Friday, December 30th

-We discovered that folks have a variety of New Year's traditions from family gatherings to special meals to special prayers. What is your New Year's tradition? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-If you don't like crowds, this is not your week to visit Orlando. Read more

-Bob Waliszewski, our movie guy from Focus on the Family, gave us his take on War Horse this morning. He gave it a 4 out of 5 for family-friendliness. Read his review at Plugged In.

-Looking for a unique way to ring in the new year? Get on I-20 Westbound and take the last Georgia exit to get to The Possum Drop in Tallapoosa.

-If you plan to stay local this weekend, the Augusta Riverhawks take the ice tonight at 7:35 and tomorrow at 4:35 at the James Brown Arena.

-We'll be taking a break on Monday and leave you with some of our favorite moments from the past.

-Coming up Tuesday: Listen to win a family-four pack of tickets to Family Comedy Night with Leland Klassen with the Mindbender at 6:10 am and the Cheapie of the Week at 7:40 am. Also, we'll be asking about your goals for the new year.

Thursday, December 29th

-The Augusta area is getting a Steak 'n Shake. (Read more) What other new restaurants would you like to see come to town? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Thanks to your help, we met the goal of providing 88 beds to kids in need through Action Ministries of Augusta. You can learn more about their ministry at http://augusta.actionministries.net.

-2011 is winding down quickly. What will you remember most about this year? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Are you looking for a place where you can recycle your live Christmas tree? Click here for some ideas

-Coming up Friday: Our movie guy, Bob Waliszewski from Focus on the Family, gives us the family-friendly perspective on War Horse at 7:10 am. Also, we'll talk about your New Year's traditions and how to keep up with gift cards 

Simple Cooking - Tortilla Chip Dip

Mix one package of cream cheese (at room temperature), a cup of salsa (mild, medium or hot) and a cup of shredded mexican cheese (the one with the spices in it). You can adjust the amont of salsa and cheese to your taste. Serve cold. I like it best with the lime tortilla chips!

Submitted by Tammy Metcalf of North Augusta. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Wednesday, December 28th

-A gift card is the one present that you can't return to the store, but you can swap it for cash. Read more

-Are your Christmas decorations still up or have you taken them down? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Tammy Metcalf of North Augusta shared a quick and easy recipe for Tortilla Chip Dip in Simple Cooking this morning. You'll find it in the post above this one.

-Courageous comes to DVD on January 17th. If you can't wait that long to see it, they're showing it at the Masters $1.99 Cinemas on Washington Road in Augusta. Also, McBean Baptist Church in Waynesboro is showing it on New Year's Eve.

-John has joined the world of Twitter. You can follow him at @JohnBryantRadio. Cleve is already there at @CleveWalker.

-Speaking of Twitter, look at Mac Powell's page (lead singer of Third Day) to see what his cousins did with bacon on Christmas Eve.

-Coming up Thursday: We'll ask what you'll remember most about 2011.

Tuesday, December 27th

-Monday Morning Mindbender (on Tuesday)
Q: Rather than return a Christmas gift, some folks will re-gift it. What is the present that people regift most often?
A: A picture frame

-Donna Garrison of Aiken is the newest member of Cleve's Coffee Club. You can sign up to be considered here.

-Joseph Thomas of Aiken correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Solo Cups. They are on sale at Publix as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special for $1.65 per package. Use the printable $.75 coupon and you'll get the cups for $.90 plus tax.

-We talked about the highlight of your Christmas celebration. You can join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Coming up Wednesday: Tammy Metcalf of North Augusta shares a quick and easy recipe for Tortilla Chip Dip at 8:10 in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve.

Simple Cooking - Peanut Butter Fudge

1 regular size jar of peanut butter (use crunchy if you want a nutty texture)
1 can of vanilla (or flavor of your choice) frosting

Melt ingredients separately in microwave for 1 minute on high until you get a soupy consistency. Combine in 8x8 pan. Chill overnight in fridge. Cut into squares and serve.

Submitted by Angie Sanders of Graniteville. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it john@wafj.com and include your daytime phone number. You'll get a thank you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, December 20

-There's no chance of a White Christmas in the CSRA, so you'll have to settle for the next best thing. Read more

-Facebook Timeline: 9 things you need to know

-Cleve welcomed Kathie Cox of North Augusta to his coffee club. But, she wasn't the only one who wanted to join. Listen

-Josh Wilson joined us this morning to talk about his new Christmas song "Jesus Is Alive," his upcoming appearance in Aiken and his beard and bow tie. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Coming up Wednesday: In our Simple Cooking segment at 8:10, 88.3 WAFJ's Angie Sanders tells us how to make a quick and easy peanut butter fudge. You won't believe how easy this is!

Monday, December 19th

-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q: Back in the 1950's when it was first invented, it was called "Lazy Bones." Today, we call it something different. What is it?
A: A remote control

-James Long of Augusta correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Hershey's Kisses. CVS has them on sale with your Extra Care Card for 2 bags for $5. Use the printable $1 off 2 coupon and you'll also get $2 back in Extra Bucks. So it's like getting the bags for $1 each.

-Tim Tebow in action with a mic on the football field: Watch the video

-Men shouldn't be in charge of Christmas. Here's why...read more

-We have unseasonably warm weather with us for the next few days. If want winter, you should probably visit the Augusta Ice Sports Center which has reopened on Augusta West Parkway.

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve welcomes not just one person, but a group to his coffee club at 6:50 AM. We also tell you how Polaroid is making a comeback and what you need to know about the new Facebook Timeline.

Friday, December 16th

-Cleve finally got his way and was allowed to put colored Christmas lights on his house this year. Barbara still had it her way with clear lights on the tree! It's a debate that happens in a lot of homes - clear lights or colored lights? Which one do you prefer and why? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Bob Waliszewksi, our movie guy from Focus on the Family, joined us this morning with the family-friendly perspective on some new movies. He gives Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked a 4.5/5 for family friendliness, while Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol gets a 3.5/5 and has potential for teens and adults. Get the full reviews at www.pluggedin.com.

-Kindness lives...at Kmart. Read more

-The Augusta Riverhawks are looking good in first place of the Southern Professional Hockey League. They play at home tonight and Saturday at 7:35 pm. Saturday night's game will honor fallen Richmond County Sheriff Deputy J.D. Paugh.

-Today is National Free Shipping Day. Over 2,500 online retailers are offering some level of free shipping. See the list at www.freeshippingday.com.

Coming up Monday: Join us for the Monday Morning Mindbender at 6:10 and the Cheapie of the Week at 7:40. You'll have chances to win a trio of Christmas CD's, courtesy of Centricity Music, that includes Downhere, Jason Gray, Andrew Peterson and many others. Also, at 7:10 listen to hear what Christmas would look like if men were in charge.

Thursday, December 15th

-It's December and we're seeing highs this week in the lower 70's! John loves it, but Cleve hates it. We took an informal poll this morning and found that folks are split down the middle between loving the spring-like December and wanting it to be cold.

-Thanks to your help, we've been able to provide 43 beds towards our goal of 88 beds for kids in need with John and Cleve's Christmas Cheer Tour. You can still help with our next stop on Wednesday from 12 to 2 at Firehouse Subs in Evans.

-One of the movies that families look forward to seeing every year is A Charlie Brown Christmas. It comes on ABC tonight at 8:00. Which Christmas movie do you look forward to seeing every year? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-We talked about some fun ways to celebrate Christmas with your family. Christmas in Hopelands Gardens in Aiken runs tonight from 6 to 9:30 with 100,000 lights to enjoy, along with other activities. Also, the US Army Signal Corps Band presents their Christmas concert tonight at 7:00 at First Baptist Church of Augusta and admission is free.

-Coming up Friday: Our movie guy, Bob Waliszewski from Focus on the Family, joins us at 7:10 with the family-friendly perspective on Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Wednesday, December 14th

-Tim Tebow continues to be a hot topic, in light of the Denver Broncos winning streak. God is giving Tim a huge platform for sharing his faith. Has God ever given you the opportunity to publicly share your faith? If so, tell us about it and read the stories from other listeners on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-They're calling www.toygaroo.com a Netflix for toys. It's a toy rental website that allows you play with toys for a while and then exchange them for different ones. This could be an affordable option for families who can't buy toys for Christmas.

-Barbara Flowers of Martinez shared a quick and easy recipe for Blueberry Crunch Cake in Simple Cooking this morning. You'll find it in the post below this one.

Simple Cooking - Blueberry Crunch Cake

In a 9x13 casserole layer the following in order: 1 can crushed pineapple, 2-3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 box butter golden recipe cake mix, 1 stick butter melted, 1/4-1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, cut in middle of cake with a spoon, then.continue to bake an additional 25 minutes. Total bake time 45 minutes. Serve hot with coffee and vanilla ice cream, or just plain.

Submitted by Barbara Flowers of Martinez. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, December 13rh

-Cleve shared how he is enjoying this Christmas season more than ever because of the power of "no." He's turning down things that add to the busyness of the season so that he can enjoy a stress-free Christmas. This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for some it is not. What are you doing to truly enjoy the Christmas season? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Tony DiRenzo of Augusta was inducted into Cleve's Coffee Club this morning. One of his twin sons gave him the encouragement he needed to join the club. Listen

-Welcome home to the 63rd Expeditionary Battalion and the 877th Engineer Company. Both units just returned from Afghanistan and will get to spend Christmas with their families!

-Flea Markets are buzzing with customers looking for Christmas deals, according to a story in today's Augusta Chronicle. What's the best deal you've found at a flea market? Share it on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-The Georgia Department of Labor is hosting a job fair on Wednesday in Statesboro to fill 400 openings for the new Great Dane Trailers facility. You can apply between 9 am and 6 pm at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro.

-In case you missed the tear-jerker movie The Heart of Christmas, featuring Matthew West, it comes on again tonight at 9 on GMC.

-Coming up Wednesday: Barbara Flowers of Martinez shares a quick and easy recipe for Blueberry Crunch Cake in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve at 8:10 am.

Monday, December 12th

-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q: People who live near these are likely to be more physically and mentally healthier than those who don't. What are they?
A: Trees

-Alexis Copeland of Blythe correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Cool Juice. Bi-Lo has it on sale as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special through Tuesday, so you can buy just one carton for $1.49. Use the printable $1 off coupon and you'll get a carton of the juice for $.49 plus tax.

-We talked about the special ornaments on our Christmas trees. You can join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Jason Breland, former Truth member and producer of the Truth 40th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular, joined us this morning to talk about the concert tomorrow night in Evans. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve welcomes a new member to the coffee club at 6:50 AM.

Friday, December 9th


-Lori Colindres from the Aiken Center for Exceptional (ACE) Families is trying to win a $50,000 grant from Pepsi so she can help special needs families. You can vote for her organization at http://pep.si/ttC0w8 or by texting 110743 to 73774. Listen to our conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-The Burke County Bears will play Peach County in the Georgia Class 3A State Football Championship. The game is Saturday at 4:30 at the Georgia Dome and will be broadcast on Georgia Public Television.

-Bob Waliszewski joined from Focus on the Family for the Plugged In Movie Review. He said that New Year's Eve has potential for a date night movie but does not recommend The Sitter or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. You can get family-friendly movie reviews at www.pluggedin.com.

-CBS has several family-oriented Christmas movies coming on between 8 and 10 tonight including Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns, Yes, Virginia and The Elf on the Shelf.

-Coming up Monday: You could win tickets to Christmas in the Country at Kackleberry Farm with the Monday Morning Mindbender at 6:10 and the Cheapie of the Week at 7:40. Also, Jason Breland, a former member of the group Truth, joins us at 8:10 to talk about the Truth 40th Anniversary Christmas Spectacular at The Sanctuary Church in Evans.

Thursday, December 8th

-After the first stop on John and Cleve's Christmas Cheer Tour, you helped us raise enough money to provide 8 beds toward our goal of 88 beds for kids in need. Many listeners brought new twin bedding for those beds too. Our project with Action Ministries of Augusta continues with the second tour stop on Wednesday from 12 to 2 pm at Firehouse Subs in North Augusta.

-Coming up Friday: Lori Colindres from ACE Families in Aiken will tell us about her efforts to help families with special needs and how you can help her win funding at 6:10 am. Our movie guy, Bob Waliszewski from Focus on the Family, has the family-friendly scoop on new movies at 7:10. Plus, you'll have one last chance to win a live Christmas tree from Turkey Creek Christmas Tree Farm in Edgefield County. Listen for "O Christmas Tree" to play between 6 and 9 for your chance to win.

Wednesday, December 7th

-MAU Job Fair: Today from 9 to 4 at the Jameson Suites in Augusta. More information

Simple Cooking - White Chicken Chili

One package of McCormick's White Chicken Chili mix
One large can of chicken
One tablespoon of oil
One cup of water
One can of white beans

Place the oil in the pan along with the chicken just to warm up first, add the water, then the seasoning pack and stir until well mixed. Then add the beans. Cook until it's warm which is about 5 minutes. You can add a can of whole kernel corn which is good too.

We place tortilla chips on the bottom of a rather flat bowl, then chili, then we top with salsa verde, sometimes cheese, some time sour cream.

Submitted by Connie Morgan of North Augusta. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com, along with your daytime phone number. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, December 6th

-John took his kids to see the Fields Family's Christmas light show on Warren Road in Augusta last night. The entire house and yard are lit up and synced to music that you can hear on your car radio. This takes the prize as about the best home light display ever! You must see it!

-Lance McGahee of Evans was inducted into Cleve's Coffee Club this morning. The funny thing is that he never actually signed up. Listen to his story

-Yesterday, when John picked up Evan from school, he saw where his son had written his first and last name in his tablet all by himself. Then it hit him...his boy is growing up!" When did you realize that your child was "growing up?" Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

 -Rick Herring from Action Ministries of Augusta joined us this morning to talk about the beds project for John and Cleve's Christmas Cheer Tour. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Remember, safety first during this Christmas shopping season after a woman was robbed last night outside of the Macy's at Augusta Mall. Read more

-Coming up Wednesday: Shane Barnard of Shane and Shane joins us at 7:10 am to talk about their Christmas concert with Phil Wickham in Aiken this Sunday. Also, Connie Morgan of North Augusta shares a quick and easy recipe for White Chicken Chili at 8:10 in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve. Plus, don't miss your chance to win a live Christmas tree from Turkey Creek Christmas Tree Farm in Edgefield County. Listen for "O Christmas Tree" between 6 and 9 am as your cue to call and win!

Monday, December 5th


-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q:
The average person craves one of these five times a day. What is it?
A: A hug

-College Football Bowl Games: Georgia Tech vs Utah in the Sun Bowl on December 31st, Georgia vs Michigan State in the Outback Bowl on January 2nd, South Carolina vs Nebraska on January 2nd and Clemson vs West Virginia in the Orange Bowl on January 4th.

-Dennis Barton of Aiken correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is candy canes. CVS has the 10 pack on sale for $1.27 with your Extra Care Card. They'll give you $1.27 back in Extra Bucks, so it's like getting them for free. All you really pay is the sales tax!

-We talked about the best places to see Christmas lights around the area. Lights of the South in Grovetown is the favorite, but folks in Aiken also love Hopelands Gardens. You can a list of recommended places on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page and add one that you don't see there.

-If you didn't get to see the movie that Matthew West is involved with on GMC, there's good news. The Heart of Christmas airs again tonight at 9 pm.

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve introduces the newest member of his coffee club at 6:50 AM and shares another "bean of wisdom" that will leave you scratching your head. Rick Herring of Action Ministries of Augusta joins us at 7:40 to talk about the bed project for kids in need that is the focus of our Christmas Cheer Tour.

Thursday, December 1st

-Matthew West joined us this morning. He told us how he cooked his Thanksgiving turkey, with some inspiration from the Food Network. He also gave us the story behind the movie "The Heart of Christmas" and talked about his role in it. The movie airs Sunday night at 7 and 9 on GMC. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

-What type of gift-giver are you? Click here to find out

-We mentioned that in spite of having Tourette's Syndrome, Jamie Grace allows God to use her to touch people through music. Click here for a great article with more of her story

-Coming up Friday: Bow or no bow? John and Cleve talk about their very different ways of wrapping gifts and invite you to join the conversation. At 7:10, Bob Waliszewski joins us with movie reviews from Focus on the Family. In the 8 am hour, we'll welcome a group of listeners to the studio for Backstage Pass Friday.

Wednesday, November 30th

-NBC Augusta 26 Chief Meteorologist Jeff Rucker joined us this morning. Today is his last day on television as he begins a new career in opening a math learning center in Evans called Mathnasium. He talked to us about how his faith in God helped him make this decision. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-In Simple Cooking with John and Cleve, we learned how to make a great pizza dip that is perfect for Christmas parties, courtesy of our own Angie Sanders. The recipe is in the post below this one.

-Weekend Christmas Parades and Celebrations:
Augusta's parade is at 3 pm on Saturday along Broad Street and the Light-Up Spectacular and fireworks follows on the Augusta Common.
Columbia County is having a tree lighting on Saturday from 3 to 7 pm at the new Evans Towne Center Park, behind Kroger in Evans. The parade is on Sunday at 2 pm along North Belair Road between Washington Road and Cox Road.

-Coming up Thursday: Matthew West joins us at 6:10 and 7:40. He'll tell us about his very special role in preparing the Thanksgiving meal at his house and his special role in a made for tv movie this Sunday night on GMC. Listen at 7:10 to find out how you can help needy kids in our area with John and Cleve's Christmas Cheer Tour.

Simple Cooking - Pizza Dip

1 block of cream cheese
1 jar of pasta sauce
Pepperoni
Black olives
Mushrooms
Any other pizza toppings you'd like
1 bag of shredded mozzarella
Scooped chips or crackers

Spread the cream cheese in the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer all toppings after that and finish with the shredded cheese on the top. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. Serve with scooped chips or crackers.

Submitted by Angie Sanders of Graniteville. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com along with your daytime phone number. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, November 29th


-Cleve celebrates his 57th birthday today. John gave him a very special present this morning. It's called a Sing-a-ma-jig. It's a doll that sings when you press it's belly and can harmonize with other Sing-a-ma-jigs. Cleve now has an expert to help him improve his singing ability, which he brags about from time to time. It's even dressed in Clemson colors with a purple body and orange nose! Click here to see it

-Thea Barry joined us from Covenant Care Services to talk about adoption. If you need a resource in that area, visit their website at www.adoptaugusta.com.

-Coming up Wednesday: NBC Augusta Chief Meteorologist Jeff Rucker joins us at 7:10 to talk about his last day on tv and an exciting new adventure ahead. Also, our own Angie Sanders shares a great party recipe for pizza dip in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve at 8:10.

Monday, November 28th


-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q:
 Men now spend two and a half more hours per week doing what?
A: Cooking and cleaning

-Mandy Driggers correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Chinet Cut Crystal Plates. Bi-Lo has them as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special through Tuesday (11/29). They are $1.67 per pack, but with the printable $1 off coupon, you can get them for $.67 plus tax.

-We talked about the highlight of your Thanksgiving celebration. Share yours on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Cyber Monday is a second chance at great Christmas shopping deals. It's happening today and you can get even more discounts at www.cybermonday.com and www.dealtaker.com.

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve welcomes a new member to his Coffee Club at 6:50 AM. Tomorrow is Cleve's 57th birthday, and John will have something special for him at 7:10 AM. At 7:40, Thea Barry from Covenant Care Adoption Services joins us as we recognize National Adoption Awareness Month.

Simple Cooking - Cranberry Sauce

1 package cranberries
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop, stirring often.

Submitted by Jennifer Nabors of Aiken. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, November 22nd

-Matt Hammitt, lead singer of Sanctus Real, joined us this morning. They'll be at the Casting Crowns concert on Friday at the USC Aiken Convocation Center. Listen to the conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

-Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection has ended. If you didn't get a chance to pack a shoebox, you can build one and send it. Click here for information on Build-A-Box. Thanks for helping us collect over 400 boxes at the 88.3 WAFJ Studios. We heard that the Aiken County collection center received over 10,000 boxes!

-At one Best Buy store in Florida, shoppers started lining up for Black Friday doorbusters a week ago. Read more Share your Black Friday shopping strategy on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Courageous arrives on DVD on January 17th. Many Christian bookstores are offering pre-buy specials now.

-You don't have to celebrate Thanksgiving alone. You're invited to Aiken's One Table!

-We revisited a Simple Cooking recipe that would be a great part of your Thanksgiving meal. Click here for Pumpkin Pie Muffins.

-Coming up Wednesday: What makes Thanksgiving special for you? Thanksgiving just wouldn't be the same without _____. Finish the sentence tomorrow morning at 6:10 and 7:40 and you could win Casting Crowns concert and meet and greet tickets. Matt from The Afters joins us at 7:10 AM. They're part of the lineup for The Come To the Well Tour with Casting Crowns on Friday in Aiken. At 8:10, Jennifer Nabors of Aiken shares a homemade cranberry sauce recipe in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve.

Monday, November 21st


-Longtime radio voice of the Georgia Bulldogs Larry Munson passed away last night at age 89. You can hear some of his great sound bites by clicking here.

-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q: There are more of these in the US than there are people in Japan (127.5 million). What is it?
A: Televisions

-Laura Epps of Evans correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Vanity Fair Napkins. Publix has them on a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special through Wednesday. Two of them are $2.29. Use the printable $1 off 2 coupon and you'll get both packs for $1.29, which is like $.65 a pack!

-Mark Hall of Casting Crowns joined us this morning in advance of their concert on Friday in Aiken. Listen to our conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

-Goodwill needs your donations of clothing and household items to restock what was lost in a fire. Read more

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve welcomes a new Coffee Club member at 6:50 AM. Matt Hammitt from Sanctus Real joins us at 6:10 and 7:40 AM. His band will be part of the Casting Crowns concert this Friday night in Aiken. You'll have a chance to win tickets with us tomorrow morning. Also, at 7:10, we'll talk about your Black Friday shopping strategy. Believe it or not, some folks are already waiting in line!

Friday, November 18th

-Bob Waliszewksi from Focus on the Family's Plugged In Movie Review joined us this morning with a look at the weekend's new movies. Listen: Happy Feet 2 and Twilight: Breaking of the Dawn, Part 1

-Tammy Hollingsworth joined us from Bethany Christian Services to talk about adoption. Listen to our conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Coming up Monday: You could win Casting Crowns concert tickets with the Monday Morning Mindbender at 6:10 and the Cheapie of the Week at 7:40. Plus, Mark Hall from Casting Crowns joins us at 7:10 and 8:40 AM.

Thursday, November 17th

-Black Friday ads have been leaked. Take a look at www.bfads.net.

-Disney on Ice opens tonight at the James Brown Arena and runs through Sunday.

-Today, you can join the The Great American Smokeout. Get encouragement from other listeners who have kicked the habit on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Elizabeth Donsbach from The Junior League of Augusta talked to us about their Holiday Market event that starts Friday at the Augusta Marriott. Details are at www.jlaugusta.org.

-Coming up Friday: Bob Waliszewski of Focus on the Family's Plugged In Movie Review will give us his take on Happy Feet 2 and the new Twilight movie at 7:10 AM. Tammy Hollingsworth from Bethany Christian Services will share the joys of adoption with us at 8:40 AM.

Wednesday, November 16th


-Costco opened today in Augusta on Alexander Drive, just off Riverwatch Parkway. They had the cheapest gas in town (for members) yesterday at $3.02 a gallon!

-Last weekend, Cleve went to the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte and left feeling very festive. Whether it's local or out of town, where do you like to go to get into the Christmas spirit? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Wendy Hazel of North Augusta shared her quick and easy recipe for Taco Soup in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve this morning. You'll find the recipe in the post below this one.

-Travis Critcher from Operation Christmas Child HQ in Boone, NC joined us this morning to talk about the process of introducing kids to Jesus when they receive a shoebox gift. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Coming up Thursday: Sing for tickets! Brush up on tobyMac lyrics and join us at 7:10 and 8:40 for your chance to win tobyMac concert and meet-n-greet tickets. Augusta Junior League President Elizabeth Donsbach joins us at 8:10 talk about their first ever Holiday Market at the Marriott this weekend.

Simple Cooking - Taco Soup


1 medium onion, chopped (use half to cook with beef)
2 lbs of cooked ground beef (with onion)
1 can of Veg-all
1 can of tomato sauce
1 cup of salsa
1 cup of shredded cheese
1 cup of crushed tortillia
1 pkg of taco seasoning
1 Container of Sour Cream

Add together the beef, tomato sauce, Veg-all and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil.
After a hearty scoop goes into your bowl, sprinkle with onion, tortillia chips, cheese
and a dollop of sour cream.
Serves 2-3

Submitted by Wendy Hazel of North Augusta. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com and include your daytime phone number. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Tuesday, November 15th


-Need a job? You could find work in a local call center at the MAU Job Fair on Wednesday. Get the details

-Terry Greene of Martinez became the newest member of Cleve's Coffee Club this morning. Listen to hear why coffee brings her special memories and also hear Cleve's bean of wisdom for her.

-Black Friday ads have been leaked. Check them out at www.bfads.net.

-tobyMac joined John and Cleve this morning to talk about his kids, his new Christmas CD and his unplugged concert this Saturday in Aiken. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

-Coming up Wednesday: Travis Critcher from Operation Christmas Child joins us at 7:40 AM to talk about how kids meet Jesus through shoebox gifts. At 8:10, Wendy Hazel of North Augusta shares her quick and easy taco soup recipe in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve.

Monday, November 14th

-John and Cleve are back from vacation. John took his family to Legoland Florida, which just opened a few weeks ago. Cleve and his wife, Barbara, were on board The Music Boat. They're already booking cabins for next year's cruise. Click here for more information

-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q:
A recent survey found that half of women would use this word to describe their husbands. What word is it?
A: Messy
Loren Ivey of Aiken won the tobyMac tickets and told us that he just got busted by his wife for leaving candy wrappers in his pants in the washing machine. She later corrected the story by adding that the wrappers had chocolate in them!

-Disney On Ice comes to Augusta this Thursday through Sunday. Mickey Mouse will walk the red carpet on Thursday at 5:30 PM in front of the James Brown Arena. The public is invited to come and take pictures.

-Daronda Hawkins of Aiken figured out that the Cheapie of the Week is Ocean Spray Cranberry Sauce. Both CVS and Walgreens (with in-store ad coupon) have a similar deal that will get you two cans of this for $.49 to $.50 with a printable coupon.

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve introduces the newest member of his coffee club, and she tells us that Cleve reminds her of her meemaw. Listen for that at 6:50 AM. Tobymac will join us at 7:10 and you'll have a chance to win tickets to his concert this Saturday night in Aiken.

Friday, November 4th


-Celebrity Chef Jon Ashton joined us this morning. He is the featured chef at The Augusta Chronicle and Relish Magazine Cooking Show on Thursday, November 10th at The Kroc Center. Click here for tickets Listen to the conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night for Daylight Saving Time.

-Bob Waliszewski of Focus on the Family joined us this morning and reviewed the new movie Tower Heist. He said this had the potential to be a really good movie, but it is marred with many things that are inappropriate for families. You can check out the full review at www.pluggedin.com.

-Courageous expands to two new theaters in our area this weekend. You can catch it at The PAL Theater in Louisville and The Big Mo Drive-In in Monetta.

-The holiday season is upon us and the scams have already started. A local woman thought she was getting an iPad and a netbook computer for $500 from a man in the Augusta Mall parking lot yesterday. Instead, she received a box with a binder and a piece of tile in it.

-Coming up Monday: John and Cleve are both taking a week of vacation. Steve and Sue Swanson will be filling in for them.

Thursday, November 3rd


-We're back to regular programming after the conclusion of Sharathon. Thanks for helping us raise 84.5% of our goal!

-The Columbia County Fair starts this evening and you can get in for free with three cans of food to donate to Columbia County Cares. Featured attractions include the Bear Mountain Show, the Sea Lion Splash and a Master Chainsaw Carver.

-An article in the New York Times yesterday suggested that the South is seeing a decline in people using manners. However, Augusta was one of the few places mentioned where manners are still alive. So, what do you think? When have you seen manners used recently or where do you think we need to improve? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

Coming up Friday: Bob Waliszewski, our movie guy from Focus on the Family, joins us at 7:10 AM with a family-friendly look at Tower Heist. Also, celebrity chef Jon Ashton joins us at 8:10 AM to talk about the Relish Cooking Show on November 10th at the Kroc Center.

Tuesday, October 25th


-Cleve was spotted chowing down on a huge polish sausage dog at the fair in Aiken this weekend. You can see the photo and tell us your favorite fair food on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-The lineup for Winter Jam 2012 was announced this morning. Skillet is headlining the tour, joined by Newsong, Sanctus Real, Kari Jobe, Peter Furler, Building 429 and Group1Crew. The Pre-Jam Party includes Dara Maclean, For King & Country and We As Human. Make plans to join us on Thursday, February 9th at the James Brown Arena.

-David Barton, America's leading Christian historian, joined us this morning in advance of his appearance at the Georgia Awake event on Friday at Abilene Baptist Church in Augusta. Click here for more information

Monday, October 24th


-Monday Morning Mindbender

Q: What is the most borrowed item in America?
A: Jumper cables

-October is Clergy Appreciation Month, so this morning we gave you the opportunity to publicly honor your pastor. A recent study by Lifeway shows that 55% of pastors admit feeling lonely and discouraged in their ministry. Please do something to let your pastor know you love them.

-Barbara Naugle of Martinez correctly guessed that Chobani Greek Yogurt is the Cheapie of the Week. Kroger has it on sale for $1 a cup through Saturday. Use the printable $.30 coupon (which doubles at Kroger) and you'll get a cup of this yogurt for $.40 plus tax.

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve found a new member to induct into his coffee club and she hails from the land of coffee beans, Colombia! Listen for her story at 6:50 AM. Also, there will be some big announcements in the 7 AM hour. We'll announce the World's Smallest Christmas Carolers at 7:10 and the lineup for Winter Jam 2012 at 7:40. Historian David Barton joins us at 8:10 to talk about the Georgia Awake event on Friday at Abilene Baptist Church in Augusta.

Friday, October 21st


-This weekend, you can enjoy two fairs in our area. This will be the last weekend for the Georgia-Carolina State Fair in Augusta, but the Western Carolina State Fair in Aiken is just getting started.

-Congratulations to our Augusta Riverhawks for winning their home opener 4-2 against Mississippi last night. They play again on Saturday night at the James Brown Arena.

-You may find a lot of deals during the Christmas shopping season this year. In fact, one online jeweler is giving away necklaces! Read more

-Bob Waliszewski of Focus on the Family's Plugged In Movie Review gave us his take on two new movies. Click the title of each one to hear Bob's review: The Mighty Macs//Johnny English Rebooted

-Coming up Monday: Listen to win a family-four pack of tickets to The Leaving Eden Tour with Brandon Heath, Britt Nicole and Mikeschair. Your chances to win are at 6:10 with the Mindbender and at 7:40 with the Cheapie of the Week. Also, since October is Clergy Appreciation Month, we're giving you a chance to say some kind words about your pastor at 7 AM.

Thursday, October 20th


-Jennie Montgomery and Trish Thornhill from WJBF Newschannel 6 joined us this morning to talk about their free Health and Wellness Expo on October 29th at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-The Georgia Department of Labor's Augusta Career Center is hosting a job expo today from 9 am to 12 noon at the career center, located at 601 Greene Street in Augusta. Over 20 employers will be represented.

-John's two-year old, Emma, locked herself in her room and refused to come out. This prompted a call from his wife, Amy, in a momentary panic asking how to unlock the door. So, this morning we talked about your panicked parent moments. Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Costco opens in Augusta on November 16th, and they'll start selling memberships tomorrow. You can enter through Alexander Drive and purchase them in the Tire Center.

-Coming up Friday: Bob Waliszeski from the Plugged In Movie Review joins us at 7:10 with his take on The Mighty Macs and Johnny English Reborn.

Wednesday, October 19th


-MAU Workforce Solutions Job Fair: 9 am to 4 pm today in Aiken - Read more

-The Georgia Department of Labor's Augusta Career Center will sponsor a job expo on Thursday, October 20th. It will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at the career center, located at 601 Greene Street in Augusta. Over 20 employers will be represented.

-An Athens woman learned that it's not a good idea to tell people on Facebook that you're out of town. When she returned home on Sunday, her apartment door had been knocked down and over $1,000 worth of valuables had been stolen.

-John and Cleve attended the Augusta Care Pregnancy Center's annual banquet last night. This ministry is in it's 30th year of saving lives. During the past year, they have been able to minister to over 1,600 clients. Also, 59 clients have accepted Christ, and over 130 babies have been saved. Check out their new website at www.augustacpc.org and learn more about this great ministry.

-Melissa Rice shared her quick and easy recipe for Peach Cobbler this morning in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve. You'll find it in the post below this one.

-The Augusta Riverhawks kick off their second season tomorrow night at 7:35 at the James Brown Arena.

-Coming up Thursday: Jennie Montgomery and Trish Thornhill from WJBF Newschannel 6 join us to talk about their upcoming Health and Wellness Expo at 8:10.

Simple Cooking - Easy Peach Cobbler


1 stick of butter
1 can of peaches
1 cup of self-rising flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of milk.

Melt butter in baking dish. Mix flour, sugar and milk together and pour over butter DO NOT STIR. Spoon peaches and juice over batter. DO NOT STIR. Bake at 350 until brown - about 30-45 minutes.

Submitted by Melissa Rice of Albertville, Alabama (online listener at www.wafj.com). If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Morning Show Notes - Tuesday, October 25th


-MAU Workforce Solutions Job Fair: Wednesday in Aiken - Read more

-The Georgia Department of Labor's Augusta Career Center will sponsor a job expo on Thursday, October 20th. It will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at the career center, located at 601 Greene Street in Augusta.

-The Courageous movie soundtrack CD is in stores today and features Casting Crowns, Third Day, Mark Harris and other 88.3 WAFJ artists, along with the inspiring speech seen at the end of the movie.

-Listen for two big announcements on Tuesday, October 25th. At 7:10 AM, we'll tell you who will be the World's Smallest Christmas Carolers. Then, at 7:40 AM, the Winter Jam 2012 lineup will be revealed.

-Coming up Wednesday: Melissa Rice shares her quick and easy recipe for Peach Cobbler in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve at 8:10.

Morning Show Notes - Monday, October 17th


-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q: The average American spends 34 minutes every Monday doing what?
A: Complaining

-Sunday was National Boss' Day. This morning we gave you the opportunity to publicly praise the great boss in your life. You can still do that on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Jessica Mole of North Augusta correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. Walgreens has it on sale as a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" special through Saturday (10/22) when you use the in-store circular coupon. Also, there is a printable $.50 off two coupon you can use, which helps you get two bottles of toilet bowl cleaner for $2.49 plus tax. *You'll need to register with the Lysol website to get the coupon.

-Sylvia Wayfer of the Families Matter Most Foundation was on the show with us on Friday talking about her attempt to break the world's record for a bumper car marathon. Well, she did it on Sunday at the Georgia-Carolina State Fair! Read more

-Coming up Tuesday: Cleve welcomes a quinquagenarian to his coffee club at 6:50. Also, the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine is popping up in more places around the CSRA. We'll talk about which flavors you think makes the best soda combination.

Morning Show Notes - Friday, October 14th


-Sylvia Wayfer from the Families Matter Most Foundation joined us this morning to talk about her attempt to break the bumper car marathon world's record at the fair this weekend. She's doing it to raise awareness about child hunger and homelessness. Listen: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Congressman John Barrow is sponsoring a job fair on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bernie Ward Community Center. Read more

-The Georgia Department of Labor's Augusta Career Center will sponsor a job expo Thursday, October 20th. It will be held from 9 am to 12 noon at the career center, located at 601 Greene St. in Augusta.

-Saturday is Global Handwashing Day, and we gave away some Kackleberry Farm tickets to someone who would wash their hands for us. Listen

-Coming up Monday: Listen to win tickets to Courageous and a frameable copy of "The Resolution" from the movie with the Mindbender at 6:10 and the Cheapie of the Week at 7:40. Also, Sunday is National Bosses Day, so on Monday, we'll give you a chance to brag on your boss.

Morning Show Notes - Thursday, October 13th


-Congressman John Barrow is sponsoring a job fair on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm at the Bernie Ward Community Center. Read more

-The "Slow Family" movement is encouraging families to not get tied down in so many activities outside of the home, but instead, to do more things together as a family and with other families. What activites provide quality time for your family? Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-The Georgia-Carolina State Fair opens in Augusta this weekend, and one group is attempting to break a world's record there with bumper cars. Read more

-A listener called this morning to ask if the Rachael Lampa that is a contestant on NBC's The Sing Off is the same Rachael Lampa that we've been playing on the radio for years. The answer is yes! Read more

-Coming up Friday: Sylvia Wayfer from the Families Matter Most Foundation will be with us at 6:10 to talk about her attempt to break a world's record at the fair this weekend. Bob Waliszewski of Focus on the Family joins us at 7:10 with a family-friendly perspective on the weekend's new movies.

Morning Show Notes - Wednesday, October 12th


-Dr. Pepper Ten was introduced this week as a man's alternative to Diet Dr. Pepper. Apparently, some men feel like they're trading in their man-card when they drink something called "diet," which is the reason why we also have Coke Zero and Pepsi Max. As long-time diet soda drinkers, John and Cleve are dispelling the girly diet soda myth. There's a fun ongoing conversation about this on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-The average Augustan has over $26,000 in non-mortgage related debt, according to a report released from Experian. Missed payments and maxed-out credit put us in sixth place nationally for places with the worst credit score. Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University can help you get out of debt. Click here to find a local class.

-Barbara Flowers of Martinez shared her quick and easy recipe for Ugly Dip in Simple Cooking this morning. Don't let the name scare you - she says it is delicious! The recipe is in the post below this one.

-Clare Bethune from Augusta Christian Schools joined us this morning to talk about their Christian College Fair happening on Thursday at 6:30 PM at Warren Baptist Church. Listen: Part 1 Part 2

-Coming up Thursday: Listen for your chance to win tickets to 88.3 WAFJ Family Fun Day at Kackleberry Farm in Louisville.

Simple Cooking - Ugly Dip


2 blocks cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 can white shoepeg corn, drained
2-3 fresh jalepenos chopped fine

Mix all ingredients in microwave bowl and heat for 2 minutes. Stir. Heat additional 30 second increments until melted. Serve with Tostitos chips (great with lime ones).

Submitted by Barbara Flowers of Martinez. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Morning Show Notes - Tuesday, October 11th


-A deer accident on I-520 in North Augusta started off the morning commute today. Deer are very active this time of year, so keep that in mind if you travel before sunrise. Most experts say that you shouldn't try to swerve to avoid hitting a deer because you could end up in a more severe accident. One truck driver called to tell us there is a whistle you can mount to the grill of your car that will chase the deer away.

-Patrick Robertson of Brooklet was inducted as the newest member of Cleve's Coffee Club. The 88.3 WAFJ he will receive becomes the 101st coffee mug in his collection! If you'd like to join him in the club, click here to apply.

-John's wife, Amy, took a curtain they were no longer using and used it to recover the seats of their kitchen chairs. So, this morning, we talked about old items around your house that you've turned into something new. Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Winter Jam is coming to the James Brown Arena in Augusta on Thursday, February 9th. Listen Tuesday, October 25th to John and Cleve to get this year's artist lineup.

-An Iranian pastor is still alive, despite a death sentence for not renouncing his Christian faith. He needs our prayers. Read more

-Coming up Wednesday: Clare Bethune from Augusta Christian Schools joins us at 7:10 to talk about the Christian College Fair on Thursday night at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta. Barbara Flowers of Martinez shares a tailgating favorite, Ugly Dip, in Simple Cooking with John and Cleve at 8:10.

Morning Show Notes - Monday, October 10th


-Monday Morning Mindbender
Q: Forget using your cell phone to make calls! A survey found something else is the most common use for a cell phone. What is it?
A: Checking the time

-Kimberly Norton of Williston correctly guessed that the Cheapie of the Week is Dial Bar Soap (3 pack). CVS has it on sale through Saturday (10/15) for $1.88 with your Extra Care Card. You'll get $1.00 back in Extra Bucks, so it's like getting the soap for $.88 plus tax!

Morning Show Notes - Thursday, October 6th


-One of John's Facebook friends posted this recently: "There's been over 30 billion messages posted on Twitter, and yet most of us have never even talked to our neighbors." So, this morning we talked about some ideas on how to intentionally get to know your neighbors. Join the conversation on the 88.3 WAFJ Facebook page.

-Tickets are still available for the Women of Faith One-Day Event with Sheila Walsh on Saturday. Click here for more information.

-Dr. Ron Stallings joined us from Doctors Hospital to talk about the importance of a mammogram, since this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Listen to the conversation: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

-Coming up Friday: Bob Waliszewski from Focus on the Family's Plugged In Movie Review gives us his take on Reel Steel at 7:10. Also, listeners like you will join us in the studio for Backstage Pass Friday in the 8 am hour.

Simple Cooking - Pumpkin Pie Muffins


18 ounces spice cake mix
15 ounces pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
Simply mix the pumpkin and the spice cake mix together with electric mixer until well combined. (At this point you may also want to throw in some nuts or raisins, if you like.). Spoon into paper lined small muffin/cupcake tins, 2/3 full. (The batter is very thick and doesn't "settle", so you may wish to smooth the tops if you care what the finished product looks like!). Bake at 350* 18-22 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Submitted by Linda Metcalf of North Augusta. If you have a quick and easy recipe to share, please send it to john@wafj.com. You'll get a thank-you gift if we use your recipe.

Morning Show Notes - Wednesday, October 5th


-The new iPhone 4S has been unveiled. What's special about it? How about a voice-activated personal assistant...read more

-MAU Workforce Solutions is hosting a job fair today at the Jameson Suites in Augusta. Read more

-The Salvation Army of Augusta is taking applications for those seeking assistance through its Angel Tree program. Applications will be taken through October 28th. Call (706) 922-8330 for more information.

-The hottest trend in toys is not even a toy, in the traditional sense. Here's a new word for you...appsessories. Read more

-Linda Metcalf of North Augusta shared her quick and easy recipe for Pumpkin Pie Muffins in Simple Cooking this morning. You'll find it in the post above this one.