MACF ELEVENTH ANNUAL TRUSTEES' MEETING

The Monroe Area Community Foundation held its Eleventh Annual Trustees Meeting on April 24, 2008, in the James Monroe Community Room at the Monroe city building. David Miltenberger, Trustee/Secretary, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Master of Ceremonies was Trustee and Assistant Treasurer Elbert R. Tannreuther, who introduced officers and trustees and recognized honored guests T. Duane Gordon and Elizabeth Lolli. Mr. Gordon is Middletown Community Foundation’s executive director. Ms. Lolli is the superintendent of Monroe Local Schools.

Boyd A. Smith, Trustee/Vice-President, called the trustees’ meeting to order. The MACF annual report, prepared by David Miltenberger, Trustee/Secretary, and Gloria Miltenberger, Trustee/Office Manager, was distributed to members, along with a copy of the treasurer’s report. Filling in for an absent Peggy McClusky, Executive Director Ron Tubbs reported on requests and recommendations for grant distributions, which are submitted quarterly. Along with herself, Gloria also notified members that Boyd Smith and Ernest Howard were elected for three-year terms to the Board of Trustees. The trustees were also pleased to announce that Jane Majors has volunteered to complete the term of our beloved and sorely missed Paul Steigerwald.

During the business meeting, the Trustees approved the recommendation of the Distribution Committee for a grant awarded for the first quarter of 2008. The grant was to pay one-half of the expense for playground equipment to be placed at the Early Edge Preschool off of East Avenue in Monroe. Mr. Tubbs reported the preschool was first able to raise one-half of the amounts. Then the MACF awarded the balance of $244 from our Endowment Fund so that this equipment could be obtained and available to all children in Monroe.

The program was presented by William Brock, Monroe’s City Manager, who reviewed accomplishments of the City and enlightened the members on future developments. Another guest speaker was David Irwin, a Monroe junior high student, who gave an outstanding speech, “Why Me? Why Not?” His speech won the Optimist International Regional Contest, which qualifies him to compete in its State Contest. David is the son of Arni and Mike Irwin, who is a member of the Monroe Local Schools Board of Education. Each year the Monroe Area Community Foundation gives the Cornerstone Award to a person who displays an unselfish use of time or money—for no personal gain—for the betterment of the Monroe community. The winner is selected by the Cornerstone Award committee, who reviews all the nominations submitted from the citizens of Monroe. This year’s award recognizing service to the community was presented to Phyllis Sells by Tim Williams for all her hard work and dedication in answering a need for the Monroe community. Phyllis is president of the board of the Monroe lending library and volunteered many hours in working to get the library established. A plaque was presented to Mrs. Sells, as well as a permanent plate with her name inscribed, to be applied to the large plaque that hangs in the James Monroe Community Room at the Monroe City Building. The large garden basket of plants and flowers that adorned the refreshment table was also presented to Mrs. Sells honoring her for all her hard work and dedication.

If you are interested in participating as a member of the Monroe Area Community Foundation, send your $25 individual membership fee to


This fee helps meet day-to-day operating expenses such as office supplies, printing, and mailing various communications and documents. In addition, members are asked to vote for the selection of Trustees and to help serve on Foundation issues and community committees.

As always, your memberships are used to promote and improve the quality of life of Monroe citizens by providing monetary support for grants for Monroe students and community groups. The Foundation also has several funds to which you can contribute, including but not limited to, our scholarship and endowment funds. For more information, call Ron Tubbs at 513-320-3674.