A bouquet of blossoms to the Juda School >on its recent production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." I had the privilege of being part of this production and I witnessed something quite special - a very dedicated and respectful group of young people who gave all they had and more to make their show successful, an amazing first-year teacher/director who did a phenomenal job in a very unpretentious manner, not to mention the staff that worked with her to help make this a very professional production. Parents and community members also were in abundance and always ready to do whatever was needed. The word "small" can only used to define the population of Juda, but that's where it ends. The talent, commitment, dedication and willingness to work together in that small community is huge and I'm sure that anyone blessed enough to have attended the show will stand with me when I say that it was absolutely AMAZING! - Jo Hawthorn>
A barb to all agencies and places> hiring people to take care of our beloved family and friends. In the past several years, in each place our loved one lived, caregivers stole money from the resident. Aren't the people checking them out before they're hired, or isn't there some way police can help? When family loses a loved one, it's bad enough, let alone having to go through money stolen right beside their bedside. Makes it bad for the good help. What goes around comes around. - Concerned Citizen>
A big bouquet of blossoms for Sen. Feingold >for visiting every county in the state at least once a year. I thank The Monroe Times for writing the editorial about Sen. Feingold doing it. That takes work to visit and talk to as many common people as he has over the past 17 years. I don't believe he's going to get much money from the big investment banks to run for re-election. After all, he, along with 29 other senators, co-sponsored Sen. Bernie Sanders' bill S. 604, Federal Reserve Sunshine Act of 2009, to investigate the Federal Reserve. Now, with 122 bank failures already this year, something has to get done. There's a companion bill in the House, sponsored by Rep. Ron Paul, H.R. 1207, Federal Reserve Transparency Act, which has 307 co-sponsors, including Rep. Baldwin. - Mr. and Mrs. La Vern F. Isely, Monroe>
A huge blossom to Pancho and Lefty's,> the new restaurant on the east side of the square in Monroe. Awesome! Sweet potato fries, excellent; deviled eggs, excellent! Your decor is funky cool, and a breath of fresh air. So nice to see that there are some who know what will work in Monroe. You nailed it, and I'm hooked! Thank you! For those of you who have not had it, this is a must-do! - Penguin>
A barb to the School District of Monroe. >I believe we asked for a response regarding the cost of your "District Communicator Newsletter." We have not seen any answer to date, which we find to be unprofessional and discourteous, to say the least, considering you are spending the taxpayers' money. Is it asking too much to be accountable to the taxpayers? - ATOM (Angry Taxpayers of Monroe)>
A barb to hunters >that don't respect private property owners. Please stop dumping your trash bags full of deer entrails in the country. The past two Thanksgivings our family gets to see what our dog found in our woods. Deer legs, ribs, stomachs. Appetizing and wonderful holiday tradition, cleaning up after the hunters. Also to those who trap, please remember to mark and check your traps. Can not stand hearing the calls of the dying stuck in your traps and then seeing their dead carcasses thrown in the road because you didn't trap what you wanted. - Laura>
A big blossom to Linda Moser and the MHS swim team. >The "swimmin wimmin" have completed another successful season. Linda inspires the girls to do their best and always has something positive to say. They swim their hearts out and keep improving. - Jim Gordee>
Barbs to Aldermen Thurston Hanson and Neal Hunter >for being absent at the Monroe City Council meeting for 2010 budget approval. Speak for the people in your district and not by passing the problem by not being present for the vote.
A barb to the Green County Board of Supervisors >for unanimously passing a 2010 budget with an 11.26 percent increase over last year. Inform the citizens of Green County on the second courthouse cost, the increased sales tax cover. Remember the supervisors the next election, and give them your pink slips. - Concerned Voter and Taxpayer>
A big blossom to three young teenagers, Jessie Anderson, Bailey Dunlavey and Alison Crubaugh, >for returning money they found in front of City Hall so the person who lost it could retrieve it. There are great young people in this world - Monroe Park and Rec staff>
