Good news for first and second time homebuyers! 

The first-time home buyers can claim up to 10% of the purchase price of their home, up to $8,000 for single or married taxpayers filing jointly.  This tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010.

New provisions accompany the extension. The tax credit is allowed for those with incomes up to $125,000 or $225,000 for taxpayers filing jointly. (If you make more than $145,000, $245,000 if filing jointly, you cannot not receive the tax credit.)

Additionally, taxpayers who have lived in their home for five consecutive years during the eight years before closing on a new home may qualify for a reduced credit - $6,500 joint filers and $3,250 for single filers.

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.

The City's Public Works department has completed a recreational trail and playground at Monroe Crossings Park on Rt. 63. The future soccer area has been seeded and will hopefully be ready for play next spring.
Also, Monroe BMX's new new board of directors (along with help from parents) have finished the BMX race track and installed a starting gate at the park. Races are now being held there most weekends.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provided a grant for a recreational trail through the park, and grants from Duke Energy and the United Way provided funding for the Born Learning signposts. Aimed at preschoolers and their parents or caregivers, Born Learning areas provide suggestions that facilitate play and discussion while visiting the park.

The Monroe Optimist Club will again present Christmas on the Plaza downtown. This year's festival will take place on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Space is available for food and craft booths. All crafts must be handmade by the seller (unless prior approval by the committee) and of high quality. All raffles must have prior approval of the committee. Booths must be handicapped accessible for visitors. All applications must be received by November 15th and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve booth space, please send an email to gentryca@bhg.org for an application. If you do not have computer access, you may phone 513-850-1954. Please leave a brief message if you don't get an answer.

A "must" for all first time home buyers!!! 
If you're even thinking about buying, you need to read below! 

The Monroe Police Department will conduct several free bike rodeos throughout the area to help educate the community about bicycle safety. Officer Kahny will discuss ways to stay safe while riding, and participants will have an opportunity to try out their skills on a mini obstacle course.

For more information, please contact Officer Brett Kahny with the Monroe Police Department at 539-9234. 

Bike Rodeos will be held in the following locations: 

July 25th

July 1st

submitted by Mark Bursley

Monroe's "Light Up the Sky" Fourth of July Festival will end in a bang with fireworks displays on July 4th at Monroe Community Park.

 Fireworks will begin at dark, with gates opening at noon on Saturday. Events are planned for the whole day, including a parade, rides and games for the kids. The schedule for the 4th of July events and games is listed below. A schedule and more information is available on page 12. 

12:00 Little Miss/Mr. Red, White and Blue

1:00 Sack Races

2:00 Best Apple Pie Judging

2:30 Hot Dog Eating Contest

4:00 Watermelon Toss

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) returns to the Community Park this summer with their performance of Romeo and Juliet. The production will be directed by CSC Artistic Associate Christopher Guthrie in a very contemporary urban setting using Shakespeare's original text.  

Last year's Midsummer Night's Dream was a hit with even the youngest audience members. CSC presents Shakespeare in  a way that is fun and exciting for those new to Shakespeare as well as seasoned fans. Romeo and Juliet's story of teenage romance and explosive family feuds is perfect for an outdoor setting and a great way for the whole family to enjoy Shakespeare together. 

The Red Stockings Baseball Team (of 1869) will be coming to Monroe to take on the Monroe's Golden Lads as part of Log Cabin Days in the Park on August 8 at 1:00. 

Players are still needed for Monroe's team. If you are interested in playing, please call Tracy Shell (email) at 600-0366 or Gene Williams at 539-9581 (email) to sign up. More information about the Red Stockings at www.1869reds.com.

The parks will be a busy place for families this summer with movies, theater, and a vintage baseball game.

First up is a movie scheduled for Friday, June 19th. Madagascar II - Escape to Africa will begin at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy the show!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) returns to the Community Park on July 24th, with Romeo and Juliet at 7:00 p.m. CSC presents the classic story in a high-energy setting that keeps both children and adults engaged.

On August 8th, the Cincinnati Redstockings vintage baseball team will take on players from Monroe. A full day is planned including games and a movie at dusk. The Monroe team is forming now. If you would like to play, details on joining the team are on page 8.