Your Morning Matters: Let’s all be better

Good morning and welcome to your Morning Matters.

It's Wednesday, June 30, 2021 and when I have to get blood drawn prior to a physical, I get to the lab VERY early so I can be first. Why? Because you must fast after midnight and crabby old people who need their breakfast so that they can take their pills arrive early — I am in denial that I am one of them — and I want to get in and get out and not deal with their complaining.

And you still have to mask up at medical facilities. So, I asked the nice phlebotomist: "Who is worse about the mask rules: Old people or young people?" She thought for a moment and then said, "Middle aged. People in their 40s and 50s."

She told me of a recent incident: A man in that age group came in without a mask and when the rules were explained, he began to question the policy. When it was explained to him that masks were important to protect the ill, most vulnerable, young who can't be vaccinated and immune-compromised, he said, "Well, if they are that vulnerable, they should stay home."

Right. The vulnerable should all stay home. From a medical facility. Where they get life-saving assistance. Let that logic sink in.

The notion of caring for the well-being of fellow humans should be ingrained by middle age. We both discussed how such a person was raised if they didn't understand masking at a medical facility during a pandemic. My own Mom would be appalled if her children were to act in such a manner. As a mom herself, the phlebotomist agreed.

Look, on top of everything else, there's a heat wave going on. Let's all do better, check in on friends and neighbors, look out for complete strangers and make today count.

And here are more of the things you need to know about what's happening in the Mahoning Valley:

Though Youngstown has already seen sweltering summer days, the city's recently repaired North Side pool remains closed. And it will stay that way, Youngstown Parks and Recreation Director Dawn Turnage said, until she can properly staff lifeguards.

This lifeguard shortage is not just a Valley phenomenon. Throughout the country, a primary harbinger of summer is a pool teeming with people taking a refreshing dip on a sweltering day. Yet, pools from Virginia Beach to Youngstown remain closed. Reporter Jess Hardin has the story.

Pandemic facts

• In the U.S.: 33,651,272 confirmed cases; 604,436 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University & Medicine at 9 p.m. June 29.
• In Ohio: 1,111,124 confirmed or suspected cases; the new adjusted COVID-19 death total is 20,309.
• In Pennsylvania: 1,211,869 confirmed cases; 27,670 deaths.
• In the Mahoning Valley: 22,414 confirmed or suspected cases in Mahoning County; 16,585 in Trumbull; and 9,047 in Columbiana.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Closed at 34,292.29, up 9.02 points, or 0.026 percent.

Other matters

Eastgate Regional Council of Governments' plan for overhauling the Valley's broadband service might lead to the creation of a new governmental authority to manage local internet infrastructure. Mahoning Matters

Among the notable Valley entities highlighted in today's Business Updates are OhanaLink Technologies, Lavish Beauties Aesthetics and Giant Eagle. Mahoning Matters

As Pride Month 2021 comes to an end, Robert Dennick Joki, recently named grand marshal of Full Spectrum Community Outreach's Pride in the Valley Festival on July 31, discusses growing up gay and non-binary in Youngstown. Mahoning Matters

The average price of unleaded gas Tuesday in the United States was $3.10 per gallon. If the prices stay steady, it'll be the most expensive Fourth of July weekend at the pump since 2014, when the average cost per gallon was $3.66. We ask "Why?" Mahoning Matters

Chick-Fil-A Inc. purchased two properties in Austintown – representing the former Mashorda's County Gardens – for a combined $1.87 million to build a new restaurant. The Business Journal

How hot is it? It's so hot, police captured three Campbell women as they were allegedly in the process of trying to take an air conditioner from a commercial building in the city. WFMJ

Mahoning Valley local government leaders, chamber representatives and private sector officials are set to meet today in a closed-door session to discuss a regional approach to planning the use of the American Rescue Plan funds. The Vindicator [May encounter paywall.]

The old Sparkle Market building in New Middletown will be renovated to house a Family Dollar store expected to open this fall. WKBN

In case you missed it

Roughly one-third of Americans consider the pandemic over — but more think their lives will never return to pre-pandemic norms. A Gallup poll released Monday found optimism about the COVID-19 situation has hit a record high, with 89% of respondents saying they believe it's getting a lot or at least a little better. Mahoning Matters

Your comments matter

"Nope. Trumbull and I am taxed enough for things I don't use or get to vote on. Probably should throw some tea in the Mahoning."

— Jeff Popowich, on a poll asking if voters would support a new sales tax to expand WRTA in Trumbull.

Registered readers can comment on a selection of our stories, and all readers can comment on stories on our Facebook page. Opinions published here do not reflect the views of Mahoning Matters.

Story tips

Is there a story you think we should know about? Please tell us at news@mahoningmatters.com.

Let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful for you. Send your ideas and thoughts to mark@mahoningmatters.com. If you want to get this in your email inbox, sign up here.

This story was originally published June 30, 2021 at 6:55 AM with the headline "Your Morning Matters: Let’s all be better."