Opinion

Thanks for the community support

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 1:13pm

To the Editor,

     The Monticello Food Pantry steering committee would like to thank Monticello residents for their generous donations this past weekend to the Boy Scouts’ food drive. These gifts of food and paper products totaled 2,340 pounds! Some cash was also received. The shelves were restocked and extra items were sorted and organized in our storage area by the 54 scouts and their 64 parents and siblings.

     Thanks to all of you who helped us help our neighbors in need!

Monticello Food Pantry Steering Committee

Prevention’s power of consistency

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 1:12pm

     Mahatma Gandhi has been quoted as saying, “You must be the change you want to see in the world,” but being an agent of change is never easy. In fact, making a positive difference in our communities will be an uphill climb that will never be achieved without consistency. If there were no difficulties there would be no success and it is through our struggles that we discover our most significant achievements.

I’m grateful for my parents

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 1:11pm

     It was not hard to express gratitude in January – one of the easiest was for my parents. First of all they were responsible for me being on this earth – it happened on Nov. 20, 1940. I was born in our farmhouse near Hayfield, Minn. My six older siblings were told to go outside and they weren’t to come inside until Dad said so. I weighed about 7 pounds, had reddish hair – my sister Betty said I was really cute.

Words on Wellness

Published by admin on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 1:10pm

“Instant Pot” might help you eat better

     The electric programmable pressure cooker, popularly known as the “Instant Pot,” has become a best-selling kitchen appliance.

     Like a pressure cooker used on stovetops, it can cook beans and whole grains quickly as well as tenderize tough cuts of meat. Unlike a traditional pressure cooker, though, you don’t have to watch this pot. Just program it–then walk away.

Is our fountain history?

Published by admin on Wed, 10/11/2017 - 8:59am

To the Editor,

     An Express article on Sept. 13, 2017 shared that Anamosa and Monticello are now a part of the Grant Wood Loop/Grant Wood Mississippi River Region’s Hometown Pride Initiative (HPI). This was followed on Sept. 20, 2017 with an interesting article regarding the Jones County Economic Development release of a new marketing video to attract businesses to relocate or begin in Jones County. We applaud these efforts along with many who are proud of our small-town offerings and advantages.

City of Onslow not welcoming for elderly

Published by admin on Wed, 10/11/2017 - 8:58am

To the Editor,

     I’m writing to remind other towns to respect their elderly. To make them feel welcome and not a leach on the community as Onslow makes some of its elderly feel.

     The men and women of the Onslow coffee group consists of long time Onslow residents who have paid taxes to Onslow for years. The group also has people from Wyoming, Center Junction and the rural area. Everyone is welcome to attend, but most of the group is over 80. They enjoyed the convenience of meeting at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, at the Onslow Community Room for nearly five years.

Iowans want a strong voice in their workplace

Published by admin on Wed, 10/11/2017 - 8:57am
Iowans are making their voices heard after the 2017 legislative session focused on driving down wages, taking away rights and opportunities, cutting healthcare and degrading our quality of life.
Last month, the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) held recertification elections for 13 bargaining units. In all of those elections, workers overwhelmingly voted to keep their union representation, including the Olin Education Association and the Northeast Iowa Community College Higher Education Association. Out of 1,291 voters, 1,101 voted in favor of their union.

I’m grateful for my wife

Published by admin on Wed, 10/11/2017 - 8:56am

     In my first column last week, I explained how and why I got into the world of expressing gratitude for my blessings. This week I want to elaborate a little more on how I prepared for my journey of expressing gratitude for the 365 days of 2009. Then you can read my first expression.

     In December of 2008 I decided I really needed to have a plan if I was going to be able to identify 365 “expressions of gratitude” about what I would/should be grateful for in my life. Here is what I came up with:

     STEP 1 – I WOULD IDENTIFY A PERSON, THING, OR EXPERIENCE.

Considering joining Lions Club fight to save eyesight

Published by admin on Wed, 10/04/2017 - 10:14am

To the Editor,

     In this letter, I want to call our community’s attention to two of the good works being done by the Monticello Lions Club, and to make a pitch for the Lions.

Spensley’s column got it right

Published by admin on Wed, 10/04/2017 - 10:13am

To the Editor,

     Way to go Mark Spensley. Maybe those people that don’t honor this flag should leave this great country and make room for people that will honor this flag.

     Thank God for the men and women that fought and died so I can be free and proudly salute this flag.

LJ Takes

Monticello, Iowa

Proud to be a veteran

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