Monroe Answerbook • Hersam Acorn Newspapers

2 Monroe Answerbook, Monroe, Connecticut March 31, 2011

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March 31, 2011 Monroe Answerbook, Monroe, Connecticut 3

About the Answerbook

What is the Monroe Answerbook?The Monroe Answerbook is a special publication by The Monroe

Courier. Similar publications are issued annually in towns in Fairfield County and New Haven County covered by Hersam Acorn Newspa-pers.

The Answerbook is an attempt to provide all the vital information a Monroe resident, new or longtime, might need about their town.

What if I see an error in the Answerbook?Errors should be pointed out to Monroe Courier Editor Brad Dur-

rell by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. If pos-sible, include the page number of the error and exactly how the correct entry should read.

Why isn’t my group listed?We’re sorry. No one is intentionally omitted. If you want your or-

ganization listed, e-mail information to [email protected].

How can I get something in The Monroe Courier?Submissions may be sent via e-mail to monroecourier@hersamacorn

.com. Text should be in a Word attachment or pasted into the message of the e-mail. Photos should be sent as high resolution JPEG files.

Deadline is Monday at noon for that week’s issue. Please include a phone number in case there are questions. Call us at 203-402-2313 if you have questions.

Submissions may also be posted at monroecourier.com.

Table of Contents

Town History 4Demographics 6Municipal Government 8About Your Government 12Schools 22Emergency Services 26Library Information 30Municipal Services 31Social Services 33Parks and Recreation 34Health Services 35Community Information 36Senior Services 37Religious Organizations 38Culture and Learning 40Pet Information 42Health and Wellness 43Children and Youth Services 45Transportation 47Business Community 50Media 52Index 54

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Published annually by Hersam Acorn Newspapers as a special section of The Monroe Courier.

Copies are also available at real estate offices,

town hall and Chamber of Commerce. For additional copies, call 203-926-2080.

Contents are online at MonroeCourier.com.

Thomas B. Nash, publisherBrad Durrell, editor

Mary Anne Hersam, vice president of sales Donna Cosenza, account executive

Cover photo by Thomas NashCover design by Ian Murren

Map by David Raabe

Please send updates, ideas, or corrections to: [email protected]

©2011 Hersam Acorn Newspapers1000 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, Conn., 06484


What is the town’s history? Monroe was once part of an area known as Pequonnock or

Cubheag, what is now known as Stratford, which also gave birth to Trumbull, Shelton and part of Bridgeport. Stratford retained its original bounds from 1639 to 1789 when territory was taken from it for the town of Huntington (Shelton).

In 1823 the town of Monroe, previously called New Stratford, separated from Huntington. The villages of Stepney, Birdsey’s Plain, Monroe Center and East Village were incorporated into the town, which in May of that year was named after the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe.

In the early life of the town of Monroe, the Congregational Church played a prominent role in both the community and gov-ernment. Eventually separation was realized, and taxes became necessary to pay the teachers, to build and repair the roads, to care for the elderly and, later, to build new schools.

The railroad running through Stepney and Stevenson helped the town continue to grow and thrive, as did its people.

Monroe was a typical rural community, blending into the backdrop of this portion of the state. Most people earned a living through farming, but some small industries such as saw and grist mills, blacksmith shops, carriage and shirt factories, mines, a granite quarry, button shops, and boot and shoe makers became popular alternative work.

Monroe remained mostly unattached from the industrial revolution of the early and 1900s, maintaining its rural character until the 1940s and post-World War II. By the 1950s farm lands were sold and replaced with new homes, and the small indus-tries of the past were replaced with industrial ones.

In 1957 Monroe’s first high school was established, and as the population grew to more than 6,000 in the 1960s, it became clear that more schools would be needed to house the rising student population.

The 1970s saw the population double to more than 12,000. The small-town feel of Monroe became strained. During this time period the town saw the fulfillment of much needed con-struction: a new municipal complex, Webb Mountain Park, Wolfe Park, and a renovation and expansion of Masuk High School.

In recent years, the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, a new Senior Center, and Jockey Hollow School were added, along with an influx of business along the Route 25 and Route 111 corridors.

While the landscape of Monroe has changed much since its humble beginnings, the town remains a family oriented, faith-based community with a competitive and flourishing school system, premier recreational facilities, and a growing commer-cial and industrial base that provides both jobs and economic balance to the area.

The town has continued to grow with the changing times, but through its people and rich history has managed to not lose its rural, New England character.

This section appears courtesy of the Monroe Historical Society, monroehistoricsociety.org. Portions are derived from “The History of Monroe” and “Monroe: Images of America,” by the Monroe Historical Society.

Where does the name come from?James Monroe, 1758-1831, was the fifth President of the

United States, serving for two terms from 1817 to 1825. He became known for his 1823 proclamation, called the Monroe

Doctrine, that stated that the United States opposed European influence in the Western Hemisphere. His term in office is known as the “Era of Good Feeling,” and saw the country expand with the addition of Mississippi, Illinois, Alabama, Maine and Missouri.

What are some historic points of interest? The Monroe Historical Society operates three buildings that

have survived from Monroe’s past: the East Village Meeting House at 433 Barn Hill Road, the 1790 East Village-Barn Hill Schoolhouse at 311 Wheeler Road, and the Beardsley Homestead at 31 Great Ring Road. These buildings are open for tours and other events related to history. The Historical Society runs various programs in those buildings throughout the year including Hands on History for children, a textile sale, and his-torical lectures. The Monroe Historical Society also maintains the local history room at the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, which is open to the public on Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment.

The Burr Mail Wagon is another lasting piece of the town’s history. Monroe’s first mail cart is housed at the Monroe Post Office on Route 111.

Visitors or students of history looking for a visual history of Monroe can visit the library to view the “Our Town” mural by artist David Merrill. The mural, which once was housed at Masuk High, was moved to the new library after it opened in 2007. The mural depicts various scenes and structures from both Monroe’s past and modern times. A pamphlet guides people through each of the more than 50 scenes, outlining the date and significance of each scene. Merrill himself did extensive research before and during his time painting the mural.

Are there any historic districts in town? Yes. The Monroe Historical District centers around the

Monroe Green, situated between Route 111 and Fan Hill Road. Town Hall, the library and the schoolhouse on Wheeler Road exist within this historical district, as well as Monroe Congregational Church, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and many private homes of historical significance.

A woodcut by 19th-Century artist John Warner Barber shows the Monroe Green in 1836.

(Image courtesy of Monroe Historical Society)

Town History

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Also, though it is not designated as an official historic district according to the town, the Upper Stepney/Birdsey’s Plain his-toric district plays a significant role in Monroe’s history as one of Monroe’s original villages. The district centers around the Stepney Green at Routes 25 and 59, and is on the Connecticut Historical Commission’s Register of Historic Places.

Are there any town histories?There are many histories of the town of Monroe. Information on

what has been published is available through the Monroe Historical Society.

Individuals interested in learning more about Monroe can start with “Monroe: Images of America” (1998) by the Monroe Historical Society, published by Arcadia.

They may also want to check out “A Glimpse of Old Monroe” (1974) by Edward Coffey, Monroe town historian. Both of these books can be found on Amazon.com as well as at the town library.

How long has The Monroe Courier been the town’s newspaper?

The Monroe Courier first appeared in 1962, the brainchild of Richard Diamond. It began as the sister paper to The Trumbull Times.

What is the role of the Historical Society? Founded in 1959, the Monroe Historical Society’s mission is to

preserve the town’s rich history for future generations.Members maintain historic properties and artifacts that illustrate

the town’s history, and sponsor programs and activities for adults and children. For more information visit monroehistoricsociety.org.

Merrill’s Modern Grocery Store was on Monroe Turnpike near Cross Hill Road. Built and oper-ated by the Merrill family in the 1920s, it was the boyhood home of David Merrill, artist of the mural of old Monroe on the lower floor of the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library. The building now houses Charlene’s Barber Shop.

(Photo courtesy of Monroe Historical Society)

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How big is Monroe?Monroe is 26 square miles and is bordered by Trumbull to the

south, Newtown to the north, Easton to the west, and Shelton and Oxford to the east.

How many people live here?According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Monroe’s population

is 19,479, an increase of 1.2% from the census done a decade earlier. There are an estimated 6,918 housing units in town. According to the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), the town’s population density is 735 people per square mile, compared to the Fairfield County average of 1,412.

How does the town break down by age?According to the 2010 CERC town profile, Monroe residents

fall into the following age ranges: 0-4: 1,330 (8%); 5-17: 3,946 (20%); 18-24: 1,269 (6%); 25-49: 6,399 (34%); 50-64: 4,099 (21%); and 65+: 2,167 (11%).

What is the median income?The median household income is $107,827, compared to

$82,184 for Fairfield County and $68,055 for the state.

What is the education level?According to CERC, 45% of town residents age 25 or older

have a bachelor’s degree or higher, 24% have some college, and 24% ended their studies after getting a high school diploma.

What do residents do for a living?The CERC report says 37% of the town’s population works

in the service industry; 24% have a professional trade; 16% are employed in manufacturing; 8% work in construction or mining; 5% are employed by financial, insurance or real estate companies; 4% in transportation or utilities; 4% work for gov-ernment, and 2% in agriculture.

What is the median cost of a residence in town?According to The Warren Group, the median price of a single-

family home sold in Monroe in 2010 was $470,000. That was a 29% price increase from the previous year. The number of single-family homes sold in Monroe declined to 116 in 2010 from 143 in 2009, a 19% drop.

The median price of a condominium sold in Monroe in 2010 was $205,000, a 21% decrease from $258,750 in 2009. The number of condos sold in town declined 14% to 31 in 2010, from 36 the previous year.

How far is Monroe from Hartford?Monroe is approximately 50 miles southwest of Hartford, the

state’s capital. It is 66 miles from New York City, and 152 miles from Boston.

What is the average temperature?The Weather Center at Western Connecticut State University

says the average winter temperature is approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit; spring, 48 degrees; summer, 70 degrees; and fall, 53 degrees. According to weather.com, the average high in July is

82 degrees, and the average low in January is 23 degrees. The record high was 103 degrees in July 1957. The record low was 7 degrees below zero in January 1984.

How many people are registered to vote in Monroe?As of March 23, 2010, there were 12,962 registered vot-

ers in the town. This includes 7,019 unaffiliated voters, 3,314 Republicans, 2,602 Democrats, and 27 registered in other par-ties.

When can I use an absentee ballot? You may vote by absentee ballot for any election.

How and where do I get an absentee ballot? You must first fill out an application, which you may pick up

at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall, or it may be mailed to you at any address. After you return the application, it will be processed and the absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the town clerk’s office. Absentee ballots, however, will not be mailed to a person for a referendum.

Can I look up old deeds in Town Hall? Deeds are open to the public and are available for review in

the town clerk’s office.

Are birth, marriage and death records public? The general public is allowed to peruse marriage and death

record indexes and can obtain copies. Restrictions may apply. Birth certificates are confidential. Certified copies of birth cer-tificates will be issued only to the person in question or, in the case of a minor, their parents or other designated persons.

Besides clergy, who can officiate at weddings? A justice of the peace may officiate at a wedding within the

state, and federal judges may officiate at weddings anywhere. Monroe has more than two dozen justices of the peace and their names are available at the town clerk’s office (203-452-2811) as well as on the town Web site, monroect.org

Where do I get a marriage license? A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the

bride lives, where the groom lives, or where they plan to be married. No blood test is required. Both must appear, present a photo ID, and swear an oath. The license costs $30 and is good for 65 days. Visit the town clerk’s office or call 203-452-2811 for details.

Does Connecticut recognize same sex marriage? Yes. Couples of the same sex are legally allowed to be mar-

ried in this state, which grants them all benefits, rights and protections involving state law as are granted to spouses of different genders.

Licenses may be obtained in the town clerk’s office. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The fee is $30. For details, call 203-452-2811.

Demographics

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Municipal Government

Who is the chief executive of the town? The first selectman is Stephen J. Vavrek, a Republican first

elected in 2009. There also is a nine-member Town Council. Minority representation is guaranteed as a party may only hold six of the nine seats on the Town Council.

The Town Council is responsible for directing the adminis-tration, policy-making and daily affairs of the town. The first selectman handles day-to-day administration. The first select-man is a full-time, salaried position.

The Town Council meets the first and third Monday of the month in the Town Hall council chambers. The minutes of each meeting are on the town Web site, monroect.org. Visit the Web site for the agenda or check with the town clerk’s office.

Is there a directory of town officials?Yes. Town officials are listed on the town’s Web site, monro-

ect.org. There also is a list of officials and elected board mem-bers in this section of the Answerbook.

What is the town’s budget? The approved town budget for 2010-11 is $76.7 million,

with about $51.4 million of that dedicated to funding the town’s public schools. The complete town budget is online at monro-ect.org.

What is the town’s bond rating? Moody’s has given the town a rating of AA-2.

What is the current tax rate?The current tax rate is 28.26 mills. This represents a tax of

$28.26 on each $1,000 of assessed value. If a house is assessed at $300,000, the real estate taxes would be $8,478 a year.

What’s a Grand List? A New England term, the Grand List is the town’s tax base

and represents all taxable property in town. It is compiled every Oct. 1.

The current Grand List for Monroe totals $2.29 billion. The breakdown is as follows:

Real estate, $2.07 billion; motor vehicles, $150.5 million; and personal property (business equipment), $70.6 million.

Who are the top taxpayers?The highest property assessments in town are First Light

Hydro Generating Co. (Stevenson Hydroelectric Generation Station), Roosevelt Drive, $29,029,690; Swiss Army Brands Inc., Victoria Drive, $11,115,964; Aquarion Water Co.. Main Street, $11,051,480, One Eleven Century Plaza LLC (Big Y Plaza), Monroe Turnpike, $8,098,000; and Lake Zoar Properties LLC (The Waterview), Roosevelt Drive, $7,344,940.

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How often is property revalued? State law requires a revaluation every five years. Monroe

completed its latest revaluation on Oct. 1, 2009. The 2009 revaluation and information about each property in Monroe, including their assessments, is on the town’s Web site at mon-roect.org.

Who determines how much my house is worth for tax-ing purposes?

The tax assessor’s office is responsible for determining the assessed value of your house. The assessor is Elizabeth Duffy. Her office may be reached directly at 203-452-2803.

How do I find the assessed value of my home? The Grand List is in the town clerk’s office with the land

records. Detailed field cards (aka Property Record Cards) and maps are available on the town Web site on the assessor’s office page or in the assessors office at Town Hall. Field cards pro-vide general property details and the valuation of the land and building(s). In Connecticut, the assessment is equal to 70% of the fair market value as established by the assessor.

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair? Contact the assessor’s office at 203-452-2803 for a record

review. If no inaccuracies are found in data or value, you may appeal to the Monroe Board of Assessment Appeals. Applications must be filed by Feb. 20. The board meets annu-ally in March to hear appeals. Applications are available online or in the assessor’s office at Town Hall.

Where and when do I pay my town taxes?

Property taxes are due in two installments, in July and January, and may be paid in person at the tax collector’s office in Town Hall, or mailed to the address on the bill. Taxes should be paid within 30 days of the due date to avoid a penalty. You may also pay online. If a tax bill is under $100, it is due in one installment in July.

Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the respon-sibility of paying any taxes, penalties, or interest due.

Manny Cambra is the tax collector, an elected position. He may be reached at 203-452-2804.

What do my taxes pay for? Taxes support schools, police, road improvements, debt pay-

ments, and all other town services. A detailed accounting of how collected taxes are spent is included in the annual town report.

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time? You’ll be charged 1.5% interest each month on the installment

balance. This works out to 18% annually.

Is anyone eligible for a tax break? There are programs for the elderly, the disabled, and veterans.

For details, check with the tax collector’s office at 203-452-2804.

How are car taxes figured? They are based on 70% of book value.

I received a tax bill for a car I don’t own anymore. What should I do?

The state Department of Motor Vehicles maintains vehicle ownership records, which it forwards to the town assessor’s office to determine the tax roll for cars owned by Monroe residents. DMV will continue sending ownership reports to the town until a vehicle’s license plates are turned in. To remove a car from the tax roll, cancel your registration and return the plates to a DMV office and take the DMV return receipt to the assessor’s office.

What do the registrars of voters do? There are two paid registrars, one from each of the two major

parties. They are elected to four-year terms. They administer all elections and safeguard the voting rights of all citizens. They are also responsible for voter registration and promoting voter education projects. The registrars’ office maintains the accuracy of the voter registry.

The registrars are Jeanette Benson, Republican, and Susan Koneff, Democrat. Both can be reached at 203-459-2820.

Who can register to vote? To register to vote in Monroe you must be at least 18 years

old by Election Day, a U.S. citizen, and a bona fide resident of the town. The deadline to register is seven to 14 days before an election. You may enroll in a party or switch parties if already registered.

Where and when may I register? You may register Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5

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p.m. at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall. You may also register by mail; call the town clerk or registrars’ office for a mail-in form. The state Department of Motor Vehicles and library also have voter registration forms. Forms may be downloaded from monroect.org.

Are there voting districts in town? There are four voting districts: District 1 votes at Fawn Hollow Elementary School,

345 Fan Hill Road. District 2 votes at Stepney Elementary School, 180 Old

Newtown Road. District 3 votes at Monroe Elementary School, 375

Monroe Tpke. District 4 votes at Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe

Tpke.If you are not sure of your voting district, call the town

clerk (203-452-2811) or registrars’ office (203-459-2820) or visit monroect.org.

Who can vote by absentee ballot? Any registered voter who will be out of town during all

voting hours may cast an absentee ballot. Other reasons, such as illness or religious beliefs, allow use of absentee ballots by people who will be in town during polling hours.

About Your Government

What does the town planner do?The office is focused mainly on land use matters. It reviews

applications, enforces zoning regulations, and advises the plan-ning and zoning commission. It also develops and maintains the Plan of Conservation and Development.

Reach the town planner’s office at 452-2812.

What does the building department do? The Building Department issues building, mechanical, oil

tank, and demolition permits and certificates of occupancy. It also inspects all jobs that require permits, and reviews plans to be sure they comply with mechanical and building codes.

The Building Department is in Town Hall and may be reached at 203-452-2805.

What does the Planning and Zoning Commission do? The Planning and Zoning Commission regulates the use and

development of land by issuing permits for new construction and by adapting and enforcing zoning regulations. The com-mission reviews applications and makes decisions on new com-mercial and residential construction.

The commission meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall council chambers. A calen-dar of meeting dates and times is on monroect.org.

What is the Inland Wetlands Commission?The Inland Wetlands Commission regulates activity within

100 feet of wetlands or watercourses or within 150 feet of a designated major watercourse. Regulated activity requiring an application would include clearing, grubbing, grading, filling, excavating, paving, placing structures, polluting or impacting the natural character.

The commission meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall council chambers. A cal-endar of meeting dates and times is on monroect.org.

What is the Zoning Board of Appeals? The Zoning Board of Appeals considers requests for special

exceptions, called variances, to the town’s zoning regulations. The board meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall council chambers. To contact the ZBA, call the zoning administration at 203-452-2812.

How are candidates for town offices, boards or com-missions chosen?

The political parties nominate candidates for elected or appointed positions. Non-party sponsored candidates may peti-tion to get on the ballot.

Candidates for appointed boards are chosen by the first select-man, usually upon recommendations from the political parties and the current board members, and must receive Town Council confirmation.

What does the tree warden do? David Solek, Monroe’s tree warden, makes sure town trees

are properly maintained, removed and replaced if deemed haz-ardous. He can be reached through the public works office at 203-452-2814.

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How can I get involved in town government? To get involved in town government, you may become

affiliated with a political party and volunteer your services. If certain functions of government interest you, such as education, recreation or zoning, attend some of the meetings of the agency involved.

For more information, you can e-mail Republican Town Committee Chairman Elizabeth Edgerton at [email protected] or visit monroectgop.com; or Democratic Town Committee Chairman Patty Ulatowski at 203-261-8467 or e-mail her at [email protected]. You also contact the Connecticut Green Party’s David Bedell at 203-581-3193 or [email protected].

What town agencies have elected members? The Town Council, Board of Education, Board of Finance,

and Planning and Zoning Commission are elected. The first selectman, town clerk, town treasurer, tax collector, registrars of voters, judge of probate and most justices of the peace are also elected to their positions.

What boards and commissions have appointed mem-bers and who appoints them?

The first selectman appoints the members of all other boards and commissions and the Town Council approves them: Architectural Review Board, Arts Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Ethics, Board of Health, Building Board of Appeals, Conservation and Water Resources, Commission, Commission on Aging, Economic Development Commission, EMS Commission, Historic District Commission, Housing Authority, Inland Wetlands Commission, Lake Zoar

Authority, Library Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Board of Police Commissioners, Water Pollution Control Authority and Youth Commission.

What is the Town Council? The nine-member Town Council is Monroe’s legislative body.

Its area of responsibility covers ordinances and appropriations. The Town Council is headed by a chairman, Enid Lipeles. Meetings, which are open to the public, are the second and fourth Monday of the month at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall council chambers.

What does the town clerk do? Town Clerk Marsha Motter Beno, 203-452-2811, is also the

registrar of vital statistics. Her office is responsible for main-taining numerous records and documents including marriage licenses, birth records, death records, burial and disinterment permits, and cremation certificates. The town clerk handles the filing of liquor permits, trade names, notary public records, dog licenses, peddler licenses, and accepts the official filings for all minutes and agendas for town boards and commissions.

The town clerk’s office also records land records including deeds and survey maps. As a chief election officer, the town clerk also helps to administer elections through the absentee ballot process and is the official record keeper for all town elec-tions and referenda.

Also, the town clerk is the “keeper of the seal” of the town and certifies various documents, maintains archives, and works on special projects.

What does the town treasurer do? Town Treasurer Ron Bunovsky Jr. has general oversight of

town receipts and expenses. He also signs off on official state-ments for bond issues and reviews disbursements. His signature appears on town checks.

What is Probate Court? This court is shared with the towns of Trumbull and Easton,

and has jurisdiction in the matter of administering estates and approving adoptions. Probate Judge John Chiota may also appoint guardians for minors, appoint conservators for those who are incapacitated, and approve commitment papers for those who are mentally ill. The Probate Court office is in Trumbull Town Hall, 203-452-5068. Hours are weekdays 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This large copy of the town seal, depicting namesake James Monroe, hangs in the Town Hall council chambers.

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What does the Board of Finance do? Among the many responsibilities of this elected board is

reviewing and approving the annual budget and setting the tax rate. The board also approves account transfers and special appropriations. In addition, it administers the pension fund and bond issues.

The board meets every third Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall council chambers. Additional meetings are held in February and March to review the town and school budgets. Members are elected for four-year terms and alternates for two-year terms.

What do the police and fire commissions do? These appointed commissions are responsible for the man-

agement and supervision of their respective departments, their personnel, property and equipment.

What does the Parks and Recreation Commission do? Along with the Parks and Recreation Department, the com-

mission is responsible for the care, management and control of all parks and grounds used as parks or recreational purposes. The commission works in conjunction with the town’s depart-ments and athletic leagues and schools to maintain and enhance parks and recreational facilities in town.

What does the Economic Development Commission do?

The Monroe Economic Development Commission is the town’s liaison to the commercial-industrial business sector. The commission’s mission is to service and strengthen the town’s

economic base in a manner consistent with current innovations while maintaining the town’s historic vision of growth.

What does the Historic District Commission do?The Historic District Commission works to promote the edu-

cational, cultural, economic and general welfare of the town through the preservation and protection of historic buildings and places of interest. It also seeks to preserve and protect Monroe’s various distinct architectural styles.

The commission also reviews applications for new construc-tion, building additions, modifications and demolitions, and issues a Certificate of Appropriateness for such work.

What are legal notices and where can I read them? Legal notices are notifications concerning meetings and

actions of local commissions and boards. In addition, other important town government information such as proposed budgets, town ordinances, and invitations to bid on projects or provide the town services appear in legal notices.

Legal notices may be found at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall. Many legal notices are required to be published in a news-paper having circulation in the town and almost all appear in The Monroe Courier.

How do I know if a meeting is scheduled? The Freedom of Information Act requires that all town com-

missions and board meetings be open to the public. The sched-ule for a board’s regular meetings must be filed each year with the town clerk.

Special meetings may be called up to 24 hours in advance. Emergency meetings may be held without notice; however the

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board must file its minutes, including the reason for the emer-gency, at the town clerk’s office within 72 hours of the meeting. For information on Freedom of Information requirements for boards, commissions and ad hoc committees, visit the town clerk’s page on monroect.org.

Meetings are posted in the town clerk’s office and on the town Web site.

Can a commission or board meet privately? Generally, all meetings involving a quorum (three members

of a five-person board, four of a six-member board, etc.) must be open to the public. However, Connecticut statutes allow a commission to close a meeting to the public if it is discussing personnel matters, litigation strategy or contract negotiations.

To close a meeting and enter into executive session, the board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commission cannot take any action while in an executive session. It must return to open session before voting on any items.

What if I think a commission held an illegal private meeting?

You may file a complaint with the state Freedom of Information office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, CT 06106.

What state Senate district are we in? Monroe is split between the 21st and 22nd state Senate

districts. The 21st District also includes Shelton, Stratford and Seymour. The 22nd District also includes Trumbull and Bridgeport.

Kevin Kelly, a Republican, represents the 21st district, and Anthony Musto, a Democrat, represents the 22nd district.

Kelly can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 3400, Hartford, CT 06106; 800-842-1421; [email protected].

Musto can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 2100, Hartford, CT 06106; 800-842-1420; [email protected].

What state House of Representatives district are we in?

Monroe is in the state’s 112th House District.Representing the 112th District is DebraLee Hovey, a

Republican. She can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 4200, Hartford, CT 06106; 860-240-8700.

Who is our U.S. representative? Jim Himes, a Democrat, represents Monroe in Congress. He

has an office at 211 State St., 2nd Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604; 866-453-0028.

In Washington, he is at 119 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; house.gov/himes.

Who are Connecticut’s U.S. senators? Senator Joseph Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses

with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-4041. His in-state office is at One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax 866-317-2242; lieberman.senate.gov.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, can be reached at G55 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-2823. His in-state office is 30 Lewis St., Suite 101, Hartford, CT 06103, 860-258-6940, fax 860-258-6958; blumen-thal.senate.gov.

How can I write the governor? Reach Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, at the Governor’s Office, State

Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106, 800-406-1527, fax 860-524-7395; ct.gov/governor.

Where can I find out more about the state? The State Register & Manual, known as “The Blue Book,”

provides extensive information about Connecticut and its gov-ernment. It is available free online at ct.gov/sots.

Where are the town offices? Monroe Town Hall is at 7 Fan Hill Road.The Public Works Highway Department Garage is at 477

Purdy Hill Road. The Monroe Senior Center is at 235 Cutlers Farm Road. The Monroe Food Pantry is at 980 Monroe Tpke.

Town offices, in general, are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some offices may have slightly different hours, especially at certain times of year, like the weeks leading up to Election Day or when taxes are coming due.

Does the town have an official Web site? Yes. It is monroect.org.

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A Norwalk-based waste manage-ment company is contemplating the use of the former Stevenson Lumber property for what its attorney calls “a state-of-the-art recycling center.”Representatives of AMEC Carting discussed the proposal on an infor-mal basis with the Planning and

Zoning Commission (P&Z) late last week.No application has been submitted, and the discussion took place during the part of a P&Z meeting reserved for the informal discussion of pos-sible proposals. This is intended to allow P&Z members to discuss their reactions and thoughts without any regulatory or legal ramifications.The recycling center would essen-

tially sift and sort through garbage brought to the site so recyclable materials could be removed.The material would arrive by truck and train — a railroad line runs through the property — and then be sorted my machine and people. All activity, including loading and unloading, would take place inside enclosed buildings, AMEC represen-tatives said.

Attorney Christopher J. Smith, rep-resenting AMEC, said the proposal would be “a re-adaptive use of prop-erty” and require an environmental cleanup of the lumber yard site.Smith, of the law firm Shipman & Goodwin, said the plan would involve putting “comparable build-ings [to the lumber yard]” on the property. He said the project would create 150 jobs.

“There would generally be the same amount of truck traffic and employees as the former use,” Smith said.The 40-acre former lumberyard, at the intersection of routes 111 and 34, is zoned for Design Business 2. A recycling center is not allowed in a DB-2 zone or any other zone in

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The Monroe Board of Finance (BOF) has approved a $76.99-million budget for fiscal year 2011-12, reducing the proposed Board of Education budget by $341,000 so the school system would see no increase in its budget.The school board had requested a 0.66% increase, which had been left untouched by Republican First Selectman Stephen J. Vavrek.The BOF also cut expenditures on the town side of the budget, stressed BOF

Chairman Mark Reed, a Republican. “Virtually everyone took a cut,” Reed said.The BOE budget reduction vote came after about a half dozen people pleaded with the board to not reduce school spending.“These cuts do make a difference,” said Amy Primorac of Monroe, whose child is in a class with 26 students at Monroe Elementary School. She said she doesn’t understand the rationale for cutting $341,000 other than to reach a 0% goal.

Lisa Dutkowsky, a parent, said her

child cried when a favorite teacher was laid off last year. “How many more bright young teachers will be let go this year?” Dutkowsky asked.School Superintendent Colleen A. Palmer said the budget reduction could bring staff layoffs, higher pay-to-play fees and the school system turning Chalk Hill School over to the town at the end of this fiscal year.Palmer said while some BOF mem-bers might believe the school system should save money next year because of

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A tax assessment inspector finally was let into state Rep. DebraLee Hovey’s home and her taxes will be going up, but it remains to be seen if there will be any political conse-quences down the line.Hovey’s assessment was increased by about $17,000 from the original assessment done during the last revalua-

tion, although that amount is slightly less than the asses-sor, based on a neighbor’s complaint, had estimated the improvements were worth a few months ago.“The assessor came in and says we have a rec room, and that’s it,” said Hovey, co-owner of the Fan Hill Road house with her husband, Paul Balsano.

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Staying away from railroad tracks is a message that is well imprinted into our psyche from a young age, stem-ming from the anxious warnings of teachers and parents.Yet there is thrill and wonder in the straight, adventurous lines that snake through the countryside, and there are many who now seek the abundant

qualities that can be found there.As a nationwide conservation effort, many old, unused railroad lines have become popular hiking and biking trails.Residents from Monroe, Shelton, Trumbull and many other Connecticut communities come out in bunches to walk, cycle, run or hike along the old railroad tracks of the Housatonic Rail Line every season.

This is because the Rails to Trails

Conservancy and Sherwood “Woody” Lovejoy, Monroe’s longtime director of public works, found this sustain-able use for old railroad lines.Sue DelBianco, a local history and train enthusiast, recently spoke at the Shelton Public Library to educate resi-dents on the history of the Housatonic rail line and its transformation into hiking trails, and share in the lore

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A second McDonald’s is coming to Monroe. The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) approved a 3,900-square-foot McDonald’s for Route 25 at its March 17 meeting.The developer, Real Time

Investments, presented a new architectural and landscaping plan at the meeting, intended to meet P&Z’s request for a more Colonial and less institu-tional design.Chairman Richard A. Zini complimented the applicant for “being open-minded” about ��

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Monroe Parks and Recreation will offer an Aqua-Zumba class for adults on four Saturdays, from April 9 to May 7, from 11 to 11:50 a.m. at the Masuk High School pool. Fee is $50 for residents. Call Parks & Rec’s Jennifer at 203-452-2806, Ext. 1067 for details.

��The Monroe Chamber of Commerce will host the “State of the Town” business luncheon Wednesday, April 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at McGowan’s Restaurant, 401 Monroe Tpke. First Selectman Stephen J. Vavrek will give a presentation on the sta-tus of the town, then take audience questions. The cost is $15 per person, with a lunch buffet. RSVP by April 8 at 203-268-6518, or [email protected].

��Applications are being accepted for the Marcella Siciliano Memorial Scholarship. Applicants must be Masuk High School seniors, residing in Monroe, and planning to enroll in a two- or four-year program of study in the field of early childhood education. Applications are available at Masuk High School Pupil Services, or call 203-685-0247. Deadline is March 31.

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Who are my town officials?

First SelectmanStephen J. Vavrek, 203-452-2821,

[email protected]

Town ClerkMarsha Motter Beno, 203-452-2811,

[email protected]

Assistant Town ClerksDianne Blatchley

Theresa DiGiovanna

TreasurerRon Bunovsky Jr.

Tax CollectorManny Cambra, 203-452-2804

Town CouncilEnid Lipeles, chairman, [email protected]

Tony Unger, vice chairman, [email protected] Catropa, [email protected]

Jefferey Guttman, [email protected] Halliwell, [email protected]

Deborah Heim, [email protected] Dee Martin, [email protected] Mount, [email protected]

J.P. Sredzinski, [email protected]

Registrars of VotersSusan Koneff (D), 203-452-2820

Jeanette Benson (R), 203-452-2820

AssessorElizabeth Duffy, 203-452-2803

Finance DirectorCarl Tomchik, 203-452-2802

Board of FinanceMark Reed, chairman

Michael Manjos, vice chairmanChris J. Baudouin

Daniel P. HunsbergerScott OwnesTed Quinlan

Planning and Zoning CommissionRichard A. Zini, chairman, [email protected]

Patrick J. O’Hara, vice chairmanJoel Leneker, secretary

Michael J. ParsellWilliam W. Porter

Jane Benedict Flader, alternateKaren K. Martin, alternate

Roger C. Agatston, alternate

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School SuperintendentDr. Colleen Palmer, 203-452-2862

Board of EducationDarrell Trump, chairman, [email protected] Hughes, secretary, [email protected]

Mark Antinozzi, [email protected] Reynolds Crouch, [email protected]

George A. King III, [email protected] Lane, [email protected]

Kelly Plunkett, [email protected] Taylor, [email protected]

Dr. Alan Vaglivelo, [email protected]

Board of EthicsAnnemarie Hughes, chairman

William ColletteJoanne Parshall

Patricia TomchikPhilip White

Patrick Carleton, alternateDebra Dutches, alternateHans Liechti, alternate

Board of Assessment AppealsVictor Yanosy, chairman

Marcy LaFolletteJan Larsen

Architectural Review BoardJohn Rosen, chairman

Raymond GanserJoyce Mumm

Nancy SteinbornMichael Vitello

Zoning Board of AppealsJames R. Wendt, chairman

Marion CalloCarl Ferraro

Paul LisiAnthony C. Testo, alternatePedro Villanueva, alternateKaren Wynkoop, alternate

Building Board of AppealsSalvatore Morabito, chairman

Richard Steiner, secretaryEdward Callo

Frank Quaranta

Conservation and Water Resources CommissionMichael O’Reilly, chairman

Gail Bunovsky, vice chairmanCynthia Ambrosey

Karen BurnaskaChristine ClarkBeverly DoyleRobert Martin

Economic Development CommissionLee Hossler, chairman

Susan Ownes, vice chairmanSteven Schapiro, secretary

Roberto PerezTeresa V. PontilloTimothy QuinnKaren Wynkoop

Housing AuthorityWalter Hedden, chairman

James FogertyJan Larsen

Luis PosadaMary Provenzano

Inland Wetlands CommissionJohn Bath, chairman

Michael Beno, vice chairmanLois Spence, secretaryKatherine M. Barnhart

Jeremy F. HaydenCathy Kohut

Michael Sohon

Water Pollution Control AuthorityJohn T. Dunne Jr., chairman

Kris CarpenterBrian McMahon

Arthur James NelsonSalvatore Pontillo

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MonroeFarmers Market

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Director of Social and Senior ServicesBarbara Yeager, 203-452-3771

Commission for the AgingNadine Richardson, chairman

Helma ChartierAdria Pearlman

Ines PosadaLinda Schulman

Louise Wishneski

EMS CommissionDennis Condon, chairman

Diane CzerniawskiJohn QuinlavinPaul L. ResnickSuzanne White

Trumbull Monroe Health DistrictPatrice Sulik, director, 203-452-5195, [email protected]

Raymond KnappAna M. Nelson

WMNR CommissionSteve Rugh, chairman

Michael CeruzziGeorge PuglisiBrian QuinnFred Velardi

Library BoardMargaret Borchers, library director, 203-452-2850

William Ehlers, chairmanAlice Deak

James P. FogertyIrna Gomez

Pat SheaBarbara Waite

Antoinette Scanlin

WMNR CommissionSteve Rugh, chairman

Michael CeruzziGeorge PuglisiBrian QuinnFred Velardi

Historic District CommissionChuck Woerner, chairman

Karen L. Woodford, secretaryKenneth Fredeen

Alice PulliamVida Stone

Acting Director Parks and RecreationFrank Bent, 203-452-2806, [email protected]

Parks and Recreation CommissionThomas. J. Pane, vice chairman

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Brenda Schultz, secretaryAndy Csire

Agostino ModaffariJerome Rookasin

Tony ScottFrancis Lieto

Angelo Lisi Jr.Bruce E. Weiant

Youth CommissionMyrna Mills Albino, chairman

David H. Ferris Jr.Marcia FitzgibbonsRebecca Kosisko

Erica MartinoCynthia Nikbin

John L. Salvatore

Director of Public WorksDoug Arndt, 203-452-2814

Dog WardenEd Risko, 203-452-2814

Tree WardenDavid Solek, 203-452-2814

Building OfficialJim Sandor, 203-452-2805, [email protected]

Anti-Blight Appeals BoardMitch Beck

John KantzasPatty Ulatowski

Chief of PoliceJohn Salvatore, 203-452-2833

Board of Police CommissionersRonald L. Villani, chairman

James E. BresnahanEdward J. Deak Jr.

Gary ScrofaniLinda S. Suhr

ConstablesVictor Yanosy

Patricia Tomchik

Chiefs of Fire DepartmentsMike Klemish (Stepney)

Robert Galbraith (Stevenson)George Lattanzi (Monroe)

Fire MarshalWilliam Davin, 203-452-2807, [email protected]

Fire Marshal DeputiesChris DoyleGlenn MateGary Zaleta

Lake Zoar AuthorityJerry IsleibEd Kusinski

Marven Moss

Town AttorneyJack Fracassini

Justices of the PeaceKathryn J. Antrim, 203-268-5905

Susan Bannay, 203-268-2671Karen L. Burnaska, 203-261-9243Edward A. Callo, 203-261-2432

Albert B. Civitelli, 203-261-4340Andrew F. Csire, 203-268-0157

Elizabeth-Ann Edgerton, 203-268-3410David D. Halliwell, 203-452-9639

Albert F. Kandrot Jr., 203-459-2977Malvin L. Karwoski, 203-261-8028

Susan A. Koneff, 203-261-8873Enid Lipeles, 203-261-2349

Dee Dee Martin, 203-268-1821Raymond F. McPadden Sr., 203-261-0557

Marsha Motter Beno, 203-268-7371Michele Mount, 203-459-4457Andrew Nunn, 203-452-0695

William C. Piacitelli, 203-268-1976Jerome L. Rookasin, 203-268-5190

Fatima M. Silva, 203-268-1375Leonard C. Squibb, 203-268-3566

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Schools

What does the Board of Education do?The Board of Education oversees and maintains Monroe’s

public schools. In doing so, it prepares and proposes the annual district-wide budget; designates the schools to be attended by students; provides transportation for children; makes a continu-ing study of the need for school facilities and of a long-term building program; and operates and maintains all buildings, lands, apparatus and other property used for school purposes.

Also, the board prescribes the rules for the management, studies, classification and discipline of the schools; prescribes the textbooks to be used; develops, adopts and implements writ-ten policies concerning homework, attendance, promotion and retention; and approves all expenditures for purposes of public education.

In addition, it furnishes to the state Department of Education data required in the periodic reports specified by state statute; adopts and files with the state Board of Education all required policy statements; and negotiates collective bargaining agree-ments with employees’ bargaining representatives.

When does the Board of Education meet?The board meets the first and third Monday of the month

at 7:30 p.m. in the Masuk High School library. The public is welcome and time is set aside for public comment. A meet-ing schedule is at the town clerk’s office, the superintendent’s office, and the district Web site, monroeps.org.

Where is the school district office?The district office is at 375 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, CT

06468; it is on the Monroe Elementary School campus. The phone number is 203-452-2860. Business hours are weekdays, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The district Web site is monroeps.org.

What public schools are in town?Monroe Elementary School, 375 Monroe Turnpike, 203-452-

2870, Debra Kovachi, principal;Fawn Hollow Elementary School, 345 Fan Hill Road, 203-

452-2923, Rebecca Kosisko, principal;Stepney Elementary School, 180 Old Newtown Road, 203-

452-2885, Susan Austin, principal;Chalk Hill Upper Elementary School, 375 Fan Hill Road,

203-452-2914, Bruce Lazar, principal;Jockey Hollow Middle School, 365 Fan Hill Road, 203-452-

2905, Jack Ceccolini, principal;Masuk High School, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, 203-452-5823,

John Battista, principal.

What are the hours of operation at the schools? Masuk High School, 7:25 a.m.-1:55 p.m.Jockey Hollow, 8:10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Chalk Hill, 8:10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Monroe Elementary, 8:10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.Fawn Hollow Elementary, 8:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Stepney Elementary, 8:55 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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How many children attend each school?As of Oct. 1, 2010, there were 3,702 students enrolled in

Monroe public schools for 2009-10. In the elementary schools, enrollments break down as follows: Monroe Elementary — 349 (plus 56 in the district’s pre-school housed there); Fawn Hollow - 616; and Stepney — 512. There are 277 students at Chalk Hill Upper Elementary School and 635 at Jockey Hollow Middle School. Masuk High has 1,333 students.

Is there a PTA?All the schools have Parent Teacher Council/Parent Faculty

Association groups that actively participate in school events. These groups provide fund raising, support school events, and often volunteer in the classroom.

What are the school holidays and vacations?School opened for the 2010-11 school year on Monday,

Aug. 30. Holidays and vacations are Labor Day, Sept. 6; Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 9; Columbus Day, Oct. 11; Professional Development/Election Day, Nov. 2; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving vacation, Nov. 24-26; winter recess, Dec. 24-Dec. 31; Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 17; mid-winter recess, Feb. 18-22 (school met for four of these five days due to all the snow days); spring recess, April 13-17; and Memorial Day, May 30. The last day of school was tentatively set for June 16 at the start of the academic year.

When must children start school?At 5 years of age (by Dec. 31 of the school year), a child is

required to attend school. Parents who choose to hold back a

child from attending school when that child is 5 (or even 6) will need to personally appear at the school to sign an option form exercising their right not to have their child attend school. At that time a school official will provide the parent with infor-mation on the educational opportunities available within the district.

How do I register a child for school?At any time, children may be registered at the school he or she

will attend. Early kindergarten registration is available during January. Specific days are set aside in May for kindergarten ori-entation. Parents must present proof of residency, current health and immunization information, and the child’s birth certificate or current passport.

Transferring students need a copy of their transcript or report card, medical records, birth certificates or current passport.

What tests does the state give students and in what grades do they take them?

The Connecticut State Mastery Test is a state-mandated, criteria-reference test. It is given to students in third through eighth grade.

The Connecticut Academic Performance Test is a state-man-dated test given to 10th grade students. Students who do not meet goal may retake the test in 11th or 12th grade.

What sports are offered at the high school?Fall: Cross country, coed; football; cheerleading; soccer, boys

and girls; field hockey, coed; swimming, boys and girls; vol-leyball, girls.

Winter: Basketball, boys and girls; ice hockey; cheerlead-

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ing; indoor track, boys and girls; swimming, boys and girls; wrestling.

Spring: Baseball; softball; golf, boys and girls; tennis, boys and girls; lacrosse, boys and girls.

For more information, call Athletic Director John DeGennaro in the athletic department at 203-452-5823.

What extracurricular activities are there?The Masuk High School Web site lists 30 student activities

including the Masuk Free Press school newspaper, chamber choir, foreign language clubs, debate team, National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and Performing Arts Club, among others. Extracurricular activities may change from year to year.

Are there any after-school programs?Lakewood Trumbull YMCA offers after-school programs

for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 203-445-9633.

Is there a program for gifted students?Monroe’s Gifted and Talented Committee consists of a group

of parents educators, and administrators who meet on a regular basis in order to meet the needs of gifted children.

A Resource Guide for Gifted and Talented Children can be downloaded from monroeps.org/talentedandgifted.aspx.

The high school offers a variety of honors and advanced placement courses as well as paths of independent study to gifted and high-achieving students.

Check the district Web site, monroeps.org, for details.

How can I learn if school is canceled or delayed?The information is posted on the district Web site, monroeps.

org, but also is reported by various media outlets, including local radio and television stations. You may sign up for the K-12 e-mail alerts at monroeps.org.

What is the district’s transportation policy?It is the policy of the school system to provide transporta-

tion to all elementary school students who live more than one mile from the school and for students in sixth through 12th grade who live more than one-and-a--half miles from school. Distances may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent for children with health reasons or whose streets are considered hazardous. The school system attempts to pick up and deliver students as close to home as possible. The full policy, including transportation for students in vocational and private schools, is on the district Web site.

District transportation is coordinated by Gabrielle DiBlasi, director of finance and operations, 203-452-2860.

What is the current school budget? The approved 2010-11 school budget is $51,434,739.

What is the salary range for teachers? Salaries are dependent on experience and the level of higher

education the teacher has completed. This year, the lowest start-ing salary for a new teacher with a bachelor’s degree would be $46,033. The highest any one teacher earns is $100,021.

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What is special education? Special education traditionally serves children and

young adults who are physically handicapped or learning disabled. Monroe schools provide comprehensive pro-gramming for students between the ages of 3 and 21 who require special education support. Information is available online at monroeps.org.

How can I tell if my child needs special educa-tion?

If your child has not yet started school and you suspect he or she may have a disability, you may request an evalu-ation in writing to the director of pupil services. If your child is already in school, you may call the principal or guidance counselor. Monroe’s director of pupil services is Oneita Alarcon, 203-452-2864.

What private or parochial schools are in town? St. Jude School, 707 Monroe Tpke. (203-261-3619,

stjudesmonroe.org), is a pre-school through 8th grade Catholic college prep school.

Also, some students from Monroe attend St. Joseph High School, a Catholic college prep school, 2320 Huntington Tpke., Trumbull, 203-378-9378, sjhs.pvt.k12.ct.us.

Who is the superintendent of schools? Dr. Colleen Palmer, 203-452-2862, cpalmer@monroeps.

org.

Emergency Services

Who answers 911 calls? When someone calls 911 from within Monroe, the phone

rings in the Emergency Dispatch Center, located inside the Police Department. They will dispatch the police, ambulance and fire department as needed. The state mobile 911 system enables dispatchers to track a cell phone caller’s location any-where in the state.

Where is the nearest emergency room? The nearest emergency rooms are at Bridgeport Hospital, 267

Grant St., Bridgeport; St. Vincent’s Medical Center, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport; and Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby.

What ambulance service is available in town? The Monroe EMS, monroevems.org, provides the town with

continuous emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The EMS maintains three ambulances at its headquarters at 54 Jockey Hollow Road. Training classes occur regularly, call 203-452-2826. The EMTs are state-certified and must be re-certified every two years.

Where will the ambulance take a patient? The ambulance takes patients to Bridgeport Hospital and St.

Vincent’s Medical Center. Monroe EMS will transport patients to Griffin Hospital under certain circumstances, depending on location in town and the type of emergency. Non-emergency patients who wish to be taken to other hospitals, medical offices and/or health facilities must make their own arrangements with a commercial ambulance service.

Does Monroe have a paramedic service? Monroe contracts with American Medical Response (AMR)

to provide a paramedic intercept to the Monroe EMS crew when needed. The paramedic responds to emergencies in a separate vehicle if the dispatcher or Monroe EMT determines paramedic skills, such as advanced life support, are required based on the type of emergency.

A paramedic’s skills are more advanced than an emergency medical technician. A paramedic can give advanced cardiac life support, IV drug therapy, medication for breathing prob-lems and diabetic reactions, apply external monitors and use advanced trauma techniques.

How much does an ambulance call cost? Ambulance calls are not cheap, so keep that in mind if you

fall and twist your ankle. The state has an approved rate for various types of calls, but it’s safe to say that any call requiring transport to a hospital will start at about $500. If the paramedic is needed, the fees increase. But really, once it gets to that point, cost should be the last thing on your mind.

How can I join the ambulance corps?Anyone interested in becoming a member should call 203-

452-2826 or go online to monroevems.org for information.

Who oversees the ambulance corps? Monroe EMS is a agency of the town of Monroe, and the

Monroe EMS Commission has oversight responsibilities. It

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also makes policy and sets guidelines. The commission meets monthly. Visit monroect.org for information.

Where is the fire department? Monroe has three 100% volunteer fire departments — Monroe,

Stevenson and Stepney. Though they operate separately, in prac-tice, the departments provide assistance for each other and cover each other’s territory during emergencies.

Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, monroefire.com, operates two firehouses. Station No. 1 is at 18 Shelton Road, and Station No. 2 is at 54 Jockey Hollow Road. Its equipment consists of an engine-rescue, engine-tanker, quint (a ladder-engine combina-tion), utility vehicle, a sedan and a chief’s vehicle. Monroe Fire responds to about 550 calls annually.

Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department, stevensonfire.com, operates out of two stations: No. 1 at 1580 Monroe Tpke. and No. 2 at 1260 Monroe Tpke. It operates two engines, two brush trucks, two tankers, a rescue truck, a utility truck, a chief’s vehicle and a boat.

Stepney Volunteer Fire Department, stepneyfire.com, has two stations. Station No. 1 is at 88 Main St. and Station No. 2 is at 801 Main St. It operates three engines, a rescue, a ladder truck and a chief’s vehicle.

Each of the three departments received two new trucks in 2009 as a part of a voter-approved bond to improve fire and emergency equipment. The trucks were put to good use in 2010, which was one of the busiest years in the town’s history in terms of structure fires.

To what kind of emergencies can the fire department respond?

In addition to structure, brush and vehicle fires, firefighters are trained to respond to motor vehicle accidents; water, ice, and confined space rescues; hazardous materials incidents; carbon monoxide emergencies; and a variety of other technical rescues.

How can I become a volunteer firefighter? Men or women must be 18 years old, though there are junior

memberships for those 16 to 18. The departments offer training classes periodically, so check the Web sites of the individual

departments for more information.Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter should

check the fire department’s Web sites, stop by any fire station, or visit or call the fire marshal’s office at Town Hall (203-452-2807).

If I smell smoke and call the fire department, will I be billed for services?

No. Residents are not billed for calls to the fire department. The fire departments are funded primarily by the town through property taxes in addition to fund-raisers conducted by the vol-unteer firefighters.

Who checks businesses, schools and other public places for safety?

This is the purview of the Monroe fire marshal’s office. This office inspects all buildings (excluding one- and two-family homes), reviews plans for new construction and renovations, and performs inspections during construction. The fire marshal also responds to hazardous material spills, investigates the cause of all fires in town, issues blasting permits and handles blasting complaints.

The fire marshal must also be present at all fireworks displays, both public and private. The Monroe fire marshal is a paid, full-time position. The firefighters and fire chiefs are not paid.

Who offers fire education safety? The fire marshal’s office, along with the fire department, offer

fire prevention programs to nursery and elementary schools. There are also programs for older students and adults upon request. The fire marshal’s office offers information on home escape plans, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguisher operation.

The fire marshal is William Davin, who works with several part-time deputy fire marshals. The office is on the lower level at Town Hall, and can be reached at 203-452-2807.

Where is the Monroe Police Department? The Monroe Police Department is located at 7 Fan Hill Road,

in the lower level of Town Hall. The department handles crimi-nal investigations and accidents, patrols the streets of Monroe, and offers a host of other services for residents. The department is led by Police Chief John Salvatore. Call 203-261-3622 for routine calls.

How big is the police force? The Monroe Police Department employs 19 patrol officers

and six sergeants in the patrol unit. The records unit is staffed by two civilian employees (7a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays), and there are five civilian dispatchers. The department also has a captain as well as three lieutenants, each one in charge of a division of the police department. The animal control officer and the park ranger are full time, sworn officers.

Do the police offer fingerprinting services? Police provide fingerprinting of Monroe residents and indi-

viduals employed by businesses in town on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a $5 charge, payable by cash or check in the exact amount. Children may be fingerprinted anytime at no cost. Call ahead and pick up and fill out a copy of the fingerprint card, but do not sign it until an officer is present to witness. Walk-ins are not accepted.

One of the police cruisers that Monroe’s Finest use to ensure the public safety of town residents.

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1. Town Hall/Police Department2. Edith Wheeler Memorial Library3. Monroe Volunteer Fire Department4. Senior Center5. Stepney Volunteer Fire Department

6. Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department7. Beardsley Homestead8. East Village Barn Hill Schoolhouse9. East Village Meetinghouse

10. Housatonic Valley Rail Trail

11. Lanes Mine Nature Park12. Monroe Green13. Stepney Green14. Webb Mountain Discovery Zone15. Webb Mountain Park

16. Whitney Farms Golf Course17. Wolfe Park18. Chalk Hill School19. Fawn Hollow Elementary School20. Jockey Hollow School

21. Masuk High School22. Monroe Elementary School23. St. Jude School24. Stepney Elementary School

28 Monroe Answerbook, Monroe, Connecticut March 31, 2011 March 31, 2011 Monroe Answerbook, Monroe, Connecticut 29


Calling ahead to 203-261-3622 is important to make sure the detective assigned to fingerprint hasn’t been called out on an investigation.

What is Code Red?Monroe also offers a “reverse 911” system called CodeRed.

By going to the Web site and subscribing to the free service, you will receive phone call notifications on things like missing persons, vehicle crashes, hazardous material spills and other public safety announcements.

What should I do if power goes out in a storm? Have flashlights or candles readily available. Don’t use a gas

stove or charcoal fires indoors for heat or illumination and shut off electrical appliances. Call Connecticut Light & Power, 800-286-2000, to report the outage, and remember to stay away from downed power lines.

How do I reach poison control? A national number, 800-222-1222, will link callers from any-

where in the country to medical experts at local poison control centers. The number is funded by the federal government.

The number for the state’s poison control center is 800-343-2722.

When fast medical assistance is needed in an emergency, call 911 and describe the problem to the dispatcher.

Library Information

Where is the library and when is it open? The Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 733 Monroe Tpke., is

open Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday (October to May only), noon-4 p.m.

For general information, call 203-452-2850 for the main library. The library’s Web site, ewml.org, has an extensive listing of programs, volunteer opportunities, best-sellers, staff selections and more.

How may I get a library card? Anyone of any age may apply for a free library card upon

proof of residency. People who work in town, go to school in town, or own property in town but live elsewhere also may apply.

What services does the library offer? In addition to its broad selection of books, books on tape,

CDs, DVDs, audio and video tapes, magazines and newspapers, the library offers reference material via the Internet at computer work stations.

There are public access computers with high-speed Internet access and many popular programs. Wireless access is available throughout the library.

The librarians can help with any professional or personal research question.

The library also offers copy machines. The Ehlers Community Room is available for functions and meetings.

Through the library’s Web site, card-holders may access ref-erence databases and catalogs of other libraries. The site also offers information on many academic subjects studied in high school, as well as a free SAT and ACT prep program. There are also links to sites of interest to younger children.

What special activities does the library have? The library offers an extensive calendar of special events

including concerts, author visits, poetry readings, lectures, art exhibits, book discussions and story times, as well as special programs for children. For specific event dates, check with the library’s Web site or The Monroe Courier.

Does the library use volunteers? Dozens of volunteers contribute thousands of hours a year

to the library. Volunteers shelve books; assist in answering questions and finding books; organize and help display special collections; assist with clerical work; and help with art exhibits, concerts and special programs. To become a library volunteer, call 203-452-2850. Hours spent volunteering at the library can be counted toward community service requirements for school or church.

Does the library have any book sales? The Friends of the Library sponsors and organizes monthly

book sales. The library accepts books in good condition, pref-erably delivered to the library. Receipts will be provided to donors.

The front entrance to Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, which offers books, movie and music DVDs, computers with Internet, children’s activities, cultural programs and more to the community.

3030


Municipal Services

Is there municipal garbage collection? No. You must call a private hauling company licensed to work

in Monroe. For the names and information of haulers, you can look on the town’s Web site or call the public works department at 203-452-2814. Approved haulers are All American Waste, Associated Refuse Haulers, City Carting, Colonial Sanitation, Latella Rubbish Removal, Monroe Rubbish Removal, Residential Waste Systems and Route 25 Junk Haulers, as well as Bob’s Home Repair & Renovation (household bulky waste).

Can I take care of my household garbage myself? Yes, the TEAM (Trumbull, Easton and Monroe) Transfer

Station at 101 Spring Hill Road accepts household trash and other materials from residents. There is a residential drop-off area.

The station is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-2:45 p.m., and Saturday from 7-11:45. It is closed major holidays. Monroe residents pay $6 per 125 pounds of household trash; $12 per 125 pounds for demolition material; and $5 for propane tanks.

Dump tickets are required for demolition material and are available in the finance department office in Town Hall. Monroe residents can dump household trash with just a drivers license.

Can I recycle at the transfer station? Yes. The station accepts cardboard, mixed papers, newspa-

pers, glass, plastics No. 1 or 2, and aluminum food containers, but not plastic bags. Recycling of used motor oil, antifreeze and vehicle batteries is the second Saturday of every month.

For information, call the transfer station at 203-452-5167 or visit monroect.org.

Where can I get rid of hazardous material? The town sponsors a hazardous waste collection day each fall.

Monroe also participates in a number of hazardous waste collec-tion days with neighboring towns that residents may attend.

All events are publicized in The Monroe Courier. For a list of accepted materials and the date of the next collection, call the public works department at 203-452-2814.

What else can I take to the transfer station? In addition to household trash and demolition materials,

residents may buy a $10 annual pass to drop off brush and yard waste (including Christmas trees), scrap metal and tires. There is a $2 fee to dump tires.

Does the town pick up leaves? The town of Monroe does not pick up leaves, but residents

can take leaves to the Garder Road landfill on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free of charge.

Homeowners may also bring leaves, grass, twigs and limbs up to 4-feet-long to the transfer station.

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I’m having a big party. Will police assist in security? Monroe residents may arrange for an off-duty police officer to

help with parking and/or security for a party. Call 203-261-3622 at least 10 days in advance to make arrangements.

How can I find out what I can and cannot do on my property?

Best bet is to peruse the town’s zoning regulations, available online at the P&Z Web page at monroect.org. You may also call Planning & Zoning at 203-452-2812.

What permits do I need for a construction project? Before building or renovating anything, you should get

in touch with the following departments: health, wetlands, engineering, planning and zoning, fire marshal, and building. Requirements depend on what is being proposed.

Do I need a permit for tree work? Normal tree maintenance and clearing of dead trees do no

not require a permit. For more ambitious projects, check with P&Z.

What is a wetland? Wetlands are diverse and not always visible to the eye. In

Connecticut, they are defined by the chemical and physical characteristics of the first 18 to 24 inches of soil.

Can I fill in a pond on my property? Generally, no. The town would rather see you restore it with

professional guidance. Talk to the inland wetland agent in town hall before doing anything.

Can I dig a pond on my property? Possibly, but it may not be the Shangri-La you had envi-

sioned. Ponds are complex matters that require approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Before you invite in the backhoes, keep in mind ponds should be designed with habitat goals, not just aesthetic goals, in mind.

How do I avoid digging up utility wires? Call the town engineering department at 203-452-2809 for

utility mark-outs.

May I plant trees or bushes along the road? Generally, you cannot plant or place anything (like a boulder)

within the town’s right-of-way. Flowers or groundcover less than 12 inches may be allowed, but may not interfere with sight lines or snow plowing. Do not complain to the town if anything along the right-of-way is damaged during snow plowing.

What do I need to know about removing an oil tank? The fire marshal (203-452-2807) oversees all tank removals.

Homeowners need a free permit. The work must be done by a state-licensed spill or tank removal contractor. The fire marshal has a list or you may call your oil company. When the work is done, a soil test for contamination must be performed and results distributed as outlined on the permit. There are more detailed requirements for commercial establishments.

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Who’s responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow? Owners of residential and commercial properties are respon-

sible for clearing sidewalks in a timely manner and using sand or salt as needed. Property owners are also responsible for main-taining the general condition of their sidewalks.

What happens if a town plow damages my mailbox? Most likely, you are responsible for the damage. The town

does not assume responsibility for replacing mailboxes or posts

unless they are physically hit by plowing equipment. Mailboxes and supporting posts must be installed to withstand the rigors of snow removal, including the force of snow and slush being plowed to the roadside.

May I rent an apartment in my house or take in boarders?

Maybe. Check with the zoning office for specific details before offering an apartment for rent or taking in boarders.

Social Services

Where can I donate used items? Goodwill Industries has a store at 574 Monroe Tpke., where

residents can donate clothing and household items. Call 203-445-0884.

Items also can be donated to the Mustard Seed Shoppe at Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St. Call 203-268-4879. Make donations Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday, noon-3 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Is there a food bank? Monroe Social Services runs the Monroe Food Pantry. It

provides food and groceries to qualified residents. Call Mary Ann Kalm, food pantry coordinator, at 203-452-3770 to make arrangements.

Does an agency provide energy assistance?The Monroe Social Services Department created Project

Warmth to provide residents with a bridge between energy assistance programs. Project Warmth is designed to cover energy assistance gaps when other resources are not available to Monroe residents.

Individual circumstances will be considered, and funds are distributed directly to vendors. Social Services administers Project Warmth, which follows the established state and federal energy guidelines. Donations are tax deductible and accepted year-round. To make a donation, make check out to the “Town of Monroe,” put “Project Warmth” on the memo line, and mail to Monroe Senior Center, 235 Cutlers Farm Road, Monroe, CT 06468.

What is United Way?

The promise and purpose of the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County is “to improve community life.” To fulfill that promise, the United Way raises money to support needed services and programs for every segment of the population through the Community Campaign. Through its Touch a Life Fund, United Way provides emergency assistance — help with fuel, medical, rent bills, etc. — to those in need in a 12-town region.

United Way also offers information about health and human services through Infoline, a partnership with the state. Call 211, any time of day. United Way’s Web site is unitedwaycfc.org.

Is there an organization that helps the blind? Voluntary Services for the Blind of Fairfield County assists

visually impaired people with volunteer readers, drivers, and

friendly visitors. If you need services or would like to volunteer call Claudette Tallon at 203-324-6611.

Where are burial plots and how would I get one?

Cutlers Farm Cemetery (203-268-4403); Walkers Farm Cemetery (203-268-9409); Stepney Cemetery (203-268-0391); St. John the Baptist Greek Cemetery and B’nai Israel Cemetery (Adzima Funeral Home, 203-375-2200); and East Village Cemetery (203-426-3655)

What funeral homes serve the town? Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral

Home, 315 Monroe Tpke., 203-445-8500 (spadaccinofuneral-home.com).

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Parks and Recreation

What local parks are there? What do they offer? William E. Wolfe Park, 285 Cutlers Farm Road, offers swim-

ming, baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, hiking and walking trails, and a playground; Great Hollow Lake on Purdy Hill Road offers swimming during the summer, hiking and walking trails year-round, and fishing in season. For parties and picnic information, call 203-452-2806.

Lake Zoar, on Route 34, has a boat ramp and limited swim-ming during posted hours; call 203-452-2806 for information.

Webb Mountain Park, on Webb Circle, offers several miles of advanced, intermediate and beginner hiking trails; camping available during summer months; call 203-452-2806.

Webb Mountain Discovery Zone, on Webb Circle, offers sev-eral miles of trails suitable for children and families; outdoor classroom available for field trips; and interactive scavenger hunt for children to learn about ecosystem and land history.

Where can I go swimming? The Wolfe Park Pool will be open May 28 through Sept. 5.

The Masuk High School pool is open year-round. Great Hollow Lake is open for swimming from May 28 to Sept. 5.

The Lakewood Trumbull YMCA, 20 Trefoil Drive, Trumbull, has an indoor pool for its members and offers many swimming programs, including competitive teams.

Are there any swim teams? The Shelton Monroe Swim Team, the Rapids (smstrapids.

org). Tryouts for new swimmers are usually in September. E-mail [email protected] for more information.

The Lakewood Trumbull YMCA also has several competitive swim teams. Call 203-445-9633.

Who offers youth sports? The Monroe Parks & Recreation Department (203-452-2806)

offers a variety of sports for children, including soccer, baseball, swimming, and lessons in some sports. Call the Parks & Rec office for information on private youth sports leagues, such as Monroe Little League (eteamz.com/MonroeLittleLeague), Monroe Babe Ruth, American Youth Soccer Organization (monroeayso.us), Monroe Lacrosse Association (mylaxct.com), and Monroe Lions football and cheerleading (monroectlions.com).

The Lakewood Trumbull YMCA (203-445-9633) offers bas-ketball, gymnastics, tae-kwon-do, tennis, baseball, lacrosse, and swimming and diving instruction.

What public golf courses are in the area? The Whitney Farms Golf Course, 175 Route 110, 203-268-

0707 (whitneyfarmsgc.net), is the only course in Monroe. This 18-hole facility was established in 1982 and is designated as semi-private. The course also offers golf lessons for beginners and advanced players, a driving range, practice green and has a Professional Golf Association professional on staff. To schedule an appointment for lessons call the Pro Shop at 203-268-0707.

The grounds feature The Stone Barn catering facility, ideal for receptions, parties and events, and The Grill at Whitney Farms, a restaurant open to the public during golf season.

Also, the Tashua Knolls Golf Course, 40 Tashua Knolls Lane, is nearby in Trumbull off Route 25.

Can I go horseback riding in town?Zenko’s Family Farm, 181 Brayburn Hill Road (203-261-

7162/zenkofarm.com), offers horseback riding and pony rides as well as a petting zoo, birthday parties and school outings.

A bench near the walking path around Great Hollow Lake provides a relaxing place to watch over the popu-lar swimming and fishing spot.

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Health Services

Will the town check my well to see if the water is safe to drink?

No. That is the responsibility of the homeowner. However, the Trumbull Monroe Health District (TMHD), which acts as the town’s health department, will help you interpret the results of a test. The TMHD office is at 2 Corporate Drive (off Route 110), Suite 116, Trumbull; the phone number is 203-452-5195.

How often should I have my well water tested? It is suggested that it be done every four to five years. If you

suspect the well has been damaged by construction or landscap-ing, it might be a good idea to have it tested. In addition, if you notice a strange taste or a funny odor in your water, have the well tested.

Can I find out the location of my well and/or septic system?

TMHD maintains files of septic systems and well locations. You can stop by the office for a copy of your property’s sketch, or ask for it to be faxed to you. Call 203-452-5195.

How do I take care of my septic system? TMHD suggests that you have your tank inspected by a pro-

fessionally licensed septic system installer if you suspect that your tank may not be operating properly. TMHD maintains a list of current septic and well contractors and engineers working within the town.

Whom do I call if my neighbor’s septic system is leak-ing on my property?

Call the TMHD at 203-452-5195.

What is radon gas? Radon gas is a decay product of radioactive uranium that can-

not be seen, smelled or tasted. Certain soils may contain high levels of radon, and well water that passes through may be a sig-nificant source of radon in a home. Exposure to radon increases your risk of developing lung cancer, especially when exposure is combined with smoking or inhaling someone else’s smoke.

The simplest way to find out if your house has high levels of radon is a carbon filter test, which can be done by the homeown-er. Kits are available commercially, or may be purchased inex-pensively by calling the Radon Hotline — 800-SOS-RADON — operated by the National Safety Council.

Does Monroe have sewer service? The town does not have sewers. The Monroe Water Pollution

Control Authority oversees residential and commercial septic systems.

What kinds of calls should be made to 911? Only emergency calls should be made to 911, such as to

report a fire, medical crisis, or police emergencies like a home intruder or other life-threatening situation. People should not call for road conditions or routine services such as reporting barking dogs. Direct routine police calls to 203-261-3622 and routine fire calls to 203-452-2807.

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Community Information

Is there a Newcomers Club in town? Residents who have moved to town may join the Monroe

Newcomers and Neighbors Club (monroenewcomers.org). The club also is open to longtime residents of the town. It provides Monroe residents with an opportunity to make new friends, socialize, and be a more active part of the community.

Are there women’s organizations in town? The Monroe Women’s Club (monroewomensclub.org) is a

group of local women who donate their time to serve the local and state community through philanthropic community service, leadership experience and social interaction. The club is open to any woman age 18 and older and there is no residency require-ment.

The group meets at 7:30 p.m. on Monday from September to June in the library community room. E-mail [email protected] for membership information. The group also affiliates with the Connecticut Junior Women State Project, which caters to young women from age 11 to 18.

Are there any men’s clubs?

The Whitney Farms Men’s Club, at Whitney Farms Golf Course. For more information on this golf-related organization, go to wfmclub.org or e-mail [email protected].

Beacon Hill Church’s Men of God (beaconhillchurch.org). Meets Saturday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m. at the church, 371 Old Zoar Road.

Are there any gardening clubs? The Monroe Newcomers and Neighbors Club offers many

activities for its members, including a garden club. Visit mon-roenewcomers.org for more information.

Are there any veterans organizations? American Legion Sippin-Winspur Post 176 in Monroe wel-

comes veterans and current members of the U.S. armed ser-vices. The dates of eligibility are: World War II, Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31,1946; Korea, June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955; Vietnam, Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; Lebanon/Grenada, Aug. 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984; Panama, Dec. 20, 1989 to Jan. 31, 1990; Persian Gulf Conflict, Aug. 2, 1990 to present. For information call Post Commander Victor Yanosy at 203-261-6978 or go to sippin-winspurlegionpost176.org.

Where does our water come from? Most homes in town have water supplied by Aquarion Water

Co. of Connecticut. The general number is 203-445-7310. The 24-hour emergency and service number is 800-732-9678. The company’s Web site is aquarion.com. Some homes may have private wells, but most homes in Monroe should have access to the Aquarion water supply. Hooking into the system, though, isn’t free and will probably require the aid of a contractor.

Will I have water if my power goes off? If you have well water and an electric-powered well pump,

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What clubs or social groups are there for the elderly? The Monroe Senior Center, 235 Cutlers Farm Road, 203-

452-3771, acts as a community resource and conduit to other services available to senior citizens. The center offers a central location where individuals can receive information and services of interest to seniors.

The Monroe Senior Center’s purpose is to be a hub for activi-ties and services for older persons and a visible symbol of the community’s concern for its older residents. It provides a bal-ance of social, recreational, educational, health maintenance, home management, and economic and financial programs to the town’s senior population. The center strives to prevent isolation and encourage socialization.

The Monroe Senior Center is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What transportation is available to seniors? The Monroe Senior Center’s Transportation Services, 203-

452-3769, provides door-to-door services for seniors (age 60 and older) and disabled Monroe residents. The service is curb to curb, not door to door. This includes transportation to doctor and dentist appointments, shopping, nutrition programs, and legal appointments.

Greater Bridgeport Transit offers a regional door-to-door service available for any type of trip. Before using the service, riders must complete the ADA eligibility form; call 203-366-7070. Those who meet requirements may also be eligible for trip escorts and other services.

Is there an assisted living facility? Middlebrook Farms at Trumbull is located at 2750 Reservoir

Ave., 203-268-2400. Also, Theresian Towers, 6454 Main St., Trumbull, 203-261-2229; and Spring Meadows at Trumbull, 6949 Main St., 203-261-0006.

Senior Services

you will not have water when the power goes off. However, most water systems will retain a residual amount of water pres-sure even after pumps shut off. You may be able to draw a few gallons of emergency water from the faucets.

People on public water lines should not be affected by routine power failures.

What cable television service is available? Cable service in Monroe is provided by Charter Cable TV, 9

Commerce Road, Newtown, 888-GET-CHARTER. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Web site is charter.com.

Where can I get fuel oil locally?

In town, there are Sippin Energy Products (203-743-5709), C&W Oil Co. (800-368-7645), and Oil Express (203-459-0404). There are also dozens of area suppliers that deliver to Monroe.

Who handles trees leaning on power lines? If it is an emergency, call the police at 203-261-3622. If not,

call the public works department at 203-452-2814.

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BAPTISTStepney Baptist Church, 423 Main St.; 203-268-9680; Pastor:

Pastor Kevin Merritt; [email protected]; stepneybap-tist.org; Services: Sunday, 9 a.m. traditional service, 11 a.m. contemporary service; Wednesday, 6 p.m. (Prayer Gathering).

CATHOLICSt. Jude Roman Catholic Church, 707 Monroe Tpke.; 203-

261-6404; Pastor: Rev. Msgr. John Sabia; saintjudechurch.net; Services: Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon.; Daily Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, 15 Pepper St.; 203-261-8290; Pastor: Bishop Robert Fidelis McKenna; rosarychapel.net; Services: Sunday, 10 a.m.; Daily Masses: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.

CONGREGATIONAL

Monroe Congregational Church, 34 Church St.; 268-9327; Pastors: Rev. John W. Collins, Associate Pastor Rev. Jennifer Gingras, [email protected]; mcc-ucc.org; Services: Summer, Sundays at 9 a.m.; Rest of Year, Sundays at 8:45 and 10:30 a.m.

EPISCOPALSt. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 175 Old Tannery Road; 203-

268-4265; Rector: Rev. Kurt J. Huber; [email protected]; stpetersonthegreen.com; Summer services: Sundays, 8 a.m. (Holy Eucharist I) and 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist II).

EVANGELICAL FREEBeacon Hill Evangelical Free Church, 371 Old Zoar

Road; 203-268-8521; Pastor: Rev. Richard Flashman; [email protected]; beaconhillchurch.org; Services: Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

LUTHERANGood Shepherd Lutheran Church, 466 Elm St.; 268-7596;

Pastor: Rev. Bryan Leone; [email protected]; gslc-ct.org; Services: Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

METHODISTUnited Methodist Church of Monroe, 515 Cutlers Farm Road;

268-8395; Pastor: Rev. Kregg M. Gabor; [email protected]; umcmonroe.org; Services: Sunday, 10 a.m.

NON-DENOMINATIONALPilgrim’s Pathway Christian Church, 2 Shelton Road (corner

Routes 110 and 111); 203-650-1284; Pastor: Rev. Vincent G. Artese, [email protected]; pilgrimspathway.org; Services: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. (Sunday School), 10 a.m. (worship), 5 p.m. (community coffee hour), 6 p.m. (evening service); Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (Bible Study).

Miracle Faith World Outreach, 754 Main St.; 203-452-7300; Pastors: Rev. Bobby and Christine Davis; mfwoministries.org; Services: Sunday, 9 and 10 a.m.

CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUECongregation B’Nai Torah, 5700 Main St.; 203-268-6940;

Rabbi: Colin Brodie; [email protected]; bnaitorahct.org; Shabbat: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m., and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.

Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Road, Newtown; 203-426-5188; Rabbi: Shaul Praver; [email protected]; congadathisrael.org; Services: Friday, 7:30 p.m.; varied Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.

HINDUHindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, a non-profit organi-

zation founded in 2001, meets twice a month at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 96 Chapel St., Stratford. Information: hin-duculturalcenter.org; [email protected].

Religious Organizations

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Culture and Learning

Where can I take college courses nearby? Housatonic Community College (203-332-5200, hcc.com-

mnet.edu) and Norwalk Community College (203-857-7000, ncc.commnet.edu) offer associate’s degree programs. Both graduate and undergraduate courses are offered at Fairfield University (203-254-4000 fairfield.edu), Sacred Heart University (203-371-7999, sacredheart.edu), University of Bridgeport (203-576-4552, bridgeport.edu), Southern Connecticut State University (888-500-SCSU, southernct.edu), and Western Connecticut State University (877-837-WCSU, wcsu.edu).

Is there an art school nearby? All About Art, 641 Main St., (203-452-8801, allaboutart.biz)

offers art programs for children of all ages and skill throughout the year. The Regional Center for the Arts (203-365-8857, ces.k12.ct.us), a regional public school, is in Trumbull.

Is there a dance school? The Dance Workshop, 500 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-7297;Connecticut Dance, 477 Main St., 203-261-1347;Monroe Dance Academy, 838 Main St., 203-268-1200;Studio D Center for the Performing Arts, 380 Monroe Tpke.,

203-445-8090;Lisa Denaro School of Classical Ballet, 500 Purdy Hill Road,

203-261-1181;Lisa Mennilli Dance Academy, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-

1406;Stage Center, 477 Main St., 203-268-3161.

Are there any free concerts? Summer brings open-air music at Wolfe Park for the free

Summer Concert Series, hosted by Monroe Parks and Recreation Department.

Picnicking is welcome. Check the Monroe Courier for infor-mation on summer shows.

The Friends of the Library group hosts a concert series in the Ehlers Meeting Room as well. Details can be found in the Monroe Courier’s Library News section.

Is there a singing group I can join? The Masuk Chamber Choir and the Camarata are open to

Masuk High School students.The Connecticut Chamber Choir, based in Trumbull, per-

forms a wide range of classical and contemporary choral works. E-mail [email protected] for more infor-mation.

Is there a performing arts school? Creative Music Center, 701 Main St., 203-261-7301;Main Street Music, 264 Main St., 203-268-4771;Connecticut Dance, 477 Main St., 203-261-1347;Studio D Center for the Performing Arts, 380 Monroe Tpke.,

203-445-8090;Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, 25 Lindeman Drive,

Trumbull, 203-372-2787.

What is the Webb Mountain Discovery Zone?Located on Webb Circle, this 170-acre park and outdoor

learning center provides a classroom for children to learn about their local ecosystem and town history.

The park includes three clearly marked trail loops, more than 25 interpretive signs highlighting natural and historic points of interest, and an interactive scavenger hunt. Local schools use the park’s outdoor classroom during warmer months for edu-cational field trips, as do other community groups such as the Boy Scouts.

E-mail [email protected] for more information or visit the Parks and Recreation Department office.

What museums are in town? The Monroe Historical Society maintains and operates three

historical buildings, including the Beardsley Homestead on Great Ring Road; the East Village Meetinghouse on Barn Hill Road; and the 1790 Schoolhouse on Wheeler Road.

The society also has a room in the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, which contains issues of the Monroe Courier from 1972 to present; books and news clippings on the history of the town; as well as resources for genealogical research.

Access to the society’s collection is by appointment only. However, the library has its own collection of certain historical documents that always is available.

What is the League of Women Voters? The League of Women Voters (lwvct.org/bptarea) is a non-

partisan organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government. It studies, acts on and keeps people informed of local issues, and publishes a booklet

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called “Know Your Town.” At election time, the LWV sponsors a “Meet the Candidates” forum. E-mail [email protected].

Are there any service clubs in town? The Monroe Lions Club meets the second and

fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Sal’s Restaurant, 630 Main St. The club supports projects to benefit the community such as youth fire safety contests, scholarships and placing holiday wreaths at Town Hall. Find out more at monroect.lionwap.org.

The Rotary Club of Monroe embraces the slogan “Service Above Self.” It supports local commu-nity projects and charities, and participates in Rotary International’s campaign to eradicate polio world-wide. The club meets each Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms Golf Course. For information, go to rotaryclubofmonroe.org or call 203-261-6100.

Is there a community calendar of events? The Monroe Courier publishes a weekly “Spotlight”

column in the entertainment section of the newspa-per.

Pet Information

Do I need to license my dog?Yes. Dog licenses may be obtained at the town clerk’s office

(203-452-2811) in Town Hall. All dogs 6 months or older must be licensed. A valid rabies certificate is required. You may apply for a dog license in person or by mail.

The cost is $8 if a dog has been spayed or neutered, and $19 for a dog that has not been spayed or neutered.

Dogs must be licensed during the month of June and, by state law, a $1 penalty is imposed for each month past July that a dog is unlicensed. The fine for failing to license a dog is $75.

Must my pet be immunized for rabies? Yes. All dogs or cats over three months of age must be vac-

cinated against rabies. Booster shots are required at least every three years.

Failure to immunize your cat or dog against rabies can result in a fine of $136.

Are there animal hospitals in town? Monroe Town and Country Veterinary Hospital, 607 Main

St., 203-268-8681; and Monroe Animal Hospital, 270 Main St., 203-261-0544.

The Mobile Veterinary Clinic, 165 Monroe Tpke., 203-261-9223, makes house calls and wellness visits.

Where can I take my pet in an emergency situation? Shoreline Emergency Center, 895 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton,

203-929-8600, offers 24-hour emergency service. If your pet has eaten something poisonous and you can’t

reach your own veterinarian right away, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. It is staffed 24 hours, but there is a $60 charge for services.

Does anyone offer pet first aid classes? The Mid-Fairfield County Chapter of the American Red

Cross, 800-319-9935, occasionally offers dog and/or cat first aid classes.

What is the law regarding loose or roaming dogs?All dogs are required to be kept under the owner or keeper’s

control at all times, not roaming freely upon the property of another person without permission. The fine for a violation is $92 per animal.

Dogs should always be kept on a leash.

Are cats allowed to roam onto others’ property? Yes, the state considers cats to be feral by nature.

There’s a lost cat at my house. Whom do I call? Since no laws cover roaming cats, local and state animal con-

trol officers do not pick them up. You could call the Bridgeport Cat Project, which is based in Trumbull, 203-380-1003.

My dog is lost, whom should I call? First call Monroe Animal Control Officer Ed Risko, 203-452-

3760, or visit the town’s animal care facility at 447 Purdy Hill Road, where the town runs a shelter to safely house roaming

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dogs. Dogs who remain unclaimed after seven days are put up for adoption. Animals that are up for adoption can be found on petfinder.com.

If your dog has been missing more than 24 hours, you might try calling animal control officers in neighboring towns.

Whom can I call for help if my dog dies at home? Most veterinarians will assist in sending the dog for burial or

cremation.

Is there a limit to the number of pets I may own? The town allows a maximum of four adult dogs (over 1 year

old) per household.

Are any animals considered illegal pets? Generally speaking, people are prohibited from having

as pets animals considered “wild” by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Call 860-424-3011 for details.

Is there an emergency wildlife number? The emergency number for the DEP’s Wildlife Division is

860-424-3333.

Are there any wildlife rehabilitators nearby? Wildlife in Crisis (203-544-9913/wildlifeincrisis.com) helps

rehabilitate orphaned, sick and injured wildlife. The organiza-tion is always looking for volunteers and donations. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1246, Weston CT 06883.

Also in the area is Back to the Wild Rehabilitation Inc. (203-438-0618/backtothewildrehab.com), which specializes in birds, primarily raptors (hawks, eagles, vultures, etc.) and spe-cifically owls. The Redding-based organization also will work with abandoned non-wildlife such as ducks, geese, parrots and peacocks.

Should I be concerned if I see a raccoon during the day?

Even healthy raccoons are active during the day, especially in spring and early summer when they are taking care of a fam-ily. If the animal is obviously sick (acting aggressive, circling, stumbling, acting disoriented or showing signs of paralysis), call the local police or animal control officer. In the unlikely event they cannot be reached and it is truly an emergency, call DEP Emergency Dispatch at 860-424-3333 to reach a local conservation officer.

I saw a coyote in my yard. What should I do? Coyotes live and breed in every town in Connecticut. They

are extremely adaptable and comfortable living in close proxim-ity to residential areas. They are usually not a threat to humans; however, coyotes may attack pets, particularly cats. There have been some reports of coyotes attacking small dogs. Coyotes eat a variety of foods including rodents, birds, fruit and berries. They will also eat food provided by people, including spilled bird seed, compost piles, pet foods or unsecured garbage. If you live in an area frequented by coyotes and you have cats or very small dogs, your pets should be supervised while outdoors. Limiting their time outdoors, especially at night when coyotes are most active, is recommended.

For information, call the DEP Wildlife Division at 860-675-8130 or the Hartford office at 860-424-3011.

Health and Wellness

What type of help is available for the mentally ill and their families?

The Southwest Regional Mental Health Board, 203-840-1187; call 211 for the Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has a Trumbull affiliate; call 203-459-1033.

For information about supervised apartments or for consul-tations, call the Mental Health Association of Connecticut’s Supported Living Community (203-797-8621). The association has a list of support groups throughout the state; call 800-842-1501.

The Care Network, a group of area health care agencies, offers treatment, counseling and help in finding community resources; call 800-898-HOME. Other sources of help include Hall Brooke Behavioral Health Center in Westport (203-277-1251).

Should I worry about Lyme disease? Lyme disease, spread by deer ticks, is prevalent. Take precau-

tions when going in the woods and fields. Use insect repellent, dress in light-colored clothing, roll pant cuffs into socks, wear long sleeves and a hat. Inspect pets that roam daily.

Insect repellents that contain DEET are quite effective against ticks. Follow the label instructions for use and application. Products containing 15% or less DEET are recommended for children, but products containing DEET should not be used on infants.

If you notice a tick bite or any bite around which a redness

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forms in the shape of a bull’s-eye target, or if you have flu-like symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Another tick-borne dis-ease that is becoming more of a problem in this area is ehrlichio-sis. Spread through the bite of an infected deer tick, symptoms include fever, headache, chills, malaise, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and vomiting. Acute weight loss, low platelet count, and a low white blood cell count can also occur.

Learn more at LymeDiseaseAssociation.org or call the Trumbull Monroe Health District (TMHD) at 203-452-5195.

What is rabies? How prevalent is it in the area? Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that travels through

the body to the brain via the nervous system. Once it reaches the brain, it causes encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, which results in neurological damage and cannot be treated and is fatal. In April 1991, the first two cases of rabid raccoons were confirmed in Ridgefield. Since then, every city and town in the state has had confirmed cases of rabies. Raccoons, skunks and bats are the most common carriers of the rabies virus.

The best way to protect yourself against rabies is to not approach or handle wild animals (dead or alive) or strange pets, and to keep your own pets vaccinated.

What should I do if I have been exposed? Consult a doctor immediately and report the incident to the

TMHD (203-452-5195) or Monroe animal control officer (203-452-3760).

Because the rabies virus is carried in saliva, the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This decreases the chance of infection, If possible, the animal should be captured for testing, which will require euthanizing the animal. Once rabies has been contracted and symptoms show, it is always fatal. However, treatment in the form of a series of injections is available for people who have been exposed to the virus.

What is West Nile Virus? West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause

encephalitis. Mosquitoes trapped in Monroe and many sur-rounding towns have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Since mosquitoes can reproduce in any stagnant water that lasts more than four days, people can best protect themselves by eliminating any such pools of stagnant water around their home, such as birdbaths, old tires, kiddy pools, and clogged gutters.

Viral encephalitis may have no symptoms at all; milder cases may include a slight fever and/or headache. Severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of high fever, head and body aches and usually occur five to 15 days after exposure. There is no specific treatment for viral infection, other than to treat the symptoms and provide supportive care. Those most susceptible are infants, the elderly and people with damaged immune sys-tems. For more information, call the TMHD at 203-452-519.

Where is smoking banned? A state law bans smoking in bars and restaurants, as well as all

public buildings, schools, health care institutions, retail stores, elevators, and private businesses. In some cases, establishment of smoking areas is permitted. Seventy-five percent of rooms in a motel or similar lodging must be smoke-free.

How often does the town inspect restaurants? Restaurants are generally inspected two to four times a year.

Before any new restaurant opens, it must pass pre-operational inspections.

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Children and Youth Services

Who helps troubled children? Kids in Crisis is an organization that offers preventive services

and immediate intervention for children in crisis. It is a United Way agency, licensed by the state Department of Children and Families, that provides both crisis counseling and a short-term residential shelter for children of all ages. Support and counsel-ing is available free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information, call 203-327-KIDS or go to kidsincrisis.org.

The Child Guidance Center of Greater Bridgeport, 180 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport (203-394-6529/cgcgb.org) is a non-profit mental health resource for area children and families living in the greater Bridgeport area. The center offers a wide range of outpatient mental health and substance abuse counsel-ing services for children under age 18, as well as in-home sup-portive services to families.

The Child Guidance Center operates three outpatient clinics in Bridgeport, Stratford and Fairfield, and services are available in English and Spanish.

What is the drinking age in Connecticut? It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess alcohol anywhere

in the state, including on private property. It is also illegal for anyone to knowingly allow minors to possess alcohol.

Does anyone focus on underage drinking? RYASAP, 2470 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, is a youth and

community development coalition whose mission is to build

healthy and safe communities free of the harm caused by substance abuse, crime and violence. Programs include youth development training institute, GAMES teen gambling preven-tion program, Safe Neighborhoods Americorps program, Public Allies young adult leadership development program, Block by Block neighborhood grants program, local community preven-tion council development and support, Youth Leadership Greater Bridgeport, Youth as Resources, Smokefree smoking cessation program, juvenile justice advocacy, and several community and individual recognition programs. Call 203-579-2727.

Where can I report a case of child abuse? If it is an emergency, call 911. The state hotline for reporting

child abuse or neglect is 800-842-2288 (state.ct.us/dcf).

Is there anything for teenagers to do in town? The Parks and Recreation Department, 203-452-2806, offers

a variety of summer programs for children and teens, including sports leagues, programs, and summer camps. Monroe’s parks offer baseball diamonds, tennis courts, swimming and other facilities.

The Lakewood Trumbull YMCA, 203-452-9633, also holds many programs and events, including some just for teens. The Y’s wellness facilities and group exercise classes are open to members 15 and older. The YMCA Camp and Outdoor Center, located on Route 59 in Monroe, offers three pools, a snack bar, boating, tennis, basketball, mini-golf, rentals and birthday par-ties. Call 203-445-9633 for information or visit cccymca.org.

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The Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, 203-452-2850, also has activities and volunteer opportunities for young people.

Does anyone offer job opportunities to young people? The Monroe Youth Job Bank, sponsored by the Monroe Youth

Commission, offers services such as yard work, dog walking, typing, tutoring, babysitting, music lessons, cell phone pro-gramming, cleaning, houseplant care, children’s parties, shovel-ing snow, musical events, office tasks, shopping errands, filing, cooking, after school enrichment, computers and more. Anyone looking to post a job or youths looking for work may e-mail [email protected].

Also, the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department frequent-ly has openings for teens to get summer jobs. Details are avail-able at the office in Town Hall or by calling 203-452-2806.

Are there any Web sites offering local resources and events for parents/families?

Kid-and family-friendly events, programs, and resource listings in and around Fairfield County may be found at: kid-sevents.com, fairfieldcountychild.com, ctparent.com and con-necticutmom.blogspot.com.

What playgrounds are available for children? There are playgrounds at Wolfe Park and Great Hollow

Lake.

Are there Scouting programs in town? For information about Boy Scout troops in Monroe, visit

scouting.org. For information about Girl Scout troops in Monroe, go to gsofct.org.

What is Venturing?Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts

of America for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. The pur-pose of Venturing is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become respon-sible and caring adults.

Venturing involves building relationships between youth, adult leaders and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by match-ing their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, to grow, to develop leadership skills, and to become good citizens.

Venturing crews can specialize in a variety of avocation or hobby interests. For information call 203-876-6868.

What is Exploring?Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning

for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old. Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and prepare them to become respon-sible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

For more information on Exploring, call the Connecticut Yankee Council Exploring Program, 203-876-6868.

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Transportation

How many cars are registered in Monroe?According to the Monroe assessor’s office, there were 19,345

vehicles registered in town on Oct. 1, 2010.

How many miles of roads are there in Monroe?There are 136 miles of paved town roads and five miles of

dirt roads.

Who maintains town roads? The town highway department, based on Purdy Hill Road,

maintains all town roads. The state Department of Transportation oversees state highways, which are Routes 25, 34, 110 and 111.

To whom do I complain about a pothole? If it’s a town road, call the town highway department at 203-

452-2814. If it’s a state road, contact the state Department of Transportation at ct.gov/dot and follow the links for reporting a traffic problem. Make sure to include the location of the prob-lem. If you’re not sure who has jurisdiction, call the town. When calling, have the nearest house number and intersection.

What are the typical speed limits in town? Most local roads have speed limits of 25 mph. More traveled

roads reach 35 miles per hour.

Where can I park in town? Free parking is allowed on most streets.

Where can I get a handicap permit to park my car? You may apply for a permit or disability plates at any state

Department of Motor Vehicles office. Applicants must provide proof of disability with form B-225.

Where is the closest DMV office? The nearest DMV office is in Bridgeport at 95 Sylvan Ave.,

off Exit 5 of the Route 28 and 8 connector. The office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday; and 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday; it is closed Sunday and Monday. There are no safety inspections or VIN verifications. The nearest inspection facilities are in Hamden.

For more information, call 800-842-8222, or access the DMV Web site at ct.gov/dmv.

Do I have to get my car inspected regularly? A safety inspection is no longer required for passenger vehi-

cles. Any vehicle from out of state must have an emissions test and VIN verification before being registered.

Is there an emissions testing program? Yes. You will be notified by mail of your test days. Vehicles

must be tested every other year. New vehicles less than four years old or more than 25 years old are exempt. If you do not have your vehicle tested, it does not pass, or has not been

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granter a waiver, DMV will not renew your registration. Nearby testing stations are: Monro Muffler/Brake, 451 Main

St. Monroe, 203-261-6335; Knecht’s Garage, 101 Monroe Tpke., Trumbull, 203-268-6284; AJ’s Center Service, Inc., 851 River Road, Shelton, 203-944-9900; and Amaral Motors Inc., 40 South Main St., Newtown, 203-426-4427.

If you happen to drive a diesel vehicle, your choices are more limited, but Knecht’s is qualified to check diesel exhaust emis-sions. For information and other testing stations, call 888-828-8399 or go to ctemissions.com.

How soon after I move into the state do I need a Connecticut driver’s license?

A new state license is required within 30 days. You do not need to pass a Connecticut driver’s test if you already possess a valid driver’s license from another state.

You must re-register your car within 60 days. This requires visiting a full-service DMV branch for VIN verification. Call 800-842-8222 for details.

Are there any driving schools? Gary Knepler Driving School, 466 Main St., 203-268-6040;

and Howe Driving School, 324 Elm St., 203-261-0500.

Who must wear seat belts? Drivers and front-seat passengers, and all rear seat passengers

4 to 16 years old, must wear seat belts when riding in a motor vehicle.

Car seats are required for children younger than 4 years old or weighing less than 40 pounds. A violation is punishable by a

$75 fine. Children, age 4 or older or more than 40 pounds, may use seat belts although booster seats are recommended.

What rights do pedestrians have? Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. There is

a crosswalk at every intersection, even if it is not marked by painted lines. Drivers must slow or stop and grant the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing at a marked or unmarked cross-walk. If the walkway is regulated with a “Walk/Don’t Walk” light, pedestrians must wait for the “Walk” sign.

Is there a carpooling agency nearby? Metropool Inc. in Stamford provides commuter ride-sharing

programs to corporations and individuals, as well as van-pool-ing. There is also a free matching service to commuters wishing to car pool. Details at 800-346-3743 or metropool.com.

How can I get the latest train schedules? Timetables are available at the train station. You can also

receive schedule information from Metro-North by calling 800-638-7646 or going to its Web site, mta.info.

Is there a taxi service? Yellow Taxi Service, 800-TAXI-CAB, serves Monroe.

What limousine services are in town? O’Donnell Limousine, 500 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-7294;

Morano’s Limousine Services, 91 Gay Bower Road, 203-445-1029; and 5 Star Limo Service, 500 Monroe Tpke., 203-395-0875.

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Business Community

What does the Chamber of Commerce do? The Monroe Chamber of Commerce is located at 641 Main

St., and serves the Monroe business community.The Monroe Chamber of Commerce has more than 200 mem-

bers and represents a wide variety of businesses. Its mission is to promote the well being of the business and professional com-munity in Monroe.

The Chamber of Commerce sponsors a number of events, including the Meet Monroe business showcase in April, which is free to the public and highlights “the best of Monroe.”

The Chamber also is host to regular networking functions, a Business Growth series, and Business After Hours, often in col-laboration with other area chambers.

For information, call President Teri Rotella, 203-452-6578, or visit the Web site monroectchamber.com.

Where is the Better Business Bureau? With an office in Wallingford, the Better Business Bureau

provides reports on businesses, charity groups and organiza-tions. It can help resolve consumer disputes with businesses, and promotes ethical business standards. Complaints can be made online at connecticut.bbb.org, or by calling 203-269-2700.

The state Department of Consumer Protection will investigate cases where consumers feel they were cheated or defrauded. You may call the hotline at 800-842-2649, visit online at state.ct.us/dcp, or send written complaints to DCP, 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106.

Where can I get copies made?

Steeves Office Systems, Inc., 588 Monroe Tpke., 203-261-3876;

Bull’s Head Printers, 200 Main St., 203-261-6100;Minuteman Press, 477 Main St., 203-261-9702.

Is there a group that helps people find a job? The Edith Wheeler Memorial Library hosts resume seminars

and computer classes for adults. The library’s Web site, ewml.org, links you to job search engines and other sites that will help you build your occupational profile. Call 203-452-2850 for information.

Where can I find an office temp? Monroe Staffing Services, 500 Purdy Hill Road, 888-845-

9675, monroestaffing.com, founded in 1969, provides tempo-rary and full-time staffing solutions that are custom matched to each client.

What are the hours of the local post office? The Monroe Post Office (203-261-3880) is at 270 Monroe

Tpke. The hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, closed Sunday.

Where can I buy stamps?

In addition to the post office, stamps can be purchased at both Big Y and Stop & Shop, as well as any of the pharmacies in town. Also, the Stevenson Post Office, 281 Cottage St., 203-268-5254, is open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-5 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday.

Where can I find a bank and where is there an ATM?

There are many banks in Monroe, all of which have ATMs. They include:

Hudson City Savings Bank, 525 Main St., 203-268-5525;Newtown Savings Bank, 535 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-9985;Newtown Savings Bank, 477 Main St., 203-268-6395;Wells Fargo Bank, 535 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-2265;People’s United Bank, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-445-8351;People’s United Bank, 470 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-2200;People’s United Bank, 435 Main St., 203-261-6945;Webster Bank, 495 Monroe Tpke., 203-445-2751;Bank of America, 461 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-5161;Chase Bank, 456 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-8495.

Is there an online business directory?The Monroe Chamber of Commerce’s Business Directory

and Community Profile is available for download at monroect-chamber.com.

Also, the Monroe Answerbook is available online at monro-ecourier.com.

You can also contact the Monroe Economic Development Commission for specific information about local businesses at 203-452-2819 or MonroeMeansBusiness.com.

Where and when can I buy alcoholic beverages? You must be 21 to purchase or possess alcohol in

Connecticut. Beer is available in most grocery stores and many of the

convenience stores. Wine and hard liquor are available only at liquor stores.

Stepney Wine & Liquor Store, 450 Main St., 203-268-1695;Wines Unlimited of Monroe, 600 Main St., 203-459-9089;Glenro Spirit Shoppe, 487 Monroe Tpke., 203-261-6166;

The gazebo on the Town Hall lawn, near the Monroe Green, shines bright with a Christmas tree and decora-tive lights as a symbol of the joyous season.

(Photo by Wayne Ratzenberger)

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Monroe Spirits Shop, 176 Main St., 203-268-8440;Lakeside Wine & Liquor, 236 Roosevelt Drive, 203-261-

5001;Village Square Liquors, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-5155;Warehouse Wine & Spirits, 246 Main St., 203-880-9373.The state does not allow any retail beer, wine or liquor sales

after 9 p.m., or on Sunday.

Where can I go out to eat? There are many restaurants in Monroe, offering a broad range

of cuisine. They include: Bill’s Drive-In, 431 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-8808;The Smithy, 171 Main St., 203-268-4267;Venizia Importing, 154 Main St., 203-261-4517;Paisanos Pizzeria, 292 Elm St., 203-268-1888;Sal’s Family Restaurant & Pizza, 630 Main St., 203-268-

1862;Roberto’s Restaurant-Catering, 505 Main St., 203-268-5723;El Coyote Restaurant, 838 Main St., 203-459-4055;Rustic Grille, 494 Main St., 203-445-1811;Buffalo Bill’s, 650 Main St., 203-445-9672;Mr. Mac’s Canteen, 838 Main St., 203-459-9595.

Where can I get a pizza? McGowan’s Pizzaland, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-261-3671;Panino’s Pizza & Pasta, 179 Main St., 203-452-5557;Julian’s Brick Oven Pizza, 525 Main St., 203-445-7032Jennie’s Pizzeria, 380, Monroe Tpke., 203-452-2435;Vazzy’s Osteria, 415 Main St., 203-459-9800;Country Pizza & Restaurant, 418 Main St., 203-261-0223;Leah’s Pizza, 535 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-8177;Gregory’s Pizza, 500 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-9533.

How about deli or other take-out food? Purdy Hill Bakery & Deli, 162 Purdy Hill Road, 203-268-

7189;Main Street Lunch & Deli, 115 Main St., 203-452-9445;Stepney Kitchen, 440 Main St., 203-880-9499;Home Plate Deli, 483 Monroe Tpke., 203-445-8178;Soup Thyme, 450 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-0214.Fast food: McDonald’s, 390 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-1927; Duchess, 134 Main St., 203-452-0197; Subway, 447 Monroe Tpke., 640 Main St. and 230

Roosevelt Drive.

Are there any coffee shops in town? Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main St., 203-445-9797;Starbucks Coffee, 525 Main St., 203-268-1751;Brewers, 487 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-2909;Dunkin Donuts, 447 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-9167, 695 Main

St., 203-268-5242, and 133 Main St., 203-268-5718;Doughnut Inn, 590 Main St., 203-268-3999, and 483 Monroe

Tpke., 203-445-0411.

Where can I find baked goods? Fresh baked goods are available at Purdy Hill Bakery, 162

Purdy Hill Road, 203-268-7189; and Chavez Bakery & Deli, 477 Main St., 203-268-6179. Also, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Starbucks, and Dunkin Donuts and Doughnut Inn locations.

What about ice cream?Dr Mike’s Ice Cream Shop, 444 Main St., 203-452-0499, is

a must-place to visit for those with a sweet tooth. Also, Dairy Queen, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-1457.

Where can I get fresh fish? Swanson’s Fish Market, 477 Main St., 203-268-7463

Where can I find a catering service? Monroe caterers include: The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms,

175 Shelton Road, 203-268-0707; The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Drive, 203-261-0915, waterviewcatering.com; and Sal’s Family Restaurant & Pizza, 630 Main St., 203-268-1862.

What food markets are in town? Do they deliver?

There are two full-service grocery stores, Big Y, 535 Monroe Tpke., 203-452-9002, and Stop & Shop, 470 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-0589.

Also, Food Works, 477 Main St., 203-452-9500, offers a selection of natural food items and related products. Mason’s Farm Market, 764 Main St., 203-268-8229, has food items as well.

Through its Peapod service, Stop & Shop offers delivery to Monroe residents.

Are there any fresh produce stands in Monroe? From mid-June until mid-October, the Monroe Farmers

Market will be held every Friday afternoon on the Monroe Green. Fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers and baked goods are available. Some vendors are certified organic. Call 203-452-2821 for information.

Big Y, Stop & Shop, and Food Works also offer fresh pro-duce, including some organic selections.

Where can I pick my own fruits and vegetables? During the summer, Monroe residents can visit the Monroe

Farmer’s Market located on the Monroe Green each Friday evening from 3-6 p.m.

Jones Family Farms, 606 Walnut Tree Hill, Shelton (203-929-8425), has pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins and Christmas trees, and a winery.

Candee Farms in Easton (203-268-5223) offers pick-your-own raspberries, vegetables and pumpkins in season.

A “Welcome to Monroe” sign helps promote the town as a good place to do business.

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Silverman’s Farm, also in Easton (203-261-3306), has pick-your-own peaches, apples and plums starting in July.

Plasko’s Farm, 670 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull (203-268-2716), is not pick your own, but there is a country store where vegetables and specialty items are available.

Where can I have a passport photo taken? This can be done at the Walgreens, CVS and two Rite Aid

establishments in Monroe.Also, JC Penney Photo Studio, 5065 Main St., Trumbull, 203-

374-4510; and the UPS Store, 261 South Main St., Newtown, 203-426-4044, can handle that for you.

Is there a bookstore in town? Linda’s Storytime, 477 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-1579, has

a broad selection of books for children and young adults; and Tattered Pages Book Shop, 150 Main St., 203-261-6745, has both adult and child selections.

What malls are in the area? Westfield Shoppingtown Trumbull, 5065 Main St., Trumbull,

is one of the premier shopping destinations in the region, fea-turing about 170 retail outlets, including anchor stores Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, JC Penney and Target. Also in Trumbull, the Hawley Lane Mall, 100 Hawley Lane, includes Kohl’s, HomeGoods, Best Buy and Target.

Is there dry cleaner? Dry cleaners include: Village Cleaners, 203-261-8333;

Colonial Cleaners of Monroe, 203-261-8006; Main Cleaners, 203-268-8878; Town Cleaners of Monroe, 203-268-7692;

Tower Cleaners, 203-261-4022; Rand Cleaners, 203-261-7199; and Monroe Dry Cleaners, 203-445-0420.

Is there a tailor in town? Local tailors are: Marcy’s Tailor Shop, 714 Main St., 203-

452-9309 and John’s Tailors & Cleaners, 115 Main St., 203-459-4644.

Is there a day spa in the area? Salons offering varying types of spa services include: About

Faces-Nails Too Day Spa, 569 Main St., 203-452-1715; and Echo Spa, 588 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-8807.

Where can I get a haircut? Many places, including: Charlene’s Barber Shop, 509 Monroe

Tpke., 203-459-4336; Salon 25, 115 Main St., 203-268-9075; Salon Darin, 435 Main St., 203-268-1749; Marci’s Unisex Hair Salon, 68 Main St., 203-268-7486; Hair Art, 627 Main St., 203-788-7260; Royale Haircutters, 590 Main St., 203-268-6047; and Salon Aponte, 838 Main St., 203-261-2838.

Also, Phil’s Hairstyling, 401 Monroe Tpke., 203-268-5020; Charlene’s Barber Shop, 509 Monroe Tpke., 203-459-4336; Frank’s Hair Salon, 494 Main St., 203-452-9822; Steven Williams Hair Design, 650 Main St., 203-268-3540; and Matt & Louis’ Barber Shop, 258 Main St., 203-880-5050.

Do we have children’s toy and clothing stores? Eastern Jungle Gym Swing Sets, 391 Main St., 888-687-7952;

I Spy Consignment, 415 Main St., 203-880-9234; and Mommy & Me Consignment, 590 Main St., 203-261-1500.

What newspapers cover the town? The Monroe Courier, 203-402-2313, (e-mail) monroecourie

[email protected], (Web site) monroecourier.com, has been the paper of record in town for nearly 50 years. It is published every Thursday by the family-owned and -operated Hersam Acorn Newspapers. The Monroe Courier Web site is constantly being updated with stories and photos.

The Connecticut Post is a regional daily that runs Monroe-related news stories and features, 203-333-0161.

Also, Voices is a weekly regional paper that runs Monroe-related news stories and features, 203-262-6631.

Monroe Patch is a Web site that covers the town.

Can I read The Monroe Courier online? Those looking for the latest Monroe news can find it on

The Monroe Courier’s online site, monroecourier.com; those looking for stories from previous issues can find them in the same place. For the latest, up-to-the-minute news, sign up for Breaking News from The Monroe Courier on the Web site. You can also follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/monroecourier.

The Courier’s Web site includes a “search” tool to find a specific story; “Print Archives” and “Article Reprints” sections to purchase past articles; and a “Photo Store” to buy photos that have appeared in the print edition.

How can I get an announcement or advertisement in The Monroe Courier?

The Monroe Courier is published on Thursdays. For announce-ments, including press releases/photos, school and arts and entertainment news, club news and weddings/engagements, e-mail the editor at [email protected] no later than the Friday before the desired publication date. Letters to the Editor are due Monday at 5 p.m. Send sports releases to Assistant Sports Editor Michael Suppe, [email protected], by 3 p.m. Monday. Obituaries should be sent by or before Wednesdays at 10 a.m., the day before publication.

To advertise, call 203-402-2327 and ask for Donna Cosenza. You may e-mail her at [email protected]. For classi-fied advertising, call 203-402-2334.

Where can I search the Internet for free? The Edith Wheeler Memorial Library near Town Hall offers

free work stations on a first-come, first-served basis.

What radio and TV stations carry Monroe news?The Bridgeport station WICC (660 AM) covers significant

news stories in Monroe as do other local stations, including STAR (99.9) and WEBE (107.9). Channel 17 offers local pro-grams, school closings, and a community bulletin board. Fax announcements to 203-966-2339.

Media

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911 ..................................................................................... 26, 35Absentee ballot ................................................................... 6, 12Animal control .........................................................................42Animal hospitals ......................................................................42Art schools ...............................................................................40Assessments .............................................................................11Assisted living ..........................................................................37Banks........................................................................................50Better Business Bureau ............................................................50Board of Education ..................................................................22Board of Finance ......................................................................15Bond rating ................................................................................8Bookstores................................................................................52Budget ........................................................................................8Burial plots ...............................................................................33Carpooling ................................................................................49Chamber of Commerce ............................................................50Coffee shops ............................................................................51Dance schools ..........................................................................40Deeds, public records .................................................................6Emmissions testing ..................................................................47EMS/Ambulance ......................................................................26Farmers Market ........................................................................51Fire departments ......................................................................27First Selectman ..........................................................................8Food Pantry ..............................................................................33Funeral homes ..........................................................................33Garbage collection ...................................................................31Golf courses .............................................................................34Grand List ..................................................................................8Haircuts ....................................................................................52History........................................................................................4Historic District Commission ..................................................15Housing costs .............................................................................6Inland Wetlands Commission ..................................................12Internet access ..........................................................................30League of Women Voters .........................................................40Legal notices ............................................................................15Library ......................................................................................30Limousine service ....................................................................49Lyme disease ............................................................................43Marriage license .........................................................................6Mental health ...........................................................................43Monroe, President James ...........................................................4Motor vehicle department ........................................................47Newspapers ..............................................................................52Parent resources .......................................................................45Parks .........................................................................................34

Parks and Recreation Commission ..........................................15Pizza .........................................................................................51Planning and Zoning Commission ..........................................12Playgrounds..............................................................................46Police department ....................................................................27Population ..................................................................................6Post office ................................................................................50Potholes ....................................................................................47Probate Court ...........................................................................14Project Warmth ........................................................................33Rabies .......................................................................................44Radon .......................................................................................35Recycling .................................................................................31Registrar of voters ....................................................................11Religious organizations ............................................................38Restaurants ...............................................................................51Revaluation ..............................................................................11Roads........................................................................................47Schools .....................................................................................22Senior transportation ................................................................37Service clubs ............................................................................42Snow removal ..........................................................................33Special education .....................................................................26Sports at high school ................................................................24State legislative districts ..........................................................16Swimming ................................................................................34Taxes ........................................................................................11Tax rate ......................................................................................8Taxi service ..............................................................................49Teens ........................................................................................45Temperature ...............................................................................6Town Council ...........................................................................14Town clerk ...............................................................................14Town officials ..........................................................................18Town planner ...........................................................................12Town treasurer .........................................................................14Train stations ............................................................................49Tree warden .............................................................................12United Way ..............................................................................33Underage drinking ...................................................................45Veterans organizations .............................................................36Voting districts .........................................................................12Webb Mountain Discovery Zone ...................................... 34, 40Well water ................................................................................35West Nile Virus ........................................................................44Wildlife ....................................................................................43Youth sports .............................................................................34Zoning Board of Appeals .........................................................12

Index

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monroe answerbook.11

About Faces Nails, Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Benedict’s Home & Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Bob’s Home Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

BodySmart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Brand Cigar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

The Carolton Chronic & Convalescent Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Charlene’s Barber Shop & Salon . . . . . . . . . 33

Creative Development Day Care . . . . . . . . . 24

Creative Music Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Connecticut Biopsy Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Dance Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Dr. Joshua E. Baum, Orthodontics . . . . . . . .13

Dr. Mark Schwartz, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Easton Country Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Gary Knepler Driving School . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Glen J. Belush, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Hirsch Law, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Kiddie Campus of Monroe . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

L&R Power Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Main Street Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Main Street Pilates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

McGowan’s Pizzaland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Monroe AYSO Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Monroe Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Monroe Lacrosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Monroe Parks & Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Monroe Pediatric Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Next Step Financial Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

O’Donnell Limousine, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Performing Arts Center of Connecticut, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Pilgrim’s Pathway Christian Church. . . . . . . 38

Salon Aponte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Sheperds, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

The Smithy Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

St. Joseph High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

St. Jude School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Step-A-Way Nursery School . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Sunshine Nursery & Garden Center . . . . . . . 37

Tashua Knolls Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Twombly Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Union Savings Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Whitney Farms Golf Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Women’s Health Care, PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

World Fitness Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Y.Z. Jewelry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46, 47

Zenko’s Family Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

m o n r o e a n s w e r b o o k i n d e x o f a d v e r t i s e r s


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Documents

Monroe Answerbook • Hersam Acorn Newspapers