FEBRUARY IN NEW FAIRFIELD VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 || FEBRUARY 2024

In February, we are deep into Winter, but Spring is only a month away! Valentine's Day occurs in February and we hope that all of the love that you have to offer and receive will warm you and carry you through until the warmer days!

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Margerie Reservoir at Sunrise

Presidents' Day

Monday, February 19, 2024

Presidents' Day is a Federal and State holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February. This day honors all former Presidents and their achievements and contributions to our nation.

Town Hall and Town Buildings will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024 for the holiday

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Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. (from History.com)

Negro History Week in February was chosen since both Abraham Lincoln's and Frederick Douglass' birthday occurred during this week. President Gerald Ford was the first president to designate February as Black History month.

The 2024 Black History month theme is "African Americans and the Arts" and the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more.

From Smithsonian Institute (si.edu)

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BUDGET

The FY 2024/2025 Budget presentations by the Board of Selectmen and Board of Education will be presented to the Board of Finance on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., followed by Public Comment and Board of Finance Review.

You can find the dates, times and locations (Zoom or in-person) for the Board of Finance Budget discussion meetings, beginning in March, on the calendar at www.NewFairfield.org or below:

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FROM THE ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

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The next Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Household Hazardous Waste Event is on:

April 6, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Danbury Public Works Facility, 53 Newtown Road, Danbury

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Additional 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events Schedule and Locations

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RECYCLING RIGHT - INFORMATION FROM HRRA

For more information:

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Groovin' in New Fairfield presents Seth Adam with Mike Milazzo on February 3rd. Call to be sure tickets are available.

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SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

The New Fairfield Lions Club is collecting soup for the Food Pantry at the Senior Center on February 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For additional information, be sure to visit their Facebook page-New Fairfield Lions Club or their website at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/newfairfieldct

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If you love crafting, the Community Service Club of New Fairfield is hosting their 14th annual Crafting Day at the Company A Firehouse on February 24th. They are offering a whole day of crafting!

Registration is required-see below for information on how to register.

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The Community Service Club of New Fairfield's Butter Braid, Cookie Dough and Cake Roll Fundraiser is going on now!

Butter Braid pastries are light and flaky with mouthwatering fillings like cinnamon, blueberry cream cheese and various fruit flavors. Pastries are hand-braided with a sweet dough base made with over 25 layers of dough and 100% real butter.

Cookies are to die for! Chocolate chip are a favorite, but there are others like the triple chocolate blonde, oatmeal raisin, white mac nut, and peanut butter. Cookie dough can be frozen for up to 1 year and also can be thawed and refrozen.

Others love the Joyful Traditions Cake Rolls, which are made from scratch and are great for the holidays and special occasions. Just thaw and they are ready to serve!

Order now for a March 13, 2024 delivery at CSCofNewFairfield.org or below:

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Community Bag Program

In the month of February, when you purchase a $2.50 Community reusable bag at Stop & Shop, $1.00 is given to the Community Service Club of New Fairfield!

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NEW FAIRFIELD FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Thank you to everyone who has contributed money and food to our pantry this winter. The following items are most needed at this time:

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for stocking and maintaining the pantry. Call Jen at 203-312-5686 to volunteer-THANK YOU!

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From the Social Services Department, Benefits Available to CT Residents

Check out www.connect.ct.gov to see if you qualify for benefits or click below:

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Connecticut Money School Online Programs

Please call Sabrina Acosta at 860-951-2212 x245 to register or contact her at sacosta@cahs.org.

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New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society

NFSAW SPRING FLOWER POWER SALE

New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare is holding an online spring Flower Power Sale.

Order spring flower bulbs, roots and seeds now from Flowerpower. Orders begin shipping on April 1st and will be sent directly to the buyer. NFSAW receives 50 percent of the purchase price. The website is: Nfsaw.fpfundraising.com

NFSAW has rescued thousands of abused, neglected and abandoned dogs and cats since its founding in 1977. Last year alone, NFSAW saved the lives of 363 animals.

Think Spring! Let's bring some brightness to these dreary days, while supporting our NFSAW furry friends!

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SHREDDING EVENT

Save the Date for the NFSAW shredding event on Saturday, April 13 in the Senior Center parking lot.

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New Fairfield Animal Control Officer, Kim Kraska, reminds you to keep your pets safe during coyote mating season.

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New Fairfield Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The New Fairfield Office of Emergency Management has an informative Facebook and Instagram page with up-to-date weather alerts and very helpful information on keeping safe.

One example of important and helpful information you will find on the OEM Facebook page:

Be sure to visit their page on a regular basis at New Fairfield OEM or on Instagram at newfairfieldoem.

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FISH provides free rides for the elderly or incapacitated who cannot drive themselves to doctor appointments. Volunteers needed to be on-call one day per month (or more, if available):

Provide rides to town residents from Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm.

Destinations vary, but lie in New Fairfield and surrounding towns.

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.

You can get information if you need a ride or if you would like to volunteer to drive by calling 203-312-5627 or by emailing your name and phone number to : Fishofnf@gmail.com

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Congresswoman Hayes visits New Fairfield!

Congresswoman Hayes, First Selectman Lindsey/ First Selectman Lindsey, Officer Cassavechia, Congresswoman Hayes, District Director Jennine Lupo and Sergeant Ieraci

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes came to New Fairfield and visited the Senior Center and Town Hall. She spoke with First Selectman Lindsey and Officer Cassavechia and Sergeant Ieraci about the important items on the Town's agenda and what items she may be able to help with.

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The Senior Center Celebrates the New Year

The Senior Center had a wonderful party to celebrate the New Year!

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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 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.

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Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

We hope you are surrounded by love and loved ones.

Town Hall Hours

Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter

Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield CT 06812

www.NewFairfield.org