Opinion

Live in the moment

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:14am

     This weekend I not only stood up as the “old” Maid of Honor for my younger sister’s wedding, but I gained one heck of a brother-in-law and extended family!

     My sister and I attended the Maquoketa Valley School District all through our school years, as did the groom. We all grew up in Earlville. The groom is a year older than I am, a year ahead of me in school, so with more than half of the wedding guests living in the MV district or having attended school with us, it felt like a mini MV school reunion. It was great!

Monticello cemetery deserves better care

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:14am

To the Editor,

     It’s always a special treat to return to Monticello to see friends and family. The July Fourth parade was, as always, a delight.

     MY HUGE disappointment came upon my visit to the cemetery to visit the gravesites of my family. Obviously, someone is NOT taking care of this otherwise beautiful location. Careless mowing, no trimming, no flags inside the grounds to honor veterans; what’s the problem?? Our loved ones deserve better.

Education is a critical issue

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:13am

To the Editor,

     I write this letter to urge you to vote yes on the Monticello School bond issue on Sept. 11.

     Our family moved to Monticello 50 years ago, and I was privileged to serve under Supt. Boyd Shannon for two years. I have been so lucky to serve in Iowa schools for 40 years plus 10 more in part-time jobs. We started in a 50-student high school in Missouri. We returned to Monticello in 2006, due to family and because we know this as a great place to live.

Preserve history; don’t attempt to change it

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:39am

     This week’s column is all about history. History needs to be preserved. History rarely changes. We should never try to change history; it is what it is.

     First, bravo to the all-volunteer board of the Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center!

     If you didn’t read all about their “soft” grand re-opening that took place on the Fourth of July in last week’s Express, it detailed the hard work that went into making this event possible.

Rotary blood drive meets their goal

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:38am

To the Editor and the Community of Monticello,

     Thank you to the Monticello community for their wonderful response to the Monticello Rotary-sponsored American Red Cross Blood Drive on June 26. The blood drive was held at the Berndes Center, and together we donated and collected 84 pints of blood, meeting the Red Cross’ goal for us.

     Monticello is a very supportive community and words cannot express how thankful we are to the donors that took time out of their busy schedules to donate.

Historical Society sponsors German tour group to Jones Co.

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:38am

To the Editor,

     On Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, the Jones County Historical Society is sponsoring a German tour group to our area.

     Jones County has a large concentration of Germans who come from an area in the north of Germany where this tour group originates; some of the group will have distant relatives who live in our community. Quite naturally, these relationships will be quite distant in most cases and it could be the first time some people have ever met a relative from the old country.

Join me in voting “yes” Sept. 11

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:37am

To the Editor,

     Over the last 40 years, I have had the privilege to serve the community, mainly the youth through numerous school and other civic committees, but none has been as more gratifying than my time spent on the recent Schools Facilities Committee. And here is WHY:

Upkeep of Oakwood Cemetery needs to be addressed

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:37am

To the Editor,

Training and apprenticeships lead to good jobs

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:36am

     We must do more to expand apprenticeships and vocational-technical training that put Iowans on the path to a good job.

     That’s a key part of a plan I support to Put Iowans First. We all win when employers have the workers they need to be successful; Iowans are enjoying rewarding, good-paying careers; and our economy is thriving.

Brain health: Staying sharp

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:36am

     Last month was “Brain Awareness Month” and the Monticello community did a fabulous job of “Painting the Town Purple” to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease; supporting the Alzheimer’s Association campaign “The Longest Day” to end Alzheimer’s.

     As we all know, the brain changes as we age. Mental decline is common and one of the most feared consequences of aging. The good news is there are things you can do today to keep your brain sharp and maintain healthy brain functioning as you age.

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