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The dazzling colors of fall are upon us as we are treated to the vibrancy of the foliage! There is a bounty of apples, pears, pumpkins, gourds, nuts and squash. We are fortunate to live in the northeast and be surrounded by the natural beauty of the season. Enjoy and immerse yourself in autumn!
The First Selectman's View from Town Hall
Thank You!
On Saturday, September 23rd, we celebrated the opening of our beautiful new High School, our students, teachers, staff and Administrators, our Town’s commitment to Education, and all those who have helped us reach our goal. It has been fascinating to watch as the pieces of the puzzle have come together. From the referendum to educational specifications, design, state approvals, permitting, financing, site work, construction, furnishing and technology, it takes a small army of people to build a school. Our taxpayers went to the polls in October, 2019 and supported this ambitious project. Together with the new Consolidated Early Learning Academy, this is the largest capital project the Town has ever undertaken and I thank you for recognizing the need, acknowledging the cost, and voting “yes.”
None of us could have imagined what was around the corner in 2020. March brought the start of the pandemic, a disruption of our lives that we could never have imagined, and the supply issues and increased costs that followed. But through it all, our Permanent Building Committee, School Administrators, Board of Education and our talented design and construction team designed and built the new school, opening on schedule and within budget. I want to offer my thanks and congratulations to all of those who have spent countless hours on this project:
The School Administration and Board of Education for identifying the need for new schools and envisioning 21st century schools that will meet the needs of all students and carry them forward into the future,
Our State Senator, Julie Kushner, State Representative Pat Callahan and former Representative Ken Gucker, for assisting us through the School Construction Grant Process and always advocating for our taxpayers and students, ensuring that we received the maximum state grant funding possible,
Our Treasurer, Terry Friedman and Deputy Treasurer, Ed Sbordone for executing the bond issuances necessary to fund the project,
Our Town Officials, Boards and Commissions, for reviewing permit applications and ensuring that the projects met all Town requirements,
Our Owners Representative, Colliers International, led by Scott Pellman and Mark Schweitzer,
Our Construction Manager, O & G Industries, led by Joe Vetro, and the hundreds of individuals who did the work of constructing the building,
Our Architects, JCJ Architecture, led by Christine O’Hare, and finally ,the dedicated members of our Permanent Building Committee, chaired by Don Kellogg, P.E., who have worked tirelessly over the past four years to ensure that the new schools meet necessary educational and safety specifications, were constructed to specifications, and finished on time and within budget. These volunteers are Professional Engineers and construction professionals with decades of experience designing and constructing large commercial and municipal buildings. Over the past four years, after putting in a full day of work, they have returned to New Fairfield to attend meetings, review drawings and specifications, discuss budgets and monitor the progress of construction. We are very lucky to have this dedicated group of professionals serving on the PBC.
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The New Fairfield Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023
6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Voting Information from the Registrar of Voters
It’s Election Season!
The November 7th elections are right around the corner for the municipal election. The voting locations will continue to be for District 24 in the Middle School, cafeteria, and for District 30 at the Senior Center. Polls open at 6 AM and they will close at 8 PM.
You can find your polling location below or on the Town's Registrar of Voter website page or at the Secretary of State’s site on the Connecticut portal. Your voting district is based on your street address.
You can register to vote online, at the DMV, there are voter registration cards available at Town Hall and the Library, as well as the High School office. If you want, you can always come in during office hours or make an appointment with a Registrar.
Office Hours:
Monday 10 a.m. to Noon (Elisa), Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Dan). Either Registrar is also available by appointment. On a week with Monday holidays, Elisa's office hours will be on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, October 31st our office will be open from 9 AM to 8 PM at Town Hall for any last minute voter registration updates, changes, or if you have not registered yet.
We are also in need of Poll Workers. Please contact our office if you are interested. Please contact us if you have any questions about your voter registration status or about voting in town in general at 203-312-5613 or email to RegistrarofVoters@NewFairfield.org
*POLLING LOCATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF NEW FAIRFIELD*
-24th District-Middle School Cafeteria (56 Gillotti Road, NF)
-30th District-NF Senior Center (33 Route 37, NF)
*Company A Firehouse & Meeting House Hill School are both no longer used as Polling Locations*
-NEW FAIRFIELD DISTRICTING STREET BREAKDOWN-
There are 12 roads in New Fairfield that are split between the 2 voting districts. If your road is not listed on District 24 or 30, refer to the Split Roads sheet below:
-District 24 – Middle School Cafeteria Voting Location
-District 24, page 2
-District 30 Voting Location – NF Senior Center
-District 30, page 2
-Split Senate District Voting Locations
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Absentee Ballot Information from the New Fairfield Town Clerk:
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31st. We wish all of the trick-or-treaters a fun time and a full bag of candy! We also want them to be safe while they are collecting their treats. Please be sure to review the following safety guidelines to ensure a fun holiday for everyone.
Trick or Treat Safety Tips from the Connecticut Department of Health:
New Fairfield Town Fair
Saturday, October 14th – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Field
The Town Fair was postponed in September due to forecasted rain and storms and rescheduled to October 14th. The weather should be cooler and we hope there will be clear blue skies for you to come out for an enjoyable afternoon!
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SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE UPCOMING PARKS AND RECREATION EVENTS
*RUN FOR THE TURKEYS 5K ROAD RACE*
Sunday, November 19th at the New Fairfield High School
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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*SANTA'S WORKSHOP*
Saturday, November 25th inside the New Fairfield Library Community Room
12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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*HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE*
Saturday, November 25th, line-up at 4:30 p.m. on Dunham Drive
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HOME SHOW
A Home Show is an event where vendors gather to showcase their products and services to potential customers. Home shows typically feature a variety of businesses related to home improvement, such as contractors, remodelers, landscapers, and interior designers. Home shows are a great way to learn about the latest trends in home design and renovation, and to compare prices from different vendors. They can also be a good place to find inspiration for your next home project.
Here is a more detailed description of what you may find at our Home Show:
Contractors and remodelers: Home shows are a great place to meet with contractors and remodelers who can help you with your next home improvement project. You can ask them about their experience, pricing, and availability.
Landscapers: If you're looking to update your landscaping, you can find landscapers at home shows who can help you design and install a new patio, deck, or garden.
Interior designers: Interior designers can help you choose the right furniture, paint colors, and accessories for your home. You can meet with interior designers at home shows to discuss your needs and style.
Other vendors: Home shows also typically feature a variety of other vendors, such as appliance retailers, furniture stores, and home decor boutiques.
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Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
Saturday, October 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
John Pettibone School, Pickett District Road, New Milford
Did you know that you can also bring textiles to the Dropoff Center and they will be recyled! Click below to see what is accepted.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
New Fairfield Police Station, 302 Ball Pond Road
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New Fairfield Lions Club 30th Annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show is on Sunday, October 8th at Squantz Pond!
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NEW FAIRFIELD HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PLAN (HAP)
Our NF Housing Opportunities Committee (HOC) has been diligently working for the past year to poll residents, collect housing data and draft a Housing Affordability Plan (HAP). The draft plan is based on both resident input and facts about housing needs in response to State Law (Statute 8-30j) requiring towns to prepare and adopt an affordable housing plan every five years.
At the September meeting our HOC approved the release of the Draft HAP to the public for further discussion with boards, commissions and residents. The Draft Housing Affordability Plan (HAP), as well as a Draft Executive Summary and Implementation Table (condensed version of the Draft HAP), can be accessed on the New Fairfield Town Website by clicking on Town, then Housing Opportunities Committee (https.www.newfairfield.org). We will also post hard copies at Town Hall, the Library, Senior Center and Post Office.
The HOC welcomes your questions and feedback (housing@newfairfield.org). We hope you will visit both the website, sooner, and our booth, later at the rescheduled NF Day on Saturday, October 14.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program for 2023-2024
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Connecticut Veterans' Home Residential Services
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Double Check the Phone Number You Dial
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
October 28th
Make a Difference Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Saturday of October, on October 28th this year. If you have ever wondered if your actions can make a difference, the answer is yes. And if you have wondered where to start, the answer is Make a Difference Day. We come together to volunteer, raise funds, offer support, and learn about the most urgent needs of our society. You don’t have to join an N.G.O. (non-governmental organization) or travel to another country — you can start by cleaning your own backyard (literally and figuratively) because volunteering is all about becoming the change you wish to see in the world – from nationaltoday.com
A wonderful volunteering opportunity with FISH is detailed below. In addition, the Make-A-Difference page on the New Fairfield Town website (www.newfairfield.org, or click on the button below) has a list of local volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference in your life and the life of others in your community.
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VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED: FISH of New Fairfield provides rides to medical appointments for New Fairfield residents. However, without drivers, providing this service is extremely difficult. Please consider becoming a volunteer driver. You are in control of your own schedule.
You can accept a driving assignment that fits into your busy schedule or ignore the request. Even helping with 1 ride a month will help us continue to offer this service to our wonderful town. If interested, send an email to fishofnf@gmail.com.
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October 14th Autumn Drawing Class at Komlo Preserve!
Autumn Botanical Drawing Class on Saturday, October 14th, 10 to 11 a.m. at Komlo Preserve (130 CT-37 in New Fairfield). Our summer Botanical Drawing Class guests enjoyed their class with local conservation biologist Laura Cunningham so much that she agreed to return for another free class on October 14th to teach us how to capture the beauty of autumn in drawings. Laura has an M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of CT specializing in Plant Science, and is studying for her Natural Science Illustration Certification from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Komlo Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary's meadow, pond, and woods are a haven in which to observe autumn's changes in its diverse foliage, plants, and flowers. Click below to register and join us on October 14th!
To help us protect and maintain Komlo's diverse plant species and wildlife sanctuary, click below to volunteer with us or donate to CVRLT. Thank you!
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A Message from the Assessor's Office
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New Fairfield Office of Emergency Management has a new Facebook and Instagram account
Be sure to check it out for very useful safety and support information!
On Facebook you can find it at New Fairfield OEM
On Instagram you can find it at newfairfieldoem
Please give a visit, like and follow.
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Annual Lyman Orchard Pies Sale
The Annual Lyman Orchard Pies Sale has begun with proceeds to the Community Service Club of New Fairfield. Pies can be ordered from any CSC of NF members or from our website at www.cscofnewfairfield.org. They will be taking orders until October 10, 2023, with a delivery date of November 14, 2023. So, don't bake for the holidays. Just pop these delicious pies in the oven! Apple Caramel Walnut. Blueberry. Strawberry Rhubarb, Bumbleberry. Chocolate Peanut Butter. Pumpkin. Banana Cream or Chocolate Cream!
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Civil War Medicine Presentation
October 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Little Red Schoolhouse
19 Brush Hill Rd.
The American Civil War has been called the world’s first modern conflict, ushering in the age of ironclad ships, hot air balloons, railroads, trench warfare and repeating firearms. The Civil War also saw the advent of modern medicine where doctors in both blue and gray uniforms applied new knowledge and technology to alleviate human suffering. Join Chris Keenan, in his recreation of a Union Army Surgeon, as he tells the story of those doctors who blazed the way for modern medical science. Topics discussed will include medical examinations and qualification for military personnel, dietary issues, sanitary conditions, diseases and infection control, surgical procedures, the use of anesthesia, battlefield triage, the ambulance corps, and even dispel some of the myths which have persisted regarding Civil War Surgeons.
New Fairfield resident Chris Keenan is a veteran of the US National Park Service with over 25 years of historical interpretation and living history experience. He is currently a licensed mental health practitioner and an adjunct professor of human services at SNHU.
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We Welcome New Business Insignia Destinations to New Fairfield
Located at 5 State Route 39, Unit B, Insignia Destinations had their grand opening in August. They are a NO FEE travel agency. So how do they make money? From the companies they book for the hotels, flights, vacation packages, etc... They came up with their name because many countries have an insignia that represents their country and it was a perfect fit for a travel agency.
Insignia Destination's agents have over 50 plus years of travel experience combined and they have all traveled extensively. They opened up in New Fairfield because they saw a need for an in-person travel agency and thought the location right next to Starbucks was ideal.
They consider themselves a "concierge travel agent" and "sell the world." They can do it all, from the usual booking of flights, hotels and rental cars, to destination wedding and honeymoon planning. They will not only get your Disney theme park tickets but do all of your Disney vacation planning, including your dining reservations and other experience and reservation planning.
They will check you in for your flights, handle any and all "issues" that may occur on your travels and include all of your plans on an APP that you have available right at your fingertips.
Their main challenge has been answering the question-why use a travel agent? Insignia Destinations can easily answer that question. They get access to online marketplaces at wholesale prices that are only offered to travel professionals, they take the headache out of your travel planning, they will handle any unexpected occurrences before and during your trip, they are experts in the travel industry and customer service and you have a person right in the store that you can speak to and get personal help, not a stranger on a website.
Going to Insignia Destinations for all of your travel planning allows you to enjoy your vacation from day one of planning it. With travel prices expected to increase by January, they suggest that now is the time to plan and book your trip. They also have an informative travel blog!
Insignia Destinations is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can reach them at (203) 604-1842, email them at info@insigniadestinations.com or fill out their contact form below:
Stop by, call or email Megan McGoey, Christina Hendrie and Samantha Cole, who will be happy to help you with all of your travel plans!
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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
October 8th to 14th
From the National Fire Protection Association:
This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.
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A Message from New Fairfield Veterans Association Commander, Bob Ballas:
KEEP IT LOCAL
It is a rare day when we are not subjected to requests for donations from numerous sources and in various ways either through regular mail, email, or telephone solicitations. It never ends! Along with voting, how we choose to spend our money is one of the few fundamental rights that are completely within our control. We respect that.
Recently the NFVA, your local veterans organization, received several inquiries on unknown subjects identifying themselves as Veterans collecting donations outside Stop and Shop. We appreciate such diligence concerning anyone identifying themselves as a Veteran seeking donations for Veterans. There is an unwritten rule of courtesy about local organizations canvasing in someone else's neighborhood. The NFVA abides by that rule. Those claiming to be state and national organizations, however, have free reign throughout the state. Because most of the solicitations take place on private property there is very little we can do to protect our citizens from fraudulent solicitors. We hope that local businesses have safeguards in place to protect residents from unscrupulous solicitors before they are allowed to set up tables in front of their establishments.
The New Fairfield Veterans Association is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated in the State of Connecticut. All our donations are used to maintain our limited equipment and support our involvement at community functions on various holidays and events. The NFVA often is called upon to perform military honors where a town citizen's family has requested a military burial detail. The NFVA annually conducts events on Memorial and Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day, remembering those who have served and were lost to war, (Never Forget). Our historical vehicles are often on display and used in the Lion's Club 4th of July parade as a past reminder of such times. With the help from local Scouts, we maintain the flags at veterans grave sites at four local cemeteries.
For the past 24 years the NFVA has been blessed by the generosity of the citizens and civic organizations of New Fairfield. Rest assured that every penny collected by the NFVA benefits the community in one way or another. As a side note, we never use donations to fund our annual member picnic or Christmas Party. Those events are funded strictly from membership dues and voluntary internal contributions.
Below is a description of what it means to be 501(c)(3) recognized.
In the meantime, mark your calendars for October 7th, the NFVA will be at Stop & Shop from 10 AM to 3 PM to collect your unserviceable National and State flags for proper "retirement". Stop by and chat with your local men and women of the New Fairfield Veterans Association.
If you are not sure of the legitimacy of the solicitor,
KEEP IT LOCAL
Thank you.
Since the right to exist as a 501(c)(3) is determined solely by the IRS, let's start with an exact definition: "To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization (i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities, and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates)."