Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Karen Corbin, Chief Operating Officer of The Philly POPS, discussed the renowned orchestra’s mission and their perfromances that take us from well-known Broadway and patriotic classics, through Jazz, and world music.

She describes Philly POPS’ concerts as all about having fun and experiencing all kinds of musical genres performed by outstanding musicians and vocalists and well-known guest performers.

Led by Music Director and Principal Conductor David Charles Abell and Artistic Director for Jazz Terell Stafford, the Philly POPS are artists in residence at the Kimmel Center and they perform at The Met.   Beyond the Big Band and Broadway we’ve long known, the Philly POPS presents performances that reflect the diversity and interests of the city, exploring non-traditional instruments and composers.

She notes that the POPS are there for – and in – the community, from trios at community centers, to performances at the city’s most venerable events.   POPS in Schools – POPS in Schools@Home during the pandemic – is a supplemental music education program in 15 Philadelphia schools serving 3,000 students. For many students, it’s their first introduction to brass and stringed instruments.   Each school’s program is tailored to that location, including bilingual music education and after-school programs for Spanish heritage students.  All-City Jazz is the high school program for ten PSD schools which culminates in the All City Jazz Festival.

The Philly POPS Salute Series works with the USO, Philadelphia Police and Fire Department, regional Veterans organizations, community centers and schools for celebrations for our community. Salute performances recognize the service and sacrifice of the military, first responders and others who serve us, with special opportunities including free performances on Memorial Day, July 3 on Independence Mall, July 4 at Philadelphia’s Independence Day concert, and opening night of the POPS Christmas concert series in December.

Karen wrapped up with a look at the upcoming season that includes their final 50th Anniversary of a Beatles album—Let It Be – beginning March 11, new Star Wars concert in October and their annual holiday celebration  with 300 performers, three choirs and a Singing Santa.  January brings a Modern Broadway extravaganza and in February it’s a legacy Swing show with the music of the three divas of the era—Ella, Billie, and Dinah and conducted by Terell Stafford.   That will be followed by a singer-songwriter show featuring the music of James Taylor, Billy Joel and Paul Simon, and a tribute to the late Stephen Sondheim.

For more information or tickets visit phillypops.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sam Hoadley, Horticultural Research Manager at Mt. Cuba Center discussed the former du Pont Copeland estate, now a garden center committed to supporting native plants and their habitats. Today the site features formal gardens, trails, a trial garden, and new for 2022, a woodland glade. He explained the center connects nature lovers with programs that inspire and educate, both onsite and virtually through award-winning gardening, conservation, art, and wellness classes. He notes Mt. Cuba is committed to protecting open spaces and conserving native plants throughout our region and helped to conserve 13,846 acres to date.

We discussed the value of these native specimens, their hardiness, low maintenance and value to the ground, the water and the nature around them. Sam encouraged us all to try Conservation by Addition,’ adding just one native plant to our environment, whether it’s a large yard or a container garden on the patio.

Sam also discussed his own work, evaluating native plants in Mt. Cuba’s Trial Garden to determine their horticultural and ecological values and his current project, studying varieties of hydrangea.

Mt Cuba is open for general admission Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, April through November. Upcoming programs include Wildflower Weekends on April 29, 30, and May 1, Sam’s own Hydrangeas for Every Garden which discusses how to successfully incorporate and care for these versatile shrubs in your home landscape, Drawing and Painting Hydrangeas online with Mindy Lighthipe in May and Shinrin-yoku: Forest Bathing with Anisa George.

Details for these events and more, flower and shrub information and planting guides, plus hours and how to visit Mt Cuba are found at mtcubacenter.org.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Heyl, Director of Communications and Public Policy, and Carla Patton, Manager of Special Events, discussed the mission of the ALS Association, to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.  Their hope, to make it a ‘livable’ disease.  A debilitating disease, ALS can take away a person’s ability to walk, use their hands, eat, and eventually breathe, people with ALS tend to live just 3-5 years from diagnosis, though some live longer. 

ALS can strike anyone.  Gender and race are not a factor, although women and underserved communities face barriers in diagnosis – a problem as quicker intervention can add time.  ALS is a service connected disease and veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS as the general population.  As advocates, the ALS Association has worked to get those diagnosed their disability and support faster.

They spoke of the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter which serves 1,200 people with ALS in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, Central and Southern NJ, and all of Delaware.  They fund vital research, supports 8 multidisciplinary treatment centers, and offers a wide range of services from support groups to in-home care assistance to wheelchairs, speech devices, and other critical tools to improve life for those living with ALS. They are also a navigation service, even helping with insurance questions such as when to borrow and when to purchase a chair through Medicaid.

Finally, we discussed their upcoming Monte Carlo night ‘All in For ALS’ Thursday, March 10th at The FUGE in Warminster, PA!

There will be gaming, plus music, food, an open bar with specialty cocktails and guests can explore the centrifuge used to train astronauts!  Your winnings will allow you to compete for great auction items. 

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can play remotely!  Register for the All in for ALS online poker tournament, and you can still be part of the fun!  Players will advance through rounds to secure a spot at the final table where the top three players will receive Visa Gift Cards.

To register, visit the events page at www.ALSphiladelphia.org and follow on social media @alsphiladelphia 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Federer, Director of Operations for NAMI Philadelphia, discussed the organization, founded as the National Alliance for Mental Illness by parents concerned by the lack of services, conversation and support for families dealing with mental issues.  Today NAMI Philadelphia works to improve the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.  They work for access to quality healthcare, housing, education and employment for people with mental illness and to educate the public about mental illness to help remove the stigma.  NAMI looks to increase funding for research into the causes and treatment, and prevention of mental illness.  She discussed their direct services and programming, peer-based support for those with mental illness, for their families and for professionals who may work with them.   Teachers, medical professionals and law enforcement can access programs, as well as support for their work-related stress.   

NAMI is looking for your support, donations, volunteering or joining them for NAMIWalks, scheduled for September 25th!

To learn more visit NAMIPhilly.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the Children’s Tumor Foundation, Simon Vukeli, Chief Marketing Officer, and Volunteer and Philly Cupid’s Undie Run Race Director, Sandy Frenia, discussed Neurofibromatosis (NF), a chronic disease in which benign tumors grow into the patient’s nerves.  Depending on the severity, it can be undiagnosed until late in life or cause serious complications such as seizures, blindness, deafness, immobility or other impairments.  In some cases, it can lead to rare cancers.  The disease is genetic and that is why the Foundation became the Children’s Tumor Foundation, you are born with it, 1 in 3,000 births.   Diagnosis comes from tell-tale birthmarks or through developing symptoms.   The Foundation directly funds research, referrals and hosts the world’s largest NF Conference.  
Looking to raise money volunteers created the Cupid‘s Undie Run, a ‘brief’ fun run that happens in the middle of a party.  In Philadelphia, it will be Saturday, February 19 at Xfinity Live!  Guests wear their ‘Bedroom Best’ to help fund the research for a cure, better treatment, and education programs.
For more information visit ctf.org
To register for the Cupid’s Undie Run go to cupids.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin Burns, Executive Director of ActionWellness discussed the work that helps over 4,000 clients living with HIV and other chronic illnesses.  Noting that 96% are living below the poverty line, their help can range from case management and health navigation, helping with medical, legal and social services, to clinics and housing.   Its Buddy Program, one of the oldest in the country, offers companionship and emotional support, as well as some occasional daily living tasks.  They also work with the incarcerated, their Leap – Linkage and Engagement After Prison – helps with re-entry and addictions issues.   We discussed the move from caring for the dying from AIDs to helping those living with HIV have their best quality life, jobs and retirement planning are part of their needs. 
Kevin discussed their upcoming Dining Out for Life, it will return in the spring and the move of ‘Glamsino’ to the fall.  He also spoke on their needs, donations, volunteers and staff.  For more information about programming, positions, volunteer opportunities or fundraising events and donations, go to actionwellness.org.   

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Founder and CEO, Dennis Carradin discussed how The Trauma Survivor Foundation gives survivors of traumatic events access to a network of trained trauma therapists to help restore a sense of normalcy and to gain hope.  Based on his own field experience he realized that many survivors lacked ‘follow up,’ they were still experiencing the effects of the trauma without the opportunity for therapy or the ability to build coping skills, they were left to navigate mental health resources on their own.

We discussed the definition of trauma and discussed who is affected, from first responders on the scene, to children watching news school shootings in the media.  Through the foundation survivors have been connected to resources, education, and training to aid their recovery through a vast network of TSF providers, have provided thousands of trauma survivors.  Since the beginning of the Foundation over 30,000 survivors of various traumatic events: mass shootings, natural disasters, line of duty deaths, motor vehicle collisions, sexual abuse or assault, physical abuse or assault, emotional abuse or psychological maltreatment, accidents, illnesses, medical procedures, neglect, victim, or witness to violence were helped through crisis intervention by over 2,500 trained trauma therapists and crisis interventionists participating. 

Mr Carradin also discussed ways of preventing stress, through therapy, peer interaction and open discussion and recognition of traumas causes.  Peer support and wellness programs in the public safety communities have been proven to reduce the onset and incidence of post-traumatic stress, career cumulative stress, burnout, and the myriad physical symptoms caused by them.  Peer support programs have also been shown to be effective in reducing early retirement or resignation, suicide rates, uses of unreasonable force, substance use disorders, and disciplinary issues in first responder populations.

We discussed the current pandemic’s effects on hospital and health care workers and his Hospital Heroes Food Drive, so far providing over 30,000 meals delivered to nurses, doctors, EMS, police, and firefighters working on the front line of the war against Covid-19.  They have partnered with 100 restaurants to deliver the meals across the region, and are looking for individual and business support to keep the program running.  Write that check, he asks!

Learn more at TraumaSurvivorsFoundation.org

HospitalHeroesFoodDrive.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the Pennsylvania State Police, Recruitment Officer, Corporal Danea Durham and Community Engagement Officer, Trooper JessicaTobin, discussed their path to the force, from their college days through enlistment.  They discussed career paths that lead to enlistment and the opportunities within the force.  They described the duties and responsibilities of the State Police, from highway duty in the major cities to full policing and investigation for 80% of the state without police departments.  They discussed the changes in policing since their training and how the department is trying to meet the social issues, whether it's mental health calls, or encouraging diversity within the ranks.  Corporal Durham explained the qualifications required for enlistment and the training process.  Trooper Tobin spoke of her recently launched department, and how discourse with the community will lead to a better police force.  For more information visit PATROOPER.com. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ross Mitchell, Executive Director of Glen Foerd, discussed the historic property, a reflection of the manufacturing wealth of the 19th century Philadelphia, its passing to Fairmount Park oversite and its current importance in preserving the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek banks.  He discussed the saving of the historic property, through creative event planning.  Receiving no money from the city, they home is used as a wedding facility on the weekends and as a ‘stage’ for Ballet X and Fringe Festival performances during the week.  In addition, the boathouse is now home to a boatbuilding program in conjunction with the city schools and other water agencies, they also offer kayaking rentals. 

Learn more at GlenFoerd.org

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Checking in with past guests to see what has happened since their last appearance.   Debby Derricks, Director of Development at the Veteran’s Multi-Service Center shared that the center, serving those who served, has reopened its brick-and-mortar locations and added new facilities in Delaware and New Jersey, it has improved their direct service programs for vets dealing with housing , addiction, joblessness and mental health issues.  www.vmcenter.org

TODD LEISS, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator at Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Assistant Director of Training at Respondersafety.com shared grim news, more emergency responders were killed in 2021 than in previous years.  He asked us to ‘just drive’ when behind the wheel and to visit respondersafety.com for driver responsibilities and tips and free training for emergency responders and highway and traffic crews to prevent accidents. 

TOM MAHON, Director of Marketing & Communications at Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia reported that they completed Oxford Green, a 20-unit affordable community in North Philly.  We discussed their community-building work and how new homeowners bring energy and emotional investment to a neighborhood. 

He explained that since the pandemic has kept volunteer builders at home, they have concentrated on keeping existing homeowners in their homes through their home repair services.  He also discussed their first sustained fund-raising campaign, We Build Together, aimed at raising 5 million dollars for Habitat programming.  Learn more at habitatphiladelphia.org

Zachary Sherman, Executive Director of PENNIE, The PA Health Exchange reminded us of an important deadline, January 15, that‘s the last date to enroll in affordable insurance for 2022 coverage beginning February 1.  He suggests anyone who is possibly losing coverage, looking for better coverage or financial assistance call or log in now to see what options are available.   Get information at PENNIE.COM

Finally, Ed Lafferty, Public Affairs Specialist at the Social Security Administration offered good news about the pandemic, their community outreach program, placing ‘civilian’ services in local community centers, churches or other providers, was not only successful in helping people with barriers to phone or online access, it helped the general public and will become their model going forward.  He reminded us to create and check your My Social Security and wished all born in 1960 an early happy birthday, 2022 will be the year they can start applying for retirement.  Visit ssa.gov to learn more about your benefits and resources.    

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.