A Top Hornet Sports Photographer in Monroe, Ohio - Bryan Garde

Photo by Bryan Garde

There are many people who photograph Monroe sports. Many contribute to this site. Main Street Monroe is news, photos and videos of, by and from the people of Monroe. Residents, community leaders and businesses in Monroe have contributed photos of events in Monroe. Main Street Monroe featuring the Voice of Monroe, is the place for the latest news and information about Monroe.

As far as sports photography, three Monroe photographers stand out as the best of the best. Bryan Garde is one of the top 3. Here is why:


Photo by Bryan Garde

First of all Bryan Garde. Bryan has been contributing sports photographs since just about the inception of Main Street Monroe over a decade ago.


Photo by Bryan Garde

He has photographed Hornet Track meets, Hornet Soccer, Girls Hornet Softball, Hornet Football and Hornet Tennis.



Photos by Bryan Garde - April 9, 2008 - Notice the old Lemon-Monroe High School in the Background.

Bryan Garde owns a business called HornetPhotography.com, he takes wedding photos, graduation photos and other event photos. Recently, Bryan joined up with Bob Carroll, another great Monroe photographer to start Blue River Images.

I recommend Bryan Garde for any event where professional photography is needed.

Next post: Top 3 Sports Photographers in Monroe, Ohio  -Part 2

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4th Annual Hornet Day

It's time for the 4th Annual Hornet Day!

Sunday, August 22, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Monroe High School athletes, band members, and coaching staff will be on-hand at the Monroe High School Sports Complex. At 5:00 PM, the athletes, band members and coaching staff will be introduced to fans.

Following the introductions, at 5:30 PM, they will be holding mini-camps for band, cheerleading, golf, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, and cross country. The mini-camps are free for any youth interested in sports or band.

After the mini-camps, you can get autographs or take pictures with your favorite coaches and players, decorate lockers (bring your decorations already completed to the event), and dunk the coaches and players in a dunking machine. You can also purchase Hornet spirt wear. In addition, the 1st Business Expo will be part of the event this year.

Hornet Day is free and open to the public! A great evening for family fun in Monroe. If you have any questions, contact Ann Hinkle at 513-539-9923.

For more Monroe, Ohio news, check out MainStreetMonroe.com.

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PETA Offers Aid to Solid Rock Church

PETA sent a letter to Solid Rock Church offering to help pay to replace the "King of Kings" statue that burned after it was struck by lightning on June 14. PETA's offer comes with the stipulation that two changes be made to the statue. They ask that the statue depict Jesus holding a lamb, with the message "Blessed Are the Merciful. Go Vegan" inscribed on the base.

The statue was insured, and the insurance policy will cover nearly all of the damages to the statue and surrounding structure. The church plans to rebuild the statue using fireproof material to prevent a similar disaster. The church says that they appreciate the gesture, however, they do not plan to take PETA up on their offer. When asked why, Reverend Darlene Bishop responed, "We're not interested. We raise cattle. We never build a statue with stipulations that we would have to advertise for PETA."

Sources: Middletown Journal, PETA News Release

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Infamous Peacocks Still on the Loose

The elusive pair of peacocks were first spotted on the morning of April 5 in the middle of the road at Bypass Ohio 4 and Hamilton-Mason Road. Since then the peacocks have been creating traffic hazards in the area with dozens of calls reporting that the birds have been darting in and out of traffic. Police have issued an alert about a pair of peacocks and the city of Fairfield animal control continues to look in vain for the pair.

Most recently an Ohio state trooper spotted the bird near the rest stop on Interstate 75 near the Monroe exit but, true to form, the peacock was able to evade capture once again. It isn't clear exactly where the peacocks came from, but authorities advise if you happen to spot one of these birds to be sure to call your local police station.

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Monroe Vets Visit World War II Memorial in DC

A recent ABC story called, "Greatest Generation Gets the Wish of a Lifetime" featured a group of World War II veterans from the Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village in Monroe, who got, well, the "wish of a lifetime." The group was able to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.

United States Navy veteran Milton Mapou was just 19 when he joined the service in 1940. He recalls his time at Pearl Harbor in an interview with ABC, "Kamikazes came in and one of them peeled off and came right at us. As the ship was going down, I came to and I was laying there with my foot twisted around...all I could see was bone sticking out of my femur."

Mapou told ABC that visiting the World War II Memorial has been one of his biggest wishes. The trip was made possible by Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime. Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime is a nonprofit organization founded by Jeremy Bloom, a former Olympian and NFL wide receiver.

The group's executive director, Deirdre Moynihan told ABC she's "embarrassed" by what happens to some American veterans, "They don't expect and they don't ask for anything, but maybe they shouldn't have to ask. Maybe we should offer. Maybe we should all be standing there and say, 'What is it you need?'"

ABC goes on to talk about just how under appreciated the "Greatest Generation" is in today's society. From having problems finding a job to the lack of education today's students receive about the struggles our World War II veterans went through to fight for our freedom, many younger people do not understand exactly what it means to be a World War II veteran.

Mapou told ABC, "I went to one of the schools in Columbus and was giving talks about Pearl Harbor, and the first thing I asked them was, 'Do you know where Pearl Harbor is?' And not one of them knew where Pearl Harbor was. Schools don't teach them. They don't teach that stuff."

For more of the story, including photos and a video, visit: Greatest Generation Gets the Wish of a Lifetime

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Butler County Issues Level 2 Snow Emergency

"If you don't have to be out on the roadway stay home," Sergeant James Russel, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, told WCPO on Saturday, February 6th.

Butler County has issued a Level 2 Snow Emergency, which means drivers should only drive if absolutely necessary, while neighboring Warren County issued a Level 1 Snow Emergency, which alerts drivers to snow and wind affecting the roads. Visibility today was only about 3/4 mile.

But despite the warnings and dangerous conditions, several drivers are still attempting to get out on the snow-covered roads. Between Cincinnati and Dayton, I-75 speeds were about 35 miles per hour and a number of crashes and vehicles in ditches or running off the roadways have been reported.

Russel, who was at the Highway Patrol Post on Route 4 told a reporter, "We're getting reports of crashes all over or post area today. Since I came out at six this morning, troopers have been constantly running from crash to crash."

Government officials have said that a number of crashes are being caused by drivers who are driving far too fast for the current weather conditions and they are cautioning people to slow down, or better yet, stay home and off the roads until conditions improve.

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2010 Monroe Citizens Police Academy

If you are a Monroe citizen who is interested in learning more about local law enforcement, the Monroe Citizens Police Academy is for you! The Monroe Police Department is currently accepting applications. This is the 13th year in a row for the Academy.

Classes begin in March and will take place every Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 PM, at the Monroe City Building. Graduation is in early May.

Citizens will get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of the police department and receive an overview of the duties and experiences of law enforcement officers. In the past, the program has included classroom instruction, discussions, hands-on experiences, and field trips to places including the jail and the firing range. Graduates of past classes say it is an experience they will never forget.

If you are over the age of 18, you may pick up an application at the police department or call 539-9234 for more details. The program is free but class size is limited.

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The Red Onion Cafe is on Twitter!

It seems as though everyone from your grandmother to your favorite celebrity has a Twitter account these days, and now many small businesses are using the social media phenomenon to advertise and drive business, as well.

One such business is The Red Onion Cafe, located in Monroe, Ohio. The restaurant plans to use Twitter to advertise "nightly specials, upcoming events and more." This will help spread the word about their establishment, as well as allow customers and potential patrons to get more information.

The restaurant is located at 214 South Main Street in Monroe and they are open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays

You can follow them on Twitter here: redonioncafe

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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.

Monroe Wee Hornets Conditioning Camp 2009

The Wee Hornets is a pee wee football league located in Monroe for boys in grades 1 through 6. The Wee Hornets are a part of the Southwest Buckeye Pee-Wee Football League (SWBL) and players compete against many other young boys from area schools that they will face off against in High School.

Conditioning Camp has already begun for the Wee Hornets Football. Camp begins today, Monday July 27 and ends Wednesday July 29 at the Monroe High School Football Stadium. The camp runs from 6:00pm until 8:15pm. Camp instructors ask that your son be at the field early enough so he can be dressed and on the field by 6:00pm.

Attire for the camp consists of shorts, a t-shirt and football cleats (gym shoes are acceptable). Water will be provided for the players via a multi-hose water dispenser. Should you desire to bring your own drink it must be water only. No sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are permitted on the field or track. Players will run through various drills from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and from 8:00pm to 8:15pm coaches will have time to huddle up with their team to discuss the days camp.

For all the Wee Hornets info, visit the Monroe Wee Hornets Football website.

The Red Onion Cafe

If you're looking for good food in Monroe, look no further than the Red Onion Cafe. The restaurant, which has been open for four years, takes great pride not only in their food but in being a part of Monroe's history, as well. They are located in an old historic building on South Main Street which was once a stop on the Pony Express. The name "Red Onion Cafe" comes from the history of the building where workers would hang red onions outside to let those traveling the Pony Express know food was being served at the location. Inside, the restaurant's tables and walls are decorated with old newspaper clippings and photos.

But of course, the great food is the main attraction at the Red Onion Cafe. As one patron put it, "...the atmosphere is inviting, and menu selections vary from good to outstanding." From mouthwatering salads such as the Smoked Gouda Apple Salad to their "best in the Midwest" Crabcakes made with real lump crab meat and a "perfect blend of fresh peppers and seasonings," there is not a bad item on the menu at the Red Onion Cafe. During July 2009, the restaurant will be featuring the "Cuisine World Tour." Each day you can order cuisine from a different country around the world including China, Thailand, England, Jamaica, Brazil, Spain, and so many more!

The Red Onion Cafe is located at 214 South Main Street in Monroe, Ohio. They are open from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, call (513) 360-0180 or visit their blog: The Red Onion Cafe.

2009 Kid's Bike Rodeo

The Monroe Police Department and the Dayton Children’s Medical Center have already kicked off the 2009 Kid’s Bike Rodeo. These are days dedicated to teaching children about bike safety awareness within the community. It is free to participate in and features safety tips from Officer Bret Kahny and a mini bike obstacle course. In case of any questions or comments, you can contact Officer Kahny at the Monroe Police Department at 539-9234.

Dates, Times, and Locations:

June 19th, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Old High School Parking Lot

June 19th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Wexford Drive (Dead End)

June 25th, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Rochest Hills (Front Entrance)

June 25th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Monroe Crossing (Shanda Drive)

July 1st, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Bridle Creek (Bobtail Way)

July 1st, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Monroe Community Park

July 2nd 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Locust Street (Lemon Township)

July 2nd 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Debord Lane

Read the original story about the 2009 Kid’s Bike Rodeo.

1869 Era Baseball Game to be Hosted by Monroe Historical Society

For over 200 years, baseball has been the great American sport. People have filled the fields and the stands to partake in this fun-filled past time since the 1800’s. It is a game that most Americans can enjoy in one way or another. What some people don’t know though is that baseball used to be quite different then the sport we watch today.

The Monroe Historical Society is providing the community with an opportunity to experience a true to life 1869 Era baseball game. Together with the Cincinnati Red Stockings-Cincinnati Buckeyes, the Historical Society will host this baseball game, which will be played exactly as it was in 1869. This means that all the same rules and equipment of an 1800’s baseball game will be utilized.

Not only will there be the authentic baseball game, but also there will be a variety of games, food, and fun held throughout the park. There will be potato sack races, three-legged races, and many other activities for everyone to participate in. Prizes and awards will be given to the lucky winners in an assortment of age groups.

This family-fun event will be held on August 8, 2009 at the Monroe Community Park. Festivities will begin at 11:00, and the baseball game will begin at 1:00.

If you would be interested in volunteering to play in the baseball game, contact Council Member Tracy Shell at 600-0366.

Read the original story about the Monroe Historical Society’s 1869 Era Baseball Game.

Home Depot Looking to Hire 200 Employees for New Distribution Center

The Home Depot has created 200 new job opportunities this summer with the opening of a new distribution center on Gateway Blvd. in Monroe. This massive home improvement retail store is hiring for full-time positions that will provide excellent service and an increase in efficiency. The positions available are general warehouse and office positions.

Applications are currently being accepted and interviewing has already begun. It is recommended that if you are interested, your application should be submitted by June 20. The retailer will open later this summer, and jobs will pay above minimum wage. Applicants can apply online at Home Depot’s website or at the career kiosks located in any of the Home Depot stores.

The Home Depot will offer a benefits package that will include medical insurance, dental insurance, 401k, and Success Sharing bonuses for all employees.

It is suggested that anyone interested should visit http://careers.homedepot.com and search for jobs in Distribution Center Hourly; in Ohio. Select “RDC – Cincinnati OH”.

Read the original story about the new Monroe Home Depot Distribution Center.

The 2009 Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale

Come on out for a weekend of rummaging at the Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale. It will be held Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 8AM to 5PM and Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 1PM to 5PM. Enjoy searching for those hidden treasures or look to make a profit on you old, unnecessary things. It is not even necessary to sign up to sell your things.

Blue and yellow balloons will mark the garage sale spots and help everyone locate the sales. Maps and listing addresses will be available at 8AM on Friday, June 5, 2009. After 5PM on Friday, this valuable information can be picked up in the lobby of the Monroe Police Department at 223 South Main Street, Monroe, Ohio 45050.

Join the City of Monroe in their Community Garage Sale! You're sure to have a wonderful time!

Check out the original Monroe Community Wide Garage Sale story.

Cincinnati Premium Outlet's Job Fair

Workforce One of Warren County has joined with their counterparts in Butler County to host a job fair for the soon to be open Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe. The outlet mall is set to open on August 6, 2009 and is projected to supply around 700 new job openings, with another 300-500 becoming available at a later date. Positions will vary from customer service to store management, and it is estimated that approximately 4,000 prospective employees will attend the job fair.

The hiring event is going to be held on June 9, 2009 from 8AM to 8PM. It will be hosted at Monroe Senior High School located at 220 Yankee Street, Monroe, Ohio 45050.

The Butler County Regional Transit Authority is providing transportation to the job fair for $2 each way. The transit will run from 7AM to 4PM. Reservation can be made by calling (513) 785-5237. Those making reservations will be informed of their scheduled pick up and return trip times on June 8.

Read the original story for the Cincinnati Premium Outlet’s Job Fair.