Upcoming Community Events & Resources

fairfield
July 7, 2022
We are already through our first full week in July, summer is flying by! I hope you are able to enjoy the opportunity to refresh this summer, whether that is at home, or exploring all our beautiful state has to offer. We are fortunate to have so many events available right in our neighborhoods. Below I have shared some upcoming community events, along with a few additional resources available to you. You can click on the topics to get there directly.

Before you read through, please take a moment to consider an important local conversation regarding changes to the Fairfield Charter. The Board of Selectmen (BOS) will meet next Monday at 3PM and Tuesday at 2PM to consider the proposal presented by the Charter Revision Committee (CRC). These meetings will be hybrid, in person at Sullivan Independence Hall and virtually. You can find the link and the agenda here.

The agenda for the July 12 meeting will go out tomorrow.  It includes an item for the BOS to hear, consider and act upon.

This is the last opportunity for the public to comment prior to the BOS voting on the edits they would like the CRC to consider. For more information and previous meeting agendas, you can click here.
 
Following the meeting on July 12, the CRC will hold at least one meeting to review the BOS’s recommendations and prepare a final report that gets submitted to the BOS to accept or reject.
 
The CRC meeting date(s) have not yet been set. 

 
Sidewalk Sale
The Town of Fairfield and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce will again co-sponsor the Fairfield Sidewalk Sale & Street Fair Event on Saturday, July 16th, from 10AM - 4PM.

Over 50 Fairfield businesses are anticipated to participate in this year’s event, setting up stands and offering a variety of merchandise for sale along the Post Road from the Heritage Square Shopping Center to the Promenade at the Brick Walk. This is a great opportunity to get out and see just what amazing things our community has to offer.

For a full list of participating businesses, click the button or image below.
Participating Businesses
 
Glass Recycling & Plastic Free July
Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to work with Sustainable Fairfield on some of their local initiatives. I’d like to highlight two, and encourage you to participate.

Recycling has changed. We used to sort everything, then we went to single stream, and now we are back to separating glass here in Fairfield. Why? Glass contaminates the single stream recycling and when recycled separately as we are here in town can be made into a cement product and save the town money. If you are not returning your beverage bottles, I hope you will consider bringing them and other glass to the transfer station. Please check the info-graphic below for acceptable and not acceptable products.
 
Another initiative that Sustainable Fairfield is promoting is Plastic Free July. It’s not too late to take the pledge and make some different choices for a few days, a month, or on an ongoing basis.
 
Rebates for E-Bicycles
In my last update, I shared information about the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) program - click here to read that update. Along with other advocates, I pushed for the inclusion of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, into the rebate program. This portion of the new law went into effect on July 1. I continue to see more and more e-bicycles, particularly cargo bikes, out on the road.
 
I reached out to the Department of Environmental and Energy Protection (DEEP) to clarify when individuals could file an application for a rebate on their e-bikes. They assured me that they are in the process of updating the website as well as the application and will send out correspondence when the update is complete.

I have asked to be notified as well and will make sure to follow-up with you once the application is live for an e-bike rebate. E-bikes offer a less costly alternative for local transportation and for those unable to afford a car. We’ll keep you posted!

In the meantime, there are currently over 40 eligible vehicles available, and the list continues to grow as manufacturers release new models.

Click the button to learn more and apply for the rebate:
CHEAPR Rebate Application
 
CoveredCT Expansion
Last week, Access Health CT (AHCT) announced expanded eligibility for the Covered Connecticut Program and additional benefits for those that qualify. Adults without children now qualify for the program.

The CoveredCT provides no cost health insurance to parents, caretaker relatives and single adults who meet all eligibility requirements and, as of July 1, the program provides dental coverage and non-emergency medical transportation benefits.

To Qualify CT Residents Must:
  • Have a household income up to and including 175% of the Federal Poverty Level (see chart below) and not qualify for HUSKY Health/Medicaid because of income
  • Be eligible for financial help including Advance Premium Tax Credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions
  • Use 100% of the financial help available to them
  • Be enrolled in a Silver-level health insurance plan
Learn More About CoveredCT & Apply
 
Senior Oral Screening
From the Bigelow Senior Center: On Monday, July 18 from 9AM - 1PM, the Bigelow Senior Center will host Every Smile Counts, an oral health screening to help promote and advocate for improved access to affordable dental care. Oral health is a vital component to overall health and well-being across the lifespan. Poor oral health is associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.

At the screening, a licensed dental hygienist will visually inspect your mouth, and it will only take about 5 minutes. Anyone who participates will receive a free reusable tote bag, a free coupon for coffee and a muffin, and a gift bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and more!

Please call the Center at 203-256-3166 to make your appointment.