Kathy Wantland, Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice of Knox County was a guest on The Morning Thing today. She shared the details of this year’s Suicide Awareness 5K/10K Run and Walk. She also shared resources for suicide awareness and prevention in Knox County. Kathy also shared a personal story of why she wants to get connected with community members impacted by suicide. You can access the full conversation below.
The theme for this year’s walk is “Inspire Hope”! Click HERE to register.
The Morning Thing shared the exciting news of a film screening coming to our community. You can see the short film “This Place” this Friday, 9/22 at 7pm at the Woodward Opera House, 107 South Main Street in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon resident, Carrie Haver wrote the script. She shared with The Morning Thing about her inspiration behind this project and the process of turning the story into a short film. Director Michele Bayko shared more about the partnerships that formed through the filmmaking process. A local historic home was used as the set with local actors bringing the story to life. Michele also shared how this screening with benefit the Orange Barrel Production Company. Both ladies talked about why it is so important to support local theater production companies. Carrie and Michele also gave advice to young readers and writers about storytelling.
Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with Blessing Offor. He shares some of his favorites with us including coffee, favorite snack while touring, favorite book and some of his best memories while being on the road. He also talks about some of his favorite artists that have worked with him on some powerful collaborations.
Blessing Offor gives us a preview of Saturday’s show and encourages everyone to come and have fun at Sonfest. He is passionate about creating music for everyone!
We also play Rapid Fire with Blessing Offor and learn what instrument he would like to play and the song he wishes he had written.
Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with KB. He shares how he first got involved with music, including how Christian Hip Hop saved his life by introducing him to Jesus. KB also shares his inspirations when it comes to making his music. These names might surprise you – Charles Spurgeon and Frederick Douglas.
He gives us insight on the writing process and shares what he is currently working on in his career.
We also play Rapid Fire with KB and learn what song he wishes he had written.
Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their excitement for Sonfest 2023 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Each host talked about their favorite artist that will be on the Main Stage at Sonfest this year. We hope you join the Big Blue Crew on Saturday in the MVNU Grove for this incredible day of music and ministry.
Marcy Rinehart is excited to see DAMAC – click HERE
Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with Aaron Cole. He shares about his background and growing up in the field of music. Aaron started recording music at the age of 4. He talks about how he fell in love with rap music at the age of 12 because of the influence of his uncle.
Aaron also shares the story of how he got connected with TobyMac and his many collaborations in Christian music.
Aaron shares how people are the inspiration for his music and how excited he is to perform for the Sonfest crown on Saturday.
Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!
Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16) at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with Joseph O’Brien. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances. Joseph gives his background in music and how he first got interested in music, and how his music today is close to Scripture and seeks to inspire the younger generation and the outcasts. Joseph talks about his time on “America’s Got Talent” and how he was signed to TobyMac’s record label, Goatee Records. He also shares about how Christian radio has impacted him and people in his life. He tells us about some songs that he loves to perform. Joseph tells us about a funny memory on the road with Steven Curtis Chapman! He also has some advice for you!
Joseph O’Brien’s bio:
Singer/Songwriter Joseph O’Brien is creating and performing music to help inspire every generation to follow Jesus. Growing up with two musical parents, the TN native had music running through his blood from day one. At age 12, he taught himself how to play the piano and realized that is where his passion was. His talent took him to the quarterfinals of “America’s Got Talent,” where O’Brien wowed the judges and audiences with his quirky personality, dynamic range and emotional depth, delivering unforgettable renditions of classic songs and original compositions alike.
Click HEREfor more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule. Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR! Click HERE to connect with Joseph O’Brien.
Sonfest is this Saturday (9/16)at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. All this week, The Morning Thing and The Afternoon Drive are featuring conversations with the artists coming to Sonfest this year.
Today, we talked with Damac. He shares what he is looking forward to this year and shares some fun memories from past Sonfest appearances.
Damac gives his background in music and how he first got involved in rapping. He also shares how his Dad inspired him to pursue music.
Damac shares some of his cool experiences performing on the road and getting the opportunity to minister at a juvenile detention center.
He also gives us a preview of the album that his is currently working on that is dedicated to his late Mother.
Damac Bio: Damac’s ministry began in 2007 after Michael Lacoste accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior. With a newfound faith and a passion for youth, his mission became clear: create art that magnifies Jesus and influences the youth. He wanted to make Deeply Anointed Music About Christ (Damac). His first concerts were in front of small groups of students. The size of the crowd did not matter at all;it was all about sharing Jesus. Since then, Damac has released three albums (Immaculate, Supremacy, and Journey) selling over 5,000 copies independently.
Click HERE for more details about Sonfest 2023 and to see the complete schedule.
Click HERE to see how you can win tickets with WNZR!
The new Executive Director of the United Way of Knox County, Lori Jones-Perkins, gives us some details about the 2023 United Way Campaign. Their goal this year is to raise 1 million dollars to support the education, finances, and health of our community. She tells us about the events the United Way has planned, and she gives us details on how to give. Lori also encourages new donors!
WNZR joins KSAAT (the Knox Substance Abuse Action Team) and New Directions of Knox County to support the 2023 Teen Advisory Council’s Color for a Cause Race.
Have the time of your life with your family, friends, and/or co-workers. The Color for a Cause Race is hosted by the Teen Advisory Council and takes place at Ariel Foundation Park in Mount Vernon.
This event is all about fun, family, friends, and healthy lifestyles! Join the TAC for a little exercise and lots of colorful FUN! Your day will consist of a 3.1 mile run/walk or a 1-mile run/walk through Ariel Foundation Park as colorful, washable powder flies. Cross the finish line colored like a rainbow to get your medal!
Check-in is at the Park National Bank Pavilion. All pre-registrations will receive a white t-shirt, race number, finisher medal, and most importantly, Color Run Swag!
Join the fun at Ariel Foundation Park! Registration and packet pick-up begins at 4 p.m., and the race begins at 5:30 p.m. A Kids Fun Run will take place at 5 p.m.
WNZR will broadcast from 4:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
TAC, the Teen Advisory Council is hosting the event. All proceeds will benefit TAC, Knox County’s youth-led prevention group. The Teen Advisory Council focuses on preventing unhealthy behaviors among Knox County youth before they begin. TAC students from all Knox County schools plan and execute prevention projects. They actively work to end teen dating violence and sexual violence, as well as the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and substance use among peers. TAC members are ambassadors of healthy, safe, equal, and non-violent relationships among their peers and in the community.
Registration pricing options are: Individual (Ages 13+) – $30 Individual (Ages 5 – 12): $10 Kids 4 and under are FREE The Kids Fun Run is FREE Team of 4 – $100 through Race Day Team of 10+ – $15 per runner through Race Day (Children under 12 must be accompanied by a participating adult)
Remember to wear white clothes because there will be multiple color stations! Call New Directions at 740-397-4357 with questions. WNZR talked with Libby Barteau, TAC Advisor about this year’s Color for a Cause Race on Saturday 9/2!