A Story of Community
What does community mean? It seems each moment and experience in our lives redefines the answer to this question, forming a more unique and complex one than the last. Every individual is given the extraordinary opportunity to not only characterize the significance of community but exemplify it. Dylan O’Connor is a quintessential embodiment of our community. His roots run deep in Fairfield being born and raised here, and now doing the same with his three children. O’Connor’s involvement with his beloved town blossomed with his participation on the Board of the Harbor Light Foundation, a non-profit devoted to a myriad of educational and positive programs for children of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
Through the beautiful process of being President of this Foundation, Dylan realized a passion for helping others and contributing back to the people and town he so fondly cherishes. When asked about the importance of community participation and outreach, O’Connor answered simply,
“It shows you care. I teach my kids to be kind, compassionate, empathetic, and loving and you can’t have that without community.”
Photo Creds: Stratfield Village Association Facebook
Apart from being President of the Board for the Harbor Light Foundation, Dylan’s involvement is as widespread as extensive. From being on the Board for the Fairfield Little League Girls Softball and the Fairfield Parks &
Recreation Commission to coaching baseball and starting Fairfield Music Fest, he is very active in the community to say the very least! O’Connor is also Co-President of the Fairfield Athletic Foundation, a coalition focused on improving the athletic field infrastructure in town, and of the Stratfield Village Association, a group that aims for neighborhood safety, investment, and sustainability.
Most of Dylan’s work with the SVA has been spent working on the Four Corners Safety and Beautification Project, a considerable initiative of a few years concentrated on safely enhancing the intersection of Stratfield Road and Fairfield Woods Road. This junction, “the commercial heart of our community” as O’Connor calls it, is in desperate need of renovation. Some of the changes include shrinking down the intersections for a more biker and pedestrian friendly experience,
redoing the sidewalks and crosswalks, focusing on ADA compliance, and gracing the area with beautiful landscaping.
This mammoth task will be a gift to our community by restoring one of the most vibrant hubs of our town, however, also requires our participation to flourish. One way to pitch in is to buy a commemorative brick that not only aids the construction efforts starting in the fall but also celebrates your family or business in the lovely Village.
Another way to contribute is by joining the SVA at Lincoln Parkapalooza, a music fundraiser this coming September 11th. Inspired by the Association's previous Party in the Park events, Lincoln Parkapalooza will be a spirited day with performances from ten different bands including The Tom Petty Project providing an unforgettable experience that brings the Fairfield community together. The event, a blend of Porchfest and a concert in Lincoln Park, will celebrate local musicians while also raising money to reach the $20,000 goal to improve the lively neighborhood. However, in order to continue building our future as a community, we must also remember our past. The event will commence at the Stratfield Fire Station with a tribute to our fellow human beings who tragically lost their lives two decades before on 9/11.
The recognition of this day will continue throughout the event with several moments of silence and beyond with a portion of proceeds donated to a 9/11 fund. As Dylan alluded to in our interview, his meaning of community is represented excellently in Nothing More by The Alternate Routes, a rock band whose guitarist is coincidentally from the town we all call home:
“To be humble, to be kind
It is a giving of the peace in your mind
To a stranger, to a friend
To give in such a way that has no end
We are love, we are one
We are how we treat each other when the day is done
We are peace, we are war
We are how we treat each other and nothing more"
The concept of community not only suggests but also succeeds with the participation of each individual. When we unite, our projects and aspirations don’t seem as daunting as they once were. Together, we can accomplish even the most colossal of tasks and grow not only as individuals, but as a community at large. So come join the SVA in their efforts, whether it be through a commemorative brick or for a music-filled September Saturday!
Interested in volunteering with the SVA? Reach out via Facebook or email stratfieldvillage@gmail.com