Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Paula Green, VP of Development at the American Cancer Society of Philadelphia; WMMR’s Markus Goldman and Andy Polovoy, Board Member of the ACS Bike-A-Thon, discussed the services of the American Cancer Society and its fundraising efforts. Ms Green gave us an overview of the work of ACS, including research, advocacy and direct patient services, including screenings, housing during treatment, transportation to appointments, and a 24/7 hotline number to discuss your diagnosis and options.  We discussed the impact of COVID on services, treatment and screenings and the possible increase in deaths following the pandemic.  Ms Green also discussed the disparity in care, treatment and outcome among Black and other ethnic communities, as well as by income, and efforts to correct this historic shortcoming.  Markus and Andy discussed the annual Bikeathon and how it was started, growing from a few hundred bikes in 1972 to the 3,500+ expected this year. They discussed the path and the entertainment waiting at the end, as well as forming, joining or supporting a team.  Andy talked about the other opportunities to support the ACS, through volunteering at their housing unit, driving patients or helping produce the Bikeathon itself.    Register at ACSbike.org

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Richard Gaudiosi, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration announces that their offices are once again open for in-person business!  While he encourages everyone to continue using their My Social Security accounts and conducting their transiactions and quetions online, they are taking appointments – and walk-ins as time allows – at their branches.

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Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania (LASP) Executive Director Shawn Boehringer, Esq.  and LASP Board President and Executive Director of the Delaware County Bar Association William Baldwin, Esq., discussed the vital legal representation their team provides to the most vulnerable members of our community and the economic value to the community.  Services including landlord/tenant disputes, Family Law including protection from domestic violence, and services for vulnerable populations such as veterans and the elderly.  They spoke of their work with Income Maintenance, protecting and obtaining Unemployment Insurance, SSI and other benefits.  We also discussed other programs affecting income, including ‘Fresh Starts’ dealing with ‘clean slate’ and bankruptcy, as well as foreclosure prevention and financial literacy and budgeting courses.     Services are free based on income, funded by Federal and State programs, foundations and individual donations.   For return on investment, a dollar spent on legal services saves 12 dollars in social services, court costs, emergency relief and other expenses; it is cost effective to prevent litigation or eviction.  

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Annette Weidenfeld, Campaign Development Director, and WMMR’s own Nick McIlwain, volunteer and ‘Philadelphia Man of the Year’ candidate, discussed the programs and successes of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Annette described what constitutes a blood cancer and we discussed who gets the diagnosis; she notes that children make up about 40% of cases, but that genetic and environmental factors mean that anyone or any age can develop one.  

We discussed the LLS mission, to cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease and Myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  Annette spoke of their success,

LLS is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer and they have invested nearly $1.3 billion in research. She also told us that their breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine and these new treatments discovered through blood cancer research are now being tested in clinical trials for other cancers.  Not only are deaths decreasing, Annette tells us that the first treatment in over 30 years for the especially deadly AML is now available.  She also discussed their initiatives in childhood care, looking to decrease the long-term side-effects of treatment.  We spoke about patient outcomes and their advocacy for access to treatment and affordable healthcare.  Learn more about their work and how you can support them at LLS.ORG.

We talked about their patient services, LLS is there from diagnosis through treatment and more, with peer support, referrals, and even financial help.  Nick, part of the Preston & Steve Morning Show on BMG’s WMMR, spoke about his work for LLS.  His young nephew and his father were both diagnosed with blood cancers within the same year.  He had participated in LLS events through the station, but now he knew first-hand how important LLS is to the families fighting these diseases and he stepped up to becoming one of their leading advocates.  He was especially touched that they cared about his entire family, not just the patients, and offered advice and support through every step of their way through treatment.   Nick has lead the Beasley stations’ fundraising, through ‘Team Luke’ at the annual Big Climb, to Light the Night and the annual walk.  He is now campaigning for ‘Philadelphia Man of Year,’ every dollar he raises is a vote for him and needed money for that research and patient support.  To learn more about his campaign and his competitors for ‘Man’, ‘Woman’ and ‘Student of the Year’ as well as information about fundraising throughout the year, go to LLS.ORG and check ‘How To Help’

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Sam Lemheney,  returns to discuss the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show

Sam Lemheney, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Chief of Shows and Events, returns to discuss the 2022 Philadelphia Flower Show, the nation’s biggest and the world’s longest running flower exhibition, at South Philadelphia’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park (FDR Park) from June 11 through June 19.

He described this year’s show, ‘In Full Bloom’ and how it symbolizes a return to ‘good health’ for the community and PHS programs.  He spoke of this year’s features,  exhibits from an international group of award-winning designers, the beloved Butterfly Exhibit, The Garden for the Greater Good, reflecting horticulture’s role in positive social and environmental change, a ‘Pride Month’ display from the Philadelphia based David Rubin Land Collective, the Marketplace with vendors and plant sales, Artisan Row with flower and plant creations and more children’s activities, including an all-new Kids Cocoon & Play Space is an interactive outdoor experience for families and children -- and that each one of us can harness that power.  He gave the dining options for this year’s show, with a new restaurant and more stands throughout the space and the special events including the annual Saturday dance party after show hours. 

We discussed the importance of the Flower Show, to tourism and our hospitality economy, and also to the ongoing projects of PHS, vacant lot removals, tree planting, greenspace design and maintenance, employment programs for the recently incarcerated, fresh produce programs for families and educational classroom projects.  We also discussed the continuing benefits to FDR Park, in permanent hardscape and water projects.  

Finally, we discussed Membership in PHS and the benefits, tickets, seeing the show on ‘Members’ Day’ before it opens to the public, discounts at the show and programs throughout the year.  

Information about PHS, membership, and Flower Show tickets are available online at PHSonline.org

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From the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Communications Director Dave Skutnick and Regional Communications Manager Alana Mauger, discussed being prepared for an emergency.  We talked about recent tragedies in New York and Philadelphia where families were lost in fires and we discussed their free smoke alarm programs. May 6 through the 21 they will be canvassing neighborhoods installing free smoke alarms in a campaign they call Sound the Alarm. They talked about the need for planning, noting that you have seconds to escape.  They ask us all to have a family plan for evacuation and for a meeting location and tell us to practice it until the youngest child knows what to do when the alarm goes off.  We also discussed evacuation or sheltering in place during an emergency as hurricane season is here.  Dave reminds families to plan for no power with cell phones, batteries, and activities.  We then discussed the current blood supply, as always at this time of year, critically low.  They asked us to become a donor, describing the process, recommending we all download their RAPID PASS blood app to make it even easier to give.  We spoke on the need, for accident victims and surgeries, but also for the chronically ill or cancer patients who rely on the supply. The Red Cross needs to collect 600 units daily to keep up.   You can call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment.   

Finally, a reminder that everything you need to keep your family safe, through disaster, weather emergencies, shelter in place or evacuation, and more, can be found at their website.  If you need alarms, you can visit their Home Fire Safety web page or call 215-299-4029.

REDCROSS.ORG

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Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer for the American Lung Association, discussed respiratory disease - asthma, CPD, tuberculosis and lung cancer, the number one cancer killer for men and women in the US, and their efforts to eradicate it through education, research and direct services. She discussed the research funding they provide and programs such as ‘Saved by the Scan’ – a free, low dose lung scan for former smokers, their smoking cessation classes and classroom education and advocacy work.  She recounted their successes in passing tobacco restrictions and their reports on air quality and emission-free vehicles.   Both reports can be found at their website.
For a Saved By The Scan checklist of eligibility, information about asthma programs 'Better Breathers' and 'Open Airways' and their teen education and advocacy, including FreedomFrom Tobacco and Vape-Free school initiatives, go to LUNG.ORG.  There you will also find information about supporting the Lung Association, either throug donations or volunteering, or by joining their Lung Force, 'Team Turquoise' will be found at the annual Fight For Air Climb April 9 or their upcoming walks.   
For information and advice, 7A to 7P 7 days a week, call 1-800-LUNG-USA 

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George Clark, US Postal Inspector, discussed the US Post Office, its history and its impact on commerce and homeland security.  Violations are a federal crime and his office investigates, with the full authority and resources of any law enforcement agency.  He described the types of mail that are prohibited – firearms, explosives, volatile chemicals - and why.  He discussed their main concern. Mail theft and fraud.  He reminds everyone that if an offer is too good, it probably is, and he warned us against fake lotteries, work-at-home ofers, fraudulent charities, and romance schemes.  He asks everyone to stop before responding, ask a relative or trusted friend’s advice and to just ‘Google’ the sender and to report anything suspicious to the US Postmaster.    For tips and information on reporting a crime go to USPIS.GOV or call 877-876-2455

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David Morris, Executive Director for the American Heart and Stroke Association Delaware and Dr. John Shuck, MD, Cardiology Specialist with Bayhealth, discussed cardio-vascular disease, what it is and how it affects us. We discussed the importance of maintaining a proper weight, avoiding nicotine and getting enough exercise as prevention is the best way to protect yourself. Dr Shuck discussed heart disease and young women, while they receive limited protection before menopause, pregnancy can cause not just gestational diabetes, it can trigger hypertension issues that can last after the baby is born. Davis reminded us of the link between our mental health and our physical well-being and we discussed the benefits of social connections and activity.
Finally, a reminder that keeping up with your numbers – blood pressure and cholesterol – and knowing the signs of heart disease are vital. Get a check up, and, if you experience the warning signs of a heart attack – chest pressure, arm pain, sweating or nausea, or the FAST list of stroke – Facial drooping, Arm or limb weakness Speech issues – it’s Time to call 911.

For more information about Bayhealth Cardiology go to bayhealth.org/heart and vascular
To get lifestyle tips from healthy recipes to exercise, information about classes and CPR/AED training or the research and programming of the American Heart and Stroke Association, go to HEART.org

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Larry Dubinski, President & CEO of The Franklin Institute, returns to discuss the institute’s new blockbuster exhibition, Harry Potter and the Wizarding World, The Exhibition, a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship behind the blockbuster films; the places, characters and creatures found in the Potter universe.  In this world premiere exhibit best-in-class immersive design and technology will allow visitors to experience the mysteries of Hogwarts™ castle, Gringotts™ and the Ministry of Magic, with creatures found in the series’ films and the Fantasist Beasts.

Larry promises visitors will get an exclusive, up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films in the most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented about the Wizarding World.   He explains the importance of these blockbuster exhibits, they draw people, visitors who will not only stay to see and enjoy the rest of the venerable institution, but also reserve hotel rooms, dine in local restaurants and shop, but also visit other cultural venues in Philadelphia.

We discussed the importance of door traffic to our museums, tickets are a major source of revenue in a city and state that does not financially support these institutions.  ‘Harry’ has already proved to be the most anticipated and purchased exhibit since Tut.

We also discussed new features for adults, The Franklin Institute has new podcasts and videos at their new digital portal, beyond.fi.edu , a twelve episode bioscience-themed podcast series, “So Curious!” and an 8 episode new astronomy-themed video series “A Practical Guide to the Cosmos.”   Both available where you catch your podcasts and videos with subscribers receiving bonus content.

Look for the next installment of Science After Hours, a quarterly evening event series exclusively for the 21and up that offers grown-ups opportunities to explore The Franklin Institute’s hands-on exhibit spaces, with live performances, surprising challenges and a cash bar!

For more information visit the Franklin online at FI.EDU

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