🌱 Patch AM: Need a kid-free night after the holidays in Monroe?

Hello Monroe! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Need a kid-free night after the holidays in Monroe?
• Which Monroe grads just walked at Piedmont University’s fall commencement?
• Ready to finally learn knitting at Monroe’s cozy Sunday series?

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 75 and low of 53 degrees.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and warm, temps: high: 71, low: 57.
• Friday: Increasing cloudiness, with a high of 70 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Walton County YMCA offers a ‘Parents Night Out' Jan. 2 (monroelocal.org) — Monroe parents looking for a post-holiday breather can drop kids ages 4–12 at the Walton County YMCA’s glow-in-the-dark Parent’s Night Out on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. From 6–8:30 p.m., children enjoy a neon dance party while adults get a quiet evening, with member and non-member pricing available and open eligibility for the community.
   

• Local students receive degrees at Piedmont University Fall Commencement (monroelocal.org) — Several Monroe residents have just earned degrees from Piedmont University’s fall commencement, including graduates in education, special education, and other fields. The ceremony in Demorest recognized more than 190 students, giving local Monroe grads fresh credentials that could soon benefit area schools and businesses.
   

• Looking for a new skill to learn in the new year – how about knitting? (monroelocal.org) — Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts is offering a three-session beginner knitting series on Sunday afternoons, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 2026, for $48. Taught by Jeannie Smith, the cozy class in Monroe welcomes ages 16+ with no experience needed, but you’ll need to register by Jan. 10 and check the online supply list.
   

📸 Around Monroe

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📣 Monroe Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• ActionMEMBERS
  When Pigs Fly BBQ , 118 N Wayne St. , Monroe
  10:30 am
• Atmosphere Loganville Wednesday 8PM w/late entry until 10:30PM
  Atmosphere Sports Bar , 540 Athens Hwy , Loganville
  8:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Harvest Gala Fundraiser 2025
  138 Park Ave Business Suites , 138 Park Avenue , Winder
  5:00 pm
• Philanthropy Grill – Loganville, GA
  Jersey Peach Bar & Grill , 2715 Loganville Hwy SW Suite 720 , Loganville
  7:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Network Barrow
  Barrow County Chamber of Commerce , #6 Porter St. , Winder
  9:00 am
• Community Campfire & S'mores on the House!
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  7:00 pm
• Atmosphere Loganville Friday 8PM w/late entry until 10:30PM *Event Room*
  Atmosphere Sports Bar , 540 Athens Hwy , Loganville
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Loop Around the Lake
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  9:00 am
• LuminaFit™ Glow Gala: The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out
  Ember and Ivy , 270 Main St , Loganville
  6:00 pm
• Dueling Pianos in Winder!
  Finished Goods Brew Werks , 56 E Candler St , Winder
  7:00 pm

Tuesday December 30

• Walton County Duals
  Loganville High School , 100 Trident Trail , Loganville
  10:00 am

Thursday January 1

• First Day Hike 2026
  Fort Yargo State Park , 210 South Broad Street , Winder
  9:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Work ON your business rather than IN your business - PART 3 —Kerry Welch Read on Patch

• Blue story
  A man surrendered his dog to me her name is blue. She is part of my family now. And I am grateful of finding a sweet dog. The man I got blue from is… (Nextdoor E Church St/Madison Ave)
• Good afternoon.
  I was gifted a FROZEN Turkey. I'll be going to my family for Christmas, so I do not need it. I can cook it if someone prefers a COOKED one, but it… (Nextdoor Mill Village)

• Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member, Petsense in Monroe. Apply here.
• Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Senior Shift Leader in Monroe. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Monroe here.

🗞 Nearby News

Social Circle

• Camden, Freedom dominate 14th Knockout Classic (aroundosceola.com)
• Tariffs Are Moving the Needle for Manufacturing, Distribution Demand on the I-85 Industrial Corridor (rebusinessonline.com)

Loganville

• Berry College announces local students on Fall Dean's List (monroelocal.org)
• Gwinnett parents who fought redistricting plan inspire district to change course (wsbtv.com)
• Texas' top 2026 defensive pledge makes national headlines with major honor (hookemheadlines.com)

Winder

Ok Monroe! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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