MONROE, Conn. — Washington Lodge No. 19, a chapter of Masons based in Monroe, donated $1,000 to Project Warmth and $1,000 to the Monroe Food Pantry recently.
In a short ceremony, Worshipful Master Jonathan Redwood presented the checks to Monroe Community and Social Services Director Kim Cassia and Monroe Food Pantry Coordinator Eddie Lui.
Bingo Night
Stepney Volunteer Fire Bingo Night will be held at Firehouse No. 1, 88 Main St., on Saturday, Feb. 21. (Snow date is Saturday, Feb. 28). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the games start at 6:30.
The evening will feature prizes and fun for families. The “Celebrity Caller” will be First Selectman Terry Rooney, according to the event flyer.
Admission is two dollars at the door and free for children under age two. Players can participate in 10 games for $20. It is a cash and Venmo event only.
Lenten Morning of Reflection
The Saint John XXIII Columbiettes of St. Jude Church will host a Lenten retreat on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The theme of the retreat is “What Not to Give Up for Lent: Holding onto Hope in Hard Seasons, A Morning of Reflection for Women.”
The retreat will be facilitated by Catholic speaker Laura Roland and offer space to reflect, pray, and be reminded that God is at work even in the ordinary and unseen moments of our lives. “Together with other women of faith, we’ll gather for prayerful reflection, encouragement, and quiet conversation as we journey through Lent,” the Columbiettes said in a news release.
Check-in/registration will be at 8:30 a.m. in the social hall of the church, 707 Monroe Turnpike, and it will begin with a 9 a.m. Mass.
The cost of the retreat is $15 and includes a continental breakfast for all attendees.
Proceeds will be donated to Ruth’s House in Shelton, a nonprofit that “provides a loving home for single mothers and their children facing difficult circumstances where they can receive emotional, spiritual, and physical support; learn life skills that empower them to live their God-given purpose; and transition into a permanent, stable living environment,” according to its website.
RSVPs are requested by Feb. 23 and can be sent to Marie D’Ostilio at Dostilio.marie1980@gmail.com or (203) 513-0337.
Roland is a Catholic speaker and certified leadership and motivation coach who works with individuals, leaders, and organizations to help them lead and live with clarity and purpose. Known for her encouragement, wisdom, and insight into what motivates people and how they can remain faithful, hopeful, and engaged in every season of life, Roland speaks to audiences nationally and internationally and is a frequent guest on faith- and leadership-focused podcasts.
UMC of Monroe Blood Drive
The United Methodist Church of Monroe, 515 Cutlers Farm Road, is hosting its winter-spring American Red Cross Blood Drive for patients in the community on Thursday, March 5, from 12 to 5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, click here. RapidPass can save donors up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment or download the Blood App from the Apple or Google app stores.
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.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
