The Monroevian | Issue 1 by Brandon Buchanan

The

Monroevian

Vol. 1 Issue 1

October 2018

Inaugural Issue THE ART OF KINDNESS FOR THE LOVE OF HIS CITY 5 WAYS FROM GEORGIA HEAT TO THE SUBTLENESS OF FALL ISSUE 1

CONTENTS ISSUE 1

ON THE COVER Julie Bell gives inspiration and hope in gifts of kindness. Photo by Brandon Buchanan

THE MONROEVIAN

FEATURES 28 • PEOP L E

For the Love of His City

Mayor John Howard shares his passion for Monroe and his hopes for the future of this wonderful city.

34 • STYLE

5 Ways From Georgia Heat to the Subtleness of Fall

Our style editor walks you through the transition of seasonal clothing. 40 • C ULTU RE

Monroe the Beautiful

Explore the origins of Monroe’s instagramable murals and their creators.

50 • SH E LTER

Overwhelmed to Organized Tips and tricks to organizing your home this fall.

DEPARTMENTS 4 • M A ST H EA D

6 • CO N T R I B U TO R S

12 • TA ST E

5 • E DI TO R ’ S N OT E

8 • M ET R O

46 • HI STO RY

ISSUE 1

The

Monroevian M O N R O E â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S C I T Y- B A S E D C U LT U R E A N D L I F E ST Y L E M AGA Z I N E .

Brandon Buchanan PUBLISHER

Issue 1

October, 2018

Editorial Director | Brandon Buchanan Contributing Editors Kyle McKinnon Bonnie Getchell D.R. Kelly Carri Martinez Megan Pegram Copy Editor | Rebekah Buchanan Contributing Photographers Samantha Ansley Brandon Buchanan Brittany Hayes Bonnie Getchell Carri Martinez General Counsel | DeMario La Feaux Published by Buchanan Publishing, LLC.

The Monroevian is published by Buchanan Publishing, Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Monroevian is prohibited. The Monroevian is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. Contact www.themonroevian.com Subscription Help: info@themonroevian.com Romans 10:15

THE MONROEVIAN

FROM THE EDITOR

TRANSITION

elcome to the Monroevian. Thank you for joining us in this venture to tell some of the undiscovered stories of Monroe. Our hope is that each issue will give you, our reader, pride in our town, its rich history and hope for its bright future. Over the last several months our editorial team has been planning, working, writing and creating something beautiful. As you will see, each issue has a theme to help guide the editorial process. Our inaugural theme is Transition. Growing up in Kentucky I loved the transition of the seasons; spring becoming summer, sum-

mer becoming fall, and fall becoming winter. These transitions helped create an internal rhythm. A guiding light for the year. Each transition has its different emotions. Spring is cool and fun, the school year is winding down. Summer is hot, too hot, but reminds us of freedom. Fall is family and thankfulness. Winter is cold, and has my favorite thing - snow. Throughout our lives, we are guided by transition: a new job, a new house, a love, a loss. My hope is that while you read these pages you will see beauty in transition. That you will continue to have pride in this place, and that you will seek to share these stories with your neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

Brandon Buchanan, Editor

ISSUE 1

CONTRIBUTORS BRANDON BUCHANAN EDITOR / PEOPLE Originally from Kentucky and Florida, Brandon Buchanan first came to Walton County with his wife, Rebekah, to teach at Covenant Christian Academy. Prior to launching Buchanan Publishing, he was the head of the Language Arts Department at CCA, an award winning freelance journalist, and a youth director in South Carolina. As editor, Brandon aspires to encapsulate the heart of Monroe through storytelling and fervent attention to the details.

BONNIE GETCHELL SHELTER

Florida Native, Bonnie Getchell, moved to Georgia to attend Truett McConnell University and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. She eventually landed in Walton County and discovered Monroe when looking for a place to sell her hand-painted and repurposed furniture. After having a booth at a local antique store for 4 years, she opened her own retail store (Revolutionaries Market) in Downtown Monroe in July of 2016. Revolutionaries Market is a handmade market featuring local makers, and they offer creative classes, too! Bonnie is excited to intertwine her love of Monroe with her love of writing, and hopes to inspire others to love and invest in this incredible community!

D.R. KELLY PHILANTHROPY

D.R. Kelly is a mother and native New Yorker turned Georgia peach. As a boardcertified Christian life coach, local artist behind The Write Journey, and author of her recent book Encouraged Growth: A 40 Day Journey of Encouragement and Prayers, she uses her life story and experiences as a way to glorify God and pour into others. Dee’s mission is to lovingly walk alongside others in transparent truth, and encourage others in their journey.

CARRI MARTINEZ CULTURE

Carri Martinez is a photographer, graphic designer and owner of Gratuity Paper Company located on Broad Street in Downtown Monroe. Gratuity Paper Company is a carefully curated collection of paper goods & gifts to help you live intentionally and love fiercely. Carri is a Georgia native who fell in love with the community of Monroe during a commercial graphic design project in 2017. She is a mediocre wife, surviving mother of four and dependably sarcastic. She is passionate about authentic living, pretty paper products and encouraging others.

KYLE MCKINNON TASTE

Originally from Texas, Kyle McKinnon moved to Georgia in 2008 to attend the University of Georgia and received a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. She was previously a Pre-K teacher at Covenant Christian Academy and recently began her ministry work as GraceKidz Director at Grace Monroe in the Mill. Kyle has been married to her husband Joseph for five years and has two children, J and Blake. Kyle’s favorite thing about Monroe is the small town feel and loves to take her kids to all the fun parks downtown. As the taste editor, Kyle hopes to inspire Monroevians to cook (mostly) healthy and delicious meals they can share with their family and friends.

THE MONROEVIAN

MEGAN PEGRAM STYLE Born and in raised in Conyers, GA, Megan Pegram came to Walton County 4 years ago; with an esthetician career. Prior to working for Southern Roots Outfitter, and Peachy Keen, Megan worked at a local spa and salon pursuing her love for skin care. Moving to a new town opened a whirlwind of opportunities becoming the Accounts Manager and Buyer for Southern Roots Outfitter and Peachy Keen has allowed her to find a new passion in the fashion world, and now a style editor. As style editor, Megan yearns to pay close attention to the up and coming trending styles to ensure you stay looking your best at all times.

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

METRO Downtown contributions are submitted by the Monroe Downtown City Staff and the Downtown Development Authority Board.

THE MONROE MUSEUM HISTORY Monroe Museum contributions are provided by Steve Brown, Kim Mulkey and William Gregg. Visit the Monroe Museum on South Broad Street (Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) Follow on Facebook: Monroe Museum

PHOTOGRAPHERS SAMANTHA ANSLEY Samantha Medlin is a full time photographer specializing in seniors, weddings, and editorial work. Being born and raised in Social Circle, GA, her mother saw the importance of exposing her to a life of performing arts. Samantha has been on stage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, and competed multiple years in the Southeast Regional Competition, Access Broadway. She learned how to express her own individuality in a creative matter, and the value in doing so. Inspired by the world of fine arts and design since youth, she sees photography as her biggest way to engage with the world. One of her missions is to connect with her younger audience to encourage self-worth, and empower her seniors through vivid, real, and heartfelt moments. Beyond her senior sessions, Samantha attempts to bring girls together in community through her “We Belong” Mentorship Program. Therefore, allowing her to visually interpret that inspiration into all lines of work on a daily basis.’

ISSUE 1

METRO

Getting to Know You Growing up in Monroe, Lisa ReynoldsAnderson is a native of Walton County. She graduated from George Walton Academy in 1981 and continued her education at Georgia College in Milledgeville, GA with a BA degree in Management. Lisa, along with her brother and mother, own two retail stores in Monroe: Sidestreet Boutique and J. Reynolds Furniture & Interiors. The two stores moved from another city located outside the downtown district in 2009. The stores are unique and are Downtown Monroe’s premier apparel, furniture and home accessories store. “We have worked hard to put together our store, to make it unlike anything people have seen before. We have over 6,000 square feet of luxury goods set in two beautiful historic downtown buildings,” said ReynoldsAnderson. Her family felt the need to keep people in Monroe to shop. “We saw many people leave the area and drive towards Atlanta or Athens. It is our mission to show them that the very best exists in their own backyard!” Having grown up in Monroe with small-town roots, Downtown Monroe was the perfect complement to their vision for the store. “There are so many wonderful aspects to

Downtown Monroe from its rich history, beautiful streetscape, dining, antiques and unique storefronts, but the people are by far our favorite,” Reynolds-Anderson said, “We have so much support from the community and tourists traveling through. We owe much of our success to those who have supported us and continue to support us on a daily basis.” In addition to her retail businesses, Lisa is a licensed real estate broker and owns

THE MONROEVIAN

Reynolds Real Estate Group. Also, Lisa and her husband, Jason, own Anderson Grading and Pipeline. All four of her businesses are in downtown Monroe. Lisa and her family reside in Monroe. She serves on the Monroe Downtown Development Authority and takes a lot of pride in making a positive impact on the community.

PLACES TO PLAY ACTIVITY

ALLEY Winning a design of excellence award by the Georgia Downtown Association, the Activity Alley has become a favorite local attraction filled with people taking photos and playing.

HAMMOCK

PARK

Through the crowd funding campain “Places to Play” Hammock Park and the Activity Alley were sourced through Monroevians and severval organizations. On any given day families and friends can be seen enjoying a rest in the hammocks.

CHILDERS PARK

DOG PARK Thanks to various organization around town the Childers Park Dog Park has been revitalized with new landscaping and more play equipment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION FOLLOW @DOWNTOWNMONROE ON INSTAGRAM

ISSUE 1

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening The fall is a wonderful time to check out what is happening downtown. From Fall Fest to Food Truck Friday to the Community Housing Fair to Light up the Night, it truly is a season we can join together as a community and enjoy each other through good food, beverages, music, and more.

One of the most exciting times comes November 1st when we Light Up the Night. Come and walk the lit, tree-lined streets of our downtown and get ready for fall and winter seasons. Enjoy live music while visiting our downtown businesses to view artwork from local students showcasing why we love our city.

COMMUNITY HOUSING FAIR

FALL FEST

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Invest in tools and tips for homeownership by coming to the Community Housing Fair. Saturday, October 6th. More info in the back.

Enjoy the autumn season at our annual Fall Fest! October 13th Families come enjoy the sites, sounds, food and activities of Downtown Monroe.

Friday, October 19th, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm for lunch on the lawn of the Monroe Cotton Mills. Food truck lineup coming soon.

THE MONROEVIAN

TA S T E

THE MONROEVIAN

FAMILY HARVEST WRITTEN BY KYLE MCKINNON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON BUCHANAN

Fall is a perfect time to get the family together and make wonderful cooking memories. Each recipe highilghts the homeliness of a shared meal.

One of my favorite thins in life is creating a delicious homemade meal for my family. Most of the time my kids prefer chicken nuggets, but my husband does enjoy cooking. Fall is my favorite time of the year to cook because my preheated oven keeps my house nice and warm during the

cooler season. I love using my crockpot to make soups and chilis. Also, I’m one of those PUMPKIN EVERYTHING people, so that’s just another reason I love fall and it is an ingredient that I’ve incorporated into one of my recipes. I hope you enjoy.

ISSUE 1

Homemade Apple Cider One of our favorite things about fall is drinking apple cider whenever we get together at family events. This is our favorite homemade apple cider recipe and it is very easy to make (and delicious). INGREDIENTS 12 Apples, quartered 1 Cup honey 1.5 Tablespoon Cinnamon 1.5 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice or Ground Allspice Water DIRECTIONS: Cut apples into quarters. Place in a crock pot covered with 2 inches of water above the apples. Add cinnamon, honey and pumpkin spice or allspice. Leave on high for about 2 hours. Let cool for a bit before handling. Using a cheesecloth or tight knit strainer squeeze the apples to get the juice out. Strain the apple juice to get any remaining seeds and chunks out. Refrigerate until cold or enjoy warm.

THE MONROEVIAN

White Chicken Chili The white chicken chili is extremely simple and is something you can throw together in 15 minutes as long as you have the chicken prepped. My family loves this recipe during one of our busy nights and it tastes delicious reheated the next day! INGREDIENTS: 1 box Chicken stock (or 4 cups) 2 cups Water 4 cups Cooked shredded chicken* 2 (15 ounces) cans Great Northern beans, drained

2 cups (16 ounces) Salsa verde (storebought or homemade) 2 teaspoons Ground cumin Optional toppings: diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese

DIRECTIONS: Add chicken stock, water, shredded chicken, beans, salsa and cumin to a large stockpot, and stir to combine. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve warm with desired toppings and enjoy.

Mus et ute nonsenis essi cusa nullupta a ditaeseque invernam nonsenis nobis et eum sunt aut hillibus experum seniendis seculpa

Halloween Caramel Apple Slices This is a new one for me! My kids are obsessed with the pretty candy apples they are seeing on TV, so we created our own Halloween version using all the sprinkles! This is another way to get the family in the kitchen. You can count this as a “healthy” snack because it has apples, right?! INGREDIENTS: Apples White Lollipop Sticks Melting Chocolate Caramel Toppings – Black/orange sprinkles, halloween themed sprinkles like skulls, bats, or ghosts. DIRECTIONS: First wash & slice your apples, remove the seeds, insert the stick at the bottom, & pat the apple slices dry. Cover each apple slice in melted chocolate & place on a piece of wax paper to dry. Continue this process until all of your apples are covered in chocolate & have hardened. Then drizzle the caramel & other toppings/sprinkles on top of your apple slices. Let harden & enjoy.

THE MONROEVIAN

ISSUE 1

17 17

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes Again, I am pumpkin everything, so these cupcakes are an easy choice to make. My kids love helping me make cupcakes and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to get the whole family in the kitchen together.

INGREDIENTS 15 oz Pumpkin Puree 1/2 cup Sugar 1/4 cup Brown Sugar 2 Eggs 1 tsp Vanilla 3/4 cup Evaporated Milk

2/3 cup Flour 2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice or Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice 1/4 tsp Salt 1/4 tsp Baking Powder 1/4 tsp Baking Soda

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease cupcake pan. Whisk together flour, pumpkin spice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk in large bowl. Add dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until incorporated. Fill each cup with 1/3 cup of the mixture. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and chill for about 30 minutes. Top with whipped cream and dust tops with pumpkin pie spice and enjoy! â&#x2014;&#x2020;

THE MONROEVIAN

An inviting space. Handmade, local products. And fun DIY classes. COME GET CREATIVE WITH US!

VISIT US www.revolutionariesmarket.com 101-B North Broad Street Monroe, GA

PHILANTHROPY

20 20

TTHHEE MMOONNRROOEEVVI IAANN

The Art of

Kindness Interview by D.R. Kelly

Through a simple act of kindness, Julie Bell brings joy and inspiration to Monroe. Her packets full of messages of hope and gifts of custom art inspire us to be better.

eeting Julie Bell, you can’t help but be swept up in her kindred soul. Whether you see her at one of her workshops at the Monroe-Walton Center for Arts (MWCA), or vending at the Monroe Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, there is always a certain joy that radiates from her and deposits right into your spirit. As a business owner and the artist of Scatter Some Kindness (formerly, Scattering Kindness), Julie creates beaded bracelets, necklaces, and silk wraps with positive messages. Her sole mission: to pour uplifting encouragement into the community, one person, and one intentional act of kindness at a time.

JULIE, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PART OF THE MONROE COMMUNITY?

I have lived in Monroe for about 8 years. Through an unexpected divorce, my son, Ian, and I were forced to move in with my parents. Initially, I thought the move was going to be temporary. It’s funny how things change because now I don’t feel like I want to leave. WHAT WAS SOMETHING THAT HELPED MAKE THAT CHANGE FOR YOU?

I remember I had trouble with my phone not working. I met a gentleman named, Marc Hammes. He was so kind and welcoming. During our conversation, I learned that he was a part of the On-Stage Theatre. We talked about how I was looking for a way to get Ian

ISSUE 1

THE MONROEVIAN

involved in something. Well, Mark told me to “bring him on down!” At first, I declined because I didn’t have extra money to pay for it, but Mark surprised me when he said that Ian would have a full scholarship to join. That was the first time my eyes were opened to kindness of the people in Monroe. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST HEART CHANGING LESSON?

You can’t let somebody else’s opinion affect how you live your life.

through and come out on the other side.” WAS THAT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND SCATTER SOME KINDNESS?

Yes. I initially started with Hemp Happy Creations. I made jewelry using hemp cord and wooden letters to spell encouraging words like believe, happiness, joy, and faith. Through Marc, I was able to secure a booth at the Monroe Farmer’s Market. I didn’t know how I would do, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved being able to meet people and encourage them the way I felt that day in the grocery store.

WHEN DID THAT BECOME CLEAR FOR YOU?

“I had gotten some devastating news from my divorce lawyer. Incredibly stressed and emotionally hurt, I was in line at the grocery store, and there was this woman in front of me. She turned towards my direction to

“I want others to know that they are worthy of kindness and love, no matter what background they come from.” say something to her child who went to get something she forgot. As she did, I noticed she had a necklace that said, ‘You’ve Got This’. It was in that moment that something clicked inside of me. Those words washed over me in such a deep and immediate way. I began to truly believe that I did have this! I could do this! I could withstand what I was going

ISSUE 1

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR PURPOSE IS WITH SCATTER SOME KINDNESS?

The thing that makes me happiest is being kind to somebody. I believe that if I can just tell one person a day something encouraging to make them feel uplifted, it’s like a drop in the ocean of kindness that causes a ripple effect. I want others to know that they are worthy of kindness and love, no matter what background they come from. One of my favorite things is when someone comes to my booth and says ‘I have a friend that I want to buy something for to encourage them.’ HOW DO YOU BALANCE BUSINESS WITH YOUR PURPOSE?

I decided that I will never have a money goal. I didn’t want to take away from what I felt led to do in uplifting others, and I thought what if I decide to have a money goal and I don’t meet it? Would I start to not like what I am doing?

I didn’t want money to be my why. Instead, My reasons are the people. I want someone to look at the jewelry they choose and have a good memory attached to it. I want them to look at it and feel good about the meaning and moment behind it. IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU SCATTER SOME KINDNESS INTO THE COMMUNITY?

Every month I do a Scatter Some Kindness Drop. This is where I package a bag that says, ‘Take me, I’m Yours’, with some of my jewelry, and a note of encouragement. I leave it somewhere hidden around town, and post hints for where you can find them on my Facebook and Instagram pages. This has been so much fun to do, and I love the stories that people share after finding them. Another thing I do is promote other Monroevian businesses. I’m always so thankful when they buy from me. To show appreciation, I purchase gift certificates from their stores and do giveaways highlighting them on my social media pages. For instance, my August giveaway highlighted Gratuity Paper Company. After meeting the owner, Carri, I decided to show her community support by posting the giveaway and encouraging others to go and check her out. DO YOU HAVE ANY FUTURE PROJECTS IN STORE FOR SCATTER SOME KINDNESS?

Yes! I recently participated in a program that taught life skills to find happiness.

THE MONROEVIAN

“. . . The kinder you are to others, the more happiness grows.” I loved it! It was so beneficial, and I decided to start a new project combining that curriculum with my own mission of kindness. I want to help others discover, as I did, that the kinder you are to others, the more your happiness grows. It’s a work in progress, but I plan to incorporate it with my workshops at MWCA. SPEAKING OF WORKSHOPS, ARE THERE ANY COMING UP THAT YOU WANT SHARE WITH THE READERS?

I do have a beading workshop coming up for this Fall. Anyone can stop by the MonroeWalton Center for the Arts on October 20, 2018 anytime between 11:00am-4:00pm to design and string their own beaded bracelets. For more information about any of my workshops, feel free to contact me at scattersomekindness@gmail.com.

There is a clear sense that Julie’s mission to spread kindness leaves a much deeper impression than just buying some jewelry or finding hidden free gifts. Her efforts are planting seeds of inspiration, love and joy that inspire others to do the same. For Julie, it’s a constant opportunity to grow the community and encourage amazing new relationships. Recently, both Crystal Bailey and Angela Lee Johns found Kindness Drop bags during their visit to downtown Monroe. “When I ISSUE 1

found the bag, I knew it would make a perfect birthday gift for my son’s girlfriend. The message on the bag was exactly for her, and that made me even more excited for her to receive it. I think it’s amazing and extremely kind of Julie to place her wonderful bags throughout our town. I love the gifts she has to offer, as well as the beading classes she teaches. Julie is simply the sweetest person in what she does for others, and I love Scatter Some Kindness!” said Bailey. Johns’ find led her to feel embraced by the community, “My daughter and I decided to visit the Farmer’s Market. I had bought jewelry from Julie before, and that day as I was shopping her table there was a particular bracelet I was looking for, but wasn’t available. I didn’t think much of it, even after learning about the hidden bag that Julie had placed somewhere in the market place. Well, my daughter and I found it, and you can imagine my surprise when the very bracelet I was wanting was in the bag! Not only that, but there was a silk wrap that said ‘be strong and courageous.’ What made it so special for me was that the colors on the silk wrap matched a book that I have felt led to write called Widow’s Soul. Julie was so kind, and as we talked she decided to walk me over to the Monroe Art Guild. When we got there, a meeting of other local writers was taking place. That was really exciting. For Julie to do that said, ‘Hey, I am interested in you’, and that meant a lot. 25

“ You never know how showing that act of kindness can send a ripple throughout the day.”

26 26

THE MONROEVIAN

The whole experience was definitely a God thing for sure. Finding that bag was such a blessing, but the bigger blessing was the connection I made with all the wonderful people I met that day.”

the store, you can help someone who can’t reach a can on the top shelf. You never know how showing that act of kindness can send a ripple throughout the day.

JULIE, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO

To learn more about Scatter Some Kindness, purchase some of Julie’s beautiful jewelry, or take one of her beading workshops, you can follow her on Instagram and Facebook @ScatterSomeKindess. You can also find her at The Monroe Farmer’s Market most Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m., now through November 17th. ◆

WANTS TO BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE IN THE COMMUNITY?

You can do anything. If you want to be a positive influence, go out there and help someone in any way you can. With kindness, it doesn’t matter how small or big your gesture is. Even walking through

ISSUE 1

PEOPLE

THE MONROEVIAN

FOR THE LOVE OF HIS CITY s tor y & photog ra phy by

BRANDON BUCHANAN Tell us about your story - how did you go from Monroe to Florida and everything in between? That’s easy. I lived here from the time I was one until the time I was 18. My grandfather was a sheriff here for the better part of two decades. That was on and off with Doc Sorrells because you can only be sheriff, at the time, for one term at a time. So they switched back and forth. My dad lived in the jail, I mean literally, lived in the county jail. So my family is Monroe. My mom is from central Florida and I always felt kind of called to that area, So, I went to UF and graduated and got a job on the development team for a master planned community. I did architecture review and planning, but also did community management. When I got there we had about 50 homes. When I left, six years later, we had 2000. I got there we had no amenities. When I left we had multiple parks, a golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, a second golf course designed by the Palmer group

ISSUE 1

was just breaking out of the ground. I got a good view of building a town from the ground up. How did all of your previous experience prepare you for your role as Mayor? Something that prepared me for being mayor of this town is I know the people, you know, this is my town. So to do the daily day to day ins and outs of the public relations aspect is just a joy. It’s very fitting with who I am. Not only do I have the planning background and the development background I have the people background. And then you throw in the fact that we have an excellent team at City Hall and it just made for the perfect setup for me. Did you ever see yourself as a Mayor? Not at all. I saw some things that needed to get done. And I’m not

one who’s going to ever complain about something without trying to find a solution. So the best way to find that solution was to lead using my experience and expertise and communication skills. What motivated you to run for office? Monroe has had the misfortune in the past of geography; as Atlanta expanded, it would just about get here and then we would have an economic pullback. Then it would go right back into Atlanta. So our infrastructure is a little behind, our commercial properties that we see as potential retail, as a potential grocery store, is not taken advantage of by national brands because we didn’t fit their model. We have a tremendously high rental rate with a lower income populace and in order to be a more viable city we need more retail. Working with the Development Authority to bring in more industrial and commercial businesses that will be able to support families to be able to live here. Also, the part as mayor that I really enjoy is having the opportunity to work with the development authority so we can see the trends of where we’re growing not only within Walton County but in our region. It’s an exciting time to be here. So it’s the perfect storm for Monroe. It’s a perfect storm for Walton County. What does it mean for you to see the growth that is happening in Monroe? Look, my main reason for running for mayor is because I want to have a hand in influencing our future direction. I don’t want people to move to Monroe because

THE MONROEVIAN

it’s the only place they can afford. I want people to move to Monroe because we’re awesome. I have two daughters ages 17 and 19. Historically kids have left Monroe to pursue further education and professional careers and they don’t come back. Now, I want my kids to come back, the best way I can do that is providing opportunities for business where they can come back here and get jobs; which would be great. And as for things to do, our Downtown Green will have a brewery, Major Humphreys, opening on one end of it, which will open up some more commercial and retail space. We also have our downtown entertainment district - which will be expanding over into that area as well. But, we have five restaurants opening in the next nine months. So regarding restaurants in variety, we’re hitting the sweet spot downtown. We’re almost 100 percent full with our businesses here and we’re about to expand our downtown corridor by two blocks with the opening of LR Burgers and Silver Queen. What is your philosophy of governance? My philosophy of governance is to hire experts and let them do their jobs. You would be amazed at the team that we have running the city right now; just quality people and our customer service team is top notch. And I don’t want to short sell myself, but I’m the cheerleader. If you want to know what’s good and what’s happening in Monroe, I’m your guy. If you’re upset about something that’s happening in Monroe, I’m your guy. We have people who are busy running the city and that’s why I’m here. I want you to not take away from their time. I’ll deal with it and I’ll take the shots and luckily I

get the credit for some things but it’s all due to my guys - my men and women at the city. You are almost through with your first year, how has it been? It’s been fantastic. The people here are great. I knew they’d be very supportive. It’s easy to be supportive when so much positive growth is happening. Part of what we want to accomplish is to keep our small hometown feel - this is where Logan and the team at City Hall, and in many thanks to Greg Thompson, have really done well. What are your hopes & dreams for Monroe? My hopes and dreams are that my kids come back; that I don’t like having to go out of town for shopping or dining or activities and events. We have the great concert series, and when the Downtown Green is open we’ll have more events down there. We have more dining alternatives coming. I’m not going to say that we’re not going to get out of town once in a while to have dinner, but it’s nice to have additional options here. What does Monroe mean to you? People used to tease me that I was from Mayberry and now that’s kind of it. Because there’s really not a better place. There’s not a cleaner, nicer, more welcoming place in the history of television than Mayberry. So, if you want to compare Monroe to Mayberry that’s what I would prefer. We do have our work cut out for us with cleanliness. One of the constant battles that we face is cleanliness and respect for our town and in how we treat our neighbors.

ISSUE 1

" I D O N ’ T WAN T P EO P L E TO M OV E TO M O N RO E BECAUS E I T ’S T HE O N LY P L AC E T H EY CA N AF FO R D. I WAN T P EO P L E TO M OV E TO M O N RO E BECAUS E W E’ R E AW ESO M E." We have a high rental population that tends to not take the same care of their homes and houses as a primary homeowner. We’re trying a lot to get people on board to row in the same direction. Monroe has a really good spirit right now with a general economic success story. We have almost three and a half percent unemployment in the area. Generally the more people who are working the happier the community. That doesn’t mean that we can’t make it better. I don’t know that we get much past three and a half percent unemployment. But we can certainly use our resources to present ourselves to the outside world in a manner that is attractive and successful and encourages our homeowners and renters to take part in bettering our hometown. You’ve been involved in the community over the years. How do you suggest a Monroevian become more engaged in the community? There are so many ways to become engaged through volunteering with downtown development, through volunteering with our special events. Council meetings are always open and there is always a public forum for Monroevians to speak, but I think the majority of folks want to be heard and may not be able to come to a council meeting. They can always contact me. We definitely take every comment very seriously but we try to tailor our efforts for the betterment of the entire town. I’m not in it for the individual. And we’re in it for the betterment of all concerned. As long as we grow in a positive manner and leave something that generations ahead are going to admire and go “wow, those folks got it right!” then we’ve done our jobs. Why does this little town, that is nestled between Athens and Atlanta, matter to you? Part of the reason that we matter when you compare us to Athens and Atlanta is we are still a small town and we will keep our small town feel, that left both of those cities a long time ago. Our goal is to continue to keep the feel, yet expand in the right areas while increasing the property values in our downtown area. I really think the folks are going to be coming here in 20 years, thinking, “Oh my gosh, how did they do it so right.” That’s my hope. Because 20 years from now I’m going to be in my 60s and I want to be seen as somebody who had an influence on getting it right. I also want to be seen as somebody who had an influence but let the experts do their jobs. I love it. I mean that’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m trying to make it better, because I love it. ◆ 32

P H O T O

Specializing in Seniors, Weddings, & Editorial www.SamanthaAnsleyPhoto.com contactsam@samanthaansleyphoto.com @SamanthaAnsleyPhoto

ISSUE 1

@SamanthaAnsleyPhoto

STYLE

THE MONROEVIAN

Georgia Heat TO THE Subtleness of Fall WAYS FROM

Who doesn’t love summer? But if we’re honest, summer in Georgia can tend to stick around a little too long. Seriously it sticks to you, the humidity is no joke! If you’re a fall fanatic like me, the slightest breeze brushing across my cheek has me ready to break out my fall wardrobe. However, our beloved state tends to teases our love of full on cozy outfits that have you ready to be bundled up by a fire in a cabin.

written by

MEGAN PEGRAM photography by

SAMANTHA ANSLEY models

MEGAN PEGRAM & LUKE SCHWARTZ clothes provided by

PEACHY KEEN, SOUTHERN ROOTS OUTFITTER, SAILORS STUDIO shot on location at

THE McDANIEL-TICHENOR HOUSE THE SPARROW HILL INN

ISSUE 1

o, how do we conquer the seasonal transition of an everyday summer look into an outfit that is ready for the crisp nights that show us fall is right around the corner? Creating a simple look is easy & doesn’t always require a new shopping trip. Follow along as we navigate 5 easy summer to fall looks. Functionality is key. Take a look into your closet. Did you say “I have nothing to wear!” Been there before. Haven’t we all? Truth is you do. Sometimes you just have to think outside of the box. Let’s start with some items you are most likely to have in your closet. • Light layering tops • Cardigan or Kimono • Boots, Booties, Wedges • A dressy Hat

Blending With your staple pieces intact, it’s time to blend your fall concoction. Rompers are always a trending item, and while most of us only wear them during the summer, rompers are an easy fall go to. If you already have a long sleeve romper you’re set, but if you don’t, this where the creative pumpkin spice lattes start flowing! Pull from your key items! Adding a light kimono and a good bootie will have you set for whatever the night may bring.

THE MONROEVIAN

Layering Layering is the simplest solution for a transition. A light layering top is a closet essential youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to have. Using a button-down top is perfect simply because it can be worn open over a dressy top, or closed with jeans. So simple, yet oh so cute!

Covered, Un-Covered There is no fashion rule that says you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mix and match. A performance polo paired with a solid pant is a go to look for any occasion. For a dressier look, with a breezy bottom, a pair of khakis and button down will always complement the covered, un-covered look.

Day Time - Night Time The days are hot, but the nights are cooling off, and you are headed out for a night with the girls or even a date. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry a simple throw-over will do.

THE MONROEVIAN

Color Wheel When you think of summer you think bright, fun, vibrant colors. When you think of fall you think darker, cooler, colors such as maroon, olive, mustard, and earthy browns. Layering with the two contrasting colors is the perfect transition. Keeping it cool, yet fun because the heat of summer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t completely over yet. â&#x2014;&#x2020;

ISSUE 1

C U LT U R E

THE MONROEVIAN

Painting the Town

Harnessing the Power of Public Art in Monroe Written and photographed by Carri Martinez

Monroe’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has tapped into the power of public art to help energize our city. Specifically, with the recruitment of muralist Michelle Black to create unique city canvases, Monroe is growing into a welcoming, walkable town. If you have driven through Downtown Monroe then you have experienced first hand the talent of Michelle. Her handiwork can be seen all over town including the most recent addition; the Welcome to Monroe Downtown mural which greets visitors as they enter the north end

of town on Highway 11. The new mural encapsulates our landmarks, such as the forever-photogenic Historic Courthouse and pays homage to Monroe’s title of Antiques Capital of Georgia. The Welcome mural has become Monroe’s latest social media calling cards. In 2017, Michelle Black completed a number of art projects in the Downtown area that have visibly improved Monroe’s appeal. Her original ice cream truck mural on the side of Scoops expanded the ice cream parlor’s one of a kind ambiance onto their

ISSUE 1

Michelle Black sits in front of her Scoops mural.

“It has become a rarity to walk through it and not find people there taking selfies, senior portraits or modeling clothes for a store’s social media account.”

exterior patio. She breathed life into The Story Shop’s Hobbit hole with her hand-painted details and three-dimensional concept that according to designer Stephanie Cannon, “Took it to the next level.” Michelle expanded on the city’s ideas for the South Broad alley that was in need of creative problem-solving. She was tasked with covering up graffiti while enhancing the design components that had previously been painted prior to her coming onto the project. Revisiting the alley, Michelle comments, “Looking at it now, I can see so many more ways to expand on it and wish I could have done the entire wall.” Despite her own critical eye, there is no doubt the South Broad alley has transformed into one of the most photographed parts of Monroe. It has become a rarity to walk through it and not find people there taking selfies, senior portraits or modeling clothes for a store’s social media account. Similarly to the towns she paints, Michelle’s journey to professional muralist has been transformative. She dove into her career headfirst

THE MONROEVIAN

with her first paying gig as a muralist for Zoo Atlanta which she booked without any formal training or experience. Over the past decade, she has completed over 500 murals across multiple states and has blossomed into a diverse artist with a calm sense of purpose. Michelle reliably paints the windows of RINSE, creates signage for Broad St. Boots and is slated for more city projects in the coming year. She has even become one of the faithful volunteer artists consistently donating her talent to the nonprofit Sunshine on a Ranney Day (SOARD). Based out of Roswell, SOARD provides impressive home renovations for children with special needs and their families. Michelle’s joy for these projects is infectious. One SOARD project, in particular, provided her quite an artistic challenge, “The little boy loved to swim, so they wanted his room to look as though he were under water. To recreate the illusion of being at the bottom of the pool was not easy.” And yet, as always, she rose to the occasion by creating a magical underwater wonderland for a much-deserving child. Despite her philanthropic work, she has a wide array of

public art projects commissioned by private businesses and governments. Michelle continues to repeatedly work with the City of Monroe. This is due to the fact that she and the DDA have developed a rapport and trust over the years that as she says, “Frees me up to just be myself.” In addition to the visual appeal of her artwork, Michelle’s murals have successfully revamped the Downtown Monroe cityscape into an interactive destination. They are photogenic, welcoming and have quickly become the backdrops for social media posts by everyone from new visitors, long-time Monroevians and local businesses. Her artwork has created a transcendent ambiance and “Instagramable” component to Monroe that can only benefit the local economy by drawing traffic to the area. The City of Monroe has only begun to scratch the surface of the potential public art holds to aid in achieving a vibrant downtown community. New programs and plans, such as the Childers Park Fire Hydrant Art Project, are continually being announced and the city is already being acknowledged for their efforts. Monroe Downtown recently received the Georgia Downtown Association’s award for excellence in design for Activity Ally completed earlier this year on East Washington Street. You can see the excitement, passion, and determination when you speak with Monroe Downtown’s Sadie Krawczyk and Leigh Ann Walker. They, along with family & friends, personally put in the sweat equity to create East Washington’s award-winning activity alley. “It was an

inexpensive way to add purpose to an under-utilized area of town. We used stencils and painted ourselves,” says Sadie. Leigh Ann talks about the alley’s ability to encourage a more pedestrian lifestyle in downtown, “it is more reasonable to expect people to park in public lots off of the main street when they now have something fun to experience on the way to their destination. It doesn’t feel as far when you’re enjoying yourself.” With new businesses continually being announced to open throughout Monroe, the downtown district is expanding off of Broad Street. Projects like the Activity Alley are paramount in creating a walking culture.

Sadie Krawczyk and Leigh Ann Walker stand in Monroe’s Activity Alley.

Monroe businesses understand the importance of the consumer experience. People are bombarded with consumer opportunities, specifically ones that only require the push of a button. So, what would make someone drive thirty minutes or more to a small town outside of Atlanta to get a children’s book or an ice cream cone they could have obtain elsewhere for little to no effort? The experience! It’s the feeling they get when they see the look on their child’s face as they step inside a hidden Hobbit hole or climb through an armoire to discover a secret room when they visit The Story Shop. It’s the ability to not just grab an ice cream cone, but somehow feel a sense of escapism to a much simpler time when you enter the doors of Scoops. Exceptional customer service paired with unique atmosphere is a rare commodity, but it is one Monroe has in spades. This, in part, is due to Monroe’s entrepreneurs as well as the DDA’s understanding of the inherent potential that city art contains in transforming spaces and our town into a sought after destination.

ISSUE 1

The originality that birthed The Story Shop landed owner, Melissa Music, and designer, Stephanie Cannon, in Country Living Magazine as two of the country’s 100 most creative people. It is accolades such as this that not only benefit the individuals themselves but help put the Monroe, town they choose to create within, on the map. With its experiential art installations and recreations of classic book environments, The Story Shop exemplifies the ability of art to not just beautify a space but to create a fan following out of customers. It gives them a reason to want to go there time and time again as well as share their experience with others. These endeavors demonstrate the city’s commitment to utilizing public art to transform even the most unassuming parts of our town into destinations. Monroe, along with numerous cities across the country, recognizes the capacity for public art to revolutionize revitalization efforts by not only creating aesthetically pleasing facades but also capitalizing on today’s social media society to generate traffic flow to their local businesses and ultimately expanding their downtown districts. A new trend in city planning has emerged over recent years and that is the use of public art as a conduit for revitalization and economic development. City-commissioned murals are popping up across the country in cities and towns of all sizes. This, in part, can be attributed to the public mural’s ability to assist city developers’ efforts to convert a previously avoided area into a local hotspot. Downtown Monroe has undeniably harnessed the potential found in public art to provide renewed interest as they have undergone revitalization in recent years. With an influx of new businesses and remarkable efforts on the part of the DDA to promote economic improvements while preserving the city’s small-town charm, murals have strategically begun to appear around town. There is no doubt that thriving businesses are paramount to a town’s commercial development, however, Monroe has proven to be a little town filled with out-of-the-box thinkers and visionaries that have allowed for a one-of-a-kind culture to bloom. ◆

“Monroe has proven to be a little town filled with out-of-thebox thinkers and visionaries...”

THE MONROEVIAN

ISSUE 1

HISTORY

Movin toward Mo

n her book, Wayfarers in Walton, Anita Butts Sams describes the beautiful, rich land of Walton County and its first inhabitants, the Native Americans. Long before the early settlers came to Walton County, both Creeks and Cherokees occupied this area. Although Walton County was not an established tribal settlement, the Native Americans were frequent visitors and travelers through the area that would become Walton County and Monroe. Over the years as the Native Americans were moved out through a series of treaties, new counties were created to absorb the nativeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former territories. Georgia used a lottery system to distribute land to potential settlers. Lottery participants were chosen through different criteria such as those who served in the military. Six lotteries were conducted to populate the lands taken from the native inhabitants starting in 1805 and ending in 1832 with the Cherokee Land and Gold lotteries. Walton County was divided into districts and a militia unit was organized in each district to protect the people and land. For lack of a county court house, settlers held court in a makeshift building. During 1820, the weather was particularly harsh, and Waltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary courthouse, located at Cow-pens, was not stable enough to withstand the winds and snow.

ng onroe Members of the Monroe Brass Band sit proudly in their bandwagon purchased from Col. Giles defunct traveling circus in 1885. The band escorted gubernatorial candidate John B. Gordon to the Courthouse for a speech. Band members L-R: Hamp Hughes, J. M. Turner, Dave Hughes, Ben Edwards, J. W. Snow, James Snow, R. S. Pendergrass, Joe Wayne, and John T. Snow. Drivers: Wes Giles and Aaron Early

ISSUE 1

In 1821, there was increased talk about moving the court and county seat from Cow-pens to a small village three miles northwest. The little hamlet had expectantly taken on the name, Walton County House. This was soon to be changed to Monroe. Elisha Betts is credited with suggesting the village name be changed from Walton Court House to Monroe, honoring James Monroe, President at that time. Betts, who was from a prominent family in Virginia and a veteran of the War of 1812, had moved to Monroe in 1820. He purchased most of what today is downtown Monroe from Joshua B. Clarke. Clarke had drawn the 250 acres in the 1820 Lottery but did not care to move from his home in Jones County. Bett’s log home and store stood on the site of the Troy Theater near the northwest corner of Washington and Broad streets. The name change to Monroe was approved on February 23, 1821. Monroe would undergo many changes in 1821. During the summer, routes were laid out from the permanent county seat throughout the county and into adjoining counties. In July, the inferior court ordered half-acre town lots to be sold to raise money for the county treasury some of which would be used to build the first courthouse, a log structure costing $50 and standing on the same plot on Broad Street where our historic courthouse stands today. Six years later (1827), Monroe contained 41 houses, courthouse, jail, academy and a total of 11 stores, offices, and shops. In its future, many events would mark Monroe’s march of progress. One of the biggest leaps of progress was the establishment, in 1880, of the Walton Railroad by local investors connecting Monroe to the Georgia Railroad

line in Social Circle. Social Circle was the first stop connecting Augusta and Atlanta (Marthasville). Adding the 10 mile stretch from Social Circle to Monroe greatly increased the growth of the county seat. A second event of note was the establishment of the Monroe Guano Company, which brought a new way of doing business to Monroe. This endeavor marked the first time that Monroe stockholders combined their capital to start a business. Finally, the establishment of two banks in 1891 (The Bank of Monroe, which has become Synovus, and George Felker’s Bank which today is our Broad Street Pocket Park with vault still in place), allowed many to own their farms, homes, and businesses. From 1890 to 1900, the population of Monroe doubled from 982 to 1,846. According to B. S. Walker, whose resume included bank president, mill president, as well as being voted Monroe’s “Number One Citizen” by his peers, the defining moment in Monroe’s march of progress took place in 1896 when the town charter was surrendered, and we became the City of Monroe. For the first time, the codes and laws laid down by the Mayor and council had meaning for the citizens. As our town approached the beginning of the 20th century it seemed that we were headed for great things. Over the following years Monroe would see many changes, good, and not so good, but through the hard work and foresight of citizens, and citizen leaders, Monroe moved in a positive direction. Today we not only reap the benefits of decisions made by our pioneer citizens, but we have a sacred duty to strive for positive progress for our wonderful city’s future. ◆

The Historic Courthouse circa early 1900s

THE MONROEVIAN

EV E N TS RECURRING

: OCTOBE R - NOV E MBE R

FIRST THURSDAY ALIVE AFTER FIVE 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 19TH FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Lawn of the Monroe Cotton Mill

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 6TH COMMUNITY HOUSING FAIR 8:30 a.m. Community Building 602 E Church Street

NOVEMBER 1ST LIGHT UP THE NIGHT 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Downtown Monroe

OCTOBER 13TH PAWS IN THE PARK 8:30 a.m. Childers Park OCTOBER 13TH FALL FEST 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Downtown Monroe

NOVEMBER 8TH DECEMBER 20TH CANDLELIGHT SHOPPING Businesses open until 8 p.m. Downtown Monroe

If you have an upcoming event and would like to post it in The Monroevian, please email info@ themonroevian.com

ISSUE 1

S H E LT E R

OVERWHELMED to ORGANIZED s to r y b y

B O N N I E G E TC H E L L p h o to g ra p h y b y

C A R R I M A RT I N E Z B R I T TA N Y H AY E S B O N N I E G E TC H E L L

8 ORGANIZATION IDEAS FOR FALL It’s that time of year - the kids are back in school, sports practices have started, adults are back to their regular work schedules, and we’re all a little overwhelmed. While you probably can’t control how much you have going on in your life, you can control the feeling of chaos with a little organization around your home. If you’re finding it hard to get back into the swing of things, here are 8 ideas to take you from overwhelmed to organized!

THE MONROEVIAN

FA M ILY C A L E N DA R

Make sure everyone is on the same page with a family calendar! Hang it up in a centralized location in your home so everyone can use it and see it. It’s the perfect place to write down meetings, sports practices, or doctor’s appointments! It’s also a great way to make sure there’s carved out “family time” where everyone is intentionally devoted to spend time together. Gratuity Paper Company (www.gratuitypapercompany.com) has tons of adorable wall calendar options to choose from right downtown. If you’re up for a little DIY project, though, you can create your own wall calendar with chalkboard paint and chalk paint markers! Tape off the desired size of your calendar on a blank wall and paint it with chalkboard paint. Once it’s dry and cured, you can draw on a weekly or monthly calendar - whichever one works best for your family!

EN TRY WAY / M U DR O O M

An organized entryway like this mudroom from Monroevian Brittany Hayes, author of addisonswonderland.com, is what organizational dreams are made of! There’s a place for everything – hooks for backpacks and jackets, lower drawers for shoes, and higher cabinets for storage for mom and dad! Even if you don’t have a devoted room or built in space like this one, there are still ways to create an entryway that is functional for you. Add a small entry cabinet to hide away mail and other items, install hooks on the wall as you walk in your front door, create a charging station for all the electronics, or place a decorative bowl in a central location for car keys. While they may seem like small changes, these items will help with grab and go moments in the mornings, and will help control the chaos.

CLOT HI N G The hardest part of the morning is deciding what to wear. Take some of the strain out of your morning routine by setting out your clothes a day, or even a week, in advance. Simply lay an outfit out on top of your dresser or hang it in a closet where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to go. If you want to take it to the next level, purchase a plastic bin with 7 drawers and label the drawers with each day. The plastic bin is a great option for kids because you can put together their outfits, but they can access it on their own so they feel independent. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not feeling the plastic bin, our local Monroe antique stores are a fantastic place to find second hand furniture pieces. A cute vintage armoire with drawers and a place to hang outfits is a great alternative for organization with a little charm and character!

THE MONROEVIAN

HO ME WOR K / A R T AREA

Whether it’s in your child’s bedroom or in a common area like the living room, create a designated area for homework and art. Add a little table and chairs set that’s just their size or a cute easel. Creating a space that’s just for them will make it comfortable and inspiring to work on homework or color and paint. Most importantly, though, it keeps their homework and art supplies in one central location, rather than scattered all over the house. Store pencils, crayons, and other art supplies in cute jars or bins that are decorative but easy to access. You could also hang a cork board to show off their art or feature a great test grade that deserves extra praise and attention.

TOY STORAG E / SH ELVI NG Toy storage doesn’t have to be ugly or mismatched from the rest of your home. Purchase a large woven or wicker basket and tuck it under a coffee table, or put smaller baskets in a console cabinet that you can easily bring out during play time or hide away when you want them out of sight. For shelving, divide tall bookcases into top and bottom “sections” – the top is for styled décor (picture frames, vintage books, etc), and the bottom is for the kiddos! Again, you can use small baskets to disguise and organize toys, or you can line the shelves with colorful books from The Story Shop.

ISSUE 1

M EA L P L A NNING

The dreaded, “What’s for dinner?” question stops here! Carve out a little bit of time on a particular day of the week to plan your meals for the entire week. Grab a fun meal planner to get you motivated. There’s even a space for a grocery list so you only purchase items that you intend to make – this helps reduce food waste and the cost. Once you plan your meals and buy everything you need, there’s no guessing game every night on what you can throw together. You’ll spend more time around the table with your family rather than worrying about what you’re going to put on the table.

THE MONROEVIAN

G A R AG E For a lot of us, the garage holds more than our cars. We need extra storage for seasonal décor, tools and lawn equipment, bicycles, and other outside toys. Instead of letting things pile up and become cluttered, use a storage system that will maximize your space and help you save time in the long run. Monroevian Katie Bower, author of bowerpowerblog.com, provides the perfect example with her extensive garage organization. There’s a place for every single item and there’s still plenty of space for the cars – it’s a win-win! When it’s time to work on your next DIY project, you’ll know exactly where each tool is stored. When it’s time to bring out the Christmas décor, you’ll know exactly which bin to grab, too! Dedicating time to organize on spaces like this that are seemingly tedious and “boring” can save you so much time!

CHO RE L IS T You might be thinking, “This is all fine and dandy, but how do I keep it organized?” Get the whole family involved in taking care of the house with a chore chart. Assign each family member a task(s) that they should do each day or each week. Not only will this help keep your home organized efficiently, but having everyone participate and contribute creates the opportunity for more family time. A simple magnetic board with changeable chore magnets is a cute and functional option. Your chore chart could even be located by your family calendar to keep everything together and in view.

Here’s the hardest part of all: getting started! Organizing your home can feel like a huge task, but take it step by step. Implement one idea at a time and once you have a handle on that one, move on to the next. It does take time and a little bit of hard work, but it’s so worth it in the long run!

Which organizing idea was your favorite? If you have any additional ideas, take a picture and use the hashtag #MonroevianShelter! We’d love to feature your organizational ideas on our social media pages. ◆

ISSUE 1

Let's Talk

We want to get to know you, your audience, and your goals. Through that deep understanding, we create compelling visuals and effective messages that truly connect. buchananpublishing.co | 470.330.3535

THE MONROEVIAN