FAIRFIELD — With federal SNAP benefits halted due to the government shutdown, a bipartisan group of state and community leaders gathered in front of the Sacred Heart University Community Theater at 1420 Post Road to call attention to the growing food insecurity crisis across Connecticut.
State Senator Tony Hwang opened the event, noting that nearly 363,000 Connecticut residents rely on SNAP benefits. “This is a moment for all of us to unite—to put politics aside nationally, statewide, and locally—and focus on the people in need,” he said. “Seventy-five percent of those on SNAP are children or the elderly. By the end of the month, they run out of food resources, and this November, because of the shutdown, nothing is coming onto their cards.”
Michael Donoghue, Executive Director of the Thomas Merton Family Center, said the impact is already overwhelming. “We run the largest food pantry in Bridgeport. On a typical day we serve 30 or 40 families. Yesterday we served 110. There was a line around the block an hour before we opened,” he said. “Some of the people coming up to us say, ‘I usually donate to you—I can’t believe I have to use your services.’ There’s no greater pressure than having a family and not knowing if you can feed your kids.”
Jason Jakubowski, CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, explained how community donations stretch further through coordinated efforts. “If you take a dollar to the grocery store, you can buy one can of soup,” he said. “Give us that dollar, and we can buy twenty—because we purchase by the truckload for the entire statewide network.” He added that Senator Hwang frequently volunteers with their efforts.
Themis Klarides, Connecticut Foodshare board member, praised the bipartisan collaboration. “If Washington operated as efficiently as the Connecticut legislature, we’d all be better off,” she said. “This bipartisan group proves what’s possible when we focus on people, not politics.”
Senator Hwang closed by urging unity ahead of Thanksgiving: “The need is urgent—but so is our ability to make a difference. Let’s feed hope, and feed our communities, together.”
Fairfield, CT – The Enchanted Castle returns this October hosted by the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County. During this annual event, families travel through six rooms in Fairfield’s Burr Homestead, brought to life by storybook characters who skillfully narrate the tales of Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, and The Wizard of Oz. The Castle is designed for children 2-10 years of age but will be sure to excite the whole family!
The Enchanted Castle will be held October 22 – 24 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and October 25 – 26 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30pm – 5 p.m. Please note that the Enchanted Castle will be closed on Saturday & Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $15 per ticket. Kids 2 and under are free. The School of Rock Fairfield House Band will also have a special performance at the event on Saturday, October 25 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
This year’s event is sponsored by Mona Payment Solutions, Distinct Technologies, Wegmans, Bearingstar Insurance, Triple Double Basketball, Pink Lady Goes Green, Bigelow Tea, Al’s Angels, Duchess, FWSIM, Sasco Cyber Ventures, Stew Leonard’s, Experience Fairfield, ConnectFairfield and Fairfield Moms.
This event is the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County’s largest fundraiser, with funds going to support literacy and neighborhood efforts within the greater Bridgeport community. Visit EnchantedCastle.org to learn more and purchase tickets.
The Enchanted Castle first opened in 1991 and was run for 22 years by the Ahlbin Auxiliary of Bridgeport Hospital. In 2019, the Auxiliary handed the event over to The Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County. This will be the fifth time that the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County has hosted this fun-filled community event.
Unable to make it to the event, but still want to support the Junior League of Eastern Fairfield County? Take advantage of Enchanted Dining at two local restaurants this week and weekend! Stop by Haven Hot Chicken (907 Post Road in Fairfield) on Wednesday, October 22 or Sunday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and use code FJL15 online, in person or mention the Junior League to give back 15% of your purchase! On Saturday, October 25, stop by D.P. Dough (222 Post Road in Fairfield) from 4 p.m. – 3 a.m. and mention the Junior League when placing your order to give back 10% of your purchase.
About 100 people are without power around the 100 block of Center Road in Easton following a transformer explosion. First responders are removing any wires from the roadway, which is also currently closed.
Fairfield, CT — In a continued effort to enhance traffic safety and protect our most vulnerable road users, the Fairfield Police Department is partnering with Altumint to launch an Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Device (ATESD) program in designated school zones throughout town. This initiative, which comes at no cost to taxpayers, will use camera-based enforcement technology to deter speeding in areas where children and pedestrians are most at risk. Per the town ordinance passed at a Representative Town Meeting, these cameras will be installed in school zones to deter speeding. Six school zones have been selected based on crash history, engineering analysis, and community feedback:
Dwight Elementary (Redding Road): Selected due to two past fatal pedestrian crashes, one involving an impaired driver and another likely caused by distraction.
Notre Dame High School (Jefferson Street): The site of a major crash involving a speeding driver that resulted in multiple injuries.
Burr Elementary (Burr Street): Chosen due to frequent complaints about speeding and anticipated traffic shifts from nearby enforcement zones.
Riverfield Elementary: Identified for infrastructure concerns including long stretches of roadway with limited traffic controls, which often result in excessive speeding.
Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde High Schools: Included due to the high volume of younger, less-experienced drivers.
Operating hours and speeds: Automated enforcement zones will operate 24/7. During the start and end of the school day, cameras will enforce a reduced speed limit of 20 MPH. Outside of these designated school hours, and when school is not in session, a speed limit of 25 MPH will be enforced.
Update/clarification: For Riverfield School on Mill Plain Road, the speed limit will revert to 30 MPH outside of pickup and drop-off times (the normal posted limit for that road). This is the only difference from other zones.
“The Fairfield Police Department is committed to reducing speeding in our school zones and preventing tragedies before they occur,” said Captain Hector Irizarry, Commander of the Special Services Bureau. “This technology allows us to address dangerous driving behavior where it matters most, near our schools, where children walk, bike, and ride every day.”
The Fairfield Police Department and Town officials have conducted site assessments and OSTA permit applications have been submitted and are now under a 60-day review. Additional school zones may be added in the future. The speed enforcement camera installations will be pending approval from the Office of State Traffic Administration (OSTA) once engineering and traffic studies are completed and submitted by the selected ATESD vendor, Altumint.
All enforcement zones will be clearly marked with signage to notify drivers of camera monitoring in the area, in accordance with state law. To ease the transition, the Town will begin with a 30-day warning period during which violators will receive mailed warnings rather than fines. Once enforcement begins, violations will result in a mailed citation to the registered vehicle owner. These infractions are civil penalties and will not result in points on a driver’s license or be reported to insurance providers. Fines: first violation $50; each additional violation $75; both carry a $15 processing fee.
This initiative supports the Town’s broader Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, and to make Fairfield’s streets safer for everyone.
The annual event supports local organizations like Adopt-A-Dog and others dedicated to supporting animals and people in the local community.
The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that its annual fall Fairfield Harvest Market & Halloween Costume Dog Parade will take place on the Old Town Green (611 Old Post Road, Fairfield) on Saturday, October 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Rain Date: October 25th). Money raised through the pet parade and other event activities will benefit Adopt-A-Dog.
Adopt A Dog was founded in 1981 with the mission is to save, secure, socialize, and find loving homes for unwanted, and abandoned dogs. “We embrace the transformative power of love, understanding, and patience to heal the wounds of these beautiful souls, enabling them to rediscover trust and hope,” explained Executive Director Christine Amato. She continued, “We appreciate the longstanding support from Pet Pantry and the partnership with organizations like Fairfield Chamber of Commerce”.
The Fairfield Harvest Market celebrates the season by welcoming local artisans, jewelers, clothiers, and specialty vendors to the historic Old Town Green to showcase their products. Featuring more than 70 unique vendors, shoppers can browse an array of handcrafted goods, home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, food items, and gifts—perfect for early holiday shopping.
Local favorites from the Fairfield Farmers Market will also be on site, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats for their final weekend of the season.
For a complete list of participating vendors, visit FairfieldCTChamber.com.
Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog Parade at 12:00 p.m. Pet Pantry Warehouse proudly sponsors the much-anticipated Halloween Costume Dog Parade, beginning at 12:00 p.m. (line-up at 11:45 a.m. along Beach Road beside Old Town Hall). The first 25 dogs to check in will receive a free Chamber dog bandana and treats, plus additional goodies from participating pet vendors.
Pet Pantry Warehouse will award prizes in the following categories: ● Best Family Costume ● Owner-Pet Look-Alike ● Spookiest ● Diva Dog ● Most Creative ● Fairfield Town Pride ● Cutest
Prizes will be announced at approximately 12:45 p.m. in front of Old Town Hall. All participating dogs must remain leashed, well-behaved, and up to date on vaccinations. Pet Pantry Warehouse 2025 Brand Partners include: First Mate, Earth Animal, K9 Natural, Blue Buffalo, Farmina, Honest Kitchen, Ziwipeak, and Saint Rocco’s Treats.
Event Highlights ● Fairfield Rotary Club Beer Garden: Enjoy craft beers from 12–4 p.m. outside the Old Sun Tavern (behind the Fairfield Museum). $5 entry (21+). ● Giant Pumpkin Guessing Contest: Test your luck by guessing the weight of the giant pumpkin—prizes awarded to the closest adult and child guesses. ● Food Trucks & Music: Savor delicious bites from local food trucks and enjoy music provided by DJ Scott throughout the day.
Event Details ● Event: Fairfield Harvest Market & Pet Pantry Halloween Costume Dog Parade ● Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (Rain Date: October 25) ● Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Dog Parade at 12:00 p.m.) ● Location: Old Town Green, 611 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT ● Admission: Free and open to the public
For more information, visit FairfieldCTChamber.com or call (203) 255-1011.
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About the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, an association of business and professional people, promotes a climate for business that enhances the economic vitality and quality of life in Fairfield. Founded in 1946 by a handful of business owners, the Chamber’s membership includes a variety of businesses and organizations, which represent the highest standards of excellence … and as such, the Chamber encourages residents and visitors alike, to shop local. The Chamber is an integral part of the Fairfield community and helps foster economic development where all businesses succeed together. Acting as a resource, partner and advocate, the Chamber attracts businesses through strong membership alliances, innovative educational programs and creates opportunities to effectively grow a business. The Chamber is the essential gateway, providing the resources, tools and access for businesses to be successful … and stay in Fairfield.
About Pet Pantry Warehouse Pet Pantry Warehouse is a community-based, family-owned, and operated pet supplies retailer. Products are carefully sourced to ensure quality and value. The history of the Pet Pantry began in 1945 with World War II Army Air Forces servicemen, Mort Davis, and Jac Cohen. The pair formed their alliance over a British puppy adopted by Davis while stationed in wartime England. After accomplishing a stateside transfer for the lucky pup, the two remained friends, joining forces in the pet food business. Davis passed away in the late ‘60s, but Cohen soldiered on with their enterprise through 1995, when the business was purchased by Barry Jacobson and his sons, Adam and Ari, who run the business today. When the business was re-conceived in 1995, the large warehouse space which was home to the original Pet Pantry was converted into a more modern shopping experience, and a new business model was born. The success of the reformatted business paved the way for additional locations. Today these locations include Rye, Larchmont, and Scarsdale in Westchester County (New York) and New Canaan, Wilton, Riverside, and Fairfield in Fairfield County (Connecticut). Six out of the seven locations (Scarsdale, Rye, Riverside, Wilton, New Canaan, and Fairfield) have self-serve dog washrooms, and host “Clean your Paws for a Cause” fundraisers with local entities. Pet Pantry also feeds local K-9 Units free of charge in Fairfield and Westchester County and sponsors New Canaan Dog Days, Fairfield Dog Days, Puttin’ on the Dog, and Fairfield Harvest Market & Pet Parade, and Greenwich Howl & Prowl. For more information and online ordering, please visit Pet Pantry online (pppwpet.com). Follow on Instagram: @PPWPet #PPWPet
FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (September 26, 2025) – The Fairfield Health Department is urging all residents to receive the flu vaccine. The single best way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu is to get vaccinated. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine every year. It takes about 2 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for the body to develop protection against the flu virus so now is a good time to get vaccinated.
The Health Department will host a variety of flu clinics this season for adults and children age 3 and older. These clinics will be held on:
• Business hours by Appointment ONLY o Flu vaccine can be given during the week with limited availability by APPOINTMENT only, please use this link to make an appointment.
• Wednesday, October 15th from 11am – 7pm o At the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, in the cafeteria, located at 100 Mona Terrace. Walk-ins only, no appointments.
• Thursday, October 16th from 11am – 7pm o At the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities, in the cafeteria, located at 100 Mona Terrace. Walk-ins only, no appointments.
The flu vaccine will be available, while supplies last, in injection form for individuals 3 years and older. The high dose vaccine is available for those over the age of 65+. In addition, limited quantities of FluMist will be available for those 3-18 years.
If you are a homebound Fairfield resident or if your child is younger than the age of 3 years old, please contact the Public Health Nursing Office at 203-256-3150 for more information on how you can be vaccinated.
For a quicker visit, patients can print out the flu vaccine consent form or visit fairfieldct.org/health and bring it completed. Patients should also have their insurance card with them and wear clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.
In addition to the annual flu vaccine, the Fairfield Health Department is offering a variety of other vaccines this cold and flu season by APPOINTMENT only. Please use this link to make an appointment. • **Moderna COVID vaccine will be available for 12 years+ o Please note, COVID vaccine has been ordered but has not been received. Continue to check our social media and website for COVID vaccine availability. • RSV for those over the age of 75 years • Prevnar 20 – Pneumonia vaccine available for those over the age of 65 years • TDAP – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Aetna, Anthem BCBS (Empire), Cigna, Connecticare, Medicare, Meritain Health, United HealthCare (Oxford, UHC, and UMR) are all accepted and there is no copay. Out of pocket price for the Flu and TDap vaccine are $30 each, High Dose Flu, Prevnar 20, and Moderna COVID vaccines are $65 each. This is a cashless clinic, credit cards and checks will be accepted.
For questions about the flu vaccine or any of the other vaccines offered, call your primary care physician. If you have questions about the clinics and vaccines offered, please contact the Public Health Nursing Office at 203-256-3150.
