From Pat Deignan
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
To the editor:
Nicely done, Monroe.
I had occasion to be back in Monroe, my hometown, this last Saturday for a few hours. I don't get back much anymore so with an extra hour on my hands, I drove around the north side of town and then parked the car and walked around the Square and surrounding blocks to take a "closer look." What a treat seeing a vibrant downtown with nary an empty storefront, and a community that obviously cares about reinvesting in itself: The Theatre Guild with its own location in the former Penneys store; a beautiful library where the clinic used to be; the southwest corner of the Square still home to a thriving confectionary (albeit not called Ruf's anymore); the expanded Monroe Clinic health complex on the north side of town providing more convenient health services; and many, many blocks of well-kept homes and neighborhoods.
We've all seen our share of midwestern towns and small cities fall into stagnation and disrepair. It's clear the opposite has happened in Monroe. While I'm sure there's always work to be done, I hope Monroe's civic leaders and the community at large take great pride in what you've accomplished.
I was very proud to walk around the Square and know my hometown of Monroe is not just surviving, but thriving.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
To the editor:
Nicely done, Monroe.
I had occasion to be back in Monroe, my hometown, this last Saturday for a few hours. I don't get back much anymore so with an extra hour on my hands, I drove around the north side of town and then parked the car and walked around the Square and surrounding blocks to take a "closer look." What a treat seeing a vibrant downtown with nary an empty storefront, and a community that obviously cares about reinvesting in itself: The Theatre Guild with its own location in the former Penneys store; a beautiful library where the clinic used to be; the southwest corner of the Square still home to a thriving confectionary (albeit not called Ruf's anymore); the expanded Monroe Clinic health complex on the north side of town providing more convenient health services; and many, many blocks of well-kept homes and neighborhoods.
We've all seen our share of midwestern towns and small cities fall into stagnation and disrepair. It's clear the opposite has happened in Monroe. While I'm sure there's always work to be done, I hope Monroe's civic leaders and the community at large take great pride in what you've accomplished.
I was very proud to walk around the Square and know my hometown of Monroe is not just surviving, but thriving.
