JUNE IN NEW FAIRFIELDVOLUME 3, ISSUE 6 || JUNE 2024
HERE COMES SUMMER! The first day of Summer, the Summer Solstice, will be on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 4:50 p.m. We will see the most daylight hours of the year on this day!
Start planning your picnics, barbecues, vacations, adventures and exciting ways to take advantage of the warm weather and endless opportunities to spend time outside.
ENJOY!
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Margerie Reservoir
BUDGET REFERENDUM VOTE
Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the New Fairfield Senior Center
Absentee Ballot Information from the Town Clerk
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***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT***
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Congratulations to the Graduates!!!
Congratulations and best wishes to all of the New Fairfield graduates upon 5th Grade Stepping Up, 8th Grade Promotion and High School and College graduations. The Town is so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We wish you success in your next adventure!
The New Fairfield High School Graduation will be held on Friday, June 21st at 5:00 p.m. Hopefully, the weather will be excellent and the Graduation will be held at the Rebel Stadium. If, unfortunately, the weather does not cooperate, the Graduation will be held in the new New Fairfield High School gym.
The New Fairfield 8th Grade Promotion will be held on Monday, June 17th at 5:00 p.m. in the new New Fairfield High School gym and there will be two 5th Grade Stepping Up ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, June 7th in the Meeting House Hill School gym.
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JUNETEENTH
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
From the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture: Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.
This federal holiday is celebrated not only by parties, cookouts and parades but by teaching about African-American heritage, reading the Emancipation Proclamation, poetry readings, songs, voter registration efforts, etc...
The Town of New Fairfield offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.
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Pride Month
"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the "day" soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally"
-Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/
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Squantz Pond State Park
NEW THIS YEAR!!!
Parking at Squantz Pond is limited to 250 vehicles. Once capacity is reached, the park is closed, and will remain closed for the rest of the day. Walk-ins are prohibited. Please note there is no alternative parking, and cars parking or unloading on local roads and parking lots will be ticketed and/or towed.
Car Passes are reservable online for weekends and holidays only from 5/18/24 – 9/1/24. A maximum of 250 car passes are available each day. Car passes may be reserved 14 days in advance up until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the visit. A $2.00 transaction fee applies to all reservations. Once all passes have been sold, no additional vehicles OR visitors will be allowed to enter the facility. This includes visitors walking in or being dropped off.
No refunds, cancellations, changes or transfers are allowed for any car pass purchases.
Please be sure to print or save/screenshot your tickets after your purchase. You will need your ticket to enter the Park.
Car passes are valid any time from 8:00 a.m. until sunset on the day of the visit. A maximum of two car passes can be reserved in each transaction and the vehicle license plate for each pass must be provided. A $2.00 transaction fee applies to all reservations. Upon arrival on the date of your visit, you will need to present your ticket to be scanned by park staff. Please have it available either printed or on your mobile device at the park entrance ticket booth.
Weekday (non-holiday) car passes are available on site at the park’s ticket booth. A maximum of 250 car passes are available each day. Payment is accepted by cash or credit card (Visa/Mastercard only). A $2.00 transaction fee applies to the standard out-of-state vehicle parking fee ($15.00). There are no fees for CT- registered vehicles.
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CAR BREAK-INS
The New Fairfield Police Department reminds you to please lock your car and remove the key and any valuables to avoid this from happening to you!
The common denominator is the key is left in the vehicle.
PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR AND REMOVE VALUABLES ALL THE TIME!
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Road Work Alert from State Senator Julie Kushner's Office
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JUNE IS DOG LICENSING MONTH!
June marks the beginning of the Dog Licensing Year. In Connecticut, it is the law to license your dog in the town in which you reside. Dogs must be licensed beginning at age 6 months, and all dogs are licensed annually during the month of June.
You can license in person during Town Hall regular business hours, by mail, or the drop box located behind Town Hall. Only during the month of June, residents have the option of licensing online via the Town’s website or by scanning a QR Code. Dogs must have a current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter, if applicable. During June, the fee for a spayed/neutered dog is $8.00 and for a non-spayed/neutered dog is $19.00. After the month of June, a late fee of $1.00 per month or portion thereof is added per §22-349.
If you would like to register by mail, the drop box, or online, please visit the Town’s website at www.newfairfield.org and click on Dog Licenses in the Red Banner on the Home Page.
June 9th at the Senior Center from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Preserve New Fairfield, Inc. is holding their delicious Strawberry Festival!
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New Fairfield Lions Club Crafting Day
June 15th at the Senior Center-Be sure to RSVP to reserve your spot for this fun and creative day!
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2024 Summer Concerts @ the Gazebo
June 20, 2024 (Rain Date June 27, 2024)
The Summer Concerts kick off on June 20th at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!
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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Bethel High School * 300 Whittlesey Drive * Bethel, CT
9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
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FRIENDS of the NEW FAIRFIELD SENIOR CENTER
Annual Tag, Bake and Plant Sale
Saturday, June 22 from 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. at the Senior Center
You don't want to miss this! They are also looking for vendors to participate.
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FISH FUN RUN/WALK
Saturday, June 29th at Rebel Stadium Track
Our 1-mile event will be held at the Rebel Stadium Track with 4 Start Times: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Preregistration Cost = $18 Per Race (see ticket link or QR code)/Race Day Registration Cost Per Race at Stadium = $20 (cash or check)
Participate together: Children and families welcome! Also, run in as many races as you would like to Support FISH of New Fairfield.
This is a fundraiser in support of FISH (Friends in Service Here) of New Fairfield, a network of dedicated volunteers in New Fairfield, CT who provide non-emergency transportation for New Fairfield residents who cannot drive themselves. See more details at www.fishofnf.org
PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT FISH
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NEW FAIRFIELD TOWN BEACH
The New Fairfield Town Beach opens on weekends beginning Memorial Day weekend through the end of June. It will be open daily from the end of June until Labor Day. If you would like to purchase a pass, you can contact the Parks and Recreation Department or purchase them online at www.NewFairfield.org or by clicking the button below.
Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust is offering some wonderful events-please take a look and sign up for one or for all of them!
CONNECTICUT TRAILS DAY HIKE 2024
June 1 @ 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Come celebrate Trails Day with a hike at Sweetcake Mountain Preserve in New Fairfield, led by some CVRLT Board Members. Enjoy bird watching, a leisurely hike down our trails, or bring your kayak or canoe for some fun on the water!
Join us at Komlo Preserve in New Fairfield on June 8th from 11a.m.-12p.m. to learn all there is about beekeeping! Let’s come together as we discuss bee anatomy and social behaviors, their importance as pollinators, the dangers that honeybees and native bees face with regard to pesticides and climate change, and how to help.
This event will be rain or shine, feel free to bring a chair to sit on during the presentation
CVRLT is sponsoring our third Botanical Drawing Class on Sunday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Komlo Preserve, located at 130 CT-Route 37 in New Fairfield, behind the Nuvance Health building.
Join Natural Science Illustrator, Laura Cunningham, as we explore nature journaling in the beautiful spaces that CVRLT has to offer. Use art and basic observations to capture unique memories of your time outdoors. No art experience is required, just a pencil, sketchpad/paper, and a curiosity for the natural world! While this program is designed for adults, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Please bring a sketch pad, sharp #2 pencil, and folding chair. In case of rain or inclement weather, the class will be held indoors at the New Fairfield Senior Center. Thank you!
Join us on Saturday, July 20th for one of our hottest events of the summer, Music Around Ball 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. We hope to see you there!
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FROM THE NEW FAIRFIELD SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
New Fairfield Social Services is looking for donations for the pantry. Please call 203-312-5669 or 203-312-5686 if you would like to drop off a donation.
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Scammers are coming up with new scams every day. Stay ahead of them by learning how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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Considering Adoption? Annie C. Courtney Foundation, Inc. can show you how to get started.
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WALK TO END ALHEIMER'S
Sunday, September 22, 2024
New Fairfield High School
This year, the Alzheimer's Walk will be in New Fairfield and you can register today! This disease touches many of our lives and this Walk is one of the ways you can get involved and make a difference!
-Friday, September 6th at 10:00 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
-Tuesday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the New Fairfield Library - Education Program
-Wednesday, September 11th at 1:30 p.m. at the Senior Center - Education Program
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The New Fairfield Housing Opportunities Committee Revised Draft Housing Affordability Plan (HAP)
Over the past year working with NF residents' responses to a housing needs assessment survey, housing data, and public forum feedback, along with the BOS, Planning and Zoning Commissions, the Housing Opportunities Committee has approved the Revised Draft Housing Affordability Plan (HAP) at their May 7, 2024 meeting.
The Revised Draft HAP is now posted for 35 days for public comment on the town website under the Housing Opportunities Committee. Responses can be sent to: housing@newfairfieldct.gov.
New Fairfield OEM (Office of Emergency Management) is a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador in partnership with NOAA, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
The WRN initiative is about helping our nation become more resilient to increasing extreme weather, water and climate events. NOAA is working to keep these threats from becoming disasters with greater accuracy in forecasts and warnings, evolving services to community decision makers, and better ways to communicate risk to stakeholders and the public.
As part of the WRN initiative, NOAA partners with emergency management officials, businesses, and the media to motivate individuals and communities to prepare for a potential weather disaster. These actions can save lives – at home, in schools, and in the workplace – and help our nation better withstand extreme weather threats.
Ultimately, a Weather-Ready Nation empowers everyone to make life-saving decisions that also prevent devastating economic losses. It’s all of us working together to become a nation known for its resiliency in the face of deadly weather events.
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If you need food and supplies for your pet or if you would like to donate food and supplies to pet families in need, please contact NFSAW.
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SAVE THE DATE
Save the Date for these fantastic Parks & Recreation Annual Events
*Boat Parade-July 12th with rain date July 13th
*New Fairfield Fair Day-September 7th with rain date September 8th
*Tricks and Treats Fest-October 25th
*Run for the Turkeys 5K-November 24th
*Santa's Workshop, Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting-November 30th with rain date December 1st
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July 4th Parade
The New Fairfield Lions Club annual July 4th parade will take place on Thursday, July 4th at 9:30 a.m.
Put on your red, white and blue and come on out and join the Town in celebration!
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New Fairfield Lions Club Carnival
We have all been eagerly awaiting the New Fairfield Lions Club Carnival, which begins on Tuesday, July 16th at 5:30 p.m. on the baseball field at 12 Gillotti Road!
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JOB OPENING
The Parks & Recreation Department is looking to fill an Outdoor Cinema Technician position.
GENERAL DUTIES:
Set-up screen and operate sound equipment at Outdoor Cinema. *Supervise and schedule Outdoor Cinema Assist Technicians. *Oversee Outdoor Cinema operations. *Ensure public and employee safety. *Drive cinema truck.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Technical and mechanical abilities preferred. *Organizational and supervisory skills required. *Valid driver's license required. *Heavy lifting is required. *High School diploma.
Many thanks to the Public Works Department for their hard work! We are able to see that hard work in bloom with the beautiful flowers at Town Hall!
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Coexisting With Black Bears
Photo from ct.gov
The first Saturday in June is Black Bear Day. This day is meant to educate people about Black Bears and to celebrate Black Bears.
Please review the important information below from ct.gov regarding avoiding any issues with black bears to keep yourself and your pets safe, as well as the black bears.
There have been an increase in reports of bear sightings in Connecticut. The primary contributing factor to bear problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses.
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From ct.gov:
When/How You Should Report a Bear Sighting or Encounter
MEMORIAL DAY-MAY 27th
All Photos by Lee Scott
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Foster Care Event
On May 19, New Fairfield was proud to partner with the Annie C. Courtney Foundation to host a foster care awareness event, helping bring deserved and needed attention to such a worthy cause. We want to first of all thank everyone who came out to support this wonderful event.
We want to thank DCF and Matt Demetrion and Rachael Levine for sharing their moving and insightful stories on the foster care system. We also would like to thank State Representative Patrick Callahan for his support and attendance at the event.
You can see the highlights of this very informative event by clicking the button below:
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:
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 the information and flyer to be included on the Events Calendar to: jgreen@newfairfieldct.gov
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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Town Hall Hours
Thank you for reading the New Fairfield Newsletter
Town of New Fairfield, 4 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield CT 06812