Today for our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared their favorite things that happened this week. We had some fun spending time with those we love!
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Xander, Josiah and Eric.
Today on The Morning Thing, we talked about worth in honor of National Each Person is a Person of Worth Day! Our hosts decided to dive into scripture to see exactly what God says about you and your worth.
In today’s world, it is important to remember that you are completely worthy in God’s eyes.
Click HERE to learn more about National Each Person is a Person of Worth Day and what it means!
Click HERE to view the passages from Psalm 139!
Today is the First Day of Spring! We celebrate with the Big Blue Crew by talking about how we plan to enjoy the new season!
Click HERE to hear from our WNZR Staff members OR click on the image below.
We shared a list of ideas on how to enjoy this beautiful new season.
1. Watch for the First Robins
Robins are one of the classic signs of spring. Take a few minutes to watch and listen for birds returning after winter.
2. Open the Windows
Let fresh air into your home for the first time in a while. It’s a simple way to refresh your space and welcome the new season.
3. Try a “No Jacket” Walk
If the weather cooperates, enjoy a short walk without a winter coat and appreciate the warmer air.
4. Visit a Farmers Market
Some early markets begin opening in spring. Pick up fresh bread, honey, or early greens.
5. Make a Spring Bucket List
Write down 5–10 things you want to do before summer arrives—festivals, hikes, day trips, or projects.
6. Change Your Seasonal Decor
Swap out winter décor for lighter colors, flowers, or greenery around the house.
7. Take a “Signs of Spring” Photo Challenge
Look for buds, puddles, birds, flowers, or sunshine and take photos of the first signs you see.
8. Make a Bright Spring Meal
Cook something colorful like a salad with fresh greens, strawberries, or citrus.
9. Call Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a While
Spring is about renewal—reach out and reconnect with someone.
10. Read Outside
Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, grab a chair on the porch or sit in the sun with a book or devotional.
🌱 Bonus idea: Write down one thing you want to grow in your life this spring—patience, kindness, faith, creativity, or health—and pray or reflect on that throughout the season.
MORE IDEAS:
The first day of spring is the perfect excuse to reset your routine, get outside, and celebrate something fresh 🌱 Here are a mix of fun, meaningful, and easy ideas you can actually do:
Today on The Morning Thing, we highlighted great habits for couples! These are some small things that you can do to continue having a wonderful relationship.
Some of our favorites:
We hope that you can adopt a couple of these great habits and take your relationship to the next level.
Look below for the full list!
On The Morning Thing today, the focus was on the music! So our Friday Favorites featured the hosts favorite songs playing right now on WNZR.
Click HERE to hear from our hosts or click on the picture below.
You can click on the links to see the music videos for each song.
Josiah’s favorite song is Breakdown by Andrew Ripp – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zLuDljOpTk
Xander’s favorite song is Heaven On My Mind by Toby Mac – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LOSvwjI42M
Eric’s favorite song is Place In This World by for King & Country and Michael W. Smith – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDmsRhWpsYw
Marcy’s favorite song is No Survivors by Jeremy Camp – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkhEiGjIQkM
For many kids, summer camp means swimming, boating, archery, and making lifelong memories with new friends. At Flying Horse Farms in Mount Gilead, those same camp traditions are made possible for children living with serious illnesses.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Liv Malmsten about the organization’s unique medical specialty camp and the impact it has on children and families.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation!
Flying Horse Farms provides a traditional camp experience—complete with activities like swimming, boating, archery, and arts and crafts—while also ensuring campers are supported in a medically and emotionally safe environment. The goal is simple: give kids the chance to just be kids while still receiving the care they need.
A key part of that support is the camp’s on-site Wellness Center. The facility is staffed by medical and psychosocial professionals who help meet campers’ physical, emotional, and behavioral needs. With that level of care available, children can safely enjoy the full camp experience even while managing serious health conditions.
During the conversation, Malmsten explained that the camp carefully adapts activities so every child can participate. Whether it’s modifying equipment or adjusting how an activity is run, the staff works to ensure each camper can join in and experience the fun alongside their peers.
Looking ahead to the upcoming summer season, Flying Horse Farms is encouraging families to apply soon. The priority application deadline is March 16, although applications will still be accepted after that date as space allows.
The camp is also currently seeking adult volunteers who want to help support campers throughout the summer. Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for children and their families.
Click HERE to learn more about the camp, apply, or explore volunteer opportunities!
WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart talked with Lisa Lloyd, Senior Program Director for The Knox County Foundation. Lisa shared the exciting news of recent grant awards. The Foundation Board of Directors has approved $1,087,800 in competitive grant funding to 16 nonprofit organizations. Among the awards are two $300,000 grants.
The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities received $300,000 toward the New Hope Early Education Center Renovation.
The Winter Sanctuary was also awarded $300,000 for a “Permanent Home” – a transformational, permanent facility for Knox County’s emergency shelter and homeless advocacy services.
Lisa also shared details about how the grant process works and how local non-profits can apply.
She also announced the NEW Summer Youth Enrichment Grants. $36.300 in grants were awarded to ensure that all Knox County youth have opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive through summer and seasonal experiences.
Lisa also shared about other grants and scholarships that the Foundation awards each year and details about the application process.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.
For more information about grant opportunities, visit http://www.knoxcf.org
Picture – Ann Marie Wiley, assistant director (left), and Joe Springer, executive director of The Winter Sanctuary, represent one of two organizations awarded $300,000 in competitive grants from the Knox County Foundation during its February grant cycle. (Photo courtesy of The Winter Sanctuary)
FULL PRESS RELEASE
Lisa Lloyd
Senior Program Director
Knox County Foundation
740-392-3270
Lisa@knoxcf.org
Knox County Foundation Awards Record $1.08 Million in Competitive Grants
Historic awards include two $300,000 grants and the launch of a new summer youth enrichment initiative
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio (Feb. 27, 2026) — The Knox County Foundation Board of Directors approved $1,087,800 in competitive grant funding to 16 nonprofit organizations at its February 11, 2026, board meeting.
This year’s cycle saw a record number of applications and a total request amount of $1,937,279, reflecting both the growing needs and the continued momentum of organizations serving Knox County.
Among the awards are two $300,000 grants — tying for the largest competitive grants ever awarded by the Foundation.
The Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities (KCBDD) received $300,000 toward the NewHope Early Education Center Renovation, a five-phase capital project designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and functionality at the KCBDD facility. The center houses Head Start and Educational Service Center classrooms and offices, supporting the delivery of education, therapy, and developmental services. The project will improve learning and program spaces, reduce safety hazards, increase access for underserved populations, and generate long-term cost savings that can be reinvested into programs that improve quality of life.
Steve Oster, superintendent of the KCBDD, said, “We are deeply grateful to the Knox County Foundation for this generous grant, which will have a tremendous impact on the NewHope Early Education Center and the community we serve. Upgrading our building with new windows, doors, fresh paint and modern heating controls ensures a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for children, adults, and families who rely on our programs. Investments like this allow us to continue providing high-quality education and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and children from birth through age five.”
The Winter Sanctuary was awarded $300,000 for “A Permanent Home,” a transformational initiative to secure a permanent facility for Knox County’s emergency shelter and homeless advocacy services. The property will allow for sleeping areas, staff workspace, and on-site advocacy services to operate under one roof. Renovations will also include dedicated space for unhoused families with children and will allow for the potential of year-round operations and expanded services in the future.
“This grant from the Knox County Foundation will help secure a permanent home for Knox County’s emergency shelter, providing consistent, safe shelter for individuals and families during times of crisis. It represents an investment not only in our organization, but in the stability and well-being of our entire community. We are deeply grateful for the Foundation’s partnership and commitment to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Joe Springer, executive director at the Winter Sanctuary.
2026 Competitive Grant Recipients:
“These record-level grant requests demonstrate both the strength of our nonprofit community and the significant needs within Knox County,” said Lisa Lloyd, senior program director of the Knox County Foundation. “We are proud to partner with these organizations to make meaningful, long-term investments in our community.”
Introducing Summer Youth Enrichment Grants
New this year, the Foundation launched Summer Youth Enrichment Grants, designed to reduce financial barriers that prevent children and teens from participating in meaningful summer and extracurricular programs. The initiative aims to ensure that all Knox County youth have opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive through summer and seasonal experiences.
Summer Youth Enrichment Grant recipients include:
Donor Advised Fund Grants
In addition to competitive grants, the Board ratified $289,660 in grants to 44 organizations from 21 Donor Advised Funds. These grants, recommended by fund advisors between December 2 and February 10, support a wide range of charitable initiatives across the community.
The next competitive grant cycle will conclude April 15, 2026. An Expression of Intent form is due by March 15, 2026. This cycle will be for small grants only, for requests of $10,000 or less.
For more information about grant opportunities, visit www.knoxcf.org.
Knox County Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Knox County through charitable giving.
Senior Naomi Kinne is no stranger to WNZR. She has been serving as our Graphic Designer for the past year, but she has now joined our WNZR On Air Staff!
Naomi is from Circleville, Ohio and is a Graphic Design Major. Her minor is Communication and Digital Media. Naomi enjoys public speaking and is excited to get the opportunity to use those skills on the radio. She is also serving as the social media manager for the MVNU Basketball and Cheer Teams.
Noami shares some of her favorite memories on campus including the Block Party. She talks about making memories with other WNZR Staff Members on a trip to the CMB University Conference (Christian Music Broadcasters).
Naomi’s favorite artists at WNZR include Elevation Worship, Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank. She shared other favorites including Mexican food and her 3 sisters. Naomi is the oldest!
Naomi’s life verse is Colossians 3:2. It reminds her to focus on eternity and focus on God.
Catch her on air Fridays 2pm – 3pm.
Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture below.
Today, we wrapped up the first of 2 weeks of Spring Break at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. For our Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts shared how they are celebrating break.
Click HERE to hear from Marcy, Josiah, Eric and Xander OR click on the picture below.
Today is Courageous Follower Day. The day focuses on the role of followers in any team or organization. It recognizes the power of committed and engaged followers who contribute to success through their actions and decisions.
As followers of Christ, this day can highlight the importance of believers who actively live out their faith not just as passive spectators, but as committed disciples of Christ. A courageous Christian follower stands firm in biblical truth, supports godly leadership, and serves others with humility and love. They build their life around Jesus!
So how can we do this?
Spend intentional time with Jesus each day, because relationships grow through consistent connection. In the middle of life’s noise and distractions, set aside a quiet moment to simply talk with your Heavenly Father. Just as meaningful conversations require the right setting, create a daily space to be still and meet with Him.
Allow Jesus’ teachings to transform your life so that your choices and actions reflect His ways. As you walk with Him, the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal the areas that need to become more like Jesus.
Remember the WWJD bracelets—“What Would Jesus Do?” A helpful way to personalize it is to ask, “What would Jesus do if He were me right now?” That question brings His presence into our everyday decisions, conversations, and thoughts so our actions begin to align with His heart.
To find out more about Courageous Follower Day click HERE!
To read more about these 3 simple ways click HERE!
Rise and Shine 