The new Old Town Monrovia report: Picture perfect weather for Memorial Day weekend

Opinion by Shawn Spencer

Monrovia was postcard perfect this Memorial Day weekend — the library adorned with flags that waved majestically in the breeze. They reminded us of the solemnity of the holiday. Many of us have family and friends that we remembered this weekend, proudly and with love. I hope we all know that the holiday is not about the BBQ; it is about the sacrifice that our service men and women have given for our nation. The thanks we owe as a people, is endless. We can enjoy a gorgeous weekend, be it at a Memorial Day ceremony or with friends and family. We can do that and so much more thanks to all who have served in our armed forces. We all know that our military protects us from terrorism and international threats, but what we often forget is the military’s role in protecting our universal human rights and our four basic freedoms: freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech and freedom of worship. To all the heroes that have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can barbeque with our families: Thank you.

We have some changes in Old Town! I am so very pleased to announce that our beloved library is now open for regular hours! Monday thru Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Thursday thru Saturday noon – 5 p.m. For those of you who are not ready to venture out in public, curbside pick-up is still available. Just in time to get your kiddos ready for those summer reading logs!

Alas, Paradis Ice Cream is no longer … but have no fear! It is only a name change. Monrovia Ice Cream is under the same ownership and using the same recipes as the store formerly known as Paradis. Some people disagree, saying the ice cream does not taste the same. I can’t really argue, since I haven’t been to the newly named ice-creamery. However, the owner swears it’s the same. So, please, go try the ice cream. What do you think? Does it taste the same? Could the difference in taste be psychological? Either way, I’m sure it is delicious. Summer is almost here, so let’s support this business as we would any other.

Remember, our dollars are better spent in town! Why? Because of the multiplier effect!

Local small business owners will often use other small businesses within the community, such as banks, accountants, printers, etc. The small business and the local businesses they use will, in turn, hire locally. Every dollar spent at a local business multiplies itself throughout the community, strengthening its economic base. As money passes through more hands within Monrovia, more local people will actually benefit from it.

In July, minimum wage goes up to $15 per hour. Great news for the payee! Not so great for the payer. With high rents and the cost of doing business, this is a blow to the small business owner. What about us: the end user? We all want fair pay for employees. The problem as I see it, is that minimum wage jobs were never meant for a mother or father supporting a family. These jobs are for teenagers and/or college students; first jobs, not careers. Times have certainly changed and I definitely do not claim to have the answer to this. While supporting fair pay, I can also say that I do not want to pay $25 for a hamburger. What is a small business supposed to do? While big box stores are closing left and right, due to online purchasing, what’s next for a lot of restaurants? Take-out only? Robotic order takers? On the tail end of COVID, I sure wish our restaurants the best of luck. You guys have been hit pretty hard. I, for one, appreciate your perseverance!

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