MONROE, CT — The following is a collection of short news briefs from early this week.
Driver evades accident
Police are looking for the driver of a white pickup truck, who allegedly sideswiped a sedan on Barn Hill Road Sunday evening and kept going.
At approximately 6:12 p.m., the driver of the pickup was heading south, before veering into the north lane on a curve near Barn Hill Extension and sideswiping the four-door-sedan. No injuries were reported, according to police.
Police do not know the make or model of the truck, but said it would have damage along its driver’s side.
Anyone with information on the accident is encouraged to call police at 203-261-3622.
Neighborhood Assistance grants
Town Council members held a public hearing and expressed support for grant applications benefiting the Monroe Food Pantry and Great Hollow Lake Monday night. Those steps are necessary for grant applications to move forward under the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act.
First Selectman Ken Kellogg said the program provides a benefit to community, nonprofit or municipal programs by encouraging donations from business entities, who in turn become eligible for tax credits.
Hena Ali, the town’s director of community and social services, spoke about the $20,000 grant application for the Monroe Food Pantry, which assists families in need throughout the year.
Karen Burnaska, a former first selectman who now serves as chair of the Conservation and Water Resources Commission, told the Town Council about its $2,200 grant application for a pollinator garden at Great Hollow.
Burnaska said vegetation was lost to development along the river over the years and the garden provides an environmental benefit to waterways and the native bird populations. The garden would also have educational benefits.
Generous donations
Town Council members voted to accept donations for the Monroe Food Pantry and Sprint for Monroe Monday.
The Monroe Lions Club donated $3,100 to the food pantry and Victorinox Swiss Army contributed $2,000 to Sprint for Monroe. Council approval is needed for the town to accept donations over $1,500.
First Selectman Ken Kellogg thanked the Lions Club and Victorinox for their ongoing generosity to town causes and programs.
For example, the Lions Club recently made a donation for Edith Wheeler Memorial Library’s new makerspace and cafe.
Town Councilwoman Jennifer Aguilar also took a moment to thank Nick Kapoor, a Board of Education member and a Monroe native, who donated the Pride Flag, so it could fly in front of Town Hall to celebrate Pride Month.
