The Salvation Army and Food For The Hungry work together to serve families

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Captain Christine Moretz of the Mount Vernon Salvation Army.
This is a busy time for the ministry as they serve families in our community for Christmas.
Christine shares some eye-opening stats of their service numbers for 2023. The need has greatly increased.
She shares her biggest needs right now and her goals for 2024.
They shared a top 10 list for the food pantry and how the Army can take a dollar donation and turn that into $4.89 worth of food!
Christine also shared how we can pray for her and her team.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers on Friday’s Food For The Hungry Drive Day and for red kettles. Can you help?
Please call 740-392-8716.

Click HERE for more information about The Salvation Army.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation.

WNZR presents the December 2023 MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman, talked with WNZR with our monthly MVNU Update.

Dr. Carson Castleman talked about wrapping up fall semester.
He shared that he is so thankful for the opportunity to come to MVNU to serve along the faculty, staff, and students.
He announced the hiring of a two new Vice Presidents.
The new VP of Spiritual Life and Church Relations is Rev. David Mills.
The new VP for Enrollment and Marketing is Johnna Vanover, a 2011 MVNU graduate.

Dr. Carson Castleman also shared an update on the Strategic Investment Projects or SIP’s.
He shared the latest news on the Master of Science and Speech Language Pathology, Master of Social Work and Doctorate Program of Nurse Practitioners.

MVNU is also starting an exciting program called Ignite. This new two-year certificate program is designed to support high school graduates with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Castleman also talked about two challenges for all colleges and universities – budgeting and enrollment. He shared his plans for building lasting connections and opportunities for growth.

Dr. Castleman talked about his top priorities for MVNU in the year 2024.
His top priority is enrollment, and he wants others to know and experience MVNU.

He shares a special message for students, faculty and staff as the fall semester ends.
He also shares a family update and the Castleman plans for Christmas.

Click HERE to stay up to date with news from MVNU.

November 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, 11/24/23.

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:
    • A sanitary sewer project on the North side of town – in Clinton Township
    • A waterline project on the Southwestern part of town, Buckeye Addition
    • The city is using Global Information Systems mapping to track any lead pipes in the system and address any potential issues.
    • Water and sewer lines in the Clintonville area
    • An elevation study on the West End
    • Extending the walk zone in the school zone at Martinsburg Road by 300 feet
    • Stump and Northview residents need to fill out income qualifications with the City
    • Buckeye Addition in Clinton Township
    • Plaza Drive
    • There are about 70 active construction jobs right now
  • Mayor Starr shares an update on the plan to create a new courthouse and police headquarters.
  • Mayor Starr shares the updates for the State Route 13 project within the city.
    • He encourages residents to see the plans and share their comments on the City’s website.
    • They are looking to make similar adjustments to the South Main St bridge as they did Mount Vernon Ave. bridge.
    • The Mayor says they are also considering adding heaters to the bridges to eliminate the need to plow snow in the event of inclement weather.
    • You can find more information about each of these city projects online under the documents tab of their website, MountVernonOhio.org to provide feedback.
    • Go to the documents page, scroll down to where it says Public Meeting Open House – SR13D Sandusky ST Realignment. You can click on the Exhibit files to see the plans. Then click on Comment Form and share your thoughts.
  • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council:
    • Discussion about food truck regulations, including taxes, location, fairness for regular businesses in Mount Vernon, etc.
    • Kline Development, which is a donated property on Prospect Street
    • Casey’s Way, the rezoning ordinance of the 34 acres on Upper Gilchrist. City Council will be holding a public hearing about it, on Monday November 27, where residents can come out and share comments.
  • The city is currently accepting applications for seasonal employees. They are open and looking for anyone to pitch in and help out and can always use help. With leaf pick-up going on right now, the mayor details what you can do if you missed getting your leaves raked to the curb when the crews were in our area. You can also go to their website to their press release to stay up to date on where they are in the pick-up process, and you can call 740-393-9517 or the street department at 740-393-9501.
  • The Mayor gives us some insight into the City’s preparation and plan for snow removal this winter.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department
    • For the month of October, there were 1,331 calls for service, which was down from September, which was 1453.
    • From the October calls, there were 199 traffic citations, 263 Advocate Dispositions, and 13 cases of attempted or threats to attempt suicide.
  • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department
    • They had 501 calls for service in October. 87 percent of those calls were for EMS services, 13 calls for fires.
    • As for year to date, there have been just under 5,000 calls for service.
    • In the Mount Vernon zone, about thirty percent of those calls are in the Yauger Road area. They are looking into the installation of a new department in that area.
  • Mayor Matt Starr talks about all the upcoming events this December, including Winter in Downtown MV this coming Sunday, which will feature the Christmas parade and the lighting of the public square, Food For The Hungry on December 8
  • The Mayor shares his immediate goals for the city as we start December. He says that the city is in great shape, now it’s time for organization and balance with the influx of activity.
    • Take a look at their personnel to carry out the tasks they need to be completed
    • Focus on finishing out projects
    • Continue improving the quality of the city
  • Mayor Starr shares his highest priorities for himself and his team as they start the new year, including:
    • A zoning code rewrite
    • Organizational structuring to handle calls to all departments
    • Generating revenues
    • Protect current tax rates and utility rates for citizens
  • Mayor Matt Starr is thankful for the positive state of the City, as well as his family and friends, and the team he serves the city with.
  • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.

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

Who is overlooked that needs thanked this Thanksgiving?

Our Morning Thing hosts today shared about those who might go overlooked this thanksgiving that actually have quite the impact on our everyday life. Crosswalk.com encourages us to show appreciation to those who might go overlooked this Thanksgiving! Here are some of the folks we want to remember this season! For a complete list of where can start to reflect, click HERE

1. Teachers

Our teachers do so much for us and our children and deserve our appreciation.

2. Daycare/Preschool Teachers

Although this job is fun and fulfilling, it is also not an easy one. We have to play various roles during our day, like teacher, surrogate parent, disciplinarian, server, psychologist, friend, etc. Teachers at this level aren’t appreciated for doing so much in teaching the littlest of minds. In addition, if you see the director or co-director, cleaning staff, or cook, thank them too.

3. School Bus Drivers

Bus drivers are out in the sun, wind, rain, fog, and snow, getting our kids to school safely. They are a very important part of our day.

4. Barista

When ordering your favorite cup of coffee at your favorite shop, thank the barista who made it.

5. Fast Food Workers

It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life, but thank the cashier and crew at your favorite fast-food restaurant the next time you go in or go through a drive-thru. Often, all they hear is the negative, so they will appreciate a positive word.

Do you have one worker who is always pleasant or always gets your order right? Then do something special to show your appreciation.

This season, let’s make an effort to reflect on how we can better appreciate those who have such an awesome impact on our lives!

The Turkey Trot returns to Thanksgiving Morning!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?
The Morning Thing has an idea on how to make the day even better.
Come out to the annual Turkey Trot to benefit Food For The Hungry.
We talked with Scott Burgess from WeRunMV about this annual event.
When: Thanksgiving morning. Registration opens up at 8am, the race starts at 9am
Where: R.R. Hodges Chapel on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Who: Everyone is invited including canines
What to bring: Non-perishable food and dollars to benefit the Food For The Hungry campaign

Scott talks about how cash feed more. $1.00 = $4.89 of buying power at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
All donations stay here in Knox County to support families in our community.

To find out more, go to www.foodforthehungrycares.org

Psi Iota Xi partners with Knox County Elementary School to support Food For The Hungry

The Morning Thing talked with Debbie Ruggles, Chair of Psi Iota Xi about this year’s Elementary School Collection.
This is collection week! Local elementary school students are asked to bring donations to support the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive.
Debbie shares a top 10 list of needs at our local pantries. She also talks about the rewards for the top collectors in each school and how the top classes can earn a pizza party!

Click HERE to find out more about this year’s collection.

Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry.

WNZR shares the November MVNU Presidential Update

MVNU’s new President, Dr. Carson Castleman stopped by WNZR to share the November Presidential Update.
He discussed his first month on the job, the challenges that he is facing and changes that he has already made for MVNU.
He talked about the change for the positional statement and recent administrative staff changes.
Dr. Castleman also shared his passion for MVNU’s enrollment and how he plans to personally be involved in the recruitment process.
Dr. Castleman shared his top priorities for the university as we wrap up 2023 and head into 2024. He also shared the steps he is taking now to help MVNU meet these challenges.
We also received a family update and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Dr. Castleman’s daughter.
We talked about Thanksgiving, time with family, and favorite dishes.
Dr. Castleman shared a special message for students, faculty and staff. He wrapped up our time by sharing how we can pray for him and his family.
Enjoy the conversation.

Today is Kick-Off Day for the 2023 Food For The Hungry Drive

Today, The Morning Thing featured a special conversation with Lisa Mazzari, FFTH Executive Director and Olivia Stern, Digital Content and Marketing Director.

The ladies shared an in-depth look at this year’s campaign.
Click HERE to hear the entire conversation or click the link below.

The topics included:

  • History of the organization and campaign
  • Dates for this year’s collection and broadcast
  • This year’s goal
  • How the legacy of giving is the true success story of Food For The Hungry
  • How this collection is really making a difference in our community.
  • Information about the Partner Board and their involvement
  • Highlights of the 2023 FFTH Event Calendar
  • How to stay connected
  • Distribution of funds
  • How FFTH is a local drive to benefit local families in Knox County
  • The impact of $1.00. In 2023, $1.00 will buy $4.89 in groceries at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective
  • How to give
  • Summer Grants
  • Winter Grants
  • Discussion about the mission of FFTH – “Working Together To Care For Our Neighbors”

If you would like to volunteer, call or text Lisa Mazzari at 740-398-0569 or
email lisam.ffth@gmail.com

Follow Food For The Hungry:
 – Facebook @Food For The Hungry Knox County
 – Instagram @ffthcares
 – Website – www.foodforthehungrycares.org

Food For The Hungry Board of Directors:
– Austin Swallow
– Jacob Doup
– Curtis Newland
– Marcy Rinehart
– Joe Rinehart
– Michelle Coscia
– Jim McLaughlin
– Lisa Lloyd
– Chelsea Porter
– Jim Riggle
– Melanie Snow
– Jared Stein

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