Category: Fairfield

Community Unites to Support Mentes Family After Devastating Fire

The Mentes family, beloved members of both the Bridgeport and Fairfield communities, are facing unimaginable challenges following a devastating house fire that occurred in the early hours of December 28th. Known for their unwavering dedication to helping others, the Mentes family now finds themselves in need of the community’s support.

Mike Mentes, a dedicated Bridgeport firefighter with 17 years of service, was on duty at the time of the fire, protecting the very community he calls home. His wife, Jess, a nursing student, was at home and forced to jump out of a window to escape the flames, saving the family’s beloved dog and cat in the process. Thankfully, their three daughters, Morgan (16), Ireland (14), and Reagan (11), were away at a sleepover and unharmed.

The fire left the Mentes family’s home condemned and destroyed nearly all their belongings, from cherished wedding albums to the girls’ Christmas gifts. Despite their profound loss, Mike and Jess have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and fellow first responders.

During a press conference held earlier today, officials and community leaders, including State Senator Tony Hwang, local fire chiefs, and members of the Fairfield and Bridgeport Fire Departments, highlighted the importance of community solidarity. Senator Hwang reflected, “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and help a family who has always been there for others.”

Mike’s colleagues and local leaders emphasized the critical role that firefighters like him play in protecting our communities, often sacrificing their own safety. Chief Lance Edwards of the Bridgeport Fire Department remarked, “Mike has always been one of the good ones, a dedicated firefighter who now needs our help.”

The Mentes family’s gratitude was heartfelt. Jess urged the public to check their smoke detectors, emphasizing that their own preparedness saved her life. She also announced that part of the funds received will go toward smoke detector programs in Bridgeport and Fairfield to help prevent future tragedies.

How to Help

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Mentes family in rebuilding their lives. Additionally, donations can be made through the “Give In Kind” platform, which allows for contributions such as gift cards for essential items and services. Details can be found at the links below:

The Fairfield and Bridgeport communities have demonstrated extraordinary compassion and unity in the wake of this tragedy. As Jess Mentes aptly said, “It takes a village, and what we’ve seen here is that village coming together.”

Thank you for your support in helping the Mentes family rebuild their lives.

Couple Ties the Knot Amidst the Magic of Wonderland at Roseville

Fairfield, December 30, 2024 – Amidst the festive opening night activities at Wonderland at Roseville, Paul and Cecilia Hongo exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony. Married in front of the tiny chapel nestled in the Halliwell family’s backyard, the couple was joined by friends, family, and members of the public enjoying the holiday display. The wedding added a special touch to the 25th year of this cherished Fairfield tradition. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Cecilia Hongo!

About Wonderland at Roseville:

Wonderland at Roseville, located at 226 Roseville Terrace in Fairfield, is a celebrated holiday light display hosted by Gene and Mary Halliwell. Now in its 25th year, the wonderland features an array of dazzling lights, festive decorations, and whimsical attractions that delight visitors of all ages. This cherished community tradition also supports Shriners Children’s Hospital, spreading holiday cheer while raising funds for a meaningful cause.

DELIVERY VEHICLE STOLEN AT GUNPOINT, VEHICLE AND ITEMS RECOVERED


FAIRFIELD, CT – On December 21, 2024, at approximately 8:31 PM, the Fairfield Police Department
responded to a report of a stolen delivery vehicle near the 200 block of Woodrow Avenue in the
Southport section of Fairfield. A delivery driver reported that their vehicle had been taken moments
earlier while making a delivery.
The preliminary investigation revealed that while the driver exited the vehicle to deliver a package, an
unknown individual entered the vehicle through an open passenger-side door. The suspect was described
as a light-skinned male, dressed in black with a face mask. The driver attempted to intervene but was
threatened at gunpoint by the suspect, who subsequently drove away in the delivery van.
The driver was unharmed and sought assistance from nearby residents to contact police. Using a tracking
application, police quickly located the delivery vehicle abandoned at the intersection of Gray Rock Road
and Daves Lane. The driver’s personal belongings were recovered, however, several packages from
within the vehicle had been taken.
The Fairfield Police Department Detective Division is actively investigating this incident, including
canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties. Anyone with information
regarding this incident, including any available surveillance footage, are asked to contact Detectives at
(203) 254-4840.
Residents and businesses in the area are encouraged to review their surveillance systems and share any
relevant footage with the Fairfield Police Department. Any available video footage can be shared using
the link below:
https://fairfieldpdct.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/stolendeliveryvehicle24-87716
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.

Rhode Island Man Extradited to Connecticut for Assault and Strangulation of a Child

On December 16, 2024, Ariel Dejesus Valdez, a 28-year-old from Providence, Rhode Island, was extradited to Connecticut following an assault at the North Fairfield Service Plaza on December 7. After the incident, Valdez fled Connecticut and was apprehended in Rhode Island once an extraditable arrest warrant was issued.

Valdez was charged with risk of injury to a child, two counts of reckless endangerment, second-degree strangulation or suffocation, second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, and second-degree breach of peace. Unable to post a $100,000 bond, he was held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center and was scheduled for arraignment at Bridgeport Superior Court on December 17.

FAIRFIELD ARTS COMMISSION UNVEILS THEME AND DETAILS FOR ARTISTIC VISIONS CHALLENGE

Invites All Aspiring Young Artists to Participate

FAIRFIELD, CT – The Fairfield Arts Commission extends its gratitude to all who attended the Kick-Off Event for the Artistic Visions Challenge on Thursday, December 5th, at the Second Story above the Fairfield University Store. Special thanks to Fairfield University for hosting the event and sponsoring sketchbooks for young artists.

The Artistic Visions Challenge is a town-wide juried art competition designed to inspire young artists to explore creativity in unique ways. Open to participants aged 11-18 who either reside or attend school in Fairfield, the competition’s theme for this year is to create artwork reflecting the Town of Fairfield’s history. Entries must incorporate the letters “F-A-I-R-F-I-E-L-D” and include at least one “Easter Egg”—a hidden message or reference to engage viewers.

Eligibility and Entry Details:

  • Open to ages 11-18 living in Fairfield or attending a school within the town.
  • Divided into two categories: ages 11-14 and ages 15-18. Teams of up to three are allowed.
  • Registration deadline: January 31, 2024 (requires parental/guardian co-sign as supervisor).
  • Final submissions (including an artist statement and digital representation) are due by March 1, 2024.

The Commission encourages participants to push creative boundaries, experiment with techniques, and blend traditional art forms to create innovative works. Rules and guidelines can be found online.

To enrich the process, participants will have access to local artists for inspiration and mentorship. A “Collaboration Station” event will be held on January 16th, 6-8 PM, at Fairfield Theatre Company (70 Sanford Street). This free event invites young artists to network and share ideas, though advance registration is requested.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at (203) 256-3120 or arts@fairfieldct.org.

About the Fairfield Arts Commission:
The Fairfield Arts Commission is a nine-member volunteer body appointed by the First Selectman. Its mission is to promote artistic and cultural activities within Fairfield. Since its establishment in 2023, the Commission has been working toward achieving statewide recognition for Fairfield as a cultural district.

Mystery Drone Sightings Seen Over Fairfield

Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) and former Chairman of the Public Safety & Security Committee today issued the following statement regarding the sightings of possible unauthorized drones over the Fairfield community.

“It’s very unsettling to public safety and security, both here in Fairfield and elsewhere. 

What we have is a lack of information at all levels of government. It’s really a breakdown of communication. Without that vital communication, you lose the public’s confidence, you get speculation and you get fear. 

The Pentagon says any action taken against drones is a decision for local law enforcement. As state legislators, we must support that.

I agree with U.S. Sen. Blumenthal, who advocates for shooting drones down, if necessary, to get answers and accountability.

We must be proactive, not reactive. That requires full transparency, accountability, and honest public conversations to arrive at a resolution and a plan to deal with this immediately. To ensure public safety and confidence, we need a threat assessment as soon as possible.

We as lawmakers will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement officials to help get essential information to the public.”

Black Rock Turnpike Merchants to Hold Holiday Open House

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Town of Fairfield’s Office of Community & Economic Development invites the public to a Holiday Open House on Friday, December 13th, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. with select merchants on Black Rock Turnpike. Participating merchants will be offering in-store specials, discounts, and spreading holiday cheer!

Fairfield’s Community & Economic Development Director Mark Barnhart stated, “We encourage everyone to shop local, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. The Holiday Open House is a great opportunity to support our many local small businesses while getting some holiday shopping done.”

Participating Merchants and Offers

  • Black Rock Coffee House (2480 Black Rock Turnpike): Collaborating with Ocean Blu Boutique for the festivities as neighbors in the White Birch Plaza.
  • Bricks & Minifigs (1929 Black Rock Turnpike): Hosting “Kids’ Night Out” with two sessions from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Kids can free build, create derby cars, and take home a custom minifig. Pizza included for $25 per child.
  • Children’s Art Classes (2377 Black Rock Turnpike): Open studio night with quick holiday-themed art projects for kids while parents explore programs, free trial classes, and gift cards.
  • Chip’s Family Restaurant (525 Tunxis Hill Cutoff): Offering a $5 coupon on meal purchases over $30 (not combinable with other offers).
  • Crumbl Cookies (2261 Black Rock Turnpike): 10% off any 6-pack of cookies.
  • Lenox Jewelers (2500 Black Rock Turnpike): Free jewelry cleaning and complimentary beverages while you shop.
  • Ocean Blu Boutique (2480 Black Rock Turnpike): 20% off holiday items, an artist showcase, and collaboration with Black Rock Coffee House.

Please note that all promotions are subject to change.

A Ho-Ho-Hazard!

Fairfield, CT—First responders had their hooves full tonight when they were called to Round Hill Road for a truly unique traffic situation. Reports came in around 8:11 PM about a man dressed as a reindeer who kept lying in the middle of the road. Concerned drivers feared the holiday spirit had gone a step too far—or that Rudolph had gone rogue.

2024-12-07@8:11pm–#Fairfield CT

Exit mobile version