Connecting Fairfield
News from First Selectman Bill Gerber
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Photo: Field of Valor, Jennings Park | |
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Nov 7, 2024
Dear Fairfielders,
For the 8th year in a row, the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield has created a Field of Valor in Jennings Park (on the corner of Post & North Benson Roads). If you do not normally drive that way, you should take a few minutes to do so, park across the street, walk over, and take it all in. It really is inspiring, and even more so when the flags flutter in the wind. The amount of work the Kiwanis Club volunteers do to set this up and, two weeks later, take it down is really extraordinary-- a labor of love and respect.
Anyone can honor a veteran or active member of the armed forces by sponsoring a flag (for $25) through the Fairfield Kiwanis Club website. Your veteran’s name is typed on a yellow card attached to each flag. (You can locate flags by name in the online flag location chart.) You can choose to keep the flag or donate it.
This year, a friend of mine and a Fairfield resident, Steve Bogan, did some research with the help of Alec Lurie, a former Fairfield University student and current PhD Candidate at Stony Brook. They looked at historic Fairfield records and chose ten Black war veterans from the Revolutionary War through the Korean War. Steve asked me if any Town bodies would be interested in sponsoring them. I sent a note out and within no time members of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance and RTM had sponsored all ten, and then some (the excess to be donated to Kiwanis in aggregate).
The ten soldiers are as follows:
JACK ROWLAND: Revolutionary War; Private, Continental Army
NED FREEDOM: Revolutionary War; Private, Continental Army
PHILIP HUBBARD: Revolutionary War; Private, Continental Army
JAMES HUBBARD: Revolutionary War; Private, Continental Army
TONEY GOULD: Revolutionary War; Private, Continental Army
PETER NASH: Revolutionary War; Private, Fairfield Coast Guard
MICHAEL B. NICHOLS: Civil War; Private, Union Army
FREDERICK WARD, SR.: World War I; Private, Army
FREDERICK WARD, JR.: Korean War; Private, Army
CHARLOTTE WARD: World War II; Unknown rank, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
I thought Steve’s project was a wonderful way to honor these soldiers, and also remind us of the rich cultural history of our Town and the diversity of those who have made significant contributions to Fairfield, the State of Connecticut and the United States of America.
As always, I welcome your thoughts about life in Fairfield. You can reach me at firstselectman@fairfieldct.org, or you can call my office at 203-256-3030.
Bill Gerber
First Selectman
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FREDERICK WARD, SR.: World War I; Private, Army
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CHARLOTTE WARD:
World War II, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
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FREDERICK WARD, JR.: Korean War; Private, Army
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MOVING FAIRFIELD FORWARD
Town Government in Action
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You're Invited to Coffee with First Selectman Bill Gerber on Nov. 9
Bill Gerber wants to know what you think, so he's holding a series of constituents' coffees around Town.
Scheduled on Saturday mornings and rotating through each of the ten Representative Town Meeting (RTM) districts, the get-togethers will be an informal opportunity to share concerns unique to your neighborhoods--or whatever else you have on your mind. The first coffee kicks off on November 9th with neighbors from RTM District 2 (which means you vote at Burr Elementary), but everyone is welcome!
Hope to see you on Saturday, November 9th at the H. Smith Richardson Golf Course Clubhouse, 2425 Morehouse Highway, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Bring your friends, neighbors, and questions. The coffee's on Bill.
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Redding Road Roundabout Construction
Construction began on the roundabout at the intersection of Redding and Dunham Roads on October 23, and with continued good weather should be complete within several weeks. The roundabout is designed to slow traffic moving through this area as well as markedly improve line of sight issues at this low visibility intersection. Statistically, motor vehicle accidents and accidents causing injury are significantly reduced by single lane roundabouts.
Over the past several months, the Town has made a number of safety improvements to Redding Road, including edge lines that visually narrow the road and slow drivers, center rumble strips that warn drivers when they leave their lane, and reflective post delineators on all speed limit signs on Redding Road that catch the attention of drivers, especially at night.
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Fairfield's Department of Public Works is installing stamped concrete in both red and gray. | |
The colors will differentiate the material from the asphalt road so drivers will easily see the path around the circle. | |
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Help CT DOT Make Roadway Improvements: Take a Survey
CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is asking residents to take a survey as part of their "Active Transportation Plan." The Plan is a two-year effort to guide future improvements on state routes and serve as a roadmap for developing and modernizing sidewalks, bike lanes, trails and intersections throughout the state. The goal is to make it safer and more comfortable to walk, bike, use a wheelchair or mobility aid device. The survey takes about five minutes--let CT DOT know how often you use roads to bike or walk, and how safe you feel.
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United Illuminating Monopoles Rally, November 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Our clear and urgent message to United Illuminating is that towering monopoles and easements over private and public property are not acceptable to the people of Fairfield and Southport.
Through a sustained campaign of letters, rallies, Town Halls, and meetings with UI and Governor Lamont, a bill was passed by the State Legislature and signed into law making critical changes to the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) procedures. In 2025, we'll know the result of our appeal in Superior Court.
Your voice can still be heard.
RALLY AGAINST UNITED ILLUMINATING'S POWER LINES
• Tuesday, November 12 from 7pm to 9pm
• The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC)
70 Sanford Street, Fairfield
• Free Admission | Food Truck | Cash Bar
• Live Music by Fairfield band "Out On Bail"
Speakers include:
· First Selectman Bill Gerber
· Representatives from Empowering Fairfield
· Guest Speaker Wes Haynes,
Preservation Advisor to the Mary and Eliza Freeman Houses
Hope to see you there!
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Fairfield Police Department Encourages
Vigilance for Home and Vehicles
Since September 1, the Fairfield Police Department has responded to more than 48 thefts from motor vehicles and 17 stolen vehicle complaints. Unlocked vehicles have proven to be easy targets from criminals, which can lead to increasingly dangerous situations.
"These incidents emphasize the importance of taking simple precautions," said Chief Robert Kalamaras. "Lock your vehicles, remove valuables, and never leave key fobs inside. Working together, we can send a clear message that Fairfield is not a place for criminal activity."
All residents are encouraged to take these essential steps:
- Lock vehicle doors at all times, particularly overnight, and remove keys, valuables and any personal information.
- Secure all entry points to your home, including doors, windows and garages, especially at night or when leaving the property unattended.
- Consider installing doorbell cameras or other home video surveillance systems, which have proven invaluable in deterring criminal activity and assisting in investigations.
Video footage from doorbell and home security cameras has been instrumental in recent cases, providing vital evidence that has helped identify suspects and uncover patterns in criminal activity. These systems not only enhance home security but also contribute to the overall safety of the neighborhood by allowing residents to monitor and share critical information with law enforcement when needed.
The Police Department remains committed to ensuring Fairfield is a safe and secure community. Learn more at the FPD website here.
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All the Leaves Are Brown: Leaf Collection Policy
The Town of Fairfield provides four weeks of leaf collection for all neighborhoods outside of Greenfield Hill*. There is no pickup during Thanksgiving week to allow residents extra time to finish their raking. The weeks are determined based on weather conditions and leaf fall.
There is no specific pickup day for a particular street or neighborhood. Bags must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on Mondays to assure pickup during that week.
Bags placed outside of the Town right-of-way (for example: along driveways, inside stone walls or fences) will NOT be picked up.
Leaf Collection
2024 Schedule
Week 1 - November 4
Week 2 - November 11
Week 3 - November 18
[Thanksgiving Week - no pickup]
Week 4 - December 2
*Greenfield Hill - Greenfield Hill residents may enter a service request (select "Leaf Collection Request (Greenfield Hill)") or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177 to request leaf collection during weeks 1, 2 and 4.
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Please Remove Basketball Hoops in the Right-of-Way
During winter operations basketball hoops in the Town's right-of-way-impede the ability of our snowplow equipment to clear the snow along the curb lines and in some instances can damage both the snowplow equipment and your property. Please remove the basketball hoops so that our Public Works team can perform their work in an efficient and effective manner. After November 1, DPW will be tagging basketball hoops that are perceived to be dangerous.
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Heating Assistance Awareness Month
United Illuminating has a number of ways to help with heating costs this winter, from federal and state financial aid options to services and programs offered by UI. You can learn more here: Stay Warm This Winter: Get Help With Your Energy Bills
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Sign Up for "HeatSmart Fairfield"
Many residents may have received a flyer for “HeatSmart Fairfield” along with their most recent sewer bill. HeatSmart Fairfield is an educational campaign led by Sustainable Fairfield to help residents, particularly those on low or fixed incomes, to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save money. We have learned that, unfortunately, the phone number listed in the flyer was incorrect. Residents interested in getting a home energy assessment through HeatSmart Fairfield should contact the campaign’s preferred, Fairfield-based installer, New England Smart Energy, at 203-292-8088. Alternatively, you may call 877-WISEUSE (877-947-3873), which is staffed by representatives of United Illuminating and Eversource, to schedule an appointment. This program, which provides energy saving services valued at $850 and helps residents realize up to $180 in annual savings, is available for a co-pay of $75. However, if you qualify as “income eligible,” there is no cost.
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Fire Department Appointment Ceremony
An Appointment Ceremony was held at the Fairfield Fire Department on Tuesday, October 29. Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Dennis Eannotti, Master Mechanic David Gillis and Mechanic Casey Klaneski took their Oath of Office, administered by First Selectman Bill Gerber, with presentation and pinning of badges.Congratulations to all!
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From left to right, Mechanic Casey Klaneski; Master Mechanic David Gillis; Fire Marshal Assistant Chief Dennis Eannotti | |
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DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS
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Get Your Flu Shot Now through December 3 | |
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Green Team Tip of the Week: Pumpkin Composting Begins Nov 8
Dates for pumpkin drop offs at each school:
Burr 11/16-12/2
Dwight 11/16-12/7
Holland Hill 11/11-12/2
Jennings 11/11-12/2
Mill Hill 11/9 - 12/2
North Stratfield 11/8-11/22
Osborn Hill 11/25-12/6
Riverfield 11/16-12/7
Sherman 11/18-12/6
Stratfield 11/16-12/7
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Public Invited to Attend Veteran's Day Ceremony, Mon Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
The annual Fairfield Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Posts 143 and 74, will be held on Monday, November 11 at 11:00 am near the Veterans Wall of Honor on the Town Green, 611 Old Post Road. The dress code for Veterans attending the ceremony is blue and gray and Post Commanders should bring unit colors and stand.
Following the November 11 ceremony, the Eunice Dennis Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will provide a light lunch for Veterans and their families inside the Old Fairfield Academy, located at 635 Old Post Road near the Old Town Hall. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Old Academy. For more information, call Chris DeWitt, Commander of the Lt. Owen Fish American Legion Post 143 at 203-570-5650 or Chrisdewitt103@gmail.com.
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"Turn Up' for Fairfield Theatre Company, Sat Nov. 16, 7:00 p.m.
On Saturday, November 16, Fairfield Theatre Company (FTC) will “Turn Up” the excitement for the 2024 ENCORE Gala from 7:00PM to 11:00PM in The Warehouse at FTC.This year’s theme, “Turn Up” celebrates the energy and impact of live music, art, and community, all in support of FTC’s mission to enrich the community through the arts.
This year’s gala will feature Marcia Selden Catering as the lead sponsor, ensuring guests enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience. The evening will also “Turn Up” the volume with a special live performance by the acclaimed band !!! (Chk Chk Chk), known for their high-energy, dance-punk sound that blends rock and electronic music. The band’s infectious beats will have everyone on their feet, making this an event not to be missed!
Grab your tickets now and "Turn Up" for FTC, just like FTC turns up for you!
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Eyes on Fairfield is your space, a place where community members can share memorable moments and highlight the beauty of our Town. Please send us your photos at firstselectman@fairfieldct.org, capturing Fairfield landscapes, events, and places with special memories. | |
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Comet C/2023 A3 Over Sasco Beach
Comet C/2023 A3 appeared in the skies over Fairfield in October
and was the brightest comet we've seen in 27 years--
the brightest since Hale Bopp in 1997.
Photo by Rick Perret
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BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
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Here are the current vacancies for Town residents:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee: Learn more about this Committee here.
Conservation Commission: Learn more about this Commission here.
Employees Retirement Board: Learn more about this Board here.
Ethics Commission: Learn more about this Commission here.
FairTV Commission: Learn more about this Commission here. A working knowledge of television production is helpful.
Flood and Erosion Control Board: Learn more about this Board here. Experience with riverine systems is desirable.
Parking Authority: Learn more about the Authority here.
Shellfish Commission: Learn more about this Commission here.
Learn more about the Appointment Process here.
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Board of Selectman Meetings
The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 20 at 4:00 p.m. Meetings are held in Independence Hall and open to the public. You can attend either in person or on Webex. You can also read minutes of previous meetings here.
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Independence Hall
725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
203-256-3030
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