Category: Fairfield

Italian Kitchen Celebrates 13 Years in Fairfield with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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.

Senator Tony Hwang Welcomes World Class Game Changing Cancer Center to  Our Backyard

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.”

Fairfield Police Investigate Large-Scale Vehicle Gathering at Local Business Lot


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.

Operation Hope’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

From Operation Hope:

We look forward to gathering at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield on Thursday, May 8 to acknowledge the efforts of our volunteers, donors and friends who help us end hunger and homelessness, one person at a time. This year, we are delighted to honor Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Fairfield & Southport, as our “Champion of Hope,” and its co-founders, Helene Daly and Alexis Harrison. Through this grassroots organization, Helene and Alexis have made outstanding contributions in our community and work tirelessly to further our mission. Due to the popularity of this event, we are currently offering a waitlist. Please contact Suzanne Francis, Events Manager, here to be added to the waitlist. Please consider a program ad, a Friends listing or a donation in support of the 40 years of Operation Hope’s efforts. Click here for details. Thank you!

Operation Hope’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

Crash-Cars Trapped In Fallen Wires

Fairfield Emergency Communicators received a number of calls for a crash with downed wires and utility poles. When firefighters arrived, they found two cars ensnared in the power lines. The victims needed to remain in their cars for about 20 minutes for UI to arrive and turn off the power. All occupants refused medical treatment on the scene.

Fairfield to Sponsor Workshop to Help Non-Profits and Businesses Reduce Energy Costs and “Go Green”

Fairfield, CT – The Town of Fairfield’s Department of Community & Economic Development, in partnership with Sustainable Fairfield, the Sponsors of Energize ConnecticutSM, Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), and the Connecticut Green Bank, will offer a free workshop on Tuesday, May 13th, aimed at helping businesses and nonprofit organizations, including houses of worship, undertake energy-related building improvements.

The workshop will feature guest speakers Peter Ludwig of Connecticut Green Bank and Colleen Morrison of UI and SCG.

Attendees can expect to learn more about how to lower their energy costs and fund energy-related improvements including solar installation through programs such as C-PACE and the Small Business Energy Advantage Program.

C-PACE, which stands for Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, is an innovative program that lets property owners pay for green improvements over time through a voluntary benefit assessment on their property tax bill. C-PACE makes it easier for building owners to secure low-interest capital to fund energy improvements and is structured so that energy savings more than offset the benefit assessment.

The SBEA Program features a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment of a facility that includes lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration systems and a customized recommendation including an estimate of savings, available incentives, and attractive financing for the balance of the installed costs.

The workshop will be held at the Fairfield Theatre Company, located at 70 Sanford Street in Fairfield.

Parking is available in the Sanford Street Parking lot directly across from FTC or at the Sherman Green Lot (1451 Post Road).

Sign-in and informal networking will commence at 8:00 a.m. The program will commence at 8:15 a.m., and run through 9:30 a.m.

Coffee and a continental breakfast will be provided.

“Energy efficiency is important to our community,” stated Fairfield’s Director of Economic Development, Mark Barnhart. “That’s why we are delighted to be co-sponsoring this workshop that allows organizations to go green while saving money.”

“Our support for the workshop illustrates Sustainable Fairfield’s strong commitment to helping businesses and non-profits, in addition to individuals and households, take meaningful steps for greater sustainability and cost-efficient energy use,” said Bob Wall, Sustainable Fairfield chairman.

The program is free of charge, but advanced registration is encouraged as space is limited. To register, please visit the link here.

For further information, contact Mark Barnhart, Director of Community & Economic Development, at (203) 256-3120 or mbarnhart@fairfieldct.org.

About the Speakers

Peter Ludwig leads outreach for Connecticut Green Bank’s building solutions programs. In this role, he builds strategic partnerships and helps building owners, economic development partners, non-profits, and other partners access Green Bank financing and incentives for green property upgrades.

Prior to the Green Bank, Peter developed and led award-winning affordable housing energy retrofit programs at Elevate.

Colleen Morrison runs the Small Business Energy Efficiency program at UI and SCG. She manages projects across the state of CT alongside their partners at Eversource.

Over the last 14 years, she has worked with the electric and gas utilities across CT, NY, MA, and Maine in various capacities in customer service, billing, financial teams, and now working on the Conservation and Loan Management Team, which focuses on helping customers save money and reduce their energy footprint through efficiency improvements.

About Connecticut Green Bank

The Connecticut Green Bank is the nation’s first green bank.

Established by the Connecticut General Assembly as a part of Public Act 11-80, the Connecticut Green Bank supports the State’s energy strategy to achieve cleaner, less expensive, and more reliable sources of energy while creating jobs and supporting local economic development.

About the Small Business Energy Advantage Program

The Small Business Energy Advantage program is designed to provide cost-effective, turnkey energy-saving services for small commercial and industrial customers who do not have the time, financial resources, or in-house expertise necessary to analyze and modify their energy usage.

The program offers a free energy evaluation and can finance energy efficiency improvements through a zero percent interest loan through your electric utility bill for qualified customers.

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