Selectmen Honor One Of Their Own, An Employee, And A Volunteer

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- With Wednesday’s meeting her last as a Fairfield selectman, Cristin McCarthy Vahey was feted by her colleagues as she prepares to move up to Hartford next month in her new position as a state representative.

Cristin McCarthy Vahey is honored at her last meeting as a Fairfield selectman. McCarthy Vahey will be starting as a state representative next year.
Photo Credit: *Salvatore Trifilio*

Craig Kimball wins the honor of Fairfield Employee of the Year at the Wednesday, Dec. 17, Board of Selectman meeting.
Photo Credit: *Salvatore Trifilio*

Peter Penczer is named Fairfielder of the Year by the town's Board of Selectmen.
Photo Credit: *Salvatore Trifilio*

by Salvatore Trifilio

12/18/2014 2:30 p.m.

First Selectman Michael Tetreau took a moment to recognize Vahey for her service to the town. Both Tetreau and Selectman Kevin Kiley thanked the state representative-elect and presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

“Fairfield is a much better play today because of you,” said Tetreau. In the spirit of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, which McCarthy Vahey started, a bronze plaque will be placed on the bike rack next to the Chefs Table on Post Road, “one of [McCarthy Vahey’s] favorites.”

In the celebratory spirit of the meeting, the Board of Selectmen also announced the winners of the 2014 Fairfielder Of The Year and Employee Of The Year. The board members explained that the awards go to those who show great effort, quality of work and go behind what’s expect for the town or in its service.

Craig Kimball, an I.T. worker for the town of Fairfield, was awarded the employee of the year. Members of the community took turns at the podium telling stories of the work put in after hours by Kimball that helps to keep town employees working for the residents.

“You’ve always been so supportive,” McCarthy Vahey said of Kimball's work.

As for the Fairfielder of the Year, the honor went to Peter Penczer.

Penczer, 78, is a local real estate developer and lawyer who has been volunteering with Operation Hope -- an organization that helps to feed the area's homeless.

Volunteer work aside, Penczer is best known for his work in helping to keep the construction of the town's second railroad station -- Fairfield Metro -- on track.

“Peter has been a pillar of the community for many years. Peter’s involvement in charitable and community activities is second to none," one nominator said.

Penczer is currently the chair of the Fairfield Economic Development Commission and also works with nonprofits such as the Fairfield Rotary Club and Rotary International, the Fairfield Museum and History Center and the Fairfield Theatre Company.

"Above all, he is a gentleman,” another nominator said.

Fairfield's Board of Selectman noted that all nominations are made by the town's residents.

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