Senator Hwang Supports Small Business and Community Philanthropy at Fairfield Women’s Exchange

SOUTHPORT – On Small Business Saturday, Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) toured the Southport village shopping scene which was highlighted by a stop at the Fairfield Women’s Exchange (FWE) on Pequot Avenue.

FWE is a local not-for-profit operation which is part of a near 190-year tradition and mission of empowering women artists and entrepreneurs by providing a charming space where they can showcase and offer their beautiful heirlooms, crafts, knitting, paperieres, and clothing. The organization is run by volunteers who give of their time and talents to serve the mission of helping others. The entirety of their net proceeds go to charities which promote the mental health of women and children.

Sen. Hwang said, “In picturesque Southport village, shoppers will find one-of-a-kind, high quality gifts for loved ones. FWE showcases and financially supports various forms of art and helps the creators help themselves. Since 1962, the Fairfield Women’s Exchange has been dedicated to the concurrent mission of donating proceeds that promote the mental and physical well-being of women and children as well as providing assistance to those striving to positively remake their lives. It is a win-win proposition that perfectly aligns with the holiday season of gift giving and charity for those in need.”

FWE President Debby Kouzoukian and Vice President Donna Cahill stressed the importance of their two-fold mission and that shopping small not just on “Small Business Saturday”, but every day. 

“Small business Saturday is an important day for the Exchange. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to expose our shop to the broader community. As a nonprofit, increased awareness of what we do in the community as well as the wonderful products that we sell, certainly helps us to achieve our mission to support women and children in Fairfield county. We’ve been giving back to the community since 1962 by supporting not only the artisans that make many of the items we sell, but also the organizations such as Emerge, Homes for Hope, and Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigration,” said Deb Kouzoukian

The handmade and local goods offered include: handmade oyster shell Santa ornaments, handmade cards, handmade Name trains for children, birth plaques, handknit sweaters, hats, blankets and booties.  Home décor, jewelry, face masks and mask chains.  Monogramming is also done by a local Fairfield Mom. In addition they have an antiques department that consigns wonderful antiques from local families looking to sell their heirlooms. There’s something for everyone at FWE.

Currently, the Exchange has 50 volunteers and welcomes anyone who would want to get involved. For more information go to https://thefairfieldexchange.com/

WESTPORT NEWS: THREE ARRESTED FOLLOWING LARCENY AT ULTA BEAUTY

(Westport, CT 12/2/2021) On December 2, 2021, at approximately 11:50 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to 1365 Post Road East, Ulta Beauty, on a report of a larceny. Store employees stated that three individuals entered the store, placed merchandise into bags that they were carrying, and then allegedly left the business without paying for any of the items. All three individuals were last seen running towards Old Road – presumably to a waiting car. A short time later, the suspect vehicle crashed on I-95 and four people reportedly ran from the car into the Saugatuck section of Westport. Officers immediately set up a perimeter and called for the assistance of a State Police K-9. The area was methodically searched, and three of the four suspects were located and taken into custody on Treadwell Avenue. If there was in fact a fourth person involved, it is believed that party has since left the area. At this time, the three people arrested are in the process of being positively identified and charges are pending. This release will be updated when that information becomes available.

This press release was made possible by:

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GOVERNOR LAMONT REMINDS CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS ABOUT AVAILABLE HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE

HARTFORD, CT) – With winter weather approaching and heating costs rising, Governor Ned Lamont today is reminding Connecticut residents about energy assistance services that are available in the state for those who need help keeping their homes and families warm this winter.

“Here in Connecticut, we have many available services to protect vulnerable households from the cold each year, including safeguarding those who have fallen behind on their utility heating hills to avoid the risk of a shutoff,” Governor Lamont said. “I urge residents who may need help to apply to get them through spring.”

“This winter, we are able to help more residents with higher home-heating benefits than ever before through the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program,” Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford said. “Applications are now open for both homeowners and renters, and over 33,000 households have been approved for benefits so far by our Community Action Agency partners.”

Some of the energy assistance programs available in Connecticut include:

  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program: Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services, the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), provides winter heating cost assistance to more than 75,000 income-eligible households every year, regardless of their heat source. People should contact their local Community Action Agency to apply. Statewide consumer and application information is available on the web at www.ct.gov/staywarm or by calling 2-1-1. CEAP has significantly higher benefit levels from a record $135 million in federal funding to help heat Connecticut homes. Both homeowners and renters can be eligible. CEAP helps enrollees afford the cost of natural gas and electric heat, as well as deliverable fuels like oil and propane.
  • Nonprofit heating assistance services: Operation Fuel and other nonprofits provide year-round emergency energy assistance to low-to-moderate-income households that don’t qualify for CEAP or who run out of CEAP benefits. Information is available at operationfuel.org.
  • COVID-19 Payment Plans for Utility-Heated Customers: The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has directed all regulated electric, gas, and water utilities in the state to offer COVID-19 payment plans, which both residential and non-residential customers are eligible to enroll in through the end of the public health emergency declaration. COVID-19 payment plans are available to any customer requesting financial assistance to facilitate the repayment of past due balances in addition to the customer’s current monthly bill. These plans require no initial or down payment or demonstration of financial need; can be up to 24 months in length; and waive any fees or interest in the calculation of the monthly payment amount. Customers can receive information on these payment plans by contacting their utility companies.
  • Electric Utility Bill Assistance from UniteCT: Established by Governor Lamont and administered by the Connecticut Department of Housing, UniteCT provides rental and utility assistance funding for those financially impacted by COVID-19. UniteCT has become a model for other states by successfully delivering more than $18 million to electric customers to date to help pay down their arrearages (back bills). Connecticut residents who rent their homes can apply through their electric utility company or municipal electric company.  For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/DOH/DOH/Programs/UniteCT.
  • Winter Protection Program – Moratorium on Heating Source Shut-Offs: From November 1 through May 1, there is a moratorium in Connecticut on heating source shut-offs for eligible households. Customers should contact their utility and inquire about the Winter Protection Program, as well as other programs for which they may be eligible. More information is available from 2-1-1 by visiting uwc.211ct.org/winter-protection-winter-moratorium/.
  • Energy-Saving Solutions – Energize CTEnergize CT can help customers save money on energy bills by providing advice, information, and financial incentives to make homes more energy efficient. For more information, visit energizect.com.
  • Consumer Protections Regarding Third-Party Electricity Suppliers: Over the past decade, Connecticut has enacted a series of consumer protections for customers of electric suppliers, including prohibiting variable rates and giving PURA the discretion to prevent customers who were designated as “utility hardship” from being switched to electric suppliers. Just this year, Governor Lamont signed Public Act 21-117, which prohibits cancellation fees for residential customers who are under contract with an electric supplier and strengthens PURA’s oversight over electric suppliers.

For further guidance on energy assistance programs available in Connecticut, customers can call 2-1-1.

This press release was made possible by our heating sponsor who ACCEPTS heating assistance programs:

Bridgeport News: Attempted Murder Arrest

#Bridgeport Police Press release: On 11/29/2021, Demetrius Young born in 1994, turned himself to Bridgeport Police Detectives assigned to the U.S. Marshal Service Task Force.
Young was charged with Attempted Murder. His court order bond was set at $500,000.

On 11/15/2021, Bridgeport Police responded to a ‘shot spotter’ activation in the area of Ocean Terrace.
The VICTIM made contact with police.

At approximately 00:30 hours, the VICTIM fled from the area of the PT Barnum Housing Complex in a vehicle, while being pursued by Demetrius Young, who was driving a dark SUV. Demetrius Young passed in the VICTIM on Ocean Terrace and blocked the road , cutting the VICTIM off, causing her to briefly stop. Demetrius Young exited his vehicle and pointed a pistol with an extended magazine at the VICTIM. The VICTIM backed up her vehicle, giving her room to get by Demetrius Young’s vehicle. As the VICTIM drove past Demetrius Young, he fired multiple rounds at her, striking the vehicle multiple times.

Bullet shell casings were recovered on scene. The Bridgeport Police Major Crime Unit recovered a bullet that traveled through the rear trunk of the VICTIM’S vehicle and was located in a child’s safety seat. A security camera captured the shooting on Ocean Terrace.

Westport Police Department Announces 2021 Holiday Toy Drive

The Westport Police Department Union in partnership with the Westport Police Benevolent Association (PBA) are excited to announce the commencement of the 2021 Holiday Toy Drive. The Toy Drive is an annual event that provides toys to underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County and Saint Vincent’s Hospitals.
The Holiday Toy Drive has been extremely successful in the past, allowing for thousands of toys to be distributed to children who otherwise would have none. We again ask for the community’s continued support and generosity to help make this year’s Drive a success. By donating, you are guaranteed to bring holiday joy to so many deserving children.


Weather permitting, Westport Police officers will accept new, unopened, and unwrapped toys, as well as cash donations, in the parking lot of ASF Sports & Outdoors, located at 1560 Post Road East, Westport, on the following Saturdays and Sundays: December 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th between the hours of 9:00AM and 4:00PM. Additionally, there will be a toy collection box in both the Westport Police Department’s lobby (50 Jesup Road, Westport) as well as at Toyota of Westport (777 Post Road East) from now until December 13, 2021. Questions can be directed to Corporal Albert Nowinski via e-mail at ANowinski@WestportCT.gov or (203) 341-6000.


We would like to thank in advance all of our continually generous donors. We once again look forward to seeing many of you at ASF Sports & Outdoors. Best wishes to all for a happy, safe, and healthy holiday season from the Westport Police Department!

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Fairfield News: Police Interrupt CATalytic Converter Theft

2021-11-30@4:12am–#Fairfield CT– Police interrupted individuals attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a truck at Hansen’s Flower Shop at 1040 Post Road. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed but there was no pursuit. Hansen had catalytic converters taken from their trucks in the recent past.

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