Report of a roof fire at Sweet Basil, on Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Firefighters arrived on scene to a roof fire seemingly caused by the air ventilation system, but nothing at this time is confirmed. Firefighters quickly climbed to the roof where they extinguished the fire.
Fairfield Bellarmine celebrated its first graduating class, highlighting strong academic outcomes and the program’s role in expanding access to Jesuit education.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (May 17, 2025) — As part of Fairfield University’s 75th Commencement exercises, the inaugural Fairfield Bellarmine Class of 2025 received their associate’s degrees in a momentous ceremony held on May 15 at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. This event celebrated a milestone in Fairfield’s ongoing mission to broaden access to Jesuit Catholic higher education.
The 35 graduates are the first to complete Fairfield Bellarmine’s rigorous two-year program, which launched in 2023 in partnership with the Diocese of Bridgeport. The initiative was created to serve underrepresented students in the Greater Bridgeport area, offering associate’s degrees in business, computer science, health studies, and liberal studies—alongside a comprehensive support system of academic, financial, and personal development resources.
Fairfield Bellarmine’s innovative model is already yielding exceptional outcomes, with an 80% two-year graduation rate—exceeding Connecticut’s community college three-year graduation rate, which remains below 20%. Approximately 90% of the graduates plan to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree at Fairfield University.
During the ceremony, students were recognized for academic achievement, leadership, and service:
Ana Catalina Aguirre and Jaheim Kash-Wayne McKie were recognized as recipients of the inaugural Romero Award for exemplifying the values of a Catholic, Jesuit education.
Francisco G. Martinez earned the Kay Pierce Award for dedication to community service and academic achievement.
Catherine Erol and Trinity Santiago were awarded the Bellarmine Medal for maintaining the highest academic averages in the graduating class.
Student speaker Scarllet E. Lopez reflected on the support and encouragement she and her classmates received from faculty and staff throughout their time at Fairfield Bellarmine.
“What we experienced here wasn’t just academic learning. The professors and the Bellarmine staff made sure our time here was about more,” Lopez said. “They pushed us to be better. They believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. They encouraged us when we felt overwhelmed… They reminded us that we were capable of more than we ever imagined.”
Lopez added:
“We are Cohort 1. The very first class of Bellarmine… We set the standard. And I know deep in my heart that the path we walked will open doors for others—students who once doubted if college was for them, who just needed one more chance to believe they belonged.”
In his remarks, Fairfield Bellarmine Vice Provost and Executive Director Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., recalled a powerful question asked by a student during an early campus visit:
“Before the first day of classes of your first fall semester, we invited you to campus to see the newly renovated buildings. When we got to St. Ambrose Hall, and the Bank of America study lounge, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass, one of you paused and asked me: ‘Is this all for us?’ ‘Yes, all for you,’ I replied.”
He reflected on how that simple question grew in meaning over time:
“‘Is this all for us?’ Yes, Fairfield Bellarmine is for you, because you are a child of God, worthy of an education rooted in excellence that forms the mind, heart and spirit… This is for you, because you have remarkable gifts, talents and beauty.”
Fr. O’Brien praised the graduating class for their lasting contributions, recognizing their role in shaping Bellarmine’s future:
“Before you arrived, we spent three years planning and laying a foundation. And you trusted us and our vision to come here, to expand access and opportunity in Jesuit higher education. Then, you helped us create what Fairfield Bellarmine is all about… You helped us shape the experience for the next class and beyond.”
He concluded by urging the graduates to embrace their deeper purpose:
“Your diploma… means little unless it is a summons to service. In this way, you are messengers of hope.”
To watch a recorded livestream of the event, please visit: 🔗 https://vimeo.com/1073317705 Photos from the ceremony are available for download here.
Report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Oldfield Road and Reef Road in Fairfield. The pedestrian is currently being transported to the hospital.
Italian Kitchen Celebrates 13 Years in Fairfield with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Fairfield, CT — May 9, 202 Italian Kitchen proudly celebrated its 13th anniversary today with a heartfelt ribbon cutting at its longtime home at 1700 Post Road in Fairfield. Surrounded by friends, family, community members, and local dignitaries including First Selectman Bill Gerber, owner Dominick Giresi Jr. and his father, founder Dominick Giresi Sr., marked the milestone with gratitude and excitement. “Fairfield, we love you,” said Dominick Jr. during the event. “You’ve made us feel like more than just a business—you’ve made us part of your family.”
The Giresi family expressed deep appreciation to the Fairfield community and local supporters such as DoingItLocal, who helped capture the celebration. Over the years, Italian Kitchen has grown from a deli and pizzeria into a full-service restaurant, caterer, and interactive culinary destination—offering events like fresh mozzarella-making parties, pizza parties for both children and adults, meatball-making classes, sauce-jarring sessions, and now, pasta and ravioli-making workshops. These hands-on events have become a hallmark of the restaurant’s mission to bring people together through food. Italian Kitchen is also deeply committed to giving back, regularly participating in local fundraising efforts and community events. As First Selectman Bill Gerber noted during the ceremony, “You are participating in so many fundraising events, and everywhere I go I hear about the wonderful things that you do! So thank you for everything you do for Fairfield.”
Whether you’re looking for a great meal, a unique culinary experience, or a place that feels like home, Italian Kitchen welcomes you to be part of their next chapter. Stop by, get to know the team, and taste the passion that’s made them a Fairfield favorite for 13 years—and counting. To explore their menu, events, and offerings, visit www.italiankitchenct.com.
FAIRFIELD, CT — In a momentous step forward in the fight against cancer, State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield/Easton) joined Hartford HealthCare CEO Jeffrey A. Flaks, St. Vincent’s Medical Center President Bill Jennings, and Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), alongside healthcare professionals and community leaders, to celebrate the grand opening of the Hartford HealthCare/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Fairfield.
Senator Hwang proudly welcomed this state-of-the-art facility to the 28th Senate District, calling it a “transformational and life-saving milestone” for Connecticut families.
“This is a game-changing moment for our community and our entire state,” said Senator Hwang. “With this world-class cancer care partnership now in our backyard, we bring cutting-edge treatment, groundbreaking research, and the nation’s leading oncology specialists directly to Fairfield County. It means earlier diagnoses, more personalized care, and most importantly – better outcomes. This is how we beat cancer.”
The cancer center marks a pioneering collaboration between Hartford HealthCare, a regional leader in integrated healthcare delivery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, globally recognized for its leadership in cancer treatment and research. Patients will now have local access to comprehensive oncology care, clinical trials, advanced therapies, and support services – all under one roof.
“Cancer doesn’t discriminate – and it doesn’t wait,” Hwang emphasized. “Every person, from Fairfield to Bridgeport and beyond, deserves access to the best possible care. This center is more than a facility – it’s a beacon of hope, healing, and health equity. I am deeply honored and thrilled to welcome it to the 28th District.”
The grand opening featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, remarks from dignitaries, and tours showcasing the facility’s advanced treatment areas and patient care services. The center is expected to become a regional hub for oncology services and will play a critical role in reducing longstanding disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
“Hartford HealthCare is transforming the way cancer care is delivered in the Fairfield community and reaching patients earlier,” said Jeffrey Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “It’s about bringing hope to our patients by giving them direct access to the best cancer care in the world. This new cancer center epitomizes our relentless pursuit of excellence to provide world-class cancer care for every patient. As part of this grand opening, we’re excited to continue our collaboration with MSK’s world-renowned experts to elevate cancer care for patients in Connecticut.”
“We are proud to join Hartford HealthCare in celebrating the opening of the new Fairfield Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will expand access to advanced, personalized cancer care in Connecticut,” said Selwyn Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO of MSK. “Through MSK Care Partners, patients at the Fairfield Cancer Center and St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport will receive subspecialized treatment guided by MSK’s world-renowned standards. Our work with Hartford HealthCare represents a shared commitment to improving cancer outcomes by bringing world-class expertise directly into the communities where patients live.”
Senator Hwang, a long-time advocate for health innovation and cancer research as co-chair of the bipartisan bioscience caucus, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for patient-centered policies and access to world-class care.
“This is about saving lives and supporting families when they need it most,” he said. “This partnership gives us the tools, the expertise, and the hope to build a healthier future — right here at home.”
Report of a car that hit a pole in front of the Cumberland Farms on Kings Highway East, right off of Exit 24, in Fairfield. According to unconfirmed radio reports, the pole was damaged and traffic may be impacted as they secure the pole.
Fairfield, CT — On Friday, May 2, 2025, at approximately 10:55 p.m., a Fairfield Police officer observed a group of individuals and vehicles gathering in the parking lot of Stop & Shop located at 760 Villa Avenue. As the officer began coordinating a law enforcement response, the Fairfield Police Department was simultaneously managing several significant emergency calls. Due to the nature and urgency of those calls, an immediate full-scale response to the parking lot was not initiated. As there was no active threat to the public, the officer on scene monitored the situation while awaiting additional units to ensure a coordinated and safe approach. Once the other emergency calls were stabilized, a team of several officers proceeded into the parking lot as a unit. Upon police entry, the crowd and vehicles began to disperse rapidly. It is important to note that this phase often presents heightened risk, as fleeing drivers may accelerate dangerously, endangering both the public and law enforcement officers. During the response, the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a report of a possible fire at the scene. Once on scene, officers confirmed there was no longer an active fire and determined that fire department response was not necessary. Following the dispersal, one officer attempted to stop one of the offending vehicles, which fled at a high rate of speed. In accordance with Connecticut’s statewide vehicle pursuit policy, the officer was unable to pursue. Fairfield Police are actively investigating the incident. If the subjects involved are identified and probable cause is established, criminal charges will be pursued through the Connecticut Superior Court. The Fairfield Police Department urges the public to assist by submitting any video footage or information related to this or similar incidents. Vehicle takeover events pose a serious threat not only to participants, but also to bystanders and first responders. The Department remains committed to enforcing the law, protecting public safety, and holding those responsible accountable.
Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at fpdct.com/tips.
A witness told me the woman driving the gray Subaru first hit the wall at Pizza Post on Tunxis Hill Road, possibly panicking, according to the witness, then allegedly took off, hitting additional vehicles in the process.
