Monroe Senior Center receives donation from Spectrum
MONROE, CT — The Monroe Senior Center received a donation of $2,500 and 10 Chromebooks from Spectrum to support the launch of its new digital education programming.
“We are excited to receive this wonderful gift from Spectrum to help our seniors in a variety of ways: to stay connected to family and friends in a time where isolation and depression affecting them is at an all-time high; to help them with their computer needs whether it be helping with applications, computer operations or navigating the internet and email,” said Kimberly A. Cassia, director of Monroe Community and Social Services.
Cassia accepted the donation during a check presentation ceremony attended by local dignitaries Tuesday.
“I am so thankful to Spectrum for this generous gift,” said First Selectman Ken Kellogg. “This will help our senior residents by providing new opportunities to learn how to navigate technology, while also giving them direct access by providing these Chromebooks that our Senior Center will be able to loan out on an individual basis. I look forward to our Senior Center implementing these new programs, all of which are made possible by this donation.”
State Rep. Tony Scott, R-112th, and State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-21st, attended the presentation, along with Town Council Chairman Jonathan Formichella and Jennifer Young, director of Government Affairs for Charter Communications.
“We are greatly appreciative of Spectrum’s generous donation to the Monroe Senior Center,” Scott said. “The computers and funds will surely be put to good use and help seniors continue to close that generational digital skills gap that only widened during the Covid pandemic.”
“The pandemic has shown us the importance of connectivity, especially for seniors and vulnerable individuals,” Kelly said. “This investment in the Monroe Senior Center is a positive way to modernize education and help seniors in our community stay connected. I thank Spectrum for this generous donation and look forward to seeing it support the good work at Monroe Senior Center.”
“Spectrum is proud to lend support to organizations, like the Monroe Senior Center, and the important work they do in communities,” said Camille Joseph, Group V.P. of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications. “Together, we’re building stronger communities where our customers and employees live and work across America.”
Monroe student receives national scholarship
AUBURN, N.Y., — Thomas Palermo, of Monroe, is one of 16 students being awarded a scholarship for academic achievement, community service and leadership by the Goulds Water Technology Professional Dealer’s Association (GPDA). The scholarship is open to students in the U.S. and Canada.
The 16 students across the United States will each receive a $1,500 scholarship, totaling $24,000. Recipients were chosen based on academic standing, volunteerism and leadership skills.
As a resource for GPDA members, the scholarship emphasizes the company’s support and commitment to independent dealers. The scholarships will help students obtain higher education at college or technical school.
“Every year, we have the opportunity and privilege of supporting 16 young students in pursuit of their dreams in higher education,” said Susan O’Grady, director of marketing, building services and agriculture at Xylem Inc. “Financial uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic still lingers for many families. Through these scholarships, we are honored to support our dealers’ families and contribute to these students’ future, success and professional development.”
Since its inception, the annual GPDA scholarship program has awarded more than $348,000 to 304 recipients.
Meet the candidates
The Monroe Republican Town Committee will host a meet and greet the candidates on Oct. 9 at Unit B-4 of the Big Y headquarters, 535 Monroe Turnpike, from 10 a.m. to noon.
All are welcome to meet and ask questions. Refreshments will be available.
Halloween costume drive
The Monroe Women’s club is having a Halloween costume drive for families who cannot afford costumes for their children this year.
Gently used costumes can be dropped off from now until Oct. 14 at Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Union Savings Bank and Newtown Savings Bank at Clock Tower Square. For information call 203- 268-1072.
‘Soctober’ warms feet
The Rotary Club of Monroe will be collecting new pairs of socks for people receiving services from Home of the Brave, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and The Center for Family Justice from Oct. 15 to 29.
Men’s, women’s and children’s socks are needed. The Monroe Rotary Club will match every pair of socks donated, doubling this year’s haul.
Drop off locations are at the Last Drop Cafe, 435 Main St.; Benedict’s Home & Garden, 480 Purdy Hill Road; Monroe Social, 494 Main St.; Republic Kitchen & Bar, 262 Main St.; Union Savings Bank, 411 Monroe Turnpike; The United Methodist Church, 525 Cutlers Farm Road; and Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road.
Blood Drive
The Monroe Rotary Club is sponsoring a blood drive in the Fellowship Hall of Beacon Hill Evangelical Free Church, Saturday, Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is at 371 Old Zoar Road.
For an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: RotaryMonroe or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Paper shredding fundraiser
United Methodist Church of Monroe is having a paper shredding fundraiser in the Village Square parking lot, 401 Monroe Turnpike, Saturday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. until noon — rain or shine.
Individuals and businesses are welcome. It costs $10 for a standard archive box — approximately 15”x12”x10”. Prices increase $5 per size according to container. For more details, download the flyer.
Cash, credit and debit cards will be accepted, along with checks made out to: UMC Monroe.
