Feedback with Toni Reece

Today on FEEDBACK we are celebrating women in business. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators who are shaping our community in meaningful ways. Joining us in our first hour is Caroline Hill, Owner of Van Scoy Jewelers, who is not only leading a successful business but also shining a spotlight on other women-owned businesses in our area. She is joined by Meghan Krick, co-owner of Honey Pop Custom Beverages. They both talk about the challenges, tenacity, and inspiration it takes to run a business and how women helping women is a key component of that success. Our second hour of FEEDBACK is a story about friendship, resilience, and the power of turning life’s challenges in to something meaningful. Joining us are Cindy Fortunato and Amy McIntyre, lifelong friends who turned a childhood dream into reality with their book Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ. Behind this book is a much deeper story, one of family, adversity, creativity, and healing.

Daniel Boone Area High School’s Theatre Society’s Director and a few cast members join us in the top hour of FEEDBACK to talk about their upcoming production of Between the Lines. The students share with us what the theme of this show means to them personally and their hope for the audience members who are experiencing the show! Glenn Miller, a retired CFO of a large non profit (still working part time) shares his journey of being a victim to two corporate restructures, ageism, reinventing and how the power of networking has taken him from being a perpetual introvert to a thriving and productive senior! That’s our second hour of FEEDBACK!

We teach what we need to learn. That is the theme of today’s FEEDBACK shows. First up, Don Carrick, who loves making people look good through his camera lens. Don is a passionate photographer who loves the process of helping people get comfortable in front of the camera, so their confidence comes across in their photo. Don also shares that he had to pivot in 2008 and become a reluctant entrepreneur and has/is walking in his client’s shoes to develop the confidence and knowledge it takes to become a success. Don is helping others in their journey one photo at a time. Next up FEEDBACK is talking all things related to Berks Earth Day! Bill Latvian and Risa Marmontello have been longtime champions of sustainability in Berks County and have been involved in bringing Earth Day to lift since 1989! Berks Earth Day is all about having fun and learning at the same time about the small things we can do to save our planet. Bill and Risa also spoke how they too are learning all the time because things change all the time! Thank goodness they are bringing that learning to us!

Today’s show is about how you show up for people. In our first hour we have Sam Albert with us. Sam is a long time Recovery Coach and Addiction Specialist. Addiction can feel isolating, but this conversation reminds us that help is available, recovery is possible, and no one has to go through it alone. In our second hour we have Bill Van Sant and Lisa Ashcroft of Girard, a Univest Wealth Division with us discussing how to manage your investments while the markets are under pressure, navigating geopolitics, bond markets and last minute tax moves.

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.

In the studio today for our first hour of FEEDBACK are a few folks from Oley Valley High School’s Spring production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. We talk to Director, Debbi Silas, Music Director, Jess Pennington, Evie Brewer who plays Ariel, Brayden Samuelson who plays Prince Eric, Flynn Robertson who plays Sebastian and Sarah Todardo who plays Ursula. They shared what being in a show like this means to them and how very important local high school theater is to students and how it helps them shape their life skills for the future. Next up in the second hour of FEEDBACK is Mark Pinkasavage, Business Manager of IBEW Local 743. Mark helps us better understand the opportunities available in the electrical trades. Programs like the apprenticeship opportunities offered through IBEW Local 43 provide a pathway into careers that are hands-on, highly skilled, and essential to the future of our communities.

Today on our first hour of FEEDBACK we are joined by a woman who helps tell the story of our community every month. Robyn Jones is the Publisher of Berks County Living Magazine, a publication that highlights the people, places and stories that make Berks County unique. Robyn shares her journey to becoming a successful Publisher and also shares what inspires her and keeps her motivated to continue to create and publish this premier magazine. Next up in the second hour is Gary Seibert. Gary has experienced over 50 years of creating, selling and managing multiple businesses. He is passionate about being a mentor and a resource to Berks County, with a particular passion for the entrepreneur. He talks about creating the Small Business Resource Association and the Emerging Entrepreneur Academy. Determine, passionate and positive. These are the themes in both these episodes of FEEDBACK.

FEEDBACK is so cool today! First up we talk to Larry Fecho, Director, Producer and Playwright about his lifelong passion for theater! He has touched so many lives and has brought so many characters to life with his years of experience directing and producing. He is now sharing that experience by inspiring the next generation of performers as they attend the first ever theater camp through the Goggleworks Center for the Arts this summer. He and his very talented team are leading the members of the camp to performing the production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. In our second hour we talk to the podcaster extraordinaire Brad Weisman. Brad is a real estate professional with Keller Williams Platinum Realty, entrepreneur, and the host of the Brad Weisman Show, where he sits down with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community voices to talk about success, leadership, and life. Brad shares his journey from being a rock star (he was on STAR Search) to real estate professional to media personality. He meets people where they are and helps people share their stories so we can all learn from each other!

First up on this edition of FEEDBACK, we meet Alex Civil, Founder and Executive Director of Bring the Change, Local Steps, Global Footprint. Alex helps us understand how his organization began and the need to bring all culture together in Berks County to create change. The second hour of FEEDBACK is Toni’s take on change. Change, whether planned or imposed, impacts every single one of us and that timing that is in-between the end and beginning of something new can either be embraced or left messy!

Bunnies and Broadway! The first hour of FEEDBACK we are joined by three guests. Alyssa Swartz of Swartz Farms and her two bunnies, Vanilla and Cottontail! Alyssa shared with us how they have made their farm part of Agritourism. By visiting Swartz Farms you can walk a cow, do goat yoga, cuddle farm animals, and even rent a chick. They are providing these experiences to showcase the importance of farming and what it takes to be a farmer. The second hour we are joined by Broadway Veterans, Jane Brockman and Timothy Shew! Jane and Tim are sharing their vast Broadway experience and using their talents to direct a co-production (made up of community and Alvernia University students) of Godspell! In this interview they share what has inspired them working with the Reading community and what they believe the audience will experience in this production of Godspell!

Mary’s Shelter is the topic of our first hour of FEEDBACK. Kristen Gajewski, Events and Media Coordinator and Amy Folk, Compliance Coordinator, join us to talk about how Mary’s Shelter helps homeless young people, by giving them shelter, life skills, counseling and so much more. The second hour of FEEDBACK was a very personal hour and conversation between Toni Reece and her listeners. She shared personal information in order to begin a conversation about advocacy, healthcare and empowerment.

This edition of FEEDBACK brings education and awareness to the conversation. In our first hour we meet Debbie Greenawald. Debbie made the extraordinary decision to become a living kidney donor. Even though she wasn’t a direct match for the person she originally hoped to help, Debbie chose to donate on their behalf through the National Kidney Registry. By doing so she helped that person move up the list bringing her closer to receiving a kidney while also giving another person a second chance at life. Spoiler alert - Debbie’s original person (by moving up the registry list) is now receiving a transplant in two weeks of this episode airing! In our second hour of FEEDBACK, we meet Christie Botterbusch, Executive Director of New Journey Community Outreach. New Journey is an organization dedicated to serving those experiencing food insecurity, hardship, and homelessness by providing meals, clothing and perhaps the most important - a sense of dignity and belonging. Important conversations on this edition of FEEDBACK.

Mom Truths: The S#!t No One Talks About. That's the name of a newly published book by Crystal Noll-Rance. Her book shares raw refelctions and real stories from mothers couragously speaking about the parts of motherhood rarely discussed. We talk about the highs and lows of writing this book and what this book means to her and her self esteem and survival. Next up we speak to Mark Wallace, General manager of ReStore, Habitat for Humanity. Mark shares the mission of ReStore but also how it frames his thinking about community support, giving back, cariung and of course compassion. ReStore is not a thrift store - it is a life saver.