HELLO FEBRUARY!
"February" is derived from the Latin word februa, which means “to cleanse.” The month was named after the Roman Februalia-this was a festival that was a month of purification and atonement that took place this time of year.
The first thing that comes to mind in February is Valentines Day, named to honor St. Valentine. This is the holiday of love and we offer cards, candy, flowers and gifts, among other gestures, to show those we love how much they are cared for and adored.
In keeping with the theme of Valentines Day-February is American Heart Month. Show yourself some love by reducing your risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy diet, exercise and manage your cholesterol and blood pressure.
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The First Selectman's View from Town Hall
Small Business Grants
The Economic Development Commission has finalized the application and review process for the Small Business Assistance Program approved at referendum for ARPA funding. I have included information about the program provided by the EDC below. We expect the application to become active online on or about February 1. When active, the application will be accessible by going to the Town website, www.newfairfield.org and clicking on the banner at the top of the home page.
The New Fairfield ARPA Small Business Assistance Program was established to provide limited, one-time direct financial assistance to eligible New Fairfield small businesses that employ 25 or fewer employees and that have been adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic. The Program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds and is administered by the Town of New Fairfield. Grants are intended to aid eligible New Fairfield businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have a need for funding that will help them become stronger in the current marketplace.
Who is eligible to apply?
• To be eligible for assistance under this program, applicant must be a New Fairfield based business that is physically located and registered within the Town of New Fairfield and employs twenty-five or fewer employees as of January 1, 2023.
• The business must currently be in and have been in operation as of January 1, 2019.
• Applicant must be in good standing and current on its federal, state and local tax obligations and have no outstanding liens or judgements.
• Applicant must be compliant with the Connecticut Department of Labor Office of Unemployment Assistance and all applicable state and federal employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to minimum wage, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation and child labor.
• The business must be able to demonstrate satisfactorily that it has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and that the funding will enable the business to continue to operate and become stronger. The business must present a reasonable likelihood for long term viability.
• The business must have a clear and specific use for the grant money and the grant money can only be used toward future expenditures.
• Applicant must self-certify the eligibility requirements on the application.
How much can I apply for?
Eligible business may apply for grants of up to $5000. Funding is limited and it is anticipated that requests for assistance will be greater than funding on hand. Not all businesses approved for participation will receive the maximum amount. The amount will be based upon the documented need of the business and available resources.
Business must demonstrate economic hardship and demonstrate that the operating funds are necessary and sufficient, when combined with any other sources, to sustain the business.
What is the approval process?
All applicants will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the New Fairfield Economic Development Commission, an authorized development agency of the Town of New Fairfield. Their recommendations will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for final approval. Program staff will make every effort to ensure timely review of all applications received.
In addition to program requirements, award will be based on several factors including: the continued viability of the business enterprise, the degree to which the business has been impacted by the pandemic and proposed use of the funds. Some examples of use of funds include, but are not limited to : payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, operational expenses, worker protection expenditures, costs associated with health protection measures, workforce training and recruitment, marketing costs.
The Sub-Committee will also consider to the extent to which the business has received other assistance to date and its access to other funding sources. Upon approval, a formal agreement between the assisted business and the Town of New Fairfield will be executed. We look forward to working with you!
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AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
"Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history." (from npr.org)
Each year has a different theme. The theme for 2023 is "Black Resistance." This theme explores and teaches how African Americans have fought and resisted oppression, discrimination and prejudice in all forms throughout the nation's history.
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson, considered the "father of Black History" wanted to establish a time to educate people about Black History and culture. He wanted to have a week to teach black history in public schools and he chose the second week in February since the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass were in this week.
In the late 1960s, the week became Black History Month and in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history" as reported by History.com (from npr.org)
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There are also other days we celebrate in February:
~February 20-Presidents' Day~
George Washington's Birthday was originally celebrated on February 22nd, but is now celebrated on the 3rd Monday of February and honors Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday is also in February, and all of the Presidents who have served. It is a Federal Holiday.
~February 2-Groundhog Day~
Groundhog Day is based upon a Dutch superstition that if the groundhog comes out of its burrow and sees its shadow, it will go back into its den and there will be six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, because it is cloudy, then there will be an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil, in Pennsylvania, has been unofficially designated as the groundhog who will foretell the coming weather in an elaborate ceremony on February 2nd. Let's hope he does not see its shadow!
Board and Commission Vacancies
There are currently vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Economic Development Commission, Ball Pond Advisory Committee, Commission on the Aging and Wetlands Commission. Boards and Commissions play a critical role in our Town Meeting form of government, and each is staffed by residents who volunteer their time. While some Boards and Commissions are elected, most have members who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Some elected Boards also have vacancies to be temporarily filled by the Board of Selectmen. If you are interested in serving on any of the Boards that currently have vacancies, please send a letter of interest and resume to the Selectmen’s Office at jgreen@newfairfield.org. A brief summary of the roles of the Boards and Commissions seeking members follows:
The Zoning Board of Appeals -The ZBA's primary mission is to consider and, when justified, grant relief from zoning regulations to properties burdened by a hardship. The Board also hears appeals of orders issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
The Ball Pond Advisory Committee closely monitors the water quality and living community comprising Ball Pond, applying best lake management practices, and encouraging stewardship by the lake community to ensure the health of the lake for current and future generations, as well as for the wildlife that relies upon it.
The mission of the New Fairfield Economic Development Commission is to attract, promote, retain and engage business in the town while keeping in line with the town’s historic character, small town charm, quality of life and environment. The Commission will gather information from local business owners, commercial property owners, residents and developers with the goal of making recommendations and actionable plans for the Board of Selectmen.
The Commission on the Aging considers the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the Community in relation to housing, economic, employment, health, recreational, and other matters. It shall analyze the services for the aged provided by the Community, both public and private agencies, and shall make recommendations to the Chief Executive and the "Municipal Governing Body" regarding the development and integration of public and private agencies, in cooperation with State and other services to the extent possible.
The New Fairfield Inland Wetlands/Conservation Commission is charged with protecting and preserving wetlands and watercourses in the Town of New Fairfield from random, unnecessary, undesirable and unregulated uses, disturbance or destruction. The primary purpose of this Commission is to minimize disturbances and maintain and improve water quality.
More information about New Fairfield Boards and Commissions can be found on the Town website under the “Our Town” tab.
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Congratulations to the New Fairfield Senior Center!
Kathy Hull, Senior Center Director, said, "we are so honored to have been the first senior center to be “spotlighted” by the Western CT Area Agency on Aging in their recent December/January newsletter."
Tax Relief Programs From the Assessor's Office
**Please note that for the Elderly Program, the Assessor will accept applications AFTER February 1st and the deadline is May 15, 2023.
**The Veterans forms will be accepted through October 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please call the Assessor's Office at 203-312-5625 or email them at Assessor@NewFairfield.org. You can find forms and information on NewFairfield.org, under Municipal Departments, Assessor or click below:
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The New Fairfield Veterans Association
The next meeting of the New Fairfield Veterans Association will be on February 1, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. Veterans and nonveterans are welcome to attend.
They also meet for coffee on Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Johnny's New Fairfield Food Center and on Friday at the Goodie Shoppe at the same time.
Check them out on Facebook@NewFairfieldVeteransAssociation or email them at newfairfieldveterans@gmail.com. You can also contact their Commander, Bob Ballas, at 203-948-3234.
The New Fairfield Veterans Association is incorporated in CT and is a registered 501 [C] (3) tax exempt non-profit organization.
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New Fairfield Veterans Association Noteworthy Participation
NFVA Member, Matt Hubert, will be participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico, along with his brothers, Rob and Jake Hubert.
From APK Charities (in memory of Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, Special Forces):
Three brothers are coming together to form three teams ... Matt, Rob, and Jake Hubert are forming three wonderful teams, with five participants in each team ... to march in this year's Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico. While marching, they'll simultaneously be raising donations to benefit APK Charities. So ... in addition to the Red Team, the Blue Team, and the White Team, there is even the possibility of forming two more teams of five participants.
On April 9, 1942, 75,000 United States and Filipino soldiers fighting together during WWII surrendered to Japanese forces after months of battle. The soldiers were deprived of food, water, and medical attention and were forced to march to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. They marched for days ... approximately 65 miles ... through the scorching jungles of the Philippines. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of prisoner-of war camps and the brutality of their captors.
The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging 26-mile march - memorializing the march of those brave soldiers in 1942 - through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. At least three teams of five, possibly five teams of five, will march on March 19, 2023.
If you or someone you know would like to participate or donate, please reach out to APK at info@apkcharities.org
Do You Have Costly Repairs Needed for Your Home?
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF FUNDS TO HELP REPAIR YOUR HOME, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING FOR MORE INFORMATION:
You can find more information, the application and information packet on NewFairfield.org under "Our Town" or you can click the button below:
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New Fairfield Broadband Study
New Fairfield has been given the opportunity to participate in a project funded by the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCoG) to study the feasibility of a town-owned broadband fiber optic network to provide a new competitive option to our residents and business and improve access to the internet. The starting point for this process is to confirm whether this is something our residents and businesses would be interested in and support.
You can find out more and take the survey at newfairfieldfiber.com or click below:
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SAVE THE DATE-YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!
The Annual White Elephant Auction at the Senior Center on February 9th at 1:00 p.m.
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Highlights of Programs at the Senior Center in February
The Senior Center is offering informative lectures, presentations and events in February. Take a look at the highlights of what is available:
Please call the Senior Center at 203-312-5665 for more information.
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Parks & Recreation Program Info and Events for February
For more information about the Parks & Recreation Programs please call 203-312-5633 or go the website (newfairfield.org):
Groovin' in New Fairfield
Warm up your February with Cold Chocolate on February 4th at the Senior Center!
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Community Service Club
Crafting Day
Enjoy a day for yourself, working on a craft you love or learning about a craft that has been on your "to-do" list at the Community Service Club Crafting Day on February 25th-the snow date will be on February 26th.
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Household Hazardous Waste Day
Save the Date
April 15, 2023
Danbury Public Works Facility
53 Newtown Road
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
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Enjoy the beauty and peace of Ball Pond Brook from Bear Mountain Bridge. Even in the cold of February, we can enjoy the all of the loveliness that nature offers...
Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 22nd (Rain Date April 23rd)
Please save the date to help clean up our roads and to celebrate and learn more about helping our planet.
More information to come...
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Save the Date for the Preserve New Fairfield Strawberry Festival
June 11, 2023
Details will be coming in the next few months.
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ALSO...SAVE THE DATE for These Fabulous Annual Parks & Recreation Events in 2023
Be sure to put them on your calendar today!
Sip & Stroll on May 20th
Boat Parade on July 14th, rain date July 15th
NF Fair Day on September 9th, rain date September 10th
Tricks and Treats Fest on October 27th outside of Town Hall from 4:30-6:30p.m.
Run for the Turkeys 5K Road Race on November 19th at the NFHS from 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Santa’s Workshop on November 25th inside the NF Library Community Room from 12:30-4:00p.m.
Holiday Light Parade on November 25th line-up at 4:30p.m. on Dunham Drive
Dates for: Thursday summer concerts and outdoor movies TBA
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New Fairfield Parks and Recreation is hiring for Summer 2023!
Lifeguards Wanted!
Are you interested in working at the Town Park/beach this summer and currently hold a Lifeguard with waterfront Skills certification? We are looking for lifeguards to join our team at the town beach! If you are 16 years or older and interested in training for a lifeguard position- please contact the Parks and Rec office at 203-312-5633 for more information.
Outdoor Movie Technicians Wanted! Are you interested in running outdoor movies this summer? We are looking for a technical coordinator and assistants to show outdoor community movies- please call Parks and Rec for more information.
Camp Counselors Wanted! Are you interested in becoming a camp counselor this summer? If you are 16 years or older at the time camp begins and enjoy working with children -- you are eligible to apply!
APPLICATIONS are on-line. Please visit www.newfairfield.org, Municipal Departments, Human Resources, Employment Opportunities to apply.
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Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory
From FirstLightPower.com: FirstLight Power, the owner and operator of the Shepaug Hydroelectric Power Station in Southbury, opened the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory for the winter on December 28th, kicking the season off with over 150 visitors and the viewing of 15 eagles on opening day. The observatory is open to visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. through March 12th, 2023.
Over the years, the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory has hosted more than 150,000 visitors from across the U.S. providing families, bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers a unique opportunity to see these raptors in their natural habitat.
“A visit to the Shepaug Bald Eagle Observatory offers visitors an opportunity to view dozens of raptors and waterfowl, including bald eagles, red-tail hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, goshawks, and great blue herons,” said Len Greene, FirstLight’s spokesman. “We’re especially grateful to our volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon Society, who help make this experience possible. We can accommodate up to 200 visitors per day and we’re looking forward to an exciting winter, so we hope many people will join us this year for unmatched viewing of these remarkable birds in their natural habitat.”
Upcoming Bird of Prey shows at the observatory include:
-Horizon Wings-
- Sunday, February 12th, at 10am and 11:30am
- Sunday, March 12th, at 10am and 11:30am
-Christine’s Critters-
- Sunday, February 19th, at 10am and 11:30am
- Sunday, March 5th, at 10am and 11:30am
-Connecticut Audubon Society- Every Saturday (times vary)
Specialists and volunteers from the Connecticut Audubon Society are on-site with high-powered telescopes to help visitors see the eagles in action and to answer questions about our national symbol. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring binoculars, if possible, given the limited number of onsite telescopes. All are welcome and admission is free of charge, but advance reservations are required. Visit firstlightpower.com or click below to make a reservation:
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Important, Helpful Information from the Social Services Department
New Fairfield Social Services Resources:
Energize CT
To help residents struggling with the recent increase in electricity cost this site posts rates being charged by licensed electric suppliers, so you can compare their costs with the Eversource standard service charge and see if you can save money.
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Operation Fuel
The private charitable program for emergency assistance to households in financial crisis, has updated their income guidelines this year. See if you might qualify for their program.
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Veterans Information
The VA has implemented a one-stop information number to answer the questions of veterans who aren’t sure who to call – 1-800-MyVA411. Speak to a live agent about VA care, benefits and services. They have also created a VIRTUAL HEALTH TOOL to enable care right from your home called My HEALTHe Vet. Veterans needing assistance in obtaining benefits should seek help from the local Veterans Service Officer for our area (District 5). His name is William Muhl.
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HARTransit
HARTransit provides shuttle service in New Fairfield to the Brewster train station and SweetHART service for Seniors and persons with disabilities.
The shuttle picks up in the morning and drops off in the evening to and from the Brewster Train Station on weekdays at the Company A Firehouse and the Ball Pond Firehouse. The schedule and fares can be found at: Hartransit.com or:
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Sweethart offers several ride options for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Dial-A-Ride
Dial-A-Ride is a door-to-door transportation service for seniors age 65 or older and persons of any age with a mobility disability. Dial-A-Ride service is available in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown and Ridgefield. Service polices and availability varies by town.
Half Fare
Half Fare is available to Seniors and Persons with a Disability. Just fill out an application for a SweetHART ID card and you can ride CityBus at half the cost.
To find out more about HARTransit and SweetHART, go their website, Hartransit.com or click below:
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You can ride the city public transit buses for free through March 31st. Hartransit.com will show you the bus routes and schedules in the surrounding area.
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Library Newsletter
The Library has its own newsletter and you can subscribe to it here:
Take a look at some of the wonderful events that the Library has planned for the month of February for both children and adults-there is a murder mystery for adults and storytime, crafts and toe-tapping for the children. Chase away the winter doldrums and bring some sunshine into your life with these wonderful programs!
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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.
Enjoy the Super Bowl!
Super Bowl LVII kickoff will be on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Rihanna will headline the halftime show, which will be sponsored by Apple.
Enjoy the game, the snacks, the commercials and rooting for your favorite team!
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Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter.
Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
Credits:
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