New Fairfield – Sherman Buzz
CLA Removes New Fairfield Dock That Played Host To Invasive Zebra Mussels
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT—The shoreline of Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield is one dock less after the Candlewood Lake Authority (CLA) removed it due to a harmful invader—zebra mussels.
These pesky creatures may look cool, but they can damage ecosystems by harming native species, according to Professor Pierce of the University of Wisconsin who stated, “In order for a zebra mussel to live, it must attach itself to a hard object. Not only do zebra mussels attach themselves to things like rocks, logs, and the hulls of ships, they also attach themselves to native species. Many native mollusk species are at risk of becoming extinct or endangered because of zebra mussels.” In addition, they can lower water quality and clarity.
The dock that was removed on Thursday, November 12 by the CLA, had about 6-12 live zebra mussels attached to it and were solitary mussels that were not yet forming colonies.
“This is the first time in over 8 years that this dock has been removed from the lake so we are unsure how long these mussels have been in the water, and when they attached to the dock,” a representative from the CLA said.
No other zebra mussels were found on neighboring docks and the CLA will continue to monitor the situation by combing the shoreline during the deep drawdown this winter.
The CLA is asking the public to clean, drain and dry their boats, kayaks and other nautical equipment before dropping them into the lake to help stop any potential invaders.
If you see any mussels that look similar to the one pictured, report the finding with a photo to science@candlewoodlakeauthority.org. Fore more information, visit the Candlewood Lake Authority online at candlewoodlakeauthority.org/invasivespecies.
Photo credit: Candlewood Lake Authority
5 Tips To Get Your Home ‘Buyer Ready’ From Connecticut Plumbing, LLC
DANBURY, CT —With thousands of New Yorkers heading for the hills of Connecticut due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one local plumber says now is the time to think about putting your home on the market. But is your humble abode ready for the potential buyer? Check out these tips from New Fairfield resident and business owner David LaCava, owner of Connecticut Plumbing, LLC.
“I’m seeing a lot of my customers thinking about getting their house ready to sell and there are a lot of quick and easy tips to make your home buyer ready,” said LaCava. Here are five ways you can get your home ready for this seller’s market.
1. Pay Attention to Details: Sellers will obviously make sure the bathrooms and kitchen is clean before showings but make sure to pay extra attention to the little details. Do your kitchen or bathroom faucets or showerheads have caked up grime or lime? Now is the time to clean, make sure the toilet bowl is sparkling white, and clean out the inside of the dishwasher.
2. Check Your Water Pressure: If you’ve been experiencing low water pressure, now is the time to fix it. Consider replacing the showerheads, cleaning out the faucet aerators, and checking pipes for leaks.
3. Make Your Bathroom Feel New: Simple fixes like changing the toilet seat to a self-closing lid, upgrading faucets in the sink, changing the showerheads, adding storage/shelving, and/or installing a dimmer switch can make a world of difference and set you apart from another seller’s house.
4. Check Exterior Plumbing Issues: Home inspectors look at the plumbing inside your house as well as the plumbing in your garden and on the outside your property. This includes pipes that transport city water into your house, as well as grey or black water removal pipes. A professional home inspector will also check your water meter to see if it is functioning properly. If you have city water, you may not have known you overspending on your water bill.
5. Hire a Professional: If you have plumbing has issues, hire a pro. For a few hundred or a few thousand-dollar investment now can save you tens of thousands when you sell at or above your asking price on your move-in ready home.
LaCava said that many will try to go the DIY route but he advises them to hire a professional to avoid costly home repair projects gone wrong.
“Remember that maintenance is much easier and cheaper than a repair,” LaCava stated.
“Instead of panicking about a home inspection when you decide to sell, contact a licensed professional to schedule a plumbing check-up today.”
If a homeowner is nervous about letting someone into their home during the pandemic, LaCava assures them, “I use safety gloves, masks and goggles and use disinfecting products to make sure that I am keeping my customers and their families safe.”
LaCava, who operates out of his New Fairfield, CT shop, has been in the industry for more than 30 years, is fully licensed in CT and NY, and has a AAA rating with the Better Business Bureau.
For questions or more information, visit his Facebook page, email CTPlumbing7473@gmail.com, or call (203) 312-0182.
Photo by Jon Gorey of House and Hammer.com.
Win Big & Help Out a Charity at the ‘Junk in the Trunk’ Tag Sale
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT — The Community Service Club of New Fairfield presents their annual “Junk in the Trunk” tag sale which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 CT-37, New Fairfield, CT.
The event includes a wide variety of crafters and a large basket which will be raffled off. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 8 tickets for $20. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Community Service Club of New Fairfield.
The winner need not be present and will be drawn at the end of the event. The basket has a retail value of over $750 and includes items that can be split up for gift giving— perfect for the beginner paper crafter or scrapbooker.
The Community Service Club of New Fairfield began in 1983 which exists “For the Good of Our Town,” according to their website. Parking spaces are sold to people who wish to sell some of their garage and attic treasures. For more information, click here.
Photo: Eileen Cunningham
Sherman Gymnasts Win Big at Xcel Gold State Championships
BROOKFIELD, CT — A Brookfield gymnastics studio has lots to be proud of after four out of their five Xcel Gold State gymnasts placed in the championships held at Killingly High School on April 21 and 22, 2018.
Kratos Gymnastics, owned by Ashley and Mihael Anton, had four of their gymnasts on the Xcel Gold Team compete. In their first season of the Xcel Gold level, everyone qualified to the CT State Championships and medaled in their individual age groups.
- Izabella Dobkowski, of Danbury, placed fourth on the floor exercise.
- Ella Penna, of Sherman, came in ninth place on balance beam and second place on the floor exercise.
- Mila Kuilan, of Danbury, came in fifth place on balance beam, fourth place on vault and uneven bars and all-around, and came in first place CT State Champion on floor exercise.
- Madison Larkin, of New Milford, came in ninth place on vault, second place on floor, and 1st place CT State Champion on uneven bars, balance beam, and all around.
Best Brunch Spots in the New Fairfield & Sherman Area
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT — Fluffy Fruit-Topped Belgian Waffles, Spinach Frittatas, Country Farm Pancakes…. is your mouth watering yet? Looking for a great spot to take the family for Easter Brunch or Passover? Here are the top spots in the New Fairfield and Sherman area, as ranked by Trip Advisor and Yelp users.
Yelp’s Top 3 New Fairfield & Sherman Area Brunch Spots
- Reverie: Coffee & Craft Beer, 21 Front St., Patterson, NY
- McKinney & Doyle Fine Foods Cafe, 10 Charles Colman Blvd., Pawling
- The American Pie Company, 29 Route 37, Sherman
Trip Advisor’s Top 3 New Fairfield & Sherman Area Brunch Spots
- The American Pie Company, 29 Route 37, Sherman
- Sonny Side Up, 45 Padanaram Rd., Danbury
- Rosy Tomorrows, 15 Old Mill Plain Rd., Danbury
What do you think of their picks? Tell us in the comments.
We wish you a very Happy Passover season and a Happy Easter to you and yours!
Photo Credit:Leo via Flickr Creative Commons
Saturday, March 10, 2018
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT — The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC) is hosting a number of events in the Greater Danbury area leading up to, and beyond St. Patrick’s Day and invite you to join the fun.
On Saturday March 10, the GDICC will host an event in New Fairfield, a 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Edwards Church, followed by a procession to the Library for refreshments, led by Irish bagpiper, Peter Hearty.
On St. Patrick’s Day the GDICC will host several activities in Bethel and Danbury. There will be a flag raising in Bethel at P.T. Barnum Square at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018. At 11 a.m. on the same day, there will be a Mass at St. Peter Church, Main St. in Danbury. Following the Mass, there will be a flag raising at Danbury City Hall on West St. at 12 p.m.
Following the Mass and flag raising on Saturday, March 17, the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center will serve corned beef and cabbage beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury. At 1:00 p. m., the Thorne School of Irish Dance will perform, followed by Newtown-based Ashurst Academy Of Irish Dance at 3:00 p.m. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., a Bethel-based all-female Irish band, Chicks ‘n Sync will play, followed by Steve O’Tree from 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
The 19th Annual Greater Danbury Parade will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 in downtown Danbury. Step off is at 3 p.m. in front of St. Peter Church on Main St. in Danbury. The parade route continues down Main, goes left of West St., on to Lake Ave. and ends at the Irish Club, 6 Lake Ave. in Danbury, where there will be Irish music, dance, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread and refreshments.
For more information about any of these events, please visit www.gdicc.orgor call the club at (203) 739-0010.
Photo: Peter Hearty, left, Dave Albright, right, taken at the Annual St Patrick’s Day Ball, Amber Room, Danbury, March 3, 2018. Photo credit: Wendy Ann Mitchell
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