Berks County Connection Podcast Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:08 -0400 https://countyconnection.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Berks County Connection Podcast yes 26dfd21b-3282-5b67-8349-fe9666ed7827 Berks Community Television episodic false Learn how Berks County government works with the County Commissioners, County Controller, and other row officers.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Berks Community Television https://storage.buzzsprout.com/xib49a4y2zcm3wzmobc9xnedny9w?.jpg Berks County Connection Podcast https://countyconnection.buzzsprout.com Reading FIFA Fan Zone on 7/18 & 7/19 Reading FIFA Fan Zone on 7/18 & 7/19 A preview of the FIFA Fan Zone festivities in Reading, PA lined up for the 7/18 and 7/19 World Cup Soccer 2026 final matches.


With Mark Ratcliffe, Reading FIFA Fan Zone Event Coordinator, Alex Civil, Founder & Executive Director of Bring the Change, and Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni.

]]> A preview of the FIFA Fan Zone festivities in Reading, PA lined up for the 7/18 and 7/19 World Cup Soccer 2026 final matches.


With Mark Ratcliffe, Reading FIFA Fan Zone Event Coordinator, Alex Civil, Founder & Executive Director of Bring the Change, and Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19499801 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1423 1 23 full false The 23rd Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival The 23rd Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival Commissioner Christian Leinbach is joined by Lynn Weller, Executive Director of Our Town Foundation Hamburg, PA, to discuss the 23rd Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, its inception and evolution through the years including entertainment stages. How the festival stimulates the local economy, tips for new visitors including parking options and how to maximize burgers sampled without getting too full!

]]> Commissioner Christian Leinbach is joined by Lynn Weller, Executive Director of Our Town Foundation Hamburg, PA, to discuss the 23rd Annual Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, its inception and evolution through the years including entertainment stages. How the festival stimulates the local economy, tips for new visitors including parking options and how to maximize burgers sampled without getting too full!

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19499794 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1661 1 22 full false A Discussion with Reading City Council President Donna Reed A Discussion with Reading City Council President Donna Reed Reading City Council President Donna Reed joins Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow to talk about the America 250 PA Berks County events tied to the City of Reading.

]]> Reading City Council President Donna Reed joins Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow to talk about the America 250 PA Berks County events tied to the City of Reading.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19499748 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1684 1 21 full false What is a Criminal Justice Advisory Board? What is a Criminal Justice Advisory Board? Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera sits down with Dan Heydt, Chief Probation Officer, and Peggy Kershner, Co-Executive Director of Connections Work, to discuss the Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) in Berks County, PA.

The guests share their professional backgrounds and explain how their diverse areas of expertise—along with those of other CJAB members—create an impactful group dedicated to fostering meaningful change within the community.

The panel also highlights the board’s recent successes, including:

- Reduced recidivism rates: Helping individuals successfully reintegrate into society.

- Diversion programs: Providing alternatives to traditional court proceedings, incarceration, and permanent criminal records.

- Improved crisis management: Better handling of substance abuse and mental health situations to ensure incarceration is not the default response.

]]> Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera sits down with Dan Heydt, Chief Probation Officer, and Peggy Kershner, Co-Executive Director of Connections Work, to discuss the Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) in Berks County, PA.

The guests share their professional backgrounds and explain how their diverse areas of expertise—along with those of other CJAB members—create an impactful group dedicated to fostering meaningful change within the community.

The panel also highlights the board’s recent successes, including:

- Reduced recidivism rates: Helping individuals successfully reintegrate into society.

- Diversion programs: Providing alternatives to traditional court proceedings, incarceration, and permanent criminal records.

- Improved crisis management: Better handling of substance abuse and mental health situations to ensure incarceration is not the default response.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19499787 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1681 1 20 full false America 250 Berks County Events America 250 Berks County Events Berks County Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera, and Dante Santoni outline the upcoming events of the Berks250 celebration happening in 2026.

]]> Berks County Commissioners Christian Leinbach, Michael Rivera, and Dante Santoni outline the upcoming events of the Berks250 celebration happening in 2026.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19296431 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1644 1 19 full false Berks County Children & Youth Services Berks County Children & Youth Services A look at the Berks County Children & Youth Services with Barb Jakubek, CYS Administrator, and Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller.

]]> A look at the Berks County Children & Youth Services with Barb Jakubek, CYS Administrator, and Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19276619 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1686 1 18 full false Berks County Veterans Affairs Berks County Veterans Affairs Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni discusses the Berks Veterans Affairs Department with their Director, Jay Ostrich, and Deputy Director, Will Tobin. 

]]> Berks County Commissioner Dante Santoni discusses the Berks Veterans Affairs Department with their Director, Jay Ostrich, and Deputy Director, Will Tobin. 

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19276600 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1640 1 17 full false Conversation with the Wives of the Berks County Commissioners Conversation with the Wives of the Berks County Commissioners Commissioner Christian Leinbach chats with the wives of the three commissioners — Jennifer Leinbach, Zylkia Rivera, and Sharon Santoni — about their experiences, perspectives, and roles as the spouses of Berks County Commissioners. 

]]> Commissioner Christian Leinbach chats with the wives of the three commissioners — Jennifer Leinbach, Zylkia Rivera, and Sharon Santoni — about their experiences, perspectives, and roles as the spouses of Berks County Commissioners. 

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19250255 Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1645 1 16 full false Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhardt Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhardt The County of Berks Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhardt talks about the role that he and his team play in day-to-day operations of County Government. With Controller Joe Rudderow.

]]> The County of Berks Chief Operations Officer Kevin Barnhardt talks about the role that he and his team play in day-to-day operations of County Government. With Controller Joe Rudderow.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166823 Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1701 1 15 full false County of Berks Facilities and Operations County of Berks Facilities and Operations Rex Levengood, Facilities and Operations Director for the County of Berks, and Josh Williams, Projects and Operations Manager, discuss their respective jobs with Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Rex Levengood, Facilities and Operations Director for the County of Berks, and Josh Williams, Projects and Operations Manager, discuss their respective jobs with Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166796 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1681 1 14 full false America250PA & America250PA Berks County Events America250PA & America250PA Berks County Events Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, talks with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach about the organization's history, mission, state-wide signature events, and upcoming Berks County major events in 2026.

]]> Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, talks with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach about the organization's history, mission, state-wide signature events, and upcoming Berks County major events in 2026.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166777 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1659 1 13 full false Berks County Parks & Recreation Department Berks County Parks & Recreation Department Learn about the events and activities offered by the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department from their Assistant Director, Dan Roe, Recreation & Special Events Supervisor Lisa Gauker, and Historic Resource Supervisor Jess Chemich. With host Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller 

]]> Learn about the events and activities offered by the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department from their Assistant Director, Dan Roe, Recreation & Special Events Supervisor Lisa Gauker, and Historic Resource Supervisor Jess Chemich. With host Joe Rudderow, Berks County Controller 

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166768 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1676 1 12 full false Redeveloping Reading Redeveloping Reading Redevelopment projects in Reading, PA - including the 5th & Penn area downtown - are discussed by Alan Shuman, President of Shuman Development Group, with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.

]]> Redevelopment projects in Reading, PA - including the 5th & Penn area downtown - are discussed by Alan Shuman, President of Shuman Development Group, with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166752 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1656 1 11 full false Chief Information Officer Tim Smith Chief Information Officer Tim Smith Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow chats with Chief Information Officer Tim Smith about his department.

]]> Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow chats with Chief Information Officer Tim Smith about his department.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166737 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1783 1 10 full false The Camel Project The Camel Project With Pam Gockley, Founder and Executive Director of The Camel Project bullying awareness organization, and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> With Pam Gockley, Founder and Executive Director of The Camel Project bullying awareness organization, and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166727 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1643 1 9 full false WEEU Radio: A New Chapter with John & Kristine Treese WEEU Radio: A New Chapter with John & Kristine Treese WEEU owners John & Kristine Treese touch on:

  • The future of AM radio
  • Adapting to technology changes (streaming, sports coverage, listener habits)
  • Social media strategy and its role in growth
  • Commitment to local voices and community engagement
  • Local studios, local employees, local business support
  • Expanded sports coverage (including video and underrepresented sports)
  • Partnerships with nonprofits and charities
  • Adding more locally produced content
  • Continued focus on local high school sports
]]> WEEU owners John & Kristine Treese touch on:

  • The future of AM radio
  • Adapting to technology changes (streaming, sports coverage, listener habits)
  • Social media strategy and its role in growth
  • Commitment to local voices and community engagement
  • Local studios, local employees, local business support
  • Expanded sports coverage (including video and underrepresented sports)
  • Partnerships with nonprofits and charities
  • Adding more locally produced content
  • Continued focus on local high school sports
]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166706 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1732 1 8 full false Purchasing Department Purchasing Department A look at the County of Berks purchasing procedures with George Rodriguez, Director of Contracts and Procurement, and Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow.

]]> A look at the County of Berks purchasing procedures with George Rodriguez, Director of Contracts and Procurement, and Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166697 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1641 1 7 full false Berks County Chief Financial Officer Laura Jones Berks County Chief Financial Officer Laura Jones Commissioner Michael Rivera discusses the County of Berks budget process with Chief Financial Officer Laura Jones.

]]> Commissioner Michael Rivera discusses the County of Berks budget process with Chief Financial Officer Laura Jones.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166679 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1677 1 6 full false Berks County Solid Waste Authority Berks County Solid Waste Authority A look at the mission and initiatives of the Berks County Solid Waste Authority with their Executive Director, Jane Meeks. Hosted by Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow. 

]]> A look at the mission and initiatives of the Berks County Solid Waste Authority with their Executive Director, Jane Meeks. Hosted by Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow. 

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166651 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 1758 1 5 full false Berks County Planning Commission Berks County Planning Commission Learn about the Berks County Planning Commission and its role in working with county municipalities, zoning, and the County Comprehensive Plan with their Executive Director Ashley Showers and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Learn about the Berks County Planning Commission and its role in working with county municipalities, zoning, and the County Comprehensive Plan with their Executive Director Ashley Showers and Berks County Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166639 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1647 1 4 full false Community and Economic Development Community and Economic Development Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow sits down with Berks County's Director of Community and Economic Development Director, Pamela Menet.

]]> Berks County Controller Joe Rudderow sits down with Berks County's Director of Community and Economic Development Director, Pamela Menet.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166620 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1610 1 3 full false Berks County Economic Development and Imagine Berks Plan Update Berks County Economic Development and Imagine Berks Plan Update An update on the Berks County Imagine Berks economic development plan with Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, and Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> An update on the Berks County Imagine Berks economic development plan with Derek Harris, Economic Development Coordinator, and Commissioner Michael Rivera.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19166603 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1721 1 2 full false Berks County Visitors Bureau Rebranding Berks County Visitors Bureau Rebranding Experience Reading & Berks County’s Executive Director Heather Zimmerman sits down with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach to discuss the new branding and mission of that Berks County travel and visitors organization.

]]> Experience Reading & Berks County’s Executive Director Heather Zimmerman sits down with Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach to discuss the new branding and mission of that Berks County travel and visitors organization.

]]> Berks Community Television Buzzsprout-19159514 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1619 1 1 full false