Happy December everyone! We have one month left on the 2020 roller-coaster! Not sure we can unbuckle the seat belts just yet! For those of you who I have been able to connect with lately, I have not made a secret of the struggle I have with the ongoing fatigue and uncertainty I feel and that I was afraid to admit that depression has been getting to me. I recently saw a quote that said “We are not in the same boat but we are in the same storm.” Each of us has our own boat that are built to help us withstand the storm. 

 I delivered meals to a number of people on their own on Thanksgiving which also happened to be my birthday. Jeff Ewald and his crew at Buggy Works did an amazing service for our Community. His offer of a free meal to anyone without question was a bigger gesture than he ever could have imagined.  No one was turned away and nearly 300 people were served. In addition to this, over $1,100.00 was collected to help local charities. With social distancing and dozens of deliveries to make, it did not allow for much time but a quick drop off at the doors through masks and gloves, sharing a quick greeting and hearing how they were thankful that their, grandkids, friends or neighbors had ordered the meals for them was not enough for me. A smile though my mask did a lot for my sole but all I wanted to do was give each one of them a hug. 

I remember a few years ago there was a Madison-based business that was gaining attention for being a “hugs for hire” business. People could pay to have a friendly hug or snuggle. I remember at the time thinking that business was destine to fail or be forced to close for being viewed as unethical. Public scrutiny and some poor business decision soon saw the closing of their doors. 

I honestly feel that right now it is a million dollar idea and once we can be confident in a simple handshake or a hug, I would back any business that wants to start up in Monroe. 

Our need for human connection is not reducing but I think often we bury our feeling, not wanting to appear weak or needier than anyone else. And here we are back to my previous comment about not all being in the same boat but the same storm. As a community we are fortunate to have an increasingly vocal presence from organization that are here to help us manage our emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health needs. Too many to count and that is a good thing. If you need to talk, someone is always there to listen. Toll free help is available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You or someone you know needs this number. 

So with that in mind, we have been busy at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry bringing safe events to our community to look forward to.

We have our City Wide Lighting contest all set and ready to go. Judging took place and we are announcing our winners weekly on Thursday afternoons in December! Our Star Gazers map is ready to help you with your magical tour of Monroe. This is a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit with your family in a COVID 19 Safe activity. As part of this program, Zodica Perfumery is donating a portion of all sales paid with Monroe Money to a local Charity. To help your Money go farther, use Monroe Money at Zodica. If you would like a printed copy of the Star Gazers Map, they are available at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.

Our “Welcome Winter Solstice Drive Thru Event” is taking place Sunday, December 20th, in Twining Park from 2-5 pm. We will be holding a drive thru event that will usher out fall, the darkest day of the year and welcome winter and the beginning of seeing more daylight. 

We have Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Bullets Gnomes and a couple of Lighted Snow Plows from Monroe Truck Equipment lined up to be attractions. We are happy to share that WEKZ-AM 1260, FM 95.5 will be offering a special Sunday afternoon of Christmas music. If you prefer to listen from the comfort of your home or businesses. It is another COVID safe activity to be part of. 

I end with my warmest wishes to you as you Celebrate Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Festivus and any other holiday you observe. I am blesses to have a job that I love and I hope that our collective efforts will bring us much better health, wellness and fortune in 2021. 

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.