Category: family

Taking Steps Toward Hope: How The Winter Sanctuary Is Changing Lives in Mount Vernon

Recently, Joe Springer, Executive Director of The Winter Sanctuary, sat down with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart to talk about something close to his heart — serving our homeless neighbors and inviting the community to get involved.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Joe has been the Executive Director for just over a year, but his connection with The Winter Sanctuary runs much deeper. He’s been serving there for a decade. The Sanctuary is a seasonal emergency homeless shelter and advocacy program — and notably, it’s the only homeless shelter within 25 minutes of Mount Vernon. During the coldest months of the year, it becomes a lifeline for individuals who would otherwise be facing the brutal Ohio winter alone.

One of the biggest ways the community can support this mission is through the Coldest Night of the Year event, happening February 28th. This meaningful 5K walk (you can run or walk!) begins and ends at Gay Street United Methodist Church, located at 18 North Gay Street. The event kicks off at 4:00 PM, with walkers stepping off at 5:00 PM — and yes, there will be food afterward!

The event isn’t just about logging miles. It’s about awareness. It’s about stepping outside — literally — to experience just a glimpse of what winter can feel like for someone without shelter. Joe shared how many people don’t realize what it’s like to live outside in the woods during freezing temperatures. The walk is meant to build empathy while raising the funds needed to keep the shelter open and fully staffed.

Participants form teams and raise funds — $150 per adult and $75 per child — to support the mission. If you’d like to donate or start a team, visit CONY.com. You can also learn more through their website, thewintersanctuary.com, which links directly to the event page.

Although the shelter operates seasonally and closes at the end of April, their advocacy program runs year-round, helping guests move toward independence and stability. And right now, they need volunteers — people willing to lend their time and hands to make a difference.

Joe even brought along one of the event’s signature knit hats that participants receive — a simple but powerful symbol of warmth and solidarity.

Beyond donations and participation, Joe has one more request: prayer. Pray for the fundraiser. Pray for the volunteers. Pray especially for those currently experiencing homelessness. And pray as The Winter Sanctuary works toward securing a permanent location to continue expanding its impact.

If you’re looking for a tangible way to make a difference this winter, this is it. Bundle up. Show up. Walk in solidarity.

Click HERE to find out more about The Winter Sanctuary!

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You can have fun celebrating Valentine’s Day as a family

Valentine’s Day is coming soon – this Saturday! Do you have special plans? How about creating a new tradition for the entire family? These are fun ideas that involve everyone, including the kids!

Click HERE to see the complete list and details for each activity from sugarspiceandglitter.com

Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Family

1. Special Valentine’s Breakfast or Meal Together. 

2. Take Family Pictures.

3. Valentine’s Scavenger Hunt. 

4. Random Acts of Kindness.

5. Balloon Surprise!

6. Make a Special Treat Together. 

7. What I Love About You! Spend some time showering your family with words of affirmation and taking turns telling each other all of the things you love about each other.

8. Visit or Acknowledge a Departed Loved One. 

9. Watch a Timeless Classic.

10. Engage in a Family Past time.

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites – We love a HOT Breakfast!

February is National Hot Breakfast Month. Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite hot breakfast selections. This month, you are encouraged to take a little extra time to eat a hot breakfast with your family and friends. It is a perfect way to warm up in the winter weather.

Click HERE or the link below to hear what The Morning Thing hosts enjoy for breakfast.

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What Mount Vernon City Schools Is Planning Next — and Why a May Levy Is Part of the Conversation

Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent Bill Seder recently sat down with WNZR’s Eric Brown to walk through the district’s long-term facilities plan and a proposed 1-percent earned income tax levy expected to appear on the May 2026 ballot.

Click HERE for the full conversation!

According to Seder, the proposal is the result of more than a year of planning, community input, and financial analysis aimed at addressing aging buildings, outdated learning spaces, rising maintenance costs, safety concerns, and limited accommodations for students with special needs.

Seder explained that the district’s master facilities plan includes building three new elementary schools, renovating the high school, and adding a new auditorium to better support growing participation in arts and extracurricular programs. The total estimated cost of the project is $118 million, reflecting current construction prices. About $38 million would come from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, with the remaining costs covered locally under strict state guidelines. While renovations were explored, Seder said rebuilding most elementary schools proved more cost-effective under Ohio’s two-thirds funding rule.

The proposed levy would be a 1-percent earned income tax, which Seder said was chosen to create a more balanced and sustainable funding model while protecting residents on fixed incomes. Property tax revenue is capped by state law, making income-based funding a more reliable long-term option. He also noted the district delayed placing the levy on the November ballot due to uncertainty surrounding the state budget and property tax changes, later determining May would provide more clarity.

Acknowledging the emotional and generational ties families have to existing school buildings, Seder emphasized the district’s desire to honor that history. Elements from older schools could be incorporated into new designs, blending tradition with modern learning environments. Plans also call for four elementary schools strategically placed across the city to meet safety, transportation, and site-size requirements.

If approved, the project would follow a multi-year timeline, beginning with design and planning before construction starts. If the levy does not pass, Seder said there would be no immediate cuts since this is a capital project, but the district would continue maintaining current buildings and consider future options. Residents will have multiple opportunities to learn more through district resources, building tours, and a citizen-led levy committee.

Click HERE to visit the Mount Vernon City School District

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Family Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

In a world filled with busy schedules and endless screens, meaningful family time often feels harder to create than it should be. But sometimes, the most memorable moments come from the simplest ideas.

Inspired by a list from Ordinary and Happy, families can turn ordinary evenings into something special with easy, creative activities at home—like movie nights, blanket forts, craft projects, storytelling games, baking together, mini competitions, virtual tours, and treasure hunts.

These ideas don’t require expensive supplies or elaborate planning—just presence, creativity, and a willingness to have fun together.

Whether it’s laughter in the kitchen, imagination in the living room, or shared stories around the table, small moments can become lifelong memories when families choose connection over distraction.

Click HERE to check out more from Ordinary and Happy’s website.

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Getting Older Isn’t Easy!

You know, nobody ever wakes up one morning and says, “Well, today I feel officially older.”
It sneaks up on you. On the Morning Thing Thursday, WNZR’s Eric Brown talks about the fact he is getting older (He turns the BIG 5-0 this year) and how to embrace the fact its actually happening.

It’s the moment you stand up and make a noise without realizing it. Or when you hear a song on the radio and think, “That’s still new,” only to realize it came out 20 years ago.

Getting older doesn’t arrive with flashing lights or an announcement. It shows up quietly—in routines, in habits, in the way your calendar fills up faster than it used to.

And the strange thing is, inside, you don’t feel all that different. You still feel like you. The same thoughts, the same humor, the same dreams. But the mirror tells a slightly different story, and so does the calendar.

Aging sneaks up on you because life keeps moving while you’re busy living it. And maybe that’s not a flaw—it’s a gift. Because if we were constantly aware of time passing, we’d never enjoy the moments we’re in.

Sometimes the quiet arrival of age reminds us to pause, take stock, and be thankful we’ve been given the time to even notice it at all.

Click HERE for more information from Focus on the Family!

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Would you like a NEW Marriage for the NEW Year?

Today, The Morning Thing shared some insight from Brooke Wilson – content writer, editor, and digital designer for FamilyLife.

She shared to view your marriage as a ministry. Here is a link to the full article.

Are you ready for a new year, new marriage, and new ministry? Here are three ways to get you started thinking about the impact your marriage can have.

1. Pray about it with your spouse.

2. Prioritize time as a couple.

3. Consider leading a small group.

Click HERE to read more from Brooke Wilson. We hope these 3 ideas challenge you to work on your marriage in 2026.

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A New Beacon for Families: Inside Mount Vernon’s Salvation Army Learning Lighthouse

Captain Christine Moretz of The Salvation Army in Mount Vernon is excited to share news about a long-awaited project that’s finally becoming a reality — the brand-new Learning Lighthouse.

She spoke to WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about what started back in 2017 as a vision to better serve the community and expand social services has now grown into a place designed to meet one of Mount Vernon’s biggest needs: quality childcare.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

The Learning Lighthouse reflects the same mission as The Salvation Army itself: “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name, without discrimination, upholding the dignity of all people.” Simply put, this new space allows that mission to continue in a very practical way. The Lighthouse will provide a safe, nurturing environment for children from as young as six weeks old through 5th grade, offering both childcare and opportunities to learn about Christ.

Captain Moretz walked through the journey of bringing the Lighthouse to life, from early planning to construction and staffing. Ground was broken in 2024, and the building is now in its final stages, with just a few finishing touches left. The official opening will be Monday, January 26, with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Sunday, January 18 at 2 p.m., followed immediately by a dedication service.

Once open, the Learning Lighthouse will serve up to 112 children, offering not only childcare but also meaningful programs that support families and help children grow in a loving, faith-centered environment. Captain Moretz shared how this project has shaped her personally, especially in learning more about childcare, trusting God fully, and depending on Him through every phase of the process.

She also spoke warmly about her team, expressing gratitude for their dedication and support. While challenges came along the way, she credits the strength of the team and her faith for helping her stay focused on doing good and not growing weary.

Thanks to incredible community support, $5.4 million has already been raised toward the project’s just-over-$6-million total cost. The team even came in under budget, though they are still working to raise the remaining $649,000 needed to fully complete the project. Captain Moretz continues to ask for prayers and community support as they move toward the finish line.

She extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped make the Learning Lighthouse possible and looks forward to thanking supporters in person during Sunday’s dedication ceremony. The community is warmly invited to attend and celebrate this milestone together.

Click HERE to stay connect on Facebook!

Click HERE to visit their website!

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What’s for dinner? The Morning Thing helps you answer that question!

It is a question and decision that we all have to face daily – What’s for dinner?
We are here to help! We found a list of 15 Casseroles for your 9×13 Pan – those recipes that are just like Mom used to make. These are the yummy comfort food recipes that are perfect for a cold winter night. So try 1 or 2 and enjoy some time around the dinner table with your family!

Click HERE to find the full list of recipes from AllRecipes.com

Here are the recipes that Marcy shared today on the show.

Buffalo Chicken and Roasted Potato Casserole

Grandma’s Hamburger Casserole

Awesome Broccoli-Cheese Casserole

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Old School Mac n’ Cheese

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Fun facts to start your week!

Today on The Morning Thing, Josiah and Xander shared some fun fact that we thought you should know about life! You can use these to improve your life or just get a good laugh.

Here’s the list!

1. Your shoes are the first thing people subconsciously notice about you. Wear nice shoes.

2. If you sit for more than 11 hours a day, there’s a 50% chance you’ll die within the next 3 years.

3. There are at least 6 people in the world who look exactly like you. There’s a 9% chance that you’ll meet one of them in your lifetime.

4. Sleeping without a pillow reduces back pain and keeps your spine stronger.

5. A person’s height is determined by their father, and their weight is determined by their mother.

6. If a part of your body “falls asleep”, You can almost always “wake it up” by shaking your head.

7. There are three things the human brain cannot resist noticing – food, attractive people and danger.

8. Right-handed people tend to chew food on their right side.

9. Putting dry tea bags in gym bags or smelly shoes will absorb the unpleasant odor.

10. According to Albert Einstein, if honey bees were to disappear from earth, humans would be dead within 4 years.

11. There are so many kinds of apples, that if you ate a new one every day, it would take over 20 years to try them all.

12. You can survive without eating for weeks, but you will only live 11 days without sleeping.

13. People who laugh a lot are healthier than those who don’t.

14. Laziness and inactivity kills just as many people as smoking.

15. A human brain has a capacity to store 5 times as much information as Wikipedia.

16. Our brain uses the same amount of power as a 10-watt light bulb!!

17. Our body gives enough heat in 30 minutes to boil 1.5 liters of water!!

19. Stomach acid (conc. HCl) is strong enough to dissolve razor blades!!

20. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day & while you walk, SMILE. It is the ultimate antidepressant.

21. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

22. When you wake up in the morning, pray to ask God’s guidance for your purpose today.

23. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

24. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, broccoli, and almonds.

25. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

26. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts and things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

27. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

28. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

29. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Forgive them for everything.

30. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

31. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

32. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

33. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

34. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

35. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’

36. Help the needy, Be generous! Be a ‘Giver’ not a ‘Taker’

37. What other people think of you is none of your business.

38. Time heals everything, except grief. Grief is a sign of Love.

39. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

40. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. Each night before you go to bed, pray to God and be thankful for what you accomplished, today. What if you woke up this morning and only had what you thanked God for yesterday? DON’T FORGET TO THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING.

43. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

We hope you enjoy these!

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