Lancaster Connects

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 journey and the impact of his invaluable contributions to the world of opera and music education.

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 delve into Sallie's work and the importance of environmental education in our communities.

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 for small, caged animals to founding Acorn Acres Wildlife Rehabilitation, the only facility in Pennsylvania specializing in the rehabilitation of squirrels, cottontails, and woodchucks. Join us as Betsy reflects on her experiences, from raising orphaned baby squirrels to earning her Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator designation, and discover the profound impact one person can make in the lives of our furry friends and the broader community.

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 Borough Council and Commonwealth Prevention Alliance.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra's passion for public speaking, volunteering, and fashion adds depth to her dynamic persona. Tune in as Sandra shares valuable insights gleaned from her multifaceted career, offering a glimpse into her remarkable journey of community empowerment and service.

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 story behind Happiness is...Granola and learn how Greta's commitment to quality, community, and positivity shines through in every batch of granola produced. Whether you're a granola enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers a glimpse into the power of embracing life's little moments and finding happiness in every bite.

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 focus on building relationships and fostering growth over years, not months, Bench Mark is making a significant difference in the lives of youth in Lancaster County.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Will Kiefer, where we delve into the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and empowering at-risk youth to reach their full potential.

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 families and online shopping with weekly home deliveries, but it also supplies local restaurants and independent produce vendors in Lancaster and York counties. Join us as we delve into Jason's journey, his commitment to flavor-first farming, and his efforts to maximize both the health of the land and the consumer through nutrient-dense produce.

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 for maximizing metal value, Todd and Dan showcase Sahd Metal Recycling's dedication to revolutionizing the metal recycling industry. Through their inspiring journey from humble beginnings to industry leaders, Sahd Metal Recycling exemplifies the power of determination, innovation, and integrity in driving positive change for a more sustainable future.

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 sustainable, equitable communities. We delve into her passion for philanthropy, highlighted by her involvement in the Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity Governance Committee. Tune in to learn more about Kate's journey, her dedication to community service, and the impact of her leadership in Lancaster County.