MONROE, Conn. — In a joint effort to spread goodwill and promote peace around the world starting in their local community, the Masuk High School Interact Club has partnered with the Rotary Club of Monroe to establish the town’s first Peace Pole at Wolfe Park.
The Peace Pole, which features the universal message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” translated into eight different languages, serves as a powerful symbol of global unity. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10 a.m. at the Wolfe’s Den Playground. The public is encouraged to attend.
Following the brief ceremony, all attendees are welcome to enjoy refreshments and baked goods generously provided by Monroe Social and the Masuk Culinary Club.
Two Toy Drives
Two toy drives will be held at Awesome Toys & Gifts this weekend. The store at 464 Main St. will offer 20 percent discounts on donations bought for both drives.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Monroe police officers will collect toys in the parking lot from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The toys will go to The Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport to bring smiles to children of the families it serves.
CFJ offers free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and child abuse.
Then on Sunday, Nov. 23, the Stepney Volunteer Fire Department and the Save Our Stepney Task Force will hold a stuff a fire truck toy drive in the parking lot from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The toys will be donated to the Monroe Department of Community and Social Services’ Giving Tree program, benefitting Monroe families in need this year.
A Victorian Christmas
A Victorian Christmas will be held at Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St., on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Artisan Room will have local crafters showcasing handmade treasures and visitors can enjoy hearty soups, handmade wreaths, and Advent kits prepared by the Senior Pilgrim Fellowship, with all proceeds supporting their upcoming summer mission trip.
At the Parson’s Pie Shop will have sweets and period-style mocktails.
History enthusiasts will enjoy guided tours of the Meetinghouse, as costumed docents share stories of Victorian-era Monroe. Step into Dineson Parlor to admire an elaborate Victorian train display and meet Father Christmas, who will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to benefit Covenant to Care, a local charity supporting children and families under DCF care. Families with young children can stop by the Art Room to create simple period-inspired crafts to take home.
Mr. Gruber’s Silent Night
An original one act play depicting the story of how the Christmas Carol “Silent Night” came to be will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 7, during worship at Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St. Donations of unwrapped toys for children and teens in the care of DCF will be gratefully received. All are Welcome.
At this year’s 24th annual Stepney Green Tree lighting, Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., the Save Our Stepney (SOS) Task Force will introduce a new Norway Spruce tree, donated by Keith and Connor Bunovsky of TLC nursery in Monroe.
The 12-foot Norway Spruce tree will be a blaze of colored lights, topped with a new sparkling tree topper. But the little tree still needs a name.
The Task Force is asking members of the community to submit names for the tree with the winning name to be announced at the tree lighting. The person or family with winning tree name will be given a baby Norway Spruce evergreen tree to plant at their home.
There are no restrictions in the number of naming submissions. Tree names should be emailed with your contact information, including a telephone number, to saveourstepneysos@gmail.
In celebration of the new tree, a commemorative Stepney Green Tree lighting ornament will be given out to all in attendance while supplies last.
The Save Our Stepney Task Force welcomes donations from all members of the Monroe community for the tree lighting program. For information about the tree lighting, call Kathy Loehr at 203.261.7892.
Stepney Tree Lighting
New four-foot pure white illuminated snowflakes, along with more than 200 luminaries will trim out the green. The snowflakes will hang in and around the Stepney Gazebo.
The Save Our Stepney Task force is looking for snowflake sponsors. A full snowflake sponsorship is $265 or for $45 sponsors may purchase a snowflake point. Those who are interested should call Kathy Loehr at 203-261-7892 for information.
The Stepney Volunteer Fire Company, Stepney Baptist Church, Frosty the Snowman, and individual members of Save Our Stepney Task Force are contributing to the 24th annual tree lighting.
First Selectman Terry Rooney will welcome the community to the annual event on Stepney Green. All will be treated to holiday music performed by the Just Voices Singers under the direction of Mike Pelligrino. Monroe Boy Scout Troop 62 will provide freshly made donuts.
Frosty the Snowman will make a special appearance aboard a Stepney Volunteer Fire Company truck. At the invitation of SOS, officers of TLC Nursery will join frosty to flip the tree light switch ushering in the holiday season. Candy canes will be given to all to welcome Frosty.
Non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be accepted for the for the Stepney Baptist food pantry.
Save Our Stepney welcomes donations from all members of the Monroe community for the lighting program. For information on the sponsorship program for the Tree Lighting, call Kathy Loehr at 203-261-7892.
Connex Donates $2,500 to goPINK
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. – Connex, which has a branch on Main Street in Monroe, recently announced a donation of $2,500 to Middlesex Hospital’s goPINK Program, supporting local patients in their fight against breast cancer.
The funds were raised throughout October, recognized nationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, through a community-driven initiative that Connex members and employees joined in on. To raise funds, Connex branches sold pink bracelets for $5, with all of the proceeds benefiting goPINK at Middlesex Hospital.
To further the impact of member and employee contributions, Connex matched donations up to $1,000. The effort reflected Connex’s ongoing commitment to local community involvement and charitable giving.
In addition, employees showed their solidarity by wearing pink on Oct. 24, helping to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations about early detection and prevention. The goPINK Project provides essential funding for breast cancer patients, including assistance with treatment costs, diagnostic services, and wellness programs offered through Middlesex Hospital.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
