Again this year Boy Scout Troop 82 is selling Christmas Trees as thier annual fund raiser.

The trees are from Canada and are balsam fir. Prices are $35 for 6-7ft trees and slightly higher for 7-8ft and over 8ft. The troop will be selling Thursday and Friday nights from 6-9pm and all day Saturday and Sunday from now until Christmas Eve or until all the trees are gone.

The sale is being held between the 1st Church Congregational and the old Historical Society building on the Old Post Road (across from Town Hall) with parking in the Church's lot on Beach Rd.

This is the troop's only fundraiser and the monies are spent in Scouting activities including weekend camping, summer camp, and high adventure trips. So come on out and support one of our local troops.

Posted by: Kathleen Fulton

The Fairfield Republican Town Committee will sponsor its 5th Annual Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sherman Green.

The food collected by the RTC will be donated to Operation Hope’s Food Pantry which is in urgent need of Thanksgiving turkeys. Last year, the RTC collected more than 1,500 pounds of food. Based on the urgent level of need, our goal is to double that amount.

Other items needed for donation include non-perishable food such as canned meats and stews, canned fruit, tuna fish, peanut butter and jelly, juices, and coffee, as well as personal care items including deodorant, shampoo and conditioner and feminine care products.

Thank you in advance for any support you can give this worthy cause! This is a small act that makes a BIG difference.

posted by: Alexis Harrison

For more information about The Fairfield Republican Town Committee, visit http://www.fairfieldrtc.org/home

This year, as part of the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival’s annual festivities, a special and “wonderful” holiday tea will be served at the historic Burr Mansion. This sumptuous tea feast—themed “It’s a Wonderful Tea”—will include a variety of tea sandwiches (traditional cucumber, almond chicken and egg & watercress), scones with jam and cream, an assortment of English cookies, Victorian ginger bread and Darjeeling Tea prepared by a master tea blender. The tea and all of its accompaniments have been generously donated by Royal Tea Company.

The tea party will also feature a chance to win a sterling silver bracelet donated by Tiffany & Co., unique hostess gifts and holiday centerpieces available for purchase, plus the opportunity to visit the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival. Festive music to accompany the sipping and tasting will be provided by the Fairfield Ludlowe String Quartet and the Handbell Choir of the First Church Congregational of Fairfield, Dr. Paul Knox, director. Remember: "Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets her Darjeeling."

The event will take place on Sunday, December 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (The Christmas Tree Festival itself is open to the public beginning Friday, November 31 at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday at 4 p.m.) Tickets are $30 each and are available by invitation or at the Burr Homestead during the festival.

To reserve a table of 6, 8, or 10 in advance for your friends, your neighbors, your book group, or your family, visit www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org or request an invitation by emailing contact@fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org.

The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival is an independent, non-profit group of volunteers whose purpose is to raise funds for local community projects. 100% of the net proceeds from our annual fundraising event go to designated charitable agencies. This year all proceeds benefit Giant Steps School, a school in Southport for children with autism, developmental disabilities and related neurological impairments.

Posted by: Deb Owens

For more information about The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, visit http://www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org/masterfestivalev.html

We are excited to present a new film release this week called "I'll Believe You". It is a Sci-fi Comedy the whole family will enjoy and is rated PG. It is being released across the country this Friday and we are fortunate to have it during it's opening weekend at our Theatre.

Our President and Founder, Leo Redgate was the Executive Producer of the film and encourages all those people with children ages 9+ to come to the Theatre this weekend and enjoy the film. It will only be here for one week. There is a link to the website below where you can watch the trailer.

I'll Believe You

A late-night radio talk show host receives a mysterious phone call one evening that he and his listeners believe came from an extraterrestrial. The incident riles the eccentric townspeople into an all-out hunt to find the identity of the mystery caller.

Running Time: 1 Hr. & 22 Mins.

Starring: Starring: Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, Rules of Engagement), Chris Elliott (Letterman, Something About Mary), Fred Willard, Ed Helms (The Office), Thomas Gibson (criminal Minds) and Mo Rocca (VH-1, NBC Today Show)

Show Times:

Friday: 4:15, 7:30 & 9:30
Saturday: 1:30, 4:15, 7:30 & 9:30
Sunday: 1:30, 4:15 & 7:30
Monday-Thursday: 7:30

watch the trailer at http://www.illbelieveyou.com

For more information about The Community Theater, visit http://communitytheatrefoundation.org/

WHAT IF YOU LIVED IN COLONIAL TIMES? November 16 4:30pm AT THE PEQUOT LIBRARY. Learn about life in colonial times, led by Fairfield Museum educators and hosted by the Pequot Libaray. We'll taste some Queen Cakes and enjoy the season! FREE.

FAIRFIELD MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER OPEN HOUSE! November 30 7pm Immediately following the town's annual tree lighting ceremony, come warm up at the museum and enjoy the start of our two week HOLIDAY EXPRESS TRAIN SHOW. The show provides a unique, interactive family experience for all ages. FREE EVENT.

For more information about Fairfield Museum and History Center, visit http://www.fairfieldhs.org/

We have a busy month ahead of us at Pequot Library. There are programs for kids of all ages and grown ups alike. Some are serious, some are fun, and some have a bit of both. All revolve around books and learning. Here’s what’s on the calendar.

The Drive is On! November is membership month at the Library, and our goal is to get 50 new members to join the Pequot Library Association by the end of the month. Help us achieve this goal by asking your friends to join with you as a supporter of the Library.

Fireside Tales--for Fathers and Kids for ages 3 and up on Tuesdays: November 13, 20, 27 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Led by Dan Snydacker, Executive Director and father extraordinaire.

What If You Lived in Colonial Times? A program for kids grades 2 and up presented in partnership with the Fairfield Museum and History Center on Friday November 16 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Pequot Library’s Annual Meeting and the final presentation of the Fall Meet the Author Series on Sunday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m. Following the reports and election of members of the Board of Trustees and officers of the Library, author Max Wilk will bring the Fall season of our Meet the Author Series presentations to a close. Wilk will talk about his latest book, The Making of The Sound of Music. Following Max’s talk, we will show the movie version of the play starring Julie Andrews. A fun afternoon.

Dan Snydacker
Executive Director
Pequot Library

For more information about these or any other activities on our busy schedule visit our web site at http://www.pequotlibrary.com/

The annual raffle for the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival is underway … with more prizes than ever before! A stunning hand-pieced, appliquéd and quilted work of art, entitled “Fourteen Angels,” plus three other commemorative handcrafted items, are being raffled off this year.

Based on a verse from the Hansel & Gretel opera (by Engelbert Humperdinck, 1893), the multi-colored quilt is embroidered with gold thread and measures 50 by 58 inches. The quilt was designed and created by Cecily Zerega, a longtime Fairfield Christmas Tree Board member and volunteer, who has handmade a quilt for the event for the past 25 years.

Stitched onto the back of the quilt is this verse:

When at night I go to sleep … Fourteen angels guard my keep … Two are at my head … Two are at my feet …Two at my right side …Two at my left side … Two who cover me … Two who wake me … Two who guide me to heaven's paradise.

In addition to the Grand Prize handmade quilt, three other prizes will be awarded. Second Prize is a commemorative serving platter featuring Fourteen Angels designed and hand-painted by Shepherds students; Third Prize is a hostess basket including commemorative painted mugs, napkins, note cards and the Festival Favorites cookbook; and Fourth Prize is a commemorative Advent calendar.

Proceeds benefit Shepherds, Inc., an organization that provides disadvantaged inner city Connecticut youths with a quality education at a non-public high school and introduces a positive role model into their lives who provides one-to-one mentoring, direction and moral support over the four years, thereby enabling students to achieve academic and personal success.

Raffle tickets cost $5 and are available at the Burr Mansion throughout the Festival. To purchase tickets in advance, call Shepherds at 203-367-4273.

The drawing will take place on December 2, 2007 at 3 p.m. at the the Burr Homestead, 739 Old Post Road, Fairfield. The winner need not be present to win. Posted by: Deb Owens

For more information about The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, visit http://www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org/masterfestivalev.html

Incumbent Ken Flatto won a fifth term as Fairfield's First Selectman in a margin of 58 percent to 42 percent over Republican challenger,John Nelson, in unofficial results. Flatto viewed the election as a call to better manage the town's growth through zoning regulations and for changes at the Board of Education where Sue Brand, a Democrat, and Sue Dow, a Republican, won seats.

Democrats appeared to retained control of the Representative Town Meeting while Republicans continue their majority on the Board of Finance.

Nelson thanked the town's residents for their supportof his candidacy and congratulated Flatto for acheiving success in this election.

....click here for the official results.

Drivers needed to help local cancer patients on the Road to Recovery

Sometimes the biggest challenge in cancer treatment is simply getting there.

The American Cancer Society is currently seeking volunteers from the Fairfield County to drive cancer patients to their treatment appointments.

“If you have a car and as little as one hour a week, you can make a real difference in someone's life by becoming a volunteer driver,” said Patricia McManus, American Cancer Society cancer control associate.

A cancer patient who needs radiation therapy might require between 20 and 30 trips to the clinic within six weeks. A patient receiving chemotherapy might report for treatment weekly for up to a year.

“Treatment can make a patient feel too sick to drive. In many cases, a patient is driven to hospitals and clinics by relatives or friends, but occasionally they need to seek alternative transportation. That's where Road to Recovery, an American Cancer Society community program, helps,” McManus said.

Volunteer drivers receive simple training and an orientation from the American Cancer Society, and are asked to volunteer for at least one hour several times a month. The Society matches drivers' availability with the needs of patients who call.

“Some volunteers say driving patients is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do,” McManus said. “Sometimes a driver will have the opportunity to bring the same patient several times, get to know them, and be able to offer support. For patients who have no family in the area, volunteer drivers really make a difference.”

For more information, or to volunteer as a Road to Recovery driver, contact Patricia McManus at your American Cancer Society at 203-563-1528 or via email at patricia.mcmanus@cancer.org.

posted by: Christian Meagher
Area Director of Communications

Town officials and construction company personnel assemble at Penfield Pavillion while demolition is underway

Penfield Pavillion looked forlorn as town officials and construction company workers descended upon it to review plans for the demolition and reconstruction of the historic structure. Demolition is complete on the easterly wing of the building and construction will begin without architectural drawings, project plans or cost estimates for the entire project.

This grand, funky, beachy pavilion was built in 1901 and survived the legendary hurricane of 1938 that devastated much of the town's shoreline, as well as less powerful hurricanes in 1956 and 1985 but its easterly wing was no match for manmade demolition.

In October 2006 the Board of Selectmen voted to approve spending $865,000 to demolish and replace the pavillion's easterly wing, which included lockers, restrooms and showers. The work was to be completed in time for the 2007 summer beach season. The First Selectman Ken Flatto said he town hoped to demolish and replace the westerly wing in early 2008, and the following winter, to do the same on the pavillion's center.

No architectural drawings or project plans were completed and reviewed prior to the First Selectman assuring the Board of Finance and the RTM that this easterly portion of the project would cost the Town $865,000. And now one year later no architectural drawings or project plans are completed for the project.

The lowest bid received by the Town for demolition/ reconstruction of this portion of the Pavilion was $989,000. Other bids received were in the range between $1,300,000 and $1,490,000.

Which made the lowest bid received 14.5% higher than projected by the First Selectman. While the bids received from other companies ranged between 50% and 72% higher than the First Selectman’s estimates.

But that was not the total story. The bids did not include the expenses for the outdoor deck (est. at $97,000) lighting protection (est. at $10,500) needed skylights ($29,200) and most importantly the foundation ($118,000).

Adding those estimates to the lowest bid received left the project at a whopping 43.69% over original cost estimates. If the expenses are added to the other bids received for the project cost estimates are in excess of 80% to 102% of the First Selectman’s cost estimates.

And now one year after approval, the $1 million plus reconstruction of Penfield Pavilion's easterly wing is poised to begin and town officials are just now soliciting ideas for what should be in the middle and westerly sections due to be rebuilt next fall …

Convoluted as it may seem residents who want to offer ideas on what the middle and westerly sections should look like and include can meet with town rec officials at 4 p.m. Nov. 7 in the Eunice Postol Memorial Recreation Center, 75 Mill Plain Road.

Would you like to brighten the holidays for someone in need? Operation Hope’s annual Holiday Project “Hope for the Holidays” wants your help! Many families in the Greater Bridgeport area struggle daily to provide basic needs for their families.

The Operation Hope Holiday Project identifies more than 300 people in need of basic items each year. By “adopting” a family or individual, you can purchase items from the wish lists completed by the men, women, and children served by Operation Hope. Individuals, families, civic groups and businesses have helped us deliver thousands of gifts in the past. We also need on-site volunteers to organize the distribution.

If you are interested, please email Kristen Sarty at kristensarty@hotmail.com or Michelle Stearns at MStearns@operationhopect.org , or call 254-2935 Ext 253. .

Posted by: Lyndsey Ellis

For more information about Operation Hope , visit http://www.operationhopect.org/Go/Home.aspx

As part of the 2007 Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, volunteers have put together a cookbook that is sure to be the hostess “it” gift of the season. Festival Favorites is a collection of over 330 recipes shared by Board members and many friends of FCTF.

The collection includes recipes to prepare and serve at holiday gatherings and parties, as well as “family favorites” to be cooked at any time of the year (plus some quick and easy recipes geared towards helping with meals during the very busy holiday season). The offerings range from appetizers, beverages and soups/salads to main dishes and sumptuous desserts.

Several recipes from local chefs and caterers are included in the book as well. Readers won’t want to miss the chocolate truffle recipe from Jean Pierre Rudez of La Colline Verte, or the Crab Cakes from Festivities Caterering. There’s also the Board’s traditional Christmas Tree Festival Chicken Pasta Salad and recipes from our friends at Bigelow Tea Company.

Recipes range from very simple to more challenging, and each cook is sure to find a recipe that will become a family favorite. The collection was “donated” by the many who have worked at the FCTF during its twenty-six years and have generously shared their time and talents to make the FCTF a vital, important and successful endeavor each year. Co-chairs of the cookbook committee are Kathy Hamilton and Ann Stoddard.

Festival Favorites sells for $20 and may be purchased at the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, which takes place at the Burr Mansion, November 30, December 1st, and 2nd. Copies also may be ordered by calling 259-0187, with an additional mailing cost of $5 or to Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, P.O. Box 844, Southport, CT 06890. Proceeds will be used to support administrative necessities for the FCTF. For more information visit www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org.

Sample recipe: Fudge Pie
from the kitchen of Vicki Burch ... Makes two 9" pies

2 cups sugar ….1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder …. 4 whole eggs, slightly beaten
2 sticks (1 cup) butter or margarine, melted …. 2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 prepared pie shells

In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour and cocoa well.
Add melted butter, and then add eggs, and vanilla.

Pour into prepared pie shells.
Bake 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
Cool on a rack, and serve with whipped cream on the side.

Posted by: Deb Owens

For more information about The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival, visit http://www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org/masterfestivalev.html

What’s Up Fairfield has received numerous requests for posting "Letters to the Editor" so... we've added a new section. You will find the new link in the right hand column of the site. As you might expect, with the local elections in November, our first letters to be posted deal with endorsements of the First Selectman candidates.

If you would like to submit a letter for posting the rules are simple... be clever, witty, sarcastic or factual just don't delve into personal insults. You will need to submit your name and phone number so we can eliminate any identity shenanigans. You will find a "submit letter" icon in the new section.

Hope to hear from you !

Left to Right- Caitlyn Carlisle, Kate McManus. Sitting- Caroline Simon.

After learning that the Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport needed school supplies this fall for their 5th-8th grade members, Fairfield residents Caitlyn Carlisle, Kate McManus & Caroline Simon made it their mission to help!

Asking friends invited to their birthday party to bring school supplies rather than a present for each girl, they collected hundreds of items for the children at Burroughs. Burroughs Community Center would like to thank Caitlyn, Kate & Caroline and their generous friends for providing enough school supplies to make sure that every Burroughs member is prepared for the first few months of school.

If you are interested in how you can get involved go to www.BurroughsCC.org or call the center at 334-0293.

Posted by: Laura Magnotta

As good as it gets ... Eric Hanson enjoyed the pumpkins at the annual GHVIS Pumpkin Festival

The new Fairfield Museum and History Center will be joining
What’s Up Fairfield’s postings of events going on in our great Town!

To make things easier for you to keep up with all the wonderful Museum activities What’s Up Fairfield has included a link to their web site. You will find this link in the left column under both the heading for “Fairfield Links” and also the heading for “Museums.”

Fairfield Museum and History Center is located at 370 Beach Road just behind Old Town Hall.

For more information about Fairfield Museum and History Center, visit http://www.fairfieldhs.org/

Photographs taken by Jack Farrell

Up to 75 regional police divers participated in emergency rescue operations training on September 26th.

Training occurred at 8:00am at Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, CT. for classroom training – then transferred to South Benson Marina, Fairfield, for continued practical skills training.

Police divers practiced diver insertion and extraction with Eagle 1 police helicopter. Fire Department personnel / equipment, various Marine units and their watercraft were on site.

For more Fairfield Police Department, visit http://www.fpdct.com/

Fairfield’s Democratic legislative team announced Monday the successful passage of Senate Bill #1501 providing the initial approval for $17 million for the Rooster River flood mitigation project.

Rooster River flooding has plagued Fairfield communities during three storms over the past two years. The floods not only damaged many homes, commercial and residential properties, but have also churned up solid waste into streets, basements and Long Island Sound.

“Together residents, legislators from both parties, and town officials testified at a hearing last winter and their efforts paid off,” said Representative Drew.

“We told the legislature our story and they listened,” Representative Fawcett said.

“Though our town has done a terrific job of cleaning up after previous storms, we must address the cause of the flooding and prevent future occurrences,” Rep. Christiano pointed out.

“We are thrilled to have successfully convinced the legislature that this problem should be a spending priority,” said Fawcett, but she also noted the legislature’s work is only half of the process in actually bringing the money home.

“State Bonding is a two step process. The legislature authorizes (or prioritizes) a list of spending projects and the Governor has final authority to appropriate those funds,” Rep. Fawcett said. “While I am confident that the Governor will ultimately choose to fund our project, we still have one more hoop to jump through to finalize the project spending.”

Rep. Drew further explained, "Many members of the public may have been recently reading of the current negotiations and controversy between the legislature and the Governor regarding state wide bonding authorization. I am hopeful important investments such as this Rooster River project, Long Island Sound clean water funding, and mass transit investments do not become victims of the current negotiations. These investments are not only essential to our quality of life but also to our economic success."

The three legislators expressed how important it was to the project that they were able to work as a team and cross party lines with Sen. John McKinney to engage in negotiating details of the funding.

Posted by: Chris Licata
House Democrats
Press Secretary

The Representative Town Meeting voted 21-to-19, with one member abstaining, passing the Demolition Delay Ordinance.

The ordinance calls for a demolition wait period on a home, specifying a wait of 10 days before demolition can begin once all of the conditions needed for the permit are satisfied. It extends this delay to 60 days for structures 100 or years old or older. The ordinance requires a posting of a 4X4 sign announcing the impending ordinance, paid for by the home owner.

The ordinance passed is at least the third version written by an RTM Sub-Committee and some say it is a watered down ordinance in comparison to many others and in many attempts is a "feel good" piece of legislation to pacify special interest groups.

Since August 2001
Fairfield residents have been promised a new train station.

August 7th, 2001 …… An Announcement

State and local officials announced plans for a $250 million commercial development in Fairfield that would include a major train station. Officials said the new station would increase riders on Metro-North trains, reduce severe congestion on Interstate 95 and provide much-needed commuter parking.

The station cost was projected at $28 million with the state providing $16 million, Fairfield issuing bonds of up to $12 million and a developer providing parking. The station was to open in 2004 or 2005 near the Bridgeport city line.

May 14th, 2002 …… Another Announcement

First Selectman Kenneth Flatto and developer Kurt Wittek, a partner in Stamford-based Blackrock Realty ... (for more information about Mr. Wittek click here) ... were all smiles as they signed a four-page memorandum of understanding for the train station and a 930,000 square-foot commercial development at the former Bullards manufacturing site near Commerce Drive in Fairfield.

According to information distributed the project would provide the town with much-needed tax revenue, as well as spaces for most of the 1,500-plus people currently on a commuter parking waiting list.

Under the approved plan, the "Fairfield train depot, an entrance bridge from Kings Highway East, and nearby road improvements would be completed within 3 To 4 years of the plan's approval," Flatto said. Flatto also said that up to 30,000 square feet of retail and commercial space inside the depot could also be ready by that time, with the bulk of the 900,000 square feet of office space being phased in over the next decade or so.

According to estimates given at the time, the town would earn $700,000 in tax revenue from the site within three years of the plan's approval, Flatto said.

The Board of Selectmen approved $65,000 for work that was needed to complete the final contract, such as environmental site assessments.

The plan called for Fairfield to purchase approximately 9 acres of the site, the exact 9 acres to be selected by the developer, on which the Town would build at least 1,500 commuter parking spaces.

The town would pay $3.75 million for the land, plus an additional $6.06 million for environmental clean-up and construction of the parking area; the removal of the main Bullards factory building; and off-site road improvements. Flatto said the town would bond $6 million for its share of the project costs, with the other $4 million coming through federal grants.

According to the memorandum, Blackrock Realty would donate land to the town on which the train depot and ancillary commercial/retail space would be constructed. That area, which would be up to 30,000 square feet, would be leased back to Blackrock Realty for $1 per year for 49 years. Blackrock Realty said it expected to sublet the space to tenants that include a hotel chain, restaurants, a day-care facility, and a health club. To see Metro Center Web site plans click here

July 25th 2004 …… Another Announcement along with shovels.

It was all smiles again on Monday July 25th at a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fairfield MetroCenter . Fairfield First Selectman Kenneth Flatto joined state and local officials and dignitaries to mark the occasion. Flatto and Kurt Wittek , managing director of Blackrock Realty L.L.C, acknowledged their joint efforts on completing a suitable deal for Fairfield, Blackrock and the CT Department of Transportation

September 24th , 2007 …… The following is from the First Selectman Ken Flatto’s website

Third Train Station
The construction of the new train station is planned to start by late summer. The vital site, which is located between Black Rock Turnpike and Kings Highway, will help revitalize the surrounding area. New stores and offices will help bring new revenues to Fairfield and provide jobs. The third train station will help alleviate the long list of commuters waiting to receive a train parking pass and will help alleviate downtown traffic congestion. The current Administration had negotiated the original proposed price from $24 million to $0 with the help of federal grants. This former brown field that had sat idle for over 25 years will now be a profitable economic benefit to the Town. (To view Flatto's web site click here.)

September 25,2007 …..

To date, seven years after the first announcement, no construction has started on a new train station for Fairfield, nor have there been any new announcements.

Posted by: Alexis Harrison

A Sidewalk in downtown Fairfield

This year's committee includes event tri-chairs (left to right) Kathleen Featherston, Clea Newman Soderlund and Kate Crooks

Volunteers Prepare for 26th Annual Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival

FAIRFIELD, CT (Sept. 10, 2007) - Each year, hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers magically transform the historical Burr Homestead in Fairfield into a celebration of the Christmas season. Elegantly decorated rooms by local designers feature holiday vignettes, and all of the beautiful wreaths, trees, garlands and decorations throughout the mansion are available for purchase.

Volunteers are already busy at work preparing for the event, which begins Friday, November 30th at 10 a.m. and runs through Sunday, December 2nd. Special events are being planned, including visits with Santa Claus, a tea party and a family movie matinee at the Fairfield Community Theater. The festival will also feature its traditional holiday boutique, which offers a wide array of unique gifts and ornaments to help with holiday shopping lists. Additionally, there will be cider, a special festival cookbook and a selection of flowering plants to brighten the home or give as gifts.

Since it was founded in 1981, the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival has donated over one million dollars to local charities and touched the lives of thousands. This year, the 2007 FCTF sole beneficiary is Giant Steps School in Southport, a state approved private school for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities and related neurological impairments. Its mission is to enhance the lives of children and adults with neuro-biologically based learning and developmental disabilities by developing and maintaining outreach, educational, recreational and therapeutic programs, while staying current with clinical and medical research.

The Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival is an independent, non-profit group of volunteers whose purpose is to raise funds for local community projects. 100% of the net proceeds from our annual fundraising event go to designated charitable agencies.

Posted by: Deb Owens

For more information about the Christmas Tree festival, visit http://www.fairfieldchristmastreefestival.org/masterfestivalev.html

Temporary Storage around Fairfield is taking on a permanent appearance. What’s Up Fairfield has sent these pictures to the First Selectman and asked “What’s Up with our zoning regulations enforcement?”

Quick … name 42 things Fairfield needs. If you answered condos, you’re thinking just like our First Selectman. I read in the Connecticut Post today that a developer wants to buy the 2.4 acres of a vacant car dealership on Kings Highway and build 42 condos there. Our First Selectman says he supports more condos for Fairfield and that this project is an “absolutely spectacular” design. Plus Flatto says it will generate less traffic that a car dealership.

Now I’ve questioned the First Selectman’s math in the past and it appears little has changed. (Editor's note: See prior "math related" article) How will 42 condos and 26,400 square feet of retail space generate less traffic than a vacant car dealership? OK … suppose there was an active car dealer there. If it drew more that 42 customers a day … even on Sundays when it was closed … I’d buy that business and not have to worry about making my property tax payments.

(The above math assumes that each condo would have only one car and would only make one trip a day … say to work … but not to the hair dresser or the tattoo parlor.)

Oh yeah … and what about that retail space? How can it not produce traffic? There’s an answer to that. Simply put in stores exactly like the others in the area. That way you won’t get any more traffic … it’ll just give customers a choice. Do I want to go to the Starbucks on this side of the street or on the other side?

Apparently that’s the strategy our town officials are advocating. We’re tearing down the bowling alley to build a Bed, Bath, and Beyond that is just beyond a Linens and Things. Plus have you seen downtown with its wall-to-wall banks. Personally I was in favor of all those banks until I found out that I couldn’t get a toaster from any of them. I guess that bankers must think that anyone who can pay the taxes we pay must have mattresses full of money. Or maybe they are just going to specialize in loans.

But let’s get back to those condos. In the Post article the developer, who’s from Stamford and building 450 condos there, says he thinks “Fairfield is a wonderful town … and that it will experience the same kind of development we saw in Stamford.” What a great vision. He can give us ten times the number of condos and we’ll look just like exits 7 & 8 on I-95. No traffic problem there and just imagine the esthetics.

He also points out in the article that his proposed development is less than a mile from the 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space that’s going in with the new train station. I guess the message here is “If you think I’m going to be a problem look at what’s right down the road.”

Residents in the area of this proposed development have pointed out that the place floods. But our fearless developer responds by noting that he has significant experience in building waterfront projects. That must be how Ken came up with his traffic numbers. Residents will not use cars but rather boats.

That should be an attraction to potential buyers … semi-annual waterfront property. I’d market it to Fairfield U. students. It’s also a very quiet place, being bordered on two sides by cemeteries. Plus there’s entertainment in the area … it’s right across the street from the adult video store. And if the buyers have kids they can walk to the marbled halls of the School Administration building right down the street to register for school. And then it’s off to McKinley Elementary School where I’m sure they will be overjoyed with the prospect of more students … not to mention our Board of Education.

So thanks again Ken for your vision of Fairfield … let’s look just like Stamford but with more banks, more condos and more cost.

Signed

A Retired payer of Taxes

P. S. Did that 1$ garbage plan ever happen? (Editor's note: see prior 1$ garbage article

First Selectman, Ken Flatto hosted a recent demonstration of the controversial new voting machines given by Secretary of State, Susan Bysiewicz. To get the First Selectman’s view on these machines What’s Up Fairfield asked whether he supported their use. The following is his response as received from the First Selectman.

Hi, fyi, I introduced Susan but did not really speak about the machines in any way. I basically complimented her activism and role as Sec of State. Over the past couple of years, I have been critical of the federal decision to force new machines on states and towns & have expressed my reservations to Susan and the Registrars for differing reasons:
1. I feel the lever machines are fairly trustworthy and are working well.
2. I do not feel all the money being spent on this by feds is worth it.
Because of this, I asked our registrars, earlier this year, to consider having both kinds of machines at the polls this November so that any voter who may be worried about the new machines could still use the old ones. There will be one lever machine at each polling spot I believe, if that is still the Registrars latest plan? On the other hand, I was impressed by the ability of these new machines to be used easily and also feel the fact that all ballots will be held inside the machines should give a fail safe method of comparing to the number of voters who voted and to the summaries of the electronic counters if there is any dispute.
hope this info helps.
Ken

Editor's note: The security experts that have evaluated these machines point out that since the machines contain programming to tabulate the votes, this programming could in fact change the results of an election while still maintaining an accurate number of votes cast. So it would appear that the First Selectman's "fail safe" is not the answer.

Three story condominiums on Sherman Street cast a shadow on each other and on neighboring properties.

These towering simulated brick and vinyl sided structures hug the curbside. Spacing between the two buildings allows for only the most careful backing out of the parking garages.

With most of the property either covered by the structures or paved with asphalt these condominiums certainly support changing the town's name .... “Fenced-Condo” not “Fair-Field” .

A newly approved site for condominiums in Southport already has its Fence…. all that is needed is for the tree cutting to begin … then the construction, paving and permanent fencing can get under way.

Another vote for the name-change?

To see previous story on condos in Southport click here.
To see previous story on condos at Kings Highway click here.

“Fair-Field” or “Fenced-Condo” which name will prevail ? This is a question on the minds of many Fairfield residents as yet more condominium complexes appear to be headed to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission.

One of the more recently built complexes, Stone Ridge, definitely supports the name change of “Fenced-Condo”. Located off Commerce Drive, opposite the entrance to the proposed train station, Stone Ridge is a walled, fenced, gated complex more often found in densely packed urban areas. The 70 condo units tower over the electronically controlled main gate entrance.

When the TPZ Commission approved Stone Ridge's plan to build a 70-unit complex on Kings Highway in 2003 it was with the condition that at least 25 percent of the condos be set aside for those age 55 and older. Because of the 25 percent restriction, the TPZ Commission allowed Stone Ridge to build 25 percent more units on the site than would normally have been allowed. So what happened?

After construction was completed Attorney Charles Willinger, representing Stone Ridge owners Robert Skolnick and David Small, said that federal law allows developers to restrict portions of their developments to older people only if the complex is predominantly - meaning at least 80 percent - for older residents. When the TPZ Commission approved Stone Ridge's plan to build a 70-unit complex on Kings Highway in 2003 with the condition that at least 25 percent of the condos be set aside for those age 55 and older, it thus violated federal law, Willinger said - even though Stone Ridge itself, had proposed the 25 percent stipulation.

So Stone Ridge build 25% more units …behind walls and fences … without any restrictions. And Fairfield’s Town Planning and Zoning and Fairfield’s Town Attorney went …OOPS.

To see additional pictures of Fairfield's Condos click here

To read previous stories on condos in Fairfield click here.

“Southport” and zip code 06890 conjure up images of Long Island Sound and stately old homes. However that image is quickly being replaced with set backs and density more typical of downtown Stamford not Southport.

Southport Green, a development of 190,000 square feet that includes 28 condos and an Inn, is nearly finished. Located at the corner of Old Post Road and Renell Drive the set backs are minimal and the density of the project is staggering when compared to homes nearby. The “Wine Knot” restaurant sits just across a narrow road. Click here to see additional photos of Southport Green.

The developer of Southport Green recently won approval to build 16 condos nearby on Westway Road.

Pequot Landing, built about two years ago, has 27 condos. Located at the corner of Center Street and the Post Road it too has minimal setbacks from the road. The intersection has two other offset roads within feet of the corner, which along with site lines reduced by high fencing has created a complex and dangerous intersection.

No significant infrastructure improvements to roads, line of sight or traffic patterns have been implemented to accommodate the additional congestion created by these projects.

There is speculation that Walgreens has plans to open a major store at the corner of Center Street and the Post Road. (Click here to see efforts by Walgreens to open a store in the Stratfield area) In addition another developer has signaled intentions to build nine new condos on 1 acre just around the corner from Southport Green.

Southport or Stamford …. It may get hard to know the difference.