Did you hear … ?

Edward Medaris, left, receives a certificate of commendation from First Selectman Terry Rooney at the Town Council meeting Monday. Photo by Sean O'Rourke

MONROE, CT — First Selectman Terry Rooney honored Edward Medaris with a certificate of commendation at the start of the Town Council meeting Monday night for the teen’s accomplishments in powerlifting competitions.

“Donald Edward Medaris IV, you are commended and congratulated on achieving the first place New England Regional Title of teen powerlifting and fifth place New England Regional Title in adult powerlifting,” Rooney said.

“This is an accomplishment to which many aspire, but few attain,” he said. “Earning this achievement puts you in a select group and you should be especially proud as should your parents, friends and coaches that are here tonight to support you.”

“Along with this year’s accomplishments you previously set 16 records for powerlifting in 2023 and came in fourth place in the National Teen Title of 2024. These achievements are why you are being commended,” Rooney said.

The first selectman told Medaris, who is 18, that he was chosen for his athletic and educational goals and contributions to his community, including his founding of a volunteer group called Tackle the Trash Monroe.

Medaris was also recognized for graduating with honors from The Canterbury School, and for being recruited by Salve Regina University for his athleticism and being accepted into the school’s scholar leadership program.

“Congratulations once again Ed Medaris, and may you have continued success in all your future endeavors so stated this 15th day of July of 2024,” Rooney said.

Joshua Bent Memorial Golf Tournament
The memory of Frank and Johanne Bent’s son, Joshua, is near and dear to their hearts. The couple holds his college graduation photo in their living room.

Joshua Bent, who grew up in Monroe, lost his life in a tragic car crash in Massachusetts on Memorial Day weekend in 2007 at age 27.

Bent was an organ donor and his heart saved the life of Michael Slama, who celebrated his wedding anniversary with his wife on a day in which he was given his last rights. A total of nine people benefited from receiving Bent’s lungs, kidneys, heart, liver, corneas, pancreas, intestines and skin.

Frank Bent and his wife, Johanne, have kept their son’s memory alive with the annual Joshua Bent Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament.

The 16th annual tournament will be held at Tashua Knolls Golf Course, 40 Tashua Knolls Lane in Trumbull, on Monday, July 22.

There will be an 8 a.m. check in and continental breakfast, a 9 a.m. shotgun tee off, a 2 p.m. cocktail reception buffet, prizes, raffles and a silent auction, as well as refreshments throughout the day.

To be a sponsor or register, visit joshuabent.com, call 203-261-0565 or send an email to [email protected].

Proceeds benefit Masuk High School students pursuing careers in architecture. The fund also provides financial aid for students in need at the Wentworth Institute of Technology — Joshua’s Alma mater.

The scholarship provides $2,500 for tuition per year, for a total of $10,000 in aid over four years.

Jam at the Dam

The highly anticipated Jam At The Dam Country Music Festival is coming back to Z-Topia, 1545 Monroe Turnpike, on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27.

Attendees can look forward to a family friendly event with a variety of food trucks offering delectable treats and local vendor tents for a unique shopping experience.

Jam at the Dam will feature performances from outstanding of artists in a vibrant atmosphere.

Friday’s lineup:

  • Brooke Lee
  • Karley Scott Collins
  • Gavin DeGraw

Saturday’s lineup:

  • Chase Wright
  • Taylor Austin Dye
  • Tyler Hubbard

Tickets are on sale now, search “Jam At The Dam” on Eventbrite.com. For information and updates, visit jamatthedam.com or follow the event on social media @JamAtTheDam.

A 50 year reunion for Masuk’s Class of ’74

Masuk High School’s Class of 1974 is celebrating its 50th reunion at Testo’s Restaurant (formerly Roberto’s), 505 Main St., on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 7 until 11 p.m.

It will be a night of dinner, dancing, raffles and reminiscing with classmates. The cost of admission is $75 per person and the event includes a cash bar. RSVP no later than July 31.

Checks should be made payable to Bonnie Goldstein, 37 Flint Ridge Road, Monroe, CT 06468. Venmo and Zelle payments are available, email Bonnie at [email protected]. No payments will be accepted at the door.

In addition to Saturday’s reunion at Testo’s, a casual afternoon will be held at Wolfe Park the following day on Sept. 1. Details will be provided.

Spread the word and reach out to any committee member with questions:

Rotary Golf Tournament

The Rotary Club of Monroe’s annual golf tournament fundraiser will be held at Tashua Knolls Golf Club, 40 Tashua Knolls Lane in Trumbull, on Sept. 9. The title sponsor is L.A. Barnaby & Sons.

The tournament will start with a breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., a Shotgun Start at 9 a.m. and there will be a lunch and cocktails after playing golf.

Proceeds will benefit the Unified Sports Program at Monroe’s elementary schools. Registration information will soon be available.

All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Latest from Blog

The Monroe Sun covers all of the news of Monroe, CT

Follow Us

© Copyright 2023, The Monroe Sun LLC