Update: More on That RTM-Fire Item ...

POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, OR GRASPING AT STRAWS?

Shortly after "About Town" debuted today, we're told, Fairfield Fire Union Vice Chairman Bill Tuttle put in a somewhat urgent call to Jamie Millington, the RTM majority leader who has been followed by a group of firefighters protesting a "No" contract vote -- an unprecedented move in Fairfield RTM history. Millington, who has asked Tuttle to intervene, said he would simply like his privacy respected -- not a tall order for an unpaid volunteer who has served Fairfield for five years on the RTM … And we're hearing about more trouble stemming from the July "No" vote: A group of town employees is said to be filing an unfair labor practice complaint with the state, crying "politics" as motivation for shooting down both contracts.

IT'S SILLY SEASON

So we've nudged past Labor Day weekend and into the official start of the election season. On the political front, the word is that some of our town's firefighters have taken to stalking the Representative Town Meeting's Majority Leader Jamie Millington. Why? Maybe because two contracts with the unions representing Town Hall employees and town firefighters were strongly voted down this summer by the RTM.

Following the Republican Town Committee's annual Lobster Bake and Awards Ceremony at Penfield Beach a couple of weeks ago, members of the Fairfield Firefighters Union showed up rather unceremoniously just offshore on a twin-engine boat carrying several large signs. One read: "RTM Republicans Completely Out of Touch – Firefighters For a Fair Contract;" another read: "Jamie Millington Treats Firefighters Like Infidels – Firefighters For A Fair Contract."

Word has it that the firefighters who crashed the RTC's annual fundraiser are now following Millington to his place of employment, parking their cars outside the Southport Nicholas Fingelly Real Estate office with their infamous signage.

"I think it's very unfortunate that they decided to spawn such a personal attack," Millington told About Town. "In Fairfield, you would hope that the level of decorum among our town employees and residents would be higher than to go on a personal debate when you're upset about an issue. We are all individually elected officials and we don't vote as a solid block."

The firefighters are currently at the negotiation table with First Selectman Ken Flatto.

"I hope they focus their energies on coming to an agreement with the town on their contracts," Millington said.

In the meantime, despite the personal attacks on Millington, he said their actions do not reflect the spirit of debate that is normally found in Fairfield. He said, despite the personal attacks, many residents have been supportive. "The actions of a few don't represent the entire fire department," he added.

As Fairfield Fire Chief Richard Felner said after the RTM vote, "You pay for what you get."

LIKE A HURRICANE ... NOT.

Not only was Fairfield spared the effects of the Category 4 Hurricane Earl that stealthily made its way up the coast to the Northeast, but our town actually enjoyed the best weather of the summer this Labor Day weekend.

Hurricane Earl was predicted to move up the east coast, to pass southeast of Connecticut Friday night into Saturday morning and bring tropical force winds and heavy rain at times to the area.

The outcome was far different than this report.

"I think the Weather Channel is partnered with all grocery stores, Wal-Marts, and Targets," offered longtime Fairfielder Brian Sepot. "They made huge profits this week." Well said, Brian. It certainly seems that way, doesn't it? Better to be safe than sorry I guess, but it does seem we are conditioned like one of Pavlov's dogs to run to Stop & Shop and stock up on food, water and supplies at the slightest mention of a Nor'Easter.

But this Labor Day weekend may be one time Fairfielders weren't disappointed in an inaccurate weather report, which gave way to sunny skies and plenty of time at the town's beaches. Lifeguards have been on duty through the long weekend at Jennings Beach, Penfield Beach and Lake Mohegan. No lifeguards will be on duty after Sept 6. I guess this means summer is officially over! Or is it?

WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO ...?

Which brings us to another major topic on the minds of many residents around town.

It's that time of year when the fine line between summer and fall seems so vivid…the air is drier, the leaves are falling and evenings are cool enough for a sweater. Yet in Fairfield we also still have many beach days in September (albeit minus the aforementioned town lifeguards), church fairs, festivals and plenty of other outdoor activities.

Many mothers and fathers for the first time said goodbye to their kindergartners last week as they headed off to school full-time. And for those who are still home with their little ones looking for something to do, Fairfield offers an abundance of programs. The Fairfield libraries in particular offer a wealth of activities for children ranging in age from six months to 12 years old. For fall, many of their standard programs will continue such as baby, toddler and preschool story-times, and programs for school-aged children.

In addition, several special programs will also be available, including "Mommy and Me Sign Language," "Book Voyagers," "After School is Cool," "Hola Amigos," "Feature Creature," "Music Together" and "Kindergarten Capers." If you need to fill up a rainy day, one of these programs could bring you some much-needed sanity.

"Glad to get the kids back into a routine with school and look forward to stomping through the leaves and going apple picking, enjoying hot apple cider," and all things fall, said Adele Moran, Fairfield mom of four: twins Holly and Heather, 9; Laurel, 4; and Riggs, 2. "Part of me is always sad that the freedom of summer and being able to be with my kids all day is over too. Bittersweet."