Lancaster Connects

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.

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 seasoned pilot.

Beyond his ballooning prowess, Brett's dynamic background as a fixed-wing pilot with multiple jet ratings and a former U.S. Air Force member adds a unique dimension to the discussion. Despite his busy schedule, Brett finds joy in sharing his love of ballooning with his two young daughters and indulging in outdoor adventures like camping with family and friends. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about experiencing Lancaster in a whole new way, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift.

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 prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and collaborations with esteemed orchestras such as The Philly Pops Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony. Beyond her performances, Diana has dedicated over four decades to music education, offering private lessons, teaching music theory, and leading ensemble classes.

In 2011, Diana embarked on a new endeavor by founding SWAN, a program aimed at providing hope and support to children in crisis through music. SWAN's impact has been profound, with Diana's students gaining recognition on national and regional platforms like Executive Leaders Radio and The Learning Channel. Diana's unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering personal growth through music continues to drive SWAN's development, making a meaningful difference in countless lives. Join Jeff, Ben, and Diana as they explore her inspiring journey and the transformative power of music through SWAN.

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 magazines; BLK Voices, Susquehanna Style, and Fine Living to name a few. Keisha has been awarded artist of the year Lancaster County Magazine (2021 & 2023), Susquehanna Style’s Women of Strength Nominee (2020), Lancaster Equity Fund grant recipient (2021); allowing her to curate Lancaster’s first BIPOC Gallery Row Exhibition during Spring ArtWalk 2023, YWCA Black Artist Waystation (2023). Her work can be viewed on many different scales from canvas’, musical instruments, restaurants, hospitals to large scale murals around Lancaster.

Beverley Doody is passionate about her voluntary work as a Certified Mentor with SCORE, a national not-for-profit organization that provides business consulting services to local small businesses in the Lancaster-Lebanon area. Beverley has a proven track record of over 35 years in the HR field delivering business solutions across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and the USA. She has worked in many fields of HR. She has recent proven experience in leading HR aspects related to mergers and acquisitions.

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 their First Annual Putting For Miracles tournament. They hosted over 20 vendors and 4 food trucks. They expanded our team of volunteers to a dozen, and within a few hours, their tally for the 2023 event was outstanding; all 36 holes were sponsored, and there were over 100 participants. Those who participated and volunteered received a custom T-shirt. They had overwhelming support from local businesses for raffle items and total sponsorships overall!

With everyone’s contributions and help, they raised over $10,000 in May to help “Change Kids Health” at CMN Hershey!

They are stepping up our game AGAIN! The ante has been raised! Mark your calendars for May 18th, 2024; they are very excited to announce that, thanks to Keystone Cornhole ACL, they have expanded and added a cornhole tournament that will be run concurrently with the mini-golf tournament.

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 couple of benefits for Jen to help offset unexpected and unforeseen expenses as well as raise funds to prepay and pre-plan Jen's final expenses and arrangements. Jen was overwhelmed and deeply touched at the response, Love and support she received from friends and family and more so from people that she never met.

As a result, Jen wanted to see the same support continued for other female veterans with terminal cancer who don't have Life or Burial Insurance. This is how Team Jennifer Cahill Charities (TJCC) came to be. It is their mission at TJCC to continue this legacy for other female veterans to show them the same compassion, love and support that was shown to Jen, to prepay and pre-plan their final expenses and arrangements. This has been a huge relief and burden lifted from Jen and her family. The team hopes that those that read this will help support this mission, and join them in supporting our female veterans with terminal cancer.

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 as he serves alongside a passionate team of individuals.

Tune to explore the meaningful work of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, showcasing how they continue to spread the message of faith, unity, and sportsmanship in the world of athletics.

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or simply someone interested in the intersection of faith and sports, this episode is sure to inspire and uplift you.

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 world of fitness and wellness at Universal, where your journey to better health begins today. Join us and elevate your wellness game.