CONNECTING FAIRFIELD

News You Need from First Selectperson

Christine Vitale

Halloween on the Green

First Selectperson Christine Vitale and Fairfield's Marketing and Business Development Manager Mary Alice Limperopulos greeted visitors at Halloween on the Green, handing out reflective safety items provided by the Town's Health Department.

Photo by the Fairfield Museum and History Center

November 5, 2026

Dear Fairfielders,

November is a month that is associated with thanks and gratitude.

We began the month with Election Day. Regardless of which candidates won or lost, I am thankful that we live in a nation where we have the right and opportunity to participate in the electoral process and vote for our representatives. Access to a free and fair election is something we should never take for granted. Thank you to the Fairfield University Bookstore for serving as our early voting location and to our Town Clerk and the Registrars of Voters for their diligence in making sure voting was easy and accessible.

We are grateful to those who stepped up and ran for political office. Your willingness to serve shows your dedication to our community and commitment to the democratic process. Thank you for taking time away from your families to connect with voters, debate the issues, and encourage people to vote. We congratulate Representatives Leeper, Keitt and McCarthy Vahey and Probate Judge Katherine Caulfield on their re-elections and look forward to welcoming former RTM Member Rob Blanchard as our new State Senator.

November 11 is Veterans Day, a day to honor all military Veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces. As a nation and community, we remain grateful for the service and sacrifice of our Veterans and their families. There will be a number of opportunities to show our gratitude over the next week:

• The Kiwanis Field of Valor Ceremony will be Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. at Jennings Park.

• The Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Posts 143 and 74, will take place in front of Old Town Hall on November 11 at 11 a.m.

• And finally, one of my favorite Veterans Day Celebrations, the annual Fairfield Ludlowe High School Veterans Day concert, A Salute to Veterans, will be held on November 11 at 7 p.m. in the FLHS auditorium.

After a summer break, we are restarting our regular Coffees with the First Selectperson. I invite residents to join me on November 14 at 10 a.m. at our Main Library for a cup of coffee and some conversation. This will be an informal opportunity to connect, discuss what is going on in Fairfield, ask questions and share concerns and ideas.

Be forewarned, if you attend, I may ask you what about Fairfield you are most grateful for. For many, I suspect the answer may be our amazing school district. We would like to congratulate Fairfield Public Schools for its performance in the Connecticut Department of Education’s Next Generation Accountability results. Nine of our public schools earned a combined 31 distinctions and were honored for high performance and academic growth in English language arts and math.

I hope to see you at some of our Veterans Day events and at the Main Library on November 14.

As always don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. You can email me here or call the office at 203-256-3030.

Christine Vitale

First Selectperson

QUICK HITS: What's In This Newsletter



THINGS YOU NEED-TO-KNOW

Stand With Kostiantynivka, Fairfield’s Sister City

• Kostiantynivka, Ukraine is living through some of the most difficult days in its history. For Fairfield, this is not a distant dot on a map. Kostiantynivka is Fairfield’s sister city. 

• Its residents live on the front line of Russia’s war against Ukraine, enduring constant attacks, damaged infrastructure, power outages, and the mounting hardships of yet another winter. Still, they continue to work, to protect their community, and to hold the line. They are defending their homes, their families, and their city.

How Fairfield can help

• In September, First Selectperson Christine Vitale and Selectperson Brenda Kupchick met with a visiting delegation of Ukrainian officials and spoke directly with the mayor of Kostiantynivka via FaceTime, gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges the community is facing and witnessing the reality of the attacks and destruction affecting its residents.

• The visiting delegation included: Yurii Vynokurov--First Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration/Lieutenant Governor of Donetsk Oblast; Sergii Kalian – Head of the Bakhmut District Administration; and Oleksiy Vorobiov – Head of the Siversk City Administration, shown with Christine Vitale and Brenda Kupchick, above.

• Following those conversations, First Selectperson Vitale asked Selectperson Kupchick to take the lead in working with Ukraine Aid International (UAI) to help Fairfield’s sister city. Through this partnership, Fairfield has an opportunity to continue the commitment of a sister-city relationship of meaningful and practical support for the people of Kostiantynivka.

Your contribution can help provide:

• Generators and backup power equipment to keep essential services running during blackouts
• Ambulances and emergency medical equipment to save lives
• Fire trucks and firefighting equipment to respond to attacks and emergencies
• Drone-detection systems to help protect residents from aerial attacks
• Winter supplies and energy-support equipment for vulnerable residents and critical facilities
• Other urgent humanitarian and emergency-response needs identified by Kostiantynivka’s local authorities and community partners

• Every gift matters. A donation could keep a hospital or public service operating, help firefighters respond to an emergency, or put essential equipment in the hands of people living under constant threat.

• Donations help not only with supplies and providing warmth, but also build morale among the Ukrainians, to show they are not forgotten by the world. You can donate and provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine Aid International.

• Gifts to Ukraine Aid International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, are tax-deductible.

First Selectperson Christine Vitale welcomed the delegation along with Selectperson Brenda Kupchick who began the sister city program in 2023, Chief of Police Michael Paris, Deputy Chief Edward Weihe, Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn, State Representatives Jennifer Leeper and Cristin McCarthy Vahey, State Senator Tony Hwang, Probate Judge Kathy Caulfield, and many other Town representatives. The meeting was held at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.

September 13 Flash Flood Update: FEMA Response

• Thank you to everyone who provided damage reports over the past month to support the Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) with FEMA following the September 13 flooding event. We appreciate the time and energy you put into gathering detailed documentation, answering follow-up inquiries, and coordinating site visits.

• Last week, we received the final validated PDA total from FEMA, which came to $4,886,205.29.

• While DEMHS' Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) captured approximately $8 million in potential costs, the PDA total reflects the figures that could be formally validated through site visits, review of estimates, and available documentation. As is typical when moving from initial estimates to a joint federal review, several preliminary figures were adjusted, and some reported costs could not be included or validated under federal program criteria based on the information available.

• As a result, we fall below the statewide damage threshold and have concluded our pursuit of a major disaster declaration with FEMA.

Town Leaf Collection Schedule

Week 1: November 9

Week 2: November 16

Thanksgiving Week: No Pickup

Week 3: November 30

Week 4: December 7

Collection Details:

• The Town of Fairfield provides four weeks of leaf collection for all neighborhoods outside of Greenfield Hill*. There is no pickup during Thanksgiving week to allow residents extra time to finish their raking. The weeks are determined based on weather conditions and leaf fall.

• There is no specific pickup day for a particular street or neighborhood. Bags must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. on Mondays to assure pickup during that week.

• Bags placed outside of the Town right-of-way (for example: along driveways, inside stone walls or fences) will NOT be picked up.

• *Greenfield Hill - Greenfield Hill residents may enter a service request (select "Leaf Collection Request (Greenfield Hill)") or call the Town Garage at 203-256-3177 to request leaf collection during weeks 1, 2 and 4. The Greenfield Hill Leaf Collection Area is defined as the area north of Hulls Farm Road and west of Burr Street and the area east of Burr Street and north of Congress Street. See the Leaf Collection Area Map for details.

Bagging Instructions:

• Leaves must be in biodegradable paper bags. Do NOT seal the paper bags.

• The following will NOT be picked up: plastic bags, loose leaves, brush, branches. wood, grass.

Raking Reminder:

• In order to avoid blocking catch basins, residents are reminded not to rake leaves into the gutter or street.

• Residents are also asked to make an effort to keep the catch basin grates in the vicinity of their home clear of leaves and debris to prevent local flooding.

Leaf Drop Off:

• The We Care Denali facility at the Public Works Yard is available for leaf and yard waste drop off. The facility is open with extended hours beginning November 1 thru December 15. All other normal We Care Denali rules and policies remain in effect.

• Residents with a valid Beach/Dump Sticker on their vehicle can drop off less than 500 pounds of yard waste for no fee. Vehicles with loads greater than 500 pounds or vehicles with no stickers will be charged the applicable commercial rate. 

• Please visit We Care Denali for hours and other details.

Questions:

• Please enter a service request (select 'Leaf Collection') or contact the Town Garage: (203) 256-3177.

Leave the Leaves with the Conservation Department

Sustainable and Resilient Week, November 8 - 14

• Sustainable and Resilient Week is an initiative celebrating environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and collaborative efforts to protect the economy and natural resources.

• This week is a great time to learn about Sustainable Fairfield and thank its group of citizen volunteers working in cooperation with Town officials and others to support Town practices and projects that help Fairfield manage our growth. They focus on safeguarding the health of our environment, ensuring the reliability and economical use of our natural resources, and preserving the quality of life of our residents, today and for the future.

• You can learn more about Sustainable Fairfield here. They put special emphasis on helping community members practice sustainability through recycling and composting, water conservation, efficient energy use, organic land care practices, committing to "green" and public transportation and other approaches.

• Be sure to scroll down to the Events section to see their sponsored discussion on micro plastic pollution at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library November 10.

• And be sure to check out the Fairfield Sustainability Plan here.

Fairfield Beach Pump Station Public Meeting Nov 12

• As we move into the next stage of development for the Fairfield Beach Pump Station, we invite you to an in-person public meeting where you'll hear detailed information from the Water Pollution Control Utility (WPCU) along with Town consultants Geddis Architects and Tighe & Bond. Representatives from the WPCU and both firms will be available to speak on specific topics related to their work.

Public Meeting

Date: Thursday, November 12

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Regional Fire Training Center

205 Richard White Way

Room 102

You can also attend the meeting by ZOOM:

To participate online via Zoom:

Via web browser: https://zoom.us/j/7250682403 (Passcode: 123)

From the Zoom app on your computer, phone, or tablet:

    Meeting ID: 725 068 2403

    Meeting Passcode: 123

Via Phone:

Call (646) 931-3860 / Meeting ID: 725 068 2403 / Meeting Passcode: 123

• The Fairfield Beach Pump Station at 1610 Fairfield Beach Road supports 364 homes in a coastal, environmentally sensitive area. Built more than 65 years ago, it does not meet modern flood‑resilience standards, regulatory requirements, or equipment needs.

• Engineering reviews have found that the station has exceeded its useful life and needs upgrades to ensure reliability, safety, and environmental protection. In response, the WPCU has been evaluating design alternatives, costs, and construction impacts for the pump station’s rehabilitation.

• Over the past six months, we've shared comprehensive information on the Pump Station and force main improvements. If you'd like to review previous emails prior to attending the meeting, you can do so at the links below:

• Email sent April 20, 2026: https://conta.cc/3OImpnT
• Email sent August 4, 2026: https://conta.cc/4h86SJW

Fairfield Arts Commission Launches "Choose the Theme" Contest--Submissions Due by November 15

• The Fairfield Arts Commission invites the public to suggest a theme for this year's Artistic Visions Challenge, which will be unveiled at a kick off event in early December.

• Now in its third year, the Artistic Visions Challenge is a Town-wide juried art competition aimed at encouraging the creative community to collaborate and create art in new and unique ways.

• Artists are encouraged to push their creative boundaries to create a work that not only reflects the given theme, but also incorporates at least one "Easter Egg," a hidden message or reference to engage the viewer.

• The contest to choose the theme for this year's challenge runs through November 15 and is open to all ages.

• Participants can submit their theme ideas here. All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on November 15, 2026.

Friends of the Library Hold Big Fall Book Sale, Nov 20-22

• Fairfield Public Library and The Friends of the Library are once again preparing for their Big Fall Book Sale, to be held in the Rotary Room at the Main Library in Fairfield from November 20-22.

• The Book Sale will offer not just thousands of gently used books, but many types of media--DVDs, music CDs, VHS tapes, video games, vinyl LPs, and even reel-to-reel tapes. Most books, movies and CDs will be priced at only $1 or $2, with other media and a selection of unique items priced a bit higher. 

• All money raised by the Big Fall Book Sale goes into supporting the Fairfield Public Library’s many programs and services, which are offered free to the public.

•  Hours for the book sale are as follows:

Friday, Nov. 20, from 9:00am-4:30pm

Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10:00am-4:30pm

Sunday, Nov. 22, from 1:00-4:30pm*

(Sunday special: Buy two books, get one free with a teacher ID!)

• To learn how to become a member of The Friends of Fairfield Public Library, go to https://fairfieldpubliclibrary.org/friends/

I-95 Tree Removal/Construction Advisory: Dec 1-Feb 26

• The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a tree removal operation will be performed on I-95 north and southbound from Exit 19 in Fairfield to Exit 18 in Westport. This project is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, and be completed on Friday, February 26, 2027.

• To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safety space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed.

• There will be ramp and lane closures on I-95 north and southbound from Exit 19 in Fairfield to Exit 18 in Westport starting Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Friday, February 26, 2027, during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday – Thursday. Traffic control personnel, signing patterns and trailer mounted attenuators will guide motorists through the work zone.

• Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

• No work will be performed around any scheduled holidays.

• Beginning the week of November 16th, the Department of Public Works will begin removing our temporary quick-build safety improvements on Mill Plain, Pequot, South Benson and Sturges for the winter months. Throughout the winter, the Town will compile and evaluate data collected during the demonstration period to help guide the next phase of these projects.

• This information will be used to prepare for additional public outreach during the formal design process at each location as we continue working toward permanent roadway improvements that enhance safety and accessibility for all users.

• I provided a recent update on Road Safety Improvements to the Board of Selectpersons. You can watch that presentation below, time stamped to begin at minute 16:09.

Fairfield Fire Dept Appointment Ceremony

• On November 4, the Fairfield Fire Department appointed five probationary firefighters--Adam Haig, William Lombardi, Charles DiGiacomo, Cory Nihill and Dana Young--and formally recognized and appointed the department's mechanic--William DiPasquale-- hired last November.

• Acting Fire Chief Kyran Dunn and Deputy Roger Caisse welcomed them to the Fire Department, with Fire Department Chaplain, the Reverend Alida Ward, offering the invocation, and First Selectperson Christine Vitale administering the Oath of Office. The presentation and pinning of badges followed.

• Colleen Roche, a longtime Town employee, was also recognized at last night's ceremony.

• Please join us in congratulating them and welcoming them to the Fire Department family! Thanks to all of them for choosing to serve Fairfield.

Mechanic William DiPasquale

PFF Dana Young

PFF Cory Nihill

PFF William Lombardi

PFF Adam Haig

PFF Charles DiGiacomo

First Selectperson Christine Vitale

Colleen Roche

Deputy Fire Chief Roger Caisse

Greens Farms Garden Club Plants Spring Bulbs at Victorian Cottage

• The Greens Farms Garden Club (GFGC) planted spring blooming bulbs in front of the Victorian Cottage with help from a Parks and Recreation team. Their goal this year was to make the Cottage sparkle for the 250^th year celebration. 

• The GFGC has been caring and maintaining the gardens around the Victorian Cottage since 1987.

• GFGC is made up of both Fairfield and Westport residents. They've also maintained the native courtyard at Earthplace in Westport since 1977. In 2006 they began working with STAR in Norwalk, conducting garden workshops for a group of adult members with developmental disabilities. 

• In 2021, Growing for Good was started to address food insecurity in our local communities. They plant, grow and harvest fresh organic produce delivered to either Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport or Homes with Hope in Westport. This year Growing for Good donated 1,190.25 pounds of fresh organic vegetables to Homes with Hope.

• This past year, they were awarded the 2025-2027 Federated Garden Club 's President's Theme and Project Bee Resilient Award which they used for the pollinator pathway and plantings around the Cottage. They continue to change the planters in front of the Victorian Cottage seasonally.

• In the photo above from left to right: Andrew Esteves, Mary Tetro, Cindy Harmon, (back) Maybette Waldron, Terri Jennings, Sharon Sanford, Joseph Czarnecki, and Alan Kaczegowicz

In 2025 the GFGC put in new plants and created a Pollinator Pathway garden.

Victorian Cottage in bloom in 2026

Greenfield Hill Garden Club Adds Native Plants to FEEFS

• Special thanks to the Greenfield Hill Garden Club for their donation of plants and efforts today digging them in before the rain.

• The native plants they purchased from the Aspetuck Land Trust plant sale earlier this year highlight the support and multi-level collaboration around every corner of bringing the Fairfield Environmental & Education Field Station closer to completion.

• The Greenfield Hill Garden Club focuses on learning and advancing practical knowledge of horticulture and design through the creation of gardens, interaction with experts, and the education and charitable support of the community.

The MOMbies Delighted Fairfield on Halloween

• The MOMbies performed three shows in front of Old Town Hall on October 31, to the delight of their many fans and supporters in Fairfield.

• What began in 2016 as a one-time fun Halloween show quickly gained a viral following, and the MOMbies we know and love today were born.

• The MOMbies began dancing to fund breast cancer research. To date they've raised more than $1.4 million for metastatic breast cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

• Thanks for all you do for our community, MOMbies!

DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS

(Listed in chronological order)

Harbor to Hills Greenway Discussion, November 7

• Learn about Fairfield's proposed 13-mile greenway connecting the Easton border with the beach.

• The Town of Fairfield is seeking a grant to plan a North/South walking trail. The proposed 13.8-mile trail is designed to connect Fairfield residents to nature, recreation and daily destinations through a linked network of protected lands and existing trail segments.

• Fairfield has more than 1,250 acres of protected open space across 59 parcels, yet many of these lands are isolated destinations. The Harbors to Hills Greenway would link existing trail networks across 13 open spaces, creating a continuous pedestrian cooridor.

• The central segment of the route creates a direct pedestrian connection through the heart of Town, improving access for seniors, commuters, and residents without access to a car, while supporting transit-oriented mobility and downtown vitality.

• Harbors to Hills will traverse a wide range of landscapes, ecosystems, and elevations--from upland forests and scenic ridgelines in the north to river corridors, wetlands and coastal marshes near Long Island Sound.

The Fairfield Father’s Forum Nov 7

• The Fairfield Police Behavioral Health Network will continue its Fairfield Father’s Forum this fall, giving dads a place to connect, share experiences, and talk openly about the challenges of parenting.

• Led by Vince Benevento, LPC, Founder and Director of Causeway Collaborative, discussions will include topics such as co-parenting, communicating with teenagers, managing stress, and navigating the everyday challenges of being a dad.

• The forum will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Saugatuck Sweets, 28 Reef Road, on November 7.

Schedule Your Flu Shot: November 10 and 16

The Plastic Problem: Nov 10

• Our dependence on plastic products has led to widespread environmental pollution, with plastic found at the most pristine corners of the planet and even inside of our bodies.

• Environmental health scientists and Fairfield residents Drs. Sarah Evans and Sofia Curdumi Pendley will share the latest science about how plastics and the chemicals they contain—including hormone disruptors and other harmful substances found in food packaging, drinking water, and household products—can affect our health. They'll share simple, actionable steps that individuals and communities can take to reduce harmful plastic exposures and advocate for safer alternatives.

• This program is presented in partnership with Sustainable Fairfield.

• Register here.

Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11, 11:00 a.m.

• The public is invited to attend the Annual Fairfield Veterans Day Ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Posts 143 and 74, on Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony takes place near the Veterans Wall of Honor on the Town Green, 611 Old Post Road.

•  The dress code for Veterans attending the ceremony is blue and gray. Post Commanders should bring unit colors and stand.   

• Following the November 11^th ceremony, the Eunice Dennis Burr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will provide a light lunch for Veterans and their families inside the Old Fairfield Academy which is located at 635 Old Post Road near the Old Town Hall. 

• In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Old Academy.

A Salute to Veterans Concert, November 11, 7:00 p.m.

Coffee with Christine Vitale, Saturday, November 14

Screenagers: Generation AI, Tuesday, November 17

• Join us for a viewing of "Screenagers: Generation AI," on Tuesday November 17, followed by a panel discussion, Q&A, and reception. 

• "Screenagers: Generation AI" is a timely look at how artificial intelligence is rapidly impacting the lives of young people and what can be done to mitigate risks and promote healthy development. The film explores AI's growing influence on kids' and teens' social lives, academics, and mental health.

• Panelists include Lt. Michael Stahl of Fairfield Police Department, FPS Superintendent Michael Testani and Dr. Benjamin Bernstein, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Redwood Psychology Group.

• Doors open at 5:30; film begins promptly at 6.

• Register here.

Winter Whimsey, Saturday, November 28, 4:15 - 7:00 p.m.

• Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 4:45 p.m.



• Tree and Menorah Lighting at 5:00 p.m.

EYES ON FAIRFIELD

Hoyden's Hill Open Space Area

by Cristina Kellner

@hikingwithlittlesne

• The 58-acre Hoyden's Hill Open Space Area is centered on the plateau of Hoyden's Hill, the highest point in Fairfield. The open space area is on the northerly side of Hoydens Lane, opposite the Town’s H. Smith Richardson Golf Course. 

• The main open space entrance from Hoy­dens Lane is shared with the Town’s golf driving range. If the range is open, you can drive into the open space area and park along the driveway. Take care not to be locked in as the bar gate is shut when the range is closed. If the gate is closed you’ll have to park with care along Hoy­den’s Lane. Pedestrian access to the open space area is provided at Beers Road and the Rolling Hills Drive cul-de-sac.

• Much of the land that’s now part of the open space area was used for agricultural purposes, dating back to at least the 18th century.

• Stonewalls indicating historical property divisions and past agricultural uses crisscross the area and are notable landscape features. Several of these walls mark the boundaries of 17th century “Long Lots,” although the actual walls were likely not constructed until the 1800’s.

• Read more about Hoyden's Hill Open Space Area here.

Eyes on Fairfield is a place where community members can share memorable moments and highlight the beauty of our Town. Please send us your photos at firstselectperson@fairfieldct.org, capturing Fairfield landscapes, events, and places with special memories.

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