Community News: Memorial Day Closings, donations, poem

Connex donates $800 to Wolfe Park Playground 

MONROE, CT — Connex Credit Union recently donated more than $800 to the Monroe Playground Foundation in support of the organization’s mission to replace the aging Wooden Playground in Wolfe Park.

 

These funds were raised through Coins-for-Change, Connex’s philanthropic program that donates 100 percent of the fees collected at its coin-cashing machines to charitable organizations.

“On behalf of The Monroe Playground Foundation, I would like to thank Connex Credit Union for their very generous donation,” said Mike Ganino, treasurer, Monroe Playground Foundation. “All of this money will be put toward building a new playground in Wolfe Parke where children and families in our community will, one day, make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Monroe Playground Foundation is committed to positively impacting local children and the community. You can learn more or donate at monroeplaygroundfoundation.org.

Each year, more than $14,000 is donated through the Coins-for-Change program. New charities are selected every quarter.

Local nonprofits or charitable organizations interested in participating in the program, should contact Roquita Johnson at [email protected] or 1-800-CR-UNION.

Memorial Day Closing

In observance of Memorial Day, Monroe Town Hall offices, the library, Senior Citizen Center, Monroe Food Pantry, Highway Department, Garder Road Landfill and the Spring Hill Road Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2020.

Recycling will not be picked up on Monday, May 25. All pickups will be delayed one day that week.

Note: Garder Road Landfill and the Spring Hill Road Transfer Station will be open on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program

First Selectman Ken Kellogg announced that the town of Monroe will participate in the state’s 2020 Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) program again this year.

“I encourage municipal agencies and community non-profit organizations to submit proposals under NAA program,” said Kellogg.

The program allows certain businesses to claim a state tax credit for monetary donations made to qualifying community programs conducted by tax exempt or municipal agencies.

“We have many businesses that donate regularly to various community programs.  If the business pays corporate taxes, this is an opportunity for them to benefit from a state tax credit,” said Kellogg.

Some of the programs that qualify for the NAA tax credit program include, but are not limited to:

  • Community services
  • Job training & education
  • Crime prevention
  • Child care services
  • Substance abuse prevention or treatment
  • Open space acquisition

The minimum contribution on which a tax credit may be granted is $250, and the maximum contribution that any non-profit or municipal entity can receive under this program is $150,000. Click here for more information regarding this program.

Organizations wishing to receive an application packet, and businesses interested in taking advantage of this program in order to reduce their state corporate tax liability, should contact the First Selectman’s Office at (203) 452-2821 or go to the Town’s website at www.MonroeCT.org and look for the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program listed under “News & Announcements.”

All applications must be submitted to the First Selectman’s Office and received by close of business on June 15, 2019 in order to be considered.​

Monroe Food Pantry gets more support

The Monroe Food Pantry has seen an increase in demand during the coronavirus pandemic, but generous donations have also been on the rise.

This continued with a $563 donation from Washington Lodge No. 19. Pantry director Kathleen Turner received the donation from the lodge’s treasurer, David Schutz.

The lodge was inspired by the Monroe, CT Residents‘ recent campaign to encourage people to patronize Monroe businesses, while raising money for the food pantry.

Monroe Lions Club supports MVEMS

The Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service received a donation of 80 N95 masks, 200 surgical masks and one gallon of sanitizer concentrate from the Monroe Lions Club. By adding water to the concentrate, 60 gallons of sanitizer are generated.

The donation was made with the support of Gov. Bill Manthey of Lions District 23A, which represents Fairfield and New Haven counties.

Funding for this district-wide project was provided by a $10,000 grant from the Lions Club International Foundation.

Monroe Lions Club President Adria Pearlman said this donation was part of the club’s significant financial support to several of Monroe’s community organizations.

The Lions Club is a 68 year-old civic organization. For information, call Pearlman at 203-459-1073.

Monroe Parks and Rec Info

To stay up to date on Monroe Parks and Recreation information programs and events visit MonroeRec.org, Twitter:  @Monroe_PR, Instagram: Monroectparksandrec, and Facebook: MonroePR1.

To receive emails right to your inbox, create an account on the department’s website.  Make sure to check off “Cancellations” and “General Notices” to receive all emails from the department.

The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department, 7 Fan Hill Road, is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30-4:30, and Fridays, 8:30-1:30. The office is currently closed to routine public access, but staff is responding to calls and emails,

Monroe Parks and Recreation’s phone number is 203-452-2806 and email address is [email protected]. The information/cancellation hotline is 203-339-6106.

Those needing paperwork can bring it to Town Hall, where there is a drop box in the police station lobby, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ode to Covid-19

by Dorothy L. Hossler

Okay everyone, we’re told to hunker down

Just stay put and don’t go out on the town

So I will be cautious and stay in my house

Till I start seeing dragons or am chased by a mouse

I will use my elbow whenever I cough

And when I sneeze, I’ll cover my mouth

Hand sanitizer is now my new best friend

And will continue to use it till I lose my skin

I’ll only watch a newscast once a day

To see what the Pres and the media say

Will try to keep my sanity by working in the yard

Though with season allergies that might prove hard

Home cooked meals, they are a plenty

Who knew that pasta should be cooked el dente?

I’ve taken time to call and check on friends

Written those cards and letters that I’ve always meant to send

I’m looking at a “junk” drawer that really is a mess

While stuck at home it will be my new quest

Those papers that I’ve been meaning to put away

Now are filed or put aside for shredding day

I am not minimizing this virus that we are chasing

Or the seriousness of the pandemic that we are facing

Just wanted to add a bit of humorous rhyme

To try to bring a smile if just for a little time

My wish is that you stay safe and know that someone cares

As we face this pandemic lets keep each other in our prayers

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