MONROE, CT — Veracious Brewing Company is hosting its annual Topless and Taps event from 2 to 5 p.m. on May 30, right after the town’s Memorial Day Parade.
Every year, Veracious donates a portion of the proceeds from Topless and Taps to a veteran organization. This year’s beneficiary will be the Guardians of the Purple Heart, a nonprofit organization benefitting brave veterans in Connecticut, who were wounded in combat.
On May 30, the brewing company will have a Memorial Day ceremony around 3 p.m. with a speech commemorating the federal holiday, and a reading of names to honor fallen service members.
Jeeps will come from all over to participate in the event, which is being organized by Crosstown Jeeps – CT, a jeep group local to the Monroe area, and drivers will likely have their doors and tops removed — weather permitting. That is the “Topless” part of the event.
The 9/11 FDNY Tribute Jeep will be in attendance along with military vehicles and other Jeeps whose drivers will have participated in Monroe’s Memorial Day Parade.
Veracious, which has 22 beers on tap, is going to brew a special beer for the occasion, called Warrior Wit. Proceeds from each sale will go directly to Guardians of the Purple Heart. Veterans who show I.D. will get their first beer free.
The Proof Pizza Truck will prepare wood-fired pizza for customers. Veracious will also have T-shirts and other merchandise for sale.
For information, call Eric Schessl at 757-870-5495 or email him at [email protected], or call Barbara Fahr at 203-858-8434 or email her at [email protected].
Inaugural Race for Catherine
NEWTOWN, CT — The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary invites their neighbors in Monroe to participate in the inaugural Race for Catherine, a community driven event for all ages.
The sanctuary was founded to honor the memory of Catherine Violet Hubbard and her love for animals. Catherine was a six-year-old victim of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Dec. 14, 2012. The sanctuary consists of over 34 acres of pristine farmland, woodlands and rolling meadows.
Teams and individuals are welcome to the the sanctuary for this 5K for Kindness. It is a walk or run event that will be held in-person at Fairfield Hills in Newtown on June 20, or can be joined virtually anytime, from anywhere in the country, from June 18-20. All proceeds support the sanctuary and its mission of compassion.
In-person and virtual walkers/runners who register by June 1 will be guaranteed a Race for Catherine T-shirt, swag bag, shoelaces and official medal. Top fundraisers and fastest times receive special prizes.
Jennifer Hubbard, executive director of the sanctuary, said she is excited about bringing this new event to Newtown and their followers across the nation.
“June has always been a special month for the sanctuary,” she said. “It’s a time when we celebrate Catherine’s birthday by bringing people together in a common mission of kindness and compassion. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had to cancel this year’s Catherine’s Butterfly Party, but we look forward to sharing this new and, what I hope to be, inspiring event with so many.”
The presenting sponsor for this year’s race is the Church Hill Village Living – Senior Lifestyle Community.
“We are proud to sponsor the Race for Catherine and look forward to providing ongoing support of the sanctuary to further our mission of caring for and supporting the residents of Newtown and the surrounding areas,” said Laura Pulsifer, executive director for the senior living community.
For information, visit: www.cvhfoundation.org or register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Newtown/RaceforCatherine
Ribbon cuttings to celebrate Monroe businesses
First Selectman Ken Kellogg told the Town Council ribbon cuttings are planned to celebrate the opening of Your CBD Store, which is behind 574 Wines at 574 Monroe Turnpike, and the new location for Warehouse Wines at 535 Monroe Turnpike.
Both events will be held Saturday, May 22. Town officials will be at Warehouse Wines at noon and Your CBD Store at 1 p.m.
Monroe Pride
The Pride Flag will be raised at Monroe Town Hall on June 5 at 10 a.m. The rain date is June 6 at the same time. All are welcome to attend.
For information, email Nick Kapoor at [email protected].
Virtual workshop on buying a car
Connex Credit Union is offering a free virtual workshop on May 26 focusing on the fundamentals of buying a car. Led by Connex Assistant Vice President of Indirect Lending Mike Taylor, this virtual class is open to all — you do not need to be a member of the credit union to attend.
“Drive Away Happy! Preparing to Buy Your Next Car” will prepare future car buyers for the buying process and cover the basics and what potential buyers can expect. Topics include:
- Choosing the right car
- Evaluating the payment options
- Leasing vs. Purchasing
- Loan options offered by Connex Credit Union
The workshop will be Wednesday, May 26, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. A private Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.
Though the seminar is free, registration is required and can be completed by visiting connexcu.org or by calling 1-800-CR-UNION (1-800-278-6466).
