Today, The Morning Thing shared a conversation with Gigi and Brandon Gonzalez-Cottrell about the 34th annual Food For The Hungry Drive. 
Click HERE to hear that conversation.

You can find out more about Food For The Hungry at their website. http://www.foodforthehungrycares.org
See a calendar of events, see a list of collection points and find out more about this amazing community outreach program. Stay tuned this week as The Morning Thing continues the conversation about this annual campaign and how you can help.

We also kicked off WNZR’s annual Totally Tasty Tom Turkey Hunt today!

Celebrate the holidays with WNZR!
The WNZR Totally Tasty Tom Turkey Hunt is BACK!

WNZR has teamed up with Smithhisler Meats of Mount Vernon to give away 5 turkeys!
5 Winners will receive a 14-16 pound turkey from Smithhislers on Columbus Road in Mount Vernon.

Be listening throughout the day as Tom gobbles his way through the WNZR studios.  When you hear that gobble gobble, Call (740) 392-9090.  Caller #5 gets registered to win!

Winners will be announced at 7:30am on Friday, November 20^th!  Winners receive their turkey just in time for the cooking and the Thanksgiving table!!

Get ready for “The WNZR Totally Tasty Tom Turkey Hunt”.  Happy Thanksgiving from the station that is thankful for YOU – 90.9FM WNZR.

WNZR allows one registration per person per day.  Anyone winning within the last 30 days IS eligible for this contest.

The Morning Thing celebrated National Nacho Day today by sharing our 5 Favorite Nacho toppings.

Click HERE to hear Aubrey Bailey’s favorite nacho toppings.

Click HERE to hear Jenna Pott’s favorite nacho toppings.

Click HERE to hear Wesley Boston’s favorite nacho toppings.

Click HERE to hear Marcy Rinehart’s favorite nacho toppings.

Ben Haws, WNZR Director of Listener Engagement, also shares his favorite way to eat nachos.
When we were younger (and still to this day if I’m honest), one of my favorite snacks to share with my sister was a dish we like to simply call “Chips ‘n Cheese”. And when I say “share”, I actually mean that she would take a plate loaded with tortilla chips, cover them in freshly shredded cheese, put them in the microwave until melted to perfection, and then I would steal from her plate until she convinced me to make a plate of my own. Why am I so hungry all of the sudden…?

We also shared our November Presidential Update with MVNU President, Dr. Henry Spaulding. Click HERE to hear the conversation.

The Morning Thing connects you to many local events that are great for families.
We also highlight the many talented young people that live in our community.

We were honored to visit with the cast of “The Secret Garden, Spring Version” this week.

Here’s some information about the show:
Mount Vernon Middle School and High School will present the musical, “The Secret Garden, Spring Version”. The musical will be held on Friday, November 6^th at 7:30pm and Saturday, November 7^th at 2:30pm and 7:30pm in the Mount Vernon High School Theater.

Tickets are $8 for reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the door at each performance or by calling Kristen Campbell at (740) 504-1492. Tickets will also be sold in the theater lobby on Monday, November 2 through Thursday, November 5 from 6:30pm- 8:30pm.

This enchanting classic of children’s literature is re-imagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman. Orphaned in India, 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden’s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal. The production promises to be a treasure for children and adults!

For more information, contact Director, Mrs. Marty Bell at 740-393-5900, ext. 5909.

Click HERE to hear a conversation with Megan Campbell who plays Mary Lennox and Michaela Hauke who plays Martha.

Click HERE to hear a conversation with Rachel Rinehart who plays Lily Craven and Mark Fongheiser who plays Archibald Craven.

Click HERE to hear a conversation with Marty Bell, Director of The Secret Garden.

We are currently experiencing an Indian Summer. You may love the sunshine and the high of 73. Or maybe you wish that fall would just be fall and be colder. Regardless of your opinion of the warmer recent temperatures the sunshine is not going to last forever. Along with the glorious promises of the weekend, Friday will be bringing an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Yikes. But since you’ve been warned in time you will be able to plan accordingly for it. Good thing that we were shared the Do’s and Don’t’s of dressing for rainy weather. You can check out all of the suggestions here.

As we get further into November we are also steadily drawing closer to the collection day for Operation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes. As you think about packing a shoe box this year you can check out this conversation we had with Jaki Steward. She herself received a shoe box while an orphan in Guatemala. You can hear her incredible story here.

And don’t forget the two plays opening this weekend! You can get information on Mount Vernon High School and Middle School’s production of the Secret Garden here and find out about MVNU’s production of the Rainmaker here.

It is another THEATER WEEK on The Morning Thing!
Tune in each day as we give you a chance to win tickets to a local production.

Mount Vernon High School presents “The Secret Garden, Spring Version” on Friday 11/6 at 7:30pm and Saturday 11/7 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University presents “The Rainmaker” on Fridays 11/6 and 11/13 and Saturdays 11/7 and 11/14. All shows start at 7:30pm.

Listen EACH morning this week for your chance to WIN!

Click HERE to listen to our conversations with cast members of MVNU’s production of The Rainmaker.

We announced our 5 final winning pastors for Clergy Appreciation Month.
Congratulations to these pastors! They each win a $20 gift certificate to Jake’s Restaurant plus the Kyle Idleman book “Aha – The God Moment That Changes Everything”.

Congratulations to:
Pastor Andy Loos from Liberty Church in Howard.
Brendan Dube nominated Andy. Here is what Brendan told us about Pastor Loos.
Brendan loves her pastor because he truly exemplifies what it means be to a vessel for the Lord. Along with his wife, Jennifer, he is so giving of himself and his time. He goes out of his way to minister to others. He is very family orientated with his own family and church family. Both he and his wife have a heart after the Lord and for the things of God. Pastor Andy doesn’t sugar-coat the Gospel, but does preach in love. When you ask him his opinion regarding a situation, he will take you to the Word and see what it has to say about it, and discuss it further with you. That is important to me in my walk with Christ. Those are just a few reasons why I love my pastor.
Jonathan also nominated Andy. Here is what Jonathan told us about Pastor Loos.
Pastor Loos was there for me when I was at the lowest part of my life. My family was falling apart, I was heading for a nasty divorce, my kids were being taken from me and I almost went to jail. I called my Pastor and he answered. He didn’t look down me. He prayed with me and told me what the word of God said and counseled me and my wife. With God’s help and healing, we are still married today with three wonderful children. We are serving God together and that is why I love my pastor. We are truly blessed by God for our Pastor and his will to serve people.

Pastor Justin Meier from Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon.
Heather nominated Justin. Here is what Heather told us about Pastor Meier.
I love my pastor for many reasons, but at the top of my list is his love for the congregation. Although he works 40+ hours at his secular job, he still makes time for each of them. His love for the ministry is overflowing and he has such a deep desire to reach others with the love of Christ and the gospel. His stand for the truth is much appreciated! He doesn’t compromise the Word and stands firm but does it with such love. Our pastor is easy to talk to and immediately makes everyone feel like they’ve known him forever and that they could talk to him about anything… We love our pastor!

Pastor Greg Weyrich from Vineyard Church of Knox County in Mount Vernon .
Amy Hudson nominated Greg. Here is what Amy told us about Pastor Weyrich.
Pastor Weyrich is a man with a heart for Christ. He has a desire for finding his place in God’s story while leading his congregation to do the same. His passion for knowing Jesus and making Him known is evident not only through his messages on Sundays but through who he is as a person. Greg is not only a wonderful pastor; he is a great teacher and friend. I am grateful to God for placing Greg at VCKC as our Pastor!

Pastor Gavin Cole from Apostolic Christian Church in Mount Vernon .
Daniel Hamman nominated Gavin. Here is what Daniel told us about Pastor Cole.
Pastor Cole is the new youth pastor at ACC. He is a phenomenal addition for our church youth. He has a passion and dedication to serve God through ministering to the youth of our church and our community.

Pastor Russ Gumm from First Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon.
Jan Taylor nominated Russ. Here is what Jan told us about Pastor Gumm.
Pastor Russ Gumm truly has the heart of a caring pastor! He values each member of his congregation, warmly showing them they are special – in his eyes AND in God’s eyes. Pastor Gumm leads his flock toward The Shepherd through his biblical messages and his intercessory prayer. He is visionary, dedicated, and, most of all; he loves God with all that is in him! I am proud to call him my pastor!
Denise Parks also nominated Russ. Here is what Denise told us about Pastor Gumm.
Pastor Gumm comes each Sunday excited to share God’s word! He loves his people and cares for them! He was there for me when I lost my mom; traveling 2 hours to attend her service. Pastor’s prayers for us during the service are from his heart. I appreciate my pastor!

Congratulations to these pastors.
All nominated pastors were entered into a grand prize drawing.
Congratulations to Pastor Fred Shoemaker, our grand prize winner!
He pastors 2 churches – the Seventh Day Adventist Church on South Edgewood Road in Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon Hill 7th Day Adventist Church on Wooster Road. Pastor Shoemaker wins an overnight stay at the Mount Vernon Grand Hotel!

Friday, 10/30 is special day. A day to celebrate Wesley Boston! It is his birthday. 

Here are some special messages from his Morning Thing co-hosts.

From Marcy Rinehart – Wesley, you are an amazing young man. I can not wait to see where God leads you as you continue to share your many, many talents with others. You are the true definition of a servant leader, consistently and sacrificially giving to others. WNZR is a better and stronger radio station because you are here. I hope you have a FUN day with lots of laughter and precious memories. Happy 22!

From Jenna Potts – HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESLEY!! Your energy and joy are infectious at the station and in class! Thanks for being an example for us in your hard work and dedication to excellence. You are the best! I can’t wait to see the video of you playing Chad in your highschool production of Highschool Musical!

From Aubrey Bailey – Happy Birthday Wesley! It’s always so fun to do the show with you because you make me laugh! I know I haven’t known you as long as Marcy and Jenna, but I think you are such a friendly, genuine person and I hope you have a great day!

You can send Wesley a special message on his special day. Email wnzr@mvnu.edu

Today was also special because we wrapped up Clergy Appreciation Month. For our Morning Thing Fave 5, we shared about the pastors that we LOVE and APPRECIATE.

Click on each name to hear the hosts talk about their favorite pastors.

Jenna Potts  

Aubrey Bailey

Wesley Boston 

Marcy Rinehart 

The Morning Thing shared some interesting topics today.

Do you have the same personality as your dog? A Canine Personality Study by Natural Balance says YES!

Be prepared to keep your pets SAFE for Halloween! 
Click HERE for 10 safety tips.

Today on the Morning Thing we talked about dishwashers, twins, and late notes!

Your dishwasher does so much, it’s time to give it some love. Today we talked about how and when to clean your dishwasher! Read all about it here.

One dad from Utah who was fed up with his kids being late to school decided to write some creative late notes to turn in to try to teach them a lesson! There are some hilarious notes. We’ve included his Instagram page. While you’re there, follow us! @WNZR_90.9FM.

We’ve all wished we had a twin so we could have someone by our side… and to play pranks on people of course! We shared some funny stories from twins about how they have played some creative tricks on their peers. Read about some of those here!

Be sure to tune in to the Morning Thing weekdays from 6:00am-9:00am on 90.9FM, WNZR!