Love Local this February!

Fairfield, CT – The Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development is pleased to announce that the Love Local Fairfield Heart Program has returned for the third consecutive year. In partnership with Fairfield schools and businesses, students from kindergarten through 5th grade, have decorated over 700 hearts that are on display in participating store windows from February 9 through February 27 all throughout the Town of Fairfield.

The program is intended to spread the love throughout Fairfield and to showcase the Town‘s many small businesses as well as what students love best about Fairfield. Residents are encouraged to support our participating businesses and check out the students’ artwork!

Thank you to the schools who took part in this year’s program: Holland Hill Elementary School, Jennings Elementary School, Mill Hill Elementary School, North Stratfield Elementary School, Osborn Hill Elementary School, Riverfield Elementary School, and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School. The Office of Community & Economic Development also gratefully acknowledges the support of our participating businesses, including BE Chocolat, Capri, Children’s Art Classes – Fairfield, Chip’s Family Restaurant, Ciao Bella, Coreen’s Bridge Floral Shop, Corner Market, equalshuman, Fairfield Public Library, H Salon, Kitchen Corner, La Moda Fashion, Lexington Home & Garden, NicholsMD Fairfield, Olive My Stuff, The Give Collective, The PEHT Shop, The Two Oh Three, and Toy Polloi.

Fairfield’s Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart stated, “Part of what makes Fairfield special is our strong sense of community, as exhibited by these young people and small business owners. We are truly blessed to have such great schools as well as a diverse small business community that really add to the Town’s character and charm.”

For more information on the Love Local Fairfield Heart Program, visit our website at www.experiencefairfieldct.org/love-local or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ExperienceFairfield.

House Fire

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Fairfield Firefighters braved the single digits and heavy winds to battle a house fire in the 300 block of Greenfield Street. There were no reported injuries; firefighters had the fire under control within an hour. The fire marshal was called to investigate the cause of the fire. Animal control was also called the scene.

2026-02-07@8:19pm– #Fairfield CT

Town of Fairfield Applauds Siting Council Vote to Reject United Illuminating’s Monopole Plan

The members of the Connecticut Siting Council once again took up United Illuminating’s application in Docket 516R and in a vote of six to one, approved a written opinion denying the application. The Siting Council’s vote today reaffirms its earlier decision denying UI’s application and concludes the latest chapter in a lengthy review process concerning the utility company’s proposed monopole project along the southern route of the Metro-North Railroad tracks.

“We appreciate the Connecticut Siting Council’s thorough review and its decision to deny UI’s application in Docket 516R. Throughout this process, our community has consistently expressed strong concerns, and we are grateful that the voices of residents, local leaders, religious institutions, businesses and preservationists were heard,” said First Selectperson Christine Vitale. “We remain committed to protecting our neighborhoods, small businesses, environment, and quality of life while continuing to work collaboratively with state partners and United Illuminating on responsible, community-centered solutions.”

The Siting Council’s decision recognizes that UI’s proposed project was not appropriate for the communities of Fairfield and Bridgeport and demonstrates the need for serious reconsideration of alternatives that would not cause lasting harm to sensitive neighborhoods. Our focus now turns to working together on alternative solutions that meet the region’s needs for reliable energy transmission without sacrificing the economic well-being and cultural treasures of our municipalities.

The Town of Fairfield remains steadfast in its commitment to fight for the protection of all of its residents, businesses and places of worship; and is determined to continue advocating for UI to meaningfully examine underground alternatives, including by providing the true costs of burying the transmission lines, rather than building overhead lines that will destroy the precious resources of the Town.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening of HOPE & JOY Gift Shop in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — A new locally owned gift shop focused on positivity, creativity and giving back officially opened its doors Friday as HOPE & JOY celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 95 Reef Road, just off the Post Road.

Owner Rebecca Ashby, a Fairfield resident, wife and adoptive mother, created HOPE & JOY as a heartfelt extension of her personal journey. What began in 2022 as a small creative outlet during the pandemic has grown into a brick-and-mortar shop offering handcrafted, curated and personalized gifts designed to bring comfort and happiness to customers of all ages.

The store features custom and embroidered gifts, monogrammed items, stationery, fashion accessories, drinkware and a thoughtfully selected collection of unique goods. Ashby said she intentionally designed the space to feel welcoming and personal, where families feel at home and children are just as excited to visit as their parents.

Beyond retail, HOPE & JOY is rooted in community impact. Each month, a portion of proceeds is donated to nonprofit organizations supporting adoptive families and mental health awareness. Ashby supports adoption assistance programs such as HelpUsAdopt.org, a national grant organization that helps families cover adoption costs, along with mental health advocacy groups including The Confess Project of America.

Ashby said her mission is simple: to bring people positivity, hope and joy through both meaningful products and purposeful giving back.

HOPE & JOY is now open to the public at 95 Reef Road in Fairfield. More information and online shopping are available at findinghopeandjoy.com.

Pursuit Ends In Fight With Troopers

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State Police ended a pursuit that started on I-95 near exit 31 and ended on Commerce Drive in Fairfield. It is not known what he is wanted for. According to unconfirmed reports, the suspect fought with police, resulting in the suspect being tased. He was transported to the hospital. There are no reports at this time of any trooper injuries.2026-01-23@9:48pm– #Fairfield CT

Senator Tony Hwang Commends Carla Miklos for Nearly 20 Years of Leadership at Operation Hope

FAIRFIELD, CT—State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) today announced his heartfelt appreciation and recognition of Carla Miklos, Executive Director of Operation Hope in Connecticut, following her announcement that she will retire at the end of March after nearly two decades of dedicated service.

Throughout her tenure, Carla Miklos has been a steadfast advocate for individuals and families facing economic hardship and homelessness, drawing on her robust background to strengthen community-based solutions. Under her leadership, Operation Hope expanded its reach and deepened its impact, becoming a trusted lifeline for countless residents across the region.

Senator Hwang and Miklos worked closely over many years to address the root causes of economic insecurity and homelessness, collaborating on efforts to support families navigating job loss, housing crises, rising costs of living, and food insecurity. Most recently, they partnered to assist residents impacted by disruptions in SNAP food assistance programs that affected families and seniors.

“Carla’s leadership has been defined by compassion, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting our neighbors facing economic hardship and homelessness,” said Senator Hwang. “Throughout the years, we have worked closely together to support families and individuals during some of their most difficult moments, most recently during the SNAP food assistance challenges that affected communities just before Thanksgiving and remain ongoing.”

Senator Hwang also praised Miklos for her collaborative approach and ability to unite nonprofits, volunteers, government partners, and the private sector to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

“Carla’s ability to bring people together has made a profound difference in the lives of countless residents,” he added. “As she enters a well-deserved retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dignity, and selfless leadership that will be hard to follow. I wish Carla the very best in her next chapter and thank her for her extraordinary service to our community.”

Carla Miklos’ leadership and dedication have left an enduring imprint on Operation Hope and the communities it serves, ensuring her impact will continue well beyond her tenure.

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