WNZR is preparing to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. In honor of this milestone, The Morning Thing hosts decided to focus on music for the Friday Favorites this week. The hosts shared their favorite songs from WNZR’s 40 years on air.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Abby Almodovar, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Abby discusses Starting Point’s growing relationship with Mount Vernon Nazarene University, including connections with student organizations, campus events, athletics, and several recent MVNU graduates who now serve on the Starting Point staff. She also shares how social media is being used to provide educational content, updates, and information about the free resources available to individuals and families throughout Knox County.
Abby also highlights Starting Point’s participation in community events through its mobile unit and opportunities to connect with local families. She discusses the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, which will include family activities and help raise funds to support Starting Point’s free services. Abby encourages community members to learn more about Starting Point, stay connected through social media, and discover the many resources available through the organization.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Josh Foley, who plays Kramer in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!
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Josh describes Kramer as a bold and sarcastic character who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he sees, and he prepared for the role by watching classic television characters, including Columbo and Kramer from Seinfeld. He also shares how much he enjoys performing alongside the talented cast of women who bring the show’s older characters to life.
Josh has been involved in theater since elementary school and brings years of stage experience to the production. He discusses his unique costume, which combines elements of Seinfeld’s Kramer and the classic detective Columbo, as well as his opportunity to serve as an assistant director for the show. Josh encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved and invites the community to see Bull in a China Shop, describing it as a fast-paced, hilarious production filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Lily Haws, who plays Bertie Spinster in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Lily describes Bertie as the oldest resident of a boarding house who values proper manners and etiquette, but as the play unfolds, her character becomes involved in a dark and unexpected plot to commit murder. Lily says the role has been a natural fit and has enjoyed the humorous contrast between Bertie’s proper personality and the darker elements of the story.
Lily also shares about her long history with Orange Barrel Productions and the special experience of performing alongside longtime friends, family members, and familiar faces. She discusses the production’s mid-1950s setting, her character’s costume, and the many ways people can get involved in community theater beyond acting. Lily encourages the community to support local arts organizations, emphasizing the role they play in bringing people together and keeping the arts thriving for future generations.
WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Katie Adams, Client Services Director for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!
Katie explains that one of Starting Point’s primary ministries is the Start Here Program, which provides pregnancy and parenting education for pregnant women, couples, and families. Participants earn points through educational appointments that can be used to shop in the ministry’s boutique for items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials.
She says Starting Point’s services are available to anyone in the community without income restrictions or insurance requirements. The ministry serves single parents, families, grandparents, and individuals seeking resources related to unexpected pregnancies, parenting, relationships, and family life. Starting Point strives to meet practical needs while also providing support for all.
Katie shares her personal journey with Starting Point, beginning as a field experience intern through MVNU Online. Shortly after arriving, she learned of an opening for the Client Care Coordinator position, volunteered with the ministry, and eventually joined the staff. After serving as Client Care Coordinator for a year and a half, she recently stepped into the role of Client Services Director.
She also discusses opportunities for community members to become involved with the ministry. Starting Point is currently seeking volunteers in several areas, including nurses, ultrasound technicians, boutique workers, and client advocates. The ministry also welcomes men to serve through its men’s mentoring and support programs. They need volunteers, contact Starting Point directly at 740-393-0370 to learn more about available opportunities. She concludes by expressing excitement for the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night.
Click HERE for more information about Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Carrie Haver, who plays Nettie Norton in Bull in a China Shop.
Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!
Carrie describes Nettie as one of six older women living together in the show. She says the character is humorous, often says the wrong thing, and brings plenty of laughs to the production.
She shares that the cast has been rehearsing since the summer, spending time reading through the script and developing the relationships between the characters. Carrie says memorizing lines comes through repetition and listening to recordings of rehearsals.
Carrie says one of her favorite things about playing Nettie is that the character is very different from roles she has played in the past. She enjoys portraying an older woman and bringing the character’s unique personality to life.
A theater veteran, Carrie has appeared in numerous productions with both Orange Barrel Productions and MTVarts. She recalls playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz as one of her favorite theater experiences. Carrie also says the humor in Bull in a China Shop is what makes the show especially enjoyable and believes audiences will find many opportunities to laugh.
Carrie says one of the highlights of the production has been the strong chemistry and camaraderie among the cast. Many of the actors have worked together before, creating a comfortable and enjoyable rehearsal environment.
She also discusses the show’s costumes and makeup, explaining that the cast uses special makeup and costumes to portray older women living in the 1950s. Carrie encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved, noting there are opportunities for people of all ages both on stage and behind the scenes. She hopes the community will come see Bull in a China Shop, enjoy a good laugh, and support local theater.
Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Catherine Haws, who plays Jane the News Reporter in Orange Barrel Productions’ “Bull In A China Shop”!
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
Catherine shares how she has prepared for the role and what she enjoys about playing Jane, including her outspoken personality and the humor she brings to the production.
This show marks Catherine’s 31st theater production, and she is especially excited to share the stage with her mom for the first time since 2008. She also discusses the show’s late-1940s/early-1950s setting, her costumes, and why she believes live theater continues to bring people together in a unique way.
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talks with Jess Kirby, Development Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center about the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Click HERE or on the picture link below to hear the full conversation!
The evening will include a 5K, glow items, family-friendly activities, yard games, a bounce house, the Sweet Bubble & Bean Coffee Truck, and free ice cream tickets for children. Participants can also enjoy several prize opportunities, including a grand prize family night basket. Kirby encourages families and community members to register and join Starting Point for an evening of fun, fellowship, and support for the ministry. More information is available at FriendsofKSP.com.
Click HERE for more info on Starting Point’s ministry!
We talked with Jennifer Furay, Executive Director of Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center, about the organization’s ongoing work to support individuals and families throughout Knox County.
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Jennifer explains that Starting Point serves people facing unexpected pregnancies as well as students, parents, grandparents, and families navigating difficult circumstances. She also discusses the organization’s new mobile ministry, which has already provided a private, air-conditioned space for nursing mothers at community events and is expected to expand its outreach in the coming months.
Jennifer introduces Erin Hayden, the new Mobile Operations Coordinator, and shares that Starting Point is looking for additional ultrasound-trained nurses and volunteers. She also highlights several new staff members, including Liz, Audrey, and Abby, along with Katie Adams, who has transitioned into the role of Client Services Director. Jennifer says these changes have brought together a talented team passionate about serving families in the community.
Jennifer also invites the community to Starting Point’s upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night on October 3. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with local families, raise awareness about Starting Point, and support its programs and services. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of community partnerships, sponsors, volunteers, and donors while looking forward to an evening of fellowship, fundraising, and fun—including an appearance by the popular Dot.
Sabina describes Hildegarde as a practical, no-nonsense boarding house owner who also has a softer, more playful side when she encounters the show’s handsome detective. She shares how much she has enjoyed the challenge of portraying both sides of the character and says one of the show’s unique qualities is that, despite being a murder mystery, many of its characters are genuinely likable.
Sabina has been involved in theater for most of her life through school, church, and community productions, with previous roles in Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, and Little Shop of Horrors. She is also returning to Bull in a China Shop after previously performing in the production as a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She says the camaraderie and laughter among the cast have made rehearsals especially enjoyable.
Sabina also discusses the costume and makeup work that transforms her into Hildegarde, including age makeup, period clothing, and a 1950s-style wig. Although she considers herself an introvert, Sabina says theater has always given her a place to feel confident, connected, and free to express herself. She encourages others to get involved in theater, whether onstage or backstage, and invites the community to attend Bull in a China Shop for an affordable night of live entertainment while supporting local performers and the arts.
