BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER

CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY.™

CASAs are volunteers who are 21+ appointed by the Court to give a voice to children who have been impacted by abuse or neglect. Children fare better with a CASA volunteer by their side. Studies have shown:

Local Monroe Spirits

Route 2 Taproom

19837 US-2 www.route2taproom.com

Founded by beer lovers, Route 2 prides itself on its rotating selection of fine Pacific Northwest craft brews. Recently featured are from Pullman, Tukwila, Gervais, OR., and San Leandro, CA., among others.

The taproom also has classic pub-fare food (burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, and appetizers), as well as live music, game nights, and themed trivia nights. Owners Stephanie and Frank say they are “intently driven” to provide customers top-notch food and beverages.

Lewis & Main Restaurant & Brewery

104 North Lewis Street www.lewisandmain.com

Lewis & Main pairs local craft beer and wine with American Farmhouse cuisine, including Waygu burgers, duck breast, grilled chicken, ratatouille, and steak. Its mission is to “provide a relaxing, safe and clean haven” where patrons can “make lasting memories together.”

Recent beer selections included Chuckanut Kolsch, bourbon barrel stout, and Sumerian pilsner. Specialty cocktails included a chocolate martini and maple old-fashioned. Pick-up orders are available from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

King Lake Cellars

22819 King Lake Road www.kinglakecellars.com

King Lake is a boutique winery that produces an annual maximum of 1,000 cases and does not sell in stores. Customers can join its wine club to receive monthly bottles and discounts or call to arrange direct purchases.

Its winemaker is a former geotechnical engineer, so King Lake wines are “steeped deep in the earth in the most literal and figurative sense possible.” The tasting room is open 12:00-6:00 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.

Burnt Barrel

Whiskey Bar

102 East Main Street www.facebook.com/ burntbarrelwhiskeybarmonroe

With more than 20 different menu cocktails, you’re bound to find something that tickles your taste buds at Burnt Barrel. Two customer favorites are the Whiskey Sour, featuring housemade Rosemary simple syrup, and the Dirty Shirley, with white whiskey and raspberry liqueur.

Burnt Barrel curates whiskey from local distilleries such as Jalapeno Scotch, Washington Apple, and Tennessee Fire Apple to craft cocktails. It also serves snack plates of gourmet meats, cheeses, nuts, and crackers.

The Lodge at Sonneveldt Vineyard

27722 Fern Bluff Road www.thelodgeatsonneveldtvineyard.com

When Scott and Jennifer Sonneveldt discovered a 110-yearold grape vine growing up the side of a dilapidated barn on their new 12-acre hilltop property, they decided to open a winery.

Being new to the Monroe scene, their website is under development. The Lodge doesn’t want to become “too commercial,” Jennifer says. It mostly holds weekend wine tasting and karaoke events, where winebibbers can relax and soak in stunning Cascade views.

boosting futures: Exploring new programs to support kids and families

BY RACHEL ADAMS, CITY OF MONROE HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATOR

This summer, Miracles and Memories Academy, Monroe’s nonprofit community respite program supporting families of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is eagerly preparing to host its highly anticipated second annual summer day camp for individuals with disabilities and their siblings. This inclusive and exciting summer activity provides a specialized and nurturing environment for children who may require additional care and support.

Miracles and Memories Summer Camp is a holistic program designed to create unforgettable experiences while fostering personal growth, resilience, and self-confidence in children. The camp offers a wide range of activities that cater to diverse interests and abilities, including outdoor adventures, sports, creative arts, and interactive workshops. Through these activities, campers have the opportunity to develop important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication.

At Miracles and Memories Summer Camp, dedicated and experienced staff members serve as positive role models, ensuring that every child feels supported and encouraged throughout their journey. The camp takes pride in its inclusive approach, welcoming children from all walks of life and providing equal opportunities for participation. This fosters a sense of belonging, acceptance, and camaraderie among the campers, creating a truly enriching and empowering experience for all.

The camp will take place during the months of July and August, allowing ample time for children to engage in a variety of activities and forge lifelong memories. For more detailed information about the camp’s philosophy, offerings, and registration process, interested individuals can visit the Miracles and Memories Academy website at www. miraclesandmemoriesacademy.org.

In addition to the Miracles and Memories Summer Camp, Take the Next Step, a well-respected nonprofit organization, and Monroe’s Family Resource Center, offers an exciting opportunity for young athletes in Monroe through its Sports Scholarship Program. This program aims to provide valuable opportunities to talented athletes who face financial barriers hindering their ability to pursue their passion.

The success of this program was made possible through an American Rescue Plan Award, provided by the City of Monroe in 2021. Take the Next Step was awarded $10,000, enabling them to provide 61 Sports and Activities Scholarships to the Monroe community. The positive outcomes and impact of the pilot program has paved the way for an ongoing partnership. Pursuit Fitness will now partner with Take the Next Step to continue the Sports and Activities Scholarship program.

The motivation behind offering these scholarships was rooted in the understanding of the positive impacts that being involved in a sport or activity can bring. Take the Next

Step has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of participation, with children who have experienced loss or faced challenging circumstances finding solace and support through activities such as Ju Jitsu, soccer, or cheerleading.

Take the Next Step aims to facilitate access to these activities for Monroe’s low-income families and individuals facing extenuating circumstances, enabling them to reap the benefits of participation and find community support. The Scholarship Program provides valuable opportunities for students to explore various interests and passions, including art classes, robotics, music, and more. The purpose of the Scholarship Program is to remove financial barriers that may hinder students’ ability to pursue their interests.

For more information and details about the application process, individuals can contact Sarah Lunstrum at sarah@ttns.org.

With the Miracles and Memories Summer Camp and the Take the Next Step’s Sports Scholarship Program, Monroe is truly a community dedicated to nurturing the potential and well-being of its youth. These programs not only create opportunities for growth and achievement but also promote inclusivity, equality, and a sense of belonging. By investing in the future of young residents, Monroe is setting a shining example of the transformative power of how participating in positive activities can shape the lives of children and foster a stronger, more vibrant community.