MONROE, CT — Town Democrats and Republicans are hosting meet the candidates events to introduce residents to their party’s ticket for this November’s municipal election.
On Sunday, Oct. 19, the Monroe Democratic Town Committee’s meet the candidates picnic will be held at Wolfe Park, at the pavilion next to the basketball courts, from 12 to 3 p.m. It was originally scheduled for this weekend before being postponed for the weather.
The event will feature a picnic table chat with first selectman candidate Leon Ambrosey, as well as the other Democratic Party candidates running for office.
Food and tickets will be available for $5 per person or $20 per family. Raffle tickets will be sold for a dollar each and the chance to win a homemade blanket.
The Monroe Republican Town Committee’s Meet the Candidates fundraiser will be held at Monroe Social, 494 Main St., on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost of admission is a $50 donation. First Selectman Terry Rooney, who is seeking a second consecutive term, headlines the GOP’s slate of candidates.
For tickets, click here.
Middle Schools Splash Night
Monroe Parks and Recreation is offering a new Middle Schools Splash Night program at Masuk High School this Friday, Oct. 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“We wanted to offer a free activity for middle schoolers in Monroe to come out and swim with their friends and have some safe and social fun without their parents,” Director Missy Orosz said.
Participants will be able to do laps in the pool, play water games and jump off the diving board. Parks and Recreation staff and lifeguards will be on duty.
The program is open to participants in grades six, seven and eight. Preregistration is requested, but not required. For information, visit the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department website, MonroeRec.org.
250 years of American independence
All are invited to a ceremony in which First Selectman Terry Rooney will declare the town of Monroe’s participation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. on the Monroe Town Green at the corner of Route 111 and 7 Fan Hill Road on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The ceremony is sponsored by the Monroe CT 250 Committee. Refreshments will be donated by Monroe Social.
The committee works in collaboration with Governor Ned Lamont’s office, which asked all 169 Connecticut towns to participate in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
For information about the Monroe CT 250 Committee, visit the town website or send an email to monroect250@gmail.com.
Sip for Hope
The Center for Family Justice will be the beneficiary of Kindred Spirits & Wine’s Sip for Hope tasting fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 23, in Monroe from 6 to 8 p.m.
Participants will sample a lineup of wines and spirits, while mingling with friends, neighbors, and fellow supporters and learning more about the vital work CFJ does to break the cycle of abuse and provide hope, safety, and healing for individuals and families.
All are welcome to join CFJ staff and volunteers for an evening of fine wine, good food and company in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Tickets are available for $25 per person. This event is for guests age 21 and older. Click here to register.
Troop 26 Tag Sale
Scouting America Monroe Troop 26 will have a tag sale fundraiser in the parking lot of the former Rite-Aid at the corner of Routes 25 and 59 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Items to be sold include household décor, art, kitchen items, garden tools, antiques, toys and games, holiday décor, jewelry and more.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) will host its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.
Bridgeport Police Department Chief Roderick Porter will join CFJ President and CEO Debra Greenwood as emcee.
“It is critical for the community to come together as one voice to advocate for survivors and create lasting change,” said Greenwood.
“I echo Deb’s sentiment,” Porter said. “These partnerships are vital to address domestic violence. We at the Bridgeport Police Department remain committed to not only responding to calls to domestic violence but also being proactive in our approach in educating not only victims and also offenders in domestic violence situations. We value the importance of this partnership and collaboration with the Center for Family justice. The partnership critical in ending domestic violence in Bridgeport.”
The evening will bring together community members, partners, survivors and local leaders in a united call for awareness and action. The vigil will feature “The Domestic Violence Altar,” presented by the center’s Latine Department, which commemorates the lives lost to domestic violence.
The Center for Family Justice offers free and confidential services for victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse in the six communities it serves: Monroe, Easton, Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport and Stratford.
For information or assistance, visit CFJ’s website.
UMCM Blood Drive
The United Methodist Church of Monroe is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a Halloween Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30.
To make an appointment, click here.
UMCM Paper Shredding, Electronics recycling fundraiser
The United Methodist Church of Monroe will host its annual Paper Shredding and Electronics Recycling fundraiser at 435 Main St. in Monroe, at the corner of Routes 25 and 59, on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. until noon — rain or shine.
Paper shredding is $10 for the standard archive box (15″ x 12″ x 10″) and the price increases by $5 according to container size.
Electronics recycling includes $10 per cellphone, hard drive and tablet and $20 per computer and laptop.
The church is partnering with Affordable Solutions LLC for the one-stop, confidential, convenient document and data destruction event.
The event will benefit missions near and far. Individuals and businesses are welcome. No need to exit your vehicle, just pull up, pop open your trunk and the volunteers will take care of the rest.
For information, visit the church website or download an event flyer.
I am a lifelong area resident, but I am new to Monroe, and I know too little about the candidates for elective offices to make informed voting decisions.
Is there not going to be an event at which the opposing candidates can educate us about their positions on the major issues, opportunities and decisions facing the residents of our town? I read somewhere about the possibility of a debate, presumably for the two candidates for first selectman, but I’ve seen nothing else since.