The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of Edith Wheeler Memorial Library’s Monroe Lions Club Co-op and Café on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.
The recently renovated upper level of the building includes a new makerspace, as well as a self-serve coffee area with comfortable seating. A $93,000 donation from the Monroe Lions Club to the Friends of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library was essential to making the upgrade possible.
“We’re very excited about the changes we have made,” said Lorna Rhyins, the library director. “We will now be able to give our patrons spaces for meeting, socializing, and cooperative learning while still offering the quiet study areas and the stellar service we have always been known for.”
When a pipe burst in the Teen Space in January of 2018, the library decided to turn the misfortune into an opportunity to update its services. The makerspace contains a host of equipment to encourage creative pursuits, both digital and old-school.
Among the newly available equipment: a photo and slide scanner; a Cricut cutting machine; an embroidery machine; a Glowforge laser cutter; and a converter that can turn old VHS tapes and DVDs into digital files. Programs will be offered to give patrons examples of useful projects they can create on the new machines. Equipment will also be available for public use and innovation once people have attended training sessions.
The grand opening will offer free refreshments from the café area for visitors, while they last.
Mini Golf at the library
A miniature golf fundraiser in support of the Friends of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library will be held Sunday. An 18-hole course will be set up inside the library building.
The benefit, to be held from noon to 4 p.m., is billed as a family-oriented outing for all ages with ticket basket drawings and a food truck. It costs $5 to play and $20 for a family of five. No library services will be available during the event.
Tickets for the mini-golf fundraiser are available in advance at Monroe branches of the Newtown Savings Bank, the library, and at the door Nov. 3. For information, call the library at 203-452-2850. Edith Wheeler Memorial Library is located at 733 Monroe Turnpike.
Funding from the event supports equipment and programming for the library’s new co-op and makerspace.
The Monroe traffic report
Public works released its roadwork schedule from Nov. 4 to 15.
A restoration and curbing apron project is scheduled for Hammertown and Yankee Hill roads. Drivers should expect lane closures, posted detours and construction delays.
Damage structure repairs are scheduled for Oakwood Drive and curbing and pothole repairs will be made throughout the town.
The town of Trumbull will be closing their portion of Moose Hill Road from Deep Gorge Road north to just beyond the culvert over Witkowski Brook. Be prepared for posted local traffic detours.
The Trumbull Department of Public Works reports work will continue until the end of 2019. For information, visit the town of Trumbull’s website, under News & Announcements or call 203‐452‐2814.
The Monroe Department of Public works reminds drivers to slow down for work zones. The timing of the projects are subject to change based on weather and manpower availability.
Parks & Recreation programs
For information on the following Monroe Parks and Recreation programs, visit the department’s website. Register early to secure your spot and avoid having programs cancelled due to low enrollment. There is a point, usually three days before a program is due to start, that it must be cancelled if there aren’t enough people registered.
Masuk Pool – November
Open Swim during November at Masuk Pool, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, is on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. The pool will be closed Nov 9, 27-29. As the schedule may change due to school closings/usage, please remember to check our website and information/cancellation line (203-339-6106) for updates. Masuk Pool memberships are sold at the pool during open swim times. Membership Fees are as follows: Adults (age 18-59) $50 res/$100 non-res, Child (age 3-17) $40 res/$80 non-res, Seniors (age 60+) $20 res/$40 non-res. Daily fees for non-members (ages 3+) are $5 for resident and $10 for non-resident. Payment for membership or daily fees is by cash or check only.
Pool parties are held on Friday evenings (6:30-8:15 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (2-3:45 p.m.). Parties must be booked on-line at www.monroerec.org. A maximum of 50 people per group with up to two groups booked each date – this includes all children and adults staying for the event. Ideal for scouts, youth groups, sports teams and birthday parties. November pool party dates are Fridays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22 and Saturdays, Nov. 2, 16, 23 and 30. Fees: $175 res/$200 non-res.
Adult Swim Lessons are offered on Monday nights at Masuk Pool. Our swim instructors will help adults develop valuable skills and a lifetime love of the water, while instilling responsibility and safety instruction. Classes will meet for 60 minutes per lesson once a week for five weeks from 7-8 p.m. Session 2: Nov. 18–Dec. 16; registration deadline Nov. 11. Fees: $70 resident/$80 non-resident.
Youth Swim Lessons (ages 4+): The American Red Cross offers a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate swimming and water safety program that teaches you, your child or other family members how to swim skillfully and safely, and think and act safely in, on and around the water. The prerequisite for each level is the successful demonstration of skills from the preceding level, except for Level 1, which has no prerequisites. A swim placement level guide can be found on our website. Session 2: Mondays, Nov. 18-Dec. 16; registration deadline Nov. 11. Times: Level 1 and 2, 6:15-6:45 pm or 6:45-7:15 p.m. Level 3: 7:15-8 p.m. Level 4 and 5: 8-8:45 p.m. Fees: Level 1 and 2 $60 resident/$70 non-resident; Level 3 and higher: $70 resident/$80 non-resident.
