Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Top 5 Monrovia-Centric Safer-At-Home Activities

It’s a new day in Monrovia. Well, let’s be real here, it’s a new day all over the world. The first global pandemic in over 100 years is here, and it is no cause for celebration. If you’re anything like us, you’re feeling pretty unsettled right now, wondering what to do, how to do it, and for how long...it's overwhelming, we get it!

We want you to know that we are all in this together, and though City of Monrovia operations have been transformed over the last week or so, we are still here and thinking about how best to serve you, the people of Monrovia, during this time. So, with that, we have come up with a top 5 list of activities that will support the community, and hopefully somewhat ease your worries.

1.   Stay connected. The City’s website has a one-stop-COVID-shop that is incredibly informative and helpful! Check it out here. Also, your City Manager, Dylan Feik is committed to keeping the community informed through update emails, which he is sending out multiple times per week. You can read all of his updates and sign up to receive his emails here.

2.   Support local businesses. There are tons of ways that you can help to support Monrovia businesses at this time. Just because you can’t go in and browse in a shop does not mean that you can’t buy their merchandise. Many of our merchants have robust online ordering and delivery systems and several restaurants would be happy to pack you up a meal to go! Also, our friends at the Foothill Unity Center are still serving the public and are asking for your help. You can view a list of restaurants serving to-go patrons and a Foothill Unity Center wish list under the Support Local Restaurants and Organizations dropdown here. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce has information and resources for small business owners. You can reach out to the Chamber at their website.

3.   Take a healthy break. It seems like we are all plugged in all the time these days. When you start to get overwhelmed, take a break from the news and social media. Enjoy the view of the lovely Monrovia Foothills or take a walk or jog around your neighborhood and look for local landmarks. You might find the quintessential Craftsman house or some sidewalk poetry written by a Monrovia resident on your walk! Just remember to keep at least 6 feet from others and please be careful out there! It is all of our jobs right now to stay healthy and injury-free so as not to put any additional strain on our local first responders, urgent care centers, and hospitals.

4.   Watch your favorite Monrovia TV show or movie. Yes, we know, there aren’t any shows actually set in Monrovia. BUT, there are a few that have been filmed around town in the past few years. Offerings span every genre. For you lovers of thrillers, Birdbox starring Sandra Bullock is still available on Netflix. Not feeling something quite so end-of-the-world-ish right now? We totally get it. The comedy starring Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, The House, is on Amazon Prime. Want a little 1990s throwback drama? The new TV show Little Fires Everywhere with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington is just beginning its run on Hulu...and for that deep 1990s dive, look for the series Picket Fences which shot for four seasons here.  To get your fill of Monrovia eye-candy check out IMDb which lists over a hundred Monrovia based shows and movies.  Sounds like a marathon to us!

5.   Take care of each other. Finally, the absolute best thing that you can do for your Monrovia community is taking care of yourself, your family, and each other. Remember that we are all a little stressed and anxious right now.  And if we put love in all of your interactions we will get through this together.

Still have time on your hands?  It might be time to revisit all your favorite of our blog posts, perhaps starting with the post that started it all

Thank you for being supportive of your community during this strange and unsettling time. We are confident that we will emerge from this with a new understanding and appreciation for each other. Be well, Monrovia!