Thank you for reading Monroe This Week.

This week’s edition includes details on the local recognition of Labor Day, a reminder about park event approvals, another ARP success story involving the Evergreen Recovery Center, a new mural coming to downtown Monroe, the announcement of the Second Annual Wiggly Walk, VFW Post 7511's upcoming pancake breakfast, and the Sky Valley Mental Health Fair and Family Fun Day in two weeks.

Please contact me with any and all feedback regarding the articles below. I can be reached at GThomas@MonroeWA.gov.

Yours in Service,

CITY RECOGNIZES LABOR DAY 

This coming Monday, September 5, is the annual Labor Day holiday. Observed on the first Monday of September, Labor Day is a federal holiday to honor and recognize the contributions of the all-American workforce to the development and achievements of the United States.

Beginning in the late 19th century, as labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed there be a day set aside to celebrate labor. Last week, I issued a Proclamation recognizing Labor Day here in the City of Monroe. This Labor Day, we acknowledge the necessary and valuable contributions of labor organizations which form the foundation of our community and nation.

One of many examples of the contribution of skilled labor to the Monroe community is our own City staff. The City of Monroe values the partnership between the Teamsters Local Union No. 763 and the Monroe Police Officer’s Guild. This Labor Day we celebrate and give thanks for these and all American workers.

PARK EVENT APPROVAL REMINDER

The City would like to issue a friendly reminder that all planned events within a City park must be approved and permitted through the City’s Special Event Application process. This process is to ensure the safety of our community members, park infrastructures, and to ensure there are no overlapping reservations. This past Saturday, one of our parks had a non-permitted event that conflicted with approved reservations and affected those party's plans. Please be kind and respectful to all park users.

For more information on special events you can visit our website or contact Events & Tourism Coordinator Katie Darrow at kdarrow@monroewa.gov.

ARP FUNDS SUPPORT THE RECOVERY OF RESIDENTS

In a recent edition of Monroe this Week, there was a highlight about the Evergreen Recovery Center’s Scholarship Bed Program. This program was created through the first round of awards of the City’s ARP funding. This week, I'd like to share another story of this program, featuring a 26-year-old male with opioid and methamphetamine use disorders. 

The patient was referred to the Recovery Center by the Monroe Police Department's Community Outreach Team. He was homeless and his primary motivation to be sober was to avoid legal issues, stay out of trouble, and be reunited with his girlfriend and baby. At first, he didn’t want to get out of bed and didn’t really want to be there. He is currently completing his time at the Recovery Center as a model patient who is helping others. He talks about how much better he feels and how he has hope again. He is connecting with a sponsor and has aftercare set up for intensive outpatient treatment with SeaMar and Ideal Options for ongoing medical management. He will be discharged to his girlfriend and child now that he is clean and sober. 

ANOTHER MURAL COMING TO DOWNTOWN MONROE

Master muralist David Hose has been recently working on another amazing mural for downtown Monroe. You can see the mural at the corner of Main Street and South Ferry. We may be a little biased, but we think this is a great location for senior pictures and holiday greeting cards. Thank you David for your dedication to Monroe!

CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2ND ANNUAL WIGGLY WALK

Grab your furry friends and join the Monroe Chamber of Commerce at the Second Annual Wiggly Walk! All well behaved, friendly dogs (and their people) are welcome to walk, wag, shop and eat through Sky River Park on Saturday, October 1 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. The Wiggly Walk will feature pet friendly vendors, a food truck, doggy kissing booth and more; a pet food donation drive will also be taking place.

VFW POST 7511'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST RETURNS

Monroe VFW Post 7511 and its Auxiliary invite you to a delicious pancake breakfast! This fundraising breakfast takes place at 8:00 a.m. next Saturday, September 10 at the Monroe Community Senior Center.



Veterans eat for free at this event, which raises funds to support the VFW’s mission of helping veterans and serving the community. The menu features freshly-prepared buttermilk pancakes, pork link-style sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice, coffee and tea. A suggested donation of $8 for adults and $5 for children aged twelve and under encouraged. This event welcomes VFW members, their families and the community. All are invited!

SKY VALLEY MENTAL HEALTH FAIR COMING UP

The Determined Parents Foundations is excited to bring the Sky Valley Mental Health Fair and Family Fun Day to Sky River Park on September 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come enjoy carnival style games, kids activities, food, a dance competition, music, vendors, raffle and much more for free! All while gaining access to vital resources and service providers. 

The September 6, 2022 Regular Study Session Meeting is CANCELLED in observance of Labor Day.

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings both in-person at City Hall and remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the September 13 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.