Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Vince Stango, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Constitution Center discussed the private, nonprofit organization, which serves as our country’s leading platform for constitutional education and debate.

We talked about visiting the museum; it starts with a 15-minute performance piece, We The People, winds through interactive programs and exhibits and concludes in the Signer’s Gallery, surrounded by life-size sculptures of the delegate. 

Mr. Stango gave details about the October 17th 2025 Liberty Medal, this year honoring Hamilton, the musical, and Ron Chernow, the biographer who inspired the musical.

We discussed two new exhibits for 2026, a display of a rare copy of the Constitution opening Presidents Day Weekend, and another opening in May 2026 about the separation of powers and federalism.

To help everyone celebrate 2026, the National Constitution Center is offering new educational resources, the Interactive Declaration of Independence and the America at 250 Civic Toolkit with ways to study and celebrate the Constitution during the country’s Semiquincentennial. Find it at www.constitutioncenter.org/America-at-250

Vince, along with his co-chair Amy Needle, is also completing celebrations centered in the old city Historic District, the Red, White, and Blue To-Do parade and street festival July 2, and the 52 Weeks of Firsts which showcases innovations, inventions, and other “firsts” that began in Philadelphia at sites around the city.

To learn more about the National Constitution Center visit constitutioncenter.org

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Erin McLeary, PhD, Senior Director of Collections and Research, and Sara Ray, PhD, Senior Director of Interpretation and Engagement, and co-leaders of the Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia discussed the history and ongoing mission of the fabled institution. We discussed medical education in the 18 and 19th centuries, its reliance on personal notebooks and specimens, and the museum’s founding, when the collections of Dr. Thomas Mutter and Jefferson’s medical school were combined and donated to the College of Physicians. 

Drs McLeary and Ray spoke about the display of human specimens, putting them into context of the medical profession of their time, and giving them identities as individuals. Today the exhibits are part of a collection of over a half-million specimens, instruments, notebooks and other reference materials available for medical scholars. They also discussed the museum’s public programming, the permanent collection and pop-up exhibits such as ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’ showing us the medical and scientific influences on the titular doctor, and ‘Marketing 

Medicine’ that explores medical advertising. 

We also discussed ‘Meet and Geek.’ – monthly in-depth looks at topics of fun interests.  

They revealed their 2026 exhibit, ‘Philly Killer,’ exploring the mysterious 1976 killer, ‘Legionnaires Disease.’

Finally, they invite us to party like it’s 1518 at Choremania, a dance party inspired by the odd dance mania that swept villages in the Middle Ages.  Wear a costume and enjoy an evening of dance at the museum October 30.  

Choremania tickets, information about the collection, pop-ups and Meet & Geek events, as well as museum hours are available at muttermuseum.org. 

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William Baldwin, Esquire, CEO, Mary Anders, Deputy Executive Director and Katie Moyer, Development Director, of Montgomery Child Advocacy Project discussed their mission is to end and prevent child abuse and neglect in Montgomery County through legal services, advocacy, and education. 

Their team of staff and trained volunteer attorneys represent and support child victims of abuse, neglect and trafficking, in court and other hearings, offering legal counsel and emotional support through proceedings. In 2024 they represented a total of 850 children in family situations that included custody disputes, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health challenges, and housing and food insecurities. Mary introduced us to another guest, Nutmeg, a Golden Doodle therapy dog who helps kids during court hearings and depositions. 

MCAP relies on grants, donations and fundraising events including A Night at the Races, Friday, October 3, 2025 at 6PM at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Tickets includes a catered dinner, a signature drink, $10 in Nutmeg Bucks to place bets on video horseraces and a raffle ticket for a chance to win a door prize.   The event is BYOB. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities go to mcapkids.org/events2025/night-at-the-races

To learn more about Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, to donate or volunteer, go to mcapkids.org

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Ellie Ettman Director of Clinical Services, and Kayla Jasper, Clinical Team Leader, discussed the work of FamilyMatters, providing barrier-free, personalized in-home support services to children and families facing crisis, trauma or overwhelming life challenges.

They describe their work as ‘navigators,’ empowering families - many with a-typical to neurodivergent children - with the resources, skills and guidance they need to overcome obstacles. 

The first expansion office of JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options), a non-profit organization established in 1992 in South Florida, FamilyMatters provides Family Strengthening support services, as well as parent and guardian respite, child enrichment programs and support groups.

They are proud that FamilyMatters will immediately respond to anyone who reaches out for help and provide barrier-free support, at no cost, for as long as necessary. No family is turned away due to insurance, financial limitations, or diagnostic criteria. They point out their mission includes the promise of ‘Meeting Families Where They Are’ they bring care directly into homes, schools, and communities for the most effective support.

They are looking for community support to extend their services, including donations and volunteer hours for their enrichment programs and support groups.

For more information visit FamilyMattersnetwork.org

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Michael F. Lamma, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention discussed their mission, to help people better understand suicide, give them the tools to help others in crisis and address a leading cause of death through direct education, state and federal advocacy, and loss and healing support for anyone affected by suicide. He notes AFSP is the #1 private funder of suicide prevention research in the world.

We talked about having ‘the conversation’ and he encourages us to reach out when we think someone - friend, family or co-worker - is struggling; it won’t put any new ideas in their head, but it can lead to fining help.  Michael gave us warning signs to trigger a conversation, changes in mood and behavior, displaying anger or depression or loss of interest, showing changes in sleeping and eating habits, or self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.  

We discussed the effects of COVID, while it did affect the numbers it also bolstered seeking help for mental health and boosted tele-health conferencing.   

One of the ways AFSP brings communities together is through the Out of the Darkness Community Walks, a nationwide series of events designed to raise awareness and encourage participation in suicide prevention efforts. These walks give people the opportunity to honor loved ones lost to suicide and show support for programs that save lives.

He invites us all to join them at The Mann Center, October 5th for the Philadelphia Out of the Darkness Walk. The bead ceremony will begin the day at 8AM as families, friends, survivors, select different colored beads to represent them and their loved one. The walk will start close to noon after remarks and a special music appearance.  It’s family friendly with parking on site. For more information, to volunteer, sign-up or donate go to AFSP.org/phillywalk 

If you’re outside Philadelphia, find a walk near you at AFSP.org/phillywalk where you can enter your zip code. 

If you are in a crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting 741-741.

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Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Director A.J. Schall discussed their charge, coordinating the State’s efforts to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies, including hurricanes, flooding, chemical spills or accidents.

Preparing involves us and he advises us make a plan, have a kit ready for evacuation or sheltering in place, have an emergency contact list and a meeting point, download their apps and have a charger ready. He discussed the importance of insurance and the economic impact of disasters on the community.

To help us get ready, DEMA is hosting their 19th Annual Family Preparedness Day Saturday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road in Camden, Delaware. This FREE event features fun, family-friendly educational activities, and safety demonstrations in observance of National Preparedness Month. Food, music, raffles and photo opportunities with firetrucks and helicopters and with beloved safety mascots and K-9 service dogs round out the fun. The event and onsite parking are free to the public, and the first 500 people to complete an activity challenge can earn a free treat from Kona Ice. It’s rain or shine.

The event will feature more than 40 public safety agencies, nonprofits, and utilities that provide adults and children of all ages a chance to interact with and learn from first responders and safety experts in a fun, family-friendly environment. There will be Make-A-Kit activities to raise awareness of the importance of emergency kits and go bags, a car seat safety check sponsored by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Hands Only CPR presented by Kent County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Stop the Bleed classes from Bayhealth Healthcare and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security will feature an Impaired Driver Simulator.

DEMA is also relaunching the free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offering residents classroom instruction in emergency preparedness and disaster response along with hands-on activities and simulations to prepare them to render basic support in the critical time before first responders arrive.

Get valuable information about disaster preparation at PrepareDe.org and to learn more about CERT and DEMA go to DEMA.DELAWARE.gov

Not in Delaware? Every state has a Department of Emergency Management available through your state's portal.

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Zabeth Teelucksigh, President of the Global Philadelphia Association discussed the association that acts as liaison between the city, the Organization of World Heritage Cities and the 200 area cultural organizations that make Philadelphia a dynamic, international city.  She discussed Philadelphia’s multi-cultural vibe, their slogan is ‘Meet the World Here,’ showcasing the incredible opportunities to enjoy the foods, shopping, arts and religious offerings from countries around the world.  Events and programs can be accessed easily at their website with their Global Directory. 

We discussed the great advantages Philadelphia has to offer its residents and visitors.  A World Heritage City thanks to Independence Hall, the Greater Philadelphia area has 67 interesting National Historic Landmarks selected by the National Park Service, all with incredible stories to tell, as well as fabulous museums that soon include the garden museum celebrating Alexander Calder.  

On September 3, 2025 Global Philadelphia will host the 10th Annual World Heritage City  Celebration, the anniversary of Philadelphia’s historic designation as America’s first World Heritage City. The evening recognizes a decade of global connection, local pride, and transformative milestones and honors David L. Cohen, the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2021-2025 with the Distinguished Global Leadership award.  Tickets are available at their website.

Zabeth also talked about the events and offerings they are hosting for 2026, including the expansion of April 18th’s International Day of Monuments and Sites into a month-long celebration honoring our heritage, diversity, community, and the environment.  She notes that they will complete their United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals campaign; murals and art supporting the 17 identified goals towards attaining a sustainable city while supporting economically our local communities.  

For more information about membership, events, family opportunities or the 10th Annual World Heritage City Celebration go to globalphilly.org.

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Brandon Trombetta, Executive Director of Keystone Opportunity Center discussed its simple mission, to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability and independence through integrated services in case management, education, food, and housing.  Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Souderton, Keystone annually supports more than 5000 families and individuals in need through a array of social services that educate, encourage, and empower them to become self-sufficient members of their community. Programs and services include housing the homeless, combatting food insecurity, and providing free comprehensive adult education services to the residents of the Souderton Area School District, Montgomery and Bucks Counties. 

Working with partner agencies, case managers assist clients with wrap-around services, helping them with applying for rental, utility, and food assistance, caring for 
urgent needs such as transportation or emergency shelter, navigating health care, job training, and other local services and helping set goals toward independence.

Keystone’s Adult Education Department offers free programs including English as a Second Language (ESL), literacy, English and civics classes for Naturalization preparation and courses leading to High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET) diploma-tracks.  
Addressing hunger, he described Keystone food assistance programs, the 
Souderton Food Pantry which is open to income-eligible residents of the Souderton Area School District and Fresh For All, a weekly drive-through produce distribution in partnership with Philabundance. 
He also discussed housing, they offer short-term assistance and mediation to help residents avoid eviction, and provide case management help with transitioning from temporary to permanent housing. They also own and manage 18 affordable rental units throughout Montgomery County.

To learn more or to volunteer or donate call 215-723-5430 or go to KeystoneOpportunity.org

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Valerie Gay discussed Philadelphia’s newest office, Creative Philadelphia, overseeing the city’s arts and culture and its creative economy.

She discussed how it will offer opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. Known before as the Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, their goals are to increase public access to arts and culture, partner with local creative communities and highlight to us and to the world the city’s vast cultural assets.  Ms Gay points out the arts don’t just enrich us, they help create a safer, cleaner, and greener city where creatives can thrive both socially and economically.  

We spoke about the upcoming influx of tourists for 2026, and the need for Philadelphia itself to recognize its amazing cultural holdings.

We discussed some of the city’s better known assets, the City Hall rotating gallery, the outdoor art supported by the mandatory developers % for arts and the Mural Arts programs, and then local neighborhood projects and programs that don’t get the attention. She described community installations such as Healing Verse Germantown and the Paschalville Library Mushroom Seating.
For artists, she talked about the Percent for Art Call for Artists looking for submissions for projects such as the Constitution Health Plaza: Public Health Lab.   Finally, we talked about the master plan they are preparing to release this coming May, defining assets and outlining the infrastructures for the future for the office and the creative communities.   Learn more at creativephl.org.

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Deborah Buckson, Executive Director of Historic Odessa Foundation discussed their mission, to preserve and promote the five buildings and nearly 70 acres of surrounding landscape, outbuildings, and gardens, helping educate the public on the history of the town and the state of Delaware in the 18th and 19th centuries.

We talked about its history and its programming for children and families, scholars and the general public, including teas and classroom visits, lectures, workshops, object identification clinics, 18th-century hearth-cooking demonstrations and more.

She invites us to their annual Historic Odessa Brewfest, now in its 12th year, taking place Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 12 to 5:30 p.m.  There will be a Beer 5K with required stops for a brew along the course, music, food, Men’s and Women’s Steinholding Competitions endorsed by the U.S. Steinholding Association, and about 80 craft brewers.  Tickets are available at historicodessa.org

Deb offered a calendar of upcoming events, including their holiday events November 11–December 31, this year kicking off with a town wide light display and winter festival and leading into their December Holiday Tours and candlelight evening walks, this year celebrating a ‘Jane Austen Christmas. 

For more information about visiting the properties, the children’s programming, tickets to Brewfest or holiday events go to historicodessa.org

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