Lancaster Connects

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann of Lancaster Farmland Trust to explore the urgent mission of protecting one of America’s most productive agricultural regions. Together, they share how their organization—one of the nation’s oldest and most successful farmland preservation groups—is working to accelerate the permanent protection and stewardship of farmland across Lancaster ...

In this episode, we welcome Becky Doumaux, Executive Director of the Manheim Township Educational Foundation (MTEF), to discuss how community-driven support is transforming education. Becky shares the story behind MTEF’s founding in 1993 and how the organization has since awarded over $2 million in grants to enhance learning experiences for students across all grade levels and subject areas. We explore h...

In this episode, we’re joined by Abby Morris, Executive Director of The Arc Lancaster Lebanon, an organization dedicated to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism — alongside their families — to lead full and independent lives of their own choosing. Abby shares how The Arc works to ensure that individuals with disabilities are recognized for their equal worth and in...

In this episode, we welcome Holly Lyle, a seasoned Loan Consultant at New American Funding with over 34 years of expertise in residential mortgage lending. Holly has dedicated her career to guiding clients through some of the most important and complex financial decisions of their lives — from first-time home purchases to refinancing during life transitions like divorce.

With a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tait Harbaugh (Papa Tater) and Michelle Harbaugh, two leaders blending magic, laughter, and community impact. Tait, known as the “Boredom Banisher,” is a Lancaster County, PA–based comedy magician who combines dad jokes, high-energy audience interaction, and unforgettable sleight of hand to create shows that happen with the audience, not just for them through Papa Tater M...

In this episode, Dan Murphy, Executive Director and Founder of Decker’s Blueprint, shares the deeply personal journey that began when his son Decker was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2024. Faced with a devastating prognosis, Dan refused to accept “wait and see” as an option. Instead, he applied a builder’s mindset to the fight—launching Decker’s Blueprint to fund promising scientific rese...

In today’s episode, Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo celebrate President’s Day with some fun and share what makes Gardner’s Mattress and More special. They talk about their commitment to better sleep and how their team always puts customers first, with no-pressure guidance and great savings on mattresses.

You’ll hear about their unique offers, including a luxury travel voucher w...

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Sedora and Jeff Emrich, Partners and Financial Advisors at Vantus Wealth, to explore a more connected approach to financial planning. Born from a desire to bring clarity and collaboration to every part of clients’ financial lives, Vantus Wealth is an independent RIA built on the idea of gaining a higher perspective—*vantage*—while keeping the focus on ‘us’: the clie...

In this episode, we sit down with John Hockley II from Weaver Associates to explore how his team delivers far more than “ink on paper.” John shares how Weaver Associates supports businesses with a full spectrum of office solutions—from copiers and printers to service, printing, pure water systems, and office furniture—helping organizations run smarter and more efficiently. We also get a glimpse into John...

In this episode, Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo team up as your local "dynamic duo" to deliver a special Love Your Mattress President’s Day sales event preview from Gardner’s Mattress & More.

Hear all about the biggest deals of the year—including 48 months no-interest financing, custom double deals, and bonus luxury travel vouchers—plus exclusive savings from top brands like Tempur Pedic, Avocado, Puffy, Helix, and more. Jeff G...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy and Valonda Banks, partners at Liberty Employment Solutions, a dynamic couple united by their passion for helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive. From a hiring and consulting perspective, they share how Liberty supports organizations by uncovering the truth in their workforce needs and freeing leaders to focus on what they do best. Valonda brings clear d...

In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Plotcher and Dr. Shawn Gallagher of the Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum to explore how the region’s rich medical history continues to shape healthcare today. They share how the museum preserves and brings to life stories of medical innovation, caregiving, and public health in Lancaster County—from early colonial healing practices and 18th-century physicians to the ...

In this episode, we explore the mission and impact of ASSETS Lancaster, a nonprofit CDFI focused on building strong communities through entrepreneurship, equitable access to capital, and business education. The conversation highlights how ASSETS supports underserved entrepreneurs by removing traditional barriers and investing in people as the foundation for long-term economic growth.

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