Feedback with Toni Reece

Our first conversation is about one of the most emotional and difficult decisions many families will ever face, how to care for aging loved ones and navigate senior living options with compassion, dignity, and clarity.  Joining us is Kirk Campfield, owner of CarePatrol of Reading and Berks County, an organization dedicated to helping families navigate senior care options and placement decisions during often overwhelming and uncertain times.  In our second hour we are talking about something every single person experiences, but many people  struggle to understand or navigate in healthy ways, anger and emotion.  Joining us is Kate Short, licensed professional counselor, speaker and advocate for emotional awareness and mental wellness. 

In our first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about food, culture, and the kind of hospitality that turns a restaurant into something much more than a place to eat.  Joining us is Giovanni Giannotti, owner of Salute Ristorante Italiano, this interview reflects Giovanni’s passion and perseverance behind building something authentic and meaningful, while also preserving culture and connection through food and hospitality.  In our second hour, it’s a celebration of Nurses!  Joining us are three incredible nurses from Reading Hospital and Tower Health whose stories represent different generations and journeys with the nursing profession.  Hannah Rodriguez shares her perspective as a new graduate from nursing school, preparing to officially begin her career this summer.  Courtney Ruck, Division Director of Critical Care Nursing, has spent nearly two decades in nursing and recently earned her doctorate, while mentoring and developing the next generation of nurses and Sue Bailey.  Sue is the longest serving nurse at Reading Hospital and is approaching an extraordinary milestone - 50 years of service!  It’s all about CARE and the human touch today on FEEDBACK.

The first hour of FEEDBACK is a conversation about love, loss, resilience, and what it means to carry light forward even after unimaginable heartbreak.  Joining us is Lauren Conrad, Founder and Executive Director of the C the Light Foundation, created in honor of her husband Kyle, who passed away from cancer in September 2022 at just 39 years old.   Through grief, motherhood and building a mission rooted in Kyle’s legacy, Lauren has discovered that pain and purpose can exist side by side, even life’s darkest moments can become a source of hope and impact for others.  The second hour of FEEDBACK we are joined by Scott Hoh, Founder of Resolution Law Group.  Scott shares wisdom from the new chapters of his book Legacy of Love around the topics of Senior housing and care decisions and real estate and house clean outs.  

Joining us on FEEDBACK in the first hour is Chloe Ciferri, Executive Director of the Adalyn Rose Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing pregnancy loss, infant loss, and child loss through emotional support, financial assistance, hospital partnerships, and compassionate bereavement care.  Chloe’s interview is about compassion, community, healing, and understanding how powerful it can be when people turn pain into purpose.  Our second hour we talk about a topic that has touched everyone in one way or another - breast cancer.  Michele Reinert, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks (BCSS) and Emily Lux, Program Director share stories of critical programs, support, and resources that BCSS provides for individuals and families navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.  This organization provides not only resources and education, but also compassion, hope and connection during some of life’s most difficult moments.

Today on our first hour of FEEDBACK, we talked to Cathy Brenner, Secretary, College Manor Swimming Association and Santo Marabella, College Heights Community Council Member about a grassroots initiative to save a community pool.  This story matters because it’s about far more than maintaining a pool, it’s about connection, tradition, and access to something healthy and meaningful during the summer months.  It’s a powerful example of what can happen when a community refuses to let an important resource disappear.  Our second hour of FEEDBACK, starts out with a very tough conversation and story told by Pam Gockley, Founder of The Camel Project.  Pam shares her story of bullying, mental health struggles, isolation, self-worth, addiction, and violence.   Pam created The Camel Project as resources for parents, educators and communities so conversations can begin to change for people who are struggling  and carrying battles we cannot see, but also drives hope, healing and transformation.

Batter up!  We are talking baseball in this first hour of FEEDBACK.  Matt Hoffmaster, Assistant General Manager, Reading Fightin Phils and Tonya Petrunak, Executive Director of Marketing and Baseballtown Charities, join us in this first hour to talk about how the Fightin Phils are more than baseball.  They are part of the fabric of this community.  Our second hour is an interview about public health and how one woman is trying to educate and create opportunities for change in our own back yard.  Kat Ketter’s work is relevant because it focuses on improving health outcomes at the local level, helping people better understand the systems that support them, and addressing challenges that affect families across Berks County every day.

The Polka Party on WEEU Gold is more than just a radio show, it a connection point for community, culture and the kind of music that makes you smile the moment you hear it.  In our first hour of FEEDBACK we talk to Ellen Rohrbach, George Kazmierczak and Cindy Koretsky, the hosts of the Polka Party!  They talk about how they celebrate polka music, share memories and talk about the tradition of polka music that has brought joy to listeners for generations.  Up next is a conversation about tourism and placemaking with Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, Berks County and Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.  They share the real impact of both tourism and placemaking on influencing job opportunities, the success of local businesses, the vibrancy of our downtowns and even our ability to attract and retain talent.

Joining us in the first hour is Mallory Deck, a mom of two, business owner, and now children’s book author, who took a personal experience and turned it into something meaningful for families navigating similar situations.  Mallory’s story highlights how one parent chose to lead with empathy, creativity, and intention.  Next up in the second hour we highlight experiences happening right here in our community that bring people together in meaningful ways.  The Reading Public Museum’s Scott Schweigert, Curator of Art and Civilization at the Reading Public Museum, shares information about the exciting summer exhibits that offer something for everyone, from families to art lovers to those interested in history and powerful storytelling.

Identify, community and the places that hold our memories, that’s the story that is shared by Mike Leifer, President and CEO of the Peanut Bar in Reading as he joins us for the first hour of FEEDBACK.  In a time when so much is changing and many long-standing businesses are disappearing, the Peanut Bar represents continuity, a place where generations have gathered, stories have been shared and traditions have been passed down.  It’s a 102-year-old business that has been passed down through the ages.  In our second hour we are taking about public safety in the city of Reading, specifically the growing concern around illegal after-hours gatherings and the proposed efforts to address them.  Deputy Chief Demko, Fire Marshal Jeremy Searfoss and Managing Director, Jack Gombach join us to help us all understand what’s happening and what’s being proposed so we can stay informed.

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about higher education, but not just degrees and classrooms, but what its role is today, how it is changing and what it means for students, families, and our communities.  Dr. Gaetan Giannini, Chief Enrollment and Strategic Communications Office at Alvernia University joins us to talk about how Alvernia University is addressing all those issues.  Our second hour is all about a conversation with Matt Knaub and Toni about human behavior, asking what you would and just having a few laughs on a Friday morning!

This first hour of FEEDBACK is about more than one person’s story—it’s about how we all think about the people we love and the impact they leave behind. At some point, every one of us faces loss, and the question becomes: what do we do with that grief, and how do we honor it?   Chuck Holder joins us to talk about Terry's Legacy Foundation;  a project rooted in honoring a life and turning that story into something meaningful for the community.  In our second hour we are speaking with Bill Van Sant and Lisa Ashcroft, from Girard, a Univest Wealth Division about tax strategies.  They share basic strategies to detailed strategies and also the common mistakes we might be making by not understanding the importance of reviewing our tax return with an advisor after we file!

Do you want to learn about how to prepare, honor and support loved ones during some of life’s most difficult moments?  The first conversation on FEEDBACK is with Gethsemane Cemetery.  Larry Sacco, Gethsemane Advisor and Jacqueline Grauert, Assistant Director, share important information about Gethsemane’s approach to helping you deal with the most difficult time in your life.  In our second hour on FEEDBACK we are talking about something that also touches all of us, aging, connection, and how we support individuals as they move through different stages of life.  LuAnn Oatman, President of Berks Encore and Mindy McIntosh, Director of Development, Berks Encore, share their passion about the work that Berks Encore does to help seniors stay active, independent and connected.

Our first hour of FEEDBACK is about what happens when people are expected to succeed in systems that were never designed for them and what changes when someone decides to fix that. Claire Malfaro, Founder of the Positively Produced Foundation joins us to describe the work that is being done to help young people with autism recognize their potential and prepare for real-world opportunities. In our second hour, we will talk to Dennis Karahalias and Catherine Nemetz about Dennis’s battle with Kennedy’s disease, a rare, progressive condition that changes what his body can do over time. Catherine is his health and wellness coach and through her work is helping Dennis through this next stage. Dennis teaches us the power of control and what living well really means to him today. 

On our first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about housing, not just housing but opportunity, stability, and what it really takes to build stronger communities. Joining us is Tim Daley, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Berks County, an organization that’s working to make homeownership possible for working families while also addressing larger challenges like workforce housing and neighborhood revitalization.  Our second hour continues the leadership conversation.  Brad Stephenson, CEO and Co-Owner of New Castle Lawn and Landscaping, talks about what it takes to inspire people, build strong teams and create a culture where individuals and organizations can truly grow.  Also keeping in mind that whatever we learn at work continues at home and in our community.

First up on FEEDBACK, we are talking about the power of the arts, not just as performance, but to explore ideas, connect communities, and spark meaningful conversations. Joining us is Joel Gori, Artistic Director of the Metamorphosis Performing Company, a longtime teaching Artist and a key creative force behind the Reading Theater Project. In our second hour we speak to Commissioner Leinbach. The Commissioner gives us an update on the primary election, the Berks County jail, an ICE Facility Update, and so much more. 

First up on FEEDBACK today is a story about legacy, and the power of local art to reflect who we are as a community.  Joining us are Adam Richter, playwright of Banshee, Jody Reppert, Artistic Director of Reading Theater Project and director of the production, Andrea Keck, an actress in the show and our very own Eric Weiss, Creative Director here at WEEU whose sole role today is avid fan!  Our second hour is Heather Brady, owner of Do It Local.  Heather personifies what it means to really understand what doing it local means and the impact it has.  She also works as a brand matchmaker to help focus connection and community and of course, keeping it local

Today’s conversation on FEEDBACK is about something we don’t always stop to recognize, the people in our community who quietly make a difference every single day.  This describes our first guest,  Wendy Kershner, someone who is known by many as a connector, a volunteer, and someone who shows up for others without hesitation.  This is her opportunity in the spotlight, her story, and her passion for helping others is amazing.  In our second hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about something that touches every part of our lives but can also bring a lot of stress and uncertainty - money.  Joining us in our second hour is Dallon Yoh, Director of Membership for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Steve Elliker of Elliker Financial, who has built his work around helping people reduce that stress and feel more confident about their financial future.

On this first episode of FEEDBACK we are joined by Dr. Ankit Shah talking about Berks County Medical Society’s Prescription Drug Take Back Event.  The program exists to protect health and safety.  Keeping unused medications at home increases the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse and addiction, especially among children and teens.  Proper disposal helps reduce those risks and al prevents medications from contaminating our water supply when they are flushed or thrown away improperly.  Our second hour is about taking risks, navigating uncertainty, fear and having the courage to change direction when life doesn’t go as planned.  We are joined by Adrian Heredia, Owner and Founder of KimonoMono Marketing, whose journey spans continents, careers, and moments of real personal decisions from law school in South Africa to college soccer in the U.S. to building his own business. 

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about opportunity, creating pathways, building skills, and helping people move forward in their lives and careers.  Joining us today on FEEDBACK is Zaida Guadalupe-Sanchez, co-owner of Optimist CDL Coaching School, an organization focused on helping individuals gain the training and confidence they need to enter the trucking industry.  Our second hour on FEEDBACK is a drug and alcohol update with Zoe Stankaweicz, Prevention Specialist and Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist both with Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA).  April is Alcohol Awareness Month and according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 85.6% of people aged 18 and older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lives.  Irresponsible consumption costs Americans over 200 billion dollars annually in productivity loss, health care costs, criminal justice costs, and motor vehicle crashes.  Great information and resources are shared in this segment of FEEDBACK.

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about music, tradition, and the power of community.  Joining us in our first hour is Cynthia Miller-Aungst of the Ringgold Band, one of the oldest continuously operating bands in the country, with a rich history here in Berks County.  Our second hour is all about your teeth.  Another edition of Tooth Talk with Dr. Eric Angstadt of Angstadt Family Dental.  The topic of this show is why people hate the dentist and what Angstadt Family Dental can do to help you overcome that.

We are talking about carrying on tradition and legacy in our first hour of FEEDBACK.  Kristi Gage-Linderman, CEO of Gage Talent & Business Solutions, joins us to talk about how she handles being a leader who is not only carrying forward a multi-generational business, but also making her mark as a community connector and advocate.  Kristi shares what it takes to be a woman leader and how she needed to find her voice to do work that matters - it’s all about people.  In our second hour Perfetto Insurance takes us through the importance of travel and fun and how to do both successfully by being insured where it matters!

Today on FEEDBACK we are talking about connection, care and people doing work that matters.  First up we are joined by two NICU nurses from Tower Health, Reading, PA, Samantha Hensel and Lindsey Graeff, here to talk about a very special first-time event Footprints on My Heart.  A NICU reunion that brings together graduates, families and the caregivers who were part of their journey.  Sam and Lindsey also share what it takes to do the work that they do in the NICU every day.  They are quiet heroes that are reluctant to share their stories, but we are happy they did!  Next up we continue our conversation about connection, something we all need, but not everyone has access to.  We meet Nicki Habeker, Founder and President, and Patricia Schmel, Treasurer both of Community Connections-Berks.  Together they are creating opportunities for people in our community to come together, build relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Today FEEDBACK brings real issues to the table as it relates to the housing challenges and estate planning.   In our first hour we talk to Alex Roche, Director of Advocacy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, County of Berks PA and Mark Mohn, Government Affairs Director, Reading Berks Association of Realtors about something that impacts all of us - housing.  Housing isn’t just policy, it’s people, opportunity and more importantly the future.  In our second hour we are joined by Scott Hoh, Resolution Law Group.  Scott invites us to think about spring cleaning.  Spring cleaning is a time for fresh starts, cleaning out what we don’t need and getting organized for what matters most.  Take that thought beyond the closets and into your lives, your finances, and your legacy.  Scott shares valuable information with us on the importance of being financially and legally organized.

First up - Jon Escueta, Owner, City Cuts Barber Shops.  Jon talks about something that goes far beyond a haircut, it’s about confidence, connection and creating a positive space for young people.  He is building his business but also making a real impact in the lives of kids in our community.  His hope is for all barber shops to do the same type of work with our youth, impacting and creating positive change one haircut at a time.  Continuing the theme of impact and change our second hour is all about animal welfare.  Joining us is Karel Minor, President and CEO of Humane Pennsylvania, an organization dedicated to animal welfare, rescue and creating a more humane world for both animals and people.

The first hour of FEEDBACK is about allowing people to keep their dignity.  We are talking about compassion and meeting people where they are, something that can make all the difference in someone’s life.  Joining us in studio are Drew Neidig, Executive Director and Amy Stewart-Himes, guest Services Manager of Refresh Berks, an organization dedicated to providing essential hygiene services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship in our community. They do this by providing one shower at a time.  In our second hour of FEEDBACK, super producer Sam Bremekamp and Host of In the Dirt, Matt Knaub, join Toni Reece and talk about how to lighten things up!  It’s a total madhouse!  

We are talking about stories that come from legacies, multi-generational family businesses, and everyday moments that impact the stories that we tell about ourselves or the leaders around us.  Joining us in studio are three generations of the Kuhn family from Kuhn Funeral Home.  Edward Kuhn, Jr. (second generation); Michael Kuhn (third generation) and Mikey Kuhn (fourth generation). Together they represent decades of service to families in our community during some of life’s most difficult moments.

The FEEDBACK topic today is legacy!  What does a legacy look like?  Is a legacy only something that is talked about at the end of a career or life?  Nope!  Legacy is what we build every single moment of every single day.  Joining us is Brian Levin, Owner, President and CEO of Levan Machine and Truck Equipment.  Brian is carrying forward a third-generation legacy while continuing to grow and innovate.  We carry Brian’s interview to the top of the second hour and then our super Producer Sam Bremekamp and Toni Reece talk about how legacies are built but also how quickly they can disappear!

In our first hour of FEEDBACK we are talking about something that impacts some of the most vulnerable members of our community - children in foster care and the people working to bring them comfort, dignity, and hope.  Joining us are Paula Gyomber, Chapter Coordinator and Alyssa Dourte, Executive Director of Fostering Hope.  Their organization is dedicated to supporting children entering foster care with essential items and resources.  In our second hour we learn about the “why’s” behind some of the biggest events that are put on by the Reading Public Museum.  Ashley Houston, Director of Development and Mathew Citrone, Manager of Internal Events are with us today helping to bring that vision to life.

Monday morning theatre!  First up on FEEDBACK are the leads performing in the Wilson Theatre company’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella!  We are joined by nine cast members as well as their Stage Director Mary Lennon.  The cast members share the challenges, the nerves and what being in theatre means to each one of them.  This is our future generation and they are shining brightly.  In our second hour we share our thoughts on this question - Are we becoming a society that rents everything and owns nothing?  Sam Bremekamp, FEEDBACK Producer joins the conversation as we discuss the pros and cons of having access to everything we rent, yet limited access to what we might want to own.

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.