It's the final Backyard Business Spotlight of 2024 with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce). 

We give credit to the Williamsport Regional Airport as they were brought into action to accept private flights from SMU fans that couldn't fly straight into University Park for the College Football Playoff game.

Plus, we reflect on the life of one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Rickey Henderson, who appeared in Williamsport, with the chamber, back in August 2022 during the Little League World Series.

Jason recaps the Thanksgiving Pie Day 5K, the big in-town holiday season activities and the latest on the Wawa store opening on Maynard Street.   

Doug Lane is the coordinator for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and talks with Freddi Hammer about the completion of 2024’s campaign and what’s ahead for the new coordinator next year. 
As always, we’re grateful for the donations from the community, who help the Toys for Tots Foundation collect thousands of toys that stay here in the region and give Christmas joy to financially disadvantaged children.

When life-changing hardships happen to families,often, children who need the most support can fall through the cracks.  But the Favors Forward Foundation wasestablished in Lycoming County to serve children and adults working their way past hardships like a death in the family, military service, domestic violence, even divorce and separation. 
Find out more from Beth McMann, President and Founder of the Favors Forward Foundation, whether you want to provide help as a volunteer or you are seekinghelp.

Freddi Hammer talks with Jackie Kaiser-Rist, a treatment specialist from Allenwood Penitentiary, about the Battle Buddy Team and their inaugural event; The Veteran and Military Resource Fair, Thursday, December 19th from 10a til 3p. Allenwood staff can take advantage of information about services available, but it’s also for the public involvedin law enforcement, retired veterans, and military families. 

The Central PA Food Bank is fighting hunger, improving lives, and strengthening communities – this is their mission:  to end food insecurity for the thousands of people who struggle in the 27 counties in Pennsylvania that they serve.
Freddi Hammer talks with Joe Arthur, the CEO of the Central PA Food Bank, and he explains how individual monetarydonations from Pennsylvania residents help so many have fresh wholesome food for their families at the holidays and all year round.

It's the November Backyard Business Spotlight with Jason Fink (President/CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce).

 Shawn and Jason discuss the $10 million dollars that have been earmarked for select businesses and future ventures in Lycoming County, including New Trail Brewing Company and Fam Vest Partners, who currently have the former Lycoming Mall property, now known as The District at Lycoming Valley.

 They also talk about the expansion of Southern Airways flights at the Williamsport Regional Airport, allowing travelers to depart earlier and allowing for a more convenient schedule.

 And, we wrap up the podcast by taking a look at the Pie Day 5K on Thanksgiving morning plus the special Santa Express Train Excursions and trolly rides that many will enjoy over the holiday season.  Head to williamsport.org and visitlycomingcounty.com for more details.

Grief affects each person differently.  Feelings of loss andsadness can show up without warning, even many years after losing someone you love.  The holidays, with traditions, events, group meals and difficult family time, can heighten or reignite these intense feelings of loss. 

Freddi Hammer will go over 10 strategies of coping with intense feelings and grief over the holidays with a grief counselor from UPMC, who will review the ways you orsomeone you love can create a healthy approach to the
holiday season. 

Kip Winger from the rock band Winger took some time to speak with WZXR's Freddi Hammer about the band's upcoming show with Dokken at the Community Arts Center in downtown Williamsport on Saturday, November 23rd.

The Salvation Army has just kicked off their Red Kettle Campaign and are looking for volunteers this season to ring the bell!  You can also help by visiting the decorated Festival of Trees display at 33 West Third Street in Williamsport and vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree forjust $1 per vote!
Freddi Hammer Talks with Major Shirley Hershey of the Salvation Army Williamsport about the ways they raise funds now to provide support for funding families in need all year.

Keith Kitchen recently talked with Gary Allan, who is coming to The Community Arts Center in Williamsport on Friday, November 15th.  They discussed his current tour and why it called "The Ruthless Tour: 25 Years The Hard Way", the new album that he is recording, his recent marriage and what we can expect from his show.

The owner of an Alabama coffee shop believes a "ghost soldier" is a regular customer, an Alabama couple's home security system caught a bear taking out the trash, police in Australia recovered $26,000 in stolen Bluey Dollarbucks and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged.

4-H is a lot more than just farming and animals, it’s a program for kids 5-18 to gain leadership and communication skills, enhance their interests in STEM and complete projects in the fields they’re most interested in. 
Alex Armstrong is a Penn State Extension 4H Educator in Lycoming County and talks with Freddi Hammer about how children learn by doing alongside adult volunteers within, and beyond agriculture.

It's the October 2024 edition of the Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

We get the latest on the construction projects on Maynard Street in Williamsport with Wawa and Chik-Fil-A.  There's a look ahead to more exciting ribbon cuttings in November as businesses open up, including the Dream Big Box Foundation. 

As we move into the holiday season, there's a ramp-up to big events on the local calendar, including the Pie Day 5K on Thanksgiving morning, November 28th, as well as the Tour of Lights and Santa Express train rides in mid-December!  Go to williamsport.org for more details.  

Albright LIFE has centers for eligible seniors in Lycoming County to get medical care and personal services, along with meals and quality social activities, to remain at home longer and give family members peace of mind.
Phoebe Watson and Chris Miller, administrators with Albright’s Outreach and Enrollment, speak with Freddi Hammer about an Open House coming up November 13th and encourage all to find out more about Albright LIFE Lycoming and 8 other locations in Pennsylvania.

A 74-year old man who recently passed away is "God's problem now" according to his obituary, an Ohio man cancelled his bank card to cancel his gym membership, a Greek man was arrested for sniffing his neighbors' shoes and more in this week's Files Of The Strange and Deranged.

A camera caught an image of a man dressed as Cookie Monster speeding through an intersection in Germany, a Frontier Airlines passenger had an insane meltdown, a man with a stomach bug had a rude surprise and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged.

A French man was renovating his cellar when he discovered a 1,000 year old grave site, a woman with the name "Marijuana Pepsi" is refusing to change her name, the giant grizzly "Grazer" has won the title of "Fattest Bear" for the 2nd year in a row and much more in this week's episode of "The Files Of The Strange and Deranged"!

The African Children’s Choir is making a stop in Williamsport Friday October 18 at City Church on East 4th Street.  The group is made up of

7-10 year old singers and dancers from impoverished areas of Uganda and other African countries.

Freddi Hammer speaks with Tour manager and Chaperone Jim Luzzay, who shares the details on a typical day on tour with the Choir.  He shares  how much the organization “Music for Life” promotes education in his home country, and helps the children become the positive change to help their communities in Africa.

The American Red Cross is mobilizing volunteers to be trained and deployed as Disaster Action Team Members to help clean up damage and flooding in the southern states that have been ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
Sherry Nealon-Shrive,  the executive director of the American Red Cross, North East Pennsylvania Chapter, talks with Freddi Hammer about the American Red Cross’ volunteer effort in Pennsylvania to train volunteers, encourage blood donation and financial support.

A woman was arrested for shooting her neighbor with a water gun, a man attempted to snort his stash of cocaine wile being pulled over by police, a couple was arrested for trying to trade their 2-month-old baby for a six pack of beer and a thousand dollars and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged.

Live United in Music IV is coming to the Community Arts Center Friday in Williamsport October 18th!  Come be a part of the Lycoming County United Way’s biggest fundraising event of the year!
Freddi Hammer talks with Ron Frick, President and CEO of the Lycoming County United Way about Grammy and Tony nominated musician, Michael Cavanaugh, who willbe back with Walt Straiton’s Live United in Music Pops Orchestra this year.  He joins with Uptown Music Collective Alums for an all-new signature showcase event!

It's the September 2024 episode of the Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

We look ahead to an exciting list of October ribbon cuttings as businesses open up, including Jackass Brewing Company in downdown Williamsport plus the new Muncy branch of Service 1st Federal Credit Union. 

Also, there are updates on the Maynard Street Wawa construction as they target an opening by the end of 2024, talks with possible future companies that could head to The District of Lycoming Valley and the return of the Pie Day 5K on Thanksgiving morning, November 28th.  

In advance of his concert appearance at the Community Arts Center on Friday, September 27th, Ted Bennett chats with Josh Turner about the ups and down in his life, the songs he turned down over the years plus we get his reaction to his friend John Anderson's future induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

A Georgia man was issued a 1.2 million dollar speeding ticket, we may be seeing mugshots of "Florida Boy", two men were arrested after capturing a baby alligator with plans to eat it and more on this week's episode of "The Files Of The Strange and Deranged".

Schick Elementary students from pre-K thru 5th grade will take part in their annual SOCK WALK, Friday, September 27th to raise funds for teacher appreciation, educational programs and school activities this school year.
Jackie Lindsay, President of the Schick Elementary PTO, describes the fun morning that students and their families experience by walking together to support the school and hopefully win the battle of the bridge as MontoursvilleSchools, Lyter Elementary and Loyalsock Valley, compete with them to make the goals for their schools, too!

A stove exploded after someone left a loaded gun in it, a dime worth nearly $500,000 will go to auction, the world's smallest functional vacuum cleaner has been built and more, on this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

River Valley Health is hosting an Eat Around the World event at the Genetti Hotel September 19th to raise money for unmet patient needs.

Freddi Hammer talks with Brittany Fisher, the Marketing and Community Engagement coordinator at River Valley Health, and Dave Yost, the chef at the Sojourner Truth Ministries soup kitchen, who is preparing food from Canada, and joins 7 other chefs creating a delicious international tasting menu for the event.  

Enjoy music from Urie Kline  - Basket Raffles  - 50-50

September 19, 5-8pm  @ the Genetti

200 West 4th Street

Tickets through the  "River Valley Health" Facebook page

A new parking lot can't be used because it's not connected to any nearby streets, a Florida man was arrested after getting drunk and shooting at a tree..missing and shooting up a neighbor's house, two men in Ontario, Canada picked up a bear cub and took it on a road trip and more on this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged.

PA Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Joe Hamm invite all seniors, caregivers, and their families tothe 2024 Senior Citizen’s Expo Thursday, September 19th at the Community Baptist Church in Montoursville.

Meet over 80 vendors who are offering information and services from state & local agencies, home care companies, travel agencies, lawyers, assisted livingfacilities and so much more. 
Participate in health screenings, bring personal documents for shredding, and dispose of unused prescription medications all with free parking from 9:30am until 1pm. 

It's the August 2024 episode of the Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

We recap the 2024 Grand Slam Parade and the "Williamsport Welcomes The World" street festival, get an update on Tom Glavine's future appearance in town as well as a look ahead to upcoming Chamber events. 

There were dozens of flights cancelled and hundreds delayed in Japan due to a pair of scissors going missing, new research shows that finding love could be the "Fountain of Youth"...for men, an 18-year-old California man decided to shoplift during a "Shop With A Cop" event and more in this week's episode of "The Files Of The Strange and Deranged"!

A restaurant in Scotland is offering "seagull insurance", a couple sold tickets to their wedding, a man suing Walt Disney Parks & Resorts may see his case thrown out because he had signed up for a 1-month free trial of Disney+ and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

“Wreaths Across America – Central PA” raisesfunds all year to  place wreaths on the graves of local veterans so that no military member is ever forgotten.

Dori Rankinen, the coordinator of the local group,talks with Freddi Hammer about needing volunteers, how donations are used and appreciated, and how she’s looking for new ideas that will help keep thisnon-profit organization going year after year. Follow on Facebook “Wreaths Across America-Central PA”

A Vietnamese seamstress has gone 3 decades without sleep, a 17-year-old Nebraska man has been accused of derailing trains for YouTube footage, the Polk County Sheriff's Office recently engaged in a "slow-speed" pursuit and more on this week's episode of "The Files Of The Strange and Deranged"!

The National Guard Experience is an event Saturday, August 10th at the National Guard Armory on Grove Street in Williamsport. 
Members of the Guard, who are your neighbors, hope to build awareness about their commitment to serving the community and will host many state and localorganizations who will share their message of service.
The day will also like a job fair with reps from Federal Bureau of Prisons, Pennsylvania State Police, and other organizations looking for new recruits. 
Plus, there will be food trucks, activities for families, military vehicles on display; Rescue Pets Serving Vets will have dogs at the event and MORE!

A man has been arrested for "The Florida Man Trifecta", a man who survived over 400 days marooned at sea is being sued for cannibalism, heavy rain and flooding in Texas has resulted in a threat from poisonous hammerhead flatworms and more, this week in The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership invites you to their 3rd Annual Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo coming up August 3rd at the Shikellamy Marina in Sunbury. The pet-friendly, family day will host manyoutdoor partners of the Greenway who will share their expertise about the Susquehanna River and how to use its resources for kayaking and paddling, hiking, birding, fishing and so much more.
Freddi Hammer talks with Alana Jajko, the Director of Communications & Outreach at the Susquehanna Outreach Partnership, who shares information about the upcoming Outdoor Expo which connects participants with information about the river, family activitiesand popular food trucks.

It's the July 2024 episode of the Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey and Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

We learn which Baseball Hall Of Famers will be in the city for the 2024 Grand Slam Parade and Williamsport Welcomes The World street festival! 

There's also an update on the "Wilds Are Working" program, big news on a popular chicken restaurant to build on Maynard Street in Williamsport and a progress report on Jackass Brewery, set to open it's second location downtown, later this year. 

A fundraiser is coming up July 27th at 61 Events and 61Pinbar on in Sunbury, PA called “Rock For Rescues 2024”, to support “Mommy & Me Rescue” and “Rescue Pets Serving Vets”.  Freddi Hammer talks with event coordinators Mary and Dennis Marquette who sharethe full day line-up and bring headliner Ron Keel on the air for an interview about the music he’ll be performing to help the animals at “Rock for Rescues 2024”

A shared bag of potato chips sent Japanese children to the hospital, a Red Lobster in Colorado received an orange lobster, a mother and daughter are in big trouble after assaulting a Sam's Club employee and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

Senator Gene Yaw and Representative Jamie Flick alongwith Representative Joe Hamm and PA Treasurer, Stacy Garrity are hosting a State Services and Veteran Recognition Day, July 20th in the parking lot at 175 Pine Street in Williamsport.
Senator Yaw and Representative Flick talk with Freddi Hammer about how residents can come search for unclaimed property, confirm or apply for servicesthrough the VA, and learn about the other state services conveniently available through their offices

Bubbles, Michael Jackson's chimp, is not only still alive, but living the good life, scientists are developing a technology to allow prisoners to serve years of their sentence in minutes, a psychic has used her profession as a ruse to rob people and more in this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

It's the June 2024 edition of the Backyard Business Spotlight with Shawn Carey's conversation featuring Jason Fink, President/CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

 We introduce you to the locally-owned Mulberry Moose, the newest business that has arrived in Williamsport and learn about the "Wilds Are Working" program kicking off in July.

Also, we look forward to the Lycoming County Fair, July 10th to 20th, plus the July PM Exchanges featuring Dad's BBQ/The Hatchet House as well as Uptown Music Collective.     

In July, exclusively on this podcast, we'll have big announcements on who's the Grand Marshall of the 2024 Grand Slam Parade, Tuesday, August 13th at 5pm in Williamsport, as well as who will make an appearance at the "Williamsport Welcomes The World" street festival on Friday, August 23rd! 

Girlz in the Hoodie fundraiser at Bar on Market, Sunday, June 30th 6-9pm

VIP meet & greet 4:30pm
Link for tickets    Scotty Austin of Saving Able with Jacob Yaos Opening Tickets, Sun, Jun 30, 2024 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite 

Freddi Hammer, Anthony Mussare, and Don Rick of New Trail Brewing talk with Scotty Austin, about the fundraiser featuring Saving Abel coming up Sunday at 6pm to benefit Girlz in the Hoodie.

“The Dominican Plate” is an annual fundraising dinner that is a partnership between the Williamsport Crosscutters and ACES North America, to support impoverishedcommunities in the Dominican Republic. 
Lynell Stabler, a founding member of ACES, tells Freddi Hammer about the projects that are completed and maintained through the generous fundraisingdone here in Williamsport, and about the delicious dinner coming up July 22nd at the Genetti Hotel.

A Spanish resort town has banned public displays of adult inflatables, a couple found $100,000 in a New York park, Mr. Monopoly has been arrested and more on this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!

For those who are new to owning firearms or who want training  before they choose to obtain a gun forconcealed carry or home security, you’re invited to Ladies night on the 1st Thursday of the month, or Beginners Night on the third Thursday of the month at National Range and Armory on Washington Blvd in Williamsport.
Become more confident using firearms by taking advantage of low-cost classesclose to home.

The Lycoming County Fire Police Association is holding their 6th Annual Food Truck Picnic and Vendor Show in Nisbet on June 15th from 11am til 6pm and you’re invited!
Freddi Hammer talks with the Association’s Vice President and fundraising chair, Nathan Shaffer, and he shares information about all the fun activities, retail vendors and the FOOD TRUCKS that will be at this yearly family event; that helps raise money for fire police officer’s training and equipment.

Families who are looking for an alternative to public school for their Pre-k to 8th grade students have a choice in Williamsport.   Mountain View Christian School provides a superb education with an emphasis on the whole student; academic, physical and spiritual.  Principal and Teacher, Mr. Dale Walker talks with Freddi Hammer  about how MVCS offers small class sizes, dedicated teachers, transparent communication between faculty, students, and their families, and a new state of the art building for the 2024-2025 school year.

Technology may soon change our fantasies, a Kentucky man with the dubious record of being the world's most arrested man has passed away,  two Pandas will arrive at the National Zoo later this year and much more on this week's episode of The Files Of The Strange and Deranged!