Police Toy Drive
MONROE, CT — Monroe police officers will collect toy donations at the gazebo on the green in front of Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, this Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The second annual Stuff the Gazebo Toy Drive brightens the holidays for children impacted by domestic and sexual abuse, whose families are being assisted by The Center for Family Justice.
Police will bring the donations to the center to be given as gifts for children from CFJ’s cover area, including Monroe, Easton, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Stratford and Trumbull.
At this time of year, many victims and their families have left abusive situations, often leaving the primary caregivers in need of financial assistance to provide gifts for their children during the holidays.
Every year, The Center for Family Justice provides gifts for anywhere from 200-250 children, ranging from ages 1 to 18.
This year the center has requested new unwrapped toys and gift cards. Some of the toys that are popular with the children are Marvel Super Hero Action Figures, LOL Dolls, anything Dinosaurs, Lego sets, Barbies and Cabbage Patch Dolls.
For those unable to donate this Saturday, the deadline for donating toys for the drive is Monday morning in the police station lobby, 7 Fan Hill Road.
St. Peter’s Holly Fair
St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church will host a Holly Fair on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The event will feature a cookie walk, raffle, vendors, tag sale and refreshments. All are welcome. The church is at 175 Old Tannery Road.
Happy Birthday Jesus
A party for families, focused on the true meaning of Christmas, will be be held in the St. Jude social hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10.
The party is sponsored by the Columbiettes and will include arts and crafts, games, caroling, birthday cupcakes, a Nativity set and a raffle.
Those interested in attending can click here to signup. St. Jude is at 707 Monroe Turnpike.
Holiday House Tour
The Monroe Historical Society and Save Our Stepney Task Force’s Holiday House Tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 10. The Holiday House Tour, featuring houses and churches in Monroe, is $30 per person.
For tickets, email Karen Cardi, [email protected]. For information, click here.
Shoreline Ringers Holiday Concert
“Christmas Traditions”, a holiday concert performed by the Shoreline Ringers, a Connecticut Handbell Ensemble, will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Road, on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
Tickets cost $25 and are available at the Monroe Town Clerk’s Office, 7 Fan Hill Road, The Monroe Historical Society or online at ShowTix4U.
The group has performed at Carnegie Hall as part of “Christmastime in the City” concert with Scott Haney, and the “Joy for the Kids Concert” sponsored by WFSB Channel 3 in Hartford. It joined the U.S. Coast Guard Band at its Christmas concert, and performed at the Boston Handbell Festival in 2008, 2014 and 2019.
For information, visit the Shoreline Ringers website or contact The Monroe Historical Society at [email protected]
A carved ice Menorah
To celebrate the 2022 Hanukkah season, the Chabad Jewish Center of Shelton will carve a giant, six-feet-tall ice menorah on the Huntington Green. It will be constructed entirely of ice blocks and bring light and joy to Shelton and the surrounding area’s Jewish communities as they celebrate Hanukkah this year.
On Sunday, Dec. 18, the center will host this unique candle-lighting ceremony to promote Hanukkah. The Menorah Lighting will be at 4 p.m.
The ice menorah will be sculpted by ice carvers, so onlookers can watch the intricacies of ice sculpting, while learning about Hanukkah.
“Everyone is especially excited about Hanukkah this year,” said Rabbi Shneur Brook. “People are preparing to celebrate with family and friends, to fill their homes with the light of Hanukkah, and there’s a palpable joy. The public Hanukkah celebration is about sharing this light and joy with the broader community and the entire Shelton region.”
This event is free, but an RSVP is kindly requested by calling 203-364-4149. Donations/sponsorships opportunities.
In addition to the Menorah lighting, there will also be a “Drinks & Dreidels” Hanukkah party in Shelton for adults. Tickets and more info can be found at www.JewishShelton.com.
For information about Hanukkah and a local schedule of events visit www.JewishShelton.com/chanukah.
Masuk Robotics hockey fundraiser
Masuk Robotics fundraising night with the Bridgeport Islanders is Saturday, Jan. 7. The robotics program will be the beneficiary of the 50/50 Raffle and Chuck-A-Puck fundraisers.
Secure your tickets today to receive free parking, free Islanders hats and discounted concessions. All ticket proceeds support Masuk Robotics. For tickets, click here.
