MONROE, CT — Dan Hamilton won the Monroe CT 250 Logo Contest after the Monroe CT 250 Commission reviewed 29 submissions at a recent meeting. The winning submission will be featured prominently in the commission’s celebrations, including, but not limited to, display on websites, social media sites, posters, and other materials.
“Exciting stuff,” Hamilton exclaimed upon learning he won the contest. “I’ve never entered a design contest before and did this on a whim, so it worked out better than expected.”
The commission thanks all participants who submitted logos for sharing creativity and effort.
As the town celebrates Monroe’s 250th anniversary of independence, officials’ mission is to honor the town’s rich history, embrace its diverse community, and inspire future generations.
“We strive to commemorate this milestone with events and activities that reflect our past, celebrate our present, and build a brighter future together,” the commission wrote in a press release. “Through collaboration, education, and civic engagement, we aim to foster a sense of pride and unity, ensuring that Monroe continues to thrive for the next 250 years and beyond.”
For information, visit www.CT250.org.
Visit MetroCOG at Monroe Farmers’ Market
As part of the 2025 update of the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (RPOCD), the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) will visit farmers’ markets in the region throughout the summer.
To learn more about the plan, visit its booth at the Monroe Farmers’ Market on the town green this Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. or before the concert at Wolfe Park Friday night, from 6 to 7:15 p.m.
Pirates in New England
Luca Rebussini, a middle school social studies teacher from Cranston, R.I., will present “Discovering the Pirates in New England,” a history of pirates and pirate hunters of New England during the Golden Age of Piracy, in the Ehlers Meeting Room of Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Turnpike, on Monday, Aug. 4, from 5:45 to 7 p.m.
Topics will include why people became pirates, how the ships were run, the weapons and tactics used, politics of the pirates, the government and the colonies, as well as how piracy ended.
To register for the program, visit ewml.org and click on Programs.
‘The Lightning Thief’
TRUMBULL, CT — The Trumbull Youth Association (TYA) will perform the Broadway sensation, “The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical” in the Trumbull High School auditorium, 72 Strobel Road. Evening shows will run from July 31 to Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m., along with a matinee performance on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.
In this dynamic musical adaptation of the first book in Rick Riordan’s bestselling YA series, teenager Percy Jackson (played by Shelton’s Antonio Mantero) discovers he is the half-blood son of a Greek god.
With newly-discovered powers he cannot control, a destiny he does not want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail, Percy and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
Tickets are available online at trumbullyouth.org or the box office.
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary wins Gold Stevie awards
The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary has been awarded two distinguished Gold Stevie® Awards in the 2025 American Business Awards® — recognized as Non-Profit Organization of the Year and honoring President Jennifer Hubbard as Thought Leader of the Year.
Notably, the sanctuary stands as the only Connecticut-based nonprofit to receive a Gold Stevie® this year. The Stevie Awards are among the world’s premier business honors, with the American Business Awards receiving more than 12,000 nominations annually from organizations across every industry.
These accolades recognize outstanding achievement, innovation, and impact in the workplace —and this year, they shine a national spotlight on a mission driven by compassion.
“This award celebrates our innovative approach and real impact on animals, people, and the environment,” said Jennifer Hubbard. “It affirms the strength of our vision and the power of community support in bringing it to life.”
Hubbard’s individual recognition as Thought Leader of the Year speaks to her unwavering advocacy, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to creating a kinder world. Her work continues to inspire meaningful change and bring hope to those who believe in the power of love, compassion, and connection.
“These honors are not just about achievement,” Hubbard added. “They are about the people and the movement behind them — every volunteer, donor, supporter, and friend who believes in our mission.”
The sanctuary was founded to honor the legacy of Hubbard’s daughter, Catherine Violet Hubbard, a child lost in the Sandy Hook Tragedy and whose boundless love for animals and gentle spirit continues to inspire a national movement for compassion.
These awards are a tribute to her legacy — a legacy that lives on through every life touched by the sanctuary’s work.
To learn more about the sanctuary’s work and mission, visit cvhfoundation.org.
Peace, Love, Piano spring recitals
SHELTON, CT — The First Annual “Peace, Love & Piano” spring recitals were presented by three groups of students of Piano Time with Rosemary Allen of Shelton on Saturday, June 7, at the Huntington United Methodist Church in Shelton.
This recital is one of five optional sets of “small-by-design recitals” offered by Allen throughout the year at no extra cost to families who are taking part in Piano Time lessons and classes.
There was a little something for everyone, as the students took the recital’s theme of “Peace, Love & Piano” to heart, choosing a wide variety of songs to showcase, including songs from movies and popular culture, alongside more complex classical pieces.
Newer students played simpler pieces, while students that have been working with Allen for several years navigated more challenging material, but one thing remained consistent between all of them: The sense of joy and accomplishment that every student had on their smiling faces as they bowed to their applauding audience at the end of their performances.
Forty-six students chose to participate at these recitals, hailing from 13 towns and over 36 schools. Homeschoolers were also featured at the recital including: Ansonia, Bridgeport, Derby, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stratford, Southington, Trumbull, Wilton and Woodbridge.
Two Shelton High School seniors were featured this Spring: Rebecca Norkus has been taking lessons for 10 years. She will be attending Marist in the Fall. Shreya Yadav has been taking lessons for almost 8 years. She will attend Carnegie Mellon in the Fall.
“Life, music, people and their individual personalities — all help color our universe,” Allen said. “I wanted these recitals to help us celebrate all the colors of music and our individuality. All the diversity, all the joy, all the emotions in our studio.”
“In saying all of this, I’m not pointing out our differences,” she continued. “I’m pointing out that we’re all the same. We’re all colorful in our own ways. We’re all unique. We’re all individuals. Music too is like that. If all students played the same exact notes and pieces each time — every performance would include the wonderfully unique aspects we all enjoy during these recitals.”
Allen has been teaching piano for over 40 years to students ages 4 to adult. She enjoys offering piano lessons and classes to students from Shelton and surrounding areas. In addition to classes at the Shelton Community Center, she looks forward to holding lessons and classes at her brand new Shelton Studio starting this summer, as well as continuing some classes at the Shelton Community Center.
All levels and styles of music are taught with an emphasis on reading and understanding music. Families appreciate her individualized approach to students in a fun, patient, and educational environment. For information, call 203-873-9322 or visit PianoTimeShelton.com.
Step Up for the Brave
BRIDGEPORT, CT — The 11th Annual Step Up for the Brave Challenge will take place Saturday, Aug. 16. Over 500 participants will run or walk stairs to raise funds for Connecticut Veterans experiencing homelessness, hunger, and mental health challenges.
The event will be held at the Martire Family Arena at Sacred Heart University. This 90-minute challenge allows participants to take laps on the 500-step stair-climb challenge throughout the arena or tackle the 1,000-step non-competitive walking challenge.
Those unable to attend the event in person may participate in a virtual walking challenge, taking place from Aug. 11-15.
The cost to participate is $40, and participants receive a dri-fit event shirt, a light breakfast, and a chance to compete for prizes. Visit homesforthebrave.org/stepup to register.
Proceeds will support Homes for the Brave’s mission to help individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger and mental health challenges, almost all of whom are Veterans, return to productive and meaningful lives.
The Martire Family Arena at Sacred Heart University is located at 31135 Easton Turnpike in Fairfield.
A variety of high-profile sponsorship opportunities are available. For information, visit HomesForTheBrave.org or contact Mea Allbert at meallbert@homesforthebrave.org or 203-338-0669.
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