Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Oliver Bass, President of Natural Lands discussed the non-profit and its mission, to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.   Founded in 1953, Natural Lands today works in Eastern PA and Southern NJ, protecting over 125,000 acres at 44 nature preserves, most of which is open to the public, free of charge 356 days a year.  Over 2.5 million people live within five miles of land protected by Natural Lands.   He discussed the founding by a local accountant and amateur bird-watcher, Allston Jenkins, and his fight to protect local land for the native creatures.   Today National Lands benefits from farmers and large land owners seeking to preserve their properties after they're gone, through donation and trusts.  Properties administered by Natural Lands include storied estates such as Stoneleigh and its gardens.   We talked about the current use of the land for family and nature lovers to enjoy and how these activities fit into their goals of promoting wildlife, water, climate and health.  There are over 117 miles of trail available for hiking and running.  They offer over 100 events each year from nature walks to star watching, children's events and outdoor concert.  Teaching children about conservation is a major goal and they offer many family activities.

Because saving and maintaining land is expensive he discussed their fundraising efforts including memberships, walks and parties, such as the 2SP Brewing Company Charity Night and the ChesLen Chase for Open Space 10K, 5K and 2-mile Fun Run/Walk October 9th at ChesLen Preserve's Lenfest Center.  

For more information about the properties, activities and membership visit NATLANDS.ORG

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Mary Ann Murtha, Chapter Board Chair on the American Federation for Suicide Prevention of Greater Philadelphia, discussed their work in battling depression, increasing mental health awareness and removing the stigma of seeking help, all to reduce suicide deaths 20% by 2015.  Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the US and everyday about 129 American's take their own life.  AFSP engages in five key strategies, funding research, offering educational programs for professionals, educating the public on mood disorders and suicide prevention and advocating  legislative polices on resources and programming funds.  Ms Murtha spoke of her family's loss, their son died by suicide after battling depression.  She spoke on warning signs for friends and family and encouraged everyone to ask, to open a conversation if they sense a change.  She also praised the creation of a new emergency number - 988, similar to 911 it is a 24/7 emergency resource in crisis.   She described their work with emergency responders in cases of death  by suicide, with law enforcement when dealing with persons experiencing depression or suicidal actions, their counseling services and AFSP's campus work, including a new interactive, anonymous screening program that allows students to recognize signs of depression and ask for help.    

We talked about the upcoming OUT OF DARKNESS, 400 walks across all 50 states to raise and awareness for suicide prevention.  The greater Philadelphia walk is October 6th.  She asked us to participate, by creating a team, sponsoring a walker or joining the event 'virtually' online. They need volunteers, too, for the walk and for their year-round services, including counseling, manning the phones or fundraising.  

For more information go to AFSP.ORD , in the greater Philadelphia area AFSP.ORG/PHILADELPHIA  In a crisis situation call the national hotline, 988 

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Executive Director Beth Sturman and Volunteer Coordinator Samantha Koellhoffer discussed Laurel House, a safe shelter and support service for families facing domestic abuse.  We discussed first the forms that abuse can take, it can be emotional or financial, there can be physical abuse, but controlling behavior is the driving condition.  It crosses all educational and financial lines, it's in every community and costs us over 8.3 billion a year in services and lost wages.   They described domestic abuse and its effect on women and children; 15.5 million children live in a home where partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, these children are now at risk of long-term physical and mental health problems and they are also at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships.   For teens, one in 10 was hit by a romantic partner yet only 30% will say something about it.  They discussed the role of loved ones, co-workers and friends in ending a DA situation, without being assertive or offering advice, by just asking, 'Are you okay?' or 'You don't seem like yourself, is something wrong?'   Laurel House offers emergency shelter for women and children leaving DA and housing for the men who become victims.  There is a 24/7 Hotline that anyone can call, victim or concerned friend, that can offer supports and resources. They advised having a plan for leaving the relationship, with custody, legal documents and secretly saved money.  In emergencies, their DART rapid response works with law enforcement to get victims to safety as soon as possible.  Laurel House provides legal help for custody, restraining orders and other protections from abuse. They offer counseling and parenting classes as well.  Samantha described upcoming events, the September 14th Fun Run and October 20th 5K Walk/Run,  the October 16th Breaking the Silence Luncheon and media discussion, and their annual Drag Bingo and Galas.  She described the volunteer needs and the training for those who want to help with client needs.  

HOTLINE: 800-642-3150 

LAUREL-HOUSE.ORG

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Sean Kelley, Senior Vice-President and Director of Interpretation at Eastern State Penitentiary, and Project Lead of Hidden Live Illuminated, discussed the new, limited run art installation. 

Hidden Lives Illuminated features nightly free screenings of newly-commissioned, animated short films created by currently-incarcerated artists living in Pennsylvania correctional institutions.  Displayed nightly on the outside walls the films tell the experiences and feelings of the men and women living behind them. The series was commissioned as part of Eastern State Penitentiary’s mission of promoting conversation about criminal justice reform in the US.  ESP has a permanent exhibition on US incarceration, among the highest in the world and disproportionately affecting the poor and people of color.  An award winning, ongoing interactive exhibit asks visitors to question their thoughts on reform and rehabilitation.

Sean discussed the failed mission of the original Quaker jailers, this was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence, or regret, in the hearts of prisoners.  Sean described how each prisoner was kept alone in silence, with his own small yard and only a slot I the wall for meals to be delivered.  Its then innovative design, a wheel spoke layout to allow guards to see down the cell blocks was studied and emulated by European countries, New York’s Sing Sing was used as a model by South America, Asia and the rest of the world.   He described how the system continued, despite critics including Charles Dickens who requested a visit.  The prison was converted to an open, general population prison by the turn of the 20th century, ending its existence as a jail by the early 1970s.  At the end, its outdated facilities and lack of security – it was now surrounded by the city – made a place to warehouse elderly prisoners living out their sentences.

He described how it was saved from the wrecking ball and slowly reopened to the public.   It relies on donations and memberships, as well as special events including the Terror Behind the Walls Halloween haunt, to continue their work in stabilizing and restoring the buildings.   The prison is open daily for tours and self-guided exploration.   There is a recreation of Al Capone’s cell, commissioned art installations, the restored synagogue and chapel, hospital and guards rooms to see. 

EASTERNSTATE.ORG

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Amy Kelly, National Director of Family Engagement, discussed her family’s experiences with Autism Spectrum Disorder and how it lead her to Devereux.  Amy’s daughter, Annie, is enrolled in the Devereux school, Amy discussed her first-hand experience in preparing a child with ASD for life after she leaves the school system and beyond.  We talked about programming at Devereux and the need for individual plans.  She spoke of the problems facing all parents of children with special needs, finding services, keeping the child within the educational system until 21 and preparing for life after the family is gone, either as an individual or in a group setting, she discussed the support services Annie requires throughout the day.

She noted that many of the Devereux staff are family, they come for the programming and stay on, her daughter Annie, has an campus job.   In her own position, she helps families navigate

Ms Kelly offered tips on preparing a child with special needs for the first day of school, advice that apply to any apprehensive child.  She suggests getting the preparation started early with establishing a routine for sleep.   Start the conversation started early, too – making it into a count-down each day and staying optimistic and upbeat about the coming school year.  She suggested saying, in twenty days you’ll be back with your friends at school,’ then,  ‘In 19 days days you’ll be with your friends at school.’   She recommended breaking down the task, getting dressed for school, walking to the bus, riding the bus, greeting the teacher, etc.  Another suggestion was to create an ‘Advent’ calendar, something different each day counting down to the first day of school.  She recommended getting the child involved with getting the clothes and supplies needed.  Driving the bus route and visiting the classroom also cuts down the apprehension and fear.  Once school has started, she recommends a system of sharing information with the teacher, either through scheduled calls, emails or notes, to track the child’s progress and in the class and at home.

Amy’s Back to School Tips for families with a special needs child – make it less stressful!

For more information visit DEVEREUX.org 

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Viviann Schorle, Program Director,  Project HOPE (HIV/AIDS Outreach Prevention and Education) at Montgomery County Family Services and  Robb Reichard, Executive Director, AIDS Fund, discussed the current campaign, 'U=U Undetectable = Untransmittable.'  Through knowing your status and receiving treatment, a person with HIV can not only test for no detectable virus, but also be unable to transmit it to a partner.   We also spoke about current numbers for transmission, young people are particularly vulnerable, Robb suggesting it's youth, not lack of knowledge, causing this. 

AIDS Fund, provides direct assistance to HIV/AIDS clients at twelve local service providers, including Project HOPE.  Its work compliments the medical and other services to allow the best result in care.

Project HOPE, Montgomery County’s only comprehensive HIV/AIDS services program, works those living with those living with HIV/AIDS and those at risk for HIV/AIDS by providing medical case management, HIV antibody testing, prevention education, and outreach in English and Spanish.  The free, confidential service link clients with the proper nutrition, dental care, transportation, public benefits, and counseling as appropriate.

 Project Hope’s ‘Healthy Relationships Intervention’ program  envisions individuals living with HIV/AIDS can enjoying productive, active lives; including relationships. 

While the test is widely available and quick with results in minutes, they discussed the misconceptions as to who is at risk - the answer: EVERYONE.  They noted that those at risk have to speak up and ask for PREP, a daily low dose treatment can suppress the virus, virtually reducing the chance of contracting the disease.  Yet, many young people are unaware of it or dependent on family insurance to receive it. They also discussed the need for better education within the medical field in educating patients and offering the appropriate care.  We spoke about the stigma that still remains and the need for more conversation to expand the message, get tested, if you are at risk ask for PREP, if you have been exposed, seek treatment.  

We talked about the annual AIDS Walk Philly, 'Be a Lifeline' coming Sunday, October 20.  This is the major fundraiser for t he year and it provides emergency relief for those living with HIV/AIDS.  Register at AIDSWALKPHILLY.COM

On September 18, both will appear at the Montgomery County Courthouse with a program commemorating National Aging with HIV month, they noted that 45% of those with HIV are over the age if 50. 

For more information on AIDS Fund or to locate a testing site near you, call 215-981-AIDS or go to AIDSFUNDPHILLY.ORG 

For information about Project HOPE go to FSMONTCO.ORG.

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From the Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia, Captain Tawny Cowen-Zanders, Divisional Secretary,  and Susan Brotherton, Director of Philadelphia Social Service Ministries, discussed the mission and programming of the local charity.  Captain Cowen-Zanders described their work as a holistic approach, providing for the needs of the individual physically, emotionally and economically as well as spiritually.  We discussed the poverty of Philadelphia, the hunger and housing crisis, and how the Salvation Army works to get families back on their feet through Pathway of Hope, with counseling, financial planning, education and jobs.  We discussed how the case managers work with the families to set goals and then plan ways to attain them.  Ms Brotherton described the community specific programming offered; in Kensington there is a day shelter for women with immediate comforts - and help to get them off the street when there is enough trust established.  We discussed the trauma of poverty and how it affects children, how many of the women and children involved in human trafficking get there through vulnerability, many as young as 12.  The Captain noted that in the past, many involved prostitution became addicted through  self-medication as an escape, today they see the reverse, people with addiction issues turning to it as a way to support their addiction.  They spoke on their work with other providers and with law enforcement, today many women are brought to the shelter instead of jail. 

Both discussed their many facilities, including drop in centers or community recreation and arts centers such as the Kroc, emergency shelters, housing for single men dealing with addiction and senior housing.  They described their programming for kids, families and seniors and they reminded us that the Salvation Army is still in the disaster relief services, whether it's a local apartment fire or a hurricane across the country.  

To learn more about the Salvation Army and how you can volunteer or donate, visit SAPHILLY.ORG.  Follow them on Twitter at SalArmyPhilly.

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Edward Lafferty, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, discussed discussed the system’s funding, since his last appearance we gained a year before the trust runs dry, by 2035 there will be just two workers paying in to every beneficiary.  He advised us to visit the SS website to see the various scenarios and proposals to keep the system afloat, important information in an election year.   We discussed the first attack, raising the age of full benefits.

He described Social Security as part of a planned retirement.  He noted that the entitlement was never intended to be the sole source of income, and that we should look at it in conjunction with pensions, investments and savings.  He recommended that everyone sign up for a My Social Security card, it creates a portal that allows you to track your payments into the system, catch missing info early, interface via text with the Administration to ask questions, request a replacement SS card and later, apply for retirement benefits.

Mr. Lafferty described the various programs that are part of the system, retirement, disability and survivor and children’s benefits.  Disability he described as an ‘insurance’ – when you are verified as disabled – and he noted it is a stringent criteria used – you and your dependents receive funds.  Survivor and children’s benefits help should you die with children under the age of 18.  He also spoke of the benefits available to children who are disabled from birth or before they become a wage earner.

He talked about the decision to take benefits, early with a permanently reduced monthly payment, or delayed, which, up to the age of 70, can dramatically increase the amount you can receive.  He noted that it is a personal decision; consider your family’s longevity, your need and how much you’re willing to gamble on it!

We also discussed scams, Mr. Lafferty encourages everyone to report any phone or mail solicitations, even if you are not a victim, to help track where and how scams are originating. He reminds us that the Social Security Administration DOES NOT call unless you’ve initiated a conversation and that you should NEVER share information about your account or send money to clear any ‘problems.’

If you receive a suspicious call, you may report that information online at https://oig.ssa.gov/report or by calling (800) 269-0271, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site specific to Social Security scams:  https://identitytheft.gov/ssa. 

Finally, he reviewed the top baby names from 2018!  Once again nationally it was Liam and then Noah on top for boys, and Emma and Olivia leading the girls.  Mr. Lafferty noted that the states will often show regional differences, for example, PA follows the nation’s lead at the top, then veers off and adds Benjamin and Mason to the top five!  The list reflects cultural influences, such as sports heroes and actors and films and television.  He encourages parents to consider Edward for their next son, number 169 on the list.

SOCIALSECURITY.GOV

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Dr. Scott Stephenson, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution, discussed the museum, which celebrated its second anniversary in April.  He described its founding, based on the collection of the Valley Forge Historical Society, begun Episcopal Priest W. Herbert Burke, with the purchase at auction of General George Washington's military war tent.  Now the cornerstone of the museum, it's surrounded by a permanent collection and objects on loan from private collectors and families.

He discussed how the museum presents artifacts in accessible, interactive ways and humanizes the stories to attract contemporary audiences.  He spoke on the museum's efforts to relate the stories of the native peoples, women and people of color, using diaries and personal papers.   We discussed the museum's more scholarly work, too, its archives, its continuing search for artifacts and its upcoming consortium.   The museum will present its first international exhibit in the fall, 'The Cost of the Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier;'  looking at the war's impact on a soldier fighting for the British.

Finally, a look at upcoming events and Dr. Stephenson invites everyone to attend a 'History After Hours' event, cocktails, conversation and hands-on activities after the museum's regular hours.

For more information about special events, hours and exhibits, go to AmRevMuseum.org.

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Alana Mauger, Communications Manager for Blood Services for the American Red Cross Penn Jersey Region, discussed the current critical need for blood.  After praising the efforts of our sister station WMMR’s recent drive – the largest single location dive in the US – and the 1,416 pints it collected, she noted that the area went through those pints within three days.  To maintain the quantity needed over 800 pints must be collected every day of the year.  She encouraged people to come in and give, anyone 16 with parental approval, then 17 and up can give with few exceptions.  She described the process and how they collect whole blood, power reds – a double collection of red cells, and platelets, which allows you to keep the plasma and other cells.   The need for all types is there, but especially for O negative and O positive.  She also asked ethnic communities and people of color to donate as people requiring multiple transfusions of blood product - including Sickle Cell patients - develop antibodies against the blood; they require an even tighter match to their donor,  Finally, if you cannot donate, consider volunteering, driving donations or at a blood drive.  She also asked us to organize a drive, the American Red Cross does all of the work, including help with finding a location.

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