MONROE, CT — Christmas is just around the corner, and it won’t be long before families box up their ornaments and remove trees from their homes.
The Monroe Highway Department will begin picking up Christmas trees on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Residents must have their tree at the curb by 7 a.m. Trees should be free of all accessories and should not be bagged.
The Highway Department will complete the tree pick up on Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. It is not necessary to call for an appointment.
Residents also have the option of taking their Christmas tree, free of charge, to the Garder Road Landfill, 211 Garder Road, on Fridays or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Recycling schedule
The Monroe Public Works Department released the 2021 schedule for the free disposal of used motor oil, anti-freeze and vehicle battery recycling.
On the second Saturday of every month, town residents may drop off used motor oil and filters, vehicle batteries and anti-freeze at the Town Garage, 447 Purdy Hill Road, from 8 to 11:45 a.m. Proof of residency is required.
The dates, which are all Saturdays, are Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11.
Menorah lighting on the Green
Congregation Mishkan Israel, held a menorah lighting on the green in front of Monroe Town Hall Thursday.
The lighting was led by Rabbi Joseph Stock, pictured with, from left, First Selectman Ken Kellogg, Rabbi Joseph Torenheim and Itzack Waserman, secretary of the Monroe Masonic Lodge, twice a grandmaster of the lodge, who delivered a prayer in Hebrew celebrating Chanukah.
The ceremony with musical entertainment was open to the public free of charge and conducted in full accordance with Connecticut state and CDC guidelines.
Mishkan Israel was initiated in Bridgeport in 1945 by Rabbi Israel Stock and his wife as emissaries of Rabbi Yosef Schneersohn.
Holiday Style Singo to benefit Monroe Food Pantry
Rownin Associates, a local realty firm, is hosting Holiday Style Singo, with games played via Zoom this Friday, Dec. 18. Proceeds will benefit the Monroe Food Pantry.
Players log in at 6 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. It will start with three games of traditional Bingo and two games of “Let it Snow” musical Singo. For musical Singo, Deejay Larry spins the holiday tunes and players mark their cards based on the songs played.
Players have a chance to win prizes and all will be entered into the Wheel of Givers for a chance to win a Nintendo Switch.
Players must RSVP by Dec. 16, email the names of each player, best email address to send the game cards, and best contact phone number to [email protected]. There is a suggested donation to the Monroe Food Pantry of $20 for up to four players with $6 for each additional player.
Items for families in need
Connex Credit Union, which has a branch on Main Street in Monroe, is partnering with Christian Community Action in a collection drive of basic household necessities and toiletries to support those transitioning out of homelessness and into new apartments at Hillside Family Center in New Haven.
Collection bins are stationed at all eight Connex Credit Union branches and one does not have to be a member of the credit union to participate. Donations will be accepted from now through Dec. 23.
Connex Credit Union’s Monroe branch is at 155 Main St. For the full list of locations, click here.
In addition to monetary and gift card donations, the following items are requested:
Kitchen/Pantry: Dishes, glasses, flatware, pots and pans, dish soap, laundry detergent, mops and other cleaning supplies.
Bedroom: Pillows, comforter sets (full and twin), extra sheets and pillowcases and socks.
Bathroom: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, soap, towels and wash cloths.
Toys: Children’s books, action figures, dolls, board games (ages 3-12), coloring books and crayons, and arts and crafts for ages 5 to 10.
Additional details and a complete wish list can be found at bit.ly/ConnexHolidayDrive (case-sensitive).
