A blossom to lawmakers >who rightly passed the law that does not allow convicted felons to vote. Obviously anyone with such poor judgment should not be helping decide the direction our country should go in. But a barb to the law >that allows those convicted felons to appeal and be allowed to vote. Very rarely does a leopard change its spots. - David>
A blossom to those parents >who take the time to attend parent-teacher conferences. This is a simple way to show your child how important their education is to you. Being a good parent means being actively involved in your child's education. - Not Too Busy For Education>
A barb to this year's election campaigns. >Not the election process itself, I should state, but the letters and rebuttals about this or the other candidate, has shown the ugly side of politics rear its head in this community. You have neighbor attacking neighbor verbally about one's own political beliefs, and I mean nasty. You also have these arrogant individuals who butt in with no true purpose but than to correct these folks and then give no real opinion of their own. That's bad enough, but have the courage to stand by it and sign your name. Just remember folks that the election is in a few days and we'll be done with it, but with any luck your neighbors will be around a lot longer, so try and respect their beliefs as you'd want your's respected. Personally, I was told at an early age that there were three things you don't discuss in public - religion, politics or The Great Pumpkin. Have a great weekend and vote on Tuesday! - Rob McCarthy, Monroe>
An extra sharp barb to the person> who struck and killed our cat on Thursday evening. First of all, you could have had the decency to stop to inform us of the incident, but more importantly, SLOW DOWN! The way people speed into our little community - when the speed limit is marked 25 mph well outside of town - makes it no surprise that I am now consoling my kids about the loss of their pet. I'm just thankful that it wasn't a child that was hit. I keep hoping that people will use common sense and abide by the speed limit so that accidents like this no longer happen. - Mike Flanagan, Woodford>
The Monroe High School JV Swim Team deserves a bouquet of blossoms >for its excellent performance at the JV Conference Meet on Tuesday. These girls put in hundreds of hours of practice throughout the season, and Tuesday night was when all their efforts paid off. They deserve to be recognized! The team includes Jenny Sefcik (FR), Rachel Wellnitz (FR), Taylor Bryant (SO), Nichole Lattin (SO), Cassie Coffey (JR), Emily Voorhis (JR), Elizabeth Eiseman (SR), Abby Hlubek (SR), Fer Munoz (SR), and Quinn Radke (SR). All these girls swam amazing races, noted by the 11 personal best swims! We want to publicly thank them for their dedication throughout the season, and let everyone know how important they are to the MHS swimming program. Congratulations on the awesome season! - The Varsity Swim Team>
A sharp barb to the candidates >that use so much money to get elected. It is unfair. - Arnold Fryer, Monroe>
I agree with the blossom to parents who attend their child's parent-teacher conference. I further blossom those school districts >that have administration and staff that really show by their actions that they care about the issue by scheduling those conferences at a time that works for the majority of the parents instead of the teachers. - Wondering>
A big frosted and sprinkle-covered blossom to the gals in the bakery at Piggly Wiggly.> It is wonderful that you are all looking out for my health and well-being and take all the calories and carbs out of my donuts specifically for me. You gals are the highlight of my donut shopping experience and your jokes and warm smiles are a welcome addition to any day.
A blossom to David Rufer >for his years of service to the Monroe Fire Department and all his brothers and sisters in all the area departments carrying on his tradition. I think we forget how good we have it to have the men and women in all the area departments who put their lives on the line for us. David, you are missed but you are not forgotten.
A blossom to Darci Steinmann at L&S Truck Service and Tammy Stephens at Bell Signs. >I won't go into specifics here, but you gals are the best.
A blossom to the kids of St. Victor School >for selling all those magazines and making it so Principal Joe Peters had to shave his head. And a blossom to Mr. Peters for following through. However, I think the Times should do an online poll as to whether or not he should grow it back.
A blossom to the staff at Monroe Middle School >for continuing to care about their students and for keeping parents informed of how our children are doing.
A huge, huge barb to the idiots >who drive through the piles of leaves folks put out toward the streets to be cleaned up. First of all, the one was raked up by an older lady who I am quite sure struggled to get them raked up and judging by the look on her face she might have wanted to use that rake for other purposes. Secondly, have you not ever heard that children sometimes play in them? And while I am at it, another barb to the idiots that take people's pumpkins and smash them on the streets. I hope someday you grow up and have little kids and have to explain to them why the pumpkins you worked so hard on to look scary or neat or just had fun carving together was picked up by some people and smashed all over the place.
And, finally, a blossom to all the people >who on Nov. 4 will head to the polls and vote for whomever they choose. And a blossom for the election almost being over with. I have had enough, how 'bout the rest of you? - Jeff Ditzenberger, Monticello>
