Category: Inspirational

September 2023 Spotlight on Mount Vernon with Mayor Matt Starr

Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 9/29/23.

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:
    • Water line and sewage line work on Fairgrounds Road
    • Curbs, gutters, and sidewalk work on Plaza Drive
    • Industrial Park 
    • There are 70-80 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares information about a public meeting that is coming up on 10/5 to discuss the planning for changes to State Route 13 within the City. The design work and renderings will be shared with the public. The City encourages residents to come and share their comments and ask questions. The Ohio Department of Transportation will be at the meeting to share and answer questions. The meeting will be held at the Station Break Senior Citizens Center from 5-7 p.m.
  • He also shares information about a public meeting happening earlier on 10/5 from 3-4 p.m. at the Station Break. This meeting will discuss the design renderings for the City’s new Municipal Court Building and new Police Station. Attendees will be able to discuss the projects with City Officials, ask questions, and provide input.
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the search for a Safety Service Director. He shares how the responsibilities of this position are being handled during the search. 
  • Mayor Starr shares his thoughts on the recent MVNU announcement to transform a downtown building at 18 East Vine Street into a state-of-the-art academic hub for students in the engineering and computer science programs. Mayor Starr also comments about how the Knox County Land Bank will be working to create new commercial spaces on the main floor of the building.
  • Updates from Mount Vernon City Council: The city joined the Sustainable 2050 Program through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. He talks about how this impacts us now and in the future.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department.
    • There is a conceptual drawing for the new police department. A public meeting will be held on 10/5 from 3 p.m.
    – 4 p.m.
    • at the Station Break Senior Citizens Center.
    • Update on filling the vacant spot of Police Captain that is open because of Scott McKnight’s retirement.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
    • Organizational Assessment received from the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association. They identified 24 different recommendations for the department.
    • They have determined several areas to work on in this next year: community risk reduction area, fire inspections, fire prevention and safety activities and filling the position of Assistant Fire Chief, employment, and finding a location for a second fire station on the east end of the city.
  • Events planned for the City in October
    • Johnny Appleseed Apple Festival, 10/6, 5pm – 8pm
    • Junior Air Force ROTC Challenge Course, 10/14 at Ariel Foundation Park
  • Immediate goals for October
    • Fill the position of Safety Service DirectorAccelerate plans for the new Courthouse, Annex Building, and the Police Department
    • Wrap up construction project on Plaza Drive
  • Update on how public notices will be advertised on the City’s website instead of in a newspaper. A change in the law is going into effect in October. This will save the City over $50,000.
  • Mayor Starr tells us how we can pray for his team as they head into the month of October.
  • Residents can stay connected to the City of Mount Vernon on their brand new Linked In page, City of Mount Vernon, Ohio. You can find routine updates, job postings, and more.
    Citizens can still check the City’s website and Facebook.

To stay in touch with the City, go to:

  • Website – http://www.mountvernonohio.org
  • Facebook – The City of Mount Vernon
  • Twitter – CityMV1805
  • YouTube – The City of Mount Vernon
  • LinkedIn – City of Mount Vernon, Ohio `
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Fred Rogers, Powered by Faith, Impacted Generations with Lessons on Being a Good Neighbor

“Fred McFeely Rogers was a shy, somewhat awkward, and sometimes bullied child growing up in the 1930s. After going to college for what he called his “first language”—music—he prepared to enter seminary and study for the ministry. But on a visit home for Easter, he saw television for the first time. He hated it—people on the program were throwing pies in each other’s faces, and Fred found that demeaning. Nonetheless, he sensed instantly television’s capacity for connection and enrichment. That moment changed his life—and the lives of millions of Americans.”

Today on The Morning Thing we shared seven lessons we can learn from Mister Rogers that can help us as Americans be better neighbors. It is National Good Neighbor Day and we found the lessons from Mister Rogers to be fitting celebrating a day like today.

You can read the full list of these life-changing lessons HERE.

We hope you find these lessons to be as impactful as we did.

-Alyssa & Allison

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Local Veteran, Tom Wise, Shares About Project to Honor Soldiers Who Died Serving in Vietnam War

Tom Wise is a veteran who has a passion for veterans and for the local men who lost their lives serving and fighting in the war in Vietnam.

Tom shares about his project that will help honor the lives lost from our community and also help honor the families still grieving the loss of their loved ones.

Listen to how you can get involved with this great project and the full conversation with Tom below:

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The Morning Thing Shares a little bit about Kindness and Happiness

Our cohosts shared some ways you can spread some kindness and happiness with those around you! Life can be busy and sometimes difficult, but is that any reason to neglect those around you? Here are some quick and easy ways to help impact those around you in your day to day life!

Click HERE to read the full list from Positivity Blog.

Here are some that our cohosts shared on the air!

1. Express your gratitude. 

Think about what you can be grateful for about someone in your life.

Maybe that he is a good listener, that he often is quick to help out or that he always adds great songs to a Spotify playlist. Or simply that he held up the door for you.

Then express that gratitude in a simple “thank you!” or in a sincere sentence or two.

2. Replace the judgments. 

No one likes to be judged. And the more you judge other people the more you tend to judge yourself.

So despite the temporary benefit of deriving pleasure from the judgments it is not a good or smart long-term habit.

When you feel the urge to judge ask yourself: what is one kind thing I can think or do in this situation instead?

3. Replace the unconstructive criticism. 

Try encouragement instead of excessive criticism. It helps people to both raise their self-confidence and to do a better job.

And it will make things more fun and more light-hearted in the long run.

We hope these ways inspire you as much as they inspired us!

-Alyssa & Josiah

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It is National Family Day! How will you celebrate?

The 4th Monday in September is National Family Day. The National Center on Addiction declared National Family Day in 2001 as a way to combat substance abuse among teen. Their research shows that teens who ate meals with their families were less likely to fall into substance abuse.

Click HERE to read more about this special day.

Taste Of Home has 90 Quick and Easy Family Dinner Recipes! Click HERE to see the full list.
Marcy shared a few today on the show:

Enchilada Casser-Ole!

Breaded Ranch Chicken

Marcy and Judah also shared some fun ideas and traditions that your family can do now that Fall is here!
Click HERE for a great list of ideas from imom.com

We hope that you can find time today to sit down to dinner with your family.
We also pray that you will take time every day to celebrate your family! They are a precious gift from God!

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The Knox County Suicide Awareness Run and Walk is this Saturday

Kathy Wantland, Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice of Knox County was a guest on The Morning Thing today.
She shared the details of this year’s Suicide Awareness 5K/10K Run and Walk.
She also shared resources for suicide awareness and prevention in Knox County.
Kathy also shared a personal story of why she wants to get connected with community members impacted by suicide.
You can access the full conversation below.

The theme for this year’s walk is “Inspire Hope”!
Click HERE to register.

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The Dos and Don’ts of supporting someone with mental illness

Today, The Morning Thing approached a difficult, but important topic – mental illness. If you know and love someone that struggles with this issue, it can be difficult to know what to say, how to react or what you should not do as you try to encourage them.

Below, we share a list of Dos and Don’ts when you want to provide that support.
Click HERE to access the full article from the Providence Center.

For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite bible verses to offer encouragement to anyone struggling with mental health. Click HERE to be encouraged by these powerful verses of hope!

Here are some dos and don’ts for supporting someone close to you suffering from mental illness:

DO Listen with an open mind

Let them know they’re not alone and tell them they have your unconditional love and support. Be available to listen…really listen, without judgment. 

DON’T Make comments such as “You’re fine” or “Cheer up”

Although you may think you’re being helpful, comments like these can make someone feel criticized and humiliated for feeling the way they do. Their condition is serious and likely cannot be brushed off. Try your best to make them feel comfortable and secure in sharing their emotions.

DO Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your friend doesn’t expect you to already understand what they’re going through. Respectfully ask about their symptoms and how they are feeling. They may not want to give you all the answers, but that’s okay; they’ll know you care simply because you took the time to ask.

DON’T Say you know how they feel if you don’t

While you may experience periods of sadness, refrain from comparing those feelings to their current situation. Although it is nice to have someone to relate to, drawing comparisons may make them feel as if the reality of their situation is being minimized.

DO Encourage them to seek help

Find out if the person is receiving the necessary care. If not, offer to help get them the help they need. They may refuse to seek help and even get angry with you. It is important to remind them that mental health problems are treatable and they don’t have to feel this way forever. For more information, visit: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members/ 

DON’T Question their medical decisions

For most people with mental health disorders, taking medicine is a big step and can be scary. Today there is still a stigma surrounding the medical treatment for these conditions. However, there are a variety of drugs that can really help patients feel like themselves again. So, be patient, supportive and, most importantly, non-judgmental as your loved one finds the medication that suits their specific needs.

DO Help out with daily tasks

Living with a mental health issue can make simple, everyday tasks extremely difficult to accomplish. Getting out of bed can feel like a chore. Wondering what you can do to help? Grab the mail, wash a few dishes, or take out the garbage. Any small act of kindness can really help and will be appreciated. 

DON’T Pressure them to “stay busy”

You may think a day trip or a night out will take your loved one’s mind off their issue. Do not hesitate to invite them to such social events, but also don’t expect that they will accept the invitation. Whatever they may be dealing with is not easily solved by kicking back and relaxing to snap out of a bad mood. Keep this in mind and trust that their decision to not take part is the right decision for them.

DO Be Patient

You may feel like they’ve pushed you away, and maybe they have. Those suffering from mental illness tend to distance themselves from their loved ones, not because they dislike your company, but because they feel like a burden. Don’t pressure them to spend more time with you or to talk about their problems. As frustrating as it may be trying to help someone who does not seem to appreciate you, don’t give up on them.   

DON’T Take it personally

Remember that what they’re going through is not about you and is not your fault. Give them all your love and don’t expect anything in return because they may not be able to give it to you. Whether you think so or not, they need you now more than ever.


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The Morning Thing Gets You Ready for Fall and a Little Bit of You Time!

Today Allison and Alyssa shared the importance of you time and why prioritizing it isn’t as selfish as it might sound at first. We also talked about some cozy Fall activities you can look forward to this year.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of obligations, responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists. With work demands, social commitments, and family obligations, it often feels like there’s no time left for ourselves. However, neglecting self-care and failing to prioritize our time for personal well-being can have detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. Read 5 reasons why you should prioritize it from Crosswalk.com by clicking HERE.

As the sweltering heat of summer begins to wane and the days grow shorter, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. Fall, often regarded as one of the most enchanting seasons, brings with it a tapestry of colors, cozy comforts, and a unique charm all its own. The Morning Thing shared a fun list of fall activities you can look forward to. Read them HERE.

We hope you have a Happy Fall and enjoy some you time along the way!

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Today is National Care for Kids Day. How will you celebrate?

National Care of Kids Day is held annually on September 20th and gives us an opportunity to positively impact a child’s life.

Here are some easy ways to celebrate (ideas from National Day Calendar):
– Donate to your favorite children’s charity.
– Volunteer with a children’s service organization.
– Make an in-kind donation. This can be a service, supplies or other needs a charity requires.
– Share stories about amazing service organizations, volunteers or children.

When you celebrate, be sure to use #CareforKidsDay on social media.

The Morning Thing shared some inspiration from Crosswalk.com for this special day.
Here are 4 godly ways to care for your child’s mind, body and spirit:
1. Reject the World’s Ways – ”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

2. Have the Wisdom to Give Them Healthy Choices – If you’re like most confused and frazzled parents, God understands and promises: “…If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

3. Have Courage to Overcome Negative Emotions, Starting with Yourself – The words parents say, the expressions they repeat and the attitude they convey can either bring life into their children, or bring death to their sense of security. Proverbs 18:21, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”

4. Emulate Boldness to Make Them Warriors – We emphasize God’s purpose for their lives.

Click HERE to read the FULL article.

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