MONROE, Conn. — The 22nd annual Monroe Police Kids’ Fishing Derby will be held at Wolfe Park’s Great Hollow Lake, 454 Purdy Hill Road, on Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 9 a.m. — rain or shine.
The event is open to children age three to 15. Those catching the largest fish by weight in their age group will win a prize. The age groups are:
- Five and younger
- six and seven
- eight and nine
- 10 and 11
- 12 to 15
Spring Artist-Craft Fair
Harmony Grange No. 92 is hosting a Spring Artist-Craft Fair at Fireman’s Field, 18 Shelton Road, on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 70 artists and crafters from around Connecticut will sell their wares along and the event will have three food trucks.
The first 350 mothers who attend will receive a free packet of perennial seeds from Monroe’s Town Gardener to plant in their own garden and celebrate Mother’s Day the following weekend. The fair will also have a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses.
The Monroe Summer Orchestra, an all volunteer orchestra led by music teacher is Anthony Granata, will perform throughout the day.
Visitors can also learn about Harmony Grange, which is always looking for new members.
A Reunion for Masuk’s Class of 2001
Masuk’s Class of 2001 will celebrate its 25th reunion at Elicit Brewing Company in Fairfield on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $75 each. For details on tickets and fees visit Eventbrite by clicking here.
Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling
Are your personal papers stacking up with no time to shred them? Do you have obsolete devices or old internal drives that you’d like to safely dispose of? The United Methodist Church of Monroe is hosting a Paper Shredding Fundraiser and introducing Electronics Recycling in the parking lot at 435 Main St. (at the corner of Route 25 and Route 59) on Saturday, May 2, rain or shine from 9 a.m. to noon.
Take advantage of a one-stop source for confidential, convenient document and data destruction with Affordable Solutions, LLC. The event will benefit church missions near and far. Individuals and businesses are welcome. No need to exit your vehicle — just pull up, pop open your trunk and the volunteers will take care of the rest!
Paper Shredding is $10 for a standard archive box (15”x 12”x 10”) with price increases of $5 according to container size.
Electronics Recycling:
- Cell phones, hard drives and tablets: $10/per
- Computers and laptops: $20/per
Click here for an event flyer. For information, click here. Those who have questions or want to be added to the paper shredding distribution list should send an email to papershredding@umcmonroe.
Grand Opening of Solo Study Pods
Edith Wheeler Memorial Library welcomes everyone to celebrate the grand opening of its new solo study pods on Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m.
“When the library updated our strategic plan a year ago, the public shared their need for more private study space,” said Director Nicole Cignoli. “How to address increasing quiet spaces became the third initiative of the library’s plan. People who come to the library for digital access frequently want to sit in an isolated space to study or participate in Zoom meetings. The library’s current study room was overbooked and we needed to find alternative spaces.”
The library purchased Nook Pod, a partially enclosed mobile, two-person booth in 2022 with ARPA funds. After much research, the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Trustees along with the library’s Board Trustees approved fund to purchase two, Solo Nook Pods.
“Since the Pods’ soft opening, they’ve been used every day,” Cignoli said. “The study pods are first come, first served, not reservable. So stop by the reference desk the next time you’re in the library to sign in to the pods.”
For information visit ewml.org or call the Adult Programs Department at 203-452-2852.
‘One Man Show’ supports CFJ
Mar Jennings will share a true and personal story that begins with childhood abuse and unfolds into something profoundly human when he performs the “One‑Man Show” at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre on May 22. All proceeds from ticket sales support The Center for Family Justice (CFJ).
CFJ serves Monroe, Fairfield, Easton, Trumbull, Stratford and Bridgeport, promoting prevention, advocacy, and free and confidential services for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
The show runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and will be followed by a VIP After‑Theater Reception from 8:30 to 10 p.m., with champagne, curated hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity for personal connection in an intimate setting.
Tickets cost $50 for general admission and $150 for the VIP experience, which includes the After‑Theater Reception. To purchase tickets, click here.
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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