In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. From work deadlines to personal responsibilities, it’s no surprise that stress levels are on the rise. However, managing stress is essential for our overall well-being and happiness. The Morning Thing shared 5 ways to help manage your stress from imom.com!
Managing stress is a lifelong journey that requires self-awareness and a commitment to self-care. By knowing that God is in control, recognizing the signs of stress, prioritizing self-care, practicing effective time management, cultivating a supportive network, developing healthy coping mechanisms, adjusting your mindset, and seeking professional help when needed, you can regain control over your stress levels and find balance and peace in your life. Remember, stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define your life.
The City of Mount Vernon will commemorate this nation’s independence from Great Britain on Tuesday, July 4, culminating with a fireworks celebration shortly after dusk at Ariel-Foundation Park. The city shared details in the map below and also frequently asked questions that we shared on The Morning Thing on Thursday. Find all the details listed below.
What time will the streets close? Streets will be closing at 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Norton Street
Woods Parkway westbound heading towards Harcourt Road
Pittsburgh Avenue will be closed to through traffic beginning at 2:00 p.m. Local access only.
Park entrances will be open to the public at Madison Street, Pittsburgh Avenue and Harcourt Road. Columbus Road will be closed to southbound traffic at 9:30 p.m. and will not reopen until the park clears. The Lakes area gate at Madison will be closed at 10:00 p.m. Simultaneously, the North Loop Path will be opened westbound, exiting at Harcourt Road.
Where can I park? There is very limited first come-first served parking inside Ariel-Foundation Park. Parking is free and can be found at a multitude of public lots downtown off Gay Street and at the high school. When lots are full they will be closed. Depending on weather conditions, there may be back-in parking on the grass along the roadway coming off Harcourt Road.
Will there be additional ADA parking available? Limited ADA parking will be available inside the park. The Urton Clockhouse parking lot off Pittsburgh Avenue by the Columbus Road entrance will be filled first. ADA parking will be on a first come-first served basis at this limited-space lot. Once this parking lot is full, drivers will be directed to the Schnormeier Event Center (SEC) parking area, where 20 ADA spots will be set aside on a first come-first served basis. When this lot is full motorists will be directed to the lake area for further options.
Will the timed public parking spaces be enforced? Vehicles parked in timed public parking spaces will not be ticketed on July 4.
Can I reserve a spot in the park? The Park National Pavilion can be reserved for up to 50 guests for $100 on a first come-first served basis no later than June 27. Call 740-501-9293 to reserve.
What time is the free concert? The SEC will be closed for sound checks and other related activities during the day. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. to allow people to enter and find seating with their own chairs. The concert series will begin at 5:30 p.m. with openers McLennon, a Beatles tribute band, followed by the Sirens Duo, an R&B-blues-country act, at 6:15 p.m. Headliners Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, will take the stage at 7:00 p.m. The fireworks show will begin about 10:00 p.m.
Where are the restrooms? Portable restrooms will be available on the west side of the SEC as well as on the north side of the SEC parking lot, just west of the Urton Clockhouse, and outside of the Kiwanis Pavilion on the lakeside as well as the public restrooms in the pavilion.
Will there be food trucks available? A vast array of food trucks will be available on the east side of the SEC in the parking lot as well as in the lakes area near the Kiwanis Pavilion and in the west area of the Urton Clockhouse. Food trucks will be open at 4:00 p.m.
Where are the trash receptacles? Please do your part to keep the park clean by disposing of all trash and recyclables in the trash cans along the sidewalks in and around the park. There will be workers emptying trash barrels throughout the day. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Can I bring food/picnic in the park? Yes.
Can I barbecue in the park? Bring your own barbecue, but not under any roof in the park. This will be strictly enforced by the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Can I bring alcohol to the event? Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park or streets around the park. There will be a bar set up inside the SEC where you can purchase adult refreshments from 5:00-9:30 p.m.
Can I bring fireworks? Fireworks are prohibited in all City parks per Mount Vernon Codified Ordinances Chapter 1519.
Can I set up a canopy/umbrella? Yes, except on the grassy area outside the SEC, within 15 feet of the wire fence, and absolutely not on the concrete area.
When can I sit on the pavement of any road in or around the park? Even with street closures no sitting on the pavement of paved roads in or around Ariel-Foundation Park will be allowed.
Can I bring my dog to the fireworks show? Bringing dogs to the fireworks is not recommended, as the sound of the fireworks usually scares the dogs. If you do bring your dog, make sure it is kept on a leash at all times.
What measures will be taken for spectator safety during the fireworks? Keep your seats; efforts will be made to turn off street lights just before the start of the show. To ensure the safety of all spectators, please be seated no later than 9:45 p.m. and remain seated until the show is over and the street lights have been turned back on. We expect a very energetic and exciting finale!
How do I exit the park in my car? Immediately after the fireworks show traffic can go out Pittsburgh Avenue towards Columbus Road. Cones will be set to direct motorists either right (south) or left (north) on Columbus. Going west on Pittsburgh motorists will have to make either a left (south) or right (north) turn on Harcourt Road. Motorists exiting on North Madison Avenue will be required to turn left only, going into town. The Center Lake Loop road will be opened at 10:15 p.m. for westbound traffic only towards Harcourt Road. Exiting on Harcourt, motorists can turn left (south) or right (north). The Lakes Area gate at Madison will be closed at 10:00 p.m. Exit from the Lakes Area can only be made via the North Loop Path westward to Harcourt Road. Traffic markers will be out. All drivers exiting should stay to the right of these markers.
We hope you have a great 4th of July weekend and a Happy (and safe) Independence Day celebration with those you love!
The 4th of July is a day filled with patriotic spirit, family gatherings, and dazzling fireworks. It’s a perfect opportunity to engage children in fun and educational activities that celebrate the essence of Independence Day. This blog post will inspire you with some fantastic 4th of July crafts for kids that will not only ignite their creativity but also deepen their understanding of this important holiday. Let’s dive in and discover delightful crafts that will make this 4th of July unforgettable!
Sparkling Fireworks Painting: Capture the magic of fireworks on paper with this simple and vibrant painting activity. You’ll need some black construction paper, red, white, and blue tempera paints, and a few drinking straws. Show your kids how to dip the end of a straw into the paint and blow through the other end to create beautiful firework bursts on the paper. Experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve stunning effects. Hang the finished masterpieces to create a dazzling Independence Day gallery!
Patriotic Windsocks: Add a touch of patriotic charm to your outdoor decor with DIY windsocks. Gather red, white, and blue crepe paper, an empty plastic container (such as an oatmeal canister or plastic bottle), string, and glue. Help your little ones cut long strips of the colored crepe paper and glue them around the top edge of the container. Make two holes on opposite sides of the container, thread a string through them, and tie the ends to create a hanger. Hang the windsocks on your porch or in your backyard to let them flutter in the wind, spreading the patriotic spirit!
American Flag Handprint Art: Let your child leave their mark with a memorable handprint art project that resembles the American flag. Gather white construction paper, red and blue washable paint, and a small paintbrush. Help your child paint the palm of their hand blue and press it firmly onto the paper. Next, using a paintbrush, add red stripes alongside the blue handprint. Finally, use white paint to add stars in the blue area. This craft will create a beautiful keepsake and spark conversations about the flag’s symbolism and the significance of the holiday.
Firecracker Pop-Up Cards: Engage your children’s creativity while also spreading some 4th of July cheer with handmade pop-up cards. Provide them with colored cardstock, markers, glitter, glue, and scissors. Have them fold the cardstock in half to create a card shape. Then, cut out a firecracker shape from a different color of cardstock and fold it in half as well. Glue one half of the firecracker shape to the inside of the card so that when the card is opened, the firecracker pops up. Encourage your kids to decorate the card with patriotic designs and heartfelt messages. These personalized cards make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
This 4th of July, ignite your children’s imagination and celebrate the spirit of independence with these engaging crafts. From sparkling fireworks paintings to patriotic windsocks, American flag handprint art, and firecracker pop-up cards, there’s something for every child to enjoy. These crafts not only provide a creative outlet but also encourage conversations about the historical importance of Independence Day. Let the festivities begin as you create lasting memories and inspire a sense of pride in your children as they celebrate this remarkable holiday. Happy crafting and Happy Independence Day!
In our fast-paced and interconnected world, finding a harmonious balance between work and personal life has become a pressing challenge for many individuals. The concept of work-life balance has gained considerable attention, highlighting the significance of maintaining a healthy equilibrium between professional commitments and personal well-being. In this blog post, we delve into the profound importance of work-life balance and explore the transformative benefits it can bring to our lives.
The Morning Thing shared a full list of ways to embrace a healthy work-life balance. This list is from Crosswalk.com and you can find all the tips HERE.
Finding equilibrium between work and personal life is an ongoing process, but one that is undoubtedly worth the effort. Striving for work-life balance empowers us to lead healthier, more satisfying lives by nurturing our physical and mental well-being, strengthening relationships, boosting productivity, preventing burnout, and fostering personal growth. As we recognize the transformative benefits it brings, let us actively prioritize work-life harmony, enabling us to flourish both professionally and personally.
Ben Landis, Festival Committee President for the Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival in Centerburg, shares about how he has been involved with the festival the past 7 years.
He also talks about some of the details for this year’s festival including the crafters, the fireworks, the parade, the parking, and also food.
Listen to our full conversation with Ben by clicking HERE.
In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, anxiety has become an increasingly common struggle for many individuals. While there are various methods to cope with anxiety, one often overlooked avenue of solace lies within the realm of listening to worship songs. Beyond their spiritual significance, these powerful melodies have the potential to provide a profound sense of comfort, reassurance, and relief.
This morning we shared a list of 10 songs that help with anxiety from Crosswalk.com! Read the full list HERE.
Worship songs possess a remarkable ability to touch our souls and provide solace during times of anxiety. Through their melodies, lyrics, and communal nature, they offer a pathway to Jesus, emotional expression, and spiritual connection. Whether through personal moments of devotion or communal worship, engaging with these songs can be a powerful tool in managing anxiety and cultivating a sense of well-being. So, let us allow the harmonies to wash over us, embracing the peace that comes from immersing ourselves in the melodies of worship.
We hope these songs touch with the Spirit of God and bring peace to your life today.
Need some time to unwind and unplug from the hustle of everyday life? Are you stuck in the same routine each day?
Maybe the solution is a camping trip!
Today we shared 12 benefits to camping, why camping is actually good for you! You may be surprised to read some of these great benefits. If you are a camper, then plan to get back out in nature this year. If you have never tried camping before, it might be time to give it a go.
Alex Sheen talked with Alyssa Sidle of The Morning Thing and shared the mission and meaning behind his non-profit, because I said I would.
Alex also shared details on the recent devastating fire that wiped out much of the operations for because I said I would and their camp.
Alex tells us how people can help with the recovery process and how people can be praying for both the organization and also the families still dealing with loss and tragedies of their own.
The Morning Thing shared 53 Ways to Celebrate Your Dad for Father’s Day! These fun and family friendly activities all come from GoodHousekeeping.com!
There is a little bit of everything from sitting down to do a puzzle together, building a pillow fort, visiting a historic site, or even trying out a rage room. If you would like to check out the full list, you can read it HERE.
Have fun enjoying time with your Dad. Happy (early) Father’s Day!
The Morning Thing shared 20 great Bible Stories to share with your children! Whether you do bedtime stories or family devotional time, these stories are the perfect fit to tell your little ones this year.
Rise and Shine 