NEW ORLEANS, La. — Edward Medaris, of Monroe, who is a student at Sacred Heart University, excelled in the 2026 USAPL Collegiate Nationals Powerlifting Championships at the Pontchartrain Convention & Civic Center in New Orleans, held from April 9-12.
Medaris competed in the 140-plus kilogram super heavyweight division, placing eight among about 35 competitors.
He had two personal bests, including 300 kg in the squat and 277.5 in the deadlift. Medaris also has a personal best of 165 kg in the bench press, which he recorded at the Team GPT Invitational on December 20, 2025. His total lifted at the Collegiate Nationals was 737.5 kg.
Kids’ Walk
The American Legion Department of Connecticut Third District Posts and the Sippin-Winspur Post 176 of Monroe are sponsoring the annual Kids’ Walk for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center at Great Hollow Lake, 454 Purdy Hill Road, this Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. until noon.
Connecticut has seven districts that usually participate and 100-percent of the donations benefit the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
Those making a $25 donation will receive a T-shirt. Registration begins at 10 a.m.
Can’t Come? Send a check payable to CCMC and mail it to Vic Yanosy, 107 Cutlers Farm Road, Monroe, CT 06468.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®
FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Walk a Mile in Her Shoes®, the Center for Family Justice’s annual event in which people join others in taking a stand against gender‑based violence and supporting youth through Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport, will be held on Saturday, April 25, at the Downtown Fairfield Train Station.
Volunteers are still needed. Their arrival is at 7:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the Walk starts at 9 a.m.
Those who are interested in volunteering or who have questions can email Lori Miller at lmiller@
or call her at 203‑334‑6154, extension 121.
To register to walk, click here, to make a donation click here, to become a sponsor, click here.
The Center for Family Justice is a nonprofit, which provides free and confidential crisis and supportive services to victims of domestic and sexual violence and child abuse in the communities of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford and Trumbull.
‘Keep America Beautiful’ Community Cleanup Day
Celebrate Earth Week and America’s 250th anniversary by joining your neighbors for the Monroe CT 250 “Keeping America Beautiful” Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Wolfe Park’s Rotary Pavilion, 285 Cutlers Farm Road.
Residents of all ages are invited to come together, roll up their sleeves, and help refresh and beautify Monroe’s public spaces. Community members are encouraged to bring gloves, rags, and plenty of team spirit as we work side by side to honor our town, protect our environment, and celebrate our shared American heritage.
The event is part of Monroe’s ongoing recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging all residents to reflect on civic pride, stewardship, and the role each of us plays in shaping our community. This program is proudly sponsored by the Masuk Interact Club, the Monroe CT 250 Committee, and the Monroe Public Works Department.
For updates, volunteer information, and the confirmed clean up location, visit ctvisit.com/events/keeping-america-beautiful-community-clean-day or send an email to [email protected].
Spring Artist-Craft Fair
Harmony Grange No. 92 is hosting a Spring Artist-Craft Fair at Fireman’s Field, 18 Shelton Road, on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 70 artists and crafters from around Connecticut will sell their wares along and the event will have three food trucks.
The first 350 mothers who attend will receive a free packet of perennial seeds from Monroe’s Town Gardener to plant in their own garden and celebrate Mother’s Day the following weekend. The fair will also have a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses.
The Monroe Summer Orchestra, an all volunteer orchestra led by music teacher is Anthony Granata, will perform throughout the day.
Visitors can also learn about Harmony Grange, which is always looking for new members.
A Wine, Bourbon & Beer tasting
The Knights of Columbus Assembly 119 and the Pope Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church are hosting a fundraiser tasting of wine, bourbon and beer presented by Capital Spirits of Monroe on Friday, April 24.
Admission is $25 per person and proceeds will benefit various charitable efforts the Knights and Columbiettes sponsor. Attendees must be at least 21-years-old to attend (Proof of age will be requested upon entering the event).
The cost of admission will include the tasting and food. Only orders for alcohol will be taken by Capital Spirits on the night of the event. Alcohol will not be sold and only samples will be available.
Payment for the event can be made at the door using a credit card, cash or check.
The event will be held in the Msgr. Sabia Social Hall at St. Jude Church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Seating is limited, so signups are encouraged as soon as possible. To RSVP online, click here.
For information, call 203-258-3354 or e-mail Elizabeth Edgerton at [email protected].
A Reunion for Masuk’s Class of 2001
Masuk’s Class of 2001 will celebrate its 25th reunion at Elicit Brewing Company in Fairfield on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets cost $75 each. For details on tickets and fees visit Eventbrite by clicking here.
Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling
Are your personal papers stacking up with no time to shred them? Do you have obsolete devices or old internal drives that you’d like to safely dispose of? The United Methodist Church of Monroe is hosting a Paper Shredding Fundraiser and introducing Electronics Recycling in the parking lot at 435 Main St. (at the corner of Route 25 and Route 59) on Saturday, May 2, rain or shine from 9 a.m. to noon.
Take advantage of a one-stop source for confidential, convenient document and data destruction with Affordable Solutions, LLC. The event will benefit church 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!
Paper Shredding is $10 for a standard archive box (15”x 12”x 10”) with price increases of $5 according to container size.
Electronics Recycling:
- Cell phones, hard drives and tablets: $10/per
- Computers and laptops: $20/per
Mile Down the Pike
Runners are training for the fourth annual Newtown Savings Bank Mile Down the Pike, the race that takes place on Route 111 just before the start of Monroe’s Memorial Day Parade. The event is scheduled to be held on May 24. All proceeds will be donated to the Monroe Memorial Day Parade Committee to place flags on Monroe veterans gravesites in town, as well as to benefit veterans organizations.
Awards will be given for first, second and third place within each age group and snacks and hydration will be available after the event. Click on this link to sign up. Click here to donate to the event.
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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