A big blossom to the Bargain Depot. >What a great way to start off the Christmas season last Saturday. I heard your ads on the radio and saw them in the shopper, as well. It was a great sale with a nice big crowd, but it reminded me of when I was younger with your Santa and the two cool elves. It was fantastic to see the kids all get their picture taken with the North Pole Team. This used to be the norm rather than the exception when it came to shopping in local stores. Downtown could learn a few things from your Saturday event. Thanks once again for bringing that small-town feeling back, as the kids will always remember that day as well. - T. Wilkens>
A barb to whomever is handling the advertising for downtown Monroe. >Here we have the beautiful Square freshly updated, and no advertising direction to speak of. They had the "kickoff" for the square on Nov. 14th and 15th. Had the Christmas parade a day after Thanksgiving nothing this weekend, then trolley rides on Dec. 11th. Why in the world wouldn't you have all of these events kicking off the newly revamped square on Dec. 4th through the 6th? The event on Nov. 15. I saw a little ad in the shopper, not to mention it's a little early. As for the Christmas parade, I saw and heard nothing. I talked to about 20 people last Saturday to see how the parade was and none of them knew that the parade was on the 27th. Their ages ranged from 13 to 62. The upcoming trolley rides are fine a little late, but once again why not have one target weekend and do it right instead of a piece here or there? Coordinate your efforts and have one central advertising campaign. The Square looks fantastic, now capitalize on it while you can, otherwise why deal with all the lost business from the past eight months due to construction? Let's move on this before we lose any more time and money. - T. Wilkens>
A blossom to all involved with the Santa reception. >There was yet another successful Santa arrival and reception this past Friday evening (Nov. 27). On behalf of the Noon Optimist Club, I would like to thank those who made Santa's reception a fun and magical time for all. To Wisconsin Community Bank for providing the lovely decorated reception area so that the children and their guests could enjoy the crafts and refreshments while waiting for Santa. Thank you to Swiss Colony, Piggly Wiggly and Monroe Main Street. Thank you, too, to Creative Photography and Mary Soddy, Noon Optimist Club members and Morning Optimist Club members for helping, too. Lastly, a huge thank you to Santa and Mrs. Claus. All the children were greeted and could talk to Santa and get their picture taken, do some crafts and enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies. It was a wonderful start to the holiday season. Take time to enjoy the rest. - Jean Sinkule, Noon Optimist >
A blossom to the Family Birth Center at The Monroe Clinic. >We are very thankful for your kindness and care during the birth of our baby girl, Eliza Wray Lamont, born on Nov. 23, 2009. Eliza was born too soon and went to be with Jesus shortly after birth. The care and love received by the nurses and staff was very much appreciated during this difficult time. Much thanks and love. - Hailey Pursley and Brian Lamont>
A big blossom to Vince's Pizza, Jimmy John's Subs and the YMCA >for their donations, and to all the volunteers who dedicated their time, talent and money to help support the concession stand during the Alumni Basketball Tournament at the high school last weekend. Without all of the efforts made, we certainly could not have provided the delicious food that was available to the players. A very well deserved blossom to you all. Thank you so much to all for your community support. An extra special note to the custodial staff who worked so hard to give us a clean area to work in and made sure we had everything we needed. - Melissa DiTulio>
I would like to give a huge blossom to Scott, Robin, Gretchen and all the girls at Chocolate Temptations! >No matter what the weather, or kind of day you're having, you're always greeted with warmth and friendship when you walk through the door, making it a better one. Not to mention the wonderful coffee and treats! - "Strawberry">
A barb to the person who turned the volume so high >on the music (noise) between the Brodhead-Monroe girls game and the boys game, and also at the halftime of the boys game. It was so loud you could not talk to the person next to you without shouting. I was not the only person to express this opinion. And since when is louder better?! - Dick Schliem, Woodford>
