Fairfield Democrats Honor Members At Century Club Brunch

The following announcement is from the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Democratic Town Committee (DTC) honored two of its own for their outstanding contributions to the Party and the community during the group's annual Century Club Brunch held at the Patterson Club recently. Elizabeth “Liz” Zezima was presented with the Eunice Postol Award, given annually to a Democrat in recognition of longtime community service; and Matthew McKinnis was given the Denise Dougiello Young Turk Award, presented each year to a newer member who has contributed "in an exceptional way" toward the DTC's goals and objectives.

A host of esteemed special guest speakers included: Senator Richard Blumenthal, Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Congressman Jim Himes, Attorney General William Tong, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, State Representatives Cristin McCarthy Vahey and Sarah Keitt, RTM member and First Selectman candidate Bill Gerber, and Board of Education member and Selectman candidate Christine Vitale. DTC Chairman, Steven Sheinberg, served as emcee for the sold-out event, which was attended by numerous local leaders, elected officials, DTC members, and members of the community.

The Eunice Postal Award: Elizabeth “Liz” Zezima

The Eunice Postal Award is given annually to a Democrat who has exemplified Eunice Postol’s undying dedication to community service.

Elizabeth “Liz” Zezima has an extensive history of service to community, beginning with her role as a rape crisis hotline counselor in college, then as an AIDS hospice volunteer during the AIDS Pandemic, a mentor in the Norwalk public school system in the mid-2000’s, and a volunteer member of her Condo Association board from 2008 to 2016. Liz has served on the boards of several non-profits, including those for: Fairfield Counseling Services, LifeBridge Community Services, and City Lights. Liz is a founding member of Women and Philanthropy, a UConn Foundation program that has raised over $7 million to fund scholarships, and currently serves on their Women’s Leadership Council. Through Planned Giving, Liz has established a scholarship fund for students enrolled in UConn’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Liz has been extensively involved in local politics and government in a variety of roles, including serving on Fairfield Democrats’ Executive Board, on Fairfield’s Board of Finance, and on the RTM (Fairfield’s legislative body). She is currently RTM Majority Leader, Chair of the Special Legislative & Management Committee, and a member of the RTM Finance Committee.

The Denise Dougiello “Young Turk” Award: Matthew McKinnis

This award is given to a newer member whose contributions are helping shape the future of the Town of Fairfield.

Matthew McKinnis, a junior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, first became interested in politics following the 2018 midterm elections. In 2020 he phone banked for Democratic candidates then became a DTC intern during the 2021 municipal elections, working with RTM and Board of Finance candidates. In 2022, Matthew became Chair of the DTC Internship Committee, overseeing & coordinating a team of over 20 high school & college interns, while also assisting State Senate and State House campaigns. Matthew has provided thoughtful public comment on a variety of community matters, including Charter revision and book banning in Fairfield. He continues to serve as Internship Committee Chair in 2023 and is also the President of the Fairfield Ludlowe Young Democrats.