In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Scott Drackley, the Founder and Artistic Director of Penn Square Opera and Penn Square Music Conservatory. Scott's passion for nurturing young, professional opera singers and providing exceptional musical education through Penn Square Opera and Penn Square Music Conservatory shines through in his dedication to offering performance opportunities and top-tier instruction to students of all ages in the Lancaster community. Join us as we delve into Scott's...
May 13, 2024•59 min
May 06, 2024•55 min
In this episode, we're joined by Sallie Gregory, the Education Coordinator at the Lancaster County Conservation District. With a focus on watersheds and natural resources, Sallie coordinates teacher professional development, classroom lessons, and in-the-field experiences. She also plays a pivotal role in organizing the Lancaster County Envirothons, an environmental academic contest, and the Lancaster County Youth Conservation School, a summer residential field school for students. Join us as we...
Apr 29, 2024•57 min
In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Betsy, whose life took a profound turn on a warm Spring day in April 2010 when she stumbled upon her first orphaned baby squirrel. This serendipitous encounter ignited a passion within her, leading her to leave behind her fast-paced corporate career to embark on a mission of wildlife rehabilitation. Betsy's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to wildlife conservation shine through as she shares how she transitioned from sewing bedding fo...
Apr 22, 2024•38 min
Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Sandra Valdez, Chief Human Services Officer at the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA) in Lancaster, PA. With over two decades of dedicated service to SACA, Sandra's leadership shines as she advocates for the interests of the Latina/o/x community in the Lancaster region. Her extensive background in healthcare alliances has been instrumental in driving positive change, reflected in her roles on various boards including the East Petersburg...
Apr 15, 2024•53 min
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Greta Fairbanks, the owner of Happiness is...Granola, a small-batch granola company. Discover how Greta's passion for celebrating life's simple pleasures led her to create a brand dedicated to spreading joy and building community through shared experiences. From crafting delicious granola blends to fostering connections among customers, Greta shares insights into her journey and the values that drive her business forward. Tune in as we explore the stor...
Apr 08, 2024•53 min
In this episode, we are joined by Will Kiefer, the Executive Director and Founder of Bench Mark Program, a fitness-based mentoring initiative for at-risk youth in Lancaster, PA. Will's journey from a desire to serve his community to establishing an organization impacting over 100 youth daily is truly inspiring. Learn about Bench Mark's unique approach, providing long-term support through 1:1 and group mentoring, and discover how they empower youth to thrive beyond traditional programs. With a fo...
Apr 01, 2024•56 min
In this episode, we're thrilled to feature Jason Stone, the owner of The Productive Peasant Farm Co. Located in Wrightsville, this one-acre chemical-free produce operation is dedicated to growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and melons. Jason's unique approach as a "flavor-first grower" sets his farm apart, as he prioritizes selecting varieties based on their flavor qualities rather than popularity or productivity. Not only does The Productive Peasant offer a CSA program for small famili...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, we uncover the remarkable story behind Sahd Metal Recycling, a company dedicated to sustainable recycling practices while prioritizing customer service and integrity. Todd Kauffman, Sales and Marketing Specialist, along with Dan Sahd, Team Leader, take us on a journey through Sahd Metal Recycling's mission to maximize the value of metal for their customers with transparent pricing and innovative approaches. From their commitment to sustainability to their innovative strategies f...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Kate Zimmerman, President and CEO of United Way of Lancaster County PA, to explore the vital role of community leadership and philanthropy. With extensive experience in community development, Kate shares insights gleaned from her tenure at Leadership Lancaster and her current role with UWLC. As co-chair of the Coalition for Sustainable Housing and Board President of the Manheim Township Educational Foundation, Kate is deeply committed to creating susta...
Mar 11, 2024•52 min
In this captivating episode, we soar to new heights with Brett Engroff, owner and pilot of SVBC (Susquehanna Valley Balloon Company). With a lifelong passion for ballooning deeply rooted in his upbringing, Brett brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the conversation. Having logged over 300 hours in the air and boasting more than 20 years of flying hot air balloons, Brett's love for the craft shines through as he shares his journey from childhood ballooning adventures to becoming a seaso...
Mar 04, 2024•58 min
In this episode, hosts Jeff and Ben engage in a captivating conversation with Diana Vuolo, a distinguished musician and the founder of SWAN. Diana's musical journey began with a prestigious full-tuition scholarship to study under the tutelage of the renowned teacher Dorothy DeLay at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts (PCPA), where she earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Violin Performance. Diana's professional trajectory has been extraordinary, featuring captivating performances in p...
Feb 19, 2024•54 min
Born and raised in Lancaster, PA (1992). Keisha Finnie’s work explores the journey of evolution as not only an artist but as a woman of color. Interpreting her personal experiences and observations, nurturing and visualizing her determination and resilience through touch and a strong vibrant color palette. Keisha has been artistic since she could remember in her first art class at Ross Elementary School where her 2020 mural “Nurture Your Mind” resides. She has been featured in many local magazin...
Feb 12, 2024•50 min
In the spring of 2022, they dreamt of having a miniature golf charity tournament to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. By that August, they had their first-ever Putting For Miracles Miniature Golf Tournament for Children’s Miracle Network. They had over 60 participants and almost 30 local sponsors, including 20 sponsored holes. Thanks to the efforts of the community and friends, they raised over $5,000 for the Penn State Children’s Hospital of Hershey. In the spring of 2023, they kicked off...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min
About the charity: Jen being a 100% disabled Veteran, it was believed that there was a minimum of a $10,000 Burial Benefit as part of the benefits package. Shortly after Jen's initial diagnosis she was hospitalized, this is where their family found out that they did not have the Life or Burial Insurance that they thought they had through the VA Benefits Packages. In discussing this issue with a friend, Stacy Coble Knight, Stacy took it upon herself to start a GoFundMe page and put together a cou...
Jan 22, 2024•58 min
In this episode, Ben and Jeff delve into the inspiring world of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an international non-profit Christian sports ministry that has been impacting lives since its founding in 1954. Based in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, FCA boasts a global presence with staff offices strategically placed across the United States and abroad. Their guest, Kyle Martin, is a dedicated area representative for FCA in Lancaster County, and he shares his journey and experiences a...
Jan 15, 2024•57 min
Jeff, Ben & guest Troy Bruchwalski take you on a journey of commitment and self-care, and introduce the fantastic Universal Athletic Club. Special guest Troy shares valuable insights on fitness, therapeutic modalities, and their amazing renewal center. You'll discover the power of recovery in health and witness the impact of commitment on personal growth. Together we’ll uncover the center's amazing services, including Novothor red light therapy and the transformative Bemer. Experience a worl...
Jan 02, 2024•1 hr
In this episode, Ben and Jeff interview Kendra Wolfe, the founder of Unique Lancaster Experiences. Kendra's journey is a remarkable one, as she transitioned from being a nomad traveling across the United States to settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. With a strong background in tourism and a deep commitment to community service, Kendra founded Unique Lancaster Experiences with a mission to help travelers and locals alike connect with Lancaster in unique and meaningful ways. In 2022, Kendr...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr
In this episode, Ben interviews Danielle Keperling. As the Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and with over two decades of experience in the preservation industry, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our conversation. With a Masters of Business Administration degree from Eastern University, Danielle's unique blend of business acumen and passion for preservation shines through in her work. Alongside her husband, Jonathan, she works at the ...
Dec 18, 2023•55 min
In this episode of Lancaster Connects, Ben and Jeff interviews Valonda Banks, a professional with nearly three decades of experience in the field of hiring. But Valonda is much more than just a hiring expert; she brings a delightful sense of humor and warmth to every aspect of her life. Married to the self-proclaimed 'funniest human on the planet,' she shares her life with a loving family that includes a young daughter in grade school and a grown son who is not only married but also a parent him...
Dec 11, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In this episode, Ben and Jeff are delighted to speak with Kristen Richards, the passionate owner of Front Porch Baking Co., a grain-forward neighborhood bakery nestled in Millersville, PA. Kristen's bakery isn't just about crafting delicious breads and pastries; it's a heartfelt mission to nourish Lancaster County while promoting education, sourcing locally in the Mid-Atlantic region, and fostering meaningful connections with customers. Kristen's journey into the world of baking was deeply influ...
Dec 04, 2023•58 min
In this episode, Ben and Jeff interview Glenn J. Smith, the Founder of Brewery Tours, a company that has been making waves in the craft beer tourism industry for over three decades. Glenn's passion for small, independent craft breweries has taken him on a remarkable journey, where he's been able to immerse himself in the world of craft beer, learn from brewers, and share these experiences with enthusiasts and novices alike. In 2017, Glenn leveraged his wealth of knowledge and experience to estab...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr
Lin Weaver is an Owner and CEO at Shady Maple Companies. These business interests include a Farmers Market/Supermarket, Smorgasbord/gift shop, RV dealership, Houston Run Development, and Weaver Realty Investment Properties. He has over 35 years’ experience working and growing the businesses at Shady Maple in all the different entities. He has been part of the Shady Maple team that grew the company into the largest Supermarket in Pa. and the largest buffet in the USA. Lastly he is an entrepreneur...
Nov 20, 2023•1 hr
Lancaster Gift Box makes it easy to share a luxurious Taste of Lancaster County with friends and clients nationwide. With a steadfast commitment to supporting local food producers and makers, Lancaster Gift Box curates signature gift boxes that capture the local flavors of Lancaster County. Deliver joy to the people in your life, both personally and professionally with Lancaster Gift Box, your local, gifting specialists! | Corporate Gifting Specialists.
Nov 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min
This episode features Amanda Reilly-Sokoli and Pashk Sokoli. Co-founders of Pennsylvania Furniture Mission. Pashk and Amanda always knew they had a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. After meeting in Albania in 2014, a combination of cultures, languages, and experiences brought them together - enhancing their lives ever since. They lived in Chicago, experiencing the challenges of living and working on the south side of the city. They recognized their desire to serve others i...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 3 min
In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by a remarkable guest, Luke Liberty, who has an extraordinary and deeply inspiring life story. Luke, as he describes it, was "made in Vietnam but assembled by Americans." Born in 1969 during the Vietnam War, his early years were marked by a remarkable journey of survival and resilience. His mother led their escape from Saigon to the sea, where they eventually boarded a fishing boat, only to be rescued by the US Navy in international waters. Luke's voyage ...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 12 min
This episode features Robin D. Stauffer, a distinguished figure who has dedicated over three decades to High®, a diverse and dynamic organization headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Her impressive journey within High spans multiple businesses, ranging from steel fabrication to real estate development. As the Executive Director of the High Foundation, Robin's mission is to drive constructive change within areas of identified need, with a focus on eradicating poverty in Lancaster County and ...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 1 min
This episode features Kelly Osborne, a volunteer with the Pilot Club of Lancaster and serves currently as the President Elect. The Pilot Club of Lancaster is a volunteer service club that was established in Lancaster County in 1947. PCOL was instrumental in launching the Meals on Wheels program in Lancaster in 1967 and still continues to support the program through volunteer deliveries and donations. Pilot Club of Lancaster's signature service program in Project Lifesaver, a search and rescue pr...
Oct 16, 2023•58 min
In this episode, Ben and Jeff speak with Pam Witwer, the dynamic owner of Lancaster PA Notary, a 24/7 mobile notary service covering 9 Central PA counties. Pam's journey from launching her business in March 2023 to becoming a certified real estate loan closing agent, living trust delivery agent, and apostille agent is truly remarkable. But Pam's story goes beyond her professional achievements. With nearly three decades of experience in state government, Pam brings a wealth of dedication and comm...
Oct 09, 2023•56 min
Join Karen King and the SCORE Professional Women's Network for a high-energy and hands-on experience where you will learn how to develop intentional goals for your professional and personal life. This workshop will occur on Thursday, October 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Lancaster Chamber (115 E. King Street) in Rooms 2E & 2F. Light fare and refreshments will be provided.
Oct 02, 2023•57 min
