Community support means everything

Being born in Valley General and being a life-long Monroevian there are some things that I have come to treasure. I sometimes skip U.S. 2 when heading east so I can drive down Main Street and look at the flag with the mountains in the background. I love driving across the bridge and looking down at the water to see if anyone is fishing, or if there are boats in the water. There are other traditional rituals that growing up in this community has also provided me with.

These things I treasure, but what I really love about the area is the long-standing relationships that this community has provided me with. There are not too many communities where you can go fishing every year with your former football, basketball and baseball coaches. Annually meet with the same group of guys to watch the Super Bowl.

Sometimes work, kids schedules and life can sometimes dictates what we do, or don’t do, but when I do see people that have had an influence on my life I truly value the time we get together. Currently, a life-long friend has been faced with a major obstacle to overcome in the shape of a glioblastoma. In an effort to help him, last weekend there was a fundraiser auction/poker tournament to raise money for him and his family. Contrary to low interest rates and the rising stock market, for the most part these are some tight financial times. Even though we are in tight times, I have never been more proud of the community than I was this weekend! It was like a class reunion for all classes as many Monroevians came out to support this great man and his family. The community was very giving toward him and his family. I personally just wanted to say thank you to all who contributed whether from your effort, or financial support.

You just can’t hide that Bearcat pride!

Thanks again,

James Rowe

Monroe