We got the chance to talk with Candy McCracken, a Board Member and President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! She shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the rundown of the event schedule, how they have been fundraising, and then what she is excited for!
To learn more about the event, click HERE!
We celebrated National Day of Joy today on The Morning Thing! Not only did we share about what it is and the history of it, but we also dove into scripture and explored what the bible say about joy. Use this to be joyful today and everyday!
This day has a fun story behind it! To learn more about what it is, click HERE!
To see what the Bible says about joy, click HERE!
We got the chance to talk with Patrick Loudermilk, a Board Member and Vice President for the Centerburg Heart of Ohio USA Days Festival! He shares with us all the information regarding this years 20th anniversary event! Including the schedule, where the event is, how parking will work, and so much more!
To learn more about the festival, click HERE!
On The Morning Thing today, we highlighted self-care! We shared some great insights from Focus On The Family about what self care actually is. Then we jumped into some tips on how to uphold your self-care from the Positivity Blog! They are both great reads that are sure to help you wind down this summer!
To learn more about self care, click HERE!
If you want to see the tips, click HERE!
We celebrated a Faith Filled Funniness Friday on The Morning Thing! We shared some hilarious segments with our favorite comedians, then for our Friday Favorites, the entire Big Blue Crew shared their favorite kids jokes with Marcy!
If you’re looking for a laugh today then you’ve found it!
Today on The Morning Thing, we celebrated National Real Food Day by sharing many food related topics! Including what National Real Food Day is, Real Food vs Fake Food, and some foods you’ve probably been storing wrong in your house.
We talked a little bit about what it is, the history behind it, as well as how to celebrate it!
For more on that, click HERE!
Real Foods (Whole, Natural, Minimally Processed)
· Fresh fruits (apples, bananas, berries, oranges)
· Fresh vegetables (spinach, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes)
· Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats)
· Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
· Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
· Fresh meat, poultry, fish (unprocessed cuts)
· Eggs (preferably free-range or organic)
· Dairy (plain milk, plain yogurt, cheese with minimal ingredients)
· Natural oils (olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil)
· Fresh herbs and spices
· Water
—
Fake Foods (Highly Processed, Artificial, or Industrial)
· Soda and sugary soft drinks
· Packaged snacks (chips, cheese puffs, snack cakes)
· Instant noodles or ramen with seasoning packets
· Processed meats (hot dogs, some deli meats, chicken nuggets)
· Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes
· Candy bars and chocolate with added chemicals and fillers
· Fast food burgers and fries
· Frozen meals with preservatives and additives
· Highly refined baked goods (white bread with preservatives, packaged cakes)
· Margarine and hydrogenated oils (trans fats)
· Artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives
· Energy drinks and powdered drink mixes
Finally we talked about some of the foods we all have and how you may be storing them all wrong! This will help you make your food last longer.
To view that list, click HERE!
Today on The Morning Thing, we honored National Eat Your Vegetables Day! We shared shared a lot of information on the day and how to celebrate it. As well as many fantastic vegetable centric recipes for you to use! These recipes are easy, quick, tasty, and you can customize them any way you like.
Rainbow Veggie Wraps
Spread hummus or cream cheese on a tortilla. Layer the veggies in rainbow order. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels if desired.
Cheesy Broccoli Bites
Mix all ingredients and form into small balls or patties. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix filling ingredients, stuff peppers, and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes. Top with cheese for the last 5 minutes if desired.
Crispy Zucchini Fries
Dip zucchini in egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Summer Corn & Tomato Salad
Toss everything together and chill before serving.
Ratatouille Skillet
Sauté all veggies until soft, then stir in tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Serve with crusty bread.
Garden Veggie Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with chopped veggies and dressing. Chill and serve.
Veggie Tacos
Warm tortillas, fill with sautéed veggies and toppings. Add lime juice or cheese if desired.
🥦 National Eat Your Vegetables Day – 20 Fun Ways to Celebrate!
Celebrate June 17th with healthy, tasty fun!
🥕 Fun & Tasty Celebrations
· • Veggie Taste Test Challenge – Try a new vegetable or compare raw vs. cooked.
· • Build-Your-Own Salad Bar – Offer a variety of greens, toppings, and dressings.
· • Make Veggie-Based Snacks – Try carrot fries, cucumber boats, or zucchini chips.
· • Go Meatless for a Meal – Choose one meal to go fully plant-based.
· • Juice or Smoothie Station – Blend up colorful veggie smoothies.
· • Cook a Rainbow – Make a dish using veggies of every color.
· • Veggie Potluck – Invite friends or coworkers to share veggie dishes.
🎨 Creative & Educational Activities
· • Veggie Art or Carving – Make funny faces or sculptures using vegetables.
· • “Name That Veggie” Game – Blindfold taste tests or silhouette guessing.
· • Visit or Plant a Garden – Explore where veggies come from or plant seeds together.
· • Veggie Storytime – Read books like ‘Eating the Alphabet’ or ‘Rah, Rah, Radishes!’
· • Veggie Bingo – Create a card with different veggies to encourage variety.
📱 Social & Community Engagement
· • Share a Veggie Recipe Online – Post your favorite veggie dish on social media.
· • Host a Cooking Demo – Teach others how to cook a veggie meal (live or virtual).
· • Visit a Farmer’s Market – Buy and try local, seasonal vegetables.
· • Volunteer – Help at a food pantry or community garden.
🏆 Healthy Competitions & Challenges
· • “Most Veggies in a Day” Contest – Track how many servings you eat.
· • Veggie Selfie Challenge – Snap a pic with your veggie plate and tag friends.
· • Veggie Tracker – Compete to try the most different veggies during the week.
· • Prizes & Stickers – Reward yourself or kids with veggie-themed goodies.
Eat smart. Have fun. Share the love of veggies!
Are you ready to have fun and make memories with your family and friends? Today, The Morning Thing celebrated National Zoo and Aquarium Month by sharing a list of destinations throughout Ohio.
Check out this list! Follow the links and you can start planning your trip. We would love to have you send us a picture – wnzr@mvnu.edu
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell, near Columbus)
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🌍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🐧 Akron Zoo (Akron)
🐆 The Wilds (Cumberland, OH)
🗺️ Bonus Spot: African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Location | Highlights for Families |
| Columbus Zoo & Aquarium | Coasters, rides, behind-the-scenes, conservation programs |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Historic grounds, endangered species, hands‑on demos |
| Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | Rainforest, African Savanna, immersive exhibits |
| Greater Cleveland Aquarium | Touch-pools, shark tube, diver shows |
| Toledo Zoo & Aquarium | Massive reef tanks, dive shows, evening events |
| Akron Zoo | Compact, educational programs, junior keeper |
| The Wilds | Safari adventure + outdoor activities |
| African Safari Park | Drive-through safari, petting train, exotic animals |
✅ Family Day Tips
Special Events on the Summer 2025 Calendar:
🦁 Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Powell)
🕒 Hours & Tickets
🎟️ Online Perks & Passes
🎉 June Events
🦓 Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐠 Greater Cleveland Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
🐬 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
🎫 Tickets
🗓️ June Events
Rick Springfield Concert: June 29 – ticket via Live Nation, sold separately toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Twilight Evenings: Wed & Thu, May 28–Aug 28; half‑price admission 4–8 PM, closes 9 PM toledozoo.org+1toledozoo.org+1
Weekly Evening Events: Garden tours, trivia, member mornings, family safaris, etc. See calendar details toledozoo.org
Zen at the Zoo (Yoga + Keeper Talk): June 21 toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2toledozoo.org+2
Today, we shared Bible verses about being a godly dad and husband! These passages of Scripture declare what God intended for men and how we can celebrate our fathers.
To see the full list, click HERE!
For this weeks Friday Favorites the entire Big Blue Crew share their favorite things about their dads! We want to honor and appreciate dads for Father’s Day!
Rise and Shine 