BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) will host its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Bridgeport Police Department Chief Roderick Porter will join CFJ President and CEO Debra Greenwood as emcee.
“It is critical for the community to come together as one voice to advocate for survivors and create lasting change,” said Greenwood.
“I echo Deb’s sentiment,” Porter said. “These partnerships are vital to address domestic violence. We at the Bridgeport Police Department remain committed to not only responding to calls to domestic violence but also being proactive in our approach in educating not only victims and also offenders in domestic violence situations. We value the importance of this partnership and collaboration with the Center for Family justice. The partnership critical in ending domestic violence in Bridgeport.”
The evening will bring together community members, partners, survivors and local leaders in a united call for awareness and action. The vigil will feature “The Domestic Violence Altar,” presented by the center’s Latine Department, which commemorates the lives lost to domestic violence.
The Center for Family Justice offers free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse in the six communities it serves: Monroe, Easton, Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport and Stratford.
For information or assistance, visit CFJ’s website.
Giftoberfest offers daily prizes
The Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church in Monroe will host their Giftoberfest fundraiser throughout the month of October. Proceeds will go to various causes that the Columbiettes sponsor, such as special needs camperships, Hopeline, Christmas baskets for the disadvantaged and other local charitable organizations.
Giftoberfest is a raffle with a daily drawing from October 1 to 31, when a gift card in various denominations is awarded to a lucky winner. Participants can win multiple times. Raffle tickets are $10 each and are good for the entire month.
Tickets are on sale after Saturday and Sunday masses at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, throughout September or can be purchased by calling Elizabeth Edgerton, 203-258-3354, or Jan DeMayo, 203-520-9796, or by sending an email to eaedgerton24@gmail.com.
For information, call Edgerton at 203-258-3354 or send her an email to eaedgerton24@gmail.com.
Monroe Lions Paper Shred fundraiser
The Monroe Lions Club is hosting its semi-annual Electronic Equipment Discard and Paper Shredding Fundraiser at 435 Main St., at the intersection of Routes 25 and 59, on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. until noon.
This is an opportunity to get rid of all types of paper records (except spiral binders) and outdated computer and electronic equipment.
The nonprofit requests donations of $15 per box of paper, any size. The donation sought for cell phones is $10. Donations for electronic equipment start at $10 and greater amounts depend on type and size.
Proceeds benefit the Monroe Lions Club’s scholarship fund for graduating Masuk High School seniors. For information, send an email to monroelionsclub8985@gmail.com.
Connecticut Horrorfest
HARTFORD, CT — Connecticut Horrorfest will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21.
Horror film buffs will meet celebrities from film and television, see in-depth and interactive panel discussions at the event, which will include vendors, costume contests and prizes.
Celebrities will include Chris Sarandon (“Fright Night,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”), John Cusack (“1408,” “Cell,” “Identity”), Dee Wallace (“The Howling,” “Cujo,” “The Hills Have Eyes”), Mike Giannelli (“Terrifier”), Dick Warlock (“Halloween II”) and Zach Galligan (“Gremlins”).
For information and tickets, click here.
Honey Tree Preschool and Childcare
MONROE, CT — Honey Tree Preschool of Monroe is celebrating enjoyed the summer months and is now preparing for its fall enrollment.
“Summer is always a huge success,” said Danielle Gallop, owner of Honey Tree Preschools. “We focused on hands-on activities & community building fun like creating a garden at Wolfe Park with our Integrational Partnership with Spring Meadows. Watching the kids grow socially and emotionally while having a blast was the highlight of our season.”
Families interested in joining the Honey Tree Preschool community this fall are encouraged to schedule a tour soon. For information, visit its website, honeytreepreschool.com, or call the preschool’s enrollment coordinator at 860-730-1800.
Butterflies, Birds and Blossoms
NEWTOWN, CT – September 2, 2025 – The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Road, invites families, nature lovers and curious minds to Butterflies, Birds and Blossoms, its free annual event, this Sunday, Sept. 21, from 12 to 2:30 p.m.
“As pollinators face unprecedented threats, events like this remind us that protecting them isn’t
just an environmental choice, it’s an opportunity to learn simple, everyday actions that safeguard
our planet,” said Jenny Hubbard, president of the animal sanctuary. “And for us, it’s also a legacy of compassion that honors Catherine’s spirit and ensures a vibrant future for our children.”
Guests will leave with hands-on skills and inspiration for supporting pollinators in their own backyards. Highlights include:
- Tagging monarch butterflies and contributing migration data to Monarch Watch — a rare opportunity for the public to participate in citizen science
- Meadow net sweeping and insect discovery
- Exploring native birds that call the sanctuary home
- Launching pollinator seed bombs into restored meadows
- Creative kids’ crafts and art stations
- Native pollinator plants for sale to grow at home
- Adoptable animals from Lucky Dog Refuge
Guests will also meet leading entomologists, ornithologists, and pollinator protection organizations from across Connecticut, ensuring the day is not only fun but also an immersive, educational experience for all ages.
For information, visit cvhfoundation.org.
STARS Auction
STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS) needs silent auction items for its event at Stratford Animal Control, 225 Beacon Point Road, Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The nonprofit is seeking new items of any kind, alcohol and big ticket items, gift certificates, travel packages, sports tickets, lottery tickets, large electronics, spa packages, jewelry, clothing with tags, unused gifts and more.
Donations are tax-deductible. Those who cannot make it to the auction may drop off items anytime. Donation boxes are at the front door.
