Wheeler Library to Host 'Ben's Bells' Event

MONROE, CT — Those ceramic wind chimes. You have no doubt seen them hanging around town in any number of random locations, and wondered where they came from, and why.

They are called Ben's Bells, and they are the product of an initiative begun by Jeanette Maré, of Tucson. Following the sudden death of her 3-year-old son Ben, and the outpouring of kindness and support from her community, Maré and her family began making the chimes. Left around the community for anyone to find, they were honor meant to honor Ben and to show gratitude for the kindness others had shown them. From that act of reciprocal kindness grew Ben's Bells, a non-profit organization devoted to kindness education.

The organization opened a branch in Bethel following the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

Here in Monroe, residents can get in on some of that kindness action on Sunday, March 3 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library located at 733 Monroe Turnpike. Participants in the Ben's Bells event will have a hand in making the next flight of community wind chimes.

Registration is not required for this event and is open to all ages as long as children attend with a caregiver. This activity will be self-directed and will be using paint. The products must be left at the library after completion.