2010 Fairfield Answerbook

fairfieldanswerbook.2010

fairfield sun special sectionoctober 28, 2010

2 The Fairfield Answerbook, Fairfield, Connecticut October 28, 2010

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October 28, 2010 The Fairfield Answerbook, Fairfield, Connecticut 3

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Table of ContentsHistory .................................................................... 6-8Demographics ............................................................9Government ........................................................ 12-18Town Officials ...........................................................27Schools ............................................................... 19-22Public Services ................................................... 22-24Property Issues ........................................................30Emergency Services ........................................... 34-35Business ...................................................................31Health ..................................................................42,44Religion ............................................................... 35-36Map of Greenwich Points of Interest ................. 31-34Senior Citizens .........................................................40Children & Teens ................................................ 45-46Recreation .......................................................... 37-39Entertainment ...........................................................52Clubs & Organizations ........................................ 50-51Utilities ......................................................................26Business ...................................................................31Transportation ..........................................................48Pets & Animals ................................................... 32-34Media ..................................................................24, 26

Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of the Fairfield Sun.

Copies are also available at real estate offices,

town hall and Chamber of Commerce. For additional copies, call 203-438-6544. Contents are online at Fairfield-Sun.com.

Thomas B. Nash, publisherJulie Weisberg, editor

Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Dave Pross, account executive

Cover photo by Ian MurrenCover design by Ian Murren

Map by David Raabe

Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: [email protected]

©2010 Hersam Acorn Newspapers100 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Conn., 06484

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Connecticut Association of Independent Schools. Financial Aid Available

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History Fairfield’s coastal geography and plentiful natural resources

attracted humans for thousands of years before European settlers stumbled upon the “fair fields” that Native Americans called Uncoway. However, when English colonists arrived as settlers in the 1630s, the Paugussett villages in the lower Housatonic River Valley were small and scattered mainly due to Indian pop-ulations being wiped out by exposure to new diseases.

In July 1637 Captain John Mason and Roger Ludlow from Windsor led a group of English who massacred hundreds of women, children and older men by setting a village ablaze. Eventually the English found the survivors in an area inhabited by the Sasqua Indians, in present day Southport.

There they laid siege to the Indian population in what would be known as the “Great Swamp Fight.”

In the fall of 1639, two years after the Great Swamp Fight with the Pequots, Ludlow returned to the area and purchased land from the Pequonnock Indians stretching between the Sasqua (Mill) and Pequonnock rivers and roughly eight miles inland and later purchasing tracts all the way to the Norwalk River, extending 12 miles inland in some areas.

The permanent settlement of Fairfield began in 1639 when Roger Ludlow laid out four “squares” of land divided by five roadways.

This area defined the center of the new settlement, and re-mains today as the Historic Town Green with town government buildings, churches, and the surrounding neighborhood.

In Fairfield, roughly 6%, or 260, of its 4,455 residents, were slaves.

As generations passed, new settlements sprang up farther from the town center. Stratfield, West (Greens Farms), Green-field Hill, and Redding were among the first newly formed par-ishes in the 1720s and 1730s.

In 1767, Redding became the first new town carved from Fairfield lands. The Norfield and North Fairfield parishes below Redding became the town of Weston in 1787. Half of Weston separated to become Easton in 1845. Westport was carved from both Fairfield and Norwalk in 1835, and Black Rock was ac-quired by Bridgeport in 1870.

During the Revolutionary War period, an army of British troops led by General William Tryon landed at Compo Beach, an area now part of Westport and marched inland through North Fairfield (now Weston and Easton) and Redding to Danbury. Al-though Fairfield was not touched, a second British invasion on July 8, 1779 proved catastrophic.

British troops under the command of General George Garth marched toward Fairfield to join Tryon. The British troops be-gan burning homes and a rear guard of German mercenaries set fire to virtually all the buildings, including the churches and ministers’ homes, to which Tryon had given protection.

Fairfield never fully recovered from the destruction. In 1789, 10 years after the fire and six years after the war ended, Presi-dent George Washington stopped at Penfield’s Sun Tavern in Fairfield.

He observed, “The destructive evidences of British cruelty are yet visible both in Norwalk and Fairfield; as there are the chim-neys of many burnt houses standing in them yet.”

Fairfield’s stature as one of the most influential and prosper-ous towns in the region diminished in the slow process of re-building.

For nearly 300 years, until the early 20th Century, agriculture was the major source of Fairfield’s prosperity. Fairfield’s coastal geography provided good harbors, an advantage that created significant wealth in the 18th and 19th centuries through com-merce and related maritime industries.

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Shipbuilding became a profitable business at the deep wa-ter harbor in Black Rock in the early 18th Century. Livestock, grains, flax seed, preserved meats, dairy products, lumber, and barrel staves were shipped from Fairfield.

With the opening of western lands where soil was more easily cultivated, agriculture declined in the region.

As the years passed, land was valued more for its develop-ment potential than for growing crops, and farmland was sold for homes, shopping centers and industry.

In 1844, the Connecticut General Assembly approved the charter for the New York and New Haven Railroad Company to begin construction of a rail line. Four years later, in December 1848, the first train came through Fairfield.

The railroad’s impact was profound. Suddenly New York City was only a two hour and ten minute ride away.

The arrival of the railroad also initiated a change in Fairfield’s identity, transforming its town center to a resort destination. Well-to-do city dwellers found respite in the peaceful setting with its ocean breezes, and some built lavish summer homes in the town.

The “melting pot” of cultural traditions and religions that distinguish American life began in earnest in the mid-1800s, as successive waves of European immigrants arrived on America’s shores. In Fairfield, the declining population of founders’ descen-dants was infused with newcomers from Ireland, Sweden, Italy, and eastern Europe who saw in the town their land of opportu-nity. Some eventually purchased land to cultivate in Fairfield, and later built homes on their land. In the early 20th Century, new, culturally distinct, neighborhoods began to emerge in Fair-field. In the 1920s, as the popularity of automobiles increased, existing roads proved inadequate and frustrating to drivers. As traffic problems worsened, a controlled-access highway seemed to be the only solution.

In the early 1930s, plans for a parkway, designed with distinc-tive bridges and landscaping, was approved. In 1934, construc-tion began on the Merritt Parkway as a federal Works Project Administration (W.P.A.) project. The first section of the Queen of Parkways, between Greenwich and Norwalk, opened in July 1938. The remaining stretch of the 37-mile route, including Fair-field’s hard-won “no exit zone” through Greenfield Hill, opened on Sept. 2, 1940. Adapted from the town history, information courtesy of Fairfield Museum and History Center.

When was Fairfield founded?The permanent settlement of Fairfield began in 1639 when

Roger Ludlow laid out four “squares” of land divided by five roadways. This area defined the center of the new settlement, and remains today as the Historic Town Green with town gov-ernment buildings, churches, and the surrounding neighbor-hood. Home lots were located within the four squares, while surrounding land was set aside for pasture, meadow, and crop cultivation.

Where did Fairfield get its name?Prior to Ludlowe’s settlement, Native American tribes lived

off the land for thousands of years. European settlers called the area the “fair fields.” Native Americans had called the land Un-coway.

Are there any town histories?There are several available for loan from the Fairfield Public

Library. They include The Jonathan Sturges Cottage: Its builder, architect and family owners 1840-2007 by Mary B. Rouseau; The Slaves of Central Fairfield County, by Daniel Cruson; Re-membering Fairfield: Famous People and Historic Places by

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Rita Papazian; and Fairfield: The Biography of a Community, 1639-2000 by Thomas J. Farnham.

Who is the town historian?Marcia Miner is the town historian. She may be reached

through the Fairfield Museum and History Center at 259-1598.

Are there any historic districts in town?Greenfield Hill, Southport and Old Post Road are considered

historic districts.

What are some historic points of interest?Fairfield has several including the Bronson Windmill at 3015

Bronson Road, the Penfield Lighthouse, and the Fairfield His-toric District on Old Post Road from Post Road to Turney Road. This is the old town center of Fairfield, roughly along Old Post Road between U.S. Route 1 and Turney Road. The area contains Fairfield’s town hall, public library, and houses dating from the late 18th Century. The area also contains the Fairfield County Courthouse and Fairfield County Jail.

What are the oldest houses in town?Fairfield is blessed with having a number of historic homes

including the David Ogden House, at 1520 Bronson Road, a farmhouse built in the mid-18th Century, and the John Os-borne House, at 909 King’s Highway West, built in 1734. The Jonathan Sturges House, at 449 Mill Plain Road, built later, in the mid-19th Century, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the role of the historical society?The Fairfield Historical Society, established more than 100

years ago, created the Fairfield Museum and History Center as an educational center with the purpose of collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of the town and surrounding regions for present and future generations. The museum works to pre-serve and exhibit regional material culture and shares its collec-tions through innovative educational programs for children and families.

Is there a chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution?

Yes. The Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter, organized in 1894, holds meetings through the year at the Old Fairfield Academy at the Town Green and Old Post Road.

For more information e-mail [email protected], or visit online ctdar.org.

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DemographicsHow big is Fairfield?

Fairfield encompasses 30.6 square miles located between the cities of Bridgeport and Stamford on the coast of Long Island Sound in Connecticut. It is bordered on the east by Bridgeport; on the north by Easton, Weston and Trumbull; on the west by Westport; and on the south by Long Island Sound. Fairfield en-joys five miles of coastline. The three zip codes of Fairfield are 06824, 06825 and 06890, which serves the Southport section of town. The telephone area code is 203.

How many people live here?According to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center

(CERC) Town Profile for 2010, Fairfield’s population in 2009 was 56,544. There were 27,098 males and 29,446 females.

What is the town’s racial makeup?The 2008 data shows the racial breakdown as follows: White,

52,652; Black, 1,084; Asian Pacific, 1,612; Native American, 31; Other/Multi-Race, 1,165; and Hispanic (any race), 2,123.

How many households are here?According to the 2009 data, there are 19,478 households in

Fairfield.

What is the median income?The median household income is $106,184, significantly

higher than the county median household income of $81,058 and the state of $67,236.

What’s the unemployment rate?According to the CERC profile, in 2008 Fairfield’s labor force

totaled 28,669. Of that number, 27,343 were employed and 1,326 were unemployed, for an unemployment rate of 4.6%, below the state average of 5.7%.

What is the average price of a house here?There were 823 single-family homes sold in Fairfield in 2007

with a median price of $618,000, according to the CERC profile. There was one house sold under $200,000; 19 houses sold in the $200,000 to $299,999 range; 74 houses sold in the $300,000 to $399,999 range; and 729 houses sold that cost $400,000 or more.

What is the average temperature?January is the coldest month with an average high of 37 de-

grees F and average low of 23 degrees F, with July the warmest month with an average high of 82, and an average low of 65. The highest recorded temperature was 103 on July 22, 1957. The lowest was -10 degrees in Jan. 22,1984.

What is the average monthly precipitation?The maximum average precipitation, 4.2 inches, is in March,

and a maximum average of 4 inches in May.

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Town GovernmentWhere are town offices?

Town offices are divided between Old Town Hall and John J. Sullivan Independence Hall, which are at 611 and 725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, 06824. For information, call 256-3000. The town Web site is fairfieldct.org. Office hours generally are from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, although the hours of some offices may vary.

Who is the chief executive of the town?The first selectman is Kenneth A. Flatto, a Democrat re-

elected in November 2009. His office is on the second floor at Sullivan Independence Hall and he may be reached at 256-3030. He is a full-time chief executive officer of the town. Among his duties are developing and submitting a town budget, and over-seeing a number of town departments including fire, police, parks and recreation, parking services, public works, and pur-chasing and administration.

He is also chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which consists of Sherri A. Steeneck, a Democrat, and James F. Walsh, a Re-publican, who are both part-time representatives. The Board of Selectmen is the town’s executive branch policy-making board, setting broad recommendations for projects, goals and issues af-fecting the town. The members of the Board of Selectmen have four-year terms. They discuss and vote on budget and spending authorizations, labor agreements, bonding authorizations, legal claims, appointments to boards and commissions, use of town facilities and other items dictated by statute, ordinance and the Town Charter. The three-member board is also ex-officio on the Board of Finance and RTM, and attend such meetings, as well as

various appointed and elected board and commission meetings.The selectmen’s administrative assistant is Jennifer Carpen-

ter. She may be reached at 256-3030 or [email protected].

Is there a directory of town officials?Yes. There is a directory of officials on the town Web site, fair-

fieldct.org. A list of elected officials and primary staff members is in the Fairfield Answerbook.

What is the Representative Town Meeting?The Representative Town Meeting, more commonly referred

to at the RTM, is the legislative body of the town, which gets its powers from the Town Charter. It has been the town’s form of government since the late 1800’s. The Fairfield RTM consists of maximum of 56 members elected by voters in the town’s 10 districts.

RTM delegates run on a non-partisan basis, serve without compensation, and are elected for a two-year term. RTM mem-bers are listed on the town Web site fairfieldct.org.

Although only elected representatives may vote, all town citi-zens may attend RTM meetings and may speak.

What does the RTM do?All legislative power of the town, including the power to enact

ordinances, is vested to the RTM subject to referendum. The RTM approves town expenditures; approves, reduces, or elimi-nates appropriations; creates committees to deal with subjects such as education spending or public health and safety; and initi-ates and passes ordinances.

When does the RTM meet?The RTM is required to meet at least once a month unless

there is no business to be acted upon and the meeting is dis-pensed with by the direction of the moderator to the town clerk. Generally the RTM meets at 8 p.m. at Osborn Hill School the fourth Monday of every month with an annual budget meeting on the first Monday in May. For the remainder of 2010, there are three regularly scheduled meetings: Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20.

Who may run for an RTM seat?Any citizen of Fairfield who is registered to vote is eligible to

serve on the RTM unless they are an elected official of another town office, an elected or appointed town officer, or an elected state official. Nomination may be made by a political party or by petition that must be signed by at least 1% of the electors in the candidates home district and filed with the town clerk at least 55 days prior to the election.

What is the town budget?The total town budget for the 20010-11 fiscal year is

$251,541,113. The breakdown is as follows:Town services - $77,836,357;Education - $141,571,425Fixed charges - $32,133,331

What is the current tax rate in town?In Connecticut, property tax rates are expressed in mills, or

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thousandths of a dollar. The current tax rate is 19.27 mills. It results in the payment of $19.27 for each $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. The Board of Finance sets the mill rate each May, in time for the July tax bills.

What is a grand list?A New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base

and reflects the assessed values of all taxable property in town. The assessor compiles it every Oct. 1. The net grand list with exemptions for 2009, was reported at $12,001,668,506. Of that amount, $11,391,873,200 was attributed to taxable real estate.

The other two facets are assessed values of motor vehicles, $427,262,017; and personal property, which accounts for $237,379,926. A summary of the assessor’s grand list is acces-sible on the tax collector’s page on the town Web site fairfieldct.org.

What is the town’s bond rating?Fairfield has an Aaa, rating, which is the highest possible bond

rating it can attain. The high bond rating allows the town to bor-row money at lower interest rates.

Who determines how much my house is worth for tax-ing purposes?

Assessments are conducted through the assessor’s office. As-sessor Thomas Browne conducts revaluations, in which all prop-erty values are reassessed and updated. This process includes site visits and Real Estate market data. Assessments are pegged at 70% of market value.

How do I find the assessed value of my home?The Assessor’s Office at Old Town Hall has field cards for ev-

ery property in town. The card includes a property’s details, in-

cluding when the house was built, the style, the original owner, who bought it, and for how much. The assessed value is among the information. You may visit the Assessor’s Office at 611 Old Post Road or call 256-3110.

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?Obtain an application available in January for an appointment

for the Board of Assessment Appeals, fill it out and submit no later than Feb. 20. The board will notify you of the date, time and place of hearing which will be held in March. Since the town had a revaluation in 2005, your appeal has to reflect values as of 2005, regardless of whether the market has dropped since then.

How often is property revalued?The state requires each town must conduct a revaluation at

least every five years. Fairfield completed its last revaluation for the Oct. 1, 2005 Grand List. The next revaluation is planned for the Oct. 1, 2010 Grand List. Taxes due in July and January will be based on the new assessment. The revaluation will be con-ducted by an outside firm under the direction of the assessor’s office. More information is available at the tax collector’s Web page on the town’s Web site.

Who is the tax collector?The tax collector is Stanley Gorzelany. He may be reached

by calling 256-3100 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Where and when do I pay my town taxes?You may pay your tax bills online with a credit card or elec-

tronic check at fairfieldct.org/taxindex.htm; by mail with a check Tax Collector, Old Town Hall, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT

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06824; or at Old Town Hall with cash or check, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30 at the tax collector’ office.

Fairfield is one of the few towns that still collects taxes on a quarterly basis. Real estate taxes are due July 1, Oct. 1, Jan. 1 and April 1; sewer use taxes are due Oct. 1 and April 1; and mo-tor vehicle taxes are due July 1 and Jan. 1. They are all payable within 30 days.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?Failure to pay taxes within 30 days of the due date results in an

interest charged on the unpaid balance at the annual rate of 18%, and a lien is placed on the land records in the town clerk’s of-fice, which prevents any sale of property until taxes are paid. If you do not receive a tax bill, you must contact the tax collector’s office. Failure to receive a tax bill does not release you from paying taxes or interest for late payments.

Can veterans, the elderly, or disabled get tax breaks?Yes. To file for state and local elderly or disabled homeowner’s

tax relief benefits, you must complete an application, available at the assessor’s office, and file it between Feb. 1 and May 15. Veterans must also file an application for tax benefits. They must bring a copy of their completed income taxes along with proof of Social Security to the assessor’s office. Call the assessor’s of-fice at 256-3110 for more information.

How are car taxes figured?Car assessments are based on the National Automobile Deal-

ers appraisal guide. The assessed value of the vehicle is 70% of the published average retail selling price.

I got a tax bill for a car I don’t own anymore. What should I do?

Notify the assessor’s office at 256-3030. Also notify the De-partment of Motor Vehicles to make certain it has a record of returned license plates.

What do the registrars of voters do?Registrars Roger V. Autuori (Republican) and Matthew Wag-

gner (Democratic) are elected for a term of two years and serve as the local arm of the Connecticut Secretary of the State. They administer all federal, state and constitutional provisions relat-ing to elections, town meetings and referenda. They are respon-sible for safeguarding the integrity of the election process, in-cluding the acquisition and exercise of voter rights. They are also responsible for hiring and training the election officials who serve at every election and town meeting. They may be reached at 256-3115.

What are our political parties and enrollments?As of Oct. 16, 2009, there were 36,515 active registered vot-

ers in Fairfield. The breakdown by parties: Republican - 10,671; Democrat -10,460; unaffiliated - 15,305; other - 79.

Who may register to vote?To register, one must be a U.S. citizen, living in Fairfield, and

18 years of age or older. There is no length of residency require-ment to register. Seventeen-year-olds may pre-register, although they don’t become voters until their 18th birthday.

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When and where may I register?The deadline to register to vote is one week prior to Election

Day. However, if your right to vote “matures” after that deadline — say you just move to town or have your 18th birthday — you may register at the registrar’s office before noon on Election Day.

In all other cases, you may stop in at the office of the reg-istrars of voters or the town clerk in Old Town Hall, Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30, and register in person. You may also call 256-3115 and request a mail application form. Voter registration forms are also available online at fairfieldct.org. Periodically, the registrars offer special registration sessions to accommodate those who cannot make it to Town Hall dur-ing business hours. You may also register to vote when you are renewing your driver’s license. An application comes with your renewal form.

Do I need to bring documents when I register?You should have identification to prove who you are, such as a

driver’s license or a passport. You will need to submit identifica-tion information when registering by mail.

How can I find out where I should vote?Because Fairfield covers such a large area, there are many

polling places. You may find out where to vote online at fair-fieldct.org or by calling the registrars’ office at 256-3115.

Who may vote by absentee ballot?Any registered voter who will be out of town during all voting

hours may cast an absentee ballot. Certain other reasons, such as illness or physical disability, religious beliefs, or your duties as an election official at a district other than your own allow use of absentee ballots by people who will be in town during polling hours.

If you are a first-time voter voting by absentee ballot you may be required to submit identification with your ballot. You may vote by absentee ballot for any federal, state or local municipal election.

How and where do I get an absentee ballot?You must first fill out an application, which you may pick up

at the town clerk’s office in Old Town Hall, or it may be mailed to you. Call 256-3090.

After you return the application, it will be processed and the absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the town clerk’s office.

What are the town’s elected bodies?They are the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of

Education, Representative Town Meeting (RTM), Town Plan & Zoning Commission, and Board of Assessment Appeals. Other elected officials include the town clerk, justices of the peace, and the probate judge.

What are the town’s appointed bodies and officials?Affordable Housing Committee, Alarm Hearing Officer, As-

sessor, Assistant Town Clerks, Building Board of Appeals, Building Inspector, Cablevision Advisory Council, Condemna-tion Board, Conservation Commission, Economic Development Commission, Employees Retirement Board, Ethics Commis-sion, Fair TV Public Access Committee, Fire Chief, Fire Com-

mission, Fiscal Officer, Flood & Erosion Control Board, Golf Commission, Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning, Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, Harbor Commission, Health Di-rector, Board of Health, High Street Local Redevelopment Au-thority, Historic District Commission, Housing Authority, Hu-man Resources Director, Human Services Commission, Land Acquisition Commission, Librarian, Library Board of Trustees, Long Island Sound Council, Parking Authority, Parking Viola-tion Hearing Officer, Parks & Recreation Commission, Planning Director, Police & Fire Retirement Board, Police Chief, Police Commission, Public Works Director, Purchasing Authority, Rec-reation Director, Shellfish Commission, Social Services Direc-tor, Solid Waste & Recycling Director, Solid Waste & Recycling Commission, Special Projects Standing Building Committee, Stratfield Elementary School Building Committee, Tomlinson Middle School Building Committee, Town Attorneys, Town Fa-cilities Commission, Town Treasurer and Water Pollution Con-trol Authority.

How can I participate on a town board?The two major parties have their respective nominations pro-

cess for municipal offices. If you’re interested in an appointed position on a board or commission, send your résumé to the Board of Selectmen, which serves as the appointing authority. Some boards must be confirmed by the RTM.

What does the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency do?

This agency is a regulatory body required by the state and cre-ated by local ordinance. The seven appointed members and three alternates review all developmental activities proposed within

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and adjacent to inland wetland and watercourse areas at regular monthly meetings of the Conservation Commission, held at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Sullivan Indepen-dence Hall.

What is the Board of Finance?The Board of Finance is responsible for the proper administra-

tion of the financial affairs of the town including the issuance of the annual recommended budget and setting the town tax mill rate. The board also acts on requests for additional appropria-tions, transfers and allotments made during the fiscal year.

Finally, it is also responsible for the town’s Annual Report and other financial reports. Chief Fiscal Officer Paul Hiller may be reached at 256-3065 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Members are listed under Town Officials elsewhere in this book.

What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?The Zoning Board of Appeals is an administrative agency that

acts in a quasi-judicial capacity. The board hears and decides ap-peals for variances, special exceptions for certain property uses. Also, decisions of the Planning and Zoning Commission involv-ing subdivisions may be appealed to the board. There are five regular members and three alternates.

For an appeal to be granted it must receive four affirmative votes. All members are volunteers. The board meets the first Thursday of each month.

What does the Town Plan & Zoning Commission do?The powers and duties of this commission are many, including

the regulation and review of municipal improvement projects and subdivisions of land. The commission is charged with up-holding local zoning standards in its review of site plans, subdi-visions, coastal site plan applications, accessory apartment ap-plications, sign applications, sedimentation and erosion control plans, and zoning regulation amendments among other respon-sibilities.

In addition, the commission assigns all street numbers, up-dates street and property maps, and provides demographic, land use, and census information and computer-based map informa-tion to the public and other government agencies.

Commission members are listed elsewhere in this book. For information call Director of Town Plan & Zoning Jon Devons-huk at 256-3050 or e-mail [email protected].

What does the town clerk do?The office of Town Clerk Betsy Browne is one of the busiest

in town. The town clerk’s office is the official state recording agency for the town’s vital statistics, keeping marriage, civil union, birth, and death records; issuing hunting and fishing per-mits, issuing dog licenses, and maintaining all documents re-lated to ownership of real property. The original certificates of births, marriages and deaths dating to 1847 are recorded and protected in a vault.

Earlier vital records, from when Weston, Easton, Redding, Black Rock, Westport and Greens Farms were part of Fairfield, are indexed, and the original records are in the Connecticut State Library. The office is at Old Town Hall. Hours are Mon-day through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30. For information, call 256-3090.

May I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?Births and deaths that have occurred in Fairfield are filed with

the Vital Statistics Division of the town clerk’s office. Copies may be ordered for $20 each; however, there are restrictions on who may order what. For details, call 256-3090.

Where do I get a marriage license?A marriage license may be obtained in the town in which the

wedding will take place. Photo identification is required. The fee is $30. Both the bride and groom must apply in person for the license, which is issued immediately. The town clerk’s of-fice issues marriage licenses. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4. No appointment is needed. For details, call 256-3090.

Where do I get a civil union license?The town clerk’s office issues licenses for civil unions. Both

parties must appear in person to apply for the license. As with a marriage license, couples may apply in the town where the ceremony will be performed. The fee is $30 and the license is valid for 65 days. No appointment is necessary. For information, call 256-3090.

What does a justice of the peace do?All justices of the peace may join persons in marriage or civil

unions, and may notarize documents. Justices of the peace are elected every four years by Republican and Democratic Town committees.

There are 35 justices of the peace in Fairfield. A list is avail-able from the town clerk’s office (256-3090) or online at fair-fieldct.org.

What does the probate court do?Fairfield Probate Court has been serving the people in town

since 1666. Probate Judge Daniel F. Caruso was elected for a four-year term starting January 2007.

The court has jurisdiction over wills and the administration of estates and living trusts.

It determines title to real and personal property, may appoint guardians for the developmentally disabled, remove unfit par-ents as guardians of their children, and grant adoptions and name changes.

Probate court is in Independence Hall. Call 256-3041.

What is a notary public?A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness sig-

natures, certify documents, and take depositions and affidavits. There are hundreds of notaries residing in Fairfield.

Every bank has one on staff, and the town justices of the peace are notaries. Some real estate agents are notary publics. Call the town clerk for more information 256-3090.

Where can I get a passport?For a new passport, you must apply in person, which you may

do at the post office on Commerce Drive or Pequot Avenue in Southport.

You must have two photos of yourself, proof of U.S. citizen-ship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Allow six weeks to eight weeks for processing, although ex-pedited service is available.

If you are traveling within two weeks, you may visit the pass-port agency at 50 Washington Street in Norwalk. Hours are 9 to 4, but an appointment is required by calling 877-487-2778.

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Can a commission or board meet privately?Generally, all meetings involving a quorum of commission or

board members (three members of a five-person board, four of a six-member board) must be open to the public. However, Con-necticut statutes allow a commission to close a meeting to the public if it is discussing personnel matters, litigation strategy or contract negotiations. To close a meeting and enter into “ex-ecutive session,” the board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commission cannot take any action while in an ex-ecutive session. It must return to open session before voting on any items.

What if I think a commission held an illegal meeting?You may file a complaint with the state Freedom of Infor-

mation office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford 06106.

What state senatorial district are we in?Fairfield is in the 28th state Senatorial District, represented by

State Senator John McKinney, a Republican who was elected to his sixth term in November 2008. He also represents Easton, Newtown and Weston. Mr. McKinney may be reached at Legis-lative Office Building, Room 3400, Hartford, CT 06106, at home 254-1639 or at 800-842-1421. E-mail [email protected].

What state house districts are we in?The coastal section of Fairfield is in the 132nd District, rep-

resented by Thomas J. Drew, a Democrat. He may be reached at 36 Bay Edge Court, 256-8050. E-mail [email protected]. The northwestern section of Fairfield is in the 133rd District, represented by Kim Fawcett, a Democrat. She may be reached at 234 Collingwood Avenue, Fairfield 06825; 368-1872. The northeastern section of Fairfield is in the 134th District, rep-resented by Tony Hwang, a Republican. He may be reached at 80 Martingale Lane, 800-842-1423. E-mail [email protected].

How can I express my views to the governor?Write to Gov. M. Jodi Rell at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Av-

enue, Hartford 06106, call 860-566-4840 or e-mail [email protected].

Who represents us in the U.S. Senate?Senator Christopher Dodd, a Democrat, may be reached at

Room 448, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; or Connecticut Constituent Office, 100 Great Meadow Road, Room 205, Wethersfield 06109, 800-334-5341; or contact him online via his Web site dodd.senate.gov.

Senator Joseph Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Build-ing, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041; or 1 Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford 06103, 800-225-5605; or contact him online via his Web site lieberman.senate.gov.

Who represents us in the House of Representatives?Fairfield is in the 4th Congressional District and represented

by Jim Himes, a Democrat. His local office is 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford 06901-2927.Local phone number is 210-7711. Web site: himes.house.gov.

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Schools What does the Board of Education do?

The Board of Education is the policy-making body for the Fairfield public schools. Jobs include proposing a budget to run the schools, overseeing spending, setting policies and rules, hiring the superintendent, approving administrators, adopting books and courses, negotiating staff contracts, and hearing citi-zen appeals. The school district is administered by the superin-tendent and those to whom he delegates.

There are nine elected members of the Board of Education. They are listed under Town Officials.

Where is the school district office?

The central office is at 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 210, P.O. Box 320189, Fairfield 06825. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 4:30. The phone number is 255-8277. The district Web site is fairfield.k12.ct.us.

Who is the superintendent of schools?Dr. David G. Title is the superintendent of schools. Title has

served as the district’s superintendent since July 1, 2010. He may be reached at 255-8371 or [email protected]

What public schools are in town?With a student body of more than 10,100, Fairfield public

schools encompass 11 elementary schools (K-5) , three middle schools (6-8), two high schools (9-12), and one alternative high school.

Fairfield Ludlowe High School, 785 Unquowa Road; 255-7200; Interim Headmaster Dave Ebling.

Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Avenue; 255-8354; Headmaster James Coyne.

Alternative High School, 108 Biro Street; 255-8384; Princi-pal Andrea Leonardi.

Fairfield Woods Middle School, 1115 Fairfield Woods Road; 255-8334; Principal Greg Hatzis.

Roger Ludlowe Middle School, 689 Unquowa Road; 255-8345; Principal Glenn Mackno.

Tomlinson Middle School, 200 Unquowa Road; 255-8336; Principal Connee Dawson.

Burr Elementary, 1960 Burr Street; 255-7385; Principal Gary Kass.

Timothy Dwight Elementary, 1600 Redding Road; 255-8312; Principal Brenda Anziano.

Holland Hill Elementary, 105 Meadowcroft Road; 255-8314; Principal Frank Arnone

Jennings Elementary, 31 Palm Drive; 255-8316; Principal Anthony Vuolo.

McKinley Elementary, 60 Thompson Street; 255-8318; Principal Ginger Vail

Mill Hill Elementary, 635 Mill Hill Terrace, Southport; 255-8320; Principal Kevin Chase.

North Stratfield Elementary, 190 Putting Green Road; 255-8322; Principal Deborah Jackson.

Osborn Hill Elementary, 760 Stillson Road; 255-8340; Prin-cipal Alan Lipman.

Riverfield Elementary, 1625 Mill Plain Road; 255-8328; Principal Paul Toaso.

Roger Sherman Elementary, 250 Fern Street; 255-8330; Principal Eileen Roxbee.

Stratfield Elementary, 1407 Melville Avenue; 255-8332; Principal Thomas Pesce.

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What is the Open Choice program?Open Choice brings students from urban areas to attend school

in suburban or rural towns and students from non-urban areas to attend city schools.

Are the public schools affiliated with any magnet schools?

Fairfield public schools send students to Rogers Environ-mental Magnet School in Stamford, Six to Six in Bridgeport, Aqua Culture Regional Center for the Arts (vocational) in Bridgeport, and the Global Studies School in Norwalk.

The district is also in a planning partnership with the Discov-ery Museum in Bridgeport regarding a new magnet school to be built near the museum and focused on science and technology. That school is scheduled to open in 2011.

What school holidays are planned?Schools opened for the 2010-11 year on Sept. 2. Schools will

be closed for the following: Labor Day, Sept. 6; Rosh Hoshanna, Sept. 9; Election Day, Nov. 2; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanks-giving Recess, Nov. 25-26; Holiday Recess, Dec. 24-Jan. 2; Staff Professional Development, Jan. 14; Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 17; Winter Recess, Feb. 21-25; Spring Recess, April 18-22; Memorial Day, May 30.

The last day of school is scheduled for June 17. The first three snow days will extend the length of the school year and the date of high school graduation.

Additional snow days will reduce the April vacation begin-ning with the last day.

When may my child enter kindergarten?

Children reaching the age of five on or before Jan. 1 of any year will be eligible for kindergarten in the preceding Septem-ber.

How and when do I register a child for school?Children entering kindergarten may be registered during the

school’s kindergarten registration time period, usually during the months of March and April. Otherwise, any child entering the school district throughout the year may be registered at each school.

During the summer months, elementary students are regis-tered at the Fairfield Public Schools District Office at 501 Kings Highway East.

The records needed at the time of registration include: Per-sonal identification such as a driver’s license or passport, the child’s birth certificate, proof of residency, completed health re-cords and record of immunization.

What interscholastic sports are offered at the high schools?

Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde high schools offer 32 varsity sports as well as various junior varsity, freshmen and club sports.

Major sports include cheerleading, cross country, field hock-ey, football, soccer, swimming, volleyball, basketball, bowling, fencing, gymnastics, ice hockey, skiing, wrestling, baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, tennis and track.

The Ludlowe school mascot is the falcon, and the Warde mas-cot is the mustang.

What extracurricular activities are at the high schools?The choices are many and may change from year to year and

differ between the two schools. They include AFS (promoting respect and friendship), Anime and Manga Club, Astronomy Club, Bicycle Club, Drama Club, FBLA (Future Business Lead-ers of America), Fitts House Council, Habitat for Humanity, In-teract Club, Irish Society, Italian Club, Key Club, Math Team, National Honor Society and Youth American Cancer Society.

How can I find out if schools are closed?When the decision to close or delay the opening of schools for

bad weather or other reasons is made, it will be announced on the public schools hotline at 255-8255.

In the absence of any information, schools and buses will fol-low regular schedules. Local radio and television stations also broadcast the news.

What is the current school budget?The 2010-11 budget is $141,570,965.

Is there a program for gifted students?Yes. Gifted students’ needs are met through differentiated in-

struction in the classrooms with a formal program starting for students in fourth grade.

At the high schools, 18 Advanced Placement classes are of-fered.

What is special education? Who does it help?Special education offers services for physically handicapped

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and learning disabled children. In Connecticut, special education and related services are

available to eligible children by age 3 and are provided by local and regional school districts.

Andrea Leonardi is the director of special education services. She may be reached at 255-8379.

Are there any special education resources?SPED*NET is the Special Education Network, a monthly

forum for discussing special education and section 405 issues. It is an independent nonprofit and often offers workshops and talks for parents and interested community members. Informa-tion is available on the Web at spednet.org. You may e-mail [email protected].

The Connecticut Birth to Three System helps families meet the developmental and health-related needs of their infants and toddlers who have delays or disabilities. For information, call the Child Development Infoline at 800-505-7000 or visit online at birth23.org.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a nonprofit orga-nization based in Westport dedicated to empowering the parents of children with learning disabilities and attention-deficit disor-der. For information, call 226-6831 or visit online at smartkid-swithld.org.

Is there a PTA?There are 17 PTA units that fall under the umbrella of the

Fairfield PTA Council. The council works to include parents and teachers in curriculum and policy development and long-range planning, enhance communication between home and school, and support and enrich all curriculum areas.

To contact the president of the council, e-mail

[email protected]. For information on an individual school’s PTA, call the school

directly. The organization’s Web site, fairfieldptac.org, curently is under construction.

Is there a summer school program?There are several summer school programs including an El-

ementary Summer School (K-5), a Secondary Summer School (6-12), Early Childhood Summer School (PreK), Special Educa-tion Summer Schools (K-12), Safety Town (early elementary) and Early Literacy Summer Schools (elementary). All of these are taught by certified teachers and supervised by a certified ad-ministrator.

They are usually held during the full month of July except for some special education services, which continue into August.

Is there a continuing education program?Fairfield Public Schools offers an Adult Continuing Education

Program. Course listings may be found online at fairfieldcontin-uinged.com or call 255-8376 or e-mail Patricia Flynn, director of adult education, at [email protected]. for informa-tion.

What private schools are in town?St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, 1719 Post Road (255-

0556; stasonline.net), serves children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Unquowa School, 981 Stratfield Road (336-3801; un-quowa.org) serves children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Fairfield Country Day, 2970 Bronson Road (259-2723;

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fairfieldcountryday.org) serves boys from kindergarten through ninth grade.

Hillel Academy, 1571 Stratfield Road (374-6147; hillelacad-emy.org) offers Jewish learning for children from pre-kindergar-ten through eighth grade.

Holy Family School, 140 Edison Avenue (367-5409; holy-familyffld.org) offers a Catholic learning environment for chil-dren in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Our Lady of the Assumption School, 605 Stratfield Road (334-6271; assumptionschool-fairfield.org) which offers a Catholic/Christian education for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

St. Augustine Cathedral School, 108 Biro Street (366-6500; Cathedralcluster.org) for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Fairfield College Preparatory School, 1073 North Benson Road (254-4200; prep.fairfield.edu) is affiliated with the Jesuit Order and is for boys in grades 9 through 12.

Notre Dame Catholic High School, 220 Jefferson Street (372-6521; notredame.org) is for students in grade 9 through 12.

What universities are in town?Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road (Fairfield.

edu) is a Jesuit co-educational institution.Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue (sacredheart.

edu) is a Catholic co-educational institution.

Public ServicesWhere are the libraries and when are they open?

The Fairfield Public Library includes the Main Library and the Branch Library. Both may be accessed from the Web site fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.

The Main Fairfield Library is at 1080 Old Post Road. The phone number is 256-3155. Hours are Monday through Thurs-day, from 9 to 9, Friday from 9 to 6, Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sunday from 1 to 5. During July and August, the library is closed on Sundays.

The Branch Library is at 1147 Fairfield Woods Road. The phone number is 255-7307. It is open Monday through Thursday from 9 to 8, Friday from 9 to 6, Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sun-day from 1 to 5. During July and August, the library is closed on Sundays.

The Pequot Library in Southport also serves the residents of Fairfield. It is at 720 Pequot Avenue. The phone number is 259-0346. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 to 6, Saturday 9 to 5, and Sundays from October to April, 11 to 3. In July and August, the library closes at 1 on Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays from May through September. The Web site is pequot-library.com.

The Ryan-Matura Library at Sacred Heart University is also open to the public. Fairfield residents, senior citizens over age 65, clergy, and social work field instructors are not charged a fee.

What do the libraries offer?The Fairfield Public Library Catalog offers access to a collec-

tion of 275,000 books, magazines, newspapers, videos, compact discs, local documents and CD-ROMs in the main library, the Fairfield Woods branch, and includes access to the Pequot Li-brary.

In addition, the Fairfield Public Library offers scores of data-bases on a variety of subjects including arts and antiques, busi-ness, jobs, education, genealogy, health, history, literature, sci-ence, as well as general reference materials. E-books are offered through NetLibrary.

In addition to these e-audiobooks, more than 1,300 titles are available from iCONN, the statewide system. Many services are available online through the library system Web site, fairfield-publiclibrary.org.

The Fairfield Library and the Fairfield Woods Branch Library provide free wireless Internet access.

The wireless network is not secured and is unfiltered. Instruc-tions on how to use the system are on the Web site fairfieldpub-liclibrary.org/wifi.htm.

What activities take place at the libraries?For children, there are story times for infants and young chil-

dren, story crafts, and recommended book lists. For teens and tweens there are book clubs and special programs, such as moth-er and daughter reading groups.

The library hosts a networking group for adults to trade job search tips. There are technology classes, author visits, and brown bag lunches with local politicians. There are also film nights and concerts. The libraries host a number of discussions and other community events. A schedule of events may be found online at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.

What is the Kershner Gallery?At the main library is the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery. It is

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open during normal library hours from September through June. The gallery holds art exhibits where most of the work is for sale.

Artists are invited to submit applications for review and selec-tion. Visit online at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/gallery.

Does anyone teach literacy skills?Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Fairfield County is

a community-based organization where trained volunteers pro-vide high-quality reading, writing and English-language pro-grams to native and foreign-born adults. To take advantage of this service, call Judy Klein, program coordinator, at 579-2208 or e-mail [email protected].

Does the town have a social worker?Fairfield has a Social Services Department, headed by Di-

rector Claire Grace. She may be reached at 256-3170. The de-partment offers a number of programs and services for children, adults, families, and senior citizens including information and referral, crisis intervention, advocacy, short term counseling, case management, assistance with applications for other agen-cies, and aid and access to the food pantry, Salvation Army, emergency housing, energy assistance, and other services.

Fairfield Counseling Services Inc. is a nonprofit state licensed out-patient clinic for adults and children 14 years and older. Fees are based on gross income on a sliding scale. To take advantage of this service contact Dorothy Timmerman, executive director, at 255-5777 ext. 12, or e-mail [email protected].

Is there a food pantry?Yes. The town has a food pantry that operates through Op-

eration Hope at 636 Old Post Road. Anyone who would like access to the food pantry may call 292-5588. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. The pantry is closed on Tuesdays and week-ends.

Donations are taken any day. Volunteers are welcome, but those interested should call the volunteer coordinator to set up an appointment to meet.

What is United Way and what does it offer?United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is a volunteer-

driven organization that works to address the health and human service needs of the region. It accomplishes this goal by partner-ing with public, private, and non-profit groups to raise money, which it distributes to different agencies.

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has branch offices in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Westport. The Web site is united-waycfc.org. For information or to make a contribution, call 334-5106.

Is there a Red Cross chapter here?The nearest office of the American Red Cross is in Bridge-

port at 158 Brooklawn Avenue. For information, call the toll-free 24-hour line 877-243-5727 or visit online at ctredcross.org. The Red Cross responds to local single-family fires and national large-scale disasters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Disaster Action Team members provide clothing, meals, tem-porary housing, access to emotional support and other emergen-cy help. Disaster assistance is free.

Anyone who needs to get in touch with a family member in the military during a personal emergency may do so through the

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Red Cross. Red Cross caseworkers can also help connect people with

loved ones overseas when communication lines are down be-cause of an armed conflict or natural disaster.

The Bridgeport office of the Red Cross also offers classes in CPR and first aid, conducts blood drives, and offers a variety of services to seniors and young people.

The chapter’s language bank has skilled volunteers fluent in a variety of languages and dialects who provide confidential oral interpretation and written translation assistance in emergency or non-emergency situations.

The Connecticut Red Cross Web site is available in Spanish.

What funeral homes serve the town?The Shaughnessey-Banks Funeral Home is at 50 Reef

Road (255-1031). The Dougiello Fairfield Funeral Home and County Cremation Service is at 36 S. Pine Creek Road (259-9466). The Abraham L Green & Son Funeral Home is at 88 Beach Road (888-256-8993). The Spear-Miller Funeral Home is at 39 S. Benson Road (259-0824). The Lesko & Polke Fu-neral Home is at 1209 Post Road (256-8988).

Is there a community calendar of events?The Fairfield Sun newspaper offers an extensive list of events

in town under its Spotlight calendar each week and online at fairfield-sun.com under the Community section.

The town Web site at fairfieldct.org also posts a community calendar.

MediaWhat newspapers cover the town?

There are four newspapers covering the town. The Fairfield Sun is a weekly and is published by Hersam Acorn Newspapers. The office is at 1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton. The phone number is 402-2308; the Web site is fairfield-sun.com.

The Fairfield Minuteman is a weekly. The office is at 1175 Post Road East, Westport. The phone number is 226-8877; the Web site is fairfieldminuteman.com.

The Fairfield Citizen is a weekly published by Brooks Com-munity Newspapers. The office is at 220 Carter Henry Drive, Fairfield. The phone number is 255-4561; the Web site is fair-fieldcitizenonline.com.

Fairfield County Weekly is an alternative newspaper cover-ing the region. The office is at 350 Fairfield Avenue, Suite 605, in Bridgeport. The number is 382-9666; the Web site is fairfield-weekly.com.

The Connecticut Post is a daily that covers many towns in the region as well as including national and international news. It is published by Hearst Communications Inc. The office is at 410 State Street, Bridgeport. The phone number is 333-0161; the Web site is connpost.com.

How can I get an announcement in the Fairfield Sun?You may e-mail press releases, wedding and birth announce-

ments, calendar items, obituaries, or letters to the editor (500 maximum) to [email protected]. E-mail sports information to [email protected]. General news, an-nouncements, letters and sports should be submitted by Friday at noon for the next week’s paper. Obituaries may be submitted by Wednesday of that week.

To advertise, call Dave Pross at 402-2329; e-mail [email protected], or fax 926-2092. The advertising deadline is Tuesday at noon.

May I read the Fairfield Sun online?Those looking for the latest or previous Fairfield news may

find it on the Fairfield Sun’s online site, fairfield-sun.com. For the latest, up-to-the-minute news, sign up for Breaking News from the Fairfield Sun.

Visit fairfield-sun.com and click on Sign Up for Breaking News in the upper left-hand corner.

Page one stories, and the top sports stories from the current week’s issue of the Fairfield Sun, are available on the paper’s home page and remain accessible at no charge for several weeks. The entire content of the newspaper is added to the archive with-in about two weeks of publication.

The Sun’s archives are searchable by going to fairfield-sun.com and clicking on “Print Archives” on the left-hand side of the page.

Just enter a keyword or phrase, choose a time frame (or search all available years), and click “search.”

The first few paragraphs of all articles that match the search criteria entered are available for previewing. To access the entire article, several pricing options are available.

Pictures from the Sun are not available through the archive, but may be ordered through the Photo Store also listed on the left-hand side of the Web site.

All obituaries going back to 2008, an up-to-date calendar, use-ful Web links, as well as access to the Hersam Acorn classifieds and special monthly supplements are also available at no charge on the Sun’s Web site.

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Are there any local television programs?Fair TV runs two local public access stations. It is run by a

volunteer committee overseeing the development and operation of educational and government access television programming for Fairfield on channel 78 for education, and channel 79 for gov-ernment. All operations are paid for through federally mandated Public access, Educational & Government access fees included in subscribers monthly bills. The Public Access Television Com-mittee is based at Sullivan Independence Hall, lower level. E-mail [email protected], or [email protected] for more information.

What radio stations cover Fairfield?Both the universities have stations in town. WVOF 88.5 FM

(wvof.org) is the college station of Fairfield University. The sta-tion is partnered with WNPR, National Public Radio. Local pro-gramming includes a series of music blocks and news shows. WSHU 91.1 FM is the Sacred Heart University radio station, which also plays NPR. Town news, including storm reports and school closings, is also reported on WICC 600 AM.

Do any specialty publications cover the town?The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce publishes a Member-

ship Directory & Resource Guide annually. It may be picked up at the Chamber offices, 1597 Post Road.

Fairfield Magazine (762-0583; fairfieldonline.com) is a bi-monthly general interest magazine.

The Fairfield Answerbook is an annual, comprehensive guide to life in Fairfield for the people who live here and people who think they would like to live here. See the masthead for ordering information.

UtilitiesWho provides electric power?

Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) or United Illuminat-ing (UI) provides electricity. For CL& P customer service — or for downed, burned, or hanging wires or if you see a flash or hear a loud noise — call 800-286-2000 any time (TTY/TDD: 800-842-0010). The utility’s Web site is cl-p.com. For UI cus-tomer service call 800-676-7052. UI’s Web site is uinet.com.

Where does our water come from?Many homes have private wells. Those that are on public wa-

ter receive their water from Aquarion Water Company (445-7310/aquarion.com).

Who provides natural gas?For parts of town with natural gas lines, the provider is South-

ern Connecticut Gas. For customer service and billing call 800-659-8299. For emergencies, call 800-513-8898. The Web site is socongas.com.

Who is in charge of the sewer system?The town’s Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA)

Sewer Office is in charge. The office is Sullivan Independence Hall. Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30. For information, call 256-3003 or visit the Web page online at fairfieldct.org. Permits to connect to sewer lines are issued from this office. All questions on the payment of sewer use bills and late charges should be directed to the Tax Collector at 256-3100.

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PUBLIC OR GOVERNMENT FACILITIES1. Town Hall Campus2. Board of Education3. Fairfield Fire Station 14. Fairfield Fire Station 25. Fairfield Fire Station 36. Fairfield Fire Station 47. Fairfield Fire Station 58. Fairfield Police Department9. Fairfield Public Library10. Fairfield Woods Branch Library11. Fairfield Recreation Department12. Fairfield Train Station13. Southport Train Station14. Post Office15. Post Office16. Post Office17. Senior Center18. Transfer StationSCHOOLS19. Burr Elementary20. Dwight Elementary21. Eagle Hill School22. Fairfield Country Day School23. Fairfield Woods Middle School24. Hillel Academy25. Holland Hill Elementary26. Holy Family School

27. Jennings Elementary28. McKinley Elementary29. Mill Hill Elementary30. North Stratfield Elementary31. Osborn Hill Elementary32. Our Lady of Assumption School33. Riverfield Elementary34. Roger Ludlowe Middle School35. Roger Sherman Elementary36. St. Thomas Aquinas School37. Stratfield Elementary38. Tomlinson Middle School39. The Unquowa School40. Fairfield Ludlowe High School41. Fairfield College Preparatory School42. Fairfield Warde High School43. Notre Dame Catholic High School44. Fairfield University45. Sacred Heart UniversityPARKS AND OPEN SPACES46. Brett Woods47. Burroughs Park48. Dover Park49. Drew Park50. Gould Manor Park51. High Ridge Park52. Lake Mohegan53. Larsen Sanctuary (CT Audubon Society )54. Melville Park

55. Mill Hollow Park56. Owen Fish Memorial Park57. Sherman Green58. South Pine Creek Park59. Sturges Park60. Tunxis Hill Park61. Veterans ParkRECREATION62. The Beanery63. Brooklawn Country Club64. The Country Club of Fairfield65. Fairchild Wheeler Golf Course66. H. Smith Richardson Golf Course67. Jennings Beach68. The Patterson Club69. Penfield Beach70. Sasco Beach71. South Benson Marina72. South Pine Creek Beach73. South Pine Creek Par 3 Golf Course74. Southport Beach75. Southport HarborHISTORIC AND CULTURAL CENTERS76. Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary77. Bronson Windmill78. Fairfield Museum and History Center


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Property Issues Must I display a number on my house?

Yes. The Fairfield Fire Department asks residents and busi-ness owners to clearly display the street number visible from the street and on the building. Street numbers within 100 feet should be at least 2.5 inches in height. Street numbers greater than 100 feet from the street should be at least 3.5 inches in height. In ad-dition, apartment and office numbers should be displayed at the entrance of the buildings, and numbers should be displayed on the door of individual units. For more information call the office of the fire chief at 254-4713.

Must I register my automatic fire/burglar alarm?Yes. All alarm devices must be installed by a person licensed

per building and electrical codes of the state of Connecticut. Violators may be subject to $99 fine. No alarm may be installed without a permit from the Fairfield Building Department.

After the third false alarm within the town’s fiscal year, the owner or user will be given a written warning. Further false alarms are subject to penalties. Visit the police department’s Web site, fpdct.com for more information or call 254-4800.

Is there municipal garbage collection?No. Garbage collection is handled by private companies.

There are several sanitation and carting companies in Fairfield.

Can I take care of my garbage myself?Yes. Fairfield residents may take garbage and recyclables to

the Fairfield Solid Waste and Recycling Center, also known as the transfer station, on One Rod Highway. Hours are 7 to 3 on weekdays and 7 to noon on Saturdays. Fees are charged for some items and a vehicle permit is required to gain entry to the facility. For information on fees and permits, call the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 256-3023.

What items do I recycle?The transfer station will accept newspapers tied with twine or

placed in a brown paper bag, all glass and metal food/beverage containers and plastics marked #1 and #2, phone books, glossy magazines, junk mail, envelopes, writing paper, copy paper, computer paper, corrugated cardboard, trees, branches, grass, brush, unpainted/untreated wood, scrap metal, bulky waste, Sheetrock, plaster, waste oil from motor vehicles as well as auto or truck batteries, antifreeze, and tires. Yard waste such as grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, tree limbs and brush are also accepted at GreenCycle, located at the transfer station. Latex paint should be dried out and then must be disposed of as household garbage at the transfer station. For oil-based paint, see below.

All materials must be separated. There are charges for some materials. Check the Solid Waste Web page at fairfieldct.org.

Where can I get rid of hazardous waste?The town transfer station will not accept hazardous household

waste, but the town conducts one Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day each year during the summer at Veterans Park on Reef Road.

Fairfield residents may take their household hazardous ma-terials to HazWaste Central at 90 Sargent Drive in New Haven any Saturday from 9 to noon from mid-May to the last Saturday in October.

Acceptable hazardous materials include bug spray, floor care products, furniture polish, metal polish in solvent, lighter fluid, mothballs, automatic transmission fluid, gasoline, other oils and cleaners, antifreeze and brake fluid, fungicides, herbicides or weed killers, insecticides, rat poison, swimming pool acid, sol-vent-based glue, oil-based paint, paint cleaner in solvent, paint primer, paint thinner, paint stripper, turpentine, varnish, wood preservative, and photographic chemicals.

No gas cylinders, highly reactive materials, explosives, ra-dioactive materials, PCBs and derivatives, infection waste, or unknowns will be accepted.

Where can I recycle electronics?Electronics such as cell phones contain hazardous materials

like cadmium, lead and mercury, and should not be thrown in the trash. Electronic items may be recycled at the transfer sta-tion. Typical recycled items include phones, remote controls, keyboards, digital cameras, televisions, microwave ovens, copy machines, scanners, computers, CD and DVD players.

Is there a townwide leaf collection?Residents must collect their leaves and stuff them into biode-

gradable bags that they can buy locally. They then put the bags at the curbside where a private contractor picks them up for the town. The collection occurs over a four-week period, usually the second week in November to the first week in December. Public works announces the schedule via the local newspapers in the weeks preceding the collection.

This program applies to all residents who live in areas of less than two acres. Residents in the Greenfield Hill section of town where lots are two or more acres usually have enough room on their property to compost the leaves.

If they choose to bag them they can call the garage at 256-3177 to arrange for a pickup before Thanksgiving and one pick-up after Thanksgiving.

Residents are advised not to rake leaves or debris into the street catch-basin. This is bad for the environment because it flows into the nearby waterway and also may clog drainpipes, causing local flooding.

How should I report a fallen tree on a street?Call the town garage at 256- 3177.

Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow?Residents and businesses must clear their sidewalks within 24

hours after a storm.

What happens if a town snow plow hits my mailbox?If a plow actually hits a mailbox with the plow blade, the De-

partment of Public Works will replace the mailbox. If, however, the force of the snow topples the mailbox, it is the

homeowner’s responsibility, because the mailbox is expected to withstand the force of snow or slush hitting it.

How do I find out what my setbacks are?Building setback requirements are listed in the Zoning Regu-

lations. These regulations are available at the town Plan & Zon-ing office and online at fairfieldct.org/zoning. The address of the property is required to determine the zoning district.

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BusinessWho are the top taxpayers in town?

The top taxable properties and their assessments are: 1. General Electric Company $88,541,977 2. Kelban Holding Co. LLC et al $64,854,544 3. Connecticut Light & Power Company $60,597,975 4. Lenoci, Alfred et al $57,095,924 5. Aquarion Water Company $53,199,122 6. Southport Green Acquisition $29,186,390 7. Scinto, Robert D. et al $24,234,140 8. Jack Bradley and Karin $23,310,460 9. Roberts Properties et al $20,408,973 10. Trust Realty et al $18,150,300

Total $435,671,165

What does the Chamber of Commerce do?The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce (255-1011; fairfieldct-

chamber.com) promotes the business community while at the same time supporting civic and social events in town. The office is at 1597 Post Road. Patricia L. Ritchie is president and chief executive officer. The chamber sponsors networking and social events, wine and food fund-raisers, a trick-or-treat Halloween event, a Santa’s Arrival holiday event, an Arts & Crafts Show and a health fair.

Who protects consumers?The local Better Business Bureau (203-269-2700; connecti-

cut.bbb.org) is in Wallingford. It provides reports on businesses,

charity groups, and organizations. It can help resolve consumer disputes with businesses and promotes ethical business stan-dards.

Who are the town’s major employers?According to the Chamber of Commerce, major employers

are: General Electric Company, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield Town & Schools and HEIM/Beargins Division RBC Inc

Where are the post offices?The post office at 1262 Post Road is open 8:30 to 5 Monday

through Friday, and 9 to 1 Saturday. The number is 332-4547. The post office at 357 Commerce Drive is open 8:30 to 5 Mon-day through Friday, and 9 to 1 Saturday. The number is 332-4546. The office at 402 Pequot Avenue, Southport, is open 8:30 to 5 Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 1 Saturday. The number is 259-2877.

Are there any hotels, motels, or inns?The Inn at Fairfield Beach, 1160 Reef Road (255-6808; innat-

fairfieldbeach.com); Best Western Black Rock Inn, 100 Kings Highway Cutoff (659-2200; blackrockinn.com); Fairfield Mo-tor Inn, 417 Post Road (255-0491; fairfieldinninfairfield.com); Hi-Ho Motel, 4180 Black Rock Turnpike (259-5264); Merritt Parkway Motor Inn, 4180 Black Rock Turnpike (259-5264); Southport Village Inn, 275 Old Post Road (255-0306); Hotel Ritz, 248 Wood House Road (256-0583)

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Pets & AnimalsWhere do I get a dog license?

The town clerk’s office (256-3090) in Old Town Hall on Old Post Road. To get a license you must have a valid rabies certifi-cate for your dog. Dogs are required to be licensed by June 30 of each year and the fine for having an unlicensed dog is $1 per month late.

The cost of a dog license is $19 for non-spayed or neutered dogs, and $8 if spayed or neutered. Obtain a license from the town clerk’s office or through the mail. A form may be printed out online from the town clerk’s Web page at fairfieldct.org.

My dog is lost. Where can I get help?You should call the animal control officer at 254-4857. Any

dog impounded at the Fairfield Animal Shelter will be advertised in the lost and found section of the Connecticut Post. Eight days from the advertisement date, the dog will go up for adoption.

What constitutes nuisance behavior by dogs?The nuisance law is all-encompassing for any kind of dog dis-

turbance. Dogs may not chase after, growl at, snap at or bite any person or domestic animal on the street or chase after motor vehicles. Excessive barking is also considered a nuisance. Dogs may not roam onto another person’s property, damage another person’s property, or injure another person. If you are bitten by a dog, you should report the incident to the animal control of-ficer.

Are cats allowed to roam?Yes, the state considers cats feral by nature and they are al-

lowed to roam off their owner’s property.

What should I do if I see a stray animal?You may report a stray animal to Animal Control by calling

254-4857. If an animal is not wearing identification, it will be held for eight days and then put up for adoption. If there is a wild animal that appears to be rabid, call the police department at 254-4800.

Are any animals illegal to have as pets?Generally speaking, people may not have as pets animals con-

sidered “wild” by the state Department of Environmental Pro-tection. Call 860-424-3011 for details.

Are there any parks devoted to dogs?None are specifically devoted to dogs, although dogs are al-

lowed all year round in the many open space areas of town. At Ash Creek Open Space, dogs must be on a leash. Elsewhere, they may run free at least 100 feet from the entrance to the park, if the owner keeps them under control.

Dogs are not allowed on the beaches during the summer sea-son, but are allowed from Oct. 1 to April 1 if kept on a leash. At Jennings Beach, dogs are allowed off their leashes.

Where may I adopt a dog or cat?People may adopt from the Fairfield Animal Shelter. Anyone

wishing to do so should fill out an application available online at fpdct.com/animal_control/adoption.htm. A list of the adoptable pets are also available online.

3232


Compassion About the Strays of Fairfield is a cat adoption program. Call 247-2319, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

The Connecticut Humane Society, 1055 Post Road East, in Westport has pet adoptions. Call 227-4137.

Adopt-A-Dog (and cat) is headquartered in Greenwich and finds loving homes for dogs and cats from shelters in the tri-state area, from a sister organization from Puerto Rico, and shelters with high kill rates in some southern states. All pets are neutered or spayed, examined by a vet, and evaluated by trainers. The shelter is at 23 Cox Avenue in Armonk, N.Y. Call for an appoint-ment. For information, or to receive a copy of the Adopt-A-Dog newsletter, call 629-9494, ext. 201, or 914-273-1674, or visit online at adopt-a-dog.org.

Project Save-A-Cat has as its mission to spay/neuter as many homeless, abandoned, or feral cats as possible and place those that have been socialized in permanent, loving homes. The group does not operate a shelter or accept cats surrendered by their owners. Call 431-9111.

Where can I take my pet in an emergency?Animal Control works with town veterinarian Dr. John Kristy

of Engleberg-Kristy Animal Hospital, 181 King Highway East. Call 367-4475 or visit engelbergkristy.biz.

Animal Control may be called in an emergency involving a pet and offers transport services.

The Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic, at 123 West Cedar Street in Norwalk, is open 24 hours. Call 894-9960.

The A-1 Emergency Animal Hospital at 2727 Main Street in Bridgeport is also open 24 hours. Call 334-5548.

If your dog has eaten something questionable and you can’t reach your own veterinarian right away, you may call the ASP-CA Poison Control Hotline at 800-548-2423. It is staffed 24 hours, but there is a charge for services.

Do any veterinarians make house calls?Yes. Dr. Catherine Cannella, 200 Shady Hill Road, runs a

mobile veterinarian service. Call 255-4448. Dr. Kathleen Fearon who has an office in Trumbull, also comes to homes. Call 261-PETS.

A dog ran out in front of my car and I hit it. What should I do?

Do not abandon the animal, but do not touch it, either. Injured animals can bite out of fear. Use common sense to determine if the situation is safe enough that you can keep traffic away from the animal. Call the animal control officer at 254-4857. If they cannot be reached right away, call the Fairfield Police at 254-4800.

May I keep horses?Horses are permitted on any property; however, the structure

where they are kept must be a minimum of 60 feet from any property line. There are only a few zones in town that match that criterion. The one- and two-acre zones in AA, and AAA can do that. Those areas are around Southport and in the Greenfield Hill area north of Brookside Drive. Those properties in R-3 zone may be able to meet that requirement as well. R-3 is spread out around town.

Zoning maps are available online at fairfieldct.org/zoning. Call the Planning & Zoning office with questions at 256-3050.

Is there anywhere to ride a horse?Fairfield and its surrounding towns offer many opportunities

for trail riding. The Fairfield Bridle Trail Association (FBTA) helps maintain an extensive network of riding trails in Fairfield County. There are trails at the Audubon Society, Brett Woods Open Space, Penfield Beach, Trout Brook in Easton, Huntington Park in Redding, Paine Open Space in Easton and Weston, Lake Mohegan Open Space, and Mill Hill Open Space. There are also several trail networks open only to members of the FBTA. Maps of trails are available to active members of the association. Visit online at fairfieldbridletrails.org for more information.

Is there an emergency wildlife number?For a true wildlife emergency, such as illegal hunting or

poaching, call the state Department of Environmental Protec-tion at 860-424-3333. For complaints about nuisance wildlife, call 860-424-3000. The Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association may be reached at 203-389-4411.

What is being done to control the deer herds?As in every other town in Fairfield County, Fairfield has more

deer living here than the land can sustain. As a result, private and public gardens, home landscapes, and the understory of lo-cal woodlands take a beating from being devoured by deer. The large deer herds also contribute to the spread of Lyme disease throughout the state. Reducing the population, however, is a con-troversial issue. The town joined the Fairfield County Municipal Deer Management Alliance in 2006 but withdrew membership in April 2009. For more information go to deeralliance.com.

Should I worry if I see a raccoon during the day?Even healthy raccoons are active during the day, especially

in spring and early summer when they are taking care of a fam-

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Emergency ServicesWhen should I call 911 and who answers the line?

You should call 911 only to report true emergencies such as injuries, accidents, crimes in progress, fires, and medical emer-gencies. The Fairfield Police answer 911 calls, where a comput-er screen will display the name, location, and telephone number of the caller. Therefore, if you cannot speak or a child calls 911, help will be able to find you. An upgraded statewide mobile 911 system enables dispatchers to quickly track a cell phone caller’s location anywhere in the state.

Where is the nearest emergency room?Ambulance transports from Fairfield are commonly taken

to Bridgeport Hospital or St. Vincent’s Hospital emergency rooms.

What kind of emergency ambulance service does Fair-field provide?

American Medical Response (AMR) is a commercial ambu-lance service that provides EMS response to the Town of Fair-field.

How much does an ambulance call cost?All rates are established by the state, but may vary due to

Medicare and Medicaid rules. In 2009, the rate for a Basic Life Support call is $501. A Level 1 Advanced Life Support call (am-bulance plus paramedic) is $858. An Advanced Life Support Helicopter Assist is $510. There is a mileage charge of $14.14 per mile. There are other special charges that may accrue.

Where is the fire department?The Fairfield Fire Department, under the direction of Chief

Richard Felner and Deputy Chief Arthur Reid, has five stations that protect more than 32 square miles of residential, commer-cial and industrial properties as well as two college campuses. Its headquarters is at 140 Reef Road. The non-emergency num-ber for the chief’s office is 254-4713.

The Stratfield Volunteer Fire Department, Rescue 15, at 400 Jackman Avenue, consists of 80 active members who work directly with career members of the Fairfield Fire Deparment. Call 254-4748 for more information.

How big is the department?The fire department has a staff of 98 career firefighters and of-

ficers and others, and a number of volunteer fire responders.The average response time is three to five minutes. Equipment

includes five engines, one ladder truck and a rescue kit housed at five fire departments around town.

Where is the police department?The Fairfield Police Department is at 100 Reef Road. The

non-emergency numbers are 254-4800 or 254-4808. The chief of police is Gary MacNamara. There are 108 sworn officers, 100 authorized special agents, 15 telecommunicators, four animal control officers, seven marina guards, six full-time and several other part-time civilian personnel.

The department has three divisions, the Field Services Bureau, the Support Services Bureau and the Professional Standards and Public Affairs Bureau. There are also several specialized units within those divisions: Bike Patrol, Marine Patrol, Motorcycle

ily. If the animal is obviously sick (acting aggressive, circling, stumbling, acting disoriented or showing signs of paralysis) call the local police or animal control officer.

I saw a coyote in my yard. What should I do?Coyotes live and breed in every town in Connecticut. They

are extremely adaptable and comfortable living in close proxim-ity to residential areas. They are usually not a threat to humans; however, coyotes may attack pets, particularly cats. Coyotes eat a variety of foods including rodents, birds, fruit and berries and will also eat food provided by people including spilled bird seed, compost piles, pet foods, or unsecured garbage. If you live in an area frequented by coyotes and you have cats or very small dogs, your pets should be supervised while outdoors. Keeping pets indoors or limiting their time outdoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active, is recommended. For more information, call DEP Wildlife Division at 860-675-8130 or the Hartford of-fice at 860-424-3011.

There appears to be an abandoned fawn in my yard. What should I do?

Do not touch it as your scent will scare off the mother, who may be hiding nearby. Nearly all “abandoned” fawns are truly not abandoned. Keep yourself and your pets far away. Fawns are born from late May through June. Often, deer give birth during the night and leave the fawn during the day, particularly if people are around. The fawn’s camouflage helps protect it from preda-tors. Often does will not return to their fawns until after dark. For the first five days after they are born, fawns will not run when approached, instead lying still. From the seventh day on, they exhibit flight behavior, but will not venture out to browse with their mothers until they are a month old.

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Patrol, Emergency Services Unit, Dive Team, Aviation Unit, Traffic Crash Investigation Unit as well as D.A.R.E. and Officer Friendly programs. Because of Fairfield’s coastal location, the police department’s Marine Unit is staffed seasonally by three full-time officers.

The unit provides law enforcement, emergency medical ser-vices, and general assistance to boaters within town waters. The unit works closely with the United States Coast Guard and other local police marine units.

What is the typical response time to calls?For emergency calls, the Police Department will normally

have an officer on scene in several minutes, less than five min-utes in most circumstances.

How do I get a copy of an accident report?Accident reports are usually available three working days after

the incident. They may be picked up at the Fairfield Police De-partment during normal business hours, 8 to 4, Monday through Saturday. Some reports may take longer if the incident is still under investigation. There is a fee of $.50 per page for copies.

What happens in a townwide emergency?The emergency management director is Fire Chief Richard

Felner. In the event of a townwide emergency, the Emergency Operations Center located at Fire Station 2, 600 Jennings Road, goes into operation. From there, the emergency responders can talk to any department in town and to any fire department in the county and with different state of Connecticut departments.

The town also has a civilian Community Emergency Re-sponse Team (CERT) which the deputy fire chief oversees and organizes into action. The CERT volunteers would help set up shelters and put the town’s emergency response plan into opera-tion.

The police response would depend on the type and extent of emergency. The Police Department can recall staff as needed to ensure appropriate law enforcement coverage and response. The emergency services and town departments work together to ensure the safety of citizens and there are plans in place for dif-ferent emergency scenarios that would be followed.

What should I do in the event of a major storm?Severe storms are the most common disasters in this area and

Connecticut Light and Power (800-286-2000) offers the follow-ing tips: Check medications that need refrigeration. You may want to keep a small cooler handy for that purpose. Have a sup-ply of canned, non-perishable food and drinking water that will last a couple of days. Get extra ice and put it in plastic bags. This will help maintain the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer.

Set aside water. Fill the bathtub with water for toilets; a bucket in the bowl is all that’s needed for flushing. You can buy bottled water for drinking. Be prepared to cook outside, but don’t bring grills into the house.

Stock up on batteries for a battery-powered radio and flash-lights, and have extra wood for fireplaces or wood stoves. Fill your car’s gas tank. Unplug sensitive electrical equipment. Stay away from downed power lines.

How do I reach poison control?Dial 800-222-1222. This national number will connect you

with medical experts at a local poison control center. There is also a Web site, www.1-800-222-1222.info.

ReligionWhat places of worship are in Fairfield?

Black Rock Congregational Church, 3658 Black Rock Turnpike, 255-3401; brcc.org

Calvin United Church of Christ, 901 Kings Highway, 335-7217; calvinsynod.org

Church of the Apostles (Anglican), 1916 Post Road, second floor, 254-3244; apostlesct.org

Congregation Ahavath Achim (Orthodox Jewish), 1571 Stratfield Road, 372-6529; ahavathachim.org

Congregation Beth El (Conservative Jewish), 1200 Fair-field Woods Road, 374-5544; congbethel.net

Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church, 1089 Fairfield Woods Road, 374-6528; fairfieldgrace.org

First Baptist Church of Fairfield, 65 Church Hill Road, 334-3303

First Church Congregational, UCC, 148 Beach Road, 259-8396; firstchurchfairfield.org

First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, 2475 Easton Turn-pike, 374-6176; firstpresby.net

Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, 1045 Old Acad-emy Road, 259-5596; greenfieldhillchurch.com

Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 750 Tahmore Drive, 372-4595

Jehovah’s Witness Fairfield Congregation, 40 Hillside Road, 255-6305

Our Lady of the Assumption Parish (Roman Catholic), 545 Stratfield Road, 333-9065; assumption-fairfield.org

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 160 Hill Farm Road, 255-0545; oursaviours.net

St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 149 South Pine

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Creek Road, 259-0358; stanthonyffld.orgSt. Emery’s Roman Catholic Church, 838 Kings Highway,

334-0312; stemerys.comSt. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 161 Old Post Road, 259-3013;

stpaulsfairfield.orgSt. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, 255-6134; st-pius.

orgSouthport Congregational Church, 524 Pequot Avenue,

Southport, 255-1594; southportucc.orgSt. Thomas Roman Catholic Church, 1719 Post Road, 255-

1097; motherchurchfairfield.orgSt. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 4670 Congress Street,

255-2740; sttimschurch.orgTrinity Baptist Church, 300 North Benson Road, 255-3977;

trinityfairfield.orgTrinity Episcopal Church, 651 Pequot Avenue, Southport,

255-0454; trinitysouthport.orgTrinity-St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 554 Tunxis Hill

Road, 368-3225; trinitystmichaels.comWord of God Ministries (Full Gospel), at the Jennings

School, 31 Palm Drive, 333-4643; wogcc.org

Are there any Bible study programs?Several churches offer Bible study. The following list their

programs on the town’s Web site: Fairfield Grace United Meth-odist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Fairfield, Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Southport Congregational Church and Trinity Baptist Church.

What is Young Life?Fairfield Young Life is a non-denominational, Christian or-

ganization for teens. Young Life meets throughout the school year. Call 292-3812 for details or visit online at fairfield.young-life.org.

Fairfield WyldLife is a similar organization for middle school students, offering a club, camp, and monthly social events.

Are there any stores selling religious items?The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce lists one Fairfield sup-

plier of religious gifts and supplies. Patrick Baker & Sons has an online store at churchgoods.com.

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RecreationWhere is the Parks and Recreation Department?

The Parks and Recreation office is at 75 Mill Plain Road. Hours are 8:30 to 4:30. For general information, call 256-3191.

For what facilities do I need a pass?Park/Beach Passes are needed primarily for access to Fair-

field’s five beaches and Lake Mohegan. Car stickers or daily passes are needed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All beach-es and the lake are open from dawn to 11 p.m. all year round.

Residents may obtain a pass or renew theirs online at fairfiel-drecreation.com, by mail to Town of Fairfield, P.O. Box 320293, Fairfield, CT 06825, by fax to 256-3145, or by visiting the Parks & Recreation office at 75 Mill Plain Road.

What recreational parks are in town?There are many parks in Fairfield. Some of the larger parks

are listed below. A complete listing, including facilities and di-rections may be found on the Parks & Recreation Web site at fairfieldrecreation.com.

Gould Manor Park at 655 Holland Hill Road has a play-ground, Little League fields, tennis courts and bathroom facili-ties on just over 13 acres. Owen Fish Park at 1443 Stratfield Road has a playground, a baseball diamond, and tennis courts on 11 acres. Rugby Park has a playground on 11.3 acres. South Pine Creek Recreation Area at 210 Old Dam Road has base-ball and softball diamonds, grass playing fields, and bathroom facilities on 78.5 acres. Tunxis Hill Park at 225 Melville Av-enue has a playground, a Little League field, a baseball field and tennis courts on 25.5 acres.

What passive parks are in town?Fairfield has some 1,100 acres of town-owned open space

throughout inland and coastal areas. There are trails in many of the watershed areas. The town’s Conservation Department over-sees Sasco Creek Watershed (285 acres); Mill River Water-shed (564 acres); Pine Creek Watershed (226 acres); and Ash Creek Watershed (39 acres). Visit the Conservation Depart-ment’s Web page fairfieldct.org/openspace.htm for the complete list and uses. For more information or trail maps call Edward Jones at 256-3071.

The 155-acre Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary, which adjoins to the Audubon Center of Fairfield, is open dawn to dusk year-round, and features rolling woodlands, meadows, streams, marshes and ponds with raised boardwalks and bridges that allow access to a variety of habitats, seven miles of trails including the Chiboucas Wheelchair-accessible Trail for the Disabled, observation platform, interpretive signage and an Al-gonquin wigwam replica.

Are there any wildlife sanctuaries in town?The Audubon Center in Fairfield is in the historic Green-

field Hill section at 2325 Burr Street (259-6305 ext. 109) and adjoins the Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Center and nature store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 to 3. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

The Aspetuck Land Trust oversees the Putnam & Rudkin Preserve, Kirik Upland Preserve, Lobdell Calf Pasture Preserve, Ernest Hillman Preserve, Harwood Preserve, Sasqua Wildflower Preserve, Butkus Pond Preserve, Acorn Lane Upland Preserve, Old Hay Fields, and Aspetuck River Access. Visit aspetuck-

landtrust.org for more information.

What beaches are in town?A point of pride for Fairfield is its collection of beaches along

Long Island Sound. The beaches are Jennings at 880 South Benson Road, Penfield at 323 Fairfield Beach Road, South Pine Creek at 1424 South Pine Creek Road, Southport at 1505 Pequot Avenue, and Sasco at 1401 Sasco Hill Road. Mohegan Lake is at 960 Morehouse Highway.

Beaches are open year round from dawn to 11 p.m., but Park/Beach Passes are required from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

May I take my dog to the beach?Dogs may enter beaches, open space areas, and marinas only

on a leash except at Jennings Beach so long as they are under control. Dogs and horses are permitted to enter any town beach only during the period from Oct. 1 to March 31. At all other times dogs and horses are forbidden.

Does the town check the beach for safety?The health department tests the beaches weekly during swim-

ming season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Are there any public marinas?There are two marinas open to residents in Fairfield. South

Benson Marina at 471 Turney Road, and Ye Yacht Yard at 985

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Harbor Road, Southport have boat slips open only to permanent residents of Fairfield. Applications for boat slips may be made through the Parks & Recreation Commission, which meets the third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Parks & Recre-ation Department, 75 Mill Plain Road. To apply for a boat slip, stop in to the department to fill out an application, or call 256-3191.

What if I just want to launch my boat?A non-resident of Fairfield who has a business establishment

in Fairfield, but not corporations per se, and pays taxes on fur-niture, fixtures and/or inventory in Fairfield, may be allowed to use the boat ramp to launch a boat. In addition, the first 50, per season, non-resident, non-Fairfield tax-paying individuals may purchase a ramp tag for launching at South Benson Marina for a fee to be determined annually by the Parks & Recreation Com-mission.

Is there anywhere to have a clambake?People may rent out the Penfield Pavilion at Penfield Beach

through the Parks and Recreation Department. Call 256-3191 or go to fairfieldrecreation.com for more information. There are also grills at all the beaches in town.

Is there a town fitness center?The Parks & Recreation Department runs the Eunice Postol

Recreation Center at 75 Mill Plain Road. It is open to all Fair-field residents age 18 and older. A yearly membership is $130 for adults and $110 for seniors age 62 and older.

Where can I go in-line skating?The Jennings Beach Skate Park has recently undergone

renovations and has been closed but is expected to open soon. The closest open skate park is Rampage LLC at 1625 Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport. Call 521-2234 or visit the Web site skate-parkramps.com for more information.

Where can I play golf?There are a few public municipal golf courses open in Fair-

field. South Pine Creek Golf Course (256-3173) at 70 Old Dam Road, has nine holes over 1,240 yards with a par of 27. The Fairchild-Wheeler Golf Club (373-5911) at 2390 Easton Turnpike has 18 holes over 6,559 yards with a par of 70. The Smith -Richardson Golf Course (255-7356) at 2425 More-house Highway has 18 holes over 6,676 yards with a par of 72.

There are several private courses and country clubs in town. Brooklawn Country Club (334-5116) at 500 Algonquin Road has 18 holes over 6,617 yards with a par of 71. The Patter-son Club (255-2121) at 1118 Cross Highway has 18 holes over 6,795 yards with a par of 71. The Country Club of Fairfield (259-1601) at 936 Sasco Hill Road has 18 holes over 6,358 yards with a par of 70.

May I camp at any of the town parks?No camping is allowed in any of the parks or open space ex-

cept by permit issued by the Conservation Department or Parks & Recreation Commission as appropriate. Conservation allows camping with a permit at Brett Woods. Call the Conservation Department at 256-3071 for more information.

Where can I play tennis?There are public tennis courts at Dwight School on Redding

Road, Fairfield Warde High School on Melville Avenue, Fair-field Woods Middle School on Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Unquowa Road, Gould Manor Park on Holland Hill Road, Owen Fish Park on Stratfield Road, Tomlinson Middle School on Hillcrest Road, Tunxis Hill Park on Melville Avenue and Veterans Park on Reef Road. Resi-dents may use these courts at their leisure on a drop-in basis or may make a reservation by calling the Parks & Recreation De-partment at 256-3144.

There is also indoor tennis during the fall and winter at Fair-field Indoor Tennis on Old Dam Road. The season runs from mid-September through the end of April. For fees and more in-formation, contact Fairfield Indoor Tennis at 254-0440.

Where can I play basketball?There are outdoor courts at many of the public schools and

at Pemberwick Park and Highwood Park. None are lit. The Parks and Recreation department offers corporate and resident men’s leagues during the winter. Call Frank Gabriele at 622-7821.

There is also a men’s basketball league run by Parks & Rec-reation. The Men’s Basketball Program plays one game per week, on either Tuesday or Wednesday evenings at Roger Lud-lowe Middle School, commencing in December and concluding in March. Interested teams must be comprised of only Fairfield residents and should contact the Parks and Recreation Depart-ment to be placed on the waiting list as returning teams have first priority. League fee is approximately $650 per team. Visit fairfieldrecreation.com to download a form to sign up, or call 256-3191 for more information.

Are there any softball leagues?Yes. There are a number of leagues for women, men, men

over 35, and co-rec. Visit fairfieldrecreation.com to download a form to sign up, or call 256-3191 for more information.

Are there any adult soccer leagues?There is drop-in soccer for Fairfield residents. Women’s drop-

in soccer is for players 18 years and older and meets at the Fair-field Woods Soccer field on Fairfield Woods Road on Sundays at 9 a.m. For more information e-mail [email protected]. There is drop-in soccer for men over 30 that meets on Sunday morn-ings at 9:30 at the Tomlinson Soccer Field on Unquowa Road.

What does the YMCA/YWCA offer?The Fairfield YMCA at 841 Old Post Road, offers a number

of athletic, dance, and fitness programs. The facility offers per-sonal fitness programs, child care, aquatics and swim lessons, youth programs and camps and adult sports. YMCA members may choose from a variety of fitness classes including yoga, water exercise, rehabilitative water exercise. There is strength training and cardio in the fitness center, which uses Life Fitness equipment including treadmills and stationary bikes. There is also group cycling, personal training, nutrition counseling and cross trainers and an indoor pool.

The child care and after-school programs include nursery school, vacation camp and summer day camp. For more infor-mation, call 255-2834 or go to cccymca.org/locations/fairfield-ymca.

Are there any running clubs in the area?Yes. The Pequot Running Club has organized runs on Sun-

day mornings at 8 starting at the Wakeman Boys/Girls Club,

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385 Center Street, Southport. The club also holds weekly track workouts. For more information call 222-8777 of visit the Web site pequotrunners.org.

Is there a helmet law for bicyclists?Children age 15 and under must wear a helmet when bicycling

in Connecticut.

Are there any cycling clubs in the area?Sound Cyclists runs group rides throughout Fairfield County

year round. There are special events, a newsletter, and members are entitled to discounts at more than a dozen area bicycle shops. For more information, visit soundcyclists.com.

Are there any scenic cycling routes?The Connecticut Department of Transportation offers maps

of multi-use trails throughout the state as well as a statewide bicycle map. You may download portions of the multi-use trails map from ct.gov/dot or purchase the 132-page Pathways through Connecticut for $9.95 online. The Connecticut Bicycle Map is available free from the DOT.

Where can I go ice skating?There are ponds at Gould Manor Park, Owen Fish Park and

Sturges Park. The closest place specifically set up for outdoor skating is at Long Shore in Westport at 260 Compo Road, where an outdoor rink is created. For indoor skating, Wonderland of Ice (576-8110) at 123 Glenwood Avenue, Bridgeport is the clos-est.

The rink offers public skating, lessons, birthday party arrange-ments, and a men’s hockey league. The Web site is wonderland-ofice.com.

Where can I go sledding?Some of the best sledding hills are at Gould Manor and Stur-

ges Park.

Where can I go fishing in town?The Fairfield coast offers many locations where anglers may

wet a line in search of striped bass, bluefish, flounder and more. One of the most popular saltwater fishing locations is Penfield Reef, off Reef Road. There is public access to this mile-long reef jutting into Long Island Sound via a public path between residential properties. Parking may be difficult in the immediate vicinity, though residents may easily walk to this location from Penfield Beach or Veterans Park.

For freshwater anglers, year-round fishing for trout and bass is located in the Lake Mohegan Recreation Area off Morehouse Highway (Exit 44 on the Merritt Parkway and then take Con-gress Street to Morehouse Highway crossing the parkway.)

The river running through the park is frequently stocked with trout by the state and is designated as a Trout Management Area. As such, anglers are allowed to fish with artificial lures and live bait from the third Saturday in April (Connecticut’s Opening Day of fishing season) through Sept. 1.

During this season anglers may keep up to two trout, so long as they are nine inches or longer. From Sept. 1 through the third Saturday in April, fishing is restricted to artificial lures or flies with a single hook only.

Anglers must release all fish caught during this time period. Largemouth bass and other freshwater species may be caught in Lake Mohegan at the southern end of the park.

Where do I get a fishing license?Inland fishing licenses are $28 (free to seniors and the dis-

abled) and are required for anyone 16 and older. Fishing licenses in the marine district are $10. They are available at the town clerk’s office or at the Department of Environmental Protection Web site ct.outdoorcentral.net. For more information, check the Connecticut Angler’s Guide, available online at ct.gov/dep.

Is there any hunting allowed in town?Hunting is not allowed on any town property. You may hunt

on private property. All hunters are required to have permission from the landowner when hunting on private lands. Deer and turkey hunters must carry the written permission of the land-owner for the current season on official DEP forms available at ct.gov/dep. A landowner must have a minimum of 10 acres to authorize the use of a rifle for deer hunting. For more informa-tion on game law issues, bowhunting, or conservation, refer to the latest issue of the state Hunting and Trapping Guide, avail-able online at ct.gov/dep.

Where do I get a hunting license?A Hunter Safety Course, offered through the Connecticut

DEP, Wildlife Division, must be completed and proof presented to the town clerk before a license can be issued. Contact Frank-lin WMA at 860-642-7239. Courses are free, although registra-tion is limited.

The firearms hunting license fee is $19. The combination fishing/firearms license fee is $38. The trapping license fee is $34. For details, consult the Connecticut Hunting and Trap-ping Guide, call DEP at 860-424-3011, or visit the Web site at ct.gov/dep.

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Senior CitizensIs there a senior center?

The Fairfield Senior Center (256-3166) is at 100 Mona Ter-race in the former Oldfield School and serves Fairfield’s older residents. There are classes, day trips, transportation, health fo-rums, and social activities. A hot lunch is served every day (res-ervations required two days in advance by calling 256-3118).

What special housing is available for seniors?The Fairfield Housing Authority operates low- and moder-

ate-income rental housing for families, the elderly, and the dis-abled. Augustana Homes on the Post Road, Sullivan McKinney on Meadowbrook Road, Mutual Housing on Villa Avenue and Parish Court on Warde Terrace all are overseen by the hous-ing authority. Those who are interested in applying for housing assistance should call 366-5330 or visit the housing authority page on fairfieldct.org. Those with questions about senior hous-ing should call the Senior Center at 256-3166. A complete list of senior housing available in a 14-town region of southwest-ern Connecticut is available from the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (333-9288/swcaa.org) in Bridgeport.

Is there day care for the elderly?Grasmere by the Sea Adult Day Services at 1 Post Road of-

fers care for the older adults in the community. With a home-like setting, it provides comprehensive nursing, social, nutritional, and recreational and personal care services for those who want to remain in their homes and still enjoy the day with friends in a supportive environment. For information call 365-6433.

The Jewish Home for the Elderly also offers day care for adults. The program serves individuals who may be experienc-ing memory impairment, who may need opportunities for so-cialization and recreation, or whose families may need respite support. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 to 4:30 and on Saturdays from 8 to 3. For more information call 365-6470 or visit jhe.org.

Does anyone help seniors live at home?Yes. If not eligible under Medicare, seniors may be eligible

under the Connecticut Home Care Program for the Elderly. Call the Senior Center at 256-3166 for information.

Is there an AARP chapter here?There is one chapter of the American Association of Retired

Persons in Fairfield. The Fairfield chapter meets the second Monday of the month (except June, July, August and December) at 1 p.m., at 100 Mona Terrace.

Does anyone help seniors with their income tax?Yes. The AARP has a volunteer program. The group sets up

shop at the Senior Center in the beginning of the new year and see people several days a week to do income taxes for free.

What transportation services are available to seniors?The Senior Center offers transportation for seniors to and

from the center, to doctors’ appointments and to go food shop-ping. Call 256-3168. The Dial-A-Ride program provides trans-portation for eligible residents who are over the age of 65 years or adults who are permanently disabled.

This program is intended for those with limited resources who

find it difficult to access transportation and who meet specific program guidelines. Eligibility for the program is based on in-come and the ability to drive. Homeowners who have qualified for the town’s Senior/Disabled Tax Credit Program and have no automobile or are unable to drive are automatically eligible to participate in the Dial-A-Ride program. The Town of Fairfield has contracted with the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority to operate the program. The hours of the services are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. The transportation area is from Fair-field to Bridgeport, Trumbull and Stratford and includes the return trip. Dial-A-Ride also is available for organized group trips. For more information, contact the Fairfield Department of Social Services at 254-4758 or the Office for Persons with Dis-abilities at 256-3130.

Is there an employment service for older folks?Yes. Maturity Works helps people age 55 and older to obtain

skills necessary for employment. Call 333-5129 ext. 366 or 367 for information.

Does anyone check on homebound elderly?The town has the Are You OK? Program run by the Police

Department. A computer calls the senior at the same time every day. If the person doesn’t answer, police will dispatch a car to check on the person. Residents may call the Senior Center to sign up.

Is there Meals on Wheels?There is a Meals on Wheels service through the Senior Center

at 100 Mona Terrace. Freshly prepared meals are delivered to your door by volunteers on a daily basis. Anyone may apply. There is no need for a doctor’s referral. For information, call 256-3166.

For those who can get out of the house the center offers a Morning Coffee Shop and hot lunch daily. Reservations are re-quired for the lunch. Call 256-3118. Menus are available online at fairfieldct.org/seniors.

Does anyone help with insurance questions?The Senior Center offers aid to seniors with their insurance

questions. The personnel have been trained by the Southwestern Area Agency on Aging to answer questions. Call 333-9288 for more information.

How can I learn more about services for seniors?The Fairfield Senior Center is meant to serve as a resource

center for the town’s older adults and their families. You may call the Fairfield Senior Center (256-3166) or visit the page on the town’s Web site, fairfieldct.org. The center also publishes a monthly newsletter available at the center, libraries, town hall, banks and other locations. The town also has a coordinator of senior constituent services who is available to assist residents with any concerns or ideas relating to senior citizens.

The coordinator, Kathleen Howard, will help provide informa-tion to seniors seeking assistance with various town departments and will help enable them to utilize the many services the town offers through the Senior Center, Human Services Commission and Social Services Department.

She is available every Wednesday in the first selectman’s of-fice from 11 to noon. Call 256-3030 to make an appointment.

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HealthDoes anyone refer physicians?

Bridgeport Hospital offers physician referral services. Check online at bridgeporthospital.com and click on Need a Doctor. To speak directly with the Physician Referral Service, call 888-357-2396.

The Fairfield Health Department offers referral services to residents or students enrolled at either of the universities in town for issues regarding sexually transmitted diseases. For informa-tion call 256-3020.

What does the department of health do?The Fairfield Health Department is a municipal agency that

has the mission of protecting and improving the physical, mental and environmental health of the Fairfield community by pro-viding both oversight and direct services. Emerging infectious diseases and newly discovered environmental health hazards are common in the field of public health and require trained and informed staff that can respond in a timely fashion. There are 42 staff members, 12 of whom are part-time.

Sands Cleary is the director of health. The department’s phone number is 256-3020. The department’s offices are located in In-dependence Hall. There is also a branch office at the Fairfield Senior Citizens Center, which houses the nursing administra-tive staff, health educator and clinic space. The school nurses, who are the majority of the staff, are located in their respective schools.

What public health services are offered?The Fairfield Health Department provides disease and injury

prevention through immunization clinics and other programs, holds sexually transmitted disease treatment services and HIV counseling and testing, dental services for eligible children, and a school nursing program. Call 256-3020.

What immunizations and screenings are offered?The Fairfield Health Department runs a Well Child Clinic for

children up to age five entering school, or to students who have transferred into town. They must fit certain socioeconomic crite-ria to be eligible. Call 356-3020.

The department also has occasional screenings for skin cancer and prostate problems and has mammograms through St. Vin-cent’s Hospital and Stamford Mobile Medical. Check the health department’s Web page for upcoming screenings, or call 256-3020 for more information.

What tests does the town health department lab per-form?

The health department tests beach, shellfish and surface wa-ter, air and water for radon, insects for identification and areas with mosquito breeding and sewage dye. It will also test ticks for Lyme disease and animals for rabies. Call 256-3020 with questions.

Is there a nursing and home care service?Nursing & Home Care and its partner, Mid-Fairfield Hos-

pice, serves Fairfield in addition to other area towns. Nursing & Home Care assists individuals and families through the various stages of health care. Services include preventive, therapeutic, respite, rehabilitative, counseling and hospice services. Services

are provided to individuals or groups at home, work, school or community centers. For more information call 800-898-HOME, or visit online nursingandhomecare.com.

Is there a clearinghouse of information on home health care?

Home Health Compare allows consumers to see clinical information about home health agency quality. The service is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Ser-vices. It is available online at medicare.gov.

Who offers hospice care?The Mid-Fairfield Hospice serves Fairfield in this regard.

The non-profit, licensed home care and hospice agency provides end-of-life care to patients and their families in the communi-ty. Services provided include palliative skilled nursing, home health aides, spiritual care, grief and bereavement counseling and volunteer services. Services can be provided to individuals in their home, in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility or in a hospital setting. For information, call 761-8889 or visit online at mid-fairfieldhospice.com.

Bridgeport Hospital’s Coordinated Assessment and Refer-ral for the Elderly (CARE) program helps to locate community resources for those over age 60. Home-visit, mental-health-as-sessment, and counseling referrals are also available. Call the coordinator at 384-4600.

Is there a nursing home in town?There are several nursing homes in town. Carolton Chronic

Convalescent Hospital at 400 Mill Plain Road (255-3573), Cambridge Manor at 2428 Easton Turnpike (365-0490), Jew-ish Home for the Elderly at 175 Jefferson Street (365-6470), and the Ludlow Center for Health at 118 Jefferson Street (372-4501) are all located in Fairfield. The Southport Manor Health Center at 930 Mill Hill Terrace (259-7894) is in Southport. Quality-related information on nursing homes is available on-line at medicare.gov.

Is there any organization that checks up on people liv-ing alone?

Lifeline of Southwestern Connecticut offers a 24-hour per-sonal emergency alarm and response service. There is a fee. Call Family & Children’s Agency at 853-8765.

The Fairfield Social Services Department also offers ser-vices to check up on people who live alone. If an elderly person doesn’t seem to be functioning well on his own they are referred to social services and the police or the health department will follow up.

Are there any local pharmacies?Both the CVS at 961 Black Rock Turnpike (331-4731) and the

Walgreens at 740 Villa Avenue (336-3551) are open 24 hours. And there are also family-owned pharmacies such as Lupe’s Drug Store #3 Inc of Fairfield (368-1955) at 2035 Black Rock Turnpike

Is there a flu clinic in town?The Fairfield Health Department offers seasonal flu and pneu-

monia immunizations. Call 256-3020.

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Does anyone help those with spinal cord injuries?The Obie Harrington-Howes Foundation is comprised of

community volunteers who want to help people with severe spinal cord injuries. The Darien-based group’s focus is to assist people living in Connecticut with non-reimbursable medical expenses. For information, call 888-265-5859 or visit online at ohhf.org.

Is there a therapeutic riding program?Pegasus Therapeutic Riding (845-669-8235/pegasustr.

org) is based in Brewster, N.Y., but offers programs at horse farms throughout Fairfield County. Pegasus helps bring the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding to handicapped people of all ages. There is a chapter based at Corgi Hollow Farm in Newtown.

Who offers CPR classes?The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the Red Cross

offers a regular series of Infant/Child and Adult CPR classes. You may register online at mfcarc.org or call 800-319-9935 for details. The American Heart Association offers Children and Infant CPR courses at area hospitals. Call Bridgeport Hospital at 384-3000 or visit online bridgeporthospital.com, or call St. Vincent’s Medical Center at 576-6000 or visit online stvin-cents.org.

Where can I find an organization that provides first aid services at events?

The Fairfield Fire Department will send people to provide first aid services based on requirements of the fire marshal.

Call the fire department for more information.

What help is available for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse?

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center Inc. offers help to in-dividuals and their families 24 hours a day. It offers services to ensure a victim’s immediate safety, and to help resolve medical and legal issues. The hotline is 888-774-2900 or visit online at dvccct.org.

Who offers counseling services?Fairfield Counseling Services, at 125 Penfield Road, is a

local agency that develops and sponsors support programs that promote the mental and emotional well-being of adolescents, adults and families in the area. Call 255-5777 or visit online fcsinc.org.The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecti-cut (983- 5294/childguidancect.org) is a nonprofit mental health resource for area children and families, receiving referrals from schools, courts, human service agencies, and private physicians. Self-referrals are also encouraged. The center has a clinical staff of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists.

The center also offers an Emergency Mobile Crisis Service, providing immediate mental health assessments and stabiliza-tion services for children and adolescents experiencing serious psychiatric symptoms or severe reactions to a recent traumatic event. The service is available 24/7. Call 323-9797 or 888-825-6777. Bridgeport Hospital (384-3000/bridgeporthospital.org) offers many counseling programs and support groups. St. Vin-cent’s Medical Center (576-6000/stvincents.org) also offers a wide range of support and resources.

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Children & TeensWho watches out for the interests of children?

RYASAP is an urban/suburban youth and community devel-opment coalition serving the greater Bridgeport region with lo-cal and statewide programs in juvenile justice advocacy, young adult leadership, and asset-based youth community development training and consultation. Call 579-2727 or visit online ryasap.org.

The Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport (255-2631) at 148 Beach Road, Fairfield, provides the emotional and psychological welfare of children and their families living in the greater Bridgeport area. Visit online at cgcgb.org.

Shepherds is a grassroots, non-denominational, nonprofit or-ganization reaching out to disadvantaged high school youth in the region. Shepherds sponsors all or part of a student’s tuition. Mentors work one-on-one with students, serving as role mod-els and providing encouragement, direction and support over the four-year journey. For information, call 367-4273, e-mail [email protected] or visit the Web site Shepherdsinc.com.

What playgrounds are in town?There are playgrounds at all the elementary schools. There are

also playgrounds at the beaches and most parks including Gould Manor, and Owen Fish Park.

What is SPARK?Safe Parks and Recreation for Kids Inc. (SPARK) play-

ground is an all-volunteer, community-based nonprofit organi-zation whose goal is to rebuild Fairfield’s parks and recreational areas. Since its founding in 1994, SPARK has contributed more than $300,000 in support of a wide range of projects initiated by Fairfield families dedicated to the health and well-being of the town’s children. This amount does not include the sweat equity contributed by dozens of volunteers and Department of Public Works employees who have installed playground equipment, fencing and other features.

For more information, call Brian Nerreau at 256-8915 or visit fairfieldrecreation.com/spark.html.

What is there for teens to do?The Town Youth Council is an advisory board, comprised of

high school students from each grade level led by the Recreation Department’s Youth Services Coordinator, Ginna Paules. The council meets on Monday evenings, twice a month to plan and implement programs and discuss issues pertaining to Fairfield youth. A council member serves all four years and also donates his or her time to help run various programs and special events such as a Holiday Breakfast, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Beach Fest.

The Beanery is a high school nightclub on Old Dam Road, next to the Tennis Center, that showcases local and neighboring town bands. Shows run during the school year every other Fri-day from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Admission of $3 and up is paid at the door. All proceeds from the Beanery benefit the Jacky Durrell Service Award Scholarship. Call 256-3144, press 2 for Beanery shows and updates. Bands can obtain booking information by calling 256-3191.

The Getaway is a weekly social group for any Fairfield high school. Music is always playing and snacks are served. Call 345-7329 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. There are posts weekly on Facebook Events.

More information is available on the Fairfield Parks & Recre-

ation Web site, fairfieldrecreation.com.

What opportunities are available for students to volun-teer?

High school students interested in volunteering may call the Parks and Recreation Department at 256-3191 and speak to Ginna Paules. Volunteer program times vary and range from working with pre-school children to senior citizens. A list of opportunities and organizations will be provided. Volunteer age restrictions may apply. More information is available at fairfiel-drecreation.com.

Is there a job clearinghouse for students?Yes, the College and Career Centers at the high schools

posts listing of contact information for employment opportuni-ties for teens.

Is there a Boys or Girls Club in town?The Wakeman Boys & Girls Club (259-4805/wakemanclub.

com) is at 385 Center Street in Southport. Membership is open to boys and girls in grades 3 through 12. Memberships are $70 per child per program year running from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31, with a ceiling of $200 per family. Membership entitles you to use Wakeman’s facilities and athletic fields throughout the year on a drop-in basis. It also provides access to programs, leagues and classes offered at the club. Club hours will be posted monthly as they vary depending on seasonal programs and vacation pe-riods.

Mini membership is for first and second graders and entitles them to participate in age appropriate programs. Mini members are not eligible to participate in open gym. Membership cards will be distributed to all participants. Cost is $30.

Is there a youth orchestra in town?The closest is the Greater Bridgeport Youth Orchestra for

students in grade 5 through 12. The orchestra is comprised of the Principal, the Symphony, the Concert, and the String orchestras. These ensembles are supported by a full range of professional education, coaching and conducting. Membership includes more than 240 gifted young musicians from 30 communities in Fairfield and New Haven counties. They are guided by a staff of four conductors and five coaches. For more information go to the Web site gbyo.org.

Music for Youth Inc., a non-profit organization based in Southport, presents a monthly series of free concerts on Saturday afternoons geared toward young people. The programs feature classical music performed by acclaimed soloists and ensembles with special skills in communicating with young audiences. The program sponsors a school residency program in Bridgeport, providing a professional string quartet to mentor middle school music students. For more information contact Marianne Libera-tore at 227-1611 or visit musicforyouth.net.

What summer camps are offered?Fairfield has many options, including camps that focus on

sports, music, computer and other interest areas. Several schools offer camps including the Unquowa School at 981 Stratfield Road (336-3801) which has a farm camp for children entering grades one through eight; Fairfield Country Day Summer Fun (259-2723) for children age five to 12; and Fairfield Montress-

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ori School (330-9961) runs day camps for children age three to six.

The Summer Musical Theatre Workshop at 5151 Park Av-enue (371-7909) offers two-week long musical theater-oriented workshops for children ages eight to 17, beginning in early July. The Fairfield Football Youth Camp (292-3555) is open for children age seven to 15. The Connecticut Audubon Center in Fairfield (259-6305) has Birdcraft Museum Camps. The Little Gym of Fairfield (382-1001) runs weekly camps for children age three to eight. Fairfield Parks & Recreation (256-3144) runs camps for residents in kindergarten through ninth grade.

Fairfield YMCA (255-2834) runs summer day camps and programs for children up to 15 years old. The Fairfield His-torical Society (259-1598) has summer programs for children age eight to 11. Fairfield High School Basketball Camp (258-2573) is for children in grade five through eight.

Fairfield University offers several summer camp programs. The university’s Quick Center for the Arts (254-4010) holds the Missoula Children’s Theatre Program, weekly session for chil-dren in grades one through 12. The Computer Camp at Fairfield University (795-9667) offers day and overnight coed camping for students ages eight to 18. The university also hosts a Sum-mer Jazz Workshop (254-4307) offering a learning experience centered around jazz music. Programs here are led by renowned jazz musician Brian Torff. The university also runs sports camps for children. Call 254-4000 ext. 2491 for more information.

How can my child get into scouting?For Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, visit the Connecticut Yan-

kee Council Web site ctyankee.org/districts/pomperaug/home or Fairfield Troop 82’s Web site at fairfieldtroop82.org. No scouting experience is required.

For Daisies, Brownies, and Girl Scouts, call the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Bridgeport Service Center at 334-3145, or visit gsofct.org.

What youth sports are offered?Just about every kind of sport is covered one way or another

in town, through Parks and Recreation, the Boys & Girls Club,

the YMCA, or through private associations.Fairfield National Little League is open for young children.

Visit fnll.org for information on how to contact teams and how to sign up.

Fairfield Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading is for children age seven to 15. Call Steve Finnegan at 243-5623 or visit online fairfieldgiants.com.

The Fairfield United Soccer Association sponsors boys and girls travel soccer teams from U9 through U14. Go to fairfiel-dunited.com for more information.

Park & Recreation runs a Youth Basketball League for boys and girls in grades two through eight and also Chal-lenger Basketball for special needs children in grades two through eight. Games are on Saturdays. Any person interested in coaching should e-mail League Director Anthony Calabrese, [email protected] or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 256-3191.

Parks & Recreation also offers tennis lessons to children. Questions may be director to Dave Kardas, 520-9815. More in-formation is available at the Web site fairfieldcountytennis.net.

Park & Recreation offers Better Bowling for children with spe-cial needs in grades K-12. It is held Tuesdays from 4 to 5 at Nut-meg Lanes. E-mail Kathy Morehouse at [email protected].

The Fairfield Police Athletic League sponsors several youth hockey leagues in the area and supports the Storm Hockey pro-gram for developmentally disabled children. Call 254-4865 for more information.

The Police Athletic League sponsors youth wrestling pro-grams for children in grades 3-8. The program is run by Coach Jason Shaughnessy. The competition team will practice three times per week. Contact Coach Shaughnessy at 445-1929 or e-mail [email protected].

The Fairfield Police Athletic League is sponsoring one sev-enth and one eighth grade travel field hockey team to partici-pate in the Fairfield County Travel Field Hockey League. For any questions, contact Priscilla Schulz 259-9833 or e-mail her at [email protected].

The YMCA offers swimming lessons year round. Call 255-2834 for more information.

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TransportationHow many miles of roads are there in town and who maintains them?

The Department of Public Works, under the direction of Director Richard White, is responsible for the repair and main-tenance of 273 miles of public roads.

The division is also responsible for street cleaning and snow plowing.

The department is at Independence Hall and may be reached by calling 256-3010.

State roads are maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. For a problem with a state road, call 389-3020.

Where can I get a rail station parking permit?There is a waiting list for train station parking permits. People

may go to the Parking Department at Sullivan Independence Hall or fill out a request form online at fairfieldct.org/rail.htm to be placed on the waiting list. Call 256-3053 for more informa-tion or to update your wait list information.

As of July 30, 2010, the wait was 67 months for the Southport station, and 69 months for the Fairfield station.

Parking permits are a semi-annual payment of $170 for Fair-field, and $115 for Southport.

Day parking is permitted in designated areas in front of the train stations for a fee of $6 per day.

A self-addressed payment envelope will be placed on the car’s windshield.

Parking is free on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

Where are the nearest train stations?The Fairfield Train Station is at 165 Unquowa Road. It is

50.5 miles to Grand Central on the New Haven Line. There are four ticket machines at this station that accept cash, credit cards and debit cards. The ticket office is open 6:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is closed on weekends and holidays.The Southport Train Station is at 400 Center Street. It is 48.9 miles to Grand Central. There are two ticket machines at this station and no staffed ticket office.Train schedules are available at mta.info. Parking at both stations is overseen by the Fairfield Parking Authority (256-3053). The nearest station with full ac-cess for persons with mobility, visual and hearing impairments are Westport or Bridgeport.

Is there a taxi service?Yes. Fairfield Taxi’s (255-5797) office is on the eastbound

side of the Fairfield Train Station.

What bus service is available here?The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBTA) pro-

vides bus service to sections of Fairfield. Routes and sched-ules may be obtained by calling the GBTA office at 333-3031 or by visiting its Web site gbtabus.com. The transit authority also provides transportation services for the disabled through its GBTAccess program. Applicants must be ADA eligible and certified. For reservations call 24 hours to five days in advance. All vehicles are lift-equipped. For information on fares and ap-plications, call 366-7070.

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How can I find somewhere to volunteer?The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the American Red

Cross needs volunteers for a variety of positions. Visit ctred-cross.org and click on Volunteer.

Bridgeport Hospital volunteers support staff and patients. Those interested may call Patricia Chervenek at 384-3330 for more information.

Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Fairfield County uses volunteer tutors to help teach reading and writing skills to func-tionally illiterate adults and conversational English to foreign-born adults. Call Judy Klein at 579-2208 or e-mail [email protected], or visit online fswinc.org/literacy.

Dial-A-Ride needs volunteer drivers for its program of offer-ing free transportation to senior citizens. Contact the Fairfield Department of Social Services at 254-4758.

The Fair Acres Association made up primarily of homeown-ers near Long Island Sound needs volunteers to help with con-servation efforts along the Fairfield shoreline. Call 255-6409 for more information.

The Audubon Society of Fairfield offers volunteer opportu-nities working in the animal care program for young adults 13 to 20 years old. Contact Linnea Scerbo at 259-6305 ext. 118 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Operation Hope provides solutions to homelessness in Fair-field and the surrounding community through housing develop-ment, advocacy, education and personalized support services for individuals and families. Contact Michelle Strearns at 292-5588 ext. 228, or e-mail [email protected] or visit online operationhopect.org.

Other volunteer opportunities may be found through local churches and synagogues.

How can I get involved in a political party?For the Democratic Town Committee, visit online at fair-

fielddems.org. Devon Pfeifer is the committee chairman.For the Republican Town Committee, visit online at fairfiel-

drtc.com. Jim Baldwin is the chairman.

Is there a League of Women Voters?Yes, the League of Women Voters of Fairfield is a non-par-

tisan political organization that encourages informed and ac-tive participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to men and women.

Contact one of the co-presidents, Pat Reilly (259-1297; [email protected]) or Charlotte Garrell (255-6263; [email protected]) for more information or visit online lwvct.org/fairfield.

Are there any garden clubs?Yes. The Fairfield Garden Club has some 140 members who

visit gardens, hold flower arranging classes, stage cultivated and wild flower exhibits, decorate public areas of town with flower-ing bulbs, trees and boxes, eliminate billboards and take flowers to shut-in residents.

The club now maintains the 18th Century herb garden at the Fairfield Museum and History Center’s Ogden House, as well as the corner garden at Sherman Green in the center of town. Workshops are conducted for day patients at the Grasmere El-dercare Center.

For information visit fairfieldgardenclub.org or write P.O. Box 435 Southport, CT 06890.

The Sasqua Garden Club aims to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening and creative design, and to protect, restore and improve the quality of the environment through education, programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic im-provement.

For more information visit sasqua.org or write to P.O. Box 137, Southport, CT, 06890.

Are there any veterans organizations?The American Legion has several posts in Fairfield. To con-

tact Post 74 at 197 Reef Road, contact George Alfred Smith at P.O. Box 357, Fairfield, CT 06824 or call 259-9005. To contact the Lt. Owen Fish Memorial Post 143, at 1443 Stratfield Road, write to P.O. Box 1084 Sms, Fairfield, CT 06825 or call 374-8363. To contact Post 167 Gross-Seavey, write to 124 Flushing Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825. For more information visit legion.org.

Are there any women’s clubs?The American Association of University Women, Bridge-

port area Branch (or AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The group has adopted the Wilbur Cross School in Bridgeport for tutoring and mentoring and supports several organizations for women and girls in Bridgeport, and gives college scholarships to women in the Bridgeport area every spring.

The association also has book groups, global issues discus-sions, a networking group, authors luncheons, and advocates at the state house. Research conducted by its national association is respected. For more information go to aauwbridgeport.org or write to Bridgeport Area Branch, P.O. Box 1043, Samp Mortar Station, Fairfield, CT 06432.

The Fairfield Woman’s Club serves the needs of the com-munity and state and provides educational and recreational op-portunities for its members. Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month September through May at the Bird-craft Museum, 314 Unquowa Road. Call 255-4011 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

The Fairfield Women’s Exchange is a non-profit organiza-tion managed and staffed by volunteers. All profits are donated to local services that benefit the mental and physical health of women and children. The exchange also serves consignors by providing a marketplace for art, antiques, and handiwork. It is headquartered at 332 Pequot Avenue, Southport. Call 259-5138 for more information.

The Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. It is at 739 Old Post Road, Burr Homestead, third floor. Call 259-9995, or visit the Web site jlefc.org for more information.

The Junior Women’s Club of Fairfield promotes education-al, philanthropic, community service work and provide mem-bers with the opportunity for personal enrichment, leadership experience, and social interaction. For more information write to P.O. Box 092, Fairfield, CT 06825, e-mail [email protected], or visit the Web site jwcfairfield.com.

The National League of American Pen Women, Fairfield County Branch is made up of women who have demonstrated creative talents in art, letters, and music composition. Contact

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Michele P. Hofbauer (261-4621), 111 Williams Road, Trumbull, CT 06611 for more information.

Hadassah/Fairfield Chapter is a women’s Zionist organiza-tion whose members are motivated and inspired to strengthen their partnership with Israel and ensure Jewish continuity. Call 230-1980 or visit connecticut.hadassah.org for more informa-tion.

Are there any fraternal clubs?The Fairfield Knights of Columbus, a charitable organiza-

tion of Catholic men, have two councils. The Father Coleman Council 2616 meets at 33 Unquowa Road; visit knightsite.com/kofc.htm.

The Our Lady of Assumption Council 11077 meets at 545 Stratfield Road. Call 385-0852 or visit kofc11077.homestead.com/assumption.htm for more information.

The Masons have a lodge at 131 Beach Road. Call 254-9658 for more information.

Is there a Kiwanis Club?The Kiwanis Club of Fairfield is a service club that supports

the local community by sponsoring youth groups, highway cleanups, raising money to benefit children and children’s sup-port groups, and providing scholarships.

The club also sponsors Key Clubs at the high schools in an effort to get high school students interested in the value of com-munity service. The group meets Wednesdays at 12:15 at the Gaelic American Club, 74 Beach Road. Call 254-0490 of visit fairfieldkiwanis.org for more information.

Is there a Lions Club?The Fairfield Lions Club is dedicated to the prevention of

blindness. The group meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Wednes-days of the month at Tommy’s Restaurant, 1418 Post Road. Call 254-1478 for more information.

Is there a Rotary Club?Members of the Fairfield Rotary Club volunteer their time

and resources to help others in the community by supporting many local organizations. Members are men and women, busi-ness and professional leaders in the community.

Weekly meetings are Mondays from 12:15 to 1:30 at the Gael-ic American Club, 74 Beach Road. For more information write to Fairfield Rotary Club, P.O. Box 411, Fairfield, CT 06824 or visit fairfieldrotary.org.

Is there a newcomers club?The Welcome Club of Fairfield/Easton holds meetings,

social activities, volunteer events and works with other com-munity organizations. Go to welcomeclub.org or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Are there any singles clubs?Parents Without Partners provides single parents and their

children with an opportunity for enhancing personal growth,

self-confidence and sensitivity towards others by offering an en-vironment for support, friendship and the exchange of parenting techniques.

There are at least a couple of events weekly for both families and adults only. Visit groups.yahoo.com.group/pwp-fairfield-countyct/ for more information.

Are there any international clubs?The Gaelic American Club is a social club for people of Irish

descent. For membership, one must be sponsored by another club member. Call Maura O’Donnell at 254-0673 or visit gacon-line.org for more information.

The Scandinavian Club is an organization founded for the preservation of Scandinavian traditions and culture. Its current membership includes backgrounds of Danish, Finnish, Icelan-dic, Norwegian, and Swedish heritage. It is at 1351 South Pine Creek Road. Call 259-1571 or visit thescandinavianclub.com for more information.

What sports-oriented clubs for adults are here?H. Smith Richardson Women’s Gold Association (HSRW-

GA) provides a competitive forum for playing 18 holes of golf. The association is located at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course, 2425 Morehouse Highway.

Membership is open to any women who would like to join, although residents have preferred sign-up privileges for block tee times on Thursdays. Tournaments are played from late April until early October. Contact [email protected] or visit online hsrwga.bravehost.com for more information.

Fairfield Special Olympics provides training, competition, and recreational activities for mentally challenged individuals. Call Sue Mohr at 230-1201 ext. 239 or visit online at soct.org.

The Nutmeg Chapter of Trout Unlimited is a conservation organization of area anglers who conduct fishing outings, hold monthly meetings and are active in river restoration projects.

The chapter meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month from September through May at 7:30 p.m. at the Fayer-weather Yacht Club, 51 Brewster Street in the Black Rock sec-tion of Bridgeport. Visit nutmegtu.org for more information.

Additional sports leagues are run by Parks & Recreation. Visit online fairfieldrecreation.com.

Are there any clubs related to boating?Community Sailing of Fairfield Inc. operated by its mem-

bers through the Town of Fairfield Parks & Recreation Depart-ment, is based at Ye Yacht Yard in Southport Harbor. This sailing program makes available to its members two fixed keel, fam-ily-size Ideal 18 daysailers, and two one-man and four two-man kayaks.

Membership is available to anyone over the age 18 who pass-es sailing and kayaking requirements. Contact Lou Schueler at 254-0676 for more information.Penfield Sail and Power Squadron is an organization of men and women who are socially compatible and have a com-mon love and appreciation of recreational boating. The group is a member of the United States Power Squadrons. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

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Where can I hear a concert or see a play?The Fairfield Theatre Company organizes concerts, plays,

film screenings and workshops often featuring major artists at StageOne, 70 Sanford Street, and at the Klein Memorial Au-ditorium, 910 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport. For information on shows visit online fairfieldtheatre.org or call 319-1404.

The Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, holds events for the general public includ-ing the performance of popular and classical music, dance, the-ater and programs for young audiences. For more information call 254-4010 or go to the Web site quickcenter.com or e-mail [email protected]. The Edgarton Center for the Per-forming Arts at Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, of-fers performing arts attractions throughout the year. Visit online edgertoncenter.org or call 371-7908.

What choral groups are in town?Fairfield County Chorale (254-1333/fairfieldcountychorale.

org) is an auditioned amateur group of 100 singers who meet weekly to prepare for a season of professionally presented con-certs. It is based at 61 Unquowa Road. Rehearsals are held 7:30 p.m. on Mondays from September to May at the Norwalk Con-cert Hall. Membership is through audition.

Are there any dance schools?There are several dance schools that offer lessons in Fair-

field. D’Valda & Sirico Dance & Music (255-9440) at 1580 Post Road, Flash Pointe Dance (259-1600) at 1981 Post Road; Dance with Susan (255-4195) at 1496 Post Road; The Con-necticut Dance School (384-2492) at 42 Halley Court; Gotta Dance Studio (384-1320) at 35 Kings Highway East; Metro Dance Center of Fairfield (292-5700) at 1499 Post Road; The Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy of Connecticut (610-8200) at 85 Mill Plain Road; Christine Lynn’s Dance Studio (255-2775) at 279 Kings Drive, Southport; and Ballroom Dance Center (256-8400) at 1125 Post Road

What is the Fairfield Arts Council?The Fairfield Arts Council (319-1419; fairfieldartscouncil.

org), is a not-for-profit organization established to foster cultural development and increase public support for the arts in town. Some of the events and projects the council sponsors are an Art-ist of Year event, maintaining an exhibition space at 70 Sanford Street, hosting a juried art exhibit for regional high school stu-dents, and overseeing the Downtown Banner Committee.

Are any organizations devoted to the arts?The Fairfield Arts Council is part of the Cultural Alliance

of Fairfield County, which is based in the same office at 70 Sanford Street. The alliance’s mission is to advocate for arts and cultural organizations and artists by promoting participation in arts and cultural activities, building organizational and profes-sional expertise, integrating the cultural sector into regional eco-nomic development strategies, and encouraging equitable access to cultural opportunities and education. More information can be found at fcbuzz.org.

The Fairfield County Arts Association is a networking club for area artists based in Monroe. The association welcomes art-ists in all media, both professional and non-professional, who want a place to learn from other artists, have their artwork cri-

tiqued in a supportive atmosphere, and socialize with member artists. For more information visit fairfieldcountyarts.com.

Is there a theater group?The Fairfield Theatre Company is dedicated to promoting

live entertainment, creating new venues, reviving existing ones and presenting plays, concerts, lectures, artistic workshops and exhibition. Call 259-1036 or visit fairfieldtheatre.org.

The Community Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organi-zation that provides affordable film entertainment in the com-munity. The group was formed to restore and operate the historic landmark movie theater in Fairfield. For more information visit online communitytheatrefoundation.org, or call 255-6112. Call 255-6255 for movie show times.

Are there any history museums in town?The Fairfield Museum and History Center (259-1598;

fairfieldhistoricalsociety.org) at 370 Beach Road, collects, pre-serves, and interprets the history of Fairfield and surrounding re-gions for present and future generations. It also holds education-al programs for children and families. The museum also owns and operates Ogden House and Gardens, an accurately restored and furnished 18th-Century farmhouse at 1520 Bronson Road.

There are several other historic properties owned by the town of Fairfield and managed by the museum. These are the Bronson Windmill, 2963 Bronson Road; the Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road; the Sun Tavern, One Town Hall Green; the Powder House, 230 Unquowa Road; and the Victorian Cottage and Barn, Two and Three Town Hall Green. The Old Academy Building, 635 Old Post Road, is another historic building un-der the direction of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Are there any art galleries?Art/Place (255-9847), 400 Center Street, Southport, is a not-

for-profit art gallery and artists’ cooperative.The universities both have art galleries. The Gallery of Con-

temporary Art at Sacred Heart (365-7650), 5151 Park Avenue, features contemporary artwork by established and emerging professional artists. The Walsh Art Gallery at Fairfield Univer-sity (254-4242), 1073 North Benson Road, features local and national artists’ exhibitions.

There are several other galleries and studios in town includ-ing the Greenwich Workshop Gallery (255-4613), 1657 Post Road; J. Russell Jinishian Gallery (259-8753), 1657 Post Road; Kennedy Studios (259-8739), 1700 Post Road; and Soderlund Gallery & Studio (319-1929), 1657 Post Road.

What about nature-oriented activities?The Connecticut Audubon Center at Fairfield (259-6305

ext. 109; ctaudubon.org/visit/fairfield.htm) offers many pro-grams, special events, and trips appealing to animal- and na-ture-lovers. Most events are at the main property at 2325 Burr Street or at the adjoining Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. The Center and Nature Store is open 10 to 3 Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays and Mondays. The Audubon also runs the Bird-craft Museum (259-0416; ctaudubon.org/visit/birdcraft.htm) at 314 Unquowa Road. Admission is adults $2; children under 14 $1, free for Audubon members. Hours are 9 to 1 Tuesday through Friday. The adjoining six-acre Birdcraft Sanctuary is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk year-round.

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Town OfficialsNote: A number of these elected officials will change after the town elections on Nov. 2, 2010.

Board of SelectmenFirst Selectman Kenneth A. Flatto (D) ............................................... [email protected] 256-3030Selectman Sherri A. Steeneck (D) ...................................................... [email protected] .....................400-2060Selectman James F. Walsh (R) ........................................................... [email protected]

Board of FinanceRobert B. Bellitto, Jr. (R) ................................................................... [email protected] ..............................372-1406Christopher DeWitt (R) .............................................................................................................................................374-8844Thomas Flynn (R) ............................................................................... [email protected] .......................................696-0178Kevin Kiley (R), Chairman ................................................................. [email protected] .....................................374-3582Mary LeClerc (R) ............................................................................... [email protected] ...............................254-7940James B. Brown (R) ............................................................................ jbrown8889@aol.com..................................................Robert S. Stone (D)..............................................................................Bobstonesells@aol.com................................................Michael Tetreau (D) ............................................................................ [email protected] ......................................520-8318Kenneth Brachfeld (D) ........................................................................ [email protected] .....................................................

Town Plan & Zoning CommissionSeth D. Baratz (R) Chairman .............................................................. [email protected] ..................................................Donald D’Andrea (R) .................................................................................................................................................416-9345Richard Jacobs, (D) Secretary ............................................................. [email protected] ....................................255-7900Jim Kennelly, (D) ................................................................................ [email protected] ....................................345-3705Bryan LeClerc, (R) .....................................................................................................................................................254-7940 Deborah K. Owens (R) ............................................................................................................................................................Douglas Soutar (R) (2-year term) ..............................................................................................................................................Matthew C. Wagner, (R) (alternate) ..........................................................................................................................................Marco Valera (R) (alternate) ....................................................................................................................................................Sally E. Parker (D) (alternate)...................................................................................................................................................

Board of EducationCatherine Albin ................................................................................. [email protected] ..............256-8489Sue Brand (Chairman) ......................................................................... [email protected] .......................255-5757Perry Liu ............................................................................................. [email protected] ........................292-6740Sue Dow ............................................................................................. [email protected] ........................579-8858Pamela Iacono (Vice-Chairman) ......................................................... [email protected] ...............254-2641Paul Fattibene ...................................................................................... [email protected] ................336-1724John Mitola ....................................................................................... [email protected] ...................254-7288Tim Kery ........................................................................................... [email protected] ........................260-0820Stacey Zahn (Secretary) ..................................................................... [email protected] ..................255-8734

Other Town OfficialsAssessor Thomas Browne Jr. .............................................................. [email protected] ......................256-3110Chief Fiscal Officer Paul Hiller ........................................................... [email protected] ..........................256-3065Director of Community & Economic Development Mark Barnhart .. [email protected] ...................256-3120Director of Conservation Thomas Steinke .......................................... [email protected] ........................256-3071Director of Health Sands Cleary ......................................................... [email protected] ........................256-3020Director of Senior and Social Services Clair Grace ........................... [email protected] ...................... 256-3166Director of Public Works Richard White ........................................... [email protected] ..........................256-3010Director of Recreation Gerry Lombardo ............................................ [email protected] ..................256-3144Director of Town Plan & Zoning Joe Devonshuk .............................. [email protected] ................ 256-3050Fire Chief Richard Felner ................................................................... [email protected] .........................254-4713Police Chief Gary MacNamara .......................................................... [email protected] ................254-4800Registrar of Voters Matthew Waggner (D) ......................................... [email protected] .................256-3115 Registrar of Voters Roger Autuori (R) ................................................ [email protected] ......................256-3115Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ann Clark ........................................... [email protected] ............................255-8371Tax Collector Stanley Gorzelany ....................................................... [email protected] ..................256-3100Town Clerk Betsy Browne ................................................................. [email protected] ......................256-3090Town Librarian Karen Ronald ............................................................ [email protected] .......................256-3158

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AARP, 40Absentee ballots, 15Accident reports, 35Adult sports, 38Agriculture, 7Alarms, 30Alcoholics Anonymous, 53Art galleries, 52Arts, 52Assessments, 14Assessor, 14Audubon Society, 33Basketball, 38, 36Beach passes, 37Beach safety, 53Beaches, 37Beanery, The, 45Better Business Bureau, 31Bible study, 36Bicycles, 39Birth Certificate, 17Board of Assessment Appeals, 13Board of Education, 19Board of Finance, 13Board of Selectmen, 12Boat launches, 41Boating clubs, 38Boats, 38Bond rating, 13Boy Scouts, 46Boys and Girls Club, 45Building permits, 32Buses, 20Camping, 38Car taxes, 14Cars, 48Cats, 32CERT, 35Chamber of Commerce, 31Cheerleading, 46, 52Chief Executive, 12Choral groups, 52Churches, 37Civil Union License, 17Clambakes, 38College and Career Center, 45Community Calendar, 24Concerts, 52Continuing education, 21Counseling, 44Coyotes, 34CPR classes, 44Cycling routes, 39Dance schools, 52Daughters of the American Revo-lution, 52David Ogden House, 8Dead animals, 33Death Certificates, 17Deer, 33Democratic Town Committee, 50Department of Health, 42Dial-A-Ride, 40Dog parks, 37Dogs, 37Domestic violence, 44Driving, 48Elderly day care, 40Elected bodies, 15Electricity, 39Electronics, 30Elementary schools, 19

Emergencies, 34Emergencies, townwide, 53Emergency rooms, 34Employers, 31Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter DAR, 8Fairfield Arts Council, 52Fairfield Historical Society, 8Fairfield Public Library, 22Fences, 32Field hockey, 46Fire Department, 34First aid services, 44First Selectman, 27Fishing license, 39Fishing, 39Fitness center, 38Food pantry, 23Fraternal clubs, 51Freedom of Information, 18Funeral homes, 24Gaelic American Club, 51Garbage, 30Garden Clubs, 50Getaway, The, 45Gifted students, 20Girl Scouts, 46Golf courses, 38Governor, 18Grand List, 13Hazardous waste, 30Health care, 42Health Department, 42Health screenings, 42High schools, 19Historic Districts, 8Historic points of interest, 8Historical Society, 8Histories, 6-8Hockey, 39, 46Home care services, 42Horses, 33Hospice Care, 42Hospitals, 44Hotels, motels, inns, 31House districts, 18House numbers, 30House of Representatives, 18House prices, 9Households, 9Hunting license, 39Hunting seasons, 39Hunting, 39Ice skating, 39Immunizations, 42In-line skating, 39Income, 9Indians, 6Inland Wetlands, 15Insurance, 40International clubs, 51Interscholastic sports, 20John Osborne House, 8Junior League, 50Justice of Peace, 17Kershner Gallery, 22Kindergarten, 20Kiwanis, 51Knights of Columbus, 51Leaf collection, 30League of Women Voters, 50Learning disabilities, 21

Legislative Branch, 18Libraries, 22Lions Club, 51Literacy Volunteers, 23Literacy, 23Little League, 37Ludlow, Roger, 19Lyme disease, 33Magnet schools, 20Marinas, 37Marriage Licenses, 17Masons, 51Meals on Wheels, 40Meetings, 18Middle schools, 19Mill rate, 13Mosquito testing, 42Museums, 52Native Americans, 6Natural gas, 26Nature, 52Newcomers, 51Newspapers, 24Notary Public, 17Nursing, 42Open Choice, 20Operation Hope, 23, 50Parking, 48Parks & Recreation, 38, 46Parks, 46Passports, 17Penfield Pavilion, 38Penfield’s Sun Tavern, 6Pequot Library, 22Pet adoption, 33Pet emergencies, 33Physicians, 42Plan and Zoning Commission, 17Playgrounds, 45Plays, 52Points of Interest, 28Poison Control, 35Police Department, 32Political parties, 14Pop Warner Football, 46Population, 9Precipitation, 9Private schools, 21Probate Court, 17PTA, 21Public schools, 20Publications, 26Rabies, 42Raccoons, 33Racial makeup, 9Radio, 26Radon gas, 42Railroad, 7, 48Recycling, 30Red Cross, 23Registrars of Voters, 14Representative Town Meeting (RTM), 12Republican Town Committee, 50Revaluation, 13Revolutionary War, 6Roads, 48Rotary Club, 51Running clubs, 38Scandinavian Club, 51School budget, 20School closings, 26

School holidays, 20School registration, 21Scouting, 46Senior Center, 40Senior housing, 40Senior services, 40Senior transportation, 40Setbacks, 30Settlement, 6-7Sewage, 26Sidewalks, 30Singles, 51Sledding, 39Snow plowing, 48Soccer, 38Social worker, 23Softball, 38SPARK, 45Special Education, 20Spinal cord injuries, 44State House, 18State Senate, 18Storms, 35Stray animals, 32Summer camps, 45Summer school, 21Superintendent of Schools, 19Swimming, 20Synagogues, 35-36Tax breaks, 14Tax Collector, 13Tax rate, 12Taxes, 14Taxis, 48Taxpayers, 31Television, 26Temperature, 9Tennis, 38Theater, 52Therapeutic Riding, 44Town budget, 12Town clerk, 14Town Green, 6Town Hall, 13Town offices, 13Town Officials, 53Town Profile, 9Trains, 48Transfer Station, 30Trees, 30, 50U.S. Senate, 18United Way, 23Veterans, 50Veterinarians, 33Volunteering, 50Voter registration, 15Voting, 15Water, 26Watershed, 37Welcome Club of Fairfield/Easton, 51Wetlands, 15Wildlife sanctuaries, 37Wildlife, 33Women’s club, 50Wrestling, 46Wyldlife, 36YMCA, 38, 46Young Life, 36Youth orchestra, 45Youth sports, 46Zoning Board of Appeals, 17

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Documents

2010 Fairfield Answerbook