CONNECTING FAIRFIELD

News You Need from First Selectperson

Christine Vitale

Fairfield Welcomes Paul Venuto: "Paulie's Push"

This year "Paulie's Push" became "Everyone's Push" as retired flight attendant Paul Venuto walks from Boston to New York pushing four beverage carts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with help from first responders along the way. From left to right, back row: Detective Justin Young, Officer Tony Renaldi, Officer John Maisonet, Officer Mark Letsch, Chief of Police Michael Paris; front row: Paul Venuto, First Selectperson Christine Vitale

September 10, 2026

Dear Fairfielders,

Tomorrow marks the 25^th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. For many of us, it is hard to believe twenty-five years have passed. The memories and pain of the day are still so vivid.

Many of our residents are too young to remember or were not even born. For them, 9/11 is an event that is recounted in the history books, the subject of documentaries, or a memory shared by parents and grandparents.

For my generation, 9/11 is the defining moment when the world was forever changed. Past generations remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. We will never forget September 11, 2001.

We remember where we were and what we were doing when we first heard the news that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Life was forever changed that day.

We remember the shock and disbelief. The Twin Towers crumbling. Hijacked planes heading towards Washington DC. The Pentagon being hit. We asked, “What was next? How could this be happening?” We remember the fear and sadness.

We also will never forget the heroes: the firefighters and police officers who rushed into burning buildings determined to bring others to safety; the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers, sacrificing their lives in order to prevent another attack on Washington DC; the first responders who headed to New York City to help despite the danger, hoping to save the lives of others. Some of those brave first responders are still serving in Fairfield today; we thank them for their heroism and service.

Above all else, we remember the 2,977 innocent souls who lost their lives that day. We are thinking of their families and keeping them in our prayers.

In the months following the 9/11 attacks, we felt so connected to each other. There was a selfless desire to help others. We came together as a nation in grief but also in resolve. Resolved to preserve our nation, resolved to comfort the grieving, resolved to come through tragedy together…stronger. We remember the kindness and strength of community.

We hope you will join us tomorrow at 8:30 for the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the Fairfield Fire Department on Reef Road. Our community comes together to celebrate, but we also stand together during our darkest times.

Music provides comfort, joy and brings people together. The Stratfield Village Association’s 5^th Annual Lincoln Parkapalooza will be held on Saturday from 2-10pm at Lincoln Park and the Rotary Club will host the 6^th Annual Jetty Jam and Paddle and Music Festival at Jennings Beach on Saturday from 10am-4pm; Operation Hope will be the beneficiary of the event.

As always, reach out to the First Selectperson’s Office with any questions, ideas and 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

Major Reductions to Weekend Metro-North Service Planned for Select Weekends through Nov 1

• Beginning September 12 and 13, Metro-North and Amtrak trains will run on modified schedules with reduced service between New Haven and New York along the New Haven Line during five weekend service reductions over eight weeks, scheduled through November 1.

• Passengers should plan for significant weekend service adjustments as construction takes place at the WALK Bridge Project in Norwalk. Train customers are encouraged to seek alternate forms of transportation on those weekends.

• During these weekends, train service between New Haven and Stamford will be significantly limited. Metro-North trains may be crowded because of the reduction in service. To view the latest train schedule and service info, visit //MTA.info/alerts or use the MTA TrainTime app.

• Amtrak service between New York and New Haven will also be extremely limited. To view the latest ticket availability, visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app.

Master Flood Resilience Plan: Public Meeting Sept 17

• There will be a public meeting on September 17th at 6:30 PM at the Fire Training Center to review the inland and coastal flood mitigation approaches as part of the Town Master Flood Resilience plan. 

WPCA Approves 2027 Sewer Use Rates

• The Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) approved the 2027 sewer use rates at its September 2, 2026, rate hearing.

• These updated rates ensure continued investment in Fairfield’s wastewater infrastructure and regulatory compliance. The community can view the FY2027 rate fact sheet here: FY27 Sewer Use Rate Fact Sheet.

Safe Streets for All: Information on the Town's Safety Action Plan

• If you missed the Safe Streets for All Public Workshop on August 26, you can watch a presentation of the consulting group's work here.

• A federal Safe Streets for All grant is funding the work of Karp Strategies, along with several partner organizations, with the goal of incorporating crash data and community feedback to create a Safety Action Plan to help guide Fairfield's street development plans over the next several years.

• The Safety Action Plan will be complete in the next few months, but this presentation offers the background and parameters for its development.

• There are five locations identified to be redesigned based on the Safety Action Plan, pending further review and funding. Those five locations are: Fairfield Woods at Stillson/Woodridge; Fairfield Woods at Burroughs + Corridor; Melville Avenue between Cornell and Knapps; Stillson Road (CT 135) at Pansy/Mayfair; and Stillson Road at Black Rock Turnpike

E-Bikes and E-Scooters: First Responder Panel October 1

• E-bikes and E-scooters are a popular way for adults and young people to get around Fairfield, but knowing how to ride safely is essential for everyone sharing the road.

• Join us on October 1 for an informative panel featuring Fairfield police and fire department first responders, as well as emergency room physicians and hospital staffers. They’ll share practical safety information for riders of all ages, including children, teens and adults.

• The program will include a Q and A session, giving residents an opportunity to ask questions directly of our safety and medical experts, including local pediatric professionals.

• Following the panel, attendees can visit informational tables for more personal, one-on-one conversations and information.

Health Department Scheduling Flu Vaccines

• The health department is now accepting appointments for flu vaccines on various dates from 10am - 2pm with extended hours on 9/23. Individuals can make an appointment here: or call us at 203-256-3150.

• In addition to the open appointment hours, we will have clinics on the following days:

• Thursday 10/1 from 10am - 2pm at the Senior Center in the cafe (Senior focused but anyone can come)

• Tuesday 10/20 and Wednesday 10/21 from 12pm - 7pm at the Senior Center (gym)

• Tuesday 11/10 from 3pm - 7pm at the Senior Center (gym)

• Wednesday 11/16 from 3pm - 6pm at the Senior Center (Cafe)

• We offer both high dose and regular flu as well as limited doses of flu mist for kids. 

• Book appointments here.

Library Announces Expanded Fall Hours

• The Fairfield Public Library will expand its Saturday hours beginning September 12, and will reopen on Sundays on September 13.

• Saturday hours for both the Main Library at 1080 Old Post Road and Fairfield Woods Branch Library at 1147 Fairfield Woods Road will begin at 10 a.m. on September 12, two hours earlier than the summer opening time of noon.

• Sunday hours for both libraries will return to their fall and winter schedule beginning September 13, and will be open 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• For all the information you need about Fairfield Public Library, visit the website at fairfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Conservation Department: Information about Coyotes

Recycling Tips: No Black Plastics Accepted

• Plastic recycling can produce emissions, and some black plastic products contain additives that require careful handling. They end up being discarded rather than recycled.

• When possible, choose products packaged in clear or white containers, or opt for reusable alternatives.

• Learn more about recycling in Fairfield here.

Fairfield University Dedicates Holocaust Sculpture

• Fairfield University dedicated a powerful Holocaust memorial sculpture, She Wouldn't Take Off Her Boots, on September 10.

• Sited between the Charles F. Dolan School of Business and Bellarmine Pond on Fairfield University's campus, the University is now the nation's second site for esteemed artist Victoria Milstein's powerful Holocaust memorial sculpture.

• The bronze sculpture supports the University's efforts to create spaces for interreligious dialogue and particularly spaces for difficult dialogue to be experienced through a lens of compassion and empathy.

• A Nazi photographer captured these women's final moments, which formed the basis for the memorial.

• Sculptor Victoria Milstein said, "The monument will be a sacred space for reflection and meditation and enable all visitors to gather together in unity against oppression and persecution."

Penelope is Looking for a Home!

• Meet Penelope, a sweet and gentle female Pit Bull who was found as a stray and may have been abandoned. Despite what she may have been through, Penelope is incredibly friendly and has quickly shown us one of her favorite things: tennis balls!

• Penelope is significantly hearing impaired, but that doesn't stop her from enjoying attention, playtime, and plenty of love.

• Once Penelope is healthy, spayed, and ready to go, she'll be looking for a family to call her own. In the meantime, we wanted to introduce her and let everyone know that this sweet girl will be coming up for adoption soon!

• For more information about Penelope, contact Fairfield Animal Control at 203-254-4857.

New Quick Build Project: Kings Drive and Kings Lane

• The Town of Fairfield Department of Public Works will soon be installing a new quick-build demonstration project developed by our Engineering staff at the intersection of Kings Drive and Kings Lane as part of our ongoing Complete Streets efforts. Quick-build projects use temporary, flexible materials to test roadway safety improvements in real-world conditions and allow the Town to evaluate their effectiveness before considering permanent infrastructure investments.

• At Kings Drive and Kings Lane, delineator posts will be installed to temporarily narrow the roadway and intersection. The treatment is intended to encourage lower vehicle speeds, better define the intersection, and help address the high number of stop sign violations currently observed at this location. Installation is anticipated within the next several weeks.

• The Town will monitor the demonstration project and use field observations and community feedback to help inform future improvements. A permanent curb extension is one option being considered for the intersection, while additional improvements may also be evaluated as part of the Town's Safe Streets for All initiative anticipated for 2027.

• Quick-build projects like this allow Fairfield to test and refine safety improvements before making permanent investments, supporting our continued commitment to creating safer and more comfortable streets for all roadway users.

Ukrainian Delegation Visits Fairfield

• A delegation of Ukrainian officials from Donetsk Oblast visited Fairfield today as part of the Town's ongoing sister-city relationship with Kostiantynivka, under the leadership of Ukraine Aid International Inc.

• 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.

• For more than four years, these leaders have been responsible for governing communities under relentless missile attacks, civilian evacuations, damaged and destroyed infrastructure, and ongoing humanitarian challenges. Every day, they make critical decisions to protect civilians, maintain essential public services, and support communities living just miles from active combat.

• As winter weather comes closer, there are many communities without heat in temperatures as cold as -20 to -30 degrees. Donations for generators are critically important to help keep people warm, as electrical infrastructure is frequently targeted.

• 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.

• 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.

• Thank you to the Fairfield Museum and History Center for hosting the event.

Paulie's Push Became "Everyone's Push" This Year

• Retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul Veneto pushed an airline beverage cart more than 750 miles along routes symbolizing the flight paths of the four aircraft hijacked on September 11, 2001 - pushed in honor of the flight crews - the ‘first, first responders’ that day.

• In 2021 he pushed from Boston-Logan to Ground Zero in Manhattan for United Flight 175.

• In 2022 he pushed from Washington-Dulles to the Pentagon for American Flight 77.

• In 2023 he pushed from Newark-Liberty to the National Flight 93 Memorial in Stoystown/Shanksville.

• In 2024 he pushed from the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Contemplative Garden to Ground Zero for American 11.

• When the cart reaches Ground Zero by September 11, 2026 it will have been pushed over 1,000 miles. Those final miles will see it pushed by members of many of the very communities that he’ll pass through, as well as members of the September 11 community who join him along the route. This last Push is Everyone’s Push.

Photo on left: Officer Eamon Monks, Detective Justin Young,

Officer John Maisonet, Sergeant Mike Komm, Paul Venuto, Officer Tony Renaldi,

First Selectperson Christine Vitale, Police Chief Michael Paris; in front: Sergeant Jenna Wellington

Photo on right: Paul Venuto and First Selectperson Christine Vitale

Photo on left: Deputy Fire Chief Roger Caisse, Paul Venuto,

Deputy Fire Chief Patrick Barry, First Selectperson Christine Vitale

Photo on right: Paul Venuto shows photos of the flight attendants who died on 9/11

Fairfield Community Services Celebrates New Mural

• The mural was created by David Condon of *andHOW! graphics to resemble a vintage postcard.

• The mural can be viewed at the Fitness Center at 75 Mill Plain Road. It makes a perfect backdrop for group photos for special occasions. Come by and strike a pose!

• In the photo from left to right, Michael Pisseri, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator; David Condon, andHOW! Graphics; Lindsay Sullivan, andHOW! Graphics; Anthony Calabrese, Chief of Community Services; Christine Vitale, First Selectperson; Terre Shelley, Customer Support; Emily Larkin, Youth Services Social Worker; Kristin Brillant, Recreation Program Assistant; Linda Hilliker, Financial Account Specialist; Jon McNelis, Recreation Coordinator; James Lucchesi, Recreation Coordinator; David Fale, Fairfield Resident

Revolutionary War Reenactment

• The Revolutionary War Encampment and Reenactment on the Museum Commons over Labor Day Weekend recreated an authentic military encampment.

• Costumed reenactors demonstrated a live Revolutionary War battle, sponsored by the Fairfield Museum and History Center in partnership with the Town of Fairfield, Fairfield Community Services and Shop Fairfield.

Stratfield Village Association Holds Fifth Annual Lincoln Parkapaloosa

• Stratfield Village Association Co-President Mike Susol stopped by to visit the First Selectperson's office with Lincoln Parkapaloosa and Stratfield Village Association t-shirts.

• The fifth annual Lincoln Parkapaloosa will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 455 Jackman Avenue.

• Find all the information you need and purchase tickets here.

DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS

(Listed in chronological order)

Fairfield Farmer's Market Sundays through Oct 11

• Every Sunday through October 11, 2026

• 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Sherman Town Green, 1451 Post Rd

9/11 Memorial Ceremony, 25th Anniversary, 8:30 a.m.

Nature Walks, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9

Jetty Jam, Saturday, Sept 12 at Jennings Beach

• All proceeds from this year’s event will go toward Operation Hope’s kitchen renovation.

Fifth Annual Lincoln Parkapalooza, September 12

• Buy your tickets here.

Stratfield Neighborhood Walking Tour, September 12

• With roots as farmland, Stratfield has seen many changes over Fairfield’s history. The neighborhood of Stratfield boomed in the 1800s due to the industrial might of Bridgeport, transforming into a vibrant suburb of the growing city.

• Join a special walking tour on Saturday, September 12 to explore local sites, trace the area’s development, and discover the different communities that called Stratfield home. 

• Walking Tour Details: Saturday, September 12 at 10:30 am (Rain Date: September 13 at 1:30 pm); $15 for Members; $20 for Non-Members. Registration required. Program will meet at Lincoln Park, 455 Jackman Ave. in Fairfield

• Register here

Local Author Expo, September 19, 1 - 3 p.m.

• Meet some of Fairfield’s local authors at the Fairfield Public Library on Sept 19! You will have the opportunity to ask the authors questions. And if you love a book, you can purchase it and get it signed!

• We also invite you to grab a seat for author sessions in the Memorial Room.

• There are sixteen authors of adult books, six children's book authors, and one teen author.

• 1:00 PM-Carol M. Barrios
• 1:10 PM-Ron Lanzo SR
• 1:20 PM-Vincent Legg, Laurie Newkirk, Tom Young
• 1:40 PM-Amir Nasir, MD
• 1:50 PM-Susan Price
• 2:00 PM -Tom Quinn
• 2:10 PM-Jenifer Schindler-Ruwisch
• 2:20 PM-Arno B. Zimmer

Fairfield Police Cadet Car Show, September 19

• The Fairfield Police Cadets will hold their Annual Car Show on September 19 at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. For the first time, registration is free for all classic cars participating in the show.

• The event serves as a fundraiser for the Fairfield Police Cadets, a nonprofit youth organization that provides members with opportunities to learn about law enforcement, develop leadership skills, and volunteer throughout the Fairfield community. The program is self-funded through fundraising efforts, donations, and community support, allowing it to operate without funding from the Town of Fairfield or Fairfield Police Department.

• Anyone interested in sponsoring the event or donating a raffle prize can contact Sergeant Jenna Wellington at jwellington@fairfieldct.gov for more information.

Halloween Costume Swap: Drop Off Begins September 21

• Pequot Library and FPS Green Teams are partnering on a town-wide Halloween costume swap.

• From September 21 to October 15, we'll collect gently used costumes here at the library and at most Fairfield Public Schools.

• On October 17, we're inviting the entire community to come "shop" for a (free!) new-to-them costume. 

Pink Pledge Hope on the Green, September 25

Middle School Meet-ups Begin September 26

• The Town of Fairfield is excited to announce Middle School Meet-ups, a new series of free, phone-limited events for 6th–8th graders to connect, make friends, and have fun.

• Inspired directly by student feedback, this series runs from September through April, with local organizations hosting nine different events across town. The series kicks off on Saturday, September 26, 6:30-8:30pm with Game Night & Karaoke at Fairfield Public Library.

• Registration is required, food will be provided and there will be Here for You giveaways at this kick-off event! You can find out more information about this series here. We hope to see your student there!

Onion Fest, October 3

The Fairfield Father’s Forum, Oct 10, 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 October 10 and November 7.

Connecticut Community Campaign, First Church, Oct 17

EYES ON FAIRFIELD

Eyes on Fairfield: First Church

Photo by Ksenia Rubin

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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