Category: Inspirational

Thank God its Monday – Celebrate with The Morning Thing!

shutterstock_144524582-720x480Did you know that on average most people will struggle to the office for over 2,000 Mondays during their careers? Well, today is different! Today we celebrate Monday instead of dreading it! Its Thank God its Monday Day!

In honor of this special Monday, Marcy and Jenna gave tips on how to create a positive work environment. The most important thing to remember is that it all starts with YOUR attitude!! Tina Hallis a writer for good.co gave 12 ways that we can create a more positive work environment. We challenge you to read through the list and pick a couple to transform your office environment today!

1. Give positive reinforcement

  • I appreciate the way you…
  • I’m impressed with…
  • I really enjoy working with you because…
  • Your team couldn’t be successful without your…
  • I admire the way you take the time to…
  • You’re really good at…

2. Show gratitude

Thank Someone for something they did but weren’t expecting to get thanked for – be specific about what it was and why it was helpful or important; be sure to copy in their boss.

3. Spread happiness

Smile and say “Hi” to twice as many people as you normally would – but be genuine in your smile.

4. Motivate others

Post a new upbeat poster, picture or quote at your desk where everyone can see it.

5. Celebrate wins

Start a meeting off by sharing something positive that is going on in your group, project, work etc. Encourage others to do the same.

6. Celebrate

Find some occasion to celebrate with others, whether it be a project milestone, birthday, new house, etc. Pass around a card for people to sign or make a sign.

7. Encourage positive thinking

Anonymously post a positive quote or picture by the copier, coffee machine or some where else that receives high foot traffic so that others can see.

8. Change the way you respond

When someone disagrees with you about something at work, think “how interesting” instead of immediately getting defensive.

9. Get moving

If you have a meeting with only one or two other people, make it a walking meeting; get outside and get your blood pumping.

10. Encourage fun

Add some light fun by picking a day for a dress-up or desk-decorating theme – ex. hat day, wild sock day, or decorating with flowers, pictures of tropical places, etc.

11. Share your gratitude

Write down five things you are grateful for at work – then share at least one with a coworker.

12. Engage in random acts of kindness

Do something kind for someone else (especially someone who wouldn’t expect it). Offer to help them with something, give them a snack or treat, or simply ask them how their evening or weekend was or about something going on in their life.

thank-you-1400x800-c-default.gif

We also looked at a list of 60 things to be thankful for by Amy Morin! Take a couple minutes to look through this list and thank God for the blessings he has given you this Monday morning!

We thank you for tuning into The Morning Thing!

0

June First Friday is tonight in downtown Mount Vernon!

june first friday 2016-01

WNZR is honored to partner with Main Street Mount Vernon for June First Friday.

Downtown Mount Vernon will be busy with activities tonight (6/2) for June First Friday.

Look for Big Blue near the public square.
Stop by and register to win a special “Clean Up and Dress Up” prize basket for the family featuring:

  • An entire house cleaning from Carefree Cleaning Company. Amy Kessler gives you 4 hours of house cleaning! (Valued at $100)!
  • Two $15.00 gift certificates for Premier Designs Jewelry with Amberly Frye
  • Plus WNZR goodies including an “On the Road with Big Blue t-shirt, jar openers, keychains, candy jar, Frisbee, guitar flyswatter and more! The prize package is valued at over $135!

First Friday events are from 6 to 9pm in downtown Mount Vernon. The family-friendly activities include balloon sculptor Rex Naylor, corn hole, a classic car cruise-in and music from Kokosing River Surf Club on the public square stage.

WNZR R.E.A.L. (Rachel Rinehart, Eddie Dilts and Lilly Buckley) will perform at the south stage – MVNU’s Buchwald Plaza Gazebo.

Click HERE to hear a conversation with Rachel, Eddie and Lilly.

Other activities include:

– The America Red Cross Centennial (100th) Anniversary Celebration. Enjoy a slice of the anniversary cake on the Public Square. Pick up displays and information on the Red Cross at their table. Talk with current volunteers to learn more about our local American Red Cross of Knox County. Activities and giveaways will be available for kids.

– “Water Works” exhibit at MVNU’s Schnormeier Gallery. Artist Barry Gunderson imagines key moments of his life in relation to specific bodies of water and the metaphors that arise from each. The show continues until 6/23.

– Food vendors on the square

It is family fun at Mount Vernon’s First Friday presented by the Heritage Center Association – an Ohio Main Street program.

Traffic will be closed one block north of the Public Square, around the Square and on South Main Street down to Ohio Avenue starting at 4:30 p.m. (on Friday 5/5). (Gambier Street will remain open). Rain location for the band is the CA & C Depot at 501 South Main Street. If you have questions, please contact Brianna Cooper-Risser, Executive Director, at 740-393-1481. More details about First Friday can be found at www.mainstreetmountvernon.com.

The mission of Main Street Mount Vernon is to create and enhance the economic, historic and social development of the central business district and downtown Mount Vernon. First Fridays are held the first Friday of each month May through October.

0

June MVNU Presidential Update with Dr. Henry Spaulding

new_president_spaulding_1

The Morning Thing featured a conversation with Dr. Henry Spaulding today.
For our June MVNU Presidential Update, Dr. Spaulding discussed campus improvement projects, upcoming events for June, MVNU’s new Speech Therapy Clinic and the Spaulding’s busy travel schedule.

Click HERE to listen to June’s update on what is happening at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

0

It is National Doughnut Day! Let’s celebrate!

doughnut-day2-e1433233534482-808x378

It is National Doughnut Day! Doughnut Day celebrates this wonderful treat, it’s history and a special holiday brought into being to honor a special group that arose during World War I.

(from www.daysoftheyear.com)

History of the Donut

The history of the donut isn’t clearly known, but what is known is that their iconic look started making an appearance in the United States in the mid-1800’s. Rumor has it a gentleman by the name of Hanson Gregory invented them, out of a distaste for the undercooked centers and greasiness of the existing shapes and options. The shape was said to be obtained by punching a hole in the center with a tin pepper box.

There are many varieties of donuts outside of that most commonly known, including twist donuts, fritters, and the hugely varied and popular filled donut. Filled donuts come in a huge variety, including the very popular Devil Dog, a chocolate covered delight filled with a rich cream. Glazed donuts filled with all sorts of delicious fruit, with raspberry being a runaway favorite throughout the world, and lemon filling being an equally popular.

History of Doughnut Day

Doughnut Day came to pass, in part, due to the efforts of a doctor in the military in the first World War who sought to brighten the day of the wounded soldiers he worked on. On his first day to the Military Base, he purchased 8 dozen doughnuts and gave one to each soldier he worked on. After giving one to Lieutenant General Samuel Geary, who received it with great mirth and appreciation for the doctors work, Samuel decided to start a fundraiser, letting the young doctor, Morgan Pett, to continue to provide doughnuts to his patients.

This fundraiser began working together with the Salvation Army who, after a fact-finding mission, determined that many needs of the soldiers could be met by creating social centers that would provide all sorts of amenities, including the doughnuts. The Salvation Army sent 250 volunteers to France to help put these huts together, which soon became a mainstay of military life. One record of a day in the huts recorded up to 300 donuts and 700 cups of coffee being served as part of their service. Due to the majority of the workers being female, the Salvation Army workers started to be known as “Doughnut Dollies.”

These huts went a long way to improving the overall life of the soldiers during the war and has become a tradition that the Salvation Army continues to this day as a fundraiser for this wonderful organization. A great way to celebrate Donut Day is to volunteer to help this amazing organization on the day they’ve held for years in support of our armed forces. Just a few hours of your time or a donation towards their organization will ensure they continue to be able to do their good work the world round!

In honor of Doughnut Day, the WNZR Staff shared their favorite doughnut flavors for The Morning Thing Fave 5.

James Hubbard

Lilly Buckley

Rachel Rinehart

Eddie Dilts

Marcy Rinehart

0

What are the best health foods? The Morning Thing Lets You Know!

almonds-cashews-pistachio-400x400

(picture from health.com)

Today on the show we shared some of the best and worst foods for our bodies to be healthy. We started out with nuts. Nuts are nature’s way of telling us good things come in small packages. Nuts are full of protein, heart healthy fats, and nutrients. We give you the lowdown on the best nuts for a healthy life!

The Best Nuts for a Diet are: Pistachios, Cashews, and Almonds.

The Best Nuts for Your Heart are: Walnuts.

The Best Nuts for Your Brain are: Peanuts.

See the entire list here!

We also talked about the 10 Healthiest Foods to Add to Your Grocery List this Summer!

Some of those foods include:

Walnuts, Beets, and Eggs!

See the whole list here!

Also, see all of the info for First Friday on our website! wnzr.fm!

0

Secrets to living a longer life! These are some of the best tips from people in the Blue Zones-where people live to be over 100!

n-ELDERLY-628x314

(Picture from huffingtonpost.com)

Today on the show, we learned some great tips from people in the Blue Zones, which is where there are great amounts of people who live to be over 100.

“Common themes among the Blue Zones, which include Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, Ikaria, Greece, a community of Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California and Okinawa, Japan include these nine principles. These pillars of a long, healthy life are known as the Power 9 principles.”

The First 3 Principles are:

  1. Move Naturally: The benefits of regular exercise are seemingly endless. Physical activity boosts weight loss, improves mood and more, but you don’t have to rush to the gym or run a marathon to reap these benefits. Instead, residents of the Blue Zones, allow their environments to help them move in the garden, washing dishes and more.
  2. Purpose: Let’s face it—going through the motions of your day-to-day life can be exhausting, and even a bit boring. Luckily, something as simple as finding your sense of purpose can add up to seven years to your life. And that’s not all—a sense purpose can improve your heart health and protect your brain from disease.

    Looking for simple ways to find your purpose? Decide what you’d love to do most, and set specific goals.

  3.  Down Shift: We all experience stress—even people who live in Blue Zones. Not all stress is bad, but chronic stress can take a toll on your health, leading to conditions like depression, high blood pressure and heart disease. Take a page out of the BZ book and find a way to decompress.

    The Sardinians, for example, enjoy happy hour to relax, while Ikarians take a nap. If you’re feeling stressed, take a walk, try praying or spend time with your family and friends.

See the entire list here!

Don’t forget that First Friday is THIS FRIDAY! WNZR will be there giving away our Clean up, Dress Up Prize Package.

Look for Big Blue near the public square. Stop by and register to win! The basket  features:

  • An entire house cleaning from Carefree Cleaning Company. Amy Kessler gives you 4 hours of house cleaning! (Valued at $100)!
  • Two $15.00 gift certificates for Premier Designs Jewelry with Amberly Frye
  • Plus WNZR goodies including an “On the Road with Big Blue t-shirt, jar openers, keychains, candy jar, Frisbee, guitar flyswatter and more! The prize package is valued at over $135!

First Friday events are from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Mount Vernon. Find out more at wnzr.fm

WNZR R.E.A.L. (Rachel, Eddie, and Lilly) will be preforming at the South Stage (Buchwald Plaza) as well! Come and hear them sing and play a variety of songs!

0

Tips for Parents: from fidget spinners to talking to your kids.

20-Ways-to-Talk-So-Your-Kids-Will-Listen

Today on the show we talked about the benefits and dangers of fidget spinners for your children, and the things that parents should know about them. See the entire article about fidget spinners here!

We also talked about how to talk to your kids. There are 20 things you can do to talk to your child, and to be listened to. Here are some examples:

  1. Use your child’s name. Your own name is music to your ears. Our kids are no different, plus it helps to get their attention before delivering your message. eg “George, please go and get……..”. Young children can often only concentrate on one thing at a time. Call your child’s name until you have their attention before you speak. Ex “Helen”. (Wait until she stops kicking the ball and looks at you.) “Lunch will be ready in ten minutes”.
  2. Connect with your child with eye contact. You may need to get down to their level or sit at the table with them. When you are chatting with your kids, this shows them also what they should do. Not only is it good manners, it helps you to listen to each other.Say your child’s name until you get their eye contact, especially before giving them a direction. It is important that they give you their attention, and you should model the same behavior for them.
  3. Be gentle but firm – if you have made your decision about something, stick to it. Make sure you and your partner agree on the issue and stay united on your decision. Your kids may not like the decision at the time, but they will know it stands firm and won’t bother persisting with either of you or playing one parent off against the other. Make your requests important and speak as though you mean it. Requesting made in a wishy-washy tone gives kids the impression you are not that concerned whether they follow your request or not.

See the complete list here!

0

Are you ready for Memorial Day?

mount vernon memorial day parade 2016-01

The Morning Thing is helping you get ready for the Memorial Day Weekend.

There are many wonderful activities going on this weekend for you and your family.

The 43rd annual Sertoma Ice Cream Festival in Utica kicks off Saturday 5/27 and continues through Memorial Day.

The annual parade starts on Saturday morning at 11 in the village of Utica. The parade will form at the Utica High School located at the intersection of Church and Jefferson Streets and travel throughout the downtown streets of Utica.

Sunday, there will be a car show, displaying over 450 classic cars. Other activities include pony rides, an ice cream eating contest, and a balloon toss.

The festival will be held on Ohio 13 one mile south of Utica, on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Company.

The times for the Festival will be Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Look for the Big Blue Crew at the Utica Ice Cream Festival on Saturday for the parade. We will be throwing out candy! We will also take our Big Blue crew to the festival from
2-5pm. Come see us in the parking lot of Ye Olde Mill. Sign up to win a gift certificate for Velvet Ice Cream or Ye Olde Mill!

Click here to see a map for the parade.

Click here for the complete festival schedule.

Many Memorial Day celebrations are planned
There are several Memorial Day ceremonies for communities throughout Knox County scheduled for Monday.

In Mount Vernon, there will be a parade starting at 10:30 a.m. Monday starting on East High Street. The parade is followed by a dedication ceremony on the steps of the Memorial Building at 11:30 a.m. and an open house until 2:00 p.m.
Click HERE to hear our conversation with Kevin Henthorne, Executive Director of the Knox County Veterans Service Office. Kevin shared details of Monday’s special service in Mount Vernon.

Click HERE to see the changed route for the Mount Vernon parade.

There will also be a special re-dedication and open house for the renovated Memorial Building in downtown Mount Vernon. You can enjoy tours, theater programs and FREE refreshments from 11:30 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Click HERE to hear a conversation with Sara Lynn Kerr, Executive Director of the new and improved Knox County Memorial Building.

Centerburg will have a parade at 10:30 Monday morning, starting at the post office. Services at Eastview Cemetery will begin at 11:00.

In Fredericktown, events begin at 9:30 Monday morning at the east side of the square. The flag will be raised at 9:45, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. The parade will begin at 10:00 moving to Forest Cemetery.

Danville’s Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the square, heading to Memorial Park. Millwood Church of Christ pastor Dave Jones will be speaking at the park.

We also shared some yummy recipes from www.allrecipes.com for your Memorial Day picnics and gatherings.

Sensational Sirloin Kabobs

Steve’s Bodacious Barbecue Ribs

Cola Beans

Classic Macaroni Salad

Happy Memorial Day Weekend from WNZR!

 

0

Advice for Graduation Parties, Gifts, and Bible Verses for Graduates!

0b40897b-5c02-4b22-9622-5a411bb22f20

(picture from google.com)

Graduation season is upon us, and there are so many things on your agenda. Today on the show, Marcy and Rachel shared some great graduation party ideas, all from pinterest.com

See all of the ideas here!

We also shared some great graduation gift ideas if you are attending a graduation party! Some of our favorites were:

  1. Mason Jar with Rolled Dollar Bills
  2. Distance Frames for Friends
  3. Money Pizza

See all of the ideas here!

We also shared some great Bible verses for graduating seniors, see all of the verses here!

Listen here for advice from Rachel Rinehart for graduating seniors.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑