We Wish You A Merry Christmas!!

Let the staff of WPFJ share a few Christmas favorites with you!

Brenda Wooten: "A Southern Lunch"

What do you want under your Christmas Tree this year? Anything would be appreciated. It's the thought that counts.
Favorite Family Tradition: We have a meal and exchanging of gifts with my family on Christmas Eve, with my husband's family on Christmas Day
Favorite Christmas Album: No Particular "album". I like just about ANY Christmas Music with the exception: "Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer" (for obvious reasons)...
Favorite Christmas Song: Again, I like just about ALL Christmas Music. Some that come to mind:
Contemporary: Amy Grant's "Emmanuel, God With Us", Sara Groves' "Breath of Heaven";
Instrumental: Mannheim Steamroller;
Bluegrass: "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem";
Southern Gospel: "Mary, Did You Know?", The Martins' "Heaven's Child",
Carol: "Carol of the Bells"
Best Part of Christmas: Being with family. This year: Being with my Grandson on his first Christmas
Favorite food to eat for the holidays: Traditionally it has been turkey, dressing, etc. This year we're going to have a fish-fry with the Halibut my husband and I caught in Alaska! I always request someone bring sweet potato casserole to the feast....no one in my immediate family likes it but me, so I never cook it.
Must-watch Christmas movie: I just watched "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, again, the other night on TV. I like "Miracle on 34th Street", but it just isn't Christmas until I see all the animated programs: "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", "Frosty The Snowman", and "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" (yes, a 50+ yr. old grandmother loves to watch these--brings back memories of my childhood and watching these programs on TV at Christmastime).
Most embarrassing Christmas experience: When I was a teenager at home, my Mom asked just before Christmas what were some things on my "wish-list". Among other things, I mentioned a particular Glen Campbell album (yes it was back in the day of vinyl). I really didn't think my Mom would be so cool as to buy this for me, so before Christmas, I bought it for myself. When I came home with it, she was so aggravated.....she had one wrapped and under the tree for me. So our joke now is "tell me what you want for Christmas, but don't go out and buy it for yourself"!
Favorite reindeer: Rudolph, bless his little heart...."they never let poor Rudolph join in any Reindeer games"
Will it be a White Christmas? Probably not. That's been a pretty rare occasion around here. But it doesn't take snow to make Christmas merry! Actually, it makes it harder on the travelers.
Early Christmas shopper or last minute thrill? I'm trying to be early. I've already bought several presents but I usually end up with some last minute thrills (or scares!).

Johnny Lee (aka "JMack): Rise & Praise Morning Show

Favorite Christmas Album: That’s a toss up between “A Christmas Story” (Point of Grace) and “A Greater Vision Christmas” (Greater Vision).
Favorite Christmas Song: I like all of the traditional Christmas songs, especially those in the hymnbook. If you insist on just one I guess I’d say “Away in a Manger” since that’s the first real song I learned to play on the piano.
Best Part of Christmas: Spending the entire day with family without the everyday interruptions.
Favorite Family Tradition: As a family we read the account of Christ’s birth from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas morning. Also, everyone in the family writes their memories of that year’s Christmas activities. Then each year we read from the previous years’ experiences. It’s special to read what your kids write about, and to see how quickly they mature from year to year.
Favorite food to eat for the holidays: Ham and Turkey & dressing.
What do you want under your Christmas Tree this year? More books for my library, and a Green Bay Packers’ jersey.
Most embarrassing Christmas experience: Finding one of the kid’s presents 2 months after Christmas that my wife and I had hidden. We hid it so well that we forgot to wrap and give it to them!
Favorite reindeer: Rudolph of course!
Must-watch Christmas movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart.
Will It Be A White Christmas? Probably not.
Early Christmas shopper or last minute thrill? Both. Early by choice; last minute by forgetfulness!

Rob Ricotta: Saturday mid-days

Favorite Christmas Album: Probably the compilation that I am going to made this year. A few of my favorites (see below), some classic Bing Crosby and Sinatra, and some others TBD.
Favorite Christmas Song: This is really difficult because there are so many! I would have to say "What Child Is This?" (a new acoustic arrangement by Keith Cooper) and "How Many Kings" (a brand-new one by Downhere) are my absolute favorites, although the original "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is a classic best.
Best Part of Christmas: The best part is having the family together, love abounding, friends together, the feeling of the season, and the true reality of Christmas. "How Many Kings" I ask? (look up the lyrics online. by Downhere)
Favorite Family Tradition: Decorating the tree with my Mom, the infamous "Christmas Breakfast," and reading Scripture before the commercialized (gifts) part of Christmas.
Favorite food to eat for the holidays: I would have to say Italian food on Christmas Eve. Lasagna, stromboli, all the cheeses....Mmmmmmmm.
What do you want under your Christmas Tree this year? I would love a pair of Tom's Shoes under the tree...that would be cool. (www.tomsshoes.com)
Most embarrassing Christmas experience: One Christmas (a long time ago) I came upstairs for breakfast on Christmas morning with my family and extended family. I wasn't exactly ready so I was still in my boxers and my hair was slightly more "fro-ish" that normal. Yeah, I went back to my room and changed for the sake of all present in my house.
Favorite reindeer: Comet! He's probably the fastest and picks up the slack for Rudolph all of the other reindeer. He's as fast as a comet, the engine of Santa's Sleigh.
Must-watch Christmas movie: “The original "Jack Frost" cartoon and "Elf." Elf is quite possibly the cleanest movie Will Ferrell has ever been in. The lines are fun to quote and it makes me laugh a lot.
Will It Be A White Christmas? I think we will have a slightly white Christmas. At least I hope so!!!! Usually in Franklin it tends to flurry or snow on Christmas Day, but maybe that 's just my dad on the roof with a snowmaker...
Early Christmas shopper or last minute thrill? Last minute thriller. Oh Yeah!!

Photo with David Crowder

Susan Canida: WPFJ Program Director

What do you want under your Christmas Tree this year? I'll be glad to head back to Tennessee to spend the holidays with my family.
Favorite Family Tradition: Christmas Eve. It's the only time a year I'm "allowed" to watch "It's A Wonderful Life." Usually we cook our favorite junk food and have some Christmas cookies.
Favorite Christmas Album: Andrew Peterson's "Behold The Lamb of God." Hands-down one of the best tellings of the true Christmas story, beginning with Genesis and working through the Gospels. Andrew Peterson is a master at lyrics and music and this album is almost like a musical. Then there's always the classics with Amy Grant's early albums, and this rare album I grew up on with cassette tapes (nope, no vinyls, Brenda) called "Our Christmas" from a group of Reunion Records artists.
Favorite Christmas Song: Oh I have to love Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, and Little Drummer Boy (for the traditionals.) Love the David Crowder* Band version of "Feliz Navidad," Mercy Me's "Joseph's Lullaby," plus many more of the new ones. And anything on Chris Rice's piano album. Okay, I'll stop now.
Best Part of Christmas: Family. It's consistent, it's full of love and tradition and safety.
Favorite food to eat for the holidays: Sausage balls on Christmas Eve with chips and queso dip (not together). Anything my mom cooks for me
Favorite reindeer: Prancer!
Must-watch Christmas movie: One Magic Christmas, White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and some others I can't think of at the moment.
Will it be a White Christmas? Probably not, but that's okay. It never really has been. I just don't like it when it is 70 degrees...
Early Christmas shopper or last minute thrill? I'm a December shopper. It's the procrastinator in me. But not a Christmas Eve shopper.

photo not available

Ricardo: (he just wants to work here)

Favorite Christmas Album: “Feliz Navidad! Christmas Songs Sung in Spanish” by some amigo named “Various Artists” (I don’t really know him).
Favorite Christmas Song: “Feliz Navidad” sung by David Crowder.
Best Part of Christmas: Opening presents with my senorita. Too, I like hanging with JMack. He has good food to eat at Christmas time. Sometimes we sing Navidad carols together!
Favorite Family Tradition: Decorating my car for Christmas. It looks

mucho good covered with lights.
Favorite Holiday Food: Burritos. They are good anytime!
What do you want under your Christmas Tree this year? I think like a rug or something so the pine needles won’t get on my floor, man. Why do you ask a question like that?
Most embarrassing Christmas experience: One time I knocked over my Christmas tree while I was trying to decorate it. It fell on my senorita and when she screamed it scared my dog and he bit her on her leg. That wasn’t a good Christmas, amigo.
Favorite reindeer: Rudolph. That means Ricardo in English (I think).
Must-watch Christmas movie: Charlie Brown Christmas. He has that funny little dog, man. It gives me mucho laughter.
Will It Be A White Christmas? We could man, if I can get JMack to borrow the snow maker from that store at his radio station. It’s called Tech-Store or something. They have a thing that makes snow by itself. We could, like, blow it all over the streets!
Early Christmas shopper or last minute thrill? What you mean? I’ll ask JMack to help me comprender this question.

Gaither Homecoming "Give It Away" Bus Tour Asheville

Did you hop on the bus to Asheville to see the "Give It Away" Gaither Homecoming Tour?!? We did and it was a thrilling evening...



Bus rider John Bosio enjoys a little fellowship with Bill Gaither himself.

Karen Peck and Susan Jackson from Karen Peck and New River, pausing for a moment during the show just for JMack.

Brenda and Johnny catch up with Jeff & Sheri Easter.

JMack and Brenda with Karen Peck and New River.

Signature Sound, always bringing a stellar performance to any stage. I think JMack is trying to get on stage with them...

Harvest Fest 2007

Recently on location at the Macon County Fairgrounds at Prentiss Church of God's Harvest Fest 07, Brenda interviews a young lady in a local singing group. They performed several songs from the main stage as hundreds of families enjoyed a night of family fun and games.










Brenda tries her hand at the dunking booth. Rumor has it she would have most definitely hit the target if a certain morning show host were in the booth...










The Mountain Movers from Franklin Church of God.














JMack "gently" coaxes Brenda to try the giant slide during the festivities.

Did Anyone See Ricardo?

Recently JMack ventured across the mountain to visit Dollywood and catch the National Gospel and Harvest Celebration. While in the park, he caught up to Ashley Adams, regional marking director for Dollywood. She was sporting her new WPFJ t-shirt.

Quite possibly the largest cornucopia ever created. They do ask that visitors do not eat any of the delicacies found in this beautiful arrangement. Wonder why?




Rumor has it that Ricardo was heartbroken that JMack did not ask Ricardo to tag along for the day. Neither has met Dolly yet, but Ricardo has not given up and will still try to win his own Dollywood tickets for a chance to meet her in person.

TRADE Card Harvest Fest 2007

Brenda Wooten is decked out in her harvest gear, ready to broadcast live from the TRADE Card Harvest Fest.

JMack talks to the area director of FCA.

DAnne and Geneveve Maddox sit and enjoy the fun and festivities in the Plaza.







Rob Ricotta enjoyed the afternoon inside the studio making all of the technical aspects run smoothly as he enjoyed playing his favorite new songs.

See You At The Pole - September 26

Every year, millions of students across America and throughout the world unite in prayer at their school's flagpoles. See You At The Pole is a student-initiated and student-led movement that started in the Ft. Worth suburb of Burleson, Texas in 1990. SYATP brings students to their school flagpoles to intercede for their leaders, schools, and families, asking God to bring moral and spiritual awakening to their campuses and countries.

WPFJ 1480 the Dove was live at Franklin High School to spotlight the local prayer meeting.

Students began with a time of student-led worship, then broke up into smaller groups to meditate on Scripture and pray for specific needs in their community and nation.

Local high school student and WPFJ personality broadcast live from Franklin High School, sharing his heart for his generation as his peers gathered together in prayer.

Students gathered during lunch on the campus at Southwestern Community College (Macon Campus). Several students in the Macon Early High School Program at SCC participated in prayer and worship.

Live from the Macon County Fair

You couldn't miss Johnny and Brenda in our gazebo as they broadcast live all week from the fair. Thanks to Mr. Store-It for once again providing our gazebo.

Brenda interviewed one local citizen Jan Lee (no kin to Johnny), Macon County Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, about the community's plans for emergency preparedness. Macon County works hard to be ready for any situation that might arise with prevention and reaction plans.

Brenda and Johnny take a minute to interview Randy Campbell, a local businessman and fair sponsor.

Brenda and Johnny try their hands at the "Flaming Finger" courtesy of the Fun Factory in the Smokies.

Can you guess who had the fastest finger?

Meet Noah the Wallaby. He was the big winner in the annual Pet Show held on Wednesday night.



photo by Sidney Brooks

Johnny tries his hardest to distract Brenda on the microphone, but she never misses a beat.

Thanks to everyone who came out to show their support of the 2007 Macon County Fair and WPFJ. We were encouraged by the comments and the opportunity to meet so many listeners. We're proud to be live and local, bringing you the good news of Jesus every day. Keep listening and be ready for what might be around the corner.

Come On Down to the Macon County Fair

The Macon County Fair is all this week, September 12-15th. Stop by the WPFJ Gazebo and say hi to Brenda Wooten and Johnny Lee.

We're giving away free balloons, T-shirts, dvds, books, and much, much more!!

Week Five Winners

Congratulations to our final winners in our $100-A-Day Giveaway!!!



Tammy Drinnon

June Cassada

Cindy Crane

Angie Swafford

Brittany Collier

Week Four Winners

Congratulations to our fourth week of winners in the $100-A-Day Giveaway!



Jamie Watson

Bobbie McClure

Bobbie Soleau

Sabrina Bishop

Gwen Smith










You have one more week to win!!!! Visit WPFJ.com for more details!!

Week Three Winners

There are only two more weeks to win your $100 in our $100-A-Day Giveaway! Congratulations to our latest winners!


Bryan Shore

Karen Ernst

Pam Raby

Joanna Michaels

Cindy Sowerby










There is still time for YOU to win $100 in cash! Visit WPFJ.com for more info and clues!