Progress Pod

Franklin County native, Rue McKenrick gives us an update from the trail. McKenrick is a hiker, attempting to circumnavigate the continental United States and establish the American Perimeter Trail. We also hear from the trail project's coordinator, Leilah Grace. When we last visited with McKenrick in March, he was near the Alabama/Mississippi border. When we recorded this latest interview (via Zoom conferencing) he was a little closer to his first home. Listen in to hear more.

Franklin County District Attorney, Matt Fogal, a Republican, this week released a statement strongly supporting protesters who have been demonstrating in Chambersburg and around the world in the aftermath of the racist killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police. We spoke with Fogal about his statement and the state of policing in Franklin County, via Zoom conferencing.

Small-town newspapers continue a rapid decline across the country, but a lack of coverage of minority communities in small towns has always been present. Listen in as we talk about this issue and possible solutions(over Zoom audio conferencing) with Letrell Deshan Crittenden, PhD. He's a Chambersburg native who's recently been studying small town news coverage and conducting focus groups here in Franklin County, which you can read about here: https://www.cjr.org/tow_center_reports/the-road-to-making-small-town-news-more-inclusive.php. On Tuesday, May 12th there will be a community discussion about this work via Zoom, and you're invited to take part. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NY35ArWcBbNAR4Ohn2owDgZFx_PTvrX02BnrHg5Am_Q/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1s_zv4L3WfiEYENEN-n60l4ekVj32xW3iVthOzaOZBT2dpGngMsdxK_W8&edit_requested=true

Rue McKenrick is a native of Franklin County, PA undertaking a highly ambitious project to establish a hiking trail around the perimeter of the continental United States. We were able to catch Rue along his journey to talk about the project and how it could be affected by the current health crisis.

Listen in as we talk with April Brown, administrator of Franklin/Fulton County Drug and Alcohol. She gives us an idea of where our area currently stands in the ongoing opioid epidemic and talks about treatment and recovery services that are available for anyone needing help.

Listen in as we talk with Pam Anderson and Kira Coy and get to know some of the women from the Franklin County area who were the first women in their fields, professions or other endeavors. A photo and biography project about them will be on display at the Coyle Free Library during the month of March - Women's History Month.

If you think you have a great idea for a product or business there's a resource right here in Franklin County that can help you get it off the ground. Listen in to this edition of the Progress Pod as we talk with Chancellor Francis Achampong who tells us about the Penn State Mont Alto LaunchBox, and highlights a few entrepreneurial success stories from our area and around the state.

They've got loads of books to be sure, but there's so much more going on at the Coyle Free Library in downtown Chambersburg and the rest of the Franklin County Library System. Foreign language and ESL classes, genealogy services, movie screenings, and guest speakers to name just a few... Oh, and have you been thinking of trying your hand at a musical intrument in the new year? How about a ukulele? Check one out from the Franklin County Library System. Listen in as we talk about what's going on locally at the library and about the important role libraries play in 21st century society with Jill Yaich, Coyle Free Library Director, and Alice Elia, Senior Director of Development for the Franklin County Library System.

The holidays can be a tough time of year for those of us dealing with loss and grief. On this edition of the Progress Pod we talk with Marcie Taylor, co-founder of the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation which provides grief education and support programs for families and individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Marcie talks about her own grief journey and the fulfillment she's found through the work of the foundation.

Tens of billions, yes, billions with a B, of dollars are lost annually due to Medicare fraud. As candidates for the 2020 Presidential election discuss health care, with some proposing "Medicare for all", and how to pay for it, it's important to consider how much can be saved by cracking down on this abuse of the system. Listen in as we discuss the ways in which Medicare recipients can be defrauded, and how to be vigilant in prevention. We talk with Dan Milloy of the Center for Advocacy and the Rights & Interests of the Elderly (1-800-356-3606), and Shelly Schwartz a local advocate and volunteer for the organization.

We had a great conversation with Dr. Galarza of Shippensburg University's Social Work Department. Her areas of focus include intersectionality, Latinx sexuality, sexual/gender identities and experiences, narrative therapy, and feminist therapy. We touched on it all, and discussed the implications of the impending decision from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding civil rights around gender identity and sexual orientation.

Reading is fundamental. But many among us struggle with this basic skill. The negative consequences of low literacy run deep, so organizations like the Franklin County Literacy Council serve a vital role in our community's health. Listen in as we talk with Angie Wilt of the Franklin County Literacy Council about the effects of low literacy and how you can find help or be of help to others.

The ALICE project describes the hard-working people in our community who are employed and earning, yet struggling month-to-month to make ends meet. On this edition of the Progress Pod we talk about the report with representatives of the United Way of Franklin County; Amy Hicks, Executive Director, Amy Weibley, Community Impact and Communications Director, and Kim Crider, Board member and Campaign Chair.

Believe it or not tourism is big business in Franklin County, PA. Maybe you even have plans to explore some of the sights of our own backyard this Labor Day weekend. For locals interested in furthering and sharing their knowledge of the area, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau offers a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program. Listen in as we talk tourism with Doug Harmon who directs the CTA program at the Visitors Bureau, and Angie Lynch, Certified Tourism Ambassador.

Dr. Flagler is Associate Professor of Social Work and Gerontology at Shippensburg University. She's also a co-founder of Ship's Institute for Social Inclusion. An important part of her work includes advocating and providing opportunity for "everyday" social inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities. Listen in to hear more about her research and personal insight.

Bringing together the right individuals, organizations and groups is key when it comes to doing the important work of preserving the landscape in South Central Pennsylvania. Listen in to find out what that work entails, from Katie Hess, Director of the South Mountain Partnership.

Listen in for the latest efforts to end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Just before we began recording our conversation with Lex McMillan, the Supreme Court handed down it's 5-4 decision on gerrymandering. We talk about that, and next steps in Pennsylvania with Dr. McMillan

We talk with Franklin Bumbaugh (aka Lolli Cox) and photographer Phillip Michael Whitley of the Pride Franklin County steering committee about this year's event, to be held August 4th, and about their work representing and increasing awareness of the county's LGBTQ+ community.

A new leader of the Chambersburg Area School District officially takes the helm on July 1st. Listen in as we get to know Dr. Dion Betts; his background, his ideas, and his goals for the 9000+ students, faculty and staff of the district.

We talk political polarization, culture and media with Dr. Alison Dagnes, Professor of Political Science at Shippensburg University and author of the new book "Super Mad at Everything All the Time: Political Media and Our National Anger".

Mary Beth Shank and Ian Brink are both vying to become the next Judge for the Court of Common Pleas of the 39th District of Franklin and Fulton counties. They recently took part in a judicial forum held by the Franklin Together Re-entry Coalition. The Progress Pod partnered with the coalition to record the event and we are presenting it here in its entirety. Ginny Harriger was the evening's moderator and she starts off the discussion. Primary election day is Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Franklin County was the latest stop this week on Lt. Governor John Fetterman's recreational marijuana listening tour. Of the 250 Franklin County residents in attendance Thursday night, Fetterman says about 70% favored the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. As the Lt. Governor was heading down to Chambersburg for the event we had a brief opportunity to talk with him about the tour.

We talk with Dr. Erika Kitzmiller of Columbia University and Chambersburg Area School District Superintendent, Dr. Joe Padasak. Dr. Kitzmiller, a native of Chambersburg, has spent the last two years performing research in schools in Franklin and Fulton Counties, as well as Philadelphia, in an effort to gain youth perspectives of inequality, mobility, and opportunity, particularly in the aftermath of the divisive 2016 Presidential election.

April is re-entry awareness month. In Franklin County the work to ensure ex-offenders can successfully re-enter society after leaving jail or prison is a cooperative effort. Listen in as we welcome back Kim Eaton of Franklin Together - the re-entry coalition of Franklin County. We'll also talk with Josh Wargo of Franklin Together who shares his own story of re-entry.

Ann Hull talks about renovations set to take place at the old jail in Chambersburg and we, of course, delve into some of our rich local history.

Dr. Diehl has conducted qualitative research on gender bias toward women leaders. Listen in as we delve into her findings. She will also be presenting a two-part series "Making the Invisible Visible: Barriers Women in Leadership Face in the Workplace" on March 18th and 25th at the Coyle Free Library in downtown Chambersburg.

A large portion of South-central Pennsylvania's economy depends on the labor of migratory agricultural workers. Unfortunately the United States' work visa system is in dire need of repair, but has long been tied up in politics that have only worsened over the last few years. The result is a system that leaves many workers facing undue hardship. In Franklin, Adams and Cumberland Counties, the Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry has made it their mission to reach out to these workers and lend a hand of support.

Listen in as we talk with Judy Chambers of Penn State Extension who hosts the "Toss Your Hat in the Ring" workshops in Franklin and Adams counties. Judy gives the political novice the lowdown on what it takes to get your name on the ballot and some of what's involved in running a campaign for public office in the Commonwealth.

We talk with Marvin Worthy and Pastor Scott Bowerman, two leaders of a local group that has been meeting to discuss race, racism, and racial reconciliation in our community. The group has two events planned in February.

It happens everywhere and Franklin County, PA is no exception. On this latest edition of the Progress Pod we talk with Andrea Meredith of She's Somebody's Daughter, an area non-profit formed to support victims human trafficking.

As winter cold sets in it's important to keep in mind those in our community who go without basic housing. The first line of support for many in need is the homeless shelter. Our guests on the Progress Pod run two such facilities in Franklin County - Trudy Wesley of South Central Community Action Programs Franklin County Homeless Shelter, and Craig Newcomer of Maranatha Ministries, Inc. Listen in to hear more about the work they do and the challenges (and they are great) they face in lending a hand to our neighbors who need it most.

We talk with Susan Spicka, Executive Director of Education Voters PA, which advocates for equity in funding Pennsylvania's public schools. Listen in and you'll be truly enlightened, as we were, to hear just what they (all of us, really)are up against when it comes to achieving fair and good faith investment from the state, in the education of our kids.

As November 6th approaches, we talk voting and how to become a more engaged and informed citizen. Dr. Grove also touches on the history of voting in the U.S. and how the process has changed (or not) to adapt with modern society and culture, and how factors like gerrymandering and voter suppression pose a challenge to our democracy.

We continue talking immigration on this edition of the Progress Pod with Rodrigo Ortiz and Katrina Smith of Chambersburg, who advocate and organize for immigrant rights and dignity through the group, MILPA, Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Cunniffe-Pena, from Wilson College talks about the history of Latin American immigration to the United States and how we got to where we are today. She will be a guest lecturer on the push and pull factors that spur immigration during a 4-part series on immigration, beginning Monday, October 8th at the Coyle Free Library in downtown Chambersburg. She talks with us about the speaker series and about her presentation. Check out this flyer for more information: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/2b3068_7254c5c95c9342e78e5da9e16c544597.pdf

A few of the founding members of the Chambersburg group, Community Uniting join us to talk about their efforts in bringing people together through acts of goodwill. The group will hold a gratitude walk in downtown Chambersburg this Saturday, September 29th.

Ann talks about and reads letters and diary entries from the exhibit, "Faces of Heroes: Warriors, Angels and Survivors," on display now at the Old Jail in downtown Chambersburg. Listen in to hear fascinating accounts of the immediate aftermath of the 1864 burning of Chambersburg. We learn about which structures still standing in town today, survived the fire and hear about some locally and historically significant names and the roles they play during a tumultuous time. Also, The Cat is Back! Ann talks about Halloween returning to the Old Jail.

This November voters from the 10 counties in Pennsylvania's new 13th Congressional District have a choice between two political newcomers. A large portion of the district (old PA-9) has been in the grips of the Shuster name for many years, but recent primary election margins have become narrow and Representative Bill Shuster has decided his current term will be his last. John Joyce of Hollidaysburg, PA, flush with campaign funds and the backing of Shuster, emerged as the winner in a crowded Republican primary earlier this year. Our guest, Democrat, Brent Ottaway, also of Hollidaysburg is set to challenge him. Ottaway has been traveling all over the large district meeting voters. Recently, while in Chambersburg, he took the time to visit with us at the Progress Pod to share his views on the important issues facing our country.

In South Central Pennsylvania many of our neighbors struggle with the vicious cycle of poverty. Thankfully, help is out there. In Franklin and Adams Counties, SCCAP offers a range of programs and services to help those in need get on paths to success. On this episode we talk with SCCAP CEO, Megan Shreve and Circles Program Coordinator, Jon Raber. Hear about SCCAP programming, the challenges facing our fellow citizens, and about the challenges SCCAP faces in navigating funding cuts while continuing to provide important services.

Hear all about the first ever Pride Festival to be held in Franklin County PA from two of the event's organizers. Nathan Strayer and Phillip Whitley, Chambersburg natives, share their personal stories and talk about the importance of LGBTQ visibility in our community.

We get an update on economic development in Franklin County - one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth - from Mike Ross, President of the FCADC.

Karen Keefer, a Franklin County resident and retired nurse from Chambersburg Hospital, took her passion for endurance sports and particularly, cycling, and formed what has become The Franklin County Cyclists. The group has continued to gain in popularity over the past decade. Listen in to hear more about the FCC and about Karen's background in endurance sports competition.

With recent high profile suicides in the news, we sit down with Kenny Wuertenberg of the Mental Health Association of Franklin and Fulton Counties to talk about the causes, warning signs and prevention of suicide - especially as it pertains to us here in South Central Pennsylvania.

Curtis Hoover is the Director of Student Affairs at Penn State Mont Alto. He's a gay man who serves as a role model and educator about matters of the LGBTQ community. As LGBTQ Pride month gets underway we trace the history of the movement, its advancements and setbacks, and we talk about "coming out" in the U.S.

Chambersburg's North Square Farmers Market opens up for its 10th season on North Main Street, Saturday, May 26th. Hear from the market coordinator and others about the market's beginnings and what's to come.

A conversation with Karri Benedict and Lori Rice, founding members of Stop Transource Franklin County, on why they think the company's plan to construct an 11 story electric transmission line through the heart of Franklin County is a bad and unnecessary project. Also, Pennsylvania's new 13th Congressional district has its candidates narrowed down to two after Tuesday's primary, and we get an update on Town Council happenings in Chambersburg Borough.

Hear from Franklin County District Attorney, Matt Fogal about not only law enforcement, but a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing the crisis of opioid abuse in this part of central PA.

Emily Best is running for state senate seat 30 which encompasses all of Blair and Fulton Counties as well as parts of Franklin, Cumberland and Huntingdon counties. Ms. Best joins us from the campaign trail to tell us about her background, her thoughts on issues facing rural Pennsylvania and why she's running in this highly Republican District.

We hear from Pete Lagiovane and Mike Brendle of the Franklin County chapter of Fair Districts PA about gerrymandering in Pennsylvania and their group's efforts to curtail the practice.

Dr. Kim Eaton, Director of the Franklin County Day Reporting Center talks about the challenges and successes of her office and of the ex-offenders who pass through its doors. April is Re-entry Initiatives Month in Franklin County. Find out more here: http://www.franklintogether.org

Wilson College Associate Professor of Sociology, Julie Raulli talks gender in the 21st century.