Monrovia Now: News and Comment about Monrovia, California

Foothill Unity Center looking for volunteers for Thanksgiving food distribution

Foothill Unity Center is looking for volunteers to help with its Thanksgiving season distributions. Here are some opportunities:

Packing, sorting and prepping meal boxes

Thursday, 11/13, 1-4:30 p.m. – Sign-up here

Monday, 11/17, 8:30-11:30 a.m. – Sign-up here

Monday, 11/17, 1-4:30 p.m. – Sign-up here

Operation Gobble packing

Thursday, 11/20, 8:30-11:30 a.m. - Sign-up here

Thursday, 11/20, 1-4 p.m. - Sign-up here

Friday, 11/21, 8:30-11:30 a.m. - Sign-up here

Friday, 11/21, 1-4 p.m. - Sign-up here

There are also opportunities in Pasadena. See here for details.

- Brad Haugaard

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Maximus, a well-mannered and gentle giant, is for free in November

Maximus is a 9-year-old brown pit bull mix at Pasadena Humane who is all heart and ready for a new beginning. An Eaton Fire survivor who lost his home, this gentle giant hasn’t let hardship dim his spirit. Calm, affectionate, and well-mannered – according to his beloved foster family - Maximus is potty trained, sleeps soundly through the night, and is a perfect gentleman in the house.

He enjoys leisurely walks, relaxing in the sun, and soaking up affection from everyone he meets. Maximus would do best as the only dog in the home, where he can be the center of attention and love.

Come meet Maximus at Pasadena Humane — and take him (or another senior sweetheart) home for free this November during Senior Pet Month!

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines.

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 10:00 – 5:00. View photos of adoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone calls or email.

- Brad Haugaard

A Moment in Monrovia History: A thank-you card to a beloved teacher

A 1949 handcrafted card to Yetta (Dexter) Anson from three of her students thanking her for her 50 years as a teacher - from 1899 to 1949. Click it to enlarge. From the Steve Baker collection. For more views of the card and full details, click 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

Air-Tro offering new furnace to home with oldest furnace

Monrovia's Air-Tro (heating and air conditioning) company will give away a free, new high-efficiency gas furnace (up to $3,000 value), plus installation, to whichever single-family homeowner has the oldest working warm air, gas-fired furnace. Open to residents of Monrovia and other local cities. Enter here by Dec. 12, 2025. Qualifying non-winners will receive a $500 coupon toward a new furnace.

- Brad Haugaard

Firefighters donate to burn foundation

Monrovia Firefighters have donated $500 to the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation through its Firefighters’ Union annual donation.

- Brad Haugaard

Low-stimulation morning for neurodivergent children Nov. 22

Sensory-Friendly Morning provides a low-stimulation experience for neurodivergent children ages 2 to 11. Held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 in the Library Youth Services Area, the event includes sensory toys, art supplies, and books in a calm environment. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Hands-on creative play for kids during Thanksgiving break

Children ages 5–12 may drop in between 12 to 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 for Makerspace Exploration in the Library’s Story Room. Participants can create, play, and tinker with various materials in an open, exploratory setting. No registration required. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Children can create Thanksgiving craft at Library, Nov. 25

Create a festive Thanksgiving craft at the Library on Tuesday, Nov. 25, from 12 to 2 p.m., open to children to age 11 with accompanying adults. No registration required. Drop-offs are not allowed. Details.

- Brad Haugaard

Yoga Saturday at Kiwanis Park, Nov. 8

Yoga tomorrow morning (Nov. 8) at Kiwanis Park, led by Sal Chavez of Lead the Way Fitness. Hosted by the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness and Recreation Foundation, Check-in at 8:45 a.m. Participants should bring a mat, water, towel, sunscreen or bug spray, and a suggested $5 donation. Email empower@monroviapwr.org for details.

- Brad Haugaard

Second Baptist Church opens bookstore at church

Second Baptist Church has opened a new on-site bookstore offering spiritual and inspirational materials. The SBC Bookstore, 925 S Shamrock Ave, is open Sundays from 12 to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For details, call 358-2136.

- Brad Haugaard

Scholarship Gala will honor local sports alumni

The Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association will hold a Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the DoubleTree, honoring Monrovia and Duarte alumni who have made an impact in professional sports. Dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and a Best Sports Outfit contest. Email mdbaainfo@gmail.com for questions. Tickets are $75 and available on Eventbrite , Zelle (mdbaainfo@gmail.com), or buy paper tickets at Simply Divine Beauty Supply (301 W. Huntington Dr.).

- Brad Haugaard

Get rid of e-waste by your curb Nov. 13

Free curbside e-waste collection for Monrovia residents will take place Thursday, Nov. 13, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Residents must complete a pick-up form and place items at the curb by 7:30 a.m. Accepted items include computers, phones, and tablets. Large appliances require separate pickup through Athens Services. Self-service drop-off is also available at the Monrovia Public Works Yard (600 S Mountain Ave), Monday through Thursday between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

- Brad Haugaard