Name that Tune
MONROE, CT — Edith Wheeler Memorial Library invites people to participate in “Name That Tune,” a trivia game hosted by Thomas Beebe. It will be held on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m.
To register online, visit www.ewml.org/events. Sign up as a team or solo. Registration closes at noon the day of the program!
Presidents’ Day closings
Monroe Town Hall offices are closed Monday in observance of Presidents’ Day. Other closings include Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, the Highway Department, Monroe Senior Center and Monroe Food Pantry.
Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
There will be no change in the recycling pickup on Presidents’ Day. The Spring Hill Road Transfer Station will be open Monday.
Picnic reservations
The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department will be accepting seasonal picnic rental reservations starting the week of Feb. 16.
Right now, rentals are only for groups of 50 or less. To register for spring and summer offerings, visit the department’s website. All of these programs and activities are subject to change at any time due to COVID-19 regulations.
Cheerleading clinic signups
Amy Guerra, who was a cheerleader for both Monroe youth football and Masuk High School, is a coach for a cheer clinic at InSports, 29 Trefoil Dr. in Trumbull.
Signups are open for those wanting to keep up with their conditioning and skills or to become a cheerleader. Athletes will learn a short routine and work on dancing, tumbling, spacing, timing and facials. This is open to anyone from grades K-5, even non-Monroe residents.
This session will run from Feb. 23 to March 30. The cost is $150 per participant. Signup at www.InSportscenters.com.
Guerra was on the first competing team in Masuk history and was on the coaching staff for the Monroe Lions Midget level (for ages 11-14) by age 20. She has been coaching Lions Cheerleading for the last four years.
In 2018, her team came in first place at local, state, regional and national competitions. Since 2019, Guerra has been president of the cheer program in Monroe.
Connex awards college scholarships
Connex Credit Union announced that applications are available for its annual scholarship program. Through March 12, 2021, college-bound or currently enrolled students can apply for one of three different scholarships totaling $6,000.
The 2021 scholarships are:
- Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) established in memory of longtime Connex volunteer Nick Hackett.
- John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship ($2,000) created in honor of former Connex President and Chief Executive Officer John R. Edwards and awarded to a student who emulates Connex’s commitment to community service.
- Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) commemorating one of Connex’s founding members Arthur B. Haesche that is reserved for a student majoring in business or finance.
These scholarships are available to any student with a 3.0 GPA or higher, who is a college-bound high school senior or is already enrolled full-time in an accredited two-year or four-year undergraduate program for the fall 2021 semester.
The student, or a direct family member (parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle), must also be a Connex Credit Union member in good standing as of Dec. 31, 2020.
To apply, students must go to connexcu.org (or bit.ly/connexscholarship2021) and complete the online application, as well as the short essay component (250 words or less) on the following topic:
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a devastating effect on the financial well-being of many who have lost jobs or experienced reduced work hours. With this in mind, what strategies would be helpful for individuals and families to help avoid financial emergencies in the future? How can credit unions help members be prepared for financial difficulties?
Once finished, a current transcript, including GPA, should be sent to: Connex Credit Union Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 477, North Haven, CT 06473
Applications and transcripts must be submitted by March 12, 2021. Any application that is incomplete or not accompanied by a current transcript will not be considered.
Students may only apply for one of the three scholarships. Those who have previously won a Connex scholarship or those who are employees of Connex or are members of its Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, or their immediate families, are not eligible.
For information, visit connexcu.org or contact Anita Annunziato at [email protected] or 1-800-CR-UNION.
Coins for Change
From now through Mar. 31, 2021, local residents can convert their spare change into cash and help a worthy cause along the way. As part of its ConnexCares Coins-for Change program, Connex Credit Union will be taking 100 percent of the small fees it charges to use its coin-cashing machines and donating it to four local charitable organizations.
Coins-for-Change supports four new charities each quarter and contributes more than $14,000 annually. Participating is easy. You don’t need to be a member of the credit union to use the coin-cashing machines.
Anyone who brings their spare change to one of the following Connex branches by Mar. 31 will have the nominal fee automatically deducted and donated when they receive their cash:
- Connex’s Guilford Branch located at 849 Boston Post Rd. to donate to the Dave’s Dream Foundation, an organization dedicating to inspiring and empowering youth through athletic and artistic endeavors. Funds raised will help provide children with the equipment and support they need to pursue their passion.
- Connex’s Hamden Branch located at 2100 Dixwell Ave. to donate to Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen, a non-profit organization providing food assistance and services that promote health, community and equity to those experiencing homelessness or living in poverty. Funds raised will go toward feeding and supporting more than 4,000 people in New Haven County.
- Connex’s Monroe Branch located at 155 Main St. to donate to A Place for Hope and Healing, an organization dedicated to supporting and caring for compassionate responders such as healthcare providers, EMTs, clergy, police officers, teachers, and military service people. Funds raised will be put toward unique events and programs.
- Connex’s North Haven Branch located at 412 Washington Ave. to donate to Children in Placement, a non-profit agency serving children and youth suffering from abuse throughout Connecticut by advocating for safe and secure living conditions with strong family support systems that allow them to thrive. Funds raised will go toward recruiting, training, and managing volunteers who work hard to ensure the children have safe, permanent homes.
For information, or to learn how your local nonprofit or charitable organization can participate in the Coins-for-Change program, contact Roquita Johnson at [email protected] or 1-800-CR-UNION.
