MONROE, Conn. — 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 this weekend 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.
McDonald’s, Jennie’s step up
When Jockey Hollow Middle School eighth graders held the “Last Splash” celebration for students graduating from the main campus and STEM Academy, two local businesses came up big for the event. Monroe McDonald’s Manager Maureen Tejada agreed to a request for a food donation from her restaurant and Jennie’s Pizzeria provided 15 free pizzas.
“I was thrilled and heartened by the generosity of the people at McDonald’s and Jennie’s,” said John Biase, a first time 8th Grade Student Council advisor. “The kids certainly enjoyed their contributions — every last bite.”
Biase said he also appreciated the spirited 8th grade parent boosters, who ran the show from the planning stage, to set up, chaperoning and take down.
“These parents provided their time, energy, creativity and countless contributions to the success of our eighth graders’ Last Splash,” he said. “To say we couldn’t have done it without them is the understatement of the year.”
Rotary Clubs help food pantries
Local Rotary Clubs will pack and distribute hundreds of meal boxes for the food pantries of Bridgeport, Fairfield, Monroe and Trumbull at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, 595 Madison Ave., Bridgeport, on Saturday, July 25, from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Their goal is to pack and distribute more than 86,000 meal servings to the area food pantries. More than 100 volunteers are needed to make this event a success. To register, click here.
There are four time slots for volunteers: Set up 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., First Shift 8:30 to 11 a.m., Second Shift 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Clean Up & Distribution 1:30 to 2 p.m.
VFW Post 10059 news
The final phase of construction for the Veterans and First Responders Center in Trumbull began on May 26, as expected, and the building should be completed in seven to nine months. In the meantime, donations continue to roll in.
At the June 11 Post meeting, the VFW and American Legion commanders accepted a $25,000 from the Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation, which was presented by Chris Trefz towards the purchase of a building generator, as well as a $10,000 contribution from retired Major Arthur O’Leary of Monroe.
O’Leary’s donation will pay the balance of the generator and sponsor an outdoor bench at the facility in honor of veterans. O’Leary served as an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam and flew many combat missions there. He left the Army after 10 years, but remained in the Connecticut National Guard, retiring as a Major.
During the meeting, Post 10059 presented the Student Citizenship Education Award to Michael Butler, a St. Joseph High School sophomore, for making and distributing high strength lanyards to Post members and their families. The lanyards serve multiple purposes and are strong enough to bear the weight of a person if needed.
Investment webinar
Union Savings Bank, which has a branch in Monroe, is hosting a free webinar entitled, Market Review and Outlook: Investment Themes for the Second Half of the Year, on Wednesday, June 24, from noon to 1 p.m. The Wealth Group invites individuals, investors, and financial planning professionals to attend.
Financial experts will provide an overview of the current economic landscape, as well as timely insights on what may lie ahead for investors. Focused on financial planning for the remainder of 2026, the webinar will offer a clearer perspective of the economic outlook amid heightened market volatility, shifting interest rate expectations, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing market leadership.
Topics include:
- Key Market and Economic Developments from the First Half of 2026
- The Outlook for Interest Rates and Economic Growth
- Emerging Risks and Opportunities for Investors
- Investment Themes to Watch in the Months Ahead
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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