Olivia Keffer and Catlin Ball are both enjoying their senior year at Danville High School. On Friday night, they each won a Girl Power Scholarship of $2,500! These awards were sponsored by Women United. Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with our winners.
Olivia submitted an essay based on the quote from Michelle Obama about “not everyone is perfect”. She talks about empowering younger female friends. She also talks about her growth this year. Senior year has taught her a lot about herself. Olivia plans to attend Kenyon College and major in English. Catlin focused on a theme of breaking out of your comfort zone and finding confidence, anything is possible if you work for it. She shares a message of encouragement for younger girls – find something that you like and go for it! She plans to go to OSU ATI in Wooster to major in animal science and specialize in veterinary medicine. Both ladies share the messages that they are walking away with after attending this event – I am capable of anything! We are strong and we have a community of women that come together and support each other.
New Directions of Knox County hosted their 3rd annual EmpowHER Awards on Friday, 3/1/24. Lindsey Lamp, Executive Director of New Directions shared an update on the organization and her thoughts about the annual EmpowHER event. Click HERE to hear the entire conversation.
She talks about the power of this event for women and shares her overall goals and hopes for the attendees. She talks about the transition into her current position. She also shares an update on the new location and capital campaign for the organization. They are completely moved into 212 N Main St, Mt Vernon. New Directions is into year 3 of a capital campaign. They still need to raise $250,000 to reach their goal. You can donate at www.newdirectionsknox.org
Alyssa Sidle of The Morning Thing talked with Lindsey Lamp, Executive Director of New Directions. Lindsey talked about the recent transitions for New Directions and announced the good news that the organization is fully staffed. She shared the inspiration behind the EmpowHER event and described each award that will be given out. Lindsey also talked about the scholarships that will be given to high school senior girls.
There are multiple EmpowHER awards. Click HERE to nominate an amazing woman that you know.
Nominate a woman of inspiration! Belief is a powerful engine. This woman believes so strongly in the outcomes she seeks that her beliefs mold her path to get there. The recipient of this award champions for women in her network, workplace, and community. She is a team player and active mentor who paves the road to empowering women in leadership roles. She is a woman of inspiration that is true to herself, and her example is so noteworthy as to inspire others spontaneously. Her passion channels her actions and her voice as she strives to empower the women and girls of Knox County.
Nominate a woman who is a front-line worker! The Heart Award was born out of COVID19 and the need to acknowledge greater endeavors in support of our humanity with a focus on others over self. Do you know a woman with commitment and passion for service while making an impact and leading with purpose? Has she dedicated her life as a successful front-line worker? Has she proven her endless dedication to her field (healthcare worker, educator, etc.)?Nominate a woman front-line worker you know today for the Heart Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!
Nominate a single mother today! Do you know a single-parent mom who has overcome adversity and demonstrates resilience? Has she transformed her life and the lives of her children with dignity and grace? Does she lead by example? Is she a picture of selflessness and courage to all who encounter her? Nominate her today for the Grit & Grace Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!
Nominate a woman with 20+ years of experience in their field! The recipient of this award is an extraordinary woman who has manifested a legacy that continues to inspire others. She has dedicated her life to the advancement of those around her and paved the way for the leaders of tomorrow. She is recognized as an ambassador for women through her extraordinary dedication, personal achievements, and service to others through mentorship, philanthropy, and business. This award recognizes a woman who has spent more than 20 years in her field. Nominate a woman with 20+ years of experience in their field for the Raising the Bar Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!
Nominate a woman with less than 10 years of making an impact and breaking down barriers! Vision shapes our future. The recipient of this award is a woman with less than 10 years of experience in her field who has wasted no time making an impact and breaking down barriers. She emphasizes building honest relationships, values input, has the mindset of a leader, and leads by example with an immense amount of courage. She has valued what she’s learned from her mentors and wants to pay it forward as a mentor to others. She is changing the landscape in which women serve. Nominate a woman you know today for the Vision Builder Award presented at New Directions’ EmpowHER Event held on March 1st. Each winner is provided free entry to the event and a gift for being her amazing self!
Are you a female high school senior who uses her girl power to empower others? Apply for our Girl Power Scholarship! The recipient of this scholarship will receive $2500 to go towards furthering their education!
Wednesday, 2/14 is the deadline to submit nominations. Click HERE to nominate an amazing woman that you know.
This month’s MVNU Update was special. We had the wonderful opportunity to talk with MVNU President, Dr. Carson Castleman and Rev. Dave Mills, our new Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations.
Dr. Castleman talks about the start of spring semester and how he feels about his team heading into the second month of 2024. He also discusses his top priorities for MVNU for the month of February.
Rev. David Mills tells us a bit about himself, including the reason he decided to pursue ministry, and the story of how he came to be at MVNU.
Our update reveals the special connection between Dr. Castleman and Rev. Mills and how they are sharing a living space while they wait on their families to arrive full-time in Mount Vernon.
Rev. Mills discusses his role as head of Church Relations and his goals to connect with local churches and Nazarene Churches within the MVNU region. He also shares what is on his heart as he takes on the important role of ministering to the students of MVNU.
Our MVNU Update includes messages for students, faculty and staff and prayer requests for the Castleman and Mills families.
The Mount Vernon Police Department won the award for Large Size Business of the Year. Chief Robert Morgan shares about his department – 34 officers, 40 total employees. Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Chief Morgan. He talks about being connected to Experience Mount Vernon providing safety at the downtown events and also how positive it is to allow his officers connect to kids and families on a personal level. We talk about the K9 unit and how the kids love them and love to see the police cars. We also talk about the PAK United group – Police and Kids events will be coming up in the spring. You can stay connected at the PAK United Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064635570460
Jessica Ryals, Development for Education and Bruce Jacklin, Artistic Director with MTVarts share their thoughts about winning the award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year. They highlight upcoming events for the spring and summer. They talk about being part of First Fridays and Community Corner. New website is coming soon – mtvarts.com Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Jessica and Bruce.
Ann Weisent-Page of Knox Foodies received the Spirit of Heritage Award. This award honors an individual for their hard work throughout the year to support downtown Mount Vernon. The award is like the Volunteer of the Year Award. Ann shares how Knox Foodies started and talks about how she volunteers throughout the year bringing food trucks to downtown events. Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Ann Weisent-Page.
Ann shares how to stay connected to Knox Foodies – on Facebook search for Knox Foodies LLC. @KnoxFoodies on Instagram
Jen Odenweller received the Walter Rudin Award. This award honors an individual for their long-term, lifetime service to support downtown Mount Vernon. Jen talks about her passion for downtown Mount Vernon and how fortunate our community is to have Experience Mount Vernon building wonderful partnerships. Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Jen Odenweller.
Jen also talks about the legacy of Walter Rudin and how she is working to continue his work of revitalization, continued investment and supporting and promoting our heritage.
Lacey Filkins, Executive Director of Experience Mount Vernon shares her thoughts about the Awards Breakfast.
Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s conversation with Lacey.
She talks about the birth of her son Maxwell. She shares some highlights from the 2023 events – great crowds, fun exhibits for kids and community support.
Lacey Filkins also gives us more details about several awards that were handed out. She also tells how you can get involved in 2024 – as a volunteer or a sponsor. First Friday dates are set for 2024! Website – experiencemv.org Phone – 740-393-1481 Email – director@experiencemv.org
Congratulations to the Experience Mount Vernon 2023 Award Winners!
2023 Small Business of the Year: Baxter’s Wine & Whiskey
2023 Mid-Size Business of the Year: Mount Vernon Grand Hotel
2023 Large Business of the Year: Mount Vernon Police Department
2023 Non-Profit of the Year: MTVarts
2023 Community Pride Award: The Annex by The Gund at Kenyon College
Topics included: • A discussion about current construction and maintenance projects for the city. o He talks about the partnerships with other groups in the process of these construction and water projects. o Mayor Starr talks about adopting the school routes and how the city will be making these safer by adding crosswalks in the warmer months. o Updates on the water projects around the city • Update on a neighborhood revitalization grant • Update on the development at the old Middle School Property on Mulberry Street • Mayor Starr shares updates from Mount Vernon City Council: o Welcome to Mike Miller as he joins the council o Logistics of council meetings and the expectations for council members o Rules of conduct and online auctions o Approval for the city to be a part of the exciting Fourth of July celebration in 2026, highlighting Ohio’s significance in the union. • Update from Mount Vernon Budget Meeting on Saturday, January 20th • Mayor Starr gives an update on the new 2.7 acres the city of Mount Vernon just bought for a potential new fire station. • Mayor Starr shares his thoughts about the city’s response to the Winter weather that has impacted Mount Vernon. • Updates from the Mount Vernon Police Department o the new captain and the sergeant’s test that recently occurred o funding for both the police and fire departments and how they are thriving • Updates from the Mount Vernon Fire Department and he awards that some of the fire department members have received • Mayor Starr gives updates about city plans during February o The recreation board meets on February 7th at 7:00 o The Patriotic and Memorial Committee will begin planning o Planning for the 2024 season for Hiawatha Water Park and Pool o Logistics Planning for the Fireworks for the future o America 250 planning committee • Mayor Starr shares his goals for February and other important updates and projects on the horizon • Mayor Starr shares some of the biggest priorities for his team in 2024. • He also shares how we can pray for him and his team.
Rise and Shine 