3, 2, 1...HAPPY NEW YEARS!

This Week's Beet!

D E C E M B E R 2 8 - J A N U A R Y 3

New Years 

Monday/Tuesday

Monrovia City Hall will be closed New Years Eve and Day.  

Happy Holidays; Drink Responsibly!

Monrovia's Holiday Lights

Check out the Holiday Lights around town!

and for a list of Monrovia's Home Decorating Contest winners, click here.

This Week's Beet!

D E C E M B E R  2 1 - 2 7 

(Happy Holidays!)

Christmas Day

Tuesday

City Hall Closed Dec. 24-25

*Don't forget to check our community calendar for more local events throughout the community!

Movie Night on Almond Ave

MAP Leaders are hosting a movie night (and snack potluck) on Almond Ave tonight!  If you're interested in hosting an event in your neighborhood, contact your friends in Monrovia's Neighborhood Services Department at map@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

This Week's Beet!

D E C E M B E R 1 4 - 2 0

"Tis the Season"

Holiday Packing

Saturday

Volunteer with the Foothill Unity Center at the LA County Arboretum to help prepare and package food baskets for distribution to families in need this coming holiday season. For more information, call or email Raina at (626) 358-3486 volunteer@foothillunitycenter.org

Holiday Decorating Judging

Monday

The judges for the Home Holiday Decorating Contest will begin making their rounds to judge the entered participants homes! Good luck & may the most spirited home win!

Santa Tour

Monday

Santa Tours begin and he'll be in a neighborhood near you! Click here for times and routes of when St. Nicolas will be on your street!

MUSD Winter Break

Thursday

Monrovia Unified Schools will begin there winter break starting 12/20/12-1/4/13.

Don't forget to check our community calendar for a list of scheduled events that are happening locally!

This Week's Beet!

D E C E M B E R 7 - D E C E M B E R 1 4

First Day of Hanukkah

Sunday

"The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts." -History.com

Plan Monrovia Community Meeting

Tuesday

What are the most important things the City should focus on over the next 5 years? Your input will be going straight to City Council. Click here to find out about more information related to the Community Meeting.

BULLying Prevention: Day of Silence
Wednesday
Join Gerry Orz and other supporters around the world to stop bullying. Watch the video "Day of Silence" (here) to educate your children on the seriousness of bullying and the effects it can have on it's victims.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade

Tonight in Old Town Monrovia (Myrtle Ave) don't miss the:

Tree Lighting Ceremony - 6pm

Holiday Parade - 7pm

*For more information call 626-256-8246.

Monrovia Town Hall Forum

What is your vision for the future of Monrovia? It's your city - help your leaders shape it in two town hall forums! Monrovia is moving forward and that can't happen without your help!

December 11th, 7-9 pm
Monrovia Community Center, 119 W. Palm Ave, Monrovia, CA

January 12th, 9-11 am
Calvary Chapel Monrovia, 123 W. Pomona Ave, Monrovia CA

Visit here for more information.

This Week's Beet!

N O V E M B E R 30 - D E C E M B E R 7

Santa Breakfast
Saturday
Meet and greet Santa; free toys will be provided to all kids, while gifts last! Click here to learn about more information.

Boys and Girls Club Festival of Trees
Saturday
"The Festival of Trees features local designers, florists and merchants who decorate and/or sponsor majestic, fully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, as well as the gifts that go beneath, for raffle or auction."

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Tuesday
Visit Old Town Monrovia at 6:00pm to experience the annual tree lighting ceremony and

don't miss the holiday parade!

Santa Breakfasts!

2012 Holiday Events

Santa Breakfasts

Beginning Saturday, December 1st thru December 24th,

Meet Santa! FREE gifts for kids!

December 1st

 Peach Cafe 9:45 a.m.

Friends Cafe 10:45 a.m.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade on Myrtle 

Thursday, December 6th

 Tree Lighting at 6:00 p.m. Library Park. Parade at 7:00 p.m.

Carolers & Minstrels

Live music every Friday on the streets of Old Town beginning at 10 a.m. continuing through Christmas Eve

(Musicians & Carolers)

This Week's Beet

N O V E M B E R  9 - 1 5

(It's a brief week this week guys and gals, but lets pay respect to all of our Vet's who have fallen and are still serving.)





Veterans Day

Monday

Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am.

Plan Monrovia

The City of Monrovia is conducting a city-wide strategic plan:

We are looking for community input and feedback as Monrovia sets a course for the next 5 years to ensure that our limited resources are allocated to the highest priorities for the community.

There are so many ways to join in the discussion -

1.  Look for a trifold survey in your water bill.  Fill it out and drop it in the mail.  No postage necessary!

2.  Call, (626) 932-5555 x1402, text (626) 219-0845 or e-mail  planmonrovia@ci.monrovia.ca.us to tell us what you think Monrovia's top priorities should be in the coming years.

3.  Attend a Community Meeting with your friends and neighbors to brainstorm with other Monrovians and hear what everyone is saying. 

December 11, 2012

7-9p.m.
Monrovia Community Center
119 W Palm Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016

January 12, 20139-11a.m.
Calvary Chapel
123 W Pomona Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016


Sign up for the City Manager's Report on cityofmonrovia.org to get weekly updates on Strategic Planning efforts and how you can get involved.  Also check www.planmonrovia.org for updates.

MDBAA Scholorship Dinner Dance

This Week's Beet

 O C T O B E R  2 - 8

This week's beet is brief, but is packed with action!

Holiday Parade Application
Friday
The deadline for Monrovia's annual Holiday Parade is 11/2/12. For more specific information regarding the nature of this event, please click here.

Daylight Savings Ends
Sunday
We gain an hour!

Election Day
Tuesday
Make sure to vote!

O C T O B E R  2 6  -  N O V E M B E R  1 

MHS Rummage & Bake Sale

Saturday

Join Monrovia High School in their fundraiser efforts to help raise money for their Biology Dept. From the hours of 7:00am-1:00pm the sale will be taking place on the front lawn of the campus. Come by and show our local high school support!

Make a Difference Day

Saturday

Volunteer with hundreds of other residents as we gather throughout the city to help those in need with maintaining the aesthetic of their properties. The city's volunteers will be focusing on schools, parks, and the residences of elderly and disabled residents; many more other project's will be taking place. Sign up here and to find out more information before it's too late!

Story Spectacular - Halloween Spooktacular Special

Saturday

Costume goers' are invited to an afternoon of stories, songs, snack, craft and film celebrating all things Halloween at the Monrovia Public Library! Wear your costume! For ages 4 years through 5th grade. Click here, for more information

Halloween!

Wednesday

Halloween Costume Contest

Wednesday

MHS Fundraiser Rummage/Bake Sale

      O C T O B E R  2 7        

 (7:00am-1:00pm) 

Support our local high school by attending the "Rummage & Bake Sale." This is a coordinated event by students & faculty at Monrovia High School. All proceeds will be donated to Monrovia High School's Biology Dept. The fundraiser will located on Colorado Blvd (the front lawn of the campus).

             

   



This Week's Beet

O c t o b e r   1 9   -   2 6

Community Wildfire Public Form

Monday

Would you like to know how our community of the foothills can prepare for a hazardous wild fire? Monrovia is beginning the process to develop its own Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Attend to help make this community plan by voicing your concerns and priorities regarding this issue. The meeting will be held at the Monrovia City Hall located at 415 S. Ivy Ave beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

You can also participate by completing the Fire Department Survey here.

Fun with Music at the Library

Saturday

Music, Strings, & Things. Monrovia's very own Joe Ferrante Music Academy will be hosting live musical demonstrations, including a sing-along accompanied with instruments. Piano, violin, & guitar will all be featured at the exhibition. Recommended ages for children are from grades K-5. Parents RSVP now as space is limited. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Program

Saturday

Are you a Los Angeles County resident possessing unwanted chemical or electrical waste? LA County has a free and legal way to dispose of the materials you no longer want. There will be two collection location's (Baldwin Park & Covina). For more information and times of the collection's, please click here.

DISPOSE OF:

• Motor oil, oil filters, brake fluid
• Used antifreeze
• Paint, paint thinner, turpentine
• Cleaners with acid or lye
• Pesticides or herbicides
• Household batteries or car batteries
• Pool chemicals
• CRTs, old TVs, misc. electronics
• Mercury thermometers or thermostats
• Used Needles or Sharps (In a sharp container or sturdy box labeled "SHARPS")
• Unwanted or expired prescriptions

MAY NOT DISPOSE OF:

• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Radioactive Materials
• Trash
• Tires
• Business Waste
• White Goods (stoves, fridges, etc.)
• Controlled Substances

 



This Week's Beet

O c t o b e r  1 2 - 1 8

Set for Life

Saturday

FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS



Girl Power Conference

Saturday

For young ladies, enroll and participate in a series of workshops geared towards the needs of you young women.

 
Taste of Monrovia

Sunday

Enjoy the second annual Taste of Monrovia as local restaurants in Old Town Monrovia set sampling stations of various spirit beverages. Also, Latin Jazz band "The Delgado Brothers" will be serenading the evening with their musical tunes. For more information on the activities and event click, here.

Get Back to Work

Monday

The National Employment Council is hosting a six week program designed to employ participants. Learn how to use five steps to connect with employers in their field. Upon completion of the program, participants are matched with employers (jobs are not guaranteed). For more information click, here.

Make a Difference in Monrovia

Sign up for a half day project or stop by Library Park anytime between 8am and 5pm to donate to the food drive, blood drive and underwear drive! 

Easy Voter Guide

Election season is hard for more than just the candidates.  It's our votes that voice our priorities...but there are so many questions to consider.

What are the issues?  What does my vote mean?  Why is this important?

Fortunately, there are many of us asking the same questions, so there are many opportunities during this season to help you make decisions that best represent your values.  Here are just a few ideas to help make this season a productive one:

• Download your FREE Easy Voter Guide
• Attend the Ballot Information Meeting at the Library
• Register to Vote by mail
• Research the basics with some online tools

Still having a hard time sitting down to study? Invite a trusted friend or two to discuss some of the issues with you over dinner or coffee.

This Week's Beet

O c t o b e r   5   -   1 1

Frankenweenie FOODraiser for pets
Friday - Sunday
Head to Krikorian this weekend to watch the movie Frankenweenie and bring along some pet food to show some love for Foothill Unity Center's Pet Food Bank.  The Pet Food Bank helps feed pets across the San Gabriel Valley - even Ellen donates! 

Find a showtime for you!

Writing Workshop "But it's funny in Russian"
Saturday
John Vorhaus takes a humorous look at television production writing sitcoms from Russia to Nicaragua. His talk is part travelogue, part writing workshop. Writers and would-be writers should be there.  Be sure to sign up here.



Ballot Proposition Information Meeting

Tuesday
Be sure to RSVP to save a seat to learn how your vote will affect your schools, your streets and your pocketbook.

Health Expo

FREE Screenings, including mamograms, cholesterol and bone density!  Come with a parent, friend or neighbor; this event is for everyone.

Girl Power Community Conference

Isn't there a girl in your life you've been meaning to spend some time with?

Click here to learn more or purchase your ticket.

This Week's Beet

S e p t e m b e r   2 8   -   O c t o b e r   4

Textizen
Help plan Monrovia's future by texting us your opinions!

FREE Electronic Waste Event
Saturday
Donate your Ewaste to benefit MAX Aquatics.  MAX Aquatics is a USA Swimming, year round competitive swim team and Seasonal USA Water Polo competitive club, offering professional coaching for all ages and abilities.

Los Angeles Heart Walk
Saturday
Did you know that heart disease claims the lives of more people than the next three leading causes of death combined? Here are a couple reasons why you should register today and begin fundraising to help fight heart disease and stroke:


- $500 will allow us to teach more than 2,500 children how to avoid obesity and live longer
- $250 saves lives by helping to distribute 8 innovative CPR Anytime kits to the community
- $100 allows one hospital to teach patients and health professionals the risks of stroke
- $50 gives 50 people educational materials that teach them how to personally reduce their risk of heart diseases and stroke


Social Media for Business Saturday
Social Media Marketing Made Simple & Facebook for Business Bootcamp.  Check out this class and others by visiting Monrovia's Library Services Calendar.



This Week's Beet

S e p t e m b e r   2 1   -   2 7

Autumn is here!  If the heat doesn't have you convinced, take a drive down Huntington Drive to see the liquid amber trees starting to change colors and the pumpkin patches setting up camp.

Autumn Begins

Saturday

Foothill Unity's Gold Plate Dinner

Friday, September 21

Proceeds will support the Center's programs that serve the community's most vulnerable people.  Over the last four years, the number of families served by Foothill Unity Center has doubled.

Rotary BBQ & Casino Night

Saturday, September 22

What you get:

Hor D'oeuvres, Dinner, 4 Drink tickets, and 250 playing chips!

Proceeds will support Rotary in their community projects and sponsorships that help fund college scholarships for local youth, Monrovia Reads, Foothill Unity Center, YMCA and much more.

San Gabriel Valley Choral Company Auditions
Auditions end Tuesday, September 25
San Gabriel Valley Choral Company is looking for those with a passion to sing and who want to be part of a dynamic group of people working together as a team to create incredible music.

Monrovia's newest resident

Monrovia has a new Holiday Tree!

I don't know about you, but when the new Community Services Brochure was published, I couldn't help read the Holiday Happenings portion and think to myself "Self, what do you think they will be lighting this year for the Tree Lighting Ceremony?" 

Here's our answer -

Welcome new tree- we're so happy to have you here!

Photo credit to Councilmember Becky Shevlin and a big thanks to Pam Fitzpatrick for passing it along to us.

Educate, Equip & Support

Old West BBQ Casino Night in Monrovia

This Week's Beet

S e p t e m b e r   1 4   -   2 0

FREE Leadership Academy

Starting Thursday
Monrovia Area Partnership hosts their annual Leadership Academy starting Thursday, September 20.  This 6 week series will introduce you to city staff and officials, offer a tour of Monrovia, and teach the basics of local government and resident leadership.  All graduates of the Academy will be recognized at a City Council Meeting by City Officials and will be welcomed into the MAP, the partnership of people working together to make a difference in Monrovia.  To learn more, call Neighborhood Services at 626-205-8476 or visit the city website by clicking here.

Community Services Fall/Winter Brochure
Didn't get one in your mailbox?  Find a copy at City Hall, Monrovia's Public Library or Community Services Center.

Here's a taste of what you'll find inside:

• LEGO building classes
• Beer & Bread Making Class
• Hiking 101
• Belly dancing, Line Dancing, Rumba, Fox Trot...you name it, they've got it!

Not to mention information about Monrovia's Halloween event, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Home Decorating Contest!


Pet adoption Fair
Find your forever friend this weekend at the adoption fair right here in Monrovia.  Pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready for a home.  Click title to learn more about finding yourself a fuzzy friend to snuggle up with for many winters to come.

Comedy for a great cause

This Week's Beet

S e p t e m b e r   7   -   1 3 

A picture is worth a thousand words...so we thought we'd let these amazing flyers do the talking this week.  Want to know more, just click the titles for videos, news articles and more.  Enjoy your weekend planning!

 

Car Show in Old Town
Saturday

Unity & Peace Event
Saturday

Awards, Food Trucks, Car Show, Raffles and more!  What a way to celebrate our communities working together for peace. 

Community Blood Drive

Tuesday

This Week's Beet

A u g u s t  3 1 - S e p t e m b e r  6

LABOR DAY WEEKEND!

Oh Boy, Where do we start? Forums, Fiesta, Parties, and Entertainment for all ages are all featured on "This Week's Beet!" Click the titles for more info; you'll see what we mean.

Friday Night Y-Life
Friday

Has your teen not experienced a real Friday night in Monrovia? Make sure they do so before its too late! This will be the last Friday Night Y-Life of the summer!It's held at Library Park in the early evenings. It's the summers positive outlet for the City's youth! Get down with the get down and enjoy: 

• Free food for youth & teen participants
• Live music & DJ
• Dance
• Booths and much more

LA County Fair
Friday

Its back! The Fair's opening day kicks-off this Friday and will be hosted throughout the month of September. See you there!

San Gabriel Mission's 241st Birthday Fiesta
Friday-Sunday

The San Gabriel will be holding it's 241st annual fiesta this Labor Day weekend. Such festivities will include: 

• Entertainment 
• International Foods
• Games 
• Bingo Large & Small Rides
• Religious, Historical and Cultural Festivities

Labor Day
Monday (City Hall Closed)

"Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." [-U.S. Department of Labor]


Healing Connections Forum
Wednesday

MUSD Crisis Team will hold a forum for students and parents that will help to identify signs of depression and self harm. It will take place from 6pm-8pm at Monrovia High School.


LA OPERA "Summertime"
Wednesday

Summer is coming to a close, make that transition from leisure to labor an enjoyable one with the "Summertime" concert featuring artist from the LA OPERA. Songs from the American Songbook and Opera will be featured. RSVP only, seating and lunch is to first come first served.


*For dates, times, and more information click on the heading's above.

Shopping Cart Retrieval Gone Mobile

The California Shopping Cart Retrieval Service is making it even easier to report abandoned shopping carts for iphone and ipad users.

Below are two separate links for notifying the California Shopping Cart Retrieval Service regarding the whereabouts of abandoned shopping carts -

1) iphone/ipad users

2) Online request for pick-up

Construction Notice: Metro Goldine Extension

Leadership Academy

MAP Leadership Academy

Join the ever-growing MAP Network by attending the MAP Leadership Academy.  This FREE Academy is a 6 week course that will guide you through local government, community resources and your potential as a pillar of positive change in the community - a MAP Neighborhood Leader.  This Academy gives participants the unique opportunity to meet city staff and officials, get a MAP tour of Monrovia and dialogue with other community leaders.

After the Academy, Neighborhood Leaders are invited to quarterly trainings, networking opportunities and receive invitations to participate in other leadership roles in the community.

Click here to learn more or to fill out an application!

Day/Hour:  Thursdays 7pm - 9pm

Dates:  September 20 - November 1

Location:  Community Services Center

Fee:  FREE

Ages:  18+