MONROE, Conn. — Scouting America Troop 203, Monroe-Trumbull, is selling wreaths for the troop on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. through the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7. They will set up in front of Monroe Firehouse No. 1, at the corner of Route 110 (Shelton Road) and Moose Hill Road.
Proceeds from the sales will benefit the troop, replacing old camping equipment and buying food for campouts.
A Victorian Christmas
A Victorian Christmas will be held at Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St., on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Artisan Room will have local crafters showcasing handmade treasures and visitors can enjoy hearty soups, handmade wreaths, and Advent kits prepared by the Senior Pilgrim Fellowship, with all proceeds supporting their upcoming summer mission trip.
The Parson’s Pie Shop will have sweets and period-style mocktails.
History enthusiasts will enjoy guided tours of the Meetinghouse, as costumed docents share stories of Victorian-era Monroe. Step into Dineson Parlor to admire an elaborate Victorian train display and meet Father Christmas, who will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to benefit Covenant to Care, a local charity supporting children and families under DCF care.
Families with young children can stop by the Art Room to create simple period-inspired crafts to take home.
Washington Lodge Open House
Washington Lodge No. 19, 1 Fan Hill Road, is hosting an open house on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
In addition to tours of the historic building on Dec. 7, the Masons’ Order of the Eastern Star will have toy drive for St. Mary’s Hospital on Dec. 6, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. In the past, the organization has filled two ambulances with toys for kids.
Monroe Women’s Club Tree Lighting
The Monroe Women’s Club’s annual Tree Lighting will be held at the gazebo on the Monroe Town Green this Saturday. Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, Dec. 7)
The evening will begin with hot cocoa, coffee, doughnuts and cookies with musical performances by the Harmony Sound Chorus and the Masuk Band and Choir.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by fire truck for the tree lighting at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Special thanks to businesses for their donations, including Monroe Social for the hot cocoa and hot cider, Marcello’s Eatery for the cookies, Jones Family Farms for the tree, and Dunkin’ Donuts for the coffee and doughnuts.
Luminaria fundraiser
The Monroe Women’s Club’s annual Luminaria Fundraiser, which benefits its community programs, is going on with an ordering deadline of Dec. 11. It is $7 for a dozen bags and candles.
Luminarias make for impressive holiday displays along driveways and neighborhood streets.
Checks should be made payable to Monroe Women’s Club and mailed with the order form to: Monroe Women’s Club, 111 Turkey Roost Road, Monroe CT 06468. For a pdf of a delivery form, click here.
Deliveries will be made the weekend of Dec. 13, unless special arrangements are made in advance. Reminder calls will be made before delivery.
For information, call Deb Heim at 203-558-7399.
Tree naming contest
The Save Our Stepney (SOS) Task Force asks members of the community to submit names for the tree with the entry to be announced at the tree lighting. The person or family with winning tree name will be given a baby Norway Spruce evergreen tree to plant at their home.
There are no restrictions in the number of naming submissions. Tree names should be emailed with your contact information, including a telephone number, to saveourstepneysos@gmail.
In celebration of the new tree, a commemorative Stepney Green Tree lighting ornament will be given out to all in attendance while supplies last.
The Save Our Stepney Task Force welcomes donations from all members of the Monroe community for the tree lighting program. For information about the tree lighting, call Kathy Loehr at 203-261-7892.
Stepney Tree Lighting
The Save Our Stepney (SOS) Task Force’s annual tree lighting with Frosty the Snowman will be held on Stepney Green Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. New four-foot pure white illuminated snowflakes and more than 200 luminaries will trim out the green. The snowflakes will hang in and around the Stepney Gazebo.
SOS needs snowflake sponsors. A full snowflake sponsorship is $265 and $45 sponsors may purchase a snowflake point. Those who are interested should call Kathy Loehr at 203-261-7892 for information.
The Stepney Volunteer Fire Company, Stepney Baptist Church, Frosty the Snowman, and individual members of Save Our Stepney Task Force are contributing to the 24th annual tree lighting.
First Selectman Terry Rooney will welcome the community to the annual event on Stepney Green. All will be treated to holiday music performed by the Just Voices Singers under the direction of Mike Pelligrino. Monroe Boy Scout Troop 62 will provide freshly made donuts.
Frosty the Snowman will make a special appearance aboard a Stepney Volunteer Fire Company truck. At the invitation of SOS, officers of TLC Nursery will join Frosty to flip the tree light switch ushering in the holiday season. Candy canes will be given to all to welcome Frosty.
Nonperishable food items and monetary donations will be accepted for the Stepney Baptist food pantry.
Save Our Stepney welcomes donations from all members of the Monroe community for the lighting program. For information on the sponsorship program for the Tree Lighting, call Kathy Loehr at 203-261-7892.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
The Saint John XXIII Columbiettes invite families to its annual Happy Birthday Jesus! celebration. The event will include games, arts and crafts, caroling and raffle prizes, and end with a Nativity play and a singalong of Happy Birthday to Jesus complete with cupcakes.
The celebration will he held at Msgr. Sabia Social Hall at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, on Dec. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. The cost of admission is a donation of a food item or toiletry as a gift to Jesus for his people in need.
RSVP by Dec. 1 by calling or texting Debbie Gallant, 203-414-9861, or Debbie Frackiewicz, 203-273-4729.
Though there is no monetary cost for admission, there is a small cost for raffle tickets.
The Columbiettes will host and teens will assist with crafts and games, but they will not be providing childcare.
Newtown and Beyond
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Newtown’s not-for-profit camera club, Flagpole Photographers, presents its 15th annual photography exhibit, “Newtown and Beyond” in time for the holidays.
This amazing collection of nearly 300 beautiful photos, features pictures from Newtown, as well as places members have traveled around the world. The exhibit is on display at the Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose St., during regular hours through Dec. 30. The Municipal Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Most of the photos may be purchased, making for great holiday gifts. For a pdf of a poster with information about the gallery, click here.
Flagpole Photographers always welcomes new members. Those interested in learning more about the club, should visit flagpolephotographers.com.
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