The Lancast

Spenser Brossman of Complete in Box took time away from his newly opened game store to talk gaming, collecting, and business with us. Though Complete in Box has only been open for a few weeks, Spenser is already seeing repeat customers and he’s attracting new business all the time. Spenser started in the gaming business while in college, working for his local Game Stop. After a few more jobs and a college education, he decided to take a risk and go out on his own. He’s had no shortage of support from his friends and family either. Even now, weeks after he’s opened, friends stop by and offer to help clean up used merchandise or sort through his latest flea market finds. Though Complete In Box specializes in retro systems and games, they also carry the latest and greatest products available. You can preorder most anything, and Spenser plans to hold midnight releases for some of the more popular products scheduled to hit the market. Complete in Box is not just another game store though. Located in Ephrata, CiB has a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that says, “Come in and stay a while”.  The store features a museum section that displays some of the rare memorabilia Brossman has collected over time and a lounge area for testing out prospective purchases. Later in the show, Keith, David and Spenser take a look back at the video games that have made an impression on them. Everyone has their own nostalgic memories of gaming while growing up and we share our personal perspectives here. For more information about Spenser and Complete In Box, visit the website at www.completeinbox.com. Support for this episode provided by Winding Way Books, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design & In HIS Name HR. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Original Piece by Keith Slesser

Mark Griffin of In HIS Name HR has had the opportunity to work for some very large and well- known companies as well as some smaller, more modest set-ups during his career. During that time Mark learned and perfected his trade under the wing of some very talented and successful people who were willing to share their knowledge and get him started on the right foot. It wasn’t until the significant downsizing of the Kodak Company, where he was working in 2004, that Griffin decided it was time to move his family back to Pennsylvania to get a fresh start and settle his family near where he grew up. Since starting In HIS Name HR, Mark has focused not only on the basic values of the HR field, but also tailored his approach to fit a niche market here in Lancaster County, the Christian-run business. He says he considers himself a partner to the businesses he works with because he strives to understand and anticipate their needs and genuinely cares about their profitability. It’s about becoming a part of the team instead of just another overhead expense. Griffin believes that the success of a company rides on its ability to totally integrate its mission, vision and core values into its everyday work processes. Having a faith-based approach seems to strengthen this practice and helps to bring like-minded people together. We talked with Mark about the toll the economy has taken on the leadership aspect of businesses today. Spending cuts have reduced or eliminated what used to be years of training for up and coming management personnel and many of them just aren’t qualified to handle the workplace situations they find themselves in. Employees are starting to lack faith in the companies they work for, and Mark says one of the most valuable things a company can do right now is offer positive encouragement and guidance to the people who make it happen every day. As for Mark's company, In HIS Name HR focuses on authenticity, integrity, trust and stewardship. He stresses how important it is to work on the issues of one’s life outside of the workplace as well as within it. In HIS Name offers leadership training and development, communication training, basic HR programming and career coaching. If you’d like to meet Mark in person or find out more about what he can do for your business, call him at 717-572-2183 or visit his website www.inhisnamehr.com. Support for this episode provided by Winding Way Books & Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Demain je change de vie by david

We invited Lancaster Regional Medical Center CEO Bob Moore to talk with us about the hospital, its newest initiatives, and some of Bob’s personal history in the healthcare field. A native of Quincy, MO, Bob began his journey towards a healthcare career as a dishwasher for a local hospital at the age of 16. He dreamed of becoming a doctor, but soon discovered that he much preferred the business aspect of the field instead. He made his way through college and filled many different roles before becoming the CEO of another Missouri hospital. All-together, Bob has been at the helm of 5 different hospitals over a 32 year span, and has recently made his home here in Lancaster to help steer LRMC on its path to greatness. We asked Bob how he feels about having so much competition throughout the county. “We’ve got 4 fine hospitals in this community, and each one of us has our own niche in what we provide… Competition is good because I think it raises the bar.” He told us about the Getting2Great initiative that HMA has launched to promote improved facilities and excellent care across their footprint nationwide. Lancaster Regional has taken some big steps in the last few years to implement systems and technology that will further their ability to provide outstanding service and healthcare to their patients and emphasize the value they place on everyone who walks through their doors. Some of these initiatives include services like their Emergency Care which you’ve probably seen advertised on a local billboard around town. LRMC refers to its Emergency Room services as ER Extra which puts a high priority on keeping patient wait times to a minimum. Their current wait times are being posted on their digital billboard displays as well as several online applications available for download. Additional new technologies we discussed include the MAKO Orthopedic Robot and the DaVinci Surgical System, both of which are still cutting edge in this neck of the woods. Along with new technology, LRMC has begun to put a higher emphasis on community involvement and company participation in programs such as United Way and Heart Walk, both of which Bob personally takes part in. He also serves on the board of an organization known as the Downtowners which promotes downtown living and involvement by and for local retirees.  The hospital has recently begun a program where they work with local employers to institute workplace wellness programs promoting good health, which in turn saves those companies on their healthcare costs and contributes to more positive work environments.  All of these things are ways Lancaster Regional is reinvesting in and reconnecting to the community that they exist to serve. Though at one time, LRMC may have been viewed as just a shell of its past, this Lancaster hospital is now taking a strong step towards the future; a better future for the company and its employees, and a better future for the community they serve. www.lancasterregional.com Support for this episode provided by Winding Way Books, Pennsylvania College of Art & Design & In HIS Name HR. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Original Piece by Keith Slesser

We sat down with Rose Principe and AJ Nutter of Painted Desert Gallery this episode. Together with Carol Emerson, the two collaborated to open an art space in the city that featured more modern and contemporary subject matter that might be a bit more edgy than what you’d normally find downtown.  The gallery space debuted in August 2009 with an exhibit featuring AJ’s late father, David Nutter’s photographs, taken during his last trip out west. Since then, the gallery has gained popularity among the trio’s friends and acquaintances, and has become a space for the not-so-conventional artist to showcase their work. Some of the things you may find on a visit to Painted Desert include abstract and modern art, collage, photography, video, sculpture, and installation art; a process in which the artist actually assembles a three dimensional piece onsite to convey a certain concept or idea. Rose, herself, is a painter.  She works primarily with oils and has gathered inspiration from abstract expressionists like Francis Bacon, Wassily Kandinski and Arshile Gorky. In addition to the gallery space, you can also find examples of her work on her website and Facebook page. AJ’s art takes many forms, including photography and videography. He is also a composer and told us about his ambitious endeavor to write a complete musical score for Alfred Hitchcock’s film, The Birds. The score is scheduled to be released on vinyl October 7th, 2011. You can catch clips of AJ’s handiwork on his website and preorder the record here. Being from two different artistic genres can create an interesting dynamic and we asked how they manage this dynamic living under one roof. They also told us a little about their work spaces and how they’ve been influenced by one another’s art. The gallery will be celebrating its two year anniversary in August and will be hosting a special First Friday event featuring a long list of contributing artists. The show will be open August 5, 2011 from 5-9pm. Painted Desert Gallery is open on First Fridays during the warmer months of the year and also by appointment. For more information, visit them on the web at www.painteddesertgallery.com or http://www.facebook.com/PaintedDesertGallery. Support for this episode provided by Winding Way Books & Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Demain je change de vie by david

This week the Lancast hosted local band Symphony of Sound. They share about their beginnings, their recent self-titled release, and some of the inspiration behind their lyrics. Symphony of Sound first came together to perform at a talent show at band front-man Tyler Benner’s high school. The name was chosen more out of necessity than inspiration, but it seemed to stick, so they went with it.  In 2009, they decided to take it to the next level and began regular jam sessions to develop their sound.  All of the guys grew up with a love of music and a few of them got their start leading worship in their local churches. Faith is something that has stuck with them through the years and it shows in the lyrics and themes of their songs. Though they wouldn’t necessarily consider themselves a “Christian” band, those themes are still close at heart. Symphony just released their first album on June 27th  of this year. All together they spent about 6 months recording, though the project has been in the works for much longer. By the time they were ready to record, they had perfected their set list and pretty much knew where they wanted it to go. “It’s pretty awesome actually…just like, having a physical copy of what you’ve created yourself." says Drummer Matthew Blank, " It’s cool to know you’ve accomplished something and gotten to the point where…it’s done.” They all seemed pretty excited to be finished with the project and are already looking forward to the next one. You can purchase their new release on iTunes and CD Baby.  Also check out their Myspace and Facebook pages. Symphony of Sound is Mitch Meador, AJ Lehman, Matthew Samuel Blank, Tyler Benner, and Mitch Ebersole.  Album Cover Art by Drew Winey.   Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Demain je change de vie by david

“I have a tendency to take the indirect route,” says Melody Williams. It’s that tendency that led her to the name of her shop, Winding Way Books, which now makes its home at 106 W. Chestnut Street on Gallery Row. Williams has had a great love for books from a young age and dreamed of one day owning her own book store. With the help of ASSETS Small Business Center, she got the support that she needed and was able to make her dream a reality. Despite the recession, she took a risk and started by selling books online and running a stand at Saturday’s market. As her business grew, she was able to move into a permanent location and make the shop her full time occupation. Dealing in new and used books, Melody hosts special events and participates in First Friday festivities.  She seems to have a knack for bringing the community to her doorstep. People love what she’s doing and they keep coming back. There is something for everyone at Winding Way, and it’s worth a meander downtown to find out for yourself. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Demain je change de vie by david

We had the pleasure of hosting our third annual episode with Penn Ketchum and the management team at Penn Cinema. The result was a jovial round table discussion about the best/worst movies of the year, some added humor and commentary in between, and what we’re all looking forward to next at the box office. Penn talked about the process by which he decided to build the IMAX theater and the frustration he felt from naysayers along the way. But in spite of the negative comments he received, the cinema, with the help of Warfel Construction, met their deadlines and the IMAX theatre has proven to be a success. We discussed the current trend in super hero themes and got to hear some of Penn’s ideas for events in the upcoming fall season. He even asked us what our personal choices would be for Monday Night Movies, which will most likely start back up in October. Joining us in addition to Penn were some of his crew, the folks who make it all happen; Mike Spence, Kenny Wenditz, and Sarah Neff. Thanks to all who participated and to Penn Ketchum for having us back to the cinema for yet another entertaining episode of the Lancast. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Demain je change de vie by david

This episode we had the opportunity to hear from Dave Ranalli, owner of Stitches Comedy Club, which operates out of the Lancaster Host Resort. Dave is a native of western Pennsylvania, but has owned and operated his business in Lancaster County for the last 23 years. He was educated as a pharmacist and managed the pharmacy at CVS for 8 years before taking over the family business, The Italian Villa, because of his father-in-law’s illness. Dave saw potential for growth, but was unsure of how to bring in more business for the restaurant. It wasn’t until he took a trip back home in 1988 that he discovered the incredible opportunity there was to be had in the comedy industry. At that time, there wasn’t any other entertainment happening along Lincoln Highway, and comedy was a new concept in Lancaster County. Dave had the good fortune of hosting Drew Carey for the opening night of his new venture.  It was the perfect set up for success, and ever since then, Stitches Comedy Club has drawn a crowd. Dave is a gifted story teller and it was great fun to hear him recount some of his experiences over the years. Stitches is yet another example of the many unique offerings to be discovered right here in Lancaster. At the time of the recording of this episode Keith was celebrating Fathers Day with his family, so David flew solo as host. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: An Other Side by Xenyka  

Have you ever decided to try something completely new just from having a casual conversation? That's what happened to this week's guest, Bill Caloviras. Through conversation with a friend, he heard about the 2500th Anniversary  of the Athens Classic Marathon in Greece, where his family is from, and decided to participate. Having never run a marathon before, he knew he needed to educate himself on what it would take to prepare. Bill told us how, through forums on the web, he was able to connect with other runners and learn more about this challenging sport. He even conversed with Dana Carvey's brother! We also talked about Bill's hobby-turned-business, photography. He's always had a love for the arts and saw what could be accomplished with a camera as a child. He was inspired to buy his first camera two years ago and continues to enjoy capturing people and landscapes. He has started to take engagement and family shots and he is also a second shooter at weddings for photographer Keith Scotten of k*sco studios. He would even like to incorporate photography and video with his newest hobby, motocross. A man of many interests and talents, we were glad to have Bill Caloviras on the show. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: An Other Side by Xenyka

Bob Shank of Shank's Tavern in Marietta was our guest on this episode. He spoke with us about the long history of Shank's going back to its origins in 1814, then known as "The Compass and Square". The Shank family purchased the tavern in the 1930's and Bob is the third generation of his family to own and operate it. Bob told us a few captivating ghost stories from his childhood, as well as an interesting tale about a buried treasure that disappointingly has never been found. He also spoke to us about the live music nights the bar hosts, including folk and blues open mics. It's an old time neighborhood bar that features high-end tequilas and friendly staff. Shank's Tavern is located at the corner of Front and Water St. in Marietta. You can reach them by phone at 717-426-1205 Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: An Other Side by Xenyka   What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.

This week we spoke with local indie folk artist Ben Rothermel. We conversed about his passion for music and what inspires him to write it. Ben went to school for music where he learned about song writing and how to define his sound. He also tells us about his upcoming release "Blue or Green", an album influenced by his relationship with his wife. Ben had compared himself to Bob Dylan without the cigarettes, but now he realizes he doesn't fit that mold anymore. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: An Other Side by Xenyka What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.  

Another "headlines" show from The Lancast.  It worked so well the first time we figured,"Why not do it again?" School budgets, sports mascots, and even the recent Apocalypse are a few of the topics we cover in this informative episode. Sadly this was Daniel Klotz's last episode. He gives us a tearful farewell as he moves on to new and exciting things. Fortunately, this show also happens to be Keith Slesser's debut on The Lancast. Keith brings new insight to the show and we look forward to seeing how The Lancast will evolve with a new voice in the mix. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Rumba Sudamericana by Paco Santiago Hey There Daniel written and performed by Matt Wheeler What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.  

  Setting out to preserve hometown communities Arcadia Publishing's Images of America books work to make hometowns historic. Looking to feature a Lancaster County area they turned to local writer Cory Van Brookhoven to cover Warwick Township. A third generation local historian and having written several books and articles involving history in Lancaster County, Cory was ready to take the challenge. He shares with us how he collected not only great images for his book but also captivating stories to accompany them. Born and raised in Warwick Township, Cory still lives within a few miles of it's boundaries. He tells us about his hopes that the book will benefit his community and how half of his proceeds are being donated to the Lititz Library. Purchase Cory's Book Online Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Flamenspace by Löhstana What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.  

Tom Knapp is a man who lives and breaths journalism. Ever since the sixth grade when he had to do an interview for his class newspaper Tom knew journalism was what he was going to do with his life. Now after nearly twenty-eight years with the Lancaster Newspaper, Tom shares with us what the life of a local journalist is like. A little over ten years ago Tom started combining his love for music and books with journalism and started the review website Rambles.NET. What started as a small project for him and his friends to write on now has over three hundred contributors and almost fourteen thousand reviews. Tom tells us about how he got the site up and how it's grown. We also talk a little bit with Tom about his love for and playing of Irish music and his band Fire in the Glen. During this portion of the show Tom mentions previous guest Jason Mondok. Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Flamenspace by Löhstana What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.

Josh and Trista Lamb the dynamic duo behind The Beggar Folk take some time to talk to us this week. They share with us how they've made the transition to full time musicians over the past year and a half and what exactly that entails from day to day. We also learn about how Josh and Trista found themselves in Lancaster and why they've chosen to make this their main stage. You may notice that we didn't get as in depth about their music specifically as we do with some musical guests in this episode. That's because we'd like to refer you to an interview Josh and Trista did with another great Lancaster based podcast, Around The Wood Stove. Host Jason Mundock talks with them in detail about their debut album and the inner workings of their songs. You can find their episode here. Contact or Book The Beggar Folk: thebeggarfolk@gmail.com Buy the album on iTunes Support for this episode provided by Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. Theme music: Invisible Walls by Revolution Void Break music: Flamenspace by Löhstana What are your thoughts about this episode? We welcome your responses in the comments below.