The Morning Thing is celebrating National Gratitude Month. What are you grateful for today?

We have turned the calendar to new month! November is a special month on our calendar as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving.
You don’t have to wait until 11/28 to be thankful. You can show gratitude today!

National Gratitude Month began in 2015, thanks to Stacey Grewal, an author and inspirational speaker. She wanted a dedicated time to focus on gratitude, which led to the month-long celebration every November. Click HERE to read more about how this special emphasis started.

DaysoftheYear.com shares some ideas on to celebrate.

How to Celebrate National Gratitude Month

Start a Gratitude Journal

Grab a notebook and start jotting down three things you appreciate every day. It can be anything from your cozy slippers to a delicious slice of pie.

Flipping through these notes later will remind you of all the wonderful moments you’ve had.

Send Thank-You Notes

Handwrite thank-you notes to friends, family, or colleagues. Imagine the surprise when they find a heartfelt note in their mailbox!

This small gesture can brighten someone’s day and strengthen your connections.

Create a Gratitude Jar

Find an empty jar and decorate it with stickers and ribbons. Every day, write down something you’re thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it in. At the end of the month, read all the slips and relive the joy.

Host a Gratitude Party

Invite friends over for a gratitude-themed party. Ask everyone to share something they’re grateful for. Add fun activities like making gratitude crafts or sharing thank-you cards.

This party will leave everyone feeling appreciated and uplifted.

Volunteer in Your Community

Spare some time to volunteer at a local charity or community center. Helping others can boost your gratitude.

Whether it’s serving meals, cleaning up a park, or mentoring kids, your efforts will make a difference.

How will you celebrate gratitude today? Let us know at wnzr@mvnu.edu

WNZR’s Cougar Conversation with Peyton Heiss

WNZR’s Cougar Conversation today features freshman Peyton Heiss from the MVNU Men’s Basketball Team. He is from Plain City, Ohio.

Peyton started playing basketball at the age of 6. One of his favorite memories is learning the sport with his Dad as his coach. Their strong relationship was built during this special time in his life.

He plays guard/forward for the Cougars and is excited to join a team that plays hard every day.

Peyton talks about the RULECougar culture. He is learning how to put others before himself. RULE stands for Relentless Effort, Unbreakable Spirit, Servant Leadership and Competitive Excellence.

Rapid Fire reveals his favorite superhero, what is on his bucket list and what can instantly make his day better.

Enjoy the Conversation!

Today is Food For The Hungry Kick-Off Day!

It is Food For The Hungry Kickoff Day!
Today, we celebrate a legacy of giving that started in 1982.
2024 marks the 43rd Anniversary of this incredible campaign.

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with the new Food For The Hungry Executive Director, Kathy Brechler and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

The ladies covered many topics about this year’s drive:

  • 2024 Drive Goal of $330,000
  • Why the goal has increased
  • The power of $1.00 at the Mid Ohio Food Collective ($1.00 – $4.56)
  • The Value of volunteers and how you can get involved
  • This is a local effort and donations stay right here in Knox County
  • Upcoming events to support the campaign
  • Summer Grant Program (15 local organizations received grants for a total of $29,500)
  • Top 10 needed food items
  • Healthy Donation Guide
  • How to stay connected

The ladies also shared powerful stories of how residents have been impacted by these donations. They also shared about their summer visits to several of our local pantries that benefit from FFTH.

Your generosity is astounding each year and we believe this will be another fantastic season of giving to support the FFTH mission of alleviating hunger in Knox County.
We invite you to get involved! Donate, Volunteer, Host an Event/Collection, or Attend an Event!

To learn more, visit http://www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org
Food For The Hungry – Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors.

The Morning Thing Friday Favorites 11/1/24

Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing celebrated National Jersey Day. The show hosts shared about their favorite athletes.

Click HERE to hear from our hosts.

Marcy likes Elly De La Cruz from the Cincinnati Reds
Shawn likes Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors
Xander likes Derwin James Jr. of the Los Angeles Clippers

Are you ready for some Fall Family Fun?!

Today on The Morning Thing, we shared some ideas to spend more time as a family this fall! The weather will be changing soon so lets enjoy the beautiful weather and colors.

Click HERE to see 20 ways to spend time as a family this fall season!

Here are some of our favorites:

  • Host a family movie night
  • Cook together
  • Make a thankful wall
  • Color together
  • Go out for breakfast
  • Make s’mores
  • Go bowling with pumpkins

Let us know what you do for family fun! Email wnzr@mvnu.edu

Looking for a fall weekend getaway?

The Morning Thing is here to help! Today, we shared a list of charming Ohio towns to visit this fall for a perfect weekend getaway.

Ohio.org has compiled a list of places to visit, stay and enjoy for individuals and families.
See the list HERE.

If you take a trip, we would love to have you share your stories and favorite places to visit. Please email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu
We would also love to see your pictures!

WNZR celebrates National Cat Day

Today is a day to celebrate our feline friends. National Cat Day started in 2005 as a day to celebrate cats but also bring attention to the plight of the domestic cat, particularly those who don’t live in happy homes.

Read more about National Cat Day HERE.

Today, The Morning Thing shared some insight for cat lovers. There are 5 feline personality types. Which does your cat have?

  1. Neurotic
  2. Extraverted
  3. Dominant
  4. Impulsive  
  5. Agreeable  

Click HERE to read the full article from Meowingtons.com about these personalities and how to help your cat live a happy healthy life.

Click HERE to find a survey to discover your cat’s personality.

WNZR honors First Responders today

Today is National First Responders Day. This day offers us a chance to show thanks and appreciation to the men and women who stand ready to play a crucial part in saving lives whenever and wherever the need arises.

Emergency medical services are on the job when something bad happens. Before even getting to the hospital, these workers meet people at a vital time that can mean the difference between life and death, trained to help in whatever the crisis might be.

Read more about this special day HERE from DaysOfTheYear.com

How will you celebrate this special day?
Here are some ideas from DaysOfTheYear.com

Thank a First Responder

Send a thank you note to a first responder who was helpful in a difficult situation. If they can’t be thanked by name, perhaps a note can be sent to their precinct to let them know how helpful they have been and how much their availability is appreciated.

Host a National First Responders Day Event

Those who are well connected in their communities might want to consider holding an event in honor of National First Responders Day, held at a local school, library or community center. Coordinate with local fire departments, Emergency Medical Services providers, police departments and more to get organized. Then invite the community to get involved with their support and appreciation to the variety of first responders who are such an important part of keeping everyone safe and healthy!

Support the All Clear Foundation

Working to provide resources, build support and create partnerships that benefit the community and those working in the field of first responders, the All Clear Foundation is a charitable organization. They work to improve the overall wellbeing of those who serve their communities through first responder jobs.

Getting involved with the All Clear Foundation for National First Responders Day can be as simple as making a donation to the organization or volunteering to help raise awareness and sharing resources with the world. Opportunities range from raising donations on Facebook to using AmazonSmile to taking advantage of employer match programs.

October 2024 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 10/25/24.
We also talked with special guest Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

Topics included:

  • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. He shares the progress of these projects:
    • Mansfield Road
    • Moving Lime, making it available for farmers
  • Mayor Starr gives updates on other projects for the City:
    • Demolition Work has begun on the Splash Pad for Riverside Park
    • Harmony Playground
    • Water Meter and Flood Plane Elevation Study on the West End
    • Water Line inventory for EPA compliance
    • Courthouse and Police Station Design Requests
    • Mayor Starr shares an update in the City Auditor’s in the City Auditor’s Position and the appointment of a permanent auditor. Paul Mayville has been sworn in and is working hard with his team to find the best systems for the city.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • The dedication of “Liberty Plaza” at American Heritage Park, 10/28 at 10am
    • Collective Bargaining Agreement with Ohio Civil Service Employees Association
    • Training and certifications for city employees
    • Pay Grades for the workforce
    • Servitus Event
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • Recognition for Lieutenant Rex Young from the Ohio Attorney General’s office for scenario-based training
    • Service Call Stats for September
    • Community Advocate stats for September
  • Mayor Starr shares an update from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Swearing In Ceremony
    • Fire Prevention Week Annual Open House
    • Daylight Savings Time ends 11/3. It is a good time to check the batteries in your smoke detectors.
  • Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr is joined by Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation for our Spotlight. Jeff talks about several businesses that have recently closed in Mount Vernon – Big Lots and Ride Aid Pharmacy. These are corporate chain stores.
  • Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about a projected decline in Ohio’s population. He shares the trends that we are seeing in the city of Mount Vernon. He shares stats on our aging population and birth rates.

    He shares that we should focus on 3 things:
    1. keep building housing that is a mix of types and price points
    2. quality of life issues (parks, restaurants, retails, downtown attractions, outdoor activities)
    3. attracting and retaining young people and young families
  • Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talks about his trip with Knox Pages to Sherwood, Oregon to gather information about how an Intel plant impacted an area that is similar to Mount Vernon. The project is called “Intel – Beyond the Chip”.
    • He talks about the main goals of this trip.
    • He shares what the group has discovered so far and who they have been talking to in this community.
    • He also shares the information that the group wants to share with our city administration and also with the residents of our community.
  • Mayor Starr and Jeff Gottke, President of the Area Development Foundation talk about the upcoming Comprehensive Plan update on 10/29 at 5:30pm at The Woodward Opera House.
    • The public was asked to provide feedback on things they treasure about Knox County and identify specific spots around the county that need to be replicated or improved.
    • 1,200 participants
    • 10,000 different pieces of data
    • They have a robust data set.
    • This data will be presented to the public with 10 principles with goals under each principle.
    • A panel discussion with experts on rural growth will happen at 6pm.
    • After the panel, stations will be setup around the Woodward Theater in the hallway where the public can view the data and provide their feedback.
    • The next step will be to put all feedback into a draft plan that will then be presented to the public.
    • There will be 4 different opportunities for residents to public input. 
  • Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shares a list of events on the November Calendar:
    – Leaf Pickup for the City (and instructions)
    – Trick or Treating is October 31, 5:30pm – 7pm
  • Mayor Starr shares his immediate goals for November:
    – Comprehensive Plan Engagement – go to togetherknox.org and participate in sharing feedback
    – City Budget Process
    – Ironing out issues in the Auditor’s Office, updating software and simplifying the bill paying and payroll procedures
    – Election Day is Tuesday, 11/5 – Mayor Starr encourages everyone to vote

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • X – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio

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