Category: Fairfield

Women Lead the Way in Habitat CFC’s Weekend Build: Celebrating International Women’s Day

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Join Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) Women Build volunteers on International Women’s Day as they assist construction staff on a build site in Fairfield. Volunteers with varying skill levels and backgrounds will join in support of Habitat’s mission and in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.

The volunteer construction activity will take place at 240-246 Greenfield Street, Fairfield, CT, with parking available in the adjacent parking lot, on March 8, 2025, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Most construction efforts will take place in the morning, before the noon lunch break. Sponsored by ASML, the volunteer group will include volunteers from various corporate neighbors and committed community members (both men and women).

Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC, stated, “Women Build is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose and determination. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate exactly that—the strength, skill, and leadership of women who are making a great impact in our Coastal Fairfield County community. Whether picking up a hammer for the first time or bringing years of experience, every volunteer plays a role in our mission to address the affordable housing crisis while also building a brighter future for families in need.”

Women Build is Habitat CFC’s program to engage and empower women in Habitat CFC’s work. No experience is needed—Site Supervisors provide relevant construction training onsite. Volunteers must be ages 18+ to participate in a Women Build volunteer day. Learn more at habitatcfc.org/women-build.

Fairfield Warde DECA Shines at State Competition, Sending Finalists to International Conference

Fairfield, CT – Fairfield Warde High School’s DECA chapter continues to make history, competing against over 1,200 students at the Connecticut State DECA Competition and achieving outstanding results. In just its third year, Warde DECA has more than doubled in size, growing to an impressive 78 members. This year, 25 students placed in the top five of their categories, a testament to their dedication, talent, and hard work.

A special congratulations to our qualifying finalists, who have earned a coveted spot at the DECA International Career & Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, from April 25-30. There, they will compete on a global stage against more than 21,000 students from around the world, showcasing their business and leadership skills while representing Warde DECA with pride.

This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents, volunteers, and the entire Warde community. Their encouragement and commitment continue to strengthen our program and help our students reach new heights.

For more information about Warde DECA and how to support our students on their journey to ICDC, follow them on Instagram: warde_deca or please contact jsauro@fairfieldschool.org

About DECA

DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The program provides students with real-world business experience through competitive events, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

Congratulations to our Finalists!

1st PlaceEmilie Jeanty / Aura KurelBusiness Solutions Project
1st PlaceReina DiacoCareer Development Project
1st PlaceFiona McDonaldQuick Serve Restaurant Management Series
1st PlaceSiri Anagani / Mark CassaFinancial Services Team Decision Making
1st PlaceDaphne D’Elia / Rebecca MorrisSports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making
2nd PacePranav QuarveBusiness Finance Series
2nd PlaceCharlotte JoergensenAccounting Applications Series
2nd PlaceMadelyn PressCommunity Giving Project
3rd PlaceKatie McWhinnieSports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
4th PlaceLabiba HaquePrinciples of Finance
4th PlaceSidhant RaoCommunity Giving Project
4th PlaceEdward Firgeleski / Rebecca King / Lauren LugoSales ProjectPMSP
5th PlaceNikolas Motsenigos / Sergio TortoraBuying and Merchandising Operations Research
5th PlaceElla KilgannonCommunity Awareness Project
5th PlaceOlivia Churchill / Katelyn Dalto / Maddie WalshCommunity Giving Project
5th PlaceBlaithin LeechPrinciples of Finance
5th PlaceHaya ElkadyPrinciples of Entrepreneurship

Board of Selectmen Restores $2 Million to Fairfield Public School Budget

Fairfield, Conn., March 4, 2025—During the Board of Selectmen’s (BOS) Deliberative Budget Session on March 3, the Board voted to restore $2 million to Fairfield’s Public School budget.

The Board of Education (BOE) had initially requested a 6.7 percent increase, one of the highest in the region and in Fairfield’s past two decades. While 4.45 percent of the increase was attributed to necessary teacher and paraeducator salary adjustments, concerns arose due to minimal grand list growth of only 0.24 percent. This meant that much of the increase would lead to higher property taxes.

Selectman Christine Vitale made a motion to restore $2 million in funding, which was seconded by First Selectman Bill Gerber. Gerber’s administration had been actively seeking revenue opportunities and expense reductions to support school funding since early January, when Superintendent Michael Testani first proposed the increase. Both Gerber and Vitale emphasized the potential for cost savings through shared services between the Town and school administration, which could be explored further in the future.

Vitale stated, “The school budget is driven by the needs of the children and how many children are in our schools. If there can be a cost savings in buses or transporting children that can then be applied to resources to better educate children, I think we should look at them.” She added that shared Town and school services could be a viable cost-saving measure if both administrations commit to finding efficiencies.

First Selectman Gerber expressed his discomfort with the original $3.9 million in cuts, acknowledging the financial strain on the town. “Providing an excellent education for our children is always one of my top priorities, and compensation for our teachers is not in question,” he said. However, he emphasized the need for the BOE to make well-considered budget decisions, given that affordability remains a concern for many families in town.

The BOS restored the $2 million through offsets in the overall Town budget, including:

  • Moving $928k in maintenance projects to the Capital Plan for bonding
  • Adding $1.1 million to the drawdown to the Active Employee Benefits Fund
  • Adjusting the reserve from uncollected taxes to $3.35 million by increasing the collection rate to 99.01 percent
  • Raising the supplemental motor vehicle assessment assumption from $112 million to $113 million
  • Increasing the grand list projection by $32 million, which, with motor vehicle depreciation adjustments, added $921k in revenue

Several small increases totaling $195k were also made to the budget, covering private school transportation, police department expenses, and costs related to the town’s 175th Independence Day celebration, marina software, and Emergency Operating Center expenses.

The BOS approved the total budget of $381,964,286 by a 2:1 vote, with Gerber and Vitale in favor. The decision reduces the Board of Education’s budget cuts to $1.9 million.

Garage Fire

https://www.doingitlocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/0-Atlas-newest-new.mp4

Fairfield firefighters were called to Beechwood Lane for a garage fire. Upon arrival, they found smoke coming from the roof vents and immediately called for additional resources. The homeowner told firefighters she heard a bang and, upon opening the garage door, saw fire and smoke. Fortunately, she remembered her child’s fire safety lessons from school and quickly shut the door between the residence and the garage, helping to contain the fire. Firefighters brought the fire under control quickly, and no injuries were reported.

2025-03-04 @ 11:11 AM — #FairfieldCT #CTFire

“Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in a Digital World,” Feb. 25

Attend the Feb. 25 Campus Connect event to gain valuable insights and practical tips to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (February 18, 2025)—The latest in the Campus Connect Series from Fairfield University, a community discussion titled “Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in a Digital World” will be led by Mirco Speretta, PhD, associate dean of Fairfield University’s School of Engineering & Computing, alongside Detective Brian Griffin and Public Affairs Sergeant Jenna Wellington of the Fairfield Police Department.

“Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself in a Digital World” will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, upstairs at the downtown Fairfield University Store, 1499 Post Road. Panelists will cover phishing scams, online dating safety, data privacy, and artificial intelligence. Join the conversation with local experts as they dive into the essentials of safeguarding your digital presence in today’s world.

Those attending are asked to park in the rear parking garage and enter the bookstore through the parking garage entrance. Stairs and an elevator allow for access to the upstairs event space. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, RSVP to this event.

The free Campus Connect Series merges the expertise of Fairfield University faculty and staff with the experience and knowledge of the local community.

POLICE RESPONSE TO HERITAGE SQUARE FIRE

FAIRFIELD, CT — On December 7, 2024, at approximately 4:27 PM, the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 1700 Post Road, Heritage Square Plaza. Upon arrival, first responders observed significant flames and worked diligently to contain and extinguish the fire.

Fairfield Fire Department crews successfully evacuated the building and brought the flames under control, preventing further damage to surrounding properties and ensuring the safety of everyone in the area.

Following a joint investigation by the Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department, it was determined that the fire originated from the actions of two individuals who were intentionally attempting to ignite dry leaves within the building’s stairwell. The leaves and other debris ignited, quickly escalating into a large fire that caused approximately $400,000 in damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

On February 2, Samuel Archer (19) of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and on February 3, Henry Hirsch (20) of Ridgefield, CT, were arrested and charged with Arson in the 3rd Degree and Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree. They were released on a $50,000 bond each and are scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Superior Court on February 10, 2025.

This incident underscores the severe consequences of reckless behavior involving fire. Arson is a serious crime that endangers lives, property, and the safety of the community. The Fairfield Police Department and Fairfield Fire Department urge all residents to exercise extreme caution when handling flammable materials and to educate young people about the dangers of fire. Preventative measures can save lives and prevent tragedies.

The Fairfield Police Department would like to recognize the swift actions of community members who called 911 and assisted responders in this investigation. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

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