Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, discussed the import economic role tourism and the Visitor Center play for the region.  With so many major conventions and sporting events, and with its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and New York, Philadelphia is a major national and international tourist destination.  She discussed how her staff work with travelers at four stations across the city to make their visit memorable whether they are looking for dining, museums, history, sports, outdoor recreation or family entertainments.  They work with regional sites and institutions to make their stations the easiest way to learn about leisure time in Philadelphia. 

Kathryn is thrilled to announce that they will be celebrating Rocky this December with the first ever Rocky Fest and Rocky Day December 3.  Working with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Film Society, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Monument Lab, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Laurel Hill Cemetery, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Zoo Phlash bus tours will take guests to famous Rocky film locations beginning November 30 – December 8.  Other events include Real Life Rockys Mural Unveiling on December 4,

Southpaws Yappy Hour at the Docks December 5,  a Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink December 6, Rocky Movie Marathons December 6 – 8 and another Rocky Date Night at The Zoo December 7.  The new Rocky gift shop can be found at the base of the ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

We finished with a discussion of their plans for 2026 – which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Rocky’s release – and what the city can expect with World Cup Soccer, the MLB All Star Game and more during the holiday week.

For more information about Rocky celebrations go to PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest.

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Jessica Craft,  CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future discussed the free music program that works with over 1200 youth annually In schools, community locations, and the justice system, supporting youth development and economic empowerment.  

Classes teach guitar, bass, drums, piano, music production, and writing to allow students to create, collaborate and perform their own music.  To overcome the economic barriers many students face Rock to the Future gives each student their instrument and provides transportation and meals for classes. 

Rock to the Future uses music to help youth build new beliefs, learn new skills, and try new things, they develop confidence and skills like leadership, communication, conflict resolution and a sense of belonging which supports the long-term goals of youth staying in school and graduate, pursuing college and trade programs, building healthy relationships, physical health benefits, and building safe communities.

Since her last interview, Rock to the Future programs now include paid creative and life skill development opportunities which distributed more than $80,000 to teens this past summer and provide youth with scholarships and trade school support after graduation, recruited a full-time mental health specialist that helps our students learn skills like affirmations, positive thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and connects youth with resources and extended their programming for youth who are incarcerated and in the justice system.  

She discussed their fundraising efforts – there is a $55,000 match for all donations made up until December 31st.   They also accept instrument donations and need volunteers.

For more information about classes and how to bring the program to your school, go to rocktothefuture.org.  Follow them on social media @Rock2Future

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Lynn Cohen, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, and Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager, discussed the local impact of their relief efforts across the five states affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, they talked about the volunteers who are trained for on-site emergency work, helping local agencies feed and shelter refugees, distribute supplies, coordinate government operations, and accessing damage.  More than 100 volunteers from the greater Philadelphia area have deployed and the local chapter has lent ten emergency and mission response vehicles.                             

We talked about the role of the volunteer at the Red Cross, from working blood drives, delivering blood, responding to fires, and installing smoke detectors.  They described their signature programs, including their emergency training, the first aid, CPR and lifeguard certification classes, their annual ‘Sound the Alarm that installs thousands of free smoke detectors, and their disaster preparedness resources.    

We talked about the ongoing need for blood, the American Red Cross is a major supplier of the nation’s supply and any interruption in collection can cause a shortage. They gave us a rundown of who can give, virtually anyone over 17 – 16 with parental permission – who is feeling healthy that day.  They stressed the need for whole blood and platelets for trauma, cancer and sickle cell patients.   Call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to RedCrossBlood.org to find a collection drive near you, to register and to download their Donor App that allows you to pre-check your status to save time at your appointment.

For more information about training, volunteering, how to prepare for disasters go to redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.  You can donate to their relief efforts by texting HURRICANES to 90999. 

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Judge Midge Rendell, Senior US Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the 3rd District, discussed the center founded by her and her then husband, Governor Ed Rendell, to promote non-partisan civic education and engagement and to teach the Constitution and Civics to K-12 students, with age-appropriate programming.   

She reminds us that while PA students must now take a test on their civics knowledge before graduation, there’s no reporting or action taken based on the results and schools are not required to teach it.  The Federal Government provides $50 per student for STEM education and just .05 cents on civics.    

Read Aloud programs bring local attorneys into classrooms to read books about democracy, introducing kids to career opportunities and discussion about citizenship.  Literature-based mock trials take a well-known children’s story or historic event and litigate the issues found in them, for example, was Goldilocks committing a crime by entering the bears’ home?  Fifteen judges oversee the trials with students taking on the roles of jury, witnesses, prosecution and defense.

For educators the Rendell Center offers professional development programs through webinars and symposiums as well as a summer class on Teaching the Supreme Court for advanced placement students.   Materials for all educators, as well as home-schoolers can be found on their website.

Finally , we discussed the upcoming Citizenship Challenge, an annual essay competition where teams of students tackle a constitutional issue, with prize money for winning schools and the opportunity to present a skit about their work at the National Constitution Center.  This year’s topic is Should the Constitution be amended to eliminate the Electoral College system and replace it with the popular vote? And the deadline is November 1.  Details and entry instructions are also at rendellcenter.org. 

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Paula Green, Vice President of the American Cancer Society of Greater Philadelphia, discusses their work in advocacy, research, prevention and direct services to men, women and children.  We reviewed their online and phone counseling, where a trained peer volunteer is available 24/7 to speak with patients, especially crucial after a diagnosis.  ACS offers peer support, information and referrals for most cancers.  They also offer online reference material and information about signs and symptoms, screening and diagnosis, making treatment decisions and long-term concerns for the family and caregivers.  

We discussed other direct patient services, including Road to recovery which provides transportation for patients to and from doctor visits and treatment, Hope Lodges, offering housing to patients traveling for care within the area, screening and peer groups.  

She discussed their important role in funding new research, their seed money has led to countless Nobel Prize winners and breakthrough discoveries.   In an effort to drive diversity in the lab and promote health equity, we talked about the ACS Voices of Black Women, a new investigatory project which will examine health care disparity and access to care, and look for causes for their higher mortality rates.  100,000 women are being recruited and she asks Black women and those identifying as women to participate in the on-going research.   She asks interested listeners to go to Voices.Cancer.org for more information. 

Finally, we talked about the many fundraising opportunities they offer, including the annual breast cancer awareness Making Strides Walk, with three planned in October; October 13 in Ocean City, October 20 at Cooper River Parke for the greater Philadelphia area, and October 27 in Delaware.  Learn more and find the walk closest to you across the country at makingstrideswalk.org.   She also spoke of the annual Coaches and CEOS against Cancer campaigns and the Relay for Life bike ride, all found at CANCER.org.

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Dr. Keith Klosterman, a marriage and family therapist, discussed how suicide and suicide ideation affects the family.  We talked about how loss can affect family members differently and an attempt can cause trust issues in the marriage or between parents and children.  We talked about how to begin a discussion about mental health and suicide as it’s not common dinner table conversation! With your children he advises to practice listening, patience and tolerance; to hear what they are saying, and answer questions and concerns honestly in age-appropriate terms.  

For more information and resources he suggests we visit the American Psychologist’s Association at APA.org or the American Counseling Association at ACA.org.   In a crisis call 988. 

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Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center returned to discuss their upcoming 2024 ADAcon: Inclusive Hospitality and Tourism October 16 – October 17 at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington for the industry with speakers, vendors and panels on best practices.  The event will kick off with a day-long excursion to Winterthur, a pioneer in accommodation and inclusion, on October 15.  We spoke about the hospitality industry; people with disabilities and their families generate up to 21 Billion in revenue, yet many hotels, restaurants, museums, nature centers and transportation providers don’t know how to accommodate these consumers.  The ADA Center’s Hospitality Conference will speak to restaurants, hotels and resorts, attractions, parks, transportation providers, travel and convention planners as well as those looking to get into the business.

She gave us an overview of the ADA and their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act, from who is protected to what employers, governments and businesses must do to accommodate this growing population.  We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, the businesses that are either responsible to accommodate through the ADA or local law, and how the ADA Center can help with information and direction.  The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten across the country offering these services.       

We discussed recent efforts to ban sub-minimum wage job waivers, the reasons behind their desire to close these facilities.  Finally, we talked about hiring and retention of employees, and about accommodations, how simple and how life-changing they can be.  She encourages anyone, from businesses to individuals to community and civic groups to reach out for information and programming to help implement the ADA for an inclusive society.  

For more information about training, the conference, and facts about the ADA visit ADAInfo.org or call 1-800-949-4232. 

Ms Deschamps also recommends the Job Accommodation Network for questions about types of accommodations available to employees, some simple.  Find them at AskJAN.org. 

Follow the ADA on social media at 
     Facebook
facebook.com/adanetwork
     LinkedIn
linkedin.com/company/ada-national-network/
     X (formerly Twitter)
x.com/ADANational

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Our Delaware Valley

September 8, 2024  7:30AM

20 minutes of a 30-minute program

Al Zone, Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo discusses the 100 anniversary year events, programming and new additions at the neighborhood landmark.  Created as a land trust in 1924, they grew from a facility for North and South American animals into a home for over 100 species from all over the globe including giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas, a number of which are managed through an international Species Survival Plan.  They are one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  He discussed the importance of this designation and how their work supports the conservation and protection of these animals and their habitats across the country.  To showcase their efforts a visit is narrated by their work in creating habitats, and allows guests to see feedings and even veterinary care. 

He discussed how the zoo offers programming for all with zip-lines and beer gardens to make it a full day of activities.  The zoo pioneered inclusion for children and adults with autism or special needs and were the first zoo in the world to earn certification as a Certified Autism Center with special admission hours, sensory backpacks and guides and even adult changing tables.  They were the first to add pet-friendly programming and offer ‘Yappy Hour’ events.

To celebrate their anniversary there are centennial Saturdays the first Saturday of the month with special programming and early admittance for members.  The 100th Anniversary Gala will take place November 2 at the Oaks Expo Center, tickets are now on sale, as well as for the annual Beast of a Feast October 10th, featuring food stations and evening entertainment throughout the zoo.  For Halloween family fun there’s Boo At The Zoo.  

Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd. in Norristown, PA, for tickets, memberships and visiting information go to elmwoodparkzoo.org.

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Onco-surgeon Dr. Arnold Baskies, member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Breast Surgeon, past-chairman of the National Board of Directors of the American cancer Society, advisory member of the Global Breast cancer Initiative with the World Health Organization, discussed the latest developments in the fight against breast cancer. We discussed the differing benefits of early detection, prevention and research into cures and the American cancer Society’s role in increasing awareness and reducing deaths.  He also discussed his current role with UE Life Sciences, a non-profit corporation developing consumer products that can detect changes in breast tissues, helping lead to earlier diagnosis.  He also discussed the ongoing efforts of the American Cancer Society, WHO and other global partners, in bringing early screening, treatment and prevention efforts to women underserved by healthcare, in underdeveloped countries and women in the US who are impacted by location and ongoing social determinants.  For more information go to CANCER.org

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Brittany Holiday, Director of Community Engagement at The Village of Arts and Humanities discussed  The Village of Arts and Humanities, a nearly 40-year-old arts and community revitalization organization rooted in Philadelphia's deeply disinvested Fairhill-Hartranft neighborhood. Their mission is to support artists and Black community residents to imagine, design, and build a more just and equitable society.

They engage community members annually through programs and projects that blend art with social justice, youth leadership, and equitable revitalization.

In 2021, The Village started a multi-generational steering committee, which met to learn about and explore literacy while imagining what a literacy-rich Fairhill-Hartranft could look, sound, and feel like.

In addition to The Village, project partners include Mastery Clymer, the Hartranft Playground Alliance, Read by 4th, Historic Fair Hill, Hope Partnership for Education, Urban Creators, Ones Up, Lillian Marrero Library, Joyful Readers, and John F. Hartranft School.

One of the major community initiatives is the Fairhill-Hartranft ABCs, which was made possible with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

This initiative is designed to get people across the Fairhill-Hartranft neighborhood to think about and interact with literacy in new and exciting ways, from street art to storytelling. Through this work, they hope to build community power, preserve their stories, and increase appreciation for language in all its forms.

Current activations include two new community-informed murals, which features a neighborhood alphabet with art created by several local artists and letter installations throughout the neighborhood, to be shared through scavenger hunt booklets.

The first public event is a Reading Captain Training on October 1, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Mastery Clymer Elementary School. They need your help to break the record of most Reading Captains trained by Read by 4th in a single session!  Reading Captains must be over 18 years old.

They’re also working with our community partners to develop a robust schedule of literacy-rich events that will kick off this fall and run through March.

To learn more about the Fairhill-Hartranft ABC literacy initiative and sign up for the Reading Captain training: https://fairhillhartranftabc.org/.

To learn more about The Village: https://villagearts.org

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillagephilly/

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