Connecting Fairfield

News from First Selectman Bill Gerber

Independence Day Fireworks Postponed to Sunday, July 7

Due to the potential for rainstorms on Saturday, July 6, Fairfield's fireworks display has been postponed to Sunday July 7. Safety is always our top priority in making any decision to postpone. The weather for Sunday is expected to be rain free, and thus a much better day to be on the beaches or on boats on the water viewing the fireworks. Thank you for your support as we keep Fairfielders safe.

See you Sunday!

Dear Fairfielders,

There are times when an opportunity presents itself that can have a direct and lasting impact on our quality of life in Fairfield. When it comes to land acquisition, our Conservation Director Tim Bishop is always on the lookout, and especially so for space contiguous to existing conservation areas that, when combined, provide benefits greater than the sum of the parts. A rare opportunity that we have been pursuing for several months is the proposed purchase of two side-by-side Sturges Road properties connected to our 58-acre Perry's Mill Pond Open Space.

The owner of these two parcels at 798 and 816 Sturges Road, adjacent to the Mill River open space, preferred them go to the Town, rather than to a private developer. The house on one of the properties is ideal for use as a Nature's Classroom, with space for a laboratory, display tanks and microscopes, and modules to teach science lessons on conservation, climate and the environment. The space can potentially be used by the Fairfield Public Schools, and non-profit organizations such as the Mill River Wetlands Committee, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force.

The other property will create room for on-site parking. Parking for River Lab, an environmental education program to which our schoolchildren are bused, has been a longtime issue, with buses crammed onto the side of Sturges Road and children led across the street during breaks in traffic.

The cost to purchase the two parcels is $950,000, with proposed funding to come from a combination of the H. Smith Richardson Conservation Fund Trust, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the Payments in Lieu of Open Space fund. Fairfield’s Conservation, Town Plan & Zoning, and Land Acquisition Commissions have been very supportive of this project. The purchase will be discussed and voted on in the Wednesday, July 10 Board of Selectmen meeting, to be followed by a vote by the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting.

The nature center will be one more addition to the things that make Fairfield a unique and very special Town, with so much to offer all of us. Our annual Fourth of July celebration with fireworks set off from the barge on Long Island Sound is another. I hope to see you Sunday!

Bill Gerber

First Selectman

798 Sturges Road

Potential Parking Area

Perry's Mill Pond Open Space

UI Monopoles

United Illuminating's Right of Entry Requests: United Illuminating is in the due diligence phase of designing their Design and Management Plan. Limited Right of Entry forms are now being sent to north side abutters. You can either allow the Right of Entry, or you have the right to refuse entry. The exception to your right to refuse entry is if your property deed shows a UI easement on the land. Here’s how you can check to see if your property contains an easement:

• Go to Searchiqs.com
• Click on FAIRFIELD
• Fill in your last name, first name. DO NOT fill in any other fields, or you’ll limit the search. Everything filed under your name will come up: deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, etc.
• Click on VIEW to read the full document.

If you have additional questions, please contact the First Selectman's Office at firstselectman@fairfieldct.org or call the office at 203-256-3030.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Milling and Paving on Post Road/Rt. 1 Beginning July 21

Please be aware that nighttime milling and paving on a 1.18-mile section of Post Road/Rt.1 is tentatively scheduled for July 21 through August 7, from 7:00 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. The section to be resurfaced is from Eliot Place to Beaumont Street, roughly the area from Chick-fil-A to Dairy Queen/School of Rock.

The tentative start date for the milling portion of the project is scheduled to begin the night of Sunday, July 21, and continue for approximately five nights of work, ending the morning of Friday, July 26. The tentative start date for the paving portion of the project is scheduled to begin the night of Sunday, July 28, and continue for approximately eight nights of work ending the morning of Wednesday, August 7.

The Town and A Child's Garden Reach Agreement on Lease Extension

The Town of Fairfield and Mike Miklus, owner of A Child’s Garden (ACG), have agreed to terms to extend ACG’s lease at the Mona Terrace location through May 2026. The Town administration and Mike Miklus agree that Mona Terrace cannot remain the long-term location as the building is in critical need of significant renovation. The lease extension agreement is subject to approval of the Board of Selectmen, and it is anticipated that the Board of Selectmen will approve the agreement at its July 10 meeting.

Fairfield is facing a shortage of space where Town departments can fulfill core public services. Once the Mona Terrace space has been vacated and renovated, it will provide urgently needed capacity for Town departments in clean and safe accommodations.

Mike Miklus thanked the First Selectman and the Town for their willingness to extend the lease, creating a workable plan for the 160 children and their families served by ACG, and said his objective is to ensure a seamless transition to a new location while continuing to care for children and maintaining jobs for its staff after May 2026.

Bill Gerber said: "I understand the difficulty of finding quality childcare in Fairfield County, which was the driver behind our work to find an equitable solution for both the ACG parents and children. Our mutual goal remains ensuring continuity of childcare for ACG parents, and ultimately, to examine ways to increase the availability of quality childcare for all parents in Fairfield.”

Tax Collector Reminds Residents of Property Taxes Due

First quarter Real Estate taxes, first half installment (business) personal property taxes, and annual motor vehicle taxes billed in one installment became due on July 1, and the last day to pay timely is Thursday, August 1, 2024. On August 2, 2024, statutory interest accrues at an initial rate of 3%. Per state statute interest accrues at 1.5% from the original due date of July 1, 2024. Any original tax bill can be paid at any M&T Bank branch location between July 1, 2024 and August 1, 2024. You do not need to be a customer. For more details or payment options, penalties and contact information, view the Legal Notice or contact the Tax Collector's office.

Property Owner's Responsibility: Right of Way Maintenance

A summer reminder: It is the property owner's responsibility to clear the sidewalks and Town Right of Ways of overgrown vegetation, maintaining a clear pathway for pedestrians and cars. As summer advances, shrubs, weeds and flowers can grow rapidly, requiring regular maintenance of these areas.

The Town Code section 91-5 Removal of Hazardous Vegetation outlines the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the public right of way. You can access the code here. The photos below illustrate some of the problems. Let's help keep each other safe!

Trees: Please note that the care and control of trees within the public right of way falls under the jurisdiction of the Tree Warden and no tree can be pruned or removed without an approved permit from the Tree Warden.

The stop sign above has two issues. There are plantings in the Right of Way that impede visual recognition approaching it and drivers looking right cannot see if the roadway is clear to proceed. Instead, they end up pulling forward and are at risk of getting hit from traffic in the other direction. 

The photo above shows overgrowth in the Right of Way,

which forces walkers to walk into the road.

TOWN CEREMONIES

Power in Pride Picnic and Flag Raising

Fairfield held a Power in Pride Picnic, Proclamation and Flag Raising on Monday, June 24 in front of Old Town Hall, celebrating acceptance and inclusivity, and our commitment as a community to creating an environment where everyone feels valued.  

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to our speakers: the Reverend Curtis Farr, Fairfield Warde High School graduate Adrien Lopez, FPS Superintendent Michael Testani, State Representative Sarah Keitt, The Reverend Sara Smith and First Selectman Bill Gerber, with wonderful musical entertainment provided by Fairfield Center Stage. Thanks also to Fairfield Parks and Rec, Fairfield Public Library and the Department of Public Works.

Photos by Caitlin Hagedus.

131st Annual Independence Day Celebration

Fairfield celebrated Independence Day on the Town Hall Green with a ceremony organized by the United Veterans Organization and supported with refreshments by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Emcee Roger Moscater welcomed Chaplain Vincent Messineo for the invocation and closing prayers. David Judson led the Pledge of Allegiance, Allison Fay sang beautiful renditions of patriotic songs, Opening Remarks were made by First Selectman Bill Gerber, followed by Keynote Speaker Thomas A. McHale, Lt. Col, U.S. Army, Retired; and readers of the Declaration of Independence Tomas Jefferson (River Peterson); John Adams (Liam Cadavid); and Benjamin Franklin (Stephen Petrosino) from Fairfield Teen Theater.

From left, First Selectman Bill Gerber; Keynote Speaker Thomas A. McHale, Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Retired; State Representatives Jennifer Leeper and Sarah Keitt; John Adams (Liam Cadavid); Thomas Jefferson (River Peterson); Benjamin Franklin (Stephen Petrosino); State Senator Tony Hwang;

Selectman Christine Vitale.

DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS

Independence Day Fireworks Postponed to Sunday, July 7

Due to the potential for rainstorms on Saturday, July 6, Fairfield's fireworks display has been postponed to Sunday July 7. Safety is always our top priority in making any decision to postpone. The weather for Sunday is expected to be rain free, and thus a much better day to be on the beaches or on boats on the water viewing the fireworks. Thank you for your support as we keep Fairfielders safe. See you Sunday!

Fireworks explode right after dark (usually around 9:15 p.m.) from a barge off of Long Island Sound so the show can be seen easily from either Penfield or Jennings Beach. Expect significant delays following the fireworks on Post Road and all streets leading to and from the beach area. There will be an increased police presence in the beach area during the day of the fireworks. Access a map of the street changes for the evening here.

Beach parking can be accessed either with a Season Beach Pass or by purchasing a Daily Pass for $50 per vehicle (credit card only.) Daily passes will be limited to the first 350 vehicles at Jennings Beach and the first 50 vehicles at Penfield Beach. A Daily Parking Fee will also be charged at the Ash Creek Open Space Parking Lot the day of the fireworks.

Please note: Parking lots will fill. Once the threshold is reached, no additional non-permit vehicles will be allowed into the beach parking areas. Plan on arriving early so you're not disappointed!

Burning of Fairfield Guided Walking Tour, July 6-7-8

On July 7, 1779, Fairfield residents awoke to the sound of a cannon—a warning from the fort at Black Rock. A British fleet had been spotted anchoring off the coast. No one predicted the destruction that was about to occur.  Join the Fairfield Museum and History Center for a special guided walking tour detailing the British raid. Discover some of the homes that made it through the invasion unscathed and hear of the sacrifices made for American independence from British rule. 

Burning of Fairfield Tour Schedule: 

• Saturday, July 6 at 10 am and 12 pm
• Sunday, July 7 at 10 am and 12 pm
• Monday, July 8 at 6 pm

Space is limited. Registration is required. $10 for Members; $15 for Non-Members. Visit the Fairfield Museum website to register.

Adult Outdoor Fitness Center

Ribbon Cutting, July 8, 1:30 p.m.

A new Adult Outdoor Fitness Center for aging residents will officially open on Monday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. Key features of the fitness area include various accessible strength, agility, and conditioning equipment tailored for individuals with disabilities or physical limitations.  Join the members of the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, Human and Social Services Director Julie DeMarco, Bigelow Center Director Brenda Steele, CT Commissioner on Aging Amy Porter, Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Calabrese, State Representative Sarah Keitt and First Selectman Bill Gerber in a celebration and ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of the Town's second Adult Outdoor Fitness Center. (Another outdoor gym is located at Gould Manor Park.)

From left: Human and Social Services Director Julie DeMarco and Bigelow Center Director Brenda Steele in front of the new Adult Outdoor Fitness Center, as the Department of Public Works finishes installation.

Fairfield Father's Forum, Saturday, July 13, 9:30 a.m.

Join the Fairfield Father's Forum on Saturday, July 13 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Saugatuck Sweets, 28 Reef Road, Fairfield. Free and open to any fathers, any age! Led by Vince Benevento, LPC, Director and Founder of Causeway Collaborative, this forum is a safe space for fathers to share experiences and support each other through the journey of fatherhood.

6th Annual Fairfield Police Sunset 5K, Wednesday, July 17

We would like to invite everyone to this year’s 6th Annual Fairfield Police Sunset 5K presented by Moneco Advisors, held at Jennings Beach on Wednesday night July 17, 2024. You can register here. This year’s proceeds will be split between two great non-profits, the Fairfield Police Foundation and the Fairfield Police Union Scholarship Fund.





MAKE THE CONNECTION

Julie DeMarco

Human and Social Services Director





Get to know Julie DeMarco. Julie serves as the Town of Fairfield's Human and Social Services Director, overseeing the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, Senior Transportation, and Social Services.

Q: What led you to pursue a career in Human and Social Services?

A: My career began as a reporter, where I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of covering a wide range of stories—from spelling bees to incidents involving police and fire departments. However, what truly captivated me was the aftermath of these events. I found myself wondering about the families affected by fires, or the victims of crimes, and how they coped and moved forward beyond the immediate crisis. This curiosity and desire to assist in recovery and support drew me towards a career in social work.



Q: How long have you been working in Fairfield?

A: I have worked in Fairfield since 2014. First as Senior Center Director, and the last six years as Human and Social Services Director.

Q: What are some of the most significant programs you’ve worked on here?

A: I’m particularly proud of the significant contributions and proactive initiatives undertaken by our department, in both emergency response preparedness and ongoing mental health support initiatives. Despite the closure of the Senior Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff reported daily to provide crucial services and maintain vital connections within the community.

•  Fairfield Behavioral Health Response Team: We started the Fairfield Behavioral Health Response Team prior to COVID to serve as the local response team in the event of a mass casualty incident or crisis as part of the Town emergency plan, and with the support of the Fire Chief/Emergency Operations Manager. The goal is to establish a readily available team that can be called upon in the event of a crisis, rather than relying on providers arriving unprepared or unfamiliar with our community's needs.



•   Fairfield Youth Mental Health Collaborative: Working with Jessica Bloomberg from the Fairfield Police Department and Maureen Sullivan from Fairfield Public Schools, we've initiated the Fairfield Collaborative for Youth Mental Health. The Collaborative hosts a monthly series tackling concerns such as anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, suicide, and excessive social media use, aiming to enhance mental health support for our youth with these issues and providing parents and others with information and resources to help support the mental health of their children.

Q: What are the primary responsibilities of your department?

A: Human and Social Services in Fairfield encompasses The Bigelow Center, Senior Transportation, and Social Services. The Bigelow Center and Senior Transportation serve our senior community with dedicated facilities and transportation solutions. Social Services provides essential support to residents confronting challenges in meeting their families' needs. We offer confidential services such as financial assistance, emotional support, and crucial information to families, seniors, and veterans across Fairfield.

We offer a variety of resources crucial for residents in need. Our department provides emergency financial assistance and confidential services such as advocacy, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, and screening for assistance programs. Additionally, we conduct assessments for available resources, offer fuel assistance, tax preparation help, facilitate group meetings, conduct home visits, and provide various other supportive services.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges faced by residents you serve?

A: We are fortunate to live in a community that cares for and values its residents. However, we are all aware of the high costs of housing, groceries, gas, and utilities. For our residents on a fixed income, or facing unemployment or underemployment, providing for themselves and their families can be extremely challenging. Additionally, seniors and individuals with disabilities may experience social isolation due to limited social networks and community engagement opportunities.

Q: What would people find most surprising about your work?

A: It may surprise many to learn how common it is for friends and neighbors in Fairfield to face financial challenges. There's often a misconception that seeking assistance implies seeking an easy way out, which is far from true. We strive to make it easier for individuals to reach out for help, ensuring they receive the support they need with dignity. It can be very hard to pick up the phone to talk to, or stop in the Social Services office to meet, a Social Worker.

Q: What is your long-term goal for Human and Social Services in Fairfield?

A: My overarching goal remains consistent—to foster a community where every resident feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive. We can’t do this alone, and, thankfully, we don’t have to. Our work is a coordinated effort among social service agencies, community organizations, town departments, and engaged residents.

 Along with Brenda Steele, the Bigelow Center Director, and Fairfield Senior Advocates, we are working on our AARP/WHO Age Friendly Designation. This is a comprehensive three-to-five year project aimed at assessing and enhancing Fairfield's "age friendliness." Age friendly communities systematically plan, coordinate, and invest in various domains such as Housing, Transportation, Outdoor Spaces, Civic Involvement, Inclusion, Health-related Services, and Communication/Information. If you're interested in contributing to Age Friendly Fairfield, please reach out by emailing agefriendlyfairfield@fairfieldct.org.

Q: How can someone find out about programs and services available at Social Services?

A: Call us at 203-256-3170 or send an email to SocialServices@FairfieldCT.org to set up an appointment with a social worker. Appointments are available Mondays - Fridays between 9:00-3:30 PM. Our address is 100 Mona Terrace Fairfield, CT 06824 (the former Old Field School).

Thank you, Julie!

Avery Holtz is Fairfield's Ms President US!

Avery Holtz ran for and was elected Ms President US of Fairfield by participating in a girls' civic leadership program for girls in 4th to 8th grades. With the goal of expanding their knowledge of what it takes to be a leader, the Ms President US program builds upon a girl's belief that they can do anything anyone else can do. Avery's platform this year focused on internet safety and protections for children online. A sixth grader at the Unquowa School, Avery visited the First Selectman's Office with two members of her campaign staff, Emily Smith and Ellie Holtz. Congratulations, Avery!



From left, First Selectman Bill Gerber, Ms President US Avery Holtz, Emily Smith and Ellie Holtz

BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS



Here are the current vacancies for Town residents:



Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee: Learn more about this committee here.

Charter Revision Commission: Number of vacancies to be determined.

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.

Learn more about the Appointment Process here.

How to Contact Your State Legislators

I encourage you to reach out to your elected state legislators with questions or comments on their legislative work in the Connecticut General Assembly. Click on the name below to contact them at their website:

State Senator Tony Hwang

State Representative Jennifer Leeper

State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey

State Representative Sarah Keitt

Board of Selectman Meetings

The next regular Board of Selectmen meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 10 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.



EYES ON FAIRFIELD

Help us celebrate the unique beauty of life in Fairfield by sharing your photos with our community. Submit your photos at 300dpi to firstselectman@fairfieldct.org. We live in such a special Town. Share with all of us the sites and sights you love.

Memorial Day Parade

Photo by Donna Ertel

Donna says: "With the fife and drum corps in front and the smoke in the background and lights from the firetrucks, this gave me a flashback of the British marching on Fairfield

--with a modern twist."

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