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What makes a small town more than just a place to live? It’s the people who pour their hearts into it. In this episode of Morton Muse & News, we sit down with John Cirilli—a lifelong Morton advocate, local banker, and dedicated community volunteer. From his journey back to Morton after college to meeting his wife during Pumpkin Festival weekend, John shares his deep-rooted love for this town and why he’s stepping up to serve as a Village Trustee.

Join us as we talk about small-town values, local business growth, and the little things that make Morton feel like home. Whether you’ve lived here forever or are just passing through, this episode is a reminder of why community matters. Don’t miss it!

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Ever thought about volunteering but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re curious about the impact volunteers have on Morton? In this episode of Morton MUSE & News, I sit down with the incredible JoLynn Weiler—lifelong Morton resident, community champion, and self-proclaimed volunteer expert (seriously, is there anything she doesn’t volunteer for?).

JoLynn shares why volunteering is the secret ingredient to Morton’s strong community spirit, how anyone (yes, even the busiest among us) can get involved, and the personal rewards that come with giving back. We cover everything from the Pumpkin Festival to St. Jude Runs, CASA advocacy, and even some behind-the-scenes stories that will have you ready to jump in and help.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a difference but weren’t sure how, this episode is your sign to take that first step! Tune in now, and let’s celebrate the people who make Morton the “Best Town Ever.”

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to get involved! #MortonMuse #MortonNews #Volunteering #CommunityMatters

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Since 1952, Johnson’s Floral has been a cornerstone of Morton, providing beautiful floral arrangements for life’s most meaningful moments. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Grethey, third-generation owner, to talk about the history, challenges, and triumphs of running a family-owned business in a small town.

Paul shares how his father bought the shop in 1967 after delivering flowers on his bicycle as a kid, how technology and tradition intersect in the floral industry, and why Valentine’s Day is their Super Bowl—with over 400 deliveries in just a few days! We also dive into what makes Morton a truly special place and the role that small businesses like Johnson’s Floral play in keeping our community strong.

Whether you’re a longtime Johnson’s Floral customer, a small business supporter, or just love a great local story, this episode is a must-listen!

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#MortonMuseAndNews #JohnsonsFloral #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #MortonIL #ValentinesDay #CommunityMatters

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*****Part II
In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of Morton Muse & News, we sit down with Tom Van Ness as he shares his incredible journey of resilience, healing, and finding purpose after the devastating loss of his wife.

Tom’s story isn’t just one of grief; it’s about how the support of a small-town community can become a lifeline during life’s darkest moments. From the meals delivered by neighbors to the overwhelming kindness of strangers, Tom reveals how Morton’s tight-knit fabric lifted his family in their time of need.

We’ll also explore the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. Tom reflects on the steps he’s taken to support his sons, rediscover joy, and build a meaningful new chapter—sharing laughter, running milestones, and even connecting with music through his beloved Dave Matthews Band.

This episode celebrates the heart of Morton, the strength of community, and Tom’s inspiring progress as he transforms his grief into gratitude. It’s a story that will remind you of the beauty of small-town connections and the strength that comes from leaning on each other.

Tune in to be inspired, to reflect, and to discover why Morton truly is a place where neighbors become family.

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Send Ben a message, he'd love to hear from you.

In this heartfelt and deeply moving episode of Morton Muse & News, we sit down with Tom Van Ness as he shares his incredible journey of resilience, healing, and finding purpose after the devastating loss of his wife.

Tom’s story isn’t just one of grief; it’s about how the support of a small-town community can become a lifeline during life’s darkest moments. From the meals delivered by neighbors to the overwhelming kindness of strangers, Tom reveals how Morton’s tight-knit fabric lifted his family in their time of need.

We’ll also explore the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. Tom reflects on the steps he’s taken to support his sons, rediscover joy, and build a meaningful new chapter—sharing laughter, running milestones, and even connecting with music through his beloved Dave Matthews Band.

This episode celebrates the heart of Morton, the strength of community, and Tom’s inspiring progress as he transforms his grief into gratitude. It’s a story that will remind you of the beauty of small-town connections and the strength that comes from leaning on each other.

Tune in to be inspired, to reflect, and to discover why Morton truly is a place where neighbors become family.

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Scott Witzig is the Executive Director of the Morton Community Foundation (MCF), a role he has held since 2007. He is deeply committed to supporting Morton, Illinois, and its surrounding communities through philanthropy and community development. Known for his quiet yet impactful leadership, Scott has received accolades such as the Morton Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to the community. His professional approach emphasizes building sustainable endowment funds and fostering partnerships to ensure the long-term well-being of local organizations​​

The Morton Community Foundation was established in 2000 with the aim of creating lasting community impact through grantmaking and philanthropy. Initially starting with just $3,000 in grants in 2003, the foundation has since grown substantially, distributing approximately $350,000 annually. MCF focuses on building endowment funds, where donations are invested to generate ongoing proceeds, allowing for consistent support of local organizations such as schools, libraries, and parks​.

Check out the Foundation website

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The Morton High School band, based in Morton, Illinois, has a stellar reputation for its exceptional musical talent and competitive achievements. Over the years, the band has become a powerhouse, consistently performing at a high level in both state and national competitions. Their success is largely due to the dedication of the students and the strong leadership from their directors, Bob Hornsby and Katrina Fitzpatrick. These two have been instrumental in shaping the band’s growth, pushing the students to strive for excellence in both musicianship and discipline.

Morton’s band program is known for its well-rounded approach, balancing marching band performances in the fall with concert band and jazz ensembles throughout the year. The marching band has earned numerous accolades, including top finishes in state competitions and appearances at prestigious events. They often perform at local parades, football games, and community events, serving as a source of pride for Morton.

In addition to the competitive side, the band also fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork among its members, with many students continuing to pursue music in college and beyond. The Morton High School band’s success is a reflection of the town's commitment to supporting the arts and investing in the youth, making it a significant part of the local culture.

Learn about Katrina's near-death experience to see some llamas, and let Bob tell you which two 90's rock bands are best to play drums to. These two, along with the help of many staffers, an army of volunteering parents, and with wild support from administration, have put together 19 back-to-back state championships. Of all the "things" that these two are to so many people, I'm proud to say that they're two very good "friends" to me.

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Ms. D'Alfanso is the Cross Country coach for Morton Junior High School. Her team recently won the state competition, highlighting her success as a coach and the accomplishments of her athletes. She plays a key role in shaping the young runners, guiding them both physically and mentally to perform at their best.
Owen secured 4th place at the state competition, helping to lift his team to a championship. He shares some of his physical preparations prior to the season, his race mindset, and his favorite super heroes.
Listen in on the wonders of cross country, Ms. D'Alfanso's coaching philosophy, and how Owen is building off of this season's success with plans ahead for next year.

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