MONROE, CT — Monroe Congregational Church’s 53rd annual Strawberry Festival is coming back to the green, at the corner of Route 111 and Church Street, on Father’s Day Weekend, June 14-15.
This family-friendly celebration features over 100 juried crafters offering handcrafted goods, and homemade strawberry shortcakes, pies, jams, dipped berries and smoothies prepared by church volunteers, a food tent, and children’s activities, including games, a bounce house and face painting.
The Strawberry Festival supports the church’s missions and outreach, while offering a joyful gathering for the wider community.
“Our festival is more than strawberries — it’s about community, connection, and creating memories that last,” said The Rev. Jennifer Gingras, senior pastor of MCC. “We invite everyone to join us for this cherished summer tradition.”
Admission is free for the festival, to be held rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 15.
There will be live entertainment both days.
On Saturday, June 14, Gunsmoke, a country band with seven albums, will perform from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Other Four, a New Haven band, will play classic rock, blues, country, jazz, funk and Americana music, from 2 to 5 p.m.
On Sunday, June 15, Half & Half, a band of young musicians, will play at 11:30 a.m.
The award-winning Silver Steel Band, based in Bridgeport and led by Jim Royle of Jim Royle Drum Studios, will then perform from 1 to 4 p.m.
SEPTA Sensory-Friendly Carnival
Monroe SEPTA invites families to a sensory-friendly carnival to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, on Saturday, May 31.
The event promises an inclusive day of fun, designed for all ages and abilities. Tickets cost $15 each and admission is free for children age two and younger. For tickets and general donations, click here.
The carnival will feature hands-on sensory play stations including rice art, painting, tie-dye and more; OT led activities to calm the busiest bodies, a calm-down area with “Thor” the Therapy Dog, magic tricks, silly antics and nonstop giggles with Frizzles.
Carnival games and activities, unlimited pizza, chicken tenders, fries and fried dough will be included with each ticket. There will also be door prizes and a silent auction with items to bid on.
Volunteers are needed to set-up, operate the carnival and to cleanup after the event. Those interested in a shift should click here.
Chamber Golf Tournament
There is still time to signup for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s annual Golf Tournament, to be held at Whitney Farms Golf Course, 175 Shelton Road, on June 3.
To sign-up or be a sponsor, visit the Chamber website by clicking here.
Registration, which is $200 per person, is at 9:30 a.m. and includes greens fees, a golf cart, refreshments, dinner, prizes and raffles. Proceeds from the tournament fund scholarships for Masuk High School seniors, as well as donations to Project Warmth and other worthy community projects.
The day includes breakfast and lunch. There will be a shotgun start at 11 a.m. and refreshments will be served on the course. After the rounds of golf conclude, there will be a cocktail hour, before a 5 p.m. awards dinner.
Thrive annual Walk, Jog, Run
Lace up your sneakers for fun and fitness at Thrive’s first annual Walk, Jog, Run Event. Proceeds benefit Thrive, a nonprofit supporting the minds and bodies of patients throughout their cancer journey.
The event will be held Saturday, June 14, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Fairfield University Track & Field, 1073 North Benson Road.
Walk solo or form a team. To register, donate and learn more about Thrive and its mission, click here.
Wine, whiskey, beer tasting fundraiser
The Knights of Columbus Assembly 119 and the Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church are hosting a wine, whiskey and beer tasting fundraiser together in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall at the church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on May 16.
The spirits will be supplied by Capital Spirits of Monroe. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Seating will be limited. To RSVP, click here. Payment will be accepted at the door using a credit card, cash or a check.
Admission is $30 per person and proceeds will benefit various charitable efforts the Knights and Columbiettes sponsors. Attendees must be 21-years-of-age to attend (proof of age will be requested to enter the event).
The cost of admission includes food and a tasting of various wines, whiskeys and beers. Capital Spirits of Monroe will take orders for alcohol, but only samples will be available during the event.
For information, call 203-258-3354 or e-mail [email protected].
Fodor earns promotion
Andrea Torres Fodor, who has been branch manager of the Newtown Savings Bank at Clock Tower Square since 2017, was recently promoted to vice president, business relationship banker.
According to a press release from the bank, Fodor “has proven to be not only a talented business developer and relationship manager, but an outstanding ambassador of the Bank.”
Fodor serves as president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport. Her community-focused efforts also include spearheading the Bridgeport Meet the Bankers event in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Banking, the Latino Lending Forum, and the Latin Business Expo.
Insurlynx LLC announces acquisition
Insurlynx LLC, an insurance and risk management services provider with an office in Monroe, announced the acquisition of Milburn Insurance, a brokerage based in Middlebury. The agreement was finalized on May 8.
“This acquisition strengthens our presence in Connecticut and allows us to better serve the needs of our clients with enhanced resources, broader market access, and an expanded team of experienced professionals,” said Cindy Hartsburg, owner of Insurlynx LLC. “We are thrilled to welcome Milburn Insurance and their clients into our family.”
Masuk Class of 1975 to celebrate 50th reunion
Masuk High School’s Class of 1975 will celebrate its 50 year reunion at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms, 175 Shelton Road (Route 110), on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 10 p.m.
The event will include a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, a cash bar, photo fun, music, dancing and a lot of memories to share.
The cost is $75 per person. Payment should be made as soon as possible via Venmo ([email protected]) or with a check payable to Gregg Vogel, 2716 Hilltop Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660. Please include preferred name for name tag(s) with payment.
For information, check the Facebook group, Masuk High School Class of 1975 50th Reunion, or contact one of the organizers: Gregg Vogel ([email protected]), Cynthia Young McCurdy ([email protected]), Lynn Hardy Susina ([email protected]), Marcia Stenger Lafayette ([email protected]), Diane Herb Landock ([email protected]) or Lisa Huck ([email protected]).
Volunteers are needed to help make the reunion a success. Those who want to help should email Gregg Vogel ([email protected]).
