Backyard Broadcasting

Amy Swarthout, a Trauma Program Manager at Geisinger Jersey Shore, joins Freddi Hammer with a bunch of tips and hints to stay well and safe this summer.  She encourages us to take precautions when we’re swimming, biking and spending time in the sun.

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  We recognize the positive impacts two area residents made on our region that left us way too soon, Mark Murawski and Larry Winans.Plus, a tip of the cap to Engle's Arts for the wonderful work they did on the Lycoming County America 250 bell that's on display in the Chamber building. We are wrapping up June with the next PM Exchange event at Dranktuary in Montgomery. We send congratulations to Cowden's Tactical Training, Reach Road, Williamsport, for becoming one of the newest Chamber members!      Then, Shawn and Jason close the podcast with invites and the latest updates on the America 250PA Lycoming County Celebration Concert as well as the 2026 Grand Slam Parade on Tuesday, August 18th!      

Chad Kamerer is a local fitness advocate and trainer and will ride a bike across Pennsylvania this August to raise awareness for human trafficking and sexual abuse in our area. All theproceeds Chad hopes to raise will be donated to the Tim Tebow Foundation.  Chad and his wife, Brynn are passionate about calling out and stopping predators who abuse children. 

The Lycoming County Fire Police invite you to their 8th Annual Food Truck Picnic and Mascot Party June 20th at Nisbet Park.Freddi Hammer talks with Nathan Shaffer, Vice President and training coordinator of the group, who shares info about more than a dozen food trucks, craft vendors and DJ music that will be featured that day.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Keith talked with Riley Herbst, who will be driving in Sunday's, June 14, 2026 Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. They talked about the upcoming race, his beginnings in racing the possibility of him this fall ini the Baja 1000.

The Williamsport Chamber Choir & Orchestra is hosting “Voices in Bloom”, a fundraising event taking place June 14th in the Vallamont section of Williamsport. Guests can explore four separate home gardens with music being provided from both WCCO and the Williamsport Youth Choir. There will be drinks from local breweries to add to the relaxing atmosphere.

The founders of a new area non-profit called “Dementia Friendly Lycoming County” invite us to a bingo fundraiser on June 28th in Williamsport to raise funds for their first initiative:  Training for first responders on how to assist those they serve who are living with dementia. Emily Anthony and Kristin Daugherty share their plans for the future of the organization with Freddi Hammer.

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  We are wrapping up May with the next PM Exchange event at UPMC Williamsport.     Sports ETA released its 2026 State Of The Industry Report, ranking Pennsylvania 4th in the nation for both participatory and spectator sports.  We discuss how crucial the impact sports tourism has on our local and statewide economy.  The chamber and the city of Williamsport have signed a contribution agreement, that goes toward security and safety expenses for the August Little League Classic game at Bowman Field.  We learn why it's an important investment toward such a benchmark event.We look back on the May ribbon cuttings that featured Northeast Title and Tag, as well as Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak and Phoenix Physical Therapy.     We wrap the podcast up with the final push for registrations to be in the 2026 Grand Slam Parade on Tuesday, August 18th plus information on the Jersey Shore Area Chamber of Commerce Summer picnic in July!    

The Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity is doing a “Blitz Build” on June 6th and 7th – where local and national crews will build a home on Scott Street in Williamsport over the weekend.   Dana Brigandi, Habitat’s Director ofDevelopment, tells Freddi Hammer about the project and the families’ lives that are changed forever.

“The Dominican Plate” is a local fundraiser coming this July 22nd to benefit ACES North America, a non-profit group founded to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic.  Founder and President, Linell Stabler and Executive Director Kelly Uhland encourage you to get your tickets early and enjoy a night of live music and delicious authentic food served by Crosscutters players at the Genetti in Williamsport!

There’s new leadership at American Rescue Workers in Williamsport.  New Executive Director of Operations, Ben Hazen and Administrative Coordinator Chelsea Hill talk with Freddi Hammer about the programs and services ARW offers, including their multiple thrift stores, food pantry and the “Fresh Start Program” for men transitioning out of homelessness or incarceration. 

Sid Furst, the manager of the Salvation Army Community Garden and Urban Farm in Williamsport, joins Freddi Hammer to talk about the growing season and how the non-profit garden helps individuals, families, and groups grow fresh food, but also how they help build neighborhood pride and long-term self sufficiency.

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  Quite a few ribbon cuttings across Lycoming County recently that we'll talk about as well as the next PM Exchange event.     We discuss the snags that have taken place regarding the future Bass Pro Outpost in Muncy Township and the frustrations area residents have as to why things are not progressing the way they should so construction can finally begin.The Williamsport Lumber Yards baseball and softball fields are officially open with big crowds already filling up the complex during tournament weekends! We wrap it up and continue the baseball theme as we countdown to first pitch on Tuesday June 2nd at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field and the stadium's 100th anniversary celebration this Summer with the Williamsport Crosscutters, plus Jason gives an update on registration for the 2026 Grand Slam Parade on Tuesday, August 18th!  

Women’s Health Nurse, Ellisa Concini discusses a Women’s Health Screening event May 2nd at Geisinger Medical Centerin Muncy where women can get important wellness screenings for heart health, blood pressure, mammograms and more. This free event does not require registration. 

As the City of Williamsport considers Home Rule,candidates Andrew Dincher and Caroline Payne join Freddi Hammer to discuss the basics of the concept.  They discuss the ideas that they and 5 other committee members might consider to propose for the city if they are voted into the position this May.

Mandi Fair and Elizabeth Seagraves of Blast IU17 are in studio with Freddi Hammer to invite us all to take part in “Remake Learning Days” - a creative initiative to inspire hands-on learning; May 1st through the 23rd, at a variety of locationsacross the region, featuring activities for all ages!

Grace Knapp from Arthur’s Pet Pantry joins Freddi Hammer to share the non-profit’s mission of providing pet food for families in need, and to invite you to the 12th Annual “Bone Hunt” (an egg hunt for leashed dogs) on April 18th at BlueSparrow Farm in Milton.

RN and Trauma Program Manager and Stroke Coordinator, Star Bixby, joins Freddi Hammer to talk about organ donation, and how it impacts patients and families, and also to encourage a closer look at the program during April which is “Donate Life Month”.

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  We recap the recent phase one announcement from The District at Lycoming Valley regarding the future Bass Pro and how big the domino effect could be for future businesses heading to Lycoming County.Jason shares the latest on the Williamsport Lumber Yards baseball and softball complex as we are just days away from their big opening and they have job opportunities too! Also, find out more about an upcoming, big ribbon cutting event in Montgomery plus information on the 2026 Williamsport Grand Slam Parade!  

Rebecca Jackson, a member of the Lycoming County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution stops in totell Freddi Hammer the history of the chapter and the national organization that have both been around for over 100 years. There are also upcoming D.A.R. fundraisers and events that focus on camaraderie of the members who are connected by Patriotism and Love of Country.

State Representative Jamie Flick is on the program this week as he prepares for his 4th Annual Human Services Expo and Speaker Series at Penn College. Save the Date for April 23rd!  He also updates Freddi Hammer about his recent legislation on child custody reform and other recent initiatives in Harrisburg.

Jared Mondell, Marketing Director and Assistant Executive Director of Williamsport’s Uptown Music Collective, is on the program this weekend to encourage us to attend theWomen in Rock II show on March 14th, as well as remind us about more upcoming shows, their participation in Raise the Region and to get us ready for the People's Choice voting this summer.

Abby Shrom, the Executive Director for the Eastern Lycoming Branch of the River Valley Regional YMCA talks with Freddi Hammer about the final push for their capital campaign and describes the plan for their upgraded branch facilities coming soon!

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight of 2026 with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).  Jason shares his views on the latest wrinkles that have popped up in the Muncy Township Bass Pro development and future Chik-Fil-A  near The District.Also, we send along send big congratulations to Otto Bookstore on their recent announcement of their store expansion and to Lanna Beauty Bar on their grand reopening!And we wrap up the spotlight with news of a possible fast food chicken wing chain coming to Williamsport!      

Williamsport Crosscutters baseball doesn’t start until June, but we *can* get the scoop on the 2026 season from VP of Marketing for the Cutters, Gabe Sinicropi.  He’ll talk with Freddi Hammer about the recent Hot Stove Banquet, Draft League changes, plans for the 100th Anniversary ofBowman Field, and we might even get a few hints about the upcoming 2026 promotions.

The West Branch Arts Consortium strives to enrich students in North Central PA schools.  President of the non-profit, Dr. David Morgan, says next month, area students will enjoy a vibrant and educational program featuring Colombia’s mostcelebrated musician and Latin Grammy nominee, Nidia Gongora.There will be 10 local school assembly performances and a public performance at St John Neumann on March 26th.

The Annual Rose Sale in Beiter’s parking lot starts this Thursday the 12th through Saturday the 14th to raise funds for new equipment for the South Williamsport Fire Department.  Freddi Hammer talks with South Williamsport Fire Department member Grover Danley about how the Rose Sale started, how they have kept it going all these years and how they’d like to see you there!

Groundhog Day on Monday (2/2) is a quirky tradition, but not the only one you can experience in PA!  Freddi Hammer talks with Kaitie Burger, Executive Director of Visit PA about so many fun events planned in all 11 tourism regions of the Commonwealth this year. Kaitie shares an outline of special events going on throughout 2026; like the annual Punxsutawney event, the America250PA celebration (in all 67 counties), NFL Draft, World Cup events and more, and you’re encouraged to go tovisitpa.com for more ideas. 

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.  

It's the November 2025 Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce). Jason recaps the recent state legislative update session in Williamsport. We preview the 9th annual Pie Day 5K in downtown Williamsport on Thanksgiving morning, with a record number of runners and walkers expected to take part!Also, learn more about the upcoming, always popular, Tour Of Lights and Santa Express rides!  Head to williamsport.org for tickets and event details.  

Jennifer Rempe, Director of Development and Community Engagement with the American Rescue Workers is on InTouch to remind us that November is Homelessness Awareness Month.  They provide programs, meals and assistance for those facing homelessness in Williamsport.  There will be a drive upThanksgiving dinner available for anyone 12pm til 3pm Thursday at 643 Elmira Street. 

Geisinger Registered Nurse Star Bixby joins Freddi Hammer to remind us how to stay healthy in winter weather, including how to avoid slips and falls, hypothermia, respiratory illnesses, and heart strain, plus tips to beat the winter blues.Nurse Bixby will share some of the tools you need tostay as safe, healthy, and prepared as you can in the months ahead.

The South Williamsport Fire Department has brought back their Turkey Fair and the public is invited to come and win! Enjoy two evenings of Turkey Bingo and other games of chance to raise money for programs and equipment for the department.Freddi Hammer talks with long-time SWFD member and Co-Chair of Fundraising, Grover Danley, who shares how you can come and win turkeys, steaks, “baskets of cheer” and more!

The Williamsport Civic Chorus is will perform “Sacred Voices: Divine Harmony from Martines(Martinez) to Mozart” Sunday, November 9th at St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Williamsport.  Freddi Hammer talks with three members of the chorus including Tina Swisher, the Publicity Chair for the WCC. Find out about the chorus, when they practice and perform, and how they’re looking for new singers to join them!

Ron Frick, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Pennsylvania, shares with Freddi Hammer the non-profit’s new branding as well as their line up of events including Socktober, going on now through October 31st, and Live United in Music 5, coming back to Williamsport in November!

It's the latest Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).We discuss and admire the progress so far on the Lumber Yard project that will feature multiple baseball and softball fields in Williamsport that will be available in Spring 2026.  The Eastern Lycoming YMCA is launching a capital campaign and we highlight the great impact the Y has on our region.Jason has the latest registration information on the annual Pie Day 5K that takes over downtown Williamsport on Thanksgiving morning, details on the November PM Exchanges plus as we head into the holiday season, the always popular Tour Of Lights and train rides.      

Vince Reeder of Reeder Bros. Fuel Services, along with his partner Echo Mitchell, are working to make sure those who need it have heating oil this winter from Hats for Heat!  Find out the origin of this 501c3 organization and learn how you can join other community members by donating time, funds or basket raffle items for their big annual event in January. 

A Geisinger Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, Rebecca Vanderveeken, joins Freddi Hammer this week to highlight October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  She will remind us that one out of 8 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer that is caught early have a 99% survival rating, and that the majority of cancers are not linked to genes.

Freddi looks back at some past episodes.

Marlin Angelo, President and Steve Baker Head Marshal for the South Williamsport Mummer’s Parade talk with Freddi Hammer about preparing for the 78th Annual event, and how they want everyone in the community to come out October 18th from 2pm ‘til 4pm, to either be in the parade or to observe the fun! 

KANSAS lead vocalist Ronnie Platt is set to perform at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA on October 2, 2025. KANSAS will be touring their KANSAS Classics Series and Freddi Hammer caught up with Ronnie for a few minutes to talk about his career and the upcoming show in Williamsport.