A Moment in Monrovia History: Easter decorations at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in early 1900s

St. Luke's Episcopal Church at Easter in the early 1900s. This is where May Baker (who apparently took this picture) and Jack Hosfield were married and where she attended with her third husband, George Frederick Roberts. From the Steve Baker collection. See full details here.

For more historic photos and papers, see the Monrovia Historical Society’s complete Legacy Project collection here. Learn more about the Monrovia Historical Society here.

- Brad Haugaard

California Teacher of the year explains how her dwarfism helps in teaching

Here's a video clip of Dr. Heather Povinelli, a Teacher of the Year for the state of California, who teaches at Monrovia's Bradoaks School, explaining how her dwarfism is an asset to her teaching.

Pie Life Pizza plans New York themed mural

The planned Pie Life Pizza restaurant (in the previous Old Town Pizza on the east side of Myrtle across from the Library) is asking the city's Development Review Committee to approve a monochrome mural showing a New York–inspired scene featuring trains, streets, and city movement that links Pie Life Pizza to classic New York pizza culture, and, outdoor seating.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire engulfs vehicle on E. Hillcrest

Monrovia Fire and Rescue reports that its Engine 101 battled a vehicle fire this morning on E. Hillcrest. The fire was quickly contained, exposures protected, and no injuries reported. The cause remains under investigation. Photos by Monrovia Fire and Rescue.

- Brad Haugaard

Current Local Job Opportunities - November

Here are links to the latest job opportunities for Monrovia:

Monrovia School District 

City of Monrovia 

Private 

Also, drop by America's Job Center of California at the Monrovia Community Adult School at 920 S. Mountain Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday or Wednesday, or from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

- Brad Haugaard

Hands-on gardening for children at the Library Nov. 8

A hands-on gardening session for children ages 6 to 11, from 12 to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Library Story Room. Introduces kids to veggie gardening through soil exploration and seed planting. Registration opens Nov. 3 at 10 a.m. and requires adult participation. Details. 

- Brad Haugaard

Celebrating Games Month at the Library, Nov. 15

International Games Month at the Library on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Attendees of all ages can create game-themed crafts, play Nintendo Switch titles, compete in Super Smash battles, and enter a Mario Kart tournament. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Stargazing party at Library Nov. 18

"Families Read Together: Star Party" will take place Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Library's Community Room. For all ages. Presented by the LA Astronomical Society, the event includes telescope viewing, story time, crafts, and free books while supplies last. Registration required; outdoor activities so dress appropriately. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Thanksgiving gathering and Christmas tree lighting Nov. 20 in Library Park

The city's Thanksgiving gathering and Christmas tree lighting will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Library Park. Live entertainment, community booths, crafts, photo ops, and rides. The tree will be lit with a special guest at 6 p.m. Call 256‑8246 for more information.

- Brad Haugaard

100 pies to benefit school and community gardens

Food ED’s Pie‑Palooza fundraiser aims to bake 100 pies to benefit school and community gardens. In partnership with Jenna’s Pies and Foothill Unity Center. Contribute any amount to gift a pie or give $100 to receive one during Thanksgiving week. Details here.

- Brad Haugaard

Girl Scout Native American Heritage fundraiser Nov. 16

Girl Scout Troop 6371 will host a Native American Heritage Celebration Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Duarte Elks Lodge. Cultural crafts and a presentation by Vanessa Gauche of the Gabrieleno/Tongva San Gabriel Band. Tickets: $25 for Girl Scouts, $20 for non-Girl Scouts and adults, available here.

- Brad Haugaard

Centre Stage to present Shrek, the Musical at IFGF Church

Centre Stage Monrovia and IFGF Church will present Shrek the Musical Nov. 6–9 at IFGF Church, at the corner of Palm and Primrose.

Thursday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost from $25 General Admission to $35 VIP and are available here. 

- Brad Haugaard

Historic walking tour of Monrovia tomorrow, Nov. 1

Explore Monrovia’s past during a two-hour walking Tour beginning 10 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 1, at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Palm. Learn about local history from 1886 to today, including about the city’s former Carnegie Library. Cost is $5 per person.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Dr. Heather Povinelli named as statewide Teacher of the Year

Monrovia School District's Dr. Heather Povinelli, who teaches at Bradoaks Elementary Science Academy, has been selected as a statewide Teacher of the Year, an award given to just five teachers across the state. 

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said that at Bradoaks "she is constantly inspired by seeing her students learn to exceed their own expectations of themselves. As someone who has dwarfism, Dr. Povinelli uses her own disability as an opportunity to teach students about inclusion, equity, and belief in oneself. Through her doctoral research, Dr. Povinelli has highlighted specific strategies and practices used by dwarf teachers that can be applied by any teacher to more effectively reach every child.”

Monrovia Unified School District Board President Rob Hammond said, "The State of California will now know what we in Monrovia have known for years, Dr. Heather Povinelli is not only a great teacher but a great advocate for student success. On behalf of the Board of Education, and our entire community, we extend our congratulations to Dr. Povinelli on being named California Teacher of the Year."

- Brad Haugaard

Pasadena Humane rescues more than 90 small animals from Arcadia

Pasadena Humane has rescued  31 mice and 63 hamsters from next-door Arcadia in what it says is the largest small animal hoarding case in its recent history. Most are healthy, with one hamster under treatment for scabbing and minor swelling in a hind leg. With more births expected, the shelter seeks adopters for these pets. Adoption fees are $10–$15 each, with a limit of four same-sex animals per adopter.

- Brad Haugaard