MONROE, Conn. — Shak’s Boxing and Fitness, 600 Main St. in Monroe, has been nominated as one of the top five locally owned gyms in Fairfield County by CT Insider and has a business rating ranking it among the top 10 gyms in Connecticut.
The gym, which opened in late 2024, is also giving Camp Rising Sun, which helps kids fighting cancer, a gift certificate for one of its campers.
Shak’s Boxing and Fitness is owned by Shakha Moore, a retired boxer, who won the U.S. Boxing Federation’s Welterweight Championship belt in his last fight.
“I love it,” Moore said of the positive attention his gym has been receiving. “This was one of the reasons I opened this gym. I wanna help people: young kids, teens, adults, the elderly, people who are mentally challenged, and those with cancer, Parkinson’s — thats what Shak’s Boxing and Fitness does, we help everyone.”
Declaration of Independence
The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution distributed the Declaration of Independence and Monroe Town Clerk Vida Stone had it framed.
“All the of 169 Town Clerks across Connecticut received a copy from Mark Sheldon Sr., who is the state president of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution,” Stone said. “Given that we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of America, I thought it fitting to display the Declaration.”
The town received a copy of the Declaration of Independence at a time when municipalities throughout the state of Connecticut are hosting events to celebrate our country’s anniversary.
The Monroe CT 250 Committee has planned the town’s events throughout the spring into the early summer.
The Big Ass Canopy
The Big Ass Canopy, an event highlighting live local artists, will be held at Z-Topia, 1545 Monroe Turnpike, on July 11 and 18. Nestled in the heart of Monroe, The Big Ass Canopy, offers a beer garden with entertainment, games, food and music for the whole family.
The gates open at noon on both days and parking is free. Admission is five dollars per person and children younger than 10 can enter for free. Once you pay, you can come and go all day, being checked every time you reenter. No outside food and drink is permitted and security will be at the door.
The bands go on at 1 p.m. and The Big Ass Canopy will go on throughout the day and into the evening.
The event will have vendor tables for shopping and attendees can play games and grab a bite to eat at some of the food truck stations, all while listening to live music from local artists.
On Saturday, July 11, Saltwater Riot will take to the stage at 1 p.m. and play for an hour. Love & War goes on at 2:30 p.m., followed by Superchild (4 to 5 p.m.), Parker’s Tangent (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) and Ironrift (7 to 8 p.m.).
On Saturday, July 18, LedsGroove, a Led Zeppelin cover band, will play from 1 to 2 p.m. and the rest of the lineup includes Hunter Road (2:30 to 3 p.m.), Peter Benson (4 to 5 p.m.) and Go 33 (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
Rotary Clubs help food pantries
Local Rotary Clubs will pack and distribute hundreds of meal boxes for the food pantries of Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe and Trumbull at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, 595 Madison Ave., Bridgeport, on Saturday, July 25, from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Their goal is to pack and distribute more than 86,000 meal servings to the area food pantries. More than 100 volunteers are needed to make this event a success. To register, click here.
There are four time slots for volunteers: Set up 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., First Shift 8:30 to 11 a.m., Second Shift 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Clean Up & Distribution 1:30 to 2 p.m.
USB donates $693,000 to nonprofits
The funding supports organizations serving individuals and families throughout Central and Western Connecticut, as well as neighboring areas, reflecting the 160-year-old community bank’s continued investment in the regions it serves. The 80 grant recipients for 2026 provide a diverse spectrum of essential community services, ranging from education and literacy to youth enrichment, the arts and culture, health and wellness, food insecurity, housing, and economic development.
“At Union Savings Bank, we believe that the strength of our region is defined by the resilience and dedication of the nonprofits that serve it,” said Union Savings Bank President and CEO, Chelen Reyes. “By awarding a record $693,000 this year, we are proud to broaden our reach across Central and Western Connecticut and neighboring communities, supporting the vital missions of 80 exceptional organizations.”
Michele Bonvicini, executive director of the USB Foundation added, “At a time when many local nonprofits are navigating the dual pressures of rising costs and strained funding resources, we recognize that our support is more vital than ever. It is an honor for the USB Foundation to empower these partners as they provide the care, education, and resources that help our neighbors thrive.”
Nonprofits receiving grants include Ability Beyond, After School Arts Program Inc. (ASAP!), the American Mural Project and Amos House Inc. to name a few.
Foster families needed
The Annie C. Courtney Foundation is reaching out to compassionate individuals willing to open their hearts and homes to children and teenagers in foster care across Connecticut. By becoming a caregiver, you can play a vital role in helping a child and their family heal. With over 3,500 children-teens in care (newborn to age 18) the need is urgent for individuals and families to consider fostering.
The decision to foster is a significant commitment, but there is an urgent need for caring individuals for children of all ages, especially those on the autism spectrum, as well as teenagers and sibling groups who long for a stable and loving environment.
As a foster caregiver, you’ll be supported every step of the way and have access to a wide range of resources. Foster families receive assistance with medical and dental care, along with a daily stipend to help cover the costs of raising a child. Regular visits from social workers ensure you have ongoing support for both you and the child in your care. Additional services are available for those children who may need extra help.
To learn more or to attend a free two hour Zoom information meeting ( available twice a week throughout the year), call Annie C. at 475-235-2184 or visit AnnieC.org.
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