A blossom to Lynda Snider, >who sent the article about Pleasant View. I'm sure there are many who feel the same way. Seems there is always money for the buildings (justice center, for example) and other projects that come up. We can get along without some of those, and contribute to a place that is needed. We do need that place, Pleasant View. There's always good care and friendly staff. Those of you who are against it now may sometime in the future find a need for it. A better place can never be found. - Anonymous>
A huge blossom to the supporters of the Monroe varsity wrestling tournament >that was held on Jan. 24. We appreciate your generosity for making our tournament such a success. Without people like you, we wouldn't be able to hold such events. Also, a big thanks goes out to the volunteers and alumni donation. Blossoms go to the following: Swiss Colony, Maple Leaf Cheese store, Pick-n-Save, Wal-Mart, Kwik Trip, Stop n Go, Dairy Queen, Peppercorn Banquets, Vince's Pizza, Burger King, Roth Kase, Regez Cheese and Paper Company, Jimmy John's and Pizza Hut. - The parents of the Monroe wrestling team>
We would like to give a large blossom to the teachers and students from Northside, Parkside, St. Victor's and Abraham Lincoln schools> for all the cards they made and the notes they wrote to our men and women serving our country. They were all sent with the packages to our troops. We received many responses and they were passed around and enjoyed by many. Now our hospitalized veterans are looking forward to receiving valentines. They will be distributed the week of Feb. 8 at the Madison VA Hospital. Thank you all. - Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 84 of Monroe>
A blossom to the Green County highway crews. >To those who think the roads get better the farther out you get: Try traveling the highways, county roads and township roads of Rock County on a daily basis like I do. There really is no comparison. While the Green County roads are not always perfect during a snow event, you can always count on the Rock County roads to be horrendous. - Greg>
I second that blossom, Greg. >I live on County CC in northern Green County, and the county does a remarkable job of road maintenance and snow removal. I don't know how they (the driver who plows my road) do it, but even after the plow comes by to clean up (push the snow back to make room for the next snowfall), they somehow maneuver the plow so as to not fill in my neighbor's and my driveway. Also, as I travel around the county, I am always pleased that they have opened all the roads (Exeter as well as Green County) and leveled the piles at the intersections for safe visibility. Good job (Great job!) - Dan S.>
A barb to the Green County YMCA >for holding a youth wrestling tournament on a Sunday morning. There was a time when Sundays were untouchable, to be set aside for church services and family time. I realize not everyone attends church regularly (or even at all for a good number of people), but I do believe that there is a significant number of people who still believe that church should take precedence over youth sports. It's bad enough that Wednesday nights have been usurped by sports, but do we have to take Sundays, as well? I know that our kids are scheduled to the hilt and available time for tournaments is difficult to come by, but shouldn't a Christian organization like the YMCA (yes, that is what the C stands for!) know better? Bad enough that they chose to hold this on a Sunday, but to start Sunday morning and force every participant to miss church services? It's hard enough to make high school students choose between their faith and their sport; must we force kindergartners to make these choices now, too? - Julie>
Julie, as a single mother of a wrestler (Mat Rat), Sunday works best. I work two jobs and have Sundays off for a reason. I took my son to church on Saturday night, so he would not miss service. My son was able to have his religious time and some fun learning sportsmanship and was not sitting in front of the TV playing video games! This was a family deal for many of us. We all volunteered our time, food, and hugs to these children. I give a huge amount of blossoms to those who are part of Mat Rats and a huge barb to you, Julie, >for not looking at this situation as a good thing. Remember, we can give our children religious instruction and do family things, too. - Wrestling Mom>
A big blossom to The Monroe Times >for the awesome article on Karen Fowdy, a well deserving German teacher at Monroe High School. And, a big blossom to Frau Fowdy >(as she is affectionately known to us all) for the major impact she has made on so many students over the years. Her love for the German language, and for other cultures, has influenced so many students. Through her great example, she taught many of us (parents included) to respect and admire other cultures, and help us remember that it's not "all about us." Because of her encouragement, so many have broadened their horizons through education and travel. She has prepared the next generation for global communication, cooperation and understanding. Thank you, Frau Fowdy, for helping open our minds. - Sheila Berrey>
A blossom to all of the parents on the Monroe Peewee and Bantam hockey teams >for putting on a wonderful dinner Wednesday night. They donated all of the food and their time to put on a wonderful dinner. And another blossom to all of the families> who came for dinner and to support the youth hockey association. This is a wonderful program for our area youth and deserves more community support! - Grateful>
A blossom to Butch Johnson >for helping Nate Klassey find his cell phone last Saturday. With the cold temperatures and all the extra pockets, we can see how a phone could be replaced. - Your friends at the Corner Cafe>
I wanted to send a blossom to all of those who made the YMCA's Mat Rat tournament a success >and have continued to work to make Mat Rats a great program. My brother started this program over 10 years ago and it has continued to improve every year because of these people. He has truly been remembered through their tireless work. - Desie Breadon>
A huge blossom to Scott Thompson >from Kittelson, Barry, Wellington, Thompson and Schluesche law office. Scott held a seminar for estate planning, funeral planning and reverse mortgages on Jan. 27 at Twining Valley Retirement Community. Scott and his secretary Judy did a wonderful job. These types of seminars aren't something that anyone likes to think about, but Scott has a way with people that puts everyone at ease. Judy was very helpful in organizing everything, and she is so friendly with the public. Scott, you really have a great talent in public speaking and a true gem in Judy. Thank you both very much for the wonderful seminar and the great help. - Cheri Riddle, Twining Valley Retirement Community, sales and leasing manager>
