Great Fall Season for Hornets Sports Teams!

The fall sports season is coming to an end, but the Monroe Hornets have lots of a reasons to celebrate this year. From the football team to the soccer team, Monroe High School athletes have made several outstanding accomplishments, achieved many goals, and won several awards.

The Hornets football team had a very successful season that ended with a trip to the regional semi final playoff game. The team finished as the tri-champs of the SWBL - Buckeye Division. Many players also won post season awards and broke a number of team and individual records. It was a very exciting season for the team and their coaches!

The Boys' soccer team also went undefeated, capturing the Southwest Buckeye League – Buckeye Division Championship. Coach Mike Oster was named Coach of the Year and was chosen for the first team All Miami Valley Coaches Association Team. Many individual players were awarded for sportsmanship, academic excellence, and their skills on the field. The Girls' soccer team reached the Sectional Finals and several players were also awarded for their individual success.

The Boys' golf team placed third in the SWBL with Logan Rutter qualifying for the District tournament as an individual. Girls' tennis is only its second year but is continuing to become more successful. Cayli Baldwin was chosen as an honorable mention SWBL.

The cross country program is continuing to grow and some freshman runners are already showing great promise for the future. Courtney Davis and Emily Black placed second and fourth respectively at the SWBL finals. The Girls' volleyball team also shocked their opponents by finishing 11-13 this year. The program is also continuing to grow and the team features several freshman players. Several players were recognized for their individual skills.

Congratulations to all students and coaches and good luck next year!

Christmas on the Plaza

Monroe's third annual Christmas on the Plaza will take place on November 21, 2009, from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. It will happen on Church Street, off Main street and in the parking lot of the City Building. You can park at the Old Monroe High School and the Monroe City Park.

The festival will include food and craft booths and inside the Council Chambers at the City Building, you can have a free picture taken with Santa. Toys for Tots will also be set up in the foyer of the City Building and they be collecting toys and money for their organization. There will be entertainment all day, both on a stage and on Church Street.

This is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and celebrate with the community. Do some Christmas shopping or just come to have fun with your family! If you're interested in having your own booth, contact Cherie Gentry at 513-850-1954.

Monroe Hornets to Make Eighth Playoff Appearance

On Sunday, the Ohio School Athletic Association announced the 32 teams who will take part in the state football championships. The Monroe High School Hornets were selected for their eighth playoff appearance. The team, who is currently 8-2, made the state semifinals in both 2005 and 2007. They will play at Chaminade Julienne on Friday night, November 6th. You can purchase tickets for $7.00 at participating schools or pay $9.00 at the gate.

The Middletown High School Middies, who are 9-1, also made the cut for the first time since 1990. Other nearby teams who will be participating include Carlisle and Valley View.

Photo by blueriverimages.com

Monroe High School Students Veteran's Day Project

For Veteran's Day, students in the Monroe High School Advanced Internet class are developing a website to recognize current and former members of our military. The website will feature photos and basic information of each person's military service. The class is looking for:

• Current Monroe residents and their family members who are serving or have previously served in the military
• Monroe High School alumni who are serving or have previously served in the military
• Monroe Local Schools staff members and their family members who are serving or have previously served in the military

If you or a family member is interested in participating, please email tburklow@monroelocalschools.com with the words "Veteran's Day Project" in the subject line. The email should have a digital photo of the military member in their uniform or in a military setting attached and include the following information:

• The person's full name (as you'd like it listed)
• The person's rank, military branch and unit information
• General location describing the image
• War or operation the person served in or is currently serving in

Book Fairs Coming to Monroe Local Schools

"Destination Book Fair, Read Around the World!" is coming to Monroe Local Schools on the following dates:

Monroe Junior High -

• October 6-8 on Main Street
• Family Night on Thursday, October 8 from 2:30 - 7:30 PM

Monroe Elementary -

• October 13-16 on Main Street
• Family Night on Thursday, October 15 from 3:30 - 7:30 PM

Monroe Primary -

• October 9 - 15 in the gym
• Family Night on Tuesday, October 13 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Grandparents' Night on Wednesday, October 14 from 4:00 PM - 6:00PM

Each book fair will be collecting money for One For Books program and students are asked to donate loose change. The program allows students to to help raise money to add books to their own classroom libraries and help less fortunate children at the same time. Scholastic will match the funds raised with a donation of us to a million books to three non-profit organizations: Kids in Distressed Situations, Center for Family Literacy, and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Scholastic book fairs give students and their families a great opportunity to purchase books and a variety of other education material at special discounted prices. There is no better time to encourage your child to read!

Old Tyme Baseball in Monroe

Photo by: Bob Carroll

by Buckeyenut

While the crowd wasn't what we had hoped (100-200), those who came out had a wonderful time and everyone enjoyed the game.

If you didn't make it to the park, you truly missed something special. While the Monroe Golden Lads lost 16-1, they showed a lot of heart and they have what it takes to be a great team. I'd love to see this become a regular weekend event for our community.

See more photos of this 1869 Baseball Game in Monroe, Ohio

2009 Monroe Community Blood Drive

The 2009 Monroe Community Blood Drive will be held this year at the Monroe City Building on August 12 from 1:45 to 3:45. For more information or to sign up, contact Kristina Mayes at 513-539-7374 extension 1006 or at mayesk@monroeohio.org.

When you sign up to donate blood at any Community Blood Center blood drive or branch from August 3 to August 29, you can enter to win a 2009 Honda Civic and you will receive a free “Ace Blood Donor” T-shirt.

There are several requirements that must be fulfilled before you can donate blood. You will need a photo ID that has your full name on it, your donor identification card if you have one, you must be 16 years or older, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, and you must be in generally good health.

If you have any further questions or comments, please call 1-800-388-GIVE.

Click here to see the original story about the Monroe Community Blood Drive 2009.