MONROE, Conn. — Robert Butler, of Scout Troop 62, led fellow members of his troop in building and installing kiosks at the start of the walking trail at Wolfe Park and along the trail around Great Hollow Lake for his Eagle Project, which is meant to inform park visitors about invasive plants and how to help prevent the spread into natural areas.
The kiosks have boot scrapers that walkers can use to remove soil and seeds from their shoes before starting their walk on the trail. Removing seeds from shoe soles keeps the seeds from being tracked along the trail to start new plants.
The installation took place on May 23. Butler’s project was inspired by an idea from the Monroe Conservation & Water Resources Commission, which sponsored his efforts.
The Monroe Parks and Recreation Commission and Monroe Parks and Recreation Director Missy Orosz approved the Eagle Scout project for the Conservation Commission in 2025.
Butler picked up the project in the fall of 2025, researched the topic and designed the sign and sourced remaining materials, before building the kiosks with members recruited from his troop — Phillip P., Cj B., Hriday K., Alex B., Elliot H., Alex F. and Daniel F., Scout Master Darrel Harris, and Butler’s father, Assistant Scout Master Paul Butler.
Also present at the installation were Conservation Commission members Suzanne Testani, Barbara Thomas and Christine Williams.
Invasive plants are non-native plants that spread aggressively through seeds and/or rhizomes. They leaf out earlier than native plants and can crowd out native plants. Plants that are native to an area are essential for supporting bees and other pollinating insects. They are also host plants to insects. Those insects are food for birds and small mammals.
Common invasive plants are bittersweet vine that can strangle and kill trees and barberry, which creates habitat for ticks. An area with a heavy infestation of invasive plants supports less wildlife.
For information on invasive plants, visit the CT Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) website by clicking here. To become involved in scouting, visit Troop 62’s website by clicking here.
Monroe RTC Food Drive
The Monroe Republican Town Committee will celebrate Flag Day with a food drive benefitting the Monroe Food Pantry at the Stop & Shop on Monroe Turnpike this Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For a list of needed items, click here.
For every donation received, the Monroe RTC will give away an American Flag or a 250th Anniversary commemorative flag, while supplies last.
Monroe woman to serve in educational role for CT
State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, D-22nd, announced that Monroe resident and special education supervisor Chrissy Martinez has been appointed to serve on the Building Educational Responsibility with Greater Improvement Networks (BERGIN) Commission by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk.
“Chrissy Martinez is exactly the kind of expert voice this commission needs,” Gadkar-Wilcox said. “As a special education supervisor, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing our students, especially those who need the most support. Monroe is lucky to have her, and now Connecticut’s students will benefit from her knowledge and dedication.”
“I am proud to appoint Chrissy Martinez to the BERGIN Commission,” said Duff. “Her hands-on experience as a special education supervisor brings exactly the kind of perspective we need to drive meaningful improvements for Connecticut’s students. I look forward to the contributions she will make.”
Martinez, who is a former chair of the Monroe Democratic Town Committee, currently serves on the Monroe Board of Education in town.
Strawberry Festival
Monroe Congregational Church’s 54th annual Strawberry Festival is coming back to the historic Monroe Town Center Green on Father’s Day Weekend, when it will be held from June 20 to 21. Since 1972, this family-friendly celebration has brought together community spirit, handmade artisans, and mouthwatering strawberry delights.
Festival guests can expect a joyful mix of old-fashioned charm and contemporary fun — complete with delicious homemade strawberry shortcakes, pies, jams, dipped berries and smoothies crafted.
The weekend will also feature over 100 juried crafters offering handcrafted goods, a food tent with savory options for all tastes, children’s activities, including games, a bounce house, and face painting, live entertainment throughout both days, and so much more.
The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Monroe Town Green, 34 Church St., Saturday, June 20, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 21 — rain or shine. Admission is free.
Foster families needed
The Annie C. Courtney Foundation is reaching out to compassionate individuals willing to open their hearts and homes to children and teenagers in foster care across Connecticut. By becoming a caregiver, you can play a vital role in helping a child and their family heal. With over 3,500 children-teens in care (newborn to age 18) the need is urgent for individuals and families to consider fostering.
The decision to foster is a significant commitment, but there is an urgent need for caring individuals for children of all ages, especially those on the autism spectrum, as well as teenagers and sibling groups who long for a stable and loving environment.
As a foster caregiver, you’ll be supported every step of the way and have access to a wide range of resources. Foster families receive assistance with medical and dental care, along with a daily stipend to help cover the costs of raising a child. Regular visits from social workers ensure you have ongoing support for both you and the child in your care. Additional services are available for those children who may need extra help.
To learn more or to attend a free two hour Zoom information meeting ( available twice a week throughout the year), call Annie C. at 475-235-2184 or visit AnnieC.org.
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