Feedback with Dan Holzman

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about opportunity, transformation, and the power of finding a path forward.  Joining us is Hector Ruiz from Tec Centro Berks, an organization dedicated to helping individuals gain the skills, confidence and support they need to build better futures.  But this is a personal story, because Hector’s journey connects deeply to the work he is doing every day.  In our second hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about something that many families don’t think about until they have to.  What happens when an adult with an intellectual disability needs safe, affordable housing?  Or when seniors want to stay independent but connected to a community?  There is a local effort working to create a solution, not just housing, but an inclusive neighborhood designed with connection and independence in mind.  Joining us is Nancy Boyer, President of Next Step Berks.

In our first hour it’s all about humor, inappropriate laughter, and stories of when you just couldn’t stop laughing.  Toni, Sam, and Sean share stories of when that funny bone just took over and there was nothing, they could do to stop it.  Our second hour we are joined by Commissioner Christian Leinbach.   Commissioner Leinbach talks about economic development projects, Data Centers, ICE facility update, America250PA Berks and so much more!  

FEEDBACK is live this morning for a special broadcast!  We are teaming up with Helping Harvest and the American Cancer Society for a powerful community effort.  We are celebrating Daffodil Days with all proceeds supporting the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Berks and we are supporting a food drive with Helping Harvest to support families dealing with food insecurities.  Listen to both hours as we hear stories of impact, volunteerism, support, and heart connections from a few of our guests representing Helping Harvest and the American Cancer Society.  Doing work that matters.

In the first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking to Andrea Ebling, a certified breast health coordinator for Tower Health and Ramah Williams, an employee of Tower Health.  Andrea talks about the process and innovative options available to the public to minimize the challenges to getting their mammograms.  Ramah Williams shares her personal story of being a breast cancer survivor.  At the top of the second hour, we bring to you an interview with Will Rapp, Conductor of the Reading Pops Orchestra and Julie Drey a reed player for the Pops.   They both speak about performing with David Benoit and Eric Marienthal at the Miller Center for the Arts during the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.  We round out our second hour talking about impact, opportunity, and the power of investing in our youth.  Rick Perez, CEO of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club, joins our conversation today talking about Olivet’s powerful history of helping young people, especially those who need it most, reach their full potential as healthy, productive, and responsible citizens.

Action packed two hours of FEEDBACK!  First up is Elaine Zelker, Founder of Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron.  Her platform goes beyond the kitchen to support chefs as individuals, helping them navigate the pressures of the culinary world while reconnecting with their passion and purpose.  Her work shines a light on what’s often unseen in the industry, the personal challenges, the resilience, and the growth that happens behind the apron.  At the top of our second hour, we present an interview with David McConnell, Founder and Director of Berks Sinfonietta, a chamber orchestra making it’s Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest debut with “Gershwin Comes Alive”, featuring pianist Lars Potteiger.  Lars also plays for us!  Our last half of the second hour we talk to Alicia Taschner, founder of Heaven Talks, a Medium who is dedicated to helping people navigate loss and find comfort, meaning and peace.

Andre Young, Founder of YOU Evolving Now joins us in our first hour of FEEDBACK!  Andre created YOU Evolving Now as a resource focusing on personal growth, leadership, and transformation.  In a time when so many people, leaders especially are navigating uncertainty, change and pressure, Andre is helping individuals evolve, adapt, and lead with purpose.  The Council on Chemical Abuse joins us in our second hour of FEEDBACK.  Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist and Teresa Detwiler, Prevention Specialist both of Council on Chemical Abuse provide information and resources available to kick the nicotine habit.  Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States?  Important conversations on this episode of FEEDBACK.

An information packed Friday on this edition of FEEDBACK!  First up, it’s the State of the County. Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy for Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, Community Economic Development and Rae Ann Miller, Director, Center for Regional Analysis, EDC, Lancaster County join us in this first hour to share with us trends, progress, priorities and key information that was shared by the County Commissioners at the State of the County address. 

The first hour of FEEDBACK consists of a few of the cast members of Muhlenberg High School’s 52nd annual spring musical, Newsies!  Joining us in the studio are Michael Arndt, Director, Josue Tinoco, Assistant Director in addition to playing Jack Kelly, Ava Krieser as Katherine, Logan Allen as Joseph Pulitzer and Kassie Pena as Medda Larken.    The cast shares the excitement, how to deal with the nerves and what this show means to them individually.  Our second hour is about insurance.  Why travel insurance is so important and what type of situations travel insurance covers, as well as personal insurance.  Did you know that your drone should be covered by insurance?  Great information from Amanda Martin, Director of Personal and Commercial Lines and Laurel McDorman, Marketing and Customer Care Associate of Perfetto Insurance.

Did you know that our libraries have a Library of Things?  Dallan Yoh, GRCA’s Membership Director introduces the FEEDBACK audience to Emily Montagna, Community Relations Coordinator, Berks County Public Libraries.  Emily shares the extraordinary resources that the library system provides to our community.  It is an eye-opening conversation with Emily and Dallan!  Our second hour is all about jazz education with our guests Mike and Millie Eben.  Mike and Mille share their stories of programs, opportunities, and experiences that they bring to the youth of Berks County.  They have worked tirelessly for over 20 years bringing jazz education to the schools not only to bolster the student’s interest in jazz but also helping them to become lifelong lovers of jazz!  

It’s all about jazz in the first hour of FEEDBACK!  John Ernesto and Mike Anderson join us to talk about the 35th Annual Berks Jazz Fest!  For one solid week, Berks County hosts premiere artists from around the world performing in multiple venues around the county.  There is also an educational impact that occurs during Jazz Fest that combines the musicianship, experience and mentoring of our youth.  This year Jazz Fest is extended for the whole month of April with Jazz Appreciation Month.  Local venues, local artists and show after show are participating in this exciting month-long showcase!  In our second hour of FEEDBACK we talk to the very talented Dr. Jodi Radosh, Professor of Communication and Digital Media at Alvernia University.  Jodi started her career in television and journalism and brings a wealth of experience in community, storytelling, and communication to all her students at Alvernia.  The luck of the Irish is with us on this St. Patrick’s Day as we move through these interviews and bring to you amazing people doing important work.