Kids to Parks Day Returns to Mount Vernon with Outdoor Activities for Families

Families are invited to get outside and kick off the summer during Kids to Parks Day in Mount Vernon.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Jeff Derr, Recreation Director for the City of Mount Vernon, about the annual event, which is part of a national effort encouraging families and children to spend time outdoors and enjoy local parks and recreation opportunities.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Kids to Parks Day will take place Saturday, May 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature a wide variety of free activities for children and families throughout the day.

Derr says several community organizations are partnering together to make the event possible. Knox County Fish and Game will offer youth fishing activities, while Cub Scout packs and Scouting America troops from Muskingum Valley Council will provide scout activities, water bottle rockets, BB guns, and games. There will also be demonstrations and activities from PAK United, 4-H, and the Mount Vernon Fire Department.

Derr says one of the goals of the event is to encourage people of all ages to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy healthy lifestyles through parks and recreation opportunities.

The Mount Vernon Exchange Club will also provide free hotdogs at noon during the event.

Looking ahead to the rest of the summer, Derr says Hiawatha Water Park and Pool is scheduled to open June 2nd, and the city is also hoping to bring back “Evenings at the Park” events this summer.

Derr says Kids to Parks Day continues to grow each year and hopes families will take advantage of the opportunity to spend time together outside while connecting with local organizations and activities throughout the community.

Click HERE to find out more through the City of Mount Vernon’s webpage!

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Allison Burak Finds a Full-Circle Family Moment in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is bringing together familiar fairy tale characters, plenty of laughs, and for one cast member, a full-circle family moment.

WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Allison Burak, who plays Snow White’s evil stepmother in the upcoming production. Allison says the show is especially meaningful for her family because her older children were involved in the original production 10 years ago. Now, she is sharing the stage with her youngest daughter, Lainey.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Although this is Allison’s first major theater production, she says stepping into the role of the evil stepmother has been a fun challenge. The character is dramatic, humorous, and far different from her real-life personality. To prepare, Allison says she spent time researching classic portrayals of Snow White’s stepmother and watching different performances for inspiration.

Some of her favorite moments in the show happen during the jail scenes, where several well-known fairy tale villains interact with each other — and with the Wolf — creating plenty of entertaining moments for the audience.

Allison says much of her previous acting experience came through church skits and reading stories to her children while they were growing up. Looking back, she says those experiences helped her learn how to bring characters to life and express emotion through storytelling.

She also credits Orange Barrel Production Company director Michelle Banko for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and try theater for the first time. Allison says the experience has helped her grow creatively while building friendships with the cast and crew.

One of the highlights for Allison has been sharing the experience with her daughter while becoming part of the close-knit teamwork that develops during rehearsals. She says audiences may not even recognize her once she appears on stage in full costume, featuring dramatic makeup, a flowing robe, crown, and magic mirror inspired by the classic evil queen look.

As a first-time theater performer, Allison encourages others not to be afraid to try acting, even if they feel nervous. She says theater helps build confidence, creativity, friendships, and a sense of community.

She also encourages the community to come out and support the production, saying live theater creates a family-friendly experience that is energetic, unique, and a great opportunity to support young people who are using their talents and creativity in positive ways.

Performances will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10.

Click HERE to find out more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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Joy Kanagy Takes on the Role of Judge Judy in “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs”.

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Joy Kanagy who plays the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Joy, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Inspirations Academy, says her character helps decide the outcome of the Wolf’s case based on how the jury votes during the courtroom scenes. Joy says she has been preparing for the role by practicing her lines and working on her delivery. While she enjoys the whole character, she admits her favorite part is getting to bang the judge’s gavel during the show. She also says the courtroom scene is one of her favorite moments in the production.

Joy talks about playing the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Joy has previously appeared in Orange Barrel Production Company’s A Little Princess along with several church productions. While she currently sees acting as more of a hobby, she says theater has been a lot of fun and a great experience.

Joy says one of her favorite parts of being involved with this cast has been getting to know the other actors and spending time together during rehearsals. She also encourages other kids to give theater a try, even if it feels a little scary at first.

Joy says the community should come out and support The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs because the cast has worked hard and the show is funny and family friendly.

Performances of the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars. For more information, visit Ohio Drama-dot-com or call 740-504-8847.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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Brooklyn McDonald Brings Two Very Different Characters to Life in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Brooklyn McDonald, who plays both Mrs. Smith—who “cried wolf”—and a reporter in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the latest production from the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Brooklyn is a 14-year-old homeschool student and says the two roles are completely different from one another. She explains that the reporter is much closer to her real personality, while Mrs. Smith is far more dramatic and over-the-top, complete with a hippie-style accent and personality.

One of Brooklyn’s favorite parts of the show is the courtroom scene, where the audience gets involved and helps decide whether the Wolf is innocent or guilty. She says those moments are especially fun because the cast gets to feed off the crowd’s energy while bringing plenty of humor to the stage.

Brooklyn has previously appeared in productions including Charlotte’s Web, Honk Jr., Anne of Green Gables, and A Little Princess. While she hopes to continue acting, she says theater is something she currently enjoys doing for fun.

She says one of the best parts of this production has been the friendships formed during rehearsals and all the fun moments shared with the cast. Brooklyn also enjoys the contrast between her two costumes—from a professional reporter look to colorful hippie-style clothing and accessories for Mrs. Smith.

Brooklyn encourages kids who might feel nervous about theater to still give it a try, saying it becomes a lot of fun once you get involved. She says audiences can expect a funny, interactive show that the whole family can enjoy.

Performances of the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10

Click HERE to find out more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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Lainey Burak Takes the Case as Lauren Order in The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Lainey Burak, who plays defense attorney Lauren Order in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the latest production from the Orange Barrel Production Company.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Lainey is a 13-year-old seventh grader at Mount Vernon Middle School and describes Lauren Order as confident, professional, and very direct. She says getting ready for the role has taken plenty of work, both during rehearsals and at home while learning lines and building the character.

One of her favorite parts of the show is the courtroom scene, where she gets to interact with the rest of the cast while defending the Wolf. Lainey says those moments make the performance especially fun because of the energy and chemistry between the actors.

This is Lainey’s second theater production and her first with Orange Barrel Production Company. While she enjoys acting, she says she currently sees theater as more of a hobby than a future career path.

She says one of the best parts of the experience has been building friendships with the cast and getting comfortable performing together on stage. Lainey also encourages other kids to give theater a try, even if it feels intimidating at first, because it becomes rewarding once you step in front of an audience.

Lainey says audiences can expect a fun, family-friendly show with audience participation, where the crowd helps decide whether the Wolf is innocent or guilty.

Performances will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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Knox County Head Start Launches Bottoms Up Campaign

WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke with Anna Yoder and Danielle Moffatt from Knox County Head Start about the Bottoms Up Diaper Drive happening throughout May.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Anna, who serves as enrollment coordinator, explains that Head Start partners with the Bottoms Up Diaper Bank to provide diapers to enrolled families and others in the community through referrals.

Danielle says the organization partnered this year with the Kiwanis Club to expand collection efforts across the county. Residents can donate diapers at several locations throughout Mount Vernon and surrounding communities during the month of May. The drive is especially in need of sizes 5, 6, and 7, and even open packages are accepted.

WNZR’s Eric Brown continues with Anna Yoder and Danielle Moffatt from Knox County Head Start about the Bottoms Up Diaper Drive. Organizers hope to collect more than 4,100 diapers this year, with the greatest need being larger diaper sizes and pull-ups.

Danielle says all donations stay local and help families enrolled in Head Start as well as other families referred through community agencies. Community organizations, churches, and businesses are also encouraged to host diaper drives of their own.

Donations can be dropped off at the Head Start Administration Building at 790 Fairgrounds Road in Mount Vernon. For more information, contact Anna Yoder at ayoder@knoxheadstart.org or call 740-397-2768.

Click HERE to find out more about Knox County Head Start!

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Bringing Emotion and Humanity to the Stage: Gabrielle Fuller Talks Mayella Ewell

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Gabrielle Fuller, who plays Mayella Ewell in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Gabrielle has been involved with theater through MTVArts since 2016 and says auditioning for this show was an easy decision because she has always loved the story of To Kill a Mockingbird. In this production, she takes on the role of Mayella Ewell, a character she describes as emotional, isolated, and deeply shaped by fear and poverty.

To prepare for the role, Gabrielle says she’s spent time focusing on Mayella’s body language, emotions, and motivations throughout the story. She says one of the most powerful moments in the show is Atticus Finch’s closing speech to the jury, which continues to stand out to her during rehearsals.

Outside of this production, Gabrielle has recently appeared in shows including 9 to 5, The Little Mermaid Jr., and MTVArts’ Night of One Acts. She says theater has become an important creative outlet and something she genuinely loves, whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing.

Gabrielle also encourages others to give theater a try, saying there’s a place for everyone, whether on stage or working behind the scenes. She believes audiences will connect with To Kill a Mockingbird because its themes of empathy, justice, and courage still resonate today.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE for ticket information!

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WNZR Senior Spotlight: Kai Mays

As part of Seniors Week at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with graduating senior Kai Mays to reflect on his time at MVNU and his experiences with WNZR.

Click HERE to hear the full interview!

Kai, who is from Delaware, says he originally came to MVNU to play soccer after spending most of his life around the sport. While athletics brought him to campus, he eventually found a passion for Communication and Digital Media, graduating with a Business minor as well.

Kai became involved with WNZR through class requirements and later found his place with the station’s video crew. He helped direct productions, run camera, and assist with sports broadcasts. He says one of the biggest lessons he learned was how much work goes into producing content behind the scenes and how important the process is to creating something successful.

During the conversation, Kai also shared a few favorite memories from his time at MVNU, including Christmas parties with friends, exciting moments covering volleyball games, and even jumping into the reflection pond during the recent paint drop celebration.

As graduation approaches, Mays says it still feels a little surreal, but he is excited for the next chapter. After a short trip to Iowa, he plans to work for a renovation company this summer while exploring long-term career opportunities, including possible work in car photography.

Kai also asked listeners to pray for his sister and her fiancé as they prepare for their upcoming wedding in August, along with continued health concerns she is facing.

Click HERE to learn more about WNZR!

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The Morning Thing Friday Favorites celebrate our WNZR Seniors!

For our Friday Favorites today, The Morning Thing hosts share their favorite memories with our Seniors in the MVNU Class of 2026. Congratulations to Abby Almodovar, Zane Menzie, Isaiah Clark, Kai Mays, EJ Temple, Jackson Bush, Kara Jenkins, Naomi Kinne and Traven Griffith!

Click HERE to hear our memories or click on the picture below.

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