#84 Mo’rvr

Transforming Warren

My goal for 2026 is to form a more personal bond with the Mahoning River, so yesterday, an unseasonably warm early April afternoon, I was drawn to Perkins Park. The newly cleaned-up river banks offered unobstructed views of the swollen stream.

The heavy rains earlier in the week caused it to overflow its banks. By yesterday it was back within normal containments, but filled to the brim and moving fast. It was truly a little slice of country relaxation right here in the big city. And to prove my lack of skill with the i-phone camera, I have included the best photo I took of the occasion.

The next item on my check list is a kayaking excursion. Hopefully, there will be a rental service operating this year. I’ll keep you posted, or feel free to offer any information you have in the comments below.

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So, you are a focus group. What are your feelings about the term “Mo’rvr?” Or if that’s too much, it could be “Mo-river.” It just seems to me that “Mahoning River” is such a mouthful, and poorly differentiated from the county and the valley of the same (and more often spoken) name.

The goal would not be to change the name, but to popularize a kind of hip-ish nickname, to be in common use among the cognoscenti who understand the river’s importance, the role it will play in transforming Warren, and will, by its use, increase awareness. Branding rules the world. Share your view.