Today, Marcy and Xander shared some great hobby ideas for you and your family! Whether you enjoy fun, athletic, or unusual hobbies, there is something on this list for everyone. With over 100 hobbies to choose from you can find something that suits you!
Some of our favorites:
There is many more so go check out the full list HERE!
On The Morning Thing today, we shared some fantastic tips on how to reset when there is too much going on! There are many ways to do this whether it be through activity, relaxing, or getting organized. There is something on this list that will work for everyone!
Some of our favorites:
To see the entire list, click HERE!
We got to sit down with Tara Severence and Danielle England from the Hospice of the Western Reserve! Tara and Danielle provide us with information about themselves, their organization, and all the services they provide. They also detail their open house they have coming up, where you can learn about hospice, meet team members, and check out their new facilities!
Hospice of the Western Reserve Invites You to an Open House
Mount Vernon, OH— Hospice of the Western Reserve in Mount Vernon (formerly HNCO/Hospice of Knox County), invites you to join us for an open house event on August 21, 2025 from 11am-3pm.
HNCO/Hospice of Knox County was acquired by Hospice of the Western Reserve on August 1, 2024. We are an Ohio-based non-profit organization dedicated to end-of-life care in the community for over 40 years. This partnership allowed us to expand our services and comprehensive care.
The open house is an opportunity to bring the community together to learn about our hospice and palliative care services, meet our local team members, and to see our newly renovated space.
During the open house you can enjoy local food trucks, music, and light refreshments while touring our facility and learning about the care, comfort, and support we provide for patients and families. A table of informational materials will be available as well as goody bags for the first 100 visitors.
We will also share ways you can make a difference as a volunteer.
On the Rise Bar-B-Que and Round Hill Dairy will be selling and serving food and ice cream from their food trucks. The local band Side Effects is scheduled to perform from 11am-1pm followed by Granny Creek from 1pm-3pm on our back patio, a relaxing space with a beautiful view of nature and a granite water fountain.
All are welcome to attend!
Hospice of the Western Reserve is located at 17700 Coshocton Road in Mount Vernon. We are just past the health department on the right-hand side of the road. There is a big blue sign in our yard that you cannot miss!
To RSVP or for questions, contact Tara at 740-507-0072 or tseverance@hospicewr.org.
To learn more about their organization, click HERE!
Today on The Morning Thing, we focused on Serendipity Day! We looked at it through a Christian lens as we know God works in incredible and surprising ways, and we came up with 8 things each of us can work on to be more open to this kind of God!
Recognizing and being open to a serendipitous God — one who moves in unexpected, surprising, and grace-filled ways — involves cultivating a mindset, a heart posture, and some daily practices that create space for divine presence in the ordinary and the unforeseen.
Here are some of the best ways to open yourself to this:
1. Practice Attentiveness
“Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes off his shoes.”
— Elizabeth Barrett Browning
2. Let Go of the Need for Control
3. Cultivate Wonder and Curiosity
4. Engage in Reflective Prayer or Journaling
5. Trust in Divine Timing
6. Surround Yourself with Stories of Serendipity
7. Be Willing to Act on Gentle Nudges
8. Hold Theology Loosely, Hold God Tightly
To learn more about Serendipity Day, click HERE!
We got to chat with several members of the Teen Advisory Counsel about their program and the upcoming Color Run! Their members tell us all about the TAC, why they are involved, and they highlight the fun event coming this weekend!
To learn more about the TAC or their Color Run, click HERE!
However, it would make life a lot easier right?
Life hacks are basically clever tips or tricks that make everyday tasks easier and help you manage your time better. They’re all about making life run a little more smoothly.
On the Morning Thing Thursday, Eric shared a number of lifehacks that don’t require memorizing a Tik Tok, Reel or watching a 500 step video on YouTube. 😊
Clip them to the edge of your desk and thread cables through the metal arms to keep them tangle-free and within reach.
Placing a wooden spoon across a boiling pot prevents it from boiling over. The spoon breaks the surface tension and keeps the foam down
Slip a dryer sheet into your shoes, suitcase, or gym bag to keep them smelling fresh.
Click HERE for more life hacks!
On The Morning Thing on WNZR Tuesday, co-host Eric Brown shared a series of uplifting, encouraging, and downright cool stories as part of our Good News Tuesday.
Throughout the morning, we brought you heartwarming and positive news stories designed to brighten your day and lift your spirits.
Sharing good news helps balance the often overwhelming stream of negative headlines, offering hope and reminding us that there is still kindness, progress, and joy in the world. It can inspire positive action, improve mental well-being, and foster a sense of community and resilience.
We featured a variety of these inspiring stories all morning long to bring encouragement and a smile to your face:
🧠 Wisdom Teeth and Stem Cells – Who Knew?
Turns out those pesky wisdom teeth we all dread might be way more useful than we thought. Researchers in Spain have discovered that the soft center inside wisdom teeth—called dental pulp—contains powerful stem cells that could one day help heal bones, hearts, and even brain tissue. These cells can actually turn into neuron-like cells that show electrical activity, similar to real brain cells. Scientists are even testing them in mice with heart issues, and early results look promising. And the best part? Since over 10 million wisdom teeth are pulled each year, collecting them could be as easy as tossing them in a vial and sending them off to a lab. So before you toss yours in the trash, you might want to think twice—they could be your body’s future backup plan.
🎓 Small Town, Big Scholarships
In Swanville, Minnesota—a tiny town of just 328 people—graduation means more than just a diploma. Every single year for the past 30 years, the whole town has chipped in to raise money for scholarships for its seniors. Think chili cookoffs, bingo nights, bake sales—you name it. What started as a $166 gift back in the day just hit new heights: This year, one lucky grad walked away with $5,000. That’s a whole semester of college, right there. It’s more than just money—it’s about making sure their kids know they’re supported, wherever life takes them. In Swanville, it’s clear: once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.
🥾 Detention? Let’s Take a Hike
At Morse High School in Maine, detention looks a little different. Forget sitting in a classroom staring at the wall—here, misbehaving students can choose “hiking detention.” That’s right. If you skip class or mouth off to a teacher, you might find yourself lacing up your boots and heading into the woods. School counselor Leslie Trundy came up with the idea after an outdoor ed conference, and now it’s a hit. Students say the walking clears their heads and helps them think straight. Not everyone’s sold—some parents think it’s too soft—but the kids are showing up, breathing fresh air, and maybe even learning a thing or two. Sounds like a win.
Click HERE for more POSITIVE stories from the Good News Network!
Do you love chocolate? 🙂 WE DO!
Today, we celebrated the history of this sweet treat and shared some tips on how to make your chocolate habit healthier.
The history of chocolate goes back around 2,500 years. The Aztecs loved their newly discovered liquid chocolate. Cocoa seeds even acted as a form of currency.
Chocolate took a turn and went sweet in a 16th Century Europe.
Cadbury began in England by 1868. And then 25 years later Milton S. Hershey, purchased chocolate processing equipment at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, he is now one of the biggest and world-known chocolate creators in the world.
Click HERE to see a more complete history of Chocolate and some fun facts to share with other chocolate lovers.
Did you know that chocolate can be good for you? We found 10 Ways to Make Your Chocolate Habit Healthier from AARP. Click HERE to access the full article. You should be intentional about your choices, but hey! Let’s eat some chocolate and feel good about it!
1. Pay attention to ingredients
2. Look for at least 70 percent cocoa or cacao
3. Be aware of good — and bad — additions
4. Opt for lower sugar
5. Seek out higher fiber
6. Pay attention to serving sizes
7. Know the buzzwords
8. Consider the origin of your chocolate
9. Learn to love dark chocolate
10. Go beyond the bar
Today for our Friday Favorites, we are celebrating Independence Day. The Morning Thing Hosts share their favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
Tomorrow is Independence Day! Are you looking for something to take to your picnic? Or family reunion?
The Morning Thing crew found 6 easy and festive recipes that are perfect for your 4th of July. These are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and full of summer flavor! Check them out!
If you try one of these recipes, let us know what your family thinks and share their reviews. Email us at wnzr@mvnu.edu Also, send us a picture! 🙂
Have a wonderful 4th of July!
1. Red, White & Blue Fruit Skewers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Thread strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows onto skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. Serve chilled for a refreshing and patriotic snack.
🌭 2. Grilled Hot Dog Bar
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Grill hot dogs until heated through and lightly charred. Set up a toppings bar so guests can customize their own!
🥔 3. Easy Ranch Potato Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour. Garnish with extra green onions or bacon bits if desired.
🍔 4. Mini Cheeseburger Sliders
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Grill or pan-cook small beef patties. Assemble with cheese and toppings on slider buns. Serve warm with toothpicks to hold together.
🍉 5. Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Toss watermelon with feta and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and chill before serving.
🍰 6. No-Bake Berry Icebox Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Layer graham crackers, whipped topping, and berries in a 9×13 dish. Repeat layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
Rise and Shine 