Backyard Broadcasting

It's the first Backyard Business Spotlight of 2026 with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce). 

 Jason previews the next PM Exchange.

 Also, we send big congratulations out to Ozzie and May's 36th West Fourth on their 20th anniversary plus St. John's School of the Arts on their 30th anniversary!  

 We learn about applications that are now being accepted for special travel and tourism marketing grants.

 And we wrap up the spotlight with a touch of baseball fever!  There's news on Little League releasing their brand new logo for the 2026 World Series in August, an update on construction on the Williamsport Lumber Yard multiple baseball and softball complex, as well as the anticipation of the 100th anniversary celebration this year of Historic Bowman Field!   

Meet Mark Yeager, the founder of “Crosshairs on a Cure”, a non-profit hunting tournament event coming up January 30th to February 1st.
The proceeds for this family friendly hunt go toward a local resident Gary Dapp of Williamsport who is battling cancer. Learn about how Mark and the North Central Predator Circuit has worked hard to bring about the largest organized hunt in Pennsylvania.

In the first of two segments this week, we meet the new CEO of the Central PA Food Bank, Shila Ulrich who is workingyear-round with her team to eliminate food insecurity across 27 counties in the Commonwealth.
Then we’ll hear from Vince Reeder and Echo Mitchell, founders of “Hats for Heat”, a non-profit that provides heating oil for free to those who are in need. Their upcoming annual Basket Raffle fundraiser is January 31st and February 1st at the Loyalsock Hotel.

In the first of two segments this week, local teacher Kalyn Essick is replenishing the mobile library at the UPMC HillmanCancer Center and is looking for support and donations so cancer patients receiving treatment can have updated book titles for 2026. 
Then, we learn about Mr. Paul Mills, a local man bringing awareness to Homeless Veterans in Williamsport by staying out in the cold outside the American Legion Post 1 on East Market Street for the second year.

STOA: A New Musical Journey is the story of a mother bear and her cub who overcome hardship and find a new understanding of themselves as they grow stronger together. Freddi Hammer speaks with the musical creator and co-producer Alivia Tagliaferri and co-producer Jared Whitford about their original songs, the stellar professional cast and the beauty of local theater.

Hope Enterprises in Williamsport serves Northcentral PA with a full range of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities from infancy through advanced age. 
Mackenzie Howe, CEO of the non-profit, shares with Freddi Hammer how their special service helps to enhance the quality of life of each person they serve.

It's the final Backyard Business Spotlight of 2025 with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce). 

Jason recaps the record-breaking Thanksgiving Pie Day 5K in downtown Williamsport.

 Also, there's an update on the always popular Santa Express train excursions that are going into their final weekend on December 20th and 21st.  Head to williamsport.org for tickets and event details. 

 Plus, find out how to donate bicycles, in time for the holidays, at the last PM Exchange of the year on Thursday, December 18th.

We pay tribute to the late John Troisi, a tireless Little League Baseball volunteer and beloved downtown Williamsport business leader.

And we wrap up the spotlight with a big congratulations to Harder's Sporting Goods, where after decades on Lycoming Creek Road, have moved to a brand new location in Loyalsock on East Third Street!      

Lodge Secretary and past Master, John DeWald and 2nd Warden, Skip Thompson, share with Freddi Hammer the background and mission of the Masons and explain the brotherhood they experience at the Masonic Lodge #299 in Muncy with fellow members. 

They also invite the public to their homemade monthly breakfasts (1st Saturday of the Month) and spaghetti dinners(2nd Saturday of the month).

Find out about Dwell Orphan Care and the ways theywork to bless families in foster, adoptive, and kinship care with Executive Director Jennifer Lake.  She sharesinformation about the non-profit itself, as well as about upcoming programs and events like Holiday Pop-Ups and their Hope Chest program for Lycoming and Columbia Counties.

Jeffrey Dent shares information and history aboutAmerica’s oldest continuous community band in the heart of Williamsport, The Repasz Band.  
He invites you to come enjoy their FREE holiday concert all about “Bells” on December 9th at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center. The Repasz Band welcomes donations and is always looking for new volunteermusicians to join them.