-and-blue popsicles on an outdoor table"