Lancaster Connects

On this episode, Jeff welcomes Nate Heisey and Mike Williams from H&H Group, a company that has been providing printing and sign-making services to the Lancaster area for over 50 years. Mike is the President of H&H Group. He shares the company's values of Relationships, Integrity, and Problem Solving, which have been refined over time to make the buying experience easier and better for the...

Whiff Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster located in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Since 1999, their focus has always been on superior quality and consistency. They roast only the highest grade Arabica beans acquired from estates all over the world and pride themselves on excellent quality and service. All of their coffees are freshly roasted and made to order in small, custom batches. You can expect t...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff speak with Megan Tomsheck, the Director of Fundraising and Development at VisionCorps. Megan is responsible for overseeing the fundraising and development department, which includes annual campaigns, grant writing, and the annual signature rappelling event, The Eye Drop. The funds raised from these initiatives go towards empowering individuals with vision loss to at...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff welcomes Dawn Cox who is a PT, MSPT, and CFMT. Dawn is a late bloomer by most physical therapist standards as she found herself in PT school at the age of thirty. In an effort to then be on the fast-track immediately after graduating, she signed up for her first functional manual therapy™ course with the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) in 2001 at the recommendation...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff will be joined by Dawn, the Executive Director at Historic Poole Forge in Churchtown, Lancaster County. After completing her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Psychology and French at Stetson University, she joined the Peace Corps and spent three years working in Zaire and the Central African Republic, traveling through West Africa before returning to the US for gr...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff welcomes Margot Hoerner from SCORE, which is the nation’s largest network of volunteers and expert business mentors helping small businesses achieve their business dreams and goals. Since 1964, they have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs. SCORE has a local chapter in Lancaster-Lebanon providing mentoring and educational opportun...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff speak with Jennifer King, a full-time Service Dog Ambassador for UDS, to discuss her journey with the organization. Jennifer began as a volunteer in April 2017 and was later hired as the administration assistant to the program. We'll learn about her role as an ambassador and the importance of spreading awareness about the program. Jennifer also shares her personal e...

In this episode, Ben speaks with Maureen Westcott, the Executive Director of The Arc Lancaster Lebanon, to discuss the organization's mission to empower individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to live independent and fulfilling lives. With a personal connection to the cause as a parent of an adult with I/DD, Maureen shares her expertise as both a provider and advocate. ...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff are joined by Frances Gibbons, the Senior Director of Development at the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Serving 59 counties in western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, Frances and her team organizes and executes the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® events, the second-largest peer-to-peer fundraising event in the United States.  Here in t...

In this episode, Ben welcomes Jennie Groff, one of the owners of the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe and Stroopies, Inc. located in downtown Lancaster City. With over 23 years of marriage and 4 children, Jonathan and Jennie share their passion for using business to solve social issues and how it has allowed them to connect and serve people from different walks of life through their businesses. They will de...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff welcome Melissa Siwiec, the Executive Director of CMT (Central Market Trust). She brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, having served at organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, and Clare House.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff welcomes Vanessa Philbert, who is the Chief Executive Officer for the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County. In her role at CAP, she provides leadership and strategic vision to CAP’s 15-plus programs and brings a unique perspective to community problem-solving based on her lived experiences and journey out of poverty. She works to address generational pro...

In this episode, Ben & Jeff welcome Dominic Forte, a former contestant who was on the show, "Lego Masters''. This is where contestants compete for a chance to win $100,000 and be named the next “Lego Master”. Dominic has had a passion for Legos ever since he received his first lego set at 6 years old and it has now evolved into something amazing that brings creativity and skill together. They’...

In this episode, Mandy Richardson, Executive Director of Clare House will be joining with Ben & Jeff to discuss her experience working in nonprofit management and her vision for Clare House Lancaster, an organization that has been helping women and their children since 1980 through a mix of employment-focused programs, short-term housing, and goal-based services. Mandy brings a wealth of exper...

On this episode, Ben & Jeff speak with Jennifer West, a native of Lancaster County and the program director and co-founder of Girls on the Run of Lancaster and Lebanon. Jennifer started the program in 2009 with Carrie Johnson and it has grown from 25 girls to having served over 18,000 girls over the past 13 years. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that uses physical a...

In this episode, Ben and Jeff will be sharing their upcoming Sleep Elevated Seminar hosted by Gardner’s Mattress & More. This is a fun, interactive, and informative presentation focused on helping you improve your sleep. During this FREE seminar, you will hear some of their best tips and tricks for getting a good night's rest, including advice on choosing the right mattress, creating a sleep-f...

Austin Hartman is from Columbia, PA and helps run and operate a family business with his mother, father and brother. Austin graduated from Lock Haven University with a marketing degree in 2019. By 2020, due to the pandemic, Austin joined forces with his father to help and was the best decision Austin could have ever made. Austin loves what he does and is thrilled to be a part of achieving his pare...

It's a Festivus Miracle! Listen in to a festive and entertaining episode where Ben & Jeff will focus on these three areas: 

Universal Athletic Club is annually voted the #1 fitness center in Lancaster County. Serving the community since 1994, Universal guarantees the success of every member. In a world that is constantly working against fitness success, Universal provides all of the tools to finally become fit for life.

Playing at fan-friendly Clipper Magazine Stadium, located just north of downtown Lancaster, the Barnstormers have brought enjoyment to over four million patrons since that memorable first-ever game on May 11, 2005. During that time, the club has produced two championships, winning Lancaster’s first professional baseball title in more than half a century in 2006. The ‘Stormers repeated the feat in...

Pete Ruggieri started the Lancaster Santa Stumble over a decade ago. Year one was just a handful of friends. Each year the stumble grew in number and donations to charity increased as well. Over the years the Stumble has raised over 250K for charity and has also given downtown businesses and restaurant employees a well needed financial boost.

CrossNet Ministries exists to offer help and hope in the name of Jesus by empowering people in Easter Lancaster County. They seek to build resources and build relationships with those they serve. CrossNet Ministries offer programs in the areas of Youth, Social Services, Food & Nutrition and Community. Programs include housing, after school programs, mentor program, transportation, educational...

Help The Fight is a non-profit organization that provides supportive funding for those diagnosed with breast cancer. We call this gap funding, which helps patients with bills such as personal/household bills, medical treatment bills, daycare, insurance payments and much more. Help The Fight prides itself on helping the people. Financial assistance is also available for those needing the necessary...

Mark Pontz from Fine Living Lancaster magazine shares how we can support and give back to local charities and nonprofits in the community.  Born and raised in Lancaster County, Mark Pontz’s love of the city’s unique food, music, art, and culture led him to create Fine Living Lancaster magazine. For 15 years, he has served as the publisher of this quarterly magazine.  Mark enjoys many professional...

Tread House is an hour long workout combining cardio and strength training targeting specific muscle groups to maximize results and prevent overtraining. With encouraging certified trainers, high-energy music, and the nations #1 treadmills, Tread House guarantees an experience like no other. The company pillars are the experience, the coaches and the community. Tread House offers the best in-studi...