Mount Pleasant Retirement Village welcomed Mayor Robert Routson, Vice Mayor Anna Hale, City Manager William Brock, Director of Middletown Arts Center, Pat Belisle, Chamber President, Bill Trick and others to the grand opening of the Village's first Art Studio.  A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony took place on January 27 as Executive Director for Mount Pleasant, Stan Kappers welcomed everyone.

Monroe sisters, Abbie Fierman, 14 and Alexis Fierman, 10 of Monroe performed with Dancers from the Jeanie Moreland Dance Theatre in Springboro. They took part in the Wright State University Emerald Jazz Dance Workshop on January 10, 2010. The Jeanie Moreland Dancers took classes with the Wright State Dancers, "Emerald Jazz Dance Company" and learned several dance routines which they performed with the college dance team during the Wright State Men's Basketball game against Valparaiso.

Dancers from all over the Miami Valley took part in the one day event held at the Nutter Center.  Local dance studios, high school dance teams and independents learned technique and routines in the areas of jazz, lyrical, and hip hop.  This was the third year the Jeanie Moreland Dancers attended the workshop classes and performed during halftime at a Wright State Basketball Game.

Fans planning to attend the Monroe/Valleyview games on Saturday, January 30, can also satisfy their appetites while there.

From 2-7 p.m., the Monroe Area Community Foundation will be sponsoring a lasagna dinner in the high school cafeteria.   Adults can purchase either meat or vegetable lasagna for $7.  This includes a salad, breadstick,  dessert,  and drink.  Pizza will be available for children for $4, which also includes potato chips, dessert, and drink. 

In addition, two basketballs will be raffled during half time of the boys varsity game.   One will be signed by them, while the other includes signatures of all girls varsity players.

Tim Finke has opened The Party Store at the former IGA site on Main St. The store will include a State Liquor store, plus beer, wine, snack foods and lottery. Also available are staples such as bread, milk and eggs.
The Finke's involvement in community continues with the new store. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Marine's Toys for Tots program. Items can be dropped off at the store.
They are also collecting coats for the needy. Please drop off gently used coats before December 27th for distribution through a local church.
The Party Store's hours are Monday through Saturday,
10 a.m.- 8 p.m., closed on
Sundays.

If you haven't gotten around to buying a Monroe community cookbook, you can get one at the first two varsity home basketball games.  Purchasing it couldn't be easier because you can make it on your way into the auditorium.   Just look for Gina Miltenberger, who will be selling them for $10 from 6 pm through half time on Friday, December 18, and again on Tuesday, December 22.  For more information, call her at 513-623-0874.  All proceeds benefit the Monroe Area Community Foundation.

This Thanksgiving, Catnip & Carrots Animal Bunch of Monroe is urging residents to remember the animals, as well as the people, who have been adversely affected by financial hardship.

With surging unemployment, home foreclosures and the downward economy, local food pantries are expecting an increase in requests during this holiday season. As a result, the Butler County animal shelter and local rescue organizations are also dealing with an influx of abandoned animals because their owners can no longer afford to keep them.

To assist during this crisis, C&C is sponsoring a Food Drive from November 7th - 22nd, and requesting donations of non-perishable and unopened human and pet foods, personal care items and new, unopened pet toys or supplies.