Christmas preparations are underway and some of you may have already started your baking. In honor of the great bakers, we are going to talk about Christmas Cookies!
For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts will share their favorite Christmas Cookie.
We have been talking about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk all week.
Today on the Morning Thing, Kristine Lindemann shared about the gingerbread house contest!
She talked about what the contest normally looks like and where it is located. Kristine also explains what she is most looking forward to this Saturday and shared some other details about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk!
The Fredericktown Christmas Walk is happening this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
To find more information about the event click HERE!
We have been talking about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk all week.
Today on the Morning Thing, we got the chance to talk with Cecelia McClelland about the Crafter and Vendor Fair!
The fair takes place at the Fredericktown Presbyterian Church right by the gazebo. Cecelia shared what she is most looking forward to this Saturday and shared some other details about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk!
The Fredericktown Christmas Walk is happening this Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
To find more information about the event click HERE!
This year’s 15th Annual Snowflake Gala is shaping up to be something truly special. WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart sat down with Amy Quinlivan, Co-Chair of the Gala Committee; Bruce Jacklin, this year’s William A. Stroud Jr. Award for Community Service honoree; and Kathy Brechler, Executive Director of Food for the Hungry, to talk about everything guests can expect on Saturday, December 13th at Kenyon College’s Lowry Center.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
The Gala’s theme—Old Hollywood—has everyone eager to bring a little vintage sparkle to the evening. Bruce in particular can’t wait to share a bit of the classic glamour he loves. Kathy added that the evening’s meal will be catered by Stuart Washington from the Knox County Career Center’s Culinary Arts Department. The menu was even planned with Bruce in mind—nothing too messy for a tux! And yes, dessert will definitely be worth saving room for.
Entertainment this year comes from the Knox Community Jazztet, returning after a wonderful performance last year. Bruce shared a bit about the musicians involved, while Amy walked through the evening’s agenda, which kicks off at 6 p.m. with cocktails. There will also be an Old Hollywood-style red carpet, wine throughout the evening, and a silent auction with some standout items.
Kathy emphasized how impactful the auction is: every $1 donated equals $4.56 of food purchasing power through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective. She also took a moment to honor both long-time partners and individuals who have supported Food for the Hungry since its founding in 1982.
One of the highlights of this year’s Gala is honoring Bruce Jacklin, whose service to the community—and his founding of MTVArts in 2007—made him an easy and heartfelt choice for the Stroud Award. Bruce shared a touching story about William A. Stroud, reflected on how humbling the recognition feels, and talked about why community service continues to be such a driving force in his life.
Amy also highlighted the evening’s co-hosts, whom Bruce has known and mentored since their grade-school days on stage. Kathy offered gratitude for the many people who have shaped the event over the years, including some who are no longer here but remain part of the Gala’s legacy.
Tickets are available now—but only until Friday, December 5th—at FoodfortheHungryCares.org. Tables seat eight guests for $1,000, and donations can also be made online. Amy thanked the committee members who work tirelessly behind the scenes, while Bruce reflected on how the Gala has evolved year after year. Kathy ended with a nod to the wine offerings and a heartfelt thank-you to the Career Center team for their continued support.
As always, this event comes back to one shared message: “Working Together to Care for Our Neighbors.” Amy, Bruce, and Kathy all shared what that slogan means to them—and they hope to see you on December 13th to celebrate community, generosity, and a little Old Hollywood sparkle.
Click HERE for the the Food For The Hungry’s Snowflake Gala!
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
Brandon Schroepfer is the Natural Resource Manager for the Knox County Park District.
He shared details about Fire and Ice which is happening this Saturday at Millwood Church of Christ and Honey Run Park.
This event helps support Food For The Hungry and Brandon explained how you can help!
For more details about the event click HERE!
For more details about the Knox County Park District click HERE!
Jamie Sanders is in charge of the Christmas tree decorating competition at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
He shares details about the contest and talks about the prizes. Jamie also highlights some of the other events that are happening!
To find more information about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk click HERE!
Robin McClay organizes much of the entertainment at the Fredericktown Christmas Walk.
She shared with us the schedule for this year. She also told us she is most excited for the Scrumptious Food Auction!
To find more information about the Fredericktown Christmas Walk click HERE!
Jim Riggle, the Principal of Academics, Attendance, and Discipline at the Knox County Career Center, recently chatted with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart about this year’s big event.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Jim has been involved with the basket auction for seven years and shared why it’s such a highlight for the community. The auction officially kicked off at midnight on Cyber Monday, and bidding will wrap up on December 12th.
Jim Riggle shared some insights about the Food for the Hungry Basket Auction. He explained how easy it is to check your bids and get involved, and he made sure to give a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helps make the auction possible.
He also talked about why these baskets are such a big deal. They give students in different Career Center labs a chance to showcase their skills, gain hands-on experience, and have some fun in the process. Jim highlighted how incredible the students are and shared a special moment from the first Chance Application Night, where former students returned to make the evening truly memorable.
Wrapping up, Jim expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. He said he feels especially blessed this year and is excited to celebrate 44 years of the Food for the Hungry program. He also reflected on what FFTH’s slogan means to him, emphasizing the sense of community and shared purpose behind the auction.
Click HERE to find out more about Food For The Hungry!
If you’ve spent any time around Fredericktown during the holidays, you’ve probably heard the name Ann Trudell—and for good reason. She’s responsible for the Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk Online Auction, which is currently in full swing and runs through December 3rd and recently spoke with WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Ann is also the one coordinating donations, which can be dropped off at the Fredericktown administration building between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Tuesday. This year’s auction features an impressive lineup of themed baskets packed with gift certificates, local services, and all kinds of surprises. Ann happily shares what’s inside and how everyone can get involved.
She also breaks down how the bidding works, how to check if you’ve won, and when winners can pick up their items. One of the best parts? All the money raised stays right here in Fredericktown, supporting community members who need a little extra help. It’s a fun, festive way to give back.
This year’s Christmas Walk theme is “Country Christmas,” and Ann gives a sneak peek at the events planned along the route. She’s especially excited to meet the auction winners—and she may have mentioned she’s looking forward to the food auction, too.
Ann also reflects on what being involved in the Christmas Walk means to her personally. She shares where everything will be located, the best places to park, and how to stay connected with all things Fredericktown throughout the season. And when asked what’s on her own Christmas list? In true Ann fashion: world peace, plus plenty of time with family and friends.
Click HERE to view all the items listed for Fredericktown Christmas Walk Online Auction!
Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr shared updates on the City with The Morning Thing on Friday, 11/28/25.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation.
Topics included:
To stay in touch with the City, go to:
Rise and Shine 