Podcasts about pennsylvania association

The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) will hold a press conference to call for urgent legislative action on cyber charter funding reform. Education leaders from across the Commonwealth will gather on the front steps of the Capitol to highlight the financial impact on public schools and outline specific, actionable reforms to improve fairness, accountability, and transparency in cyber charter operations. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 134 of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein is joined by Pam Baquero, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants, for a lively preview of the upcoming Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase, taking place May 17 at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg. This high-energy event celebrates blind entrepreneurship with food, music, raffles, and a marketplace of blind and visually impaired vendors from across the region. Pam details the schedule—4 PM to 10 PM—and teases the delicious hors d'oeuvres (yes, including Guinness beef) and live DJ. Guests can expect auctions featuring items like a $379 cocktail maker, a web design package valued at $2,500, and a $250 Best Western gift card. Vendor tables are $50, tickets are $25, and sponsorships start at $50. The event supports blind business owners, including those in and outside the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), and is open to the public. Pam also shares updates on BEP training relaunches and reiterates the need for visibility, education, and support within the blind entrepreneur community. Whether you're blind, sighted, curious, or just want a solid quesadilla—Spring Fling welcomes you. Visit https://www.pablindmerchants.org/spring-fling/  for details. Bring friends. Bring cash. Bring your appetite. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/134        Links Mentioned Attend Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/  Exhibit at Spring Fling (sorry, blind & low vision vendors only): https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/  Sponsor the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/  Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/  An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. We Want to Hear Your Story Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com. Follow White Canes Connect Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast 

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Heather McGowan, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (PANAC), and Debra Wright, a Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.Heather and Deb Wright touch on their responsibilities, challenges, and professional development, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages. They also explore the impact of accurate assessments on care plans, regulatory compliance, and how organizations like PANAC support NACs.If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to us on our website.Publication number QI-050925-GK

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Sophie Campbell, MSN, RN, CRRN, RAC-CT, CNDLTC, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association of Directors of Nursing Administration (PADONA), and Debra Wright, a Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.Sophie and Deb discuss the evolution and challenges of nursing leadership in long-term care, including the impacts of COVID-19, partnerships to improve care and training, and efforts to combat negative perceptions and recruit new talent. They emphasize the importance of education, flexibility, and interdisciplinarity in addressing the higher acuity of admissions and the need for ongoing infection prevention and control.If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to us on our website.Publication number QI-041825-GK

He has one of the most iconic voices in Philadelphia sports history. On August 17, 1994, Marc Zumoff was named the television voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, fulfilling his childhood dream. His career spanned four decades and includes covering the Rio Olympics in 2016 for NBC, assorted assignments for Turner Sports, NBA-TV, the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Union and various other pro, college and high school events. He’s also been an anchor, producer and reporter and spent the first five years of his career as a radio newsperson. In this episode, “Zoo” talks candidly with Todd Stephens about catching the bug for broadcasting as a sixth-grader growing up in Northeast Philadelphia. He recalls practicing play-by-play announcing with his tape recorder and being driven by his passion to make it as a broadcaster. As a 19-time Emmy Award Winner, he is also one of the most decorated broadcasters in Philadelphia history having been named The National Sports Media Association’s Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year three times, the Bill Campbell Award from the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association, and the 2022 recipient of The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters highest award of distinction, the Gold Medal. He is also a member of the Temple University School of Media and Communications Hall of Fame, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame, and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Marc currently serves as the associate director of the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media at his alma mater, Temple University. He is the co-author of the textbook Total Sports Media. And he is working with Maccabi USA as the chairman of Maccabi Media, a program which sends more than a dozen aspiring sports media professionals to cover the Maccabiah in Israel, South America and Europe. Marc lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife of 40 years, Debbie. They are the parents of two adult sons. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Musil, on Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals (PAEP), will describe how PAEP helps environmental engineers and biologists assess the sustainability of projects.  Planet Philadelphia airs 4:00-5:00 PM EST 1st & 3rd Fridays/month at 92.9 FM WGGT-LP in Philadelphia & https://gtownradio.com everywhere. WHYY TV 12's program "You Oughta Know" aired a feature about Planet Philadelphia. See it here https://www.planetphiladelphia.com/about.html.

The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers are pushing for new laws to better protect seniors from elder financial abuse. Kevin Shivers, President and CEO of PACB, and Christina Carden, VP of Marketing and Communication at Cross State Credit Union Association were guests on The Spark to shed light on this issue. Below is a op-ed from PACB that explains their partnership on this effort and what they would like to see happen in 2025. Letter to Santa to Protect Older Pennsylvanians Dear Santa, Older Pennsylvanians deserve a new law to help protect them from financial exploitation. Elder financial exploitation comes in many forms. Scammers are constantly targeting older adults through a variety of schemes, like romance scams and investment frauds. Tech support scams were the most reported last year by older adults. Criminals pose over the phone as tech or customer service representatives, impersonating technology, banking, or government officials to convince victims that foreign hackers have infiltrated their bank account. They then instruct the victim that to “protect” their money, they should move it to a new account – one secretly controlled by the scammers. Nameless, faceless scammers are constantly finding new ways to steal money from older adults. Sadly, even people known and trusted by an older adult can be the perpetrators of elder financial exploitation. In these situations, a family member, friend, or someone else known to the older adult exerts pressure on financial decisions, asks for sums of money, or convinces the older adult to sign over investments, real estate, or other assets through the use of manipulation, intimidation, or threats. On a positive note, these scams often raise the suspicions of trained bank employees who are effective guards against financial abuse of older adults. Recognizing the warning signs of frauds and scams is a goal that is shared by many, including the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and AARP Pennsylvania. That is why this holiday season, we are urging older Pennsylvanians to be on high alert for scammers, fraudsters, and manipulators who want to steal their money, their financial information, and even their identity. We believe if you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. But this is where our wish list gets a bit longer. Currently, the state’s Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) does not mandate reporting of elder financial abuse. We believe this act also needs to be updated to allow banks and credit unions to place a temporary hold on transactions they suspect are fraudulent and report the matter to the local area agency on aging and law enforcement. Providing this “safe harbor” will ensure banks play an even more active role in preventing elder financial abuse, while adding a needed device to the Commonwealth’s toolbox to detect and deter frauds and scams. While we’ll be good and working hard on this effort, we hope you can help make our wish for the Commonwealth to pass a law to better protect older Pennsylvanians from elder financial abuse can come true in the new year. Kevin Shivers, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers Bill Johnston-Walsh, State Director, AARP Pennsylvania Listen to the podcast to hear the interview. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What's nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master's in Instructional Technology, and earned a second doctorate, focused on Educational Technology.Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She is a past-president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and served on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network for five years. She received the ISTE Making IT Happen Award in 2019 and has received several Presidential gold and silver awards for her volunteer service to education.  She was named one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers for 2021. She has been selected as Outstanding Teacher of the Year by PAECT (the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications in Technology, the PA affiliate of ISTE) and by the NSBA as one of the "20 to Watch" educators.Since 2019, Rachelle has written seven books. Her newest book is "How to Teach AI."  She has also contributed to eight other books related to education. She presents regularly at state, national and international conferences and provides professional development and coaching for educators.Rachelle is a columnist for Getting Smart and a blogger for Defined Learning and NEO LMS. She has a podcast ThriveinEDU and is the host of a PBL Podcast by Defined Learning on the BAM Radio Network.  Rachelle is also a host of ThriveinEDU Live and leads a community of educators on Facebook.TakeawaysEducators must actively market their books themselves.Newsletters should provide value without overwhelming readers.Social media engagement varies by platform and audience.Visual content significantly boosts engagement.Building a personal brand is crucial for success.Networking is essential for book promotion.Choosing the right platform depends on your target audience.Feedback and reviews are vital for credibility.Planning is necessary for effective educational technology integration.Consulting in education requires a long-term commitment. AI is an integral part of education today.Consultants must focus on meaningful engagements.Authenticity in teaching enhances relatability.Visual branding is crucial for content creators.Professional photography can elevate your brand.Creating content is essential for book marketing.Community support is vital for success.Consistency in messaging helps build an audience.Engaging visuals can capture attention on social media.Building relationships can enhance marketing efforts.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Dr. Will Show01:49Navigating Book Marketing for Educators10:58Building an Engaging Newsletter18:34Choosing the Right Social Media Platform28:34Creating Effective Graphics for Promotion36:47Challenges in Educational Technology Consulting38:30Embracing Technology in Education41:48Redefining Consulting and Business Focus44:35Establishing Your Voice in the AI Landscape46:58Authenticity in Teaching and Content Creation52:58Visual Branding and Graphic Design Strategies58:42The Importance of Professional Photography01:01:06Marketing Your Book: The Hard Work Begins01:07:50Building Community and Consistency in Marketing

The rich, layered experience of gifted and neurodivergent individuals often includes profound emotional sensitivity, rapid thinking, and unique challenges in daily life. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Neff, two AuDHD mental health professionals, and Dr. Matthew Zakreski, a speaker and psychologist, discuss the complexities of neurodivergence and giftedness, including impostor syndrome, executive functioning, the rule of 5, mirror neurons, and overexcitability. Top 3 reasons to listen to the entire episode: Discover the unique traits of gifted and neurodivergent individuals, including the intense emotional experiences known as overexcitabilities that shape one's perception of the world. Dive into the concept of executive dysfunction to understand why certain tasks can feel overwhelming, reframing "can't" instead of "won't." Explore the nature of impostor syndrome among neurodivergent individuals, and learn how embracing authenticity and self-compassion can alleviate feelings of self-doubt and foster deeper connections. As you reflect on the diverse aspects of giftedness and neurodivergence, remember that unique ways of experiencing, processing, and interacting with the world are both valuable and valid. About Dr. Matt: Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a high-energy professional speaker and clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people. He has spoken more than 900 times all over the world on both stages and podcasts about supporting neurodivergent people in all walks of life, from schools to college to the workplace. Dr. Matt specializes in taking knowledge of the brain, human behavior, and clinical psychology and making that accessible and practical for people to improve their lives. Dr. Matt is the co-founder and lead clinician at The Neurodiversity Collective, an active member of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), as well as the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC) and the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Book (Neurodiversity Playbook) Consulting: drmattzakreski.com/blank-3 Podcast (Nerding Out on Neurodiversity) Website: drmattzakreski.com  ————————————————————————————————

We had Peggy Chong as a guest in episode five of Unstoppable Mindset back in October of 2021. Peggy spends a great deal of her time researching blind people, she calls them her blind ancestors, to learn and write about their histories. For example, did you know that five blind people in the 1930s served as congressmen or U.S. senators? True. Did you know that the typewriter was invented for a blind countess? Did you know that it was a blind person who invented automobile cruise control?   Peggy will talk about all these stories and others. Recently she spent two weeks at the library of Congress researching one project that she will discuss. Spoiler alert: we don't get to hear the end of the story as Peggy has more research to do and more documents to uncover. However, the story she tells us this time is intriguing and spellbinding. So join me on a journey to learn more about the history of blind people and learn why you should even thank blind people for some of the inventions you take for granted today.       About the Guest:   Peggy Chong's first book in print, Don Mahoney: Blind Television Star is on the shelves at many book sellers.  She writes and lectures as The Blind History Lady.  Her infatuation with stories she heard of those she now calls her “Blind Ancestors” surprised and inspired her to learn more, for herself at first and then bring their light to the world.  Peggy researches their stories and brings to life the REAL struggles of what it was and is still, to be a blind person in the United States.   Her works have been published in _The Iowa History Journal, Dialogue Magazine, The Farmington Daily Times, The Braille Monitor and Future Reflections. _ Each month she sends to her email followers another story of a blind ancestor to inspire blind and sighted alike.   Currently, Peggy Chong chairs the Preservation of Historical Documents for the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, to save the single-source files, records, news clippings and correspondence of the blind of Colorado dating back to 1915.   She has been an active part of the blind community for more than forty years.  Determined to imbue the service delivery system for the blind with a more positive and forward-looking philosophy, Peggy joined with other blind people in Minneapolis, Minnesota to establish Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND, Inc.), a training center for the blind designed to encourage its students to achieve self-sufficient and productive lives.  In 1985, Peggy Chong accepted the position of President of the Board of BLIND, Inc., a position she held for ten years.  During that time, she worked with many students of all ages and varying levels of vision, encouraging them to learn the alternative nonvisual techniques of blindness and fueling their imaginations to dream of a life where each of them could live and work in their communities on a basis of equality with their sighted peers.  She also helped many of them to make intelligent decisions about their vision--when it would be helpful and when it would hinder progress toward independence.   After moving to Baltimore Maryland in 1997, Peggy secured a position with BISM as an outreach/instructor.  In 1998, Peggy left BISM accepting a position with the Job Opportunities for the Blind program at the National Center for the Blind in Baltimore, Maryland.  For more than a year, she led a succession of intensive two-week training sessions designed to teach computer and other important job-readiness skills to blind individuals seeking employment.  She also worked individually with each job candidate to refine the job search according to the unique needs of each, and she worked with numerous employers to ensure that the characteristic of blindness was accurately perceived and the blind job applicant treated fairly.  When a job was offered to any of her students, she provided assistance before  and after securing the job to ensure that each of them had the tools needed to succeed in the new position.  Sometimes this involved connecting her student with other blind persons doing that same job somewhere in the United States.  At other times, she provided information and advice about new, non-traditional techniques that could be used to perform the job successfully.   Later, Peggy served for three years as the National Program Manager for NFB-NEWSLINE®, out of the Baltimore MD offices.  In this position, she formed valuable relationships with national and local newspapers, community-based service delivery organizations and rehabilitation programs, and literally thousands of blind men and women--many of them newly-blind--across the country.   After moving to Iowa in 2002, she became a private contractor providing consulting services and employment training to governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations.  Her work involved the dissemination of job-search, résumé creation and distribution services designed to help individuals--with or without disabilities--to secure competitive employment.  She also taught independent travel to the Blind.  She also served as the NFB-NEWSLINE Coordinator for the state of Iowa for several years.   For more than forty years, Peggy has been active in a variety of community organizations: the National Federation of the Blind, the American Cancer society, the Hawthorn Area Community Council, the Cooperating Fund Drive, Iowa and Albuquerque Genealogical Societies, Friends of the Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, The Friends of the Colorado Talking Book Library, State Rehabilitation Council for the Commission for the Blind of New Mexico, board member-ADA Advisory Committee for the City of Albuquerque Iowa Shares and Oasis of Albuquerque.    Ways to connect with Peggy:   Website: theblindhistorylady.com   Email: theblindhistorylady@gmail.com       About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/   https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 00:16 Hi. I'm Michael Hinkson, Chief vision Officer for accessibe and the author of the number one New York Times best selling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast. As we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion, unacceptance and our resistance to change, we will discover the idea that no matter the situation or the people we encounter, our own fears and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The Unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessibe. That's a C, C, E, S, S, I, capital, B, E, visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities and to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025 glad you dropped by, we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Well, hello and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. We get to do a lot of all of that today. So it's kind of fun. In October of 2021 I had the honor and pleasure to interview well, let me rephrase that, talk with Peggy Chong, known as the blind history lady. Maybe it was a little bit more of an interview then, but we have really reshaped unstoppable mindset to be a conversation and not an interview. So it does get to be something where we get to talk with each other and ask each other questions and whatever else makes sense to do. Well, Peggy wrote a story about blind lady, and the story was published recently, and she did what she always does, she sends it to anyone on her mailing list. And I'm fortunate enough to be on it and read it, and I suddenly realized it has been two and a half years since we had Peggy on, and that has to change. So Peggy, welcome on to unstoppable mindset. Welcome   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hello and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. We get to do a lot of all of that today. So it's kind of fun. In October of 2021 I had the honor and pleasure to interview well, let me rephrase that, talk with Peggy Chong, known as the blind history lady. Maybe it was a little bit more of an interview then, but we have really reshaped unstoppable mindset to be a conversation and not an interview. So it does get to be something where we get to talk with each other and ask each other questions and whatever else makes sense to do. Well, Peggy wrote a story about blind lady, and the story was published recently, and she did what she always does, she sends it to anyone on her mailing list. And I'm fortunate enough to be on it and read it, and I suddenly realized it has been two and a half years since we had Peggy on, and that has to change. So Peggy, welcome on to unstoppable mindset. Welcome   Peggy Chong ** 02:22 to me. Yes, that's I was really surprised it had been two and a half years. So thanks for having me back.   Michael Hingson ** 02:29 Well anytime. So Peggy is known as the blind history lady because she specifically researches information about blind people, and she really researches their lives and then tells people about them, and we'll dig into a lot of that, but why don't we start? Maybe it'll be a little bit of redoing of what we did. Tell us about the early Peggy growing up.   Peggy Chong ** 02:52 Well, I grew up in a family where my mother was blind, and I have three blind siblings out of a family of five kids. So there's four of us, and my mother had gone to the North Dakota School for the Blind, so she was not eager to send her children to the School for the Blind at all. She wanted us to go to public school. So we well. She did not like the idea of being so far away from her family. She felt that it really there were some family dynamics that go in to that as well. But basically, she went up there in the end of August, early September, many times came home for Christmas, but not always, and then she went home the end of May. So she was really only with her family, mostly in the summers.   Michael Hingson ** 03:53 I remember when I was growing up and we moved to California from Chicago, and my parents had really heated arguments with the school district in Palmdale because they said I shouldn't go to school there. I should go to the school for the blind, which at that point was in well, and still is in Northern California. It hadn't relocated to Fremont, I don't think, yet, but they wanted me to go there, and my parents said, No, he's going to grow up and go to regular public schools. And it was a huge battle. Well, my parents won, but I suspect it was for probably a lot of the same reasons why your mom didn't want you guys to go.   Peggy Chong ** 04:35 Well, my mom came from a town of 400 people, so the public school there. First of all, if she had gone to public school, most kids didn't get past the eighth grade, you know, they went to work on the farms, and I think she would have not been able to get a lot of material in any kind of a format at a. All her ophthalmologist when she was six years old, wrote in her record that she needed to go to the school for the blind and to learn to read and write in braille, which I thought was amazing, yeah, for a doctor to say that at that time,   Michael Hingson ** 05:17 yeah, the doctors told my parents to send me off to a home, because no blind child could ever grow up to amount to anything or be useful at all, and all I would do would be to destroy the family dynamic and but you know, the other side of it is, as we know, you and I, places like the School for the Blind in California really did teach a lot. They were at that time. I think Newell Perry was, was still, still there. You know, Tim Brook had been one of his students, and they did teach a lot of the right stuff, along with providing the right material. But still, was a question of whether that's where you really wanted to be sent to or have your child sent to.   Peggy Chong ** 06:01 You know, one of the interesting things that has changed a lot of my thinking, doing this whole history dive that I have been doing, when I graduated from public school, I didn't really feel like a part of my class, but I thought I had gotten a better education, and at that time, the schools for the blind were changing. More kids were getting into the public schools who were more academic, and the schools for the blind were receiving more of the students who were not academic. So the kids that were graduating from the school for the blind about the same time, I were not always, you know, job ready. They weren't going to do much afterwards. And so my impression at that time was that that's what happens when you go to the school for the blind, not understanding the dynamics that the whole education system was going through and so on. But I look back at some of these people that I've researched, and they talk about how in the farming communities, which many of them came from, because our communities were fairly small, they went to the School of the blind, and they they fit in. They had they had peers at their level. Everything was in enough format. They could read mostly, or it the accommodations were being made for them. They competed in sports. They got involved in some of the community activities in the towns where the schools for the blind were so that they were connected with the community, and they seem to have not all of them. Of course, you you don't always want to tire everybody with the same brush, so to speak, but you don't you see more of a population of kids who had more self confidence, who had more of an idea of what they were going to do as a blind person after leaving the school, as opposed to the public school kids who were exposed to a lot of things, but if they didn't get in with the group, if they didn't get a chance to really participate if they were just sitting on the sidelines. They left the public school system, and they didn't go to college, necessarily. They didn't go to work, they went back to the family home. So when I graduated from high school, I thought a public school education was the best thing for a blind child. I'm not at that time, but I'm not so sure that that's really the case. I think you have to look at the child, the family situation, the school situation. Is the public school gonna provide a good, positive, supportive, learning structure and of course, always happen.   Michael Hingson ** 09:05 Of course, yeah, it still doesn't always happen, although, of course, there is a lot more material and there are a lot of tools available now that even when you and I graduated, were not available and students should be able to get a better public education, but the other part about it is the whole social acceptance and like you, I think I was really mostly on the sidelines. I was active in the science club and a couple things, but really not involved in a lot of the social organization of the schools, and that went all the way through high school, but I did at least have access to Braille books and Braille material, and I had parents who were vehemently in favor of me working to be a. A good student in the school, and they gave me every opportunity that I could. And outside of school, I was in the boy scouts, and so I did have other activities, and again, that was encouraged, and I was very fortunate for the most part. We dealt with scout leaders who encouraged it as well, probably because they had conversations from my parents, or with my parents, who said, look and and gave them an education so but it worked out pretty well. My dad was involved in Scouting as well. But I hear what you're saying, and I think that the schools for the blind, as near as I can tell today, have receded even further and are not really as much focused on the academics of students who are blind, but now they're dealing with multi handicap situations and other things that make it even more of a challenge for them.   Peggy Chong ** 10:50 Yeah, but I do think that you're right. Parents make a big difference. Family Support makes a huge difference. Yes,   Michael Hingson ** 10:59 yeah. Yeah. And the parents really do make all the difference, if they're willing to, as I describe it, be risk takers in that they let us explore, they let us do things. I'm sure they monitor us, but they allowed us to explore. They allowed us to learn about the world, and they knew instinctively that's what they needed to do, just like they would do it with any other kid.   Peggy Chong ** 11:26 Yeah, my parents let us ride bicycles. Yep, which I know that my mother, she did not feel confident enough to ride a bicycle, but as kids, wanted to and and she was, she was gonna just let it happen. And we had a few bike accidents. But, yeah, so does my sighted sister,   Michael Hingson ** 11:49 yeah. I mean, everybody does. So there's nothing, nothing new there. And eventually we bought a tandem bike so my brother and I could deliver newspapers together, and then that worked out pretty well, but I had my own bike and rode it around the neighborhood, wrote it to school for the first three years, and then transferred to a school across town, because there was a resource teacher at who was based at that school, and the resource teacher was the teacher who would work with the blind kids, so I had a period with her every day. And I learned braille in kindergarten in Chicago, but after Chicago, I didn't have access to it for three years, so I had to relearn it, which I did. But you know, things happen. Yeah, they do. So what'd you do after high school?   Peggy Chong ** 12:45 Well, after high school, I met this guy and got married. I thought about going to college, but I was I wasn't quite ready for college. I didn't really think that I was academically ready, so I went to work, and worked as a librarian assistant for two years, and then when our daughter came along, then I quit, became a stay at home mom, and got active in the National Federation of the Blind. I got active in tiny tots, you know, because my daughter went to tiny tots and US mom sat around and exchanged coupons and everything like that. While they were in there.   Michael Hingson ** 13:27 Did you exchange your share of coupons? Oh, yeah,   Peggy Chong ** 13:31 I tried to call my dog food coupons for the things that I needed, like milk or diapers or whatever. And   Michael Hingson ** 13:39 we should say that this guy you got married to, I'm sorry you have to put up with him all these years, but, but his name is Curtis Chung and Curtis has also appeared on unstoppable mindset, but we probably have to get him back on too, because there's lots to discuss.   Peggy Chong ** 13:55 Yeah, we were just discussing actually riding bikes when he was a kid, because his father let him explore and get hurt. His mother was not inclined to do that, and so his dad took a lot of heat, because Curtis would ride around on his three wheeler and crash into the wall or roll out in the street or whatever, but   Michael Hingson ** 14:21 Curtis has to learn to listen.   Peggy Chong ** 14:24 I don't think that's gonna happen.   Michael Hingson ** 14:29 He's not nearby, is he? Oh,   Peggy Chong ** 14:35 catch it on the podcast. Oh, he   Michael Hingson ** 14:36 will. But, but still, but, but even so, he did get to explore, which is, you know, what's really important? And I think that the blind people who have the most confidence or who are the most outgoing are the ones who were really given those opportunities by their parents. I believe. So, yeah, sure. So you didn't go to college, you You did other things, which is cool, and exchanged coupons. I've never been much of a coupon collector, and even with online coupons, I don't do nearly as much of that as I probably should.   Peggy Chong ** 15:14 Well, I don't do that anymore either,   Michael Hingson ** 15:15 but Instacart is our friend. Yeah, that's true. I did   Peggy Chong ** 15:19 go back to college for a while, and it actually was a really big boost in my self esteem, because I went back to college thinking, I've got to start over. Got to start from scratch. And so I took the basic courses that you take when you're a freshman, and I aced them, and I was, I was quite surprised at myself, so it gave me, it gave me a lot more confidence in myself to go ahead and try new things. I got out more into the community, joined the neighborhood group. I wrote letters, wrote articles for newsletters, and really start to come into myself, probably when my daughter was about 10.   Michael Hingson ** 16:10 And she's surprised how much you've learned over the years, right?   Peggy Chong ** 16:13 Well, I was pretty dumb there between her 18th and 21st year, but I got pretty smart after that. Yeah, there you go. Yeah. And since she's 45 now, you know, I've been smart for a while. What a relief. No kidding, I feel very lucky when I look at the relationships that I read about in all these families that I research, and the dynamics of the families and how kids don't get along, and they never spoke to their parents after they were 22 or whatever. And I think, gee, you know, I got my fighting with my daughter all done by the time she was 21 now we're friends, so that's good,   Michael Hingson ** 16:52 yeah, which works out. So when did you start getting interested in this whole business of researching blind ancestors and learning about the history of blind people.   Peggy Chong ** 17:05 Well, that actually started in my 20s. The NFB of Minnesota owned a home for the blind, and we decided that it was it was past its time. We did not need segregated housing for blind people, so we were going to sell the property. That meant you had to clean out the building. And there was a lot of stuff in there, and they had kept the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, started as the Minnesota State organization of the blind, and in 1920 so they had some correspondence going back to 1919 and they kept everything. I mean, it was really cool. I was given the job of going through all of the boxes and file cabinets and getting rid of stuff, because we were going from this three story building to 1000 square feet office, and has to all fit, so everything had to go into one file cabinet, and I'm and they gave me the job because I had grown up in The blank community, and as a kid, I had known the people from North Dakota and Minnesota who were the blind newspaper dealers, the blind rug weavers, the blind door to door salesmen, the blind janitors. And they thought I would recognize people more than the rest of them would. So I'm going through stuff and pitching and pitching and pitching all this stuff into the trash. Every so often I stopped to read something, and one of the letters that I read was from the early 20s, from one of the board members to another one, describing their meeting with our blind state congressman, our blind US congressman, excuse me, and of course, they don't tell who it is. I didn't know there was a blind congressman, so I put that aside, and I started to pay more and more attention, so that blind Congressman became my first, what I call ancestor. I kept information that I had found here and there, kept those letters and put them in a box, and I went after who, what turned out to be Thomas David Shaw, who was the blind congressman who was working on a bill called the Robbins bill that would have been kind of a rehabilitation bill, putting some things together that would be similar to what our Randolph Shepherd vendor program is today. That bill didn't go anywhere. Um. But he then became a US senator, and he was one of two blind senators in the US Senate in the 1930s the other being Thomas prior gore. Thomas Shaw was killed by a hit and run driver just before Christmas of 1935 and he's a great ancestor to start with, because he had all this mystery around him, and you just had to know. So the driver of the car got out after he driven about a half a block and yelled back, well, he shouldn't have been in the street anyway. Now he was with his cited aid him one of his legislative aides, who was also hit and seriously hurt but but did survive that aid wrote a book about 20 some years later, as did the daughter of a newspaper man from Minneapolis who was killed in the very same way two weeks before Shaw was killed, and that newspaper reporter moved into this apartment a couple of weeks before he was hit by a car out of Thomas Shaw's house in Minneapolis because he was being harassed for the article He was working on about the mafia infiltrating the Democratic Party, and Shaw was helping him with this article. And so Shaw's family believed, as did the daughter who wrote the book about her dad, the reporter, as did the person who was with him that day, they all said that, you know, it was a he was deliberately hit, a man who hit him, he was deliberately hit because, if you talk to his grandson or his daughter in law, that they they believe it was a contract hit. But the man who hit him, who was unemployed. This was, you know, the middle of the Depression. He was unemployed, and all of a sudden, couple of years later, he has a brand new house that's paid for. He has no job. His children are in private school. They go on to college. He has no job. Where'd the money come from? Everybody wanted to know, and it was so he was somebody who I researched a lot, and that's before computers, and that was before you had an opportunity to go online, and before things were digitized. So you had to always go someplace and have somebody look it up for you. And a lot of times I would call and I would say, Well, can you read it to me over the phone? I didn't tell them I couldn't read it myself. I just asked them to read it. And I was surprised how many times people did read it, read articles to me, read them, the collection information to me, and so on. So he was my first ancestor. And because he was probably somebody I researched for good 30 years, I kind of got that in my blood, and then in about 2000 I decided I was going to do my family tree ancestry.com. Had just gotten started, and I thought, well, you know, why not? Keeps me busy for the winter. That is, it's it is worse addiction than chocolate or coke. I am here to tell you. I have been a subscriber of ancestor.com for a long time, and by and large, things are fairly accessible with that, unless you want to read the original document, because things were mostly handwritten, and these are scanned images, pictures of the originals and so on. But I'm surprised how many people are transcribing for their family trees, the information, the articles, the pieces from the books. So sometimes I get into things and it's already transcribed for me, I'm really kind of impressed   Michael Hingson ** 24:17 that works out very well.   Peggy Chong ** 24:18 I think so. So I was one who didn't like history in school because it didn't apply to me. And the few things that I had saved from Minnesota, you know, that applied to me because that was an organization I belonged to, and some of the people I had known. So I started with some of them because it applied to me. But once I really got into the family history, I just really got the bug. And when I would stall out on my family, I'd reach into now this collection that was more than a box or two of stuff that I have been collecting. And. Say, Well, I wonder what I can find about this person. Wonder what I can find about that person. And I took all these classes on how to research through the genealogical societies, several of them, and because it was when computers were not really used for genealogical research, they gave me a lot of information on the techniques that they use so they don't have to travel. And I used all of those techniques, and a lot of them are very great techniques that a blind person can use because for a $15 donation to this Genealogical Society, or this History Society, or this public library, there's some volunteer that's just willing to dig into something and find out what it is I want to know, and then they'll send me a nice email back, or a bunch of papers in the mail that I'll have to scan. But it's been really interesting to find out how easy it has been to dig into a lot of these old documents with the help of other people who have no idea that I'm blind at all,   Michael Hingson ** 26:13 which, which is, of course, part of the issue. They don't even know you're blind.   Peggy Chong ** 26:18 No, they have no clue. But they would do that for someone else. Yeah? So, yeah, I just take advantage of the opportunities that are already there and maximize them to my benefit.   Michael Hingson ** 26:31 So what are some of the early stories that you found that really fascinated you and that you found interesting that you've published?   Peggy Chong ** 26:41 Well, the one that just came out this month about Helen may Martin, the blind and deaf woman who was a concert pianist, is a fascinating story to me. And here's another example of this. Is a blind and deaf person who was born in 1895 the schools for the blind didn't take a blind and deaf student, and the schools for the deaf didn't take a deaf and blind student. In many parts of the country to get in as a deaf blind student, you either had to have a lot of money, or there just happened to have, happened to be somebody who was donating extra money at the time. You just happened to have a teacher that was skilled in working with one on one with a deafblind student. So Helen may didn't have that. She was born in Nebraska. The Nebraska school for the blind and deaf didn't want or the Kansas School for the blind and deaf didn't one of the Missouri School for the Blind in the School for the Deaf didn't want her, so her mother decided Helen is going to grow up and she is going to be the best of whatever she can be.   Michael Hingson ** 27:53 There's mom again. There's the family again. Well, mom   Peggy Chong ** 27:56 was a music teacher. Dad was a salesman who was on the road a lot, but he was also musically inclined, and they had a piano in the house. Mom taught music, and she kept Helen with her a lot. And Helen thought this was a game on the piano the keys and doing it, so she wanted to learn the game too. Mom, had her put her hand on the piano to feel the vibrations. Later on, it was the heel of her foot to feel the vibrations and how she would press the key harder and the vibrations of the piano were more full. When Helen started to really learn how to play the pieces, her mother would teach her with one hand, then the other, and they would put it together. And then her mother started to explain musical notes by using beans. A whole note was one bean. A half a note was two Beans. Quarter note was four beans. And explained how that worked to Helen. Then they would play these pieces, and the mother would say, Well, this is a song about the flowers, or this is a song about someone's life. And so Helen needed to know the story, and then the music had feeling her emotions. She understood the music better, and she learned to play with feeling as well. And when she was about 18, she wrote to the schools for the blind, asking again to have somebody come and teach her. Now, her mother was a smart woman. She knew there were magazines for the blind, and so she wrote and got everything she could find. Well, somewhere in New York point, somewhere in Braille,   Michael Hingson ** 29:56 Moon type and all of this. Hmm. And   Peggy Chong ** 30:01 so Helen learned several different ways to read. Her mother learned some of it and taught Helen. And then Helen, through reading these magazines, learned to read much better.   Michael Hingson ** 30:16 Let me stop you for a second, because I think it's important that listeners understand. You know, Braille was developed by Louis Braille in 1824, but it was quite a while before Braille itself was adopted. And one of the things that a lot of schools and people did early on, if you will, was assume that blind students could learn to feel raised regular characters, and then when they discovered that wasn't working as well as it could, other kind of languages were developed. Says Peggy said New York point and I said Moon type, which are two different languages, if you will, of raised characters that are somewhat different from Braille than it was a while before people realized finally that there were advantages to what Braille offered, because it was a very simple in a sense, dot configuration, but people could learn to read it and learn to read it well and read fast with it.   Peggy Chong ** 31:18 New York point was two dots high and four dots wide, right. And the New York point was started in New York, of course, with the schools there, Perkins, the Perkins School for the Blind, which began in the 1930 in the 1830s used the raise print system. They had their own printing press and everything. So they had all of the equipment to print their own books. Therefore they were invested in more ways than one into that raised system. The first school that actually taught Braille in this country was the Missouri School for the Blind in 1860 so Braille didn't quite catch on here. New York point had caught on, and what had spread across, especially New England and the East Coast, far more than Braille, the Braille did, which is why the Matilda Ziegler, what magazine was in Braille. Some of the religious magazines were Matilda Ziegler, I'm sorry, was in New York point at first, before it went into Braille. So   Michael Hingson ** 32:33 why do you think Braille finally caught on?   Peggy Chong ** 32:36 Well, it had a lot to do with money, but it also had to do with the fact that, you know, the schools for the blind, up until probably about the 1860s did more lecture and answer, question and answer, and that's how you learn they're just they didn't have either the money or the printing press or the access to actual tactile books for the kids. So the teachers themselves would lecture, and they would memorize and recite a lot more than than the sighted children did in the schools, although my dad tells stories about how they didn't have school a lot of school books, either in his school when he was growing up. I don't know, maybe that wasn't so different. But when Helen was reading things, she was getting some magazines from France, because Europe, England had publications in braille, and they would they could be received here in the United States. So her mother signed her up for those signed her up for newsletters coming out of California. California was quite a literate state in that the school for the blind, the school in Berkeley, the Institute for the Blind, they all had printing presses so that they could manufacture their books and share them. So Ohio was another place that her mother got her books Helen's books from as well. So she got all this material encouraged Helen to read and read and read, and she also taught Helen to type at the age of six, because her mother knew how to type. So her mother taught her how to type again. It was kind of a game. The keyboard was a game, and she learned to type quite well, so she kept a diary in print, and she wrote articles her mother would read to her, and they developed, at first, their own sign language, and then her mother and her sister. Her learned sign language, and they would spell into Helen's hand. Now, her dad died when she was about 1220, her sister was about 12 at the time, and so the mother had to go back to work. She became a seamstress. She had her own shop. She sewed dresses for people in town, and Helen learned how to do that. Helen had learned how to cook. She was constantly by her mother's side, so when her mother went to work, she was in charge of the house. Her mother got her classes at conservatories of music. Her mother went with her and translated into Helen's hand what was being said for the class. She never graduated from a conservatory, but because of her exposure, people were like this. She's deaf and she's blind and she's playing the piano. This is so amazing. She plays it with feeling. And so she would get a little concert here, and a little concert there. And pretty soon it expanded, and her mother thought, well, let's see where it goes, you know? So she started promoting her daughter, getting her all these concerts. There were all these professionals musicians, educators, even from the schools for the blind, who would come and watch Helen perform, because they just couldn't believe a deafblind person could do this. And when Helen would travel, she had the same experience. Her mother would send ahead all this information about Helen may Martin, the deafblind piano pianist who is going to perform, and there would be the announcement in the paper. But many times, the reporters didn't believe that Helen was deafblind, so they didn't put the article in. They would wait till after the performance, and then there would be the article about Ellen Mae Martin, and I went to see her, and she really is deaf and she really is blind, and she plays beautifully. Ripley's, believe it or not, had a program on the radio. He also had a Ripley's, believe it or not, theater in New York, and he sent someone out to check out Helen and see if she really was a deafblind pianist. And discovered that she was, and he brought her on her show. She was well received in New York, and got a multi week contract to perform at his, believe it or not, theater in New York. So she was in New York for quite a while, several months, performing for many concerts and many theaters in New York. Helen died in 1947 so she was like about 5252 years old, so she wasn't really that old. And her sister died in 1939 who was much younger than she was. So Mrs. Martin ended up out living all of her children, neither of Helen or her sister ever married or had children. So her mother ended up, not in poverty, but she certainly was not a wealthy woman when she passed away. But before she passed away, she supposedly gave all of Helen's diaries to some historical society, of which no one can find, which I'm hoping they're in a back box behind the furnace somewhere, and someday they'll be unearthed, because that would be fascinating, the little bits of her journal that were recorded in newspapers. She wrote very well. She had a very strong vocabulary. Some people equate deaf people with having a smaller vocabulary. That was certainly not the case with Helen, and Helen has been somebody that has really touched a lot of people. When you think about what you can and cannot do, nobody told Helen she couldn't. Nobody said, you know, as a deaf person, probably the piano is not something you should try to take up. But encouraged her because she had an interest, and worked with Helen's interests, and worked with what Helen knew, and her mother did that and encouraged her, made sure she was literate because she was a lot older when she went to school, really, when she went to school, she. Took about five years to complete the academic courses at the School for the Blind, and she did get a certificate of graduation she was older than the rest of the students. Her mother had blind pianists come and work with Helen while Helen was growing up, so she had music teachers, and she found some deaf students, graduates from the schools for the deaf, from other states, sometimes Kansas, who would come and work with the family. That's how they learn sign languages. So Helen's mother was extremely important with making Helen who she was I wonder   Michael Hingson ** 40:40 if she ever met Helen Keller. Yes, she did.   Peggy Chong ** 40:44 They both met when they were adults. Helen may Martin had written to Helen Keller, and Helen Keller had heard about the blind woman who was the pianist, the blind and deaf woman. So when Helen Keller went on one of her tours. She went to Nebraska, and Helen and her mother went and stayed with a relative and got an audience with Helen Keller. The Of course, Helen Keller was always followed by reporters, and so they reported on the meeting of the two Helens, and they called Helen may Martin, the second Helen Keller, well, Helen Keller was not happy with that. She said, Are you kidding? She is not the second Helen Keller, she has far exceeded everything I could have ever done.   Michael Hingson ** 41:38 I can see her say that, yes, it   Peggy Chong ** 41:40 was just, it was really wonderful. She scolded the reporter, and that reporter didn't report on the scolding, but another reporter reported on Helen Keller scolding the reporter for saying that she was the second. Helen Keller, and don't you call her at the second? Helen Keller, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 41:59 you know, it's interesting that you, you clearly worked at this pretty hard and found a lot of information about her, even so. And you're you're right. It would be nice to find her journals and the other things, and I bet you will at some point, they're somewhere.   Peggy Chong ** 42:15 I think so I think they're somewhere.   Michael Hingson ** 42:20 Now I have to go back to a story that you talked about a little bit on our first unstoppable mindset episode, because you said something here that brought it up, and that is that Helen may Martin learn to type, tell us about the history of the typewriter. Will you? Oh, I love to I know it's a great story.   Peggy Chong ** 42:42 When I go to talk to the students who are at agencies for the blind learning to be blind people when they're in their adjustment to blindness, training, a lot of them, oh, talk about how difficult the computer is because it's so difficult you can't see the keys. And I love to tell the story of the invention of the typewriter, because it was an invention for blind people. And we have forgotten that as a society, the typewriter was the invention of a man who was overly friendly with this Countess, married to this count. The Count wasn't attentive enough for the Countess, so she had to find other interests, friends, but they would write back and forth. Now the problem was the ladies in waiting who wrote the letters to her friend, her special friend, showed them to the count, and that just, you know, wasn't a good thing. So, and they also didn't get delivered either, because if the count didn't like it, he had the letters tried, so he invented this device where she could type out the letters and then send them to him without having a ladies maid between them. And it caught on the schools for the blind in New York, especially the schools for the blind taught typing at the school and their students by the late 1880s and early 1890s were going to state fairs and the World's Fair demonstrating the typewriter for the Remington company as something that really would help the gentlemen who were secretaries in the office. Lady secretaries were not quite yet the thing and   Michael Hingson ** 44:42 would have helped Bob Cratchit Anyway, go ahead,   Peggy Chong ** 44:46 you never know. Do you humbug? I love that story. Yeah, but yes. So their students graduated, were really good typists and. They saw to him that they got put into insurance companies, law firms, and highlighted their students as typists. And the typewriter was also catching on really well in the business community, because now you didn't have to decipher some of that handwriting. And believe me, that handwriting that still exists from back then is very difficult, always doing to figure out just   Michael Hingson ** 45:27 handwriting of old days or days of your that is hard to understand. So I'm told,   Peggy Chong ** 45:33 No, it's today's but yes, well, and they're actually teaching handwriting again in school. A little side note is that I have a lot of volunteers that have been transcribing documents for me from about 1915 to about 1980 from the collection of old files at the Colorado Center for the Blind that we unearthed and we found we could not use high school students and some younger college students because they couldn't read handwriting. We had to, we had to go into the retirement communities to find our volunteers who were very good, by the way. But anyway, so the typewriter has was really the communication material, tool that was used by so many blind people for a long time, and I think we got away from that now, where we have to have special keyboards for the blind. Some places are really insistent on that. Some blind people are insistent on that when you were meant not to look at the keys. That's why the two little bumps on the F and the H are there is so that you could orient yourself and continue typing looking at the paper. The sighted ladies would look at the paper and type their material and not have to look at their keys. So something that we have forgotten, and you know, like the scanner, is, you know, a product that was originally designed for blind people. We forgotten that, I think, in our society as well. But I like the inventions that blind people have contributed, such as cruise control. That was an invention by a blind man to make the cars in his lot stand out from the other car dealers in his small town. There was a man in Minnesota who had lost his hand as well as his eyesight and part of his hearing. He went to the summer programs for adult blind people at the School for the Blind in the 19 late 20s, early 30s. There were no programs for adult blind in the in the state, really at that point, unless you wanted to make brooms. They suggested that he become a piano tuner. And he said, Well, you know, I really wasn't very musical when I had my sight and my hearing, I don't really see how I can be a piano tuner if I can't hear it and I only have one hand. So what he got out of those summer programs, though, was he met other blind people who gave him job leads, and they told him to go to this broom factory in Minneapolis, because it was owned by a blind guy. And he employed some blind guys and sighted guys as well. So he went up there, and this is during the Depression, and the guy said, you know, I really love to help you. I don't need anybody in the factory. I have all the blind salesmen. Most of his salesmen were blind. I have all the salesmen that I can use for this area, but you know, if you want to branch out and head out to like, say, North Dakota or South Dakota, I'd be glad to hire you. And probably thought he'd never heard from the guy again, but the guy came back and says, Well, I found another guy. He doesn't have a job, he doesn't have a home, but he's got a pickup. So the two of them bought as many brooms as they could put into the pickup, and they headed out. Sold all the brooms. They came back. The two men, in a couple of years, earned enough money where they both bought property, and this guy, he bought the property, and what we would call today flipped. It bought a duplex and got renters in. It continued to sell brooms until he really became pretty handy at flipping houses, buying and selling property. So he got kind of tired, though, because, you know, he's now, like, close to 50 years old. Wild, and he has to change the storm windows on the house in Minnesota. Have to put on the screens in the summer and the storms in the winter. And he's climbing up the ladder. He's only got one hand trying to change the windows on the second story. And thought, There has got to be a better way to do this. I really don't want to keep climbing up this ladder. So I talked to this other guy, a blind guy, who was a furniture builder, had his own furniture shop. And he told the guy, this is my idea. I want to design a window where it comes in on a hinge, and then I can just reach in, pull in the storm, clean it, put it back, and they invented this window. He built a few of them on his own, demonstrated that it worked, put it in his house. This window company came along, bought the patent and the blank, I never worked again. He didn't have to work again. The neat thing though, was when he went blind, his wife had passed away a couple of years before, and he became very depressed, lost his job, lost his house that he had paid for his relatives, and the county came and took his three children away. When he sold his patent, he got two of his children back. His oldest child was now in the service and serving in World War Two. But he got his children back. He provided a home for his mother. He actually remarried again, you know, a man who just came back from nothing, and then out of his own need, created this window that many houses in the Midwest, the older houses built in the late 40s and 50s, have those windows that you pull in on a hinge and open up, clean them and close them   Michael Hingson ** 52:03 back out. Now, of course, we have dual pane windows and other things like that. But, yeah, yeah, so, so who invented the scanner?   Peggy Chong ** 52:12 Well, that was Ray Kurzweil. I   Michael Hingson ** 52:14 just wanted to see if you'd say that it's interesting. Kurzweil   Peggy Chong ** 52:19 is an interesting guy, you know, he is still alive and still very concerned about blind people, and active in the blind community, providing funds for scholarships and so on. We correspond, yeah, and he had this wonderful idea in the 70s to provide a scanner that would read to the blind, and it was as huge. I mean, it was bigger than my washing machine.   Michael Hingson ** 52:48 Yeah, the whole thing weighed 400 pounds, not too gosh, yeah,   Peggy Chong ** 52:51 the library, the public library in Minneapolis, bought one. Unfortunately, not a lot of people used it because they locked it up because they were afraid it was going to get broken.   Michael Hingson ** 53:03 That makes sense somehow. Yeah, right. It's, it's interesting, though, also to try to describe how the scanner worked, because you, you can't really say it took a picture like you would do today with a phone. No, because the way it worked was there was a piece of technology called a charge couple device. Won't go into the theory of that, but basically, the scanner would move up and down the page, like an inch at a time, scanning across, then dropping down, scanning back, dropping down, and so on, building up an image that took almost a minute to do. And then the computer would take probably anywhere from depending on the complexity, 20 seconds, to 30 or 45 seconds, to process it. And then it would read out loud.   Peggy Chong ** 53:52 But it worked, and you had access to that book right, and   Michael Hingson ** 53:58 you had access to that book right away, and it worked. And of course, it did get better over time. And then Ray was also very much involved in unlimited vocabulary, voice input and other things. So you mentioned two blind senators. Were there any other blind national politicians.   Peggy Chong ** 54:22 There were five blind congressmen all together. There was Thomas Shaw and there was Matthew Dunn. He served from 1935 to 1940 he was the last of any of our national representatives as blind people. And Matthew Dunn came from Pennsylvania. He was an interesting person because he did really he was interested in politics, but it was not what he wanted as a career, but he did it because he was a part of the. The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, which was one of the original affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind. They were very concerned that the welfare system in the country was going federal, which was a good thing and a bad thing, a good thing if it was done right, a bad thing if it was not. And they knew from just Pennsylvania alone, how a charity system, a welfare system, a poor house system, they had all these different types of programs to serve blind people, as far as financial was concerned, and they had many situations in their state where if you lived on one side of the street as a blind person, you could get maybe $8 a month if you lived on the Other side, maybe only two, because you crossed a county line or you crossed out of the sea. And so they wanted to have some input on a federal level to all this, these pieces of legislation, Social Security, the rehabilitation legislation that was being bandied about, they wanted to have some input into it, to make sure that it wasn't a charity, that it wasn't for the poor, that it was something that would make you have A step up, that you could get out of poverty, that you wouldn't be stuck there, that you would have an opportunity to get a job, that you would have an opportunity to go to school and still get some financial support, that you could own your own home and maybe still get some financial support, because if you were a blind person in Pennsylvania, in some parts of the state, and you went blind at, say, 40 years old, your house was paid for. You had to sell that house or that asset in order to get financial support. And they wanted people to have a right to protect what they have so they can get a step up and get back to work. And Matthew Dunn was sent there by the blind people, and he campaigned on those issues, about wanting to go to Washington to make sure that the new laws regarding social security rehabilitation would provide people an opportunity to progress, rather than stay at home, remain in poor farms, remain in nursing homes. So he was, it was an interesting sort   Michael Hingson ** 58:01 and it's a battle that still goes on today. For   Peggy Chong ** 58:06 you know, as much as we look at history, you know, if you don't know your history, you're bound to repeat it. And you just look at things, and they just cycle through and cycle through. I remember in the 1920 minutes of the NFB of Minnesota. Back then, it was called the Minnesota State organization the blind. There were three resolutions that were just about the same as three of the resolutions at the 1995 convention. We haven't gone very far have we   Michael Hingson ** 58:40 not in some ways, you know, we have been doing this mostly an hour. But I can't end this without saying two things. One, we'll have to do another one, but, but the other one is, tell me a little bit about your recent trip to Washington. That had to be fascinating. It was   Peggy Chong ** 58:59 fascinating. I went to Washington knowing very little. What I thought I knew turned out not to be what I should have known. I came across a newspaper article about, oh, four years five years ago, five years ago, I guess, now, about a blind guy, a broom maker, who had gotten an award from the Harmon Foundation, and I couldn't understand why he got the award, because it didn't really say why he got the award. He just got an award. Well, I didn't find out much about the broom maker, so I decided to look in the Harmon Foundation, and what I had learned online was that the Harmon Foundation had given a lot of support, financial awards, loans to the black community who were into art. And I couldn't figure out how this broom maker, this white guy, Bloom. Broom maker fit in, and there was nothing online about it, until I got into the Library of Congress and found the Harmon foundation collection. And I looked at that and went, Oh my gosh, there must be a lot of data there, because the Harmon foundation collection goes from 1913 to 1965 there's 122 boxes. 14 of them are for this one program. Now there's about, oh, maybe 20, 3040, programs that the Harmon Foundation also has in this collection, none of them have that many boxes connected with it. So I thought I had hit a gold mine, and then way I did just not what I anticipated. The first two days, I spent 11 days in the Library of Congress. The first two days, I took the boxes chronologically and could not figure out what the heck was going on, because it none of it made sense. None of it fit into the stuff I knew about the program and the strangest stuff were coming up. People were writing on behalf of a school for the blind, or a public school area wanting a playground for the School for the Blind, and I'm thinking now in an awards a literary award program, why would you write and ask that? And then there were all these letters from blind people wanting to go to college and asking for a loan. And again, I thought, what? That just doesn't fit. So it took me till the third day before I got an understanding of exactly what was going on the Harmon foundation. William Harmon was the chair. He decided in 1927 he wanted a new program that would provide awards to blind people, much like their literary program that was providing scholarships for college students. They had a essay contest for farmers down in the south, and they would award them money to beautify their their property. They also had this program once I saw their newsletters where they had provided within like a five year period, over 50 playgrounds to schools or Communities for Children. And so it's starting to dawn on me that there's this group of people who've done their research on the Harmon Foundation, and there's a group of people that haven't done their research. And then there's what's going on with the award the Harmon foundation knew they had to reach out to the blind community. Part of their structure, when they were doing new awards, and they did many, was to reach out, put an advisory committee together with sewn from the Harmon foundation and those in that community in which they were trying to enhance so they wanted to reach out to the blind community. They found the Matilda Ziegler magazine, and they had the editor as one of their advisory committees, and they reached out to the American Foundation for the Blind, and ended up with a few of their representatives on that advisory committee, their normal process, the Harmon Foundation's normal process was then to take this advisory committee and then reach down into the community and have all these nominators who would take the applications for the awards and seek out applicants. Get the applications filled out, get the supporting documents filled out. For example, in their their farm and land beautification, one photographs needed to be taken sometimes, or they needed to get the names of some of the plants they were using. Sometimes, fruits and vegetables were sent to the Harmon foundation to show, hey, look how good my garden went, that kind of thing. So the nominators were to make sure that all of that was completed before the application was then sent in. That didn't work the application process. The Harmon Foundation put the application together, much like their other programs, and sent it to the advisory committee, and there were about 12 different versions of it after I went to the advisory committee in the Harmon. Original version that they had asked for award. They were going to give out 100 awards in total, and there were about eight categories, and they were going to have an award for the person who submits this great work of literary work, they were going to have an award for people who wrote essays about how they have made a difference in their life, how they made a difference in other people's lives, as blind people, and especially in that one, there's a little sub noted, and it says, when it's talking about what you might include in the essay, which is usually only about a paragraph it mentioned, and talk about how, as you progressed, your posture got better, your became more involved in the community. Well, the advisory committee ended up pulling all of that out. So the final application had a page of, is this person neat? Is this person polite? What is the posture of this person? All these personal things that when the blind people who were reading the Matilda Ziegler magazine, because Matilda Ziegler put all this information about the awards, they did a lot of promotion about the awards. They sent in essays from their previous editions of their Matilda magazine to the Harmon foundation to say these are the kind of essays that blind people can write, and they can tell you about how they have made a difference in their lives. They've made a success of this career. They have been instrumental in building their community school or their community church. But the Matilda Ziegler magazine people got the application and filled out what they thought was important, the the references and so on. And they get to all this stuff about their personal behavior, and one lady writes in and says, you know, I'm submitting my essay, but I'm not going to fill out these pieces because I don't think it has any bearing on whether or not my essay should be, should be judged on that. So I'm, I'm getting the drift here that the people that were sending in essays were not completing their application. The deadline the applications were sent out on April 15 of 1928 the deadline was August 15 of 1928 AFB provided a list of all of the organizations, the mailing list of all the names, organizations, schools, workshops for the blind, and the Harmon foundation sent out letters asking all of their these agency people to be the nominators. The AFB did not do that. They didn't write separate cover, hey, we're participating in this Harmon Foundation award, and we want you to support this award, be a nominator, and we want you to help fill out these applications and send them back so these principals at the schools for the blind or in the public schools who oversaw the program for public schools or the director of a workshop,   Peggy Chong ** 1:08:51 they they would either totally ignore it, or they would write back, well, sure, I'll be a nominator. I don't know what it involves, but you can use my name. So come August 15, the Harmon foundation doesn't have enough accepted applications to fill the awards, so they they're contacting AFB and Matilda Ziegler, what do we do? They extend the award for children and for been blind for two years. How has how have you progressed in two years to November 1, they still don't get enough because what happened is, especially with a lot of these schools, they saw it as a charity award, not a literary award. And so they would send the application in, partially filled out, and say, this student deserves this award because they came to the school and they only had one set of clothing, and we have been needing to support the student, or you need to gi

WFMZ-69 since 1976 has served the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania with local news coverage and syndicated fare including Judge Judy. It's a rarity in the modern age, but the unaffiliated player remains important to an important segment of the Philadelphia DMA. That's why getting DirecTV streaming coverage, in addition to its long-running availability on the traditional DBS provider satellite lineup, is a big deal for station owner Maranatha Broadcasting.To learn more about WFMZ-69 and how it continues to thrive and not get overlooked by national companies, station President/GM Barry Fisher, Past Chairman of the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, joins RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson on this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM.

On episode 242, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, and how intersection of giftedness and neurodiversity emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, the significance of understanding twice exceptionality, and the role of diagnosis in accessing resources. Dr. Zakreski advocates for equity in supporting neurodivergent individuals and encourages listeners to pursue their passions and find supportive communities. Takeaways Giftedness can be met with resistance in traditional settings. Neurodiversity-affirming practices focus on strengths. Twice exceptional individuals face unique challenges. Diagnosis should be a tool for accessing resources. Finding the right support can be challenging. Equity is essential in addressing diverse needs. There are multiple pathways to success for neurodivergent individuals. Pursuing passions is key to fulfillment. Community support is vital for neurodivergent individuals. Register here for our free annual fall event for educators, which is coming this Monday, September 23! If you're an educator who's passionate about creating neurodiversity-affirming learning environments for students, this event is for you. You can sign up free, and if you can't make it to the live event, you'll have access to the recording afterward. Join Emily and a live panel of experts by clicking here to register. Dr. Matt Zakreski has shaped his career around his passion for serving gifted kids, starting with being a counselor (and a camper) at the Center for Talented Youth summer program as a teenager. He's cofounder of The Neurodiversity Collective, LLC, and in his practice he offers therapy, consultation/coaching, and assessment. Matt is a board member of PAGE, the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education, and works closely with multiple organizations around the country. He consults schools, presents at conferences internationally, conducts webinars, and leads discussions at his local library. He earned BAs in Psychology and Communications at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, NC.  He assisted with research at Harvard Psychophysiology Lab at the Harvard University Business School in Cambridge, MA before making his way to graduate school at Widener University, where he earned his Doctorate in Psychology from the Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, DE. BACKGROUND READING Website Facebook

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Travaglini, the Senior Director of Education and Curriculum at Allegheny Land Trust. Julie shares her journey and passion for environmental education, emphasizing the importance and benefits of connecting people with nature. She discusses various strategies for effective teaching and engagement, highlighting some of the innovative programs her team is currently developing. Listeners will hear about impactful projects, including success stories that showcase the noticeable impacts of their initiatives. Additionally, Julie provides insights into upcoming projects and her vision for the future of environmental education. For more information about the programs and events at Allegheny Land Trust, visit Allegheny Land Trust Events. Feel free to connect with Julie or learn more about their work through their website or social media platforms. Lastly, we encourage our listeners to reflect on how environmental education has impacted their perspective on nature and conservation. Share your thoughts and experiences with us on our social media channels or through our website.MEET JULIE: Julie Travaglini is the Senior Director of Education and Curriculum for Allegheny Land Trust. In her role, she creates hands-on, stem and place based lessons for children and adults alike as well as providing state accredited professional development. Working in the field for almost 20 years, she regularly travels the country speaking on the importance of environmental education. She is a community leader, serving as the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators as well as serving on the Board of the Western PA Mushroom Club and Beverly's Birthdays. She recently self published a children's book called Super Skills of Backyard Bugs, which is available on Amazon. In her spare time she can be found looking for mushrooms, kayaking or crocheting mythical creatures.RESOURCES: www.alleghenylandtrust.org/eventswww.paee.netOutdoor Classrooms 1-hour Workshop mentioned:Buddy Builders Outdoors: Get Acquainted Activities workshop details REGISTER HERE! Relevant articles or studies on the decline of playtime (if applicable)Call to Action:Subscribe to the Outdoor Classrooms Podcast for more insightsShare this episode with fellow educators and parentsReach out to victoria@outdoor-classrooms.com for more questions or topic suggestionsOutdoor Classroom Resources: Join the Discussion: Continue the conversation in our CIRCLE Membership Community. Upcoming Events: Don't miss out on our future live events! Subscribe to the Seedling News. Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more valuable content to you.How to Leave a Review for Our PodcastThank you for listening! If you enjoyed today's episode, consider leaving us a review. Here's how:For Apple Podcasts:Open the Apple Podcasts app.Search for Outdoor Classrooms PodcastTap on our podcast, scroll down to the 'Ratings & Reviews' section.Tap 'Write a Review', rate...

Matthew ·Dr. Matt· Zakreski, PsyD is a high-energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken hundreds of times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University·s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective.

He has one of the most iconic voices in Philadelphia sports history.  On August 17, 1994, Marc Zumoff was named the television voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, fulfilling his childhood dream. His career spanned four decades and includes covering the Rio Olympics in 2016 for NBC, assorted assignments for Turner Sports, NBA-TV, the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Union and various other pro, college and high school events.  He's also been an anchor, producer and reporter and spent the first five years of his career as a radio newsperson.     In this episode, “Zoo” talks candidly with Todd Stephens about catching the bug for broadcasting as a sixth-grader growing up in Northeast Philadelphia.  He recalls practicing play-by-play announcing with his tape recorder and being driven by his passion to make it as a broadcaster.  As a 19-time Emmy Award Winner, he is also one of the most decorated broadcasters in Philadelphia history having been named The National Sports Media Association's Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year three times, the Bill Campbell Award from the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association, and the 2022 recipient of The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters highest award of distinction, the Gold Medal.  He is also a member of the Temple University School of Media and Communications Hall of Fame, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame, and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.    Marc currently serves as the associate director of the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media at his alma mater, Temple University.  He is the co-author of the textbook Total Sports Media.  And he is working with Maccabi USA as the chairman of Maccabi Media, a program which sends more than a dozen aspiring sports media professionals to cover the Maccabiah in Israel, South America and Europe.  Marc lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife of 40 years, Debbie.  They are the parents of two adult sons. FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list   Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast    https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way real estate sales have traditionally been handled is evolving. This weekend we wrestle with the questions that have recently been headline news in the real estate world.  We will separate fact from fiction with our Chief Legal Officer and 2024 President Elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. They break it down so it's easily understood. This episode of the Real Estate Roundtable with Century 21 Jack Real Estate should not be missed! 

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about neurodivergence. As DEI initiatives have expanded to include more of a focus on neurodivergence, we've learned more about what it means to be neurodivergent in the workplace. Examples include ADHD, autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia. But from an inclusion standpoint, challenges remain for neurodivergent and neurotypical professionals alike. This week, I talk with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent children. Here we talk about how we can all benefit from showing greater curiosity and communicating more openly with one another. Whether you are neurodivergent or you're neurotypical and want to better support neurodivergent folks around you, this conversation will help you think differently about how we can create more inclusive workplaces for everyone.About My GuestMatthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ ~Connect with Matt:Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/drmattzakreski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-zakreski-0a32358 Website: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/coachingJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

Albert Perry, a towering figure in real estate and the 100th President of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors®, will delve into the seldom-discussed emotional landscape of leadership. With 28 years in real estate, influenced by his mother's legacy and his role as a guiding force at Pennsylvania's number one Century 21 brokerage, Al brings a wealth of experience and insight. Despite his high-profile accolades and industry respect, Al champions the deeper values of empathy, community, and mental health awareness, sharing how his personal battles have shaped his approach to leadership. This episode is a profound exploration of how vulnerability can strengthen leadership, foster connection, and inspire resilience and hope in professional and personal spheres. Tune in to discover how embracing our humanity can be the cornerstone of effective leadership and personal growth.

Join Flood and returning guests Jill Beitz and Walker Roberts, as well as our very special guest and commentator for this roundup, Dr. Robert Wenzel Gross for a discussion about the aftermath of our Uinta experience. If you pay close attention, you'll pick up on some bread crumbs about where all of this is going. For us, at least. EX V PLANIS https://www.exvplanis.com https://linktr.ee/Exvplanis https://foldsandfloods.bandcamp.com COLLABORATION WITH LUXA STRATA https://soundcloud.com/j-street-390/eyes-of-your-eyes UFO VALLEY CAMPGROUND https://www.ufovalleycampground.com/ DR ROBERT W GROSS https://bobwenzelgross.com/ Dr. Bob Wenzel Gross is an accomplished artist who chose music as his preferred medium of expression.  In 1975, he enrolled at The Pennsylvania State University to study filmmaking.  Bob also worked on a classified cross-disciplinary research project at the Penn State Center for Acoustics.  In 1984, Bob earned a Doctor of Education Degree from Penn State.  At Penn State, he studied music, filmmaking, acoustics, aesthetics, and research design, among other subjects.  Penn State's Graduate School awarding his doctoral dissertation an excellent rating for advanced research. In 1985, Dr. Gross wrote a children's musical play.  The play incorporated several contemporary popular topics:   UFOs, extraterrestrial intelligence, spaceships, and outer space.  To learn more about the UFO/UAP phenomenon, Dr. Gross joined a nonprofit scientific research organization and clearinghouse for UFO sightings in Pennsylvania.    During 1989, Dr. Gross observed a UAP up close.  Throughout this close encounter, he experienced a strong affective reaction.  Bob's interest in anomalies, aesthetics, UAP, and the human brain was ignited.  In 2005, Dr. Gross started working for the US Department of the Interior (DOI).  By 2006, Bob was collaborating with NASA on the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) project.   In summary, Dr. Bob Wenzel Gross has been a musician, scientist, researcher, educator, administrator, academic, writer, presenter, and government agent.  Dr. Gross has more than 25 years of experience teaching on all levels of instruction.  Moreover, he was an adjunct professor at Penn State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, New Mexico State University, and South Texas College. During 2021, Dr. Bob began working with the Research Team for The Galileo Project at Harvard University. Select Related Events   1985, joined the Pennsylvania Association for the Study of the Unexplained (PASU), a research unit that conducted investigations of UFOs and other worthy unexplained phenomena.   1987, attended National UFO Information Week—a collaborative effort between PASU and the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) to bring the business of UFO research to the public. 1987, observed eyewitnesses provide live testimonies about the 1965 Kecksburg UFO incident.  1989, experienced a personal Close Encounter of the First Kind with an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) which led to conducting subsequent research related to such interactions. 1997, served on the Cornell University Cinema Advisory Board that premiered the 1997 film, Contact, which was based on a Carl Sagan novel. 2006-2007, consulted with the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas about recruiting Native Americans for NASA's Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Project. 2007-2010, collaborated with Spaceport America to promote educational involvement in schools through activities and educational materials aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while developing skills needed for Spaceport operations. 2011, joined MUFON to gain access to their research tools and learn more about how the organization reviewed and studied UFOs. 2012, presented “The Kecksburg Incident,” at a UFO Conference in Edinburg, Texas. 2012, provided a lecture entitled:  “The Kecksburg Case,” at the Texas A & M International University UFO Conference, Laredo, Texas. 2013, consulted with Harvard University's Project Zero and Dr. Howard Gardner related to an independent research study regarding existential intelligence and paranormal activity. 2013, delivered a science-based presentation, “Using Science to Explain the Unknown,” at the Amazing Skies Science Education Outreach Conference in Pharr, Texas. 2013, participated in a discussion about developing existential intelligence related to anomalous phenomena as a guest on the Jeff Rense Program, a nationally broadcast radio show. 2013, assisted with organizing the Out of This World Conference in Edinburg, Texas and presented the lecture:  “Science and the Paranormal.”  2013, published a book chapter:  “A Close Encounter of The Lasting Kind.” In Torres, N., Edinburg 2013 Out of This World Conference & Festival Souvenir Program.  RoswellBooks.com. 2013, appeared as the keynote speaker and delivered “Science, the Paranormal, and UFOs” at the MUFON State Fall Symposium, Indianapolis, Indiana. 2013, conducted a field investigation at the State Theater in South Bend, Indiana. 2014, developed a fine art lecture series entitled: “Existential Intelligence and the Arts: A Funerary Art Series” as a docent at Notre Dame's Snite Museum of Art. 2014, conducted a field investigation at the Willows Weep Funeral Home in Indiana. 2015, conducted a field investigation at the Whispers Estate in Indiana. 2015, conducted a field investigation at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky. 2015, proffered the lecture “Haunted Houses and Filmmaking” at the Mid America Filmmakers (MAF) salon gathering in South Bend, Indiana. 2016, conducted a field investigation in Randolph County, Indiana and successfully experimented with extended bulb photography techniques that yielded reliable evidence.  2018, participated in an interview entitled:  “The Truth Behind the UFO Phenomenon and Other Mysteries” for a Citizens for Community Media television show.  2018, delivered a PowerPoint presentation at the 2018 International UFO Congress entitled:  “Closing the Kecksburg Case Opened Another Mystery: Results of Recent Research.”  2018, appointed to the Scientific Coalition for UFOlogy (SCU), an alleged worldwide think-tank that conducted scientific examinations of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). 2018, wrote an article entitled:  An Extraterrestrial Flying Disk Crashed Near Roswell in 1947:  Not a UFO.  The article was published and trended on The UFO Chronicles.com blog. 2018, featured guest on Martin Willis Live Shows:  PODCAST UFO LIVE STREAM, “06-12-18 Dr. Bob W. Gross, Possible Kecksburg & Roswell Terrestrial Explanations?” 2018, recruited by Robert Powell of the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies (SCU) to conduct research as a member of the SCU Project on Shapes and UFO Characteristics Team. 2018, featured guest on Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES show about the Roswell mystery. 2019, featured guest on Dave Scott's Spaced Out Radio program. 2019, featured guest on Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES show discussing “The Rise and Fall of the Roswell UFO Incident.” 2019, described my 1989 close encounter with a UFO as a featured guest on Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES broadcast entitled:  “Take The Long Way Home.” 2020, featured guest on Cameron Brauer's My Alien Life the Podcast show discussing “In Pursuit of Anomalies.” 2020, described my various encounters with anomalies as a featured guest during the Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES broadcast entitled:  “Shootout at the Pillow Factory.” 2020, videotaped a discussion regarding MUFON's Executive Director Rejecting a Suggestion for U.S. Educational Standards Compliance with Jon Kelly on NewsInsideOut.com. 2020, created a YouTube Video Channel titled:  "Explore the Exceptional with Dr. Gross."  2020, featured guest on the Night Dreams Talk Radio with Gary Anderson show entitled:  “Dr. Robert Gross on UFOs.”  2021, explained the U.S. Government's recent UAPTF report as a featured guest on the Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES broadcast entitled:  “What Are They Trying To Tell Us?” 2021, featured guest on the Disclosure News Network with Dave Emmons broadcast entitled:  “Introducing Interdisciplinary UAP Education.” 2021, featured guest on PODCAST UFO LIVE with Martin Willis on “10-12-21, Show #476, Dr. Robert Gross, UAP Education a Potentially Bright Future.” 2021, began working on vital tasks with the Research Team for The Galileo Project at Harvard University. 2021, guest on Untold Radio with Joel Sturgis and Doug Hajicek show titled:  “Dr. Bob Wenzel Gross—Skilled Research Scientist Who Discusses UFOs and Other Anomalous Phenomena.” 2022, discussed The Galileo Project at Harvard University as a featured guest on the Mack Maloney's MILITARY X-FILES broadcast entitled:  “If a Nuke Goes Off in Space, Does it make a Noise?”

In this episode of On Record PR, Gina Rubel goes on record with Patricia Hennessy, Partner at Barton Gilman, to discuss the wide range of legal tools education lawyers employ to serve the needs of children. Learn More Pat serves as the co-chair of Barton Gilman's Education Law Group. She is an education reform advocate and activist, serving on the National Litigation Council for the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools and as a long-term member of the Alliance of Public Charter School Attorneys. She also works with private schools and boarding schools and was a member of the board of the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools.  Pat is also active with issues related to education reform and school choice in Maryland.

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4There's an entire coagulation cascade going on in your blood vessels that is protecting you from bleeding to death. It's complex process, and it's easy to get lost in the intricacies of the mechanism. Lucky for us, Dr. Stephanie Woodruff, Program Director at Ursuline College Nurse Anesthesia Program joins us in this episode to give us an easier way to memorize how the coagulation cascade works. Stephanie Woodruff, DNP, CRNA, CHSENurse Anesthesia Program Director (NAPD)Associate ProfessorDr. Woodruff serves as the Program Director of SNAP. She graduated from Georgetown University in 1994 with a bachelor's in nursing. In 1998, she received her master's in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and was certified as a Nurse Practitioner in Women's Healthcare. Dr. Woodruff became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in 2008 after graduating with her second master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2017, she received her DNP from Wilmington University. She is the State Peer Advisor for Pennsylvania through the AANA and is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetist Wellness Committee. Dr. Woodruff continues to practice clinically once a week.Get your note-taking tools and tune in!Fast-Track Your CRNA Interview Prep with our CRNA Interview Crash Course! https://www.cspaedu.com/4wotmldsHave you gained acceptance to CRNA school? Congratulations! Prepare with the #1 pre-anesthesia curriculum, as recommended by CRNA program faculty. Start the NAR Boot Camp today: https://www.cspaedu.com/bootcampThousands of nurses have gained CRNA school acceptance with CRNA School Prep Academy. Join today for access to all of the tools proven to accelerate your CRNA success! Click here: https://cspaedu.com/joinJoin the CSPA email list: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-emailJoin the Free Facebook Community here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnaschoolprepacademyfreeBook a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

On today's episode, I called the amazing Dr. Matthew Zakreski, PsyD.  If anybody can help us with our imposter syndrome, it's him. You'll see why. He's brilliant. And funny! To get in touch with Dr. Matt:For Therapy - https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.comFor Speaking Engagements - https://www.drmattzakreski.comFollow him on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drmattzakreskiHere's his bio:Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.  He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher.  He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids.  Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).  Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016.  He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective**************************************Why ADHD Big Brother?I created this ADHD podcast because it is the podcast about ADHD that I wish I had when I was first diagnosed and learning to navigate and manage my own ADHD. Need more ADHD support? Join the ADHD Big Brother Community. It's more than an adult ADHD support group, it's a mastermind. It's ultra accountability. We are overcoming our lack of motivation and getting started on things. You can explore it the community for free ANNND for the month of April, use coupon code APRIL25 for a big discount on membership.Explore the ADHD Big Brother CommunityGot something you'd like to discuss? I offer everyone one FREE 30 minute zoom chat. We can discuss an ADHD hurdle, get some ADHD and Depresh Big Brothering, ask me questions about the community and/or discuss working with me one on one. Or just simply meet to say hi. I LOVE meeting new people! Book your zoom chat here Have questions, comments, or want to do a classic ADHD overshare about something? Awesome! I love that and I personally respond to every email: CONTACT ME HERE

Ready to learn the history, philosophy, and practice of an experienced independent educational consultant? MEET OUR GUEST Meet Carolyn P. Mulligan, who attended Bucknell University, where she graduated with a degree in English Literature. She has been proud to have been a counselor for many years at the Bucknell College Admissions Summer Workshop. She worked in public relations in NYC.  She helped to open the Museum of Holography in Soho and worked for the Jamaica Tourist Board.  Carolyn is also a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC), the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC). She is a member of CH.A.D.D. (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder), and the LDA, the Learning Disability Association.  She is also a proud member of the Character Collaborative.  She has served on Admission Advisory Boards at several institutions including the University of Arizona, Drexel University and Roger Williams University. Insiders Network to College owner Carolyn Mulligan believes every student has a select few best fit colleges. She guides them towards those target colleges, creating a balanced and tailored list of prospective schools based on their unique strengths, abilities, and goals. She has specialized knowledge in learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD. She goes the extra mile to know each student and determine what kind of environment they will need to be successful in class and on campus.  Her commitment to her business is reflected in her visits to over 400 campuses, continuing leadership and engagement in professional associations. She's built personal relationships with college admissions professionals. This gives her a unique insight into higher education. Carolyn has successfully seen hundreds of students through the search process over the last 18 years, with admission letters received from over 200 different colleges and universities.  Carolyn is married and has three children, and three grandchildren, the joy of her life.  When her children were younger, Carolyn advocated for them by spending 14 years coordinating the Special Education Parent Advisory Board for the Summit, NJ Board of Education.  She was instrumental in bringing speakers like Jonathan Mooney, the late Mel Levene and Rick Lavoie to Summit.udent. She helps direct a team of 13 counselors to deliver the best, always, to their clients. Find Carolyn at https://insidersnetwork.org or call at 908-277-3754. ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.  

Sign Up to Receive Venkat's Weekly Newsletter While he was in grad school, Chris Boehm applied for a College Admissions job at Albright College after seeing an ad in the Newspaper.Chris didn't get that job, but the job description intrigued him. So, he cold emailed the President of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling. The President invited him for a chat and connected him with 3 College Admissions professionals. One of them was the Director of Admissions at Albright.  Things worked out better this time, and Chris started as a summer intern at Albright College. Chris joins us on our podcast to talk about his background, Archmere Academy, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Success Stories, and his Advice for High School students. In particular, we discuss the following with him:  Chris Boehm's Background Approach to College Counseling Managing Expectations Advice for High Schoolers Topics discussed in this episode: Introducing Chris Boehm, Archmere Academy [] Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights [] Background [] Why Counseling? [] Archmere Academy [] Counseling Philosophy [] Managing Expectations [] The Challenges [] Success Stories [] Advice for High Schoolers [] Our Guest: Christopher Boehm is the Director of College Counseling at Archmere Academy in Delaware. Memorable Quote: “if we start with the student, and the student honestly assesses what they need to be successful and happy then that will guide them towards certain types of schools.” Chris Boehm. Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode's Transcript. Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook  Calls-to-action: Follow us on Instagram. To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io. Subscribe or Follow our podcasts at any of these locations:Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify.

In this episode of iCantCU, I share some exciting updates and stories. First, I want to thank Renee, Dan, and Alex for supporting the NFB of Pennsylvania April raffle. It's been a fun ride with tickets at $5 each, offering everyone a chance to win daily throughout April. Getting those tickets out, especially to our visually impaired friends, has been a journey involving some creative solutions and a little help from technology. In this episode, I also share my recent travels and experiences, starting with a leadership seminar in State College, PA. This year's seminar took a fresh approach with committee meetings and a strong focus on team building, which I found incredibly valuable. A personal highlight was a visit to the Berkey Creamery—if you ever find yourself in State College, their ice cream is a must-try. Then, there was the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) meeting in Harrisburg. It's been eye-opening to discuss the slow progress and challenges within the program, particularly around training. It's clear there's a lot of work to be done, and I'm hopeful for improvements in the future. Throughout the episode, I sprinkle in personal anecdotes, like my father's lottery number superstitions and the adventures of navigating public transportation as a visually impaired person. These stories add a bit of humor and light-heartedness to our journey together. Thanks for tuning in to episode 260 of the iCantCU podcast. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to sharing more stories, insights, and laughs with you in future episodes.Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/260     Links Mentioned Buy raffle tickets to support the NFB of PA! Tickets are $5. Email iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com  Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU No-jab Ambutech White Cane: https://amzn.to/3NKpD5J The new BenQ PD3420Q monitor I bought for my new Mac mini: https://amzn.to/4bAcOGv  Amtrak code mentioned: V819. Call (800) USA-Rail to book NFB White Cane Program: https://nfb.org/programs-services/free-white-cane-program  Support iCantCU When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 098 In episode 098, Lisa and I have an engaging conversation on low vision awareness. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants.    Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI IHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/ YouTube Https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast White Canes Connect On Twitter Https://www.twitter.com/PABlindPodcast My Podcast Gear Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2  Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJM26BT  IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-icantcu-podcast-31157111/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidbenj  Reach out on social media Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/davidbenj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss? If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode of iCantCU, I share a mix of personal anecdotes and reflections on technology, media representation, and community engagement.  My weekend outing with Liz to Brio, a restaurant in the Christiana Mall, turned into an exploration of assistive technology. I intended to pick up my Mac mini. Still, I delved into the capabilities and limitations of the "Be My Eyes" app over lunch. With Liz's help reading the menu, I relied on the app to make a dietary choice, only to find its limitations when it failed to recognize nutritional info on some menu items. This experience segued into my participation in a study at the University of Texas at Austin, examining the effectiveness of AI in providing image descriptions. The study reminded me of technology's potential and current shortcomings in aiding those with visual impairments. The episode's main focus, however, was on television and the portrayal of blind characters. I discussed my disappointment with "The Equalizer" episode titled "Blind Justice," critiquing the casting of a sighted actor in a blind role and the broader implications for representation in media. This led to a wider discussion on the importance of authentic representation and the challenges faced by actors with disabilities in the industry. Additionally, I touched on the inconsistencies and quality issues with audio description services on television, sharing my frustrations with the accessibility features in shows like "SWAT" and "FBI." The variability in the availability and quality of audio descriptions highlights the ongoing struggle for equal access to entertainment. I previewed episode 098 of White Canes Connect, which featured a discussion on low vision awareness with experts and community members. This underscored the diversity within the visually impaired community and the shared goal of improving accessibility and understanding. Throughout episode 259, I weave together personal experiences with broader reflections on technology, media, and community, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities facing today's visually impaired community. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/259     Links Mentioned That Real Blind Tech Show episode 147 with The Equalizer audition: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-147-fahrvergnugen-a-plenty  Buy raffle tickets to support the NFB of PA! Tickets are $5. Email iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com  Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU Dr. Carolyn Peters's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49hz1aA  The new BenQ PD3420Q monitor I bought for my new Mac mini: https://amzn.to/4bAcOGv  Support iCantCU When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this! White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 098 In episode 098, Lisa and I have an engaging conversation on low vision awareness. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants.    Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI IHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/ YouTube Https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast White Canes Connect On Twitter Https://www.twitter.com/PABlindPodcast My Podcast Gear Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O  Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg  Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0  Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2  Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJM26BT  IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-icantcu-podcast-31157111/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidbenj  Reach out on social media Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/davidbenj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss? If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com.

In this episode of White Canes Connect, presented by the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and hosted by Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein, listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation on living with low vision, commemorating February as Low Vision Awareness Month. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants. The discussion highlighted the challenges and misconceptions those with low vision face, particularly the spectrum of visual impairment that often goes unrecognized by the sighted community. The guests shared their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of awareness, education, and tools and technologies to navigate life with low vision. Key takeaways included the critical role of early and regular eye examinations, the value of connecting with vocational rehabilitation services, and the empowering impact of assistive technology. The conversation also underscored the importance of advocacy and support networks. Pam Baquaro shared her journey as a visually impaired entrepreneur, demonstrating that vision loss is not a barrier to achieving one's goals. This episode of White Canes Connect sheds light on the realities of living with low vision. It celebrates the resilience and capabilities of the low-vision community, encouraging listeners to seek support, embrace adaptive solutions, and live fully despite visual challenges. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/098  Links & Phone Numbers Mentioned Foundation Fighting Blindness website: https://www.fightingblindness.org/  White Canes Connect Episode 057 about Foundation Fighting Blindness: https://whitecanesconnect.libsyn.com/a-conversation-with-michelle-glaze-eric-bennardo-from-the-foundation-fighting-blindness  Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/bbvs/Pages/default.aspx  APH Connect Center Phone Number: (800) 232-5463  Webinars from Freedom Scientific: https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/  Contact Lachelle Smith Lachelle Smith is a Professor at Salus University and operates a non-profit called Blind Blessings Inc. Contact Lachelle via email at lasmith@salus.edu or (215) 266-5020 via phone.  Contact Steve Kelley Steve Kelley has been at Hadley for five years. Contact him via email at stevenk@hadleyhelps.org. Call him at (800) 323-4238. Check out Steve's website at https://hadleyhelps.org/. Learn more about Hadley at https://www.hadleyhelps.org.  Contact Pam Baquero Pam Baquero is a vendor in the Business Enterprise Program and President of the Pennsylvania Association Of Blind Merchants. Contact Pam via email at oneblindhippie@yahoo.com. Call or text her at (215) 200-3696. An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA If you want to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, go to https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. Give Us A Call We'd love to hear from you! We've got a phone number for you to call, ask us questions, give us feedback, or say, "Hi!" Call us at (267) 338-4495. You have up to three minutes for your message, and we might use it on an upcoming episode. Please leave your name and town as part of your message.  Follow White Canes Connect Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube Connect With Us If you've got questions, comments, or ideas, reach out on Twitter. We are @PABlindPodcast. You can also email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com.  

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (02/29/2024): 3:05pm- On Wednesday, during a speech from the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that he would be stepping down from his leadership position at the end of the term in November. Though, he does not plan to resign from the Senate. McConnell, now 82-years-old, has served in the U.S. Senate for nearly 40-years and has been the leader of the Senate Republican Conference since 2007. So, who will replace McConnell in November? Audrey Fahlberg of National Review writes: “November may be a long way off, but the shadow race to succeed McConnell is now coming into public view after unfolding behind closed doors for months. Leading the race are the ‘three Johns'—Senate GOP whip John Thune of South Dakota, conference chair John Barrasso of Wyoming, and former whip John Cornyn of Texas—all of whom have spent the past year or so privately signaling to colleagues that they would be eager to fill the role when the time came for McConnell to step aside.” You can read more here: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/with-mcconnells-announcement-the-race-for-senate-gop-leader-emerges-from-behind-closed-doors/ 3:15pm- In a recently published article for The Washington Post, Danielle Paquette writes about how Republicans have become growingly reluctant to send tens-of-billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine. Paquette blames partisan politics, but could it be that the hesitancy stems from the lack of a coherent plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine—coupled with the Biden Administration's refusal to spend money to secure the U.S. Southern border? You can read Paquette's article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/29/ukraine-support-alabama-political-divide/# 3:35pm- On Thursday, President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are visiting the U.S. Southern border in two separate trips. President Biden will be visiting Brownsville, Texas. During an interview with Fox News, President of the National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd criticized Biden's selection of Brownsville, explaining: “he's not going to any location where he's going to be able to evaluate what he needs to do.” Meanwhile, Trump's visit will take place in Eagle Pass, Texas—a city impacted by massive amounts of migrants crossing the border unlawfully. 3:40pm- In an interview with NewsNation, Democrat Congressman Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX) told viewers that President Joe Biden should speak out against cities that embrace “Sanctuary City” status. 3:45pm- President Joe Biden continues to insist that he has no control over the influx of migrants crossing the U.S. Southern border unlawfully. But as Rich Lowry notes in his most recent article for National Review, “Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, 2021. Less than two weeks later, on February 2, he issued the executive order that began the unraveling at the border in earnest. The border crisis isn't something that happened to President Biden. It's not a product of circumstances or understandable policy mistakes made under duress. No, he sought it and created it, on principle and as a matter of urgency.”  Lowry continues: “The February 2 action… put on the chopping block numerous Trump policies that had helped establish order at the border, from Trump's expansion of expedited removal, to his termination of a parole program for Central American minors, to his memorandum urging the relevant departments to work toward ending ‘catch and release.' Most importantly, it went after two of the pillars of Trump's success at the border: the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), or so-called Remain in Mexico, and the safe-third-country agreements with the Northern Triangle countries that allowed us to divert asylum-seekers to Central American countries other than their own, where they could make asylum claims.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/02/the-day-joe-biden-blew-up-the-border/ 3:55pm- The Rich Zeoli Show has won the 2024 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters award for Outstanding Radio Personality/Team. The show also won the award last year. Rich wonders why Matt hasn't submitted a package for a Marconi Award…and a Nobel Prize? 4:05pm- While speaking with Charlamagne Tha God, Dr. Phil claimed that Facebook and Instagram suppressed a recent video he posted documenting chaos at the U.S. Southern border. 4:10pm- MSNBC legal analyst and University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade told Rachel Maddow that the First Amendment's protection of free speech makes America vulnerable to misinformation. McQuade insisted that no one is endorsing a weakening of the First Amendment—right before she hinted that regulating speech might be beneficial. 4:25pm- While speaking from Eagle Pass, Texas, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he met with the parents of Laken Riley—a 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was murdered by an undocumented migrant last Thursday. Trump stated, “[President] Joe Biden will never say Laken Riley's name, but we will…We're not going to forget her.” He went on to explain that undocumented migrants are pouring across the U.S. Southern border unchecked as part of the “Joe Biden invasion.” During his visit to Eagle Pass, Trump was accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) who, similarly, called on President Biden to use executive action to halt the ongoing chaos at the border. 4:45pm- While speaking from Brownsville, Texas, President Joe Biden said this administration—as well as local Texas officials—are working hard to create a “safe, secure border.” Biden then emphatically stated “it is time to act,” calling on Congress to pass legislation that will guarantee border officials have the resources they need while drastically increasing the number of judges available to process the asylum claims of migrants entering the country. But wouldn't expediting asylum claims potentially encourage more migrants to flood the U.S. Southern border? 5:05pm- While speaking from Eagle Pass, Texas, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he met with the parents of Laken Riley—a 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was murdered by an undocumented migrant last Thursday. Trump stated, “[President] Joe Biden will never say Laken Riley's name, but we will…We're not going to forget her.” He went on to explain that undocumented migrants are pouring across the U.S. Southern border unchecked as part of the “Joe Biden invasion.” During his visit to Eagle Pass, Trump was accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) who, similarly, called on President Biden to use executive action to halt the ongoing chaos at the border. Meanwhile, speaking from Brownsville, Texas, President Biden said this administration—as well as local Texas officials—are working hard to create a “safe secure border.” Biden then emphatically stated “it is time to act,” calling on Congress to pass legislation that will guarantee border officials have the resources they need while drastically increasing the number of judges available to process the asylum claims of migrants entering the country. But wouldn't expediting asylum claims potentially encourage more migrants to flood the U.S. Southern border? 5:10pm- President Joe Biden continues to insist that he has no control over the influx of migrants crossing the U.S. Southern border unlawfully. But as Rich Lowry notes in his most recent article for National Review, “Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, 2021. Less than two weeks later, on February 2, he issued the executive order that began the unraveling at the border in earnest. The border crisis isn't something that happened to President Biden. It's not a product of circumstances or understandable policy mistakes made under duress. No, he sought it and created it, on principle and as a matter of urgency.”  Lowry continues: “The February 2 action… put on the chopping block numerous Trump policies that had helped establish order at the border, from Trump's expansion of expedited removal, to his termination of a parole program for Central American minors, to his memorandum urging the relevant departments to work toward ending ‘catch and release.' Most importantly, it went after two of the pillars of Trump's success at the border: the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), or so-called Remain in Mexico, and the safe-third-country agreements with the Northern Triangle countries that allowed us to divert asylum-seekers to Central American countries other than their own, where they could make asylum claims.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/02/the-day-joe-biden-blew-up-the-border/ 5:25pm- On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear Donald Trump's claim that, as president, he had presidential immunity and, consequently, cannot be criminally prosecuted for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2020 election. On MSNBC, Rachel Maddow told her audience that if the court rules in Trump's favor he may never leave the White House—and will be president forever. “Professor” Rich Zeoli provides the audience with an incredibly hilarious (though, perhaps not entirely accurate) history lesson that you won't soon forget! 5:50pm- Jess Bravin of The Wall Street Journal writes: “The Supreme Court agreed to consider whether Donald Trump must stand trial on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election, after lower courts rejected his claim that he is entitled to absolute immunity because he was president at the time. The court's move means it will have final say on an issue the judiciary never confronted before Trump. But it also means the former president has bought himself more months before any trial, which had been scheduled to start in early March before the immunity battle scuttled those plans. The court scheduled oral arguments for the week of April 22. A decision is likely before July.” You can read the full article here: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/supreme-court-to-say-if-donald-trump-must-stand-trial-in-2020-election-conspiracy-case-1b7f4e3f?mod=hp_lead_pos1 6:05pm- While speaking from Eagle Pass, Texas, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he met with the parents of Laken Riley—a 22-year-old University of Georgia student who was murdered by an undocumented migrant last Thursday. Trump stated, “[President] Joe Biden will never say Laken Riley's name, but we will…We're not going to forget her.” He went on to explain that undocumented migrants are pouring across the U.S. Southern border unchecked as part of the “Joe Biden invasion.” During his visit to Eagle Pass, Trump was accompanied by Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) who, similarly, called on President Biden to use executive action to halt the ongoing chaos at the border. Meanwhile, speaking from Brownsville, Texas, President Biden said this administration—as well as local Texas officials—are working hard to create a “safe secure border.” Biden then emphatically stated “it is time to act,” calling on Congress to pass legislation that will guarantee border officials have the resources they need while drastically increasing the number of judges available to process the asylum claims of migrants entering the country. But wouldn't expediting asylum claims potentially encourage more migrants to flood the U.S. Southern border? 6:10pm- Chief National Correspondent for The Daily Caller Henry Rodgers writes: “Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup sent a letter Thursday to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf regarding an investigation into possible political interference on the accelerated approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The Daily Caller first obtained a copy of the letter, which mentions a recent Select Subcommittee hearing where Dr. Peter Marks' testimony suggested that the FDA's approval of the COVID-19 vaccine may have been rushed in order to meet timing set by government entities. On the day immediately following the FDA's approval of the vaccine, the Biden Administration called for COVID-19 vaccine mandates.” You can read the full report here: https://dailycaller.com/2024/02/29/exclusive-covid-committee-food-drug-administration-fda-rushed-vaccine-approval/ 6:15pm- Flashback: Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) ridiculously suggested that if Donald Trump's presidential immunity claims are proven to be valid, then the sitting president would be incentivized to assassinate political rivals to avoid impeachment. 6:35pm- During a House hearing on Thursday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that he sometimes goes several days without communicating with President Joe Biden. 6:50pm- What's worse: a Leap Year birthday or a birthday on Christmas?

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: On Wednesday, during a speech from the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that he would be stepping down from his leadership position at the end of the term in November. Though, he does not plan to resign from the Senate. McConnell, now 82-years-old, has served in the U.S. Senate for nearly 40-years and has been the leader of the Senate Republican Conference since 2007. So, who will replace McConnell in November? Audrey Fahlberg of National Review writes: “November may be a long way off, but the shadow race to succeed McConnell is now coming into public view after unfolding behind closed doors for months. Leading the race are the ‘three Johns'—Senate GOP whip John Thune of South Dakota, conference chair John Barrasso of Wyoming, and former whip John Cornyn of Texas—all of whom have spent the past year or so privately signaling to colleagues that they would be eager to fill the role when the time came for McConnell to step aside.” You can read more here: https://www.nationalreview.com/news/with-mcconnells-announcement-the-race-for-senate-gop-leader-emerges-from-behind-closed-doors/ In a recently published article for The Washington Post, Danielle Paquette writes about how Republicans have become growingly reluctant to send tens-of-billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine. Paquette blames partisan politics, but could it be that the hesitancy stems from the lack of a coherent plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine—coupled with the Biden Administration's refusal to spend money to secure the U.S. Southern border? You can read Paquette's article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/02/29/ukraine-support-alabama-political-divide/# On Thursday, President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are visiting the U.S. Southern border in two separate trips. President Biden will be visiting Brownsville, Texas. During an interview with Fox News, President of the National Border Patrol Council Brandon Judd criticized Biden's selection of Brownsville, explaining: “he's not going to any location where he's going to be able to evaluate what he needs to do.” Meanwhile, Trump's visit will take place in Eagle Pass, Texas—a city impacted by massive amounts of migrants crossing the border unlawfully. In an interview with NewsNation, Democrat Congressman Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX) told viewers that President Joe Biden should speak out against cities that embrace “Sanctuary City” status. President Joe Biden continues to insist that he has no control over the influx of migrants crossing the U.S. Southern border unlawfully. But as Rich Lowry notes in his most recent article for National Review, “Joe Biden was inaugurated on January 20, 2021. Less than two weeks later, on February 2, he issued the executive order that began the unraveling at the border in earnest. The border crisis isn't something that happened to President Biden. It's not a product of circumstances or understandable policy mistakes made under duress. No, he sought it and created it, on principle and as a matter of urgency.”  Lowry continues: “The February 2 action… put on the chopping block numerous Trump policies that had helped establish order at the border, from Trump's expansion of expedited removal, to his termination of a parole program for Central American minors, to his memorandum urging the relevant departments to work toward ending ‘catch and release.' Most importantly, it went after two of the pillars of Trump's success at the border: the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), or so-called Remain in Mexico, and the safe-third-country agreements with the Northern Triangle countries that allowed us to divert asylum-seekers to Central American countries other than their own, where they could make asylum claims.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nationalreview.com/2024/02/the-day-joe-biden-blew-up-the-border/ The Rich Zeoli Show has won the 2024 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters award for Outstanding Radio Personality/Team. The show also won the award last year. Rich wonders why Matt hasn't submitted a package for a Marconi Award…and a Nobel Prize?

Robert Morris PxP man Chris Shovlin discusses his election to the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, his ties with Ray Goss and Bill Hillgrove, as well as Hillgrove's retirement from the Steelers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliott Seif, PhD - Teaching for Lifelong Learning: How to Prepare Students for a Changing World. This is episode 652 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Elliott Seif, PhD, is an educational presenter, author, school volunteer, and public-school advocate. He has served as a social studies teacher, a professor of education at Temple University, and the director of curriculum and instruction services for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, an educational service agency for Bucks County, Pennsylvania. At the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Dr. Seif provided leadership in curriculum and instruction training and reform, and he developed, led, or participated in more than 50 program reviews for Bucks County school districts. He has conducted professional development programs with numerous schools and school districts throughout the United States and abroad on a variety of topics, including standards-based education, thinking-skill development, instructional improvement, assessment issues, and curriculum development. Dr. Seif is the author of many books, handbooks, articles, commentaries, and reports, including a textbook on the teaching of elementary social studies. He has published articles in Educational Leadership, the journal of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Dr. Seif has received many awards for his accomplishments, including from ASCD, the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units, the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and Bucks County Schools. Dr. Seif earned a Master of Education degree from Harvard University and a doctorate in curriculum research and development from Washington University in St. Louis. Our focus will be on his book - Teaching for Lifelong Learning: How to Prepare Students for a Changing World. Lots to learn. Great conversation! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it.  Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! Okay, one more thing. Really just this one more thing. Could you follow the links below and listen to me being interviewed by Chris Nesi on his podcast Behind the Mic about my podcast Teaching Learning Leading K12? Click this link Behind the Mic: Teaching Learning Leading K12 to go listen. You are AWESOME! Thanks so much! Connect & Learn More: https://www.solutiontree.com/presenters/elliott-seif.html https://www.solutiontree.com/teaching-for-lifelong-learning.html www.lifelonglearninged.org Length - 43:43

This week Steve and Yvonne interview Jordan Strokovsky of Strokovsky LLC (https://actionafterinjury.com/).   Remember to rate and review GTP in iTunes: Click Here to Rate and Review   View/Download Trial Documents   Case Details: Jordan won his client a $30 million recovery against Temple University Hospital in one of the largest medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania's history. Despite the hospital's denial of wrongdoing, Jordan refused their offer of $3 million and prepared tirelessly for court to ensure a just outcome for his client. The hospital admitted fault and the jury awarded $25.9M to Jordan's Mr. Parks ($6M for future medical costs and $20M for pain and suffering) after a comprehensive investigation and a hard-fought trial. The hospital hired three law firms in an attempt to overturn the verdict and offered a settlement less than the awarded amount. Jordan's client refused to settle, and Jordan won every argument against the big firms. The court refused the hospital's request to reduce the verdict, and $3.7 million in delay damages were added. The total recovery now exceeds $30 million, including over $600,000 in interest. No appeal was filed.   Guest Bio: Jordan Strokovsky Jordan Strokovsky is a trial lawyer serving the catastrophically injured in a diverse range of cases, including medical malpractice, birth injury, truck accidents, fires, explosions, plane crashes, premises liability, product liability, workplace injuries, toxic torts, civil rights, car accidents, and sexual assault.  His hard work ethic, integrity, and compassion earn him the trust of his clients and the respect of his opponents. These attributes have also helped him obtain significant verdicts and settlements. For good reason, many lawyers refer or seek to co-counsel their serious injury and wrongful death cases with Jordan. Jordan handles countless catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases and routinely handles cases pro bono to help his community. His volunteer work includes taking a civil rights case to verdict with the Volunteer Attorney Panel of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, representing victims of sexual abuse with the Support Center for Child Advocates, and successfully handling various cases from Philadelphia VIP. He has been recognized by the court for his service and was a featured volunteer by Philadelphia VIP. As an animal lover and dog owner, Jordan has also championed animal rights causes, helping establish that pets should not be viewed as property under the law. He also serves on the Pennsylvania Association for Justice Board of Directors and has previously served on boards for non-profits that help animals, homeless people, and refugees. Jordan is the former co-chair of the State Civil Litigation Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association and was proud to help implement town halls at the start of the pandemic, which allowed the court and legal community to communicate during those uncertain times. He now co-chairs both the Civil Rules and Wellness Committees at the bar association. Jordan has served as an adjunct law school professor and occasionally speaks at seminars to other personal injury lawyers.  He is also regularly asked by news outlets to provide legal commentary. Jordan graduated from Widener University Delaware Law School as Valedictorian of his class, where several of his professors would comment that his academic performance and mind for the law were among the most impressive they had ever seen. While in school, he interned with three Philadelphia judges: the Honorable M. Faith Angell (E.D. Pa), the Honorable Arnold L. New (Common Pleas), and the Honorable Paul P. Panepinto (Common Pleas) and used these internships as opportunities to get in the courtroom and watch many trials. He was also a member of the Law Review. After his commencement speech at graduation, the Governor of Delaware declared that he would never want to follow Jordan in speaking again. While practicing law full-time, Jordan obtained a Master of Law in Trial Advocacy at the nationally renowned Temple University Beasley School of Law LL.M. Program in the Spring of 2018, where he received special recognition from the faculty for his trial performances and was a jury favorite—earning the highest scores from the jury at his showcase trial. Read Full Bio   Show Sponsors: Legal Technology Services - LegalTechService.com Digital Law Marketing - DigitalLawMarketing.com Harris Lowry Manton LLP - hlmlawfirm.com   Free Resources: Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 1 Stages Of A Jury Trial - Part 2

Gurbir Grewal has been the Director of the Enforcement Division at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since 2001.  Prior to that, he had the distinction of being the first Sikh American to be Attorney General in any of the fifty states, and only the second South Asian to hold such an office after the former Attorney General of California, Kamala Harris.  Gurbir was the Chief Prosecutor of Bergen County in New Jersey, and before that the Head of the Economic Crimes Unit in the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey.  Justin and Gurbir sat down for a “fireside chat” at the annual White Collar Conference of the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL).  The episode was recorded in front of a live audience, with PACDL's permission.

Welcome to our January 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania! The events and information listed below will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community. If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com by the 27th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month.   Editor's Note Hello all: I do apologize that December 2023's edition never came out. I was experiencing some hardships and had to remove myself from certain obligations. Thank you to those who checked on me and kept me in their thoughts and prayers.   On a happier note, the Monthly Digest is one year old! We started this monthly newsletter in January 2023, and it was a pleasure sharing all of this information with everybody! I have received many emails with positive feedback and am glad people are reading this newsletter. That was a fear of mine: that people would not read this newsletter and delete it. However, I am happy that people are engaging with the newsletter. Thank you all!  - Stacie Leap     A Message from our State Affiliate President   Dear Members and Friends, Happy New Year! It was wonderful spending time with you at our recent State Convention in November 2023. We had record registration, record attendance at the Banquet and the Possibilities Fair, and an overflowing Exhibit Hall. The feedback I have received about the programming has been overwhelmingly positive.  Thank you to the many hands, hearts, and minds that went into putting this together!!! Looking forward to wonderful things in 2024! Sincerely, Lynn Heitz President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania president@NFBOfPA.org   Google Calendar Links   The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your calendar apps. You can view the calendar at www.NFBofPA.org/calendar. However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on your calendar apps, please Subscribe and go through the steps to subscribe:   Member Spotlight: David Goldstein   Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to allow us to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you enjoy this little spotlight! David Goldstein was recently elected as the First Vice President of our state affiliate during our 2023 State Convention! He is also the Treasurer of the Keystone Chapter and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants. He is also one of the hosts of White Canes Connect, our official state affiliate podcast. In addition, he is also our web coordinator of our new affiliate website: www.nfbofpa.org. If you do not think that is enough, he is the President of Digital Graphics Design, LLC. David is a father of two adult children and a dog dad to Ziggy, a golden retriever. He is into technology and has his own podcast, iCantCU, where he chronicles his life and the different activities he is involved in. In his own words, “iCantCU sounds like a sentence, but it is only 7 letters long. It is like blind people for dummies.” If you ever get a chance to meet David, do not forget to say, “Hello!”   Calendar of Events   The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group sees any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com   The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar. Please check back periodically to ensure the correct information is correct.   Coffee with the State President and Board   This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state's divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts. This meeting is typically held on the 1st Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with State President Lynn Heitz at president@nfbofpa.org Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM.    Jigsaw Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their geographical area. This is our at-large chapter Meetings. This meeting is typically held on the first Saturday of the month. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10 AM   Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who consider themselves Deaf Blind and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Chris Westbrook at westbchris@gmail.com Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6 PM.   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Pamela Baquero at oneblindhippie@yahoo.com  Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6 PM.   Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Friday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Rosemary Freedman at dogguide.winston@icloud.com Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10 AM.   Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding areas. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Cheryl Frazier at cherylnfrazier@yahoo.com Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10 AM.   Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month at the Penn Museum. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Harriet Go at goharriet00@hotmail.com Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:15 AM.   Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Michelle McManus at michelleandremy@gmail.com Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1 PM.   Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes. This group typically meets on the third Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Christine Palmer at tinybuchanan1204@gmail.com Monday, January 15, 2024, at 7 PM.   Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Emily Gindlesperger at vp2@nfbp.org Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 1 PM.   Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This meeting is typically held on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter Revitalizing Team Members Emily Gindlesperger at vp2@nfbp.org or Denice Brown at dbrown8827@aol.com Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6 PM.   Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For More Information, please get in touch with Chapter President Jason Polanski at jaedpo96@gmail.com Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 AM.   Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Connie Scheu at conniej1250@gmail.com Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2 PM.   Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Stacie Leap at Stacie.leap@gmail.com. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 7 PM.   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Simon Bonenfant at sbonenfant2@gmail.com Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7 PM.   Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Connie Scheu at conniej1250@gmail.com Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM.   Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley area of PA. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Lynn Heitz at president@nfbofpa.org Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.   Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Keystone Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Denice Brown at dbrown8827@aol.com Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.    Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting   A monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Becca Weber at weberbecca630@gmail.com Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4 PM.   White Canes Connect Podcast   Did you know the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant, as well as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members and interviews and resources for the blind community. The monthly Digest is also on the podcast for those who wish to hear a human's voice instead of a screen reader. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeartRadio, and YouTube @PABlindPodcast. Contact White Canes Connect at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com if you have any show ideas or wish to be on the podcast.   State Convention 2023   We had our state convention in November 2023 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Here are some highlights!  We had 28 people register for our Senior Possibilities Fair. This was our 2nd year having it at the convention, and this was our highest number of registrants! 10 people attended the state convention as a first-timer! Welcome to our NFB of pA family! A total of 125 people registered for the convention! We had our state board elections, and the following people have been elected: President: Lynn Heitz First Vice President: David Goldstein Second Vice President: Emily Gindlesperger Secretary: Harriet Go Treasurer: Brian Mackey Board Director: Denice Brown Board Director: Kirk Hunger Board Director: Michelle McManus   Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group formed in Pennsylvania!   We are delighted to have a new group join our NFB of PA family! This group, Diabetes Action Network (DAN), aims to educate and provide peer support for those living with diabetes or for those who are at risk for developing diabetes. The group plans to meet quarterly on the second Monday of the month at 7 PM. For more information, please get in touch with the Group Chair, Christine Palmer, at tinybuchanan1204@gmail.com   Washington Seminar 2024   At our Washington Seminar, members of the National Federation of the Blind convene to learn about and advocate for legislative initiatives that will improve the lives of blind Americans. Dates: Monday, January 29 through Thursday, February 1, 2024 Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall 550 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20024   If you want more information on what the NFB of PA is doing regarding Washington Seminar, please get in touch with our Legislative Director, Emily Gindlesperger, at vp2@nfbp.org   For more information on Washington Seminar, please visit www.nfbofpa.org/washington-seminar.   Shout-Outs and Announcements!   Birthday Wishes   The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania wishes all those born in December & January a very happy birthday!   Fundraisers   Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser   The T-shirts come in either black with white lettering or white with black lettering. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a financial fund to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their families through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com   NFB Pledge   I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.   NFB Message   The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.   Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!   Thanks!   the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team www.nfbofpa.org  

Imagine a world where every child's unique learning style is not just recognized but celebrated.That world is closer than you think! Join us today as we explore neurodiversity in education with Dr. Matt Zakreski, a clinical psychologist and neurodiversity expert. In this episode, you'll discover how we can better teach and support neurodivergent children. Dr. Matt advocates for a shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized learning experience.You'll also learn about inclusive education and how teachers and parents can work together for all students. We also talked about the importance of authenticity in teaching. Grab your headphones and join us in our mission to transform the education system– this chat is full of ideas for anyone wanting to help kids learn in their own way!Stay empowered,JenLet's keep the conversation going! Find me at:Jen Rafferty | Instagram, YouTube, Facebook | LinktreeInstagram: @jenrafferty_Facebook: Empowered Educator Faculty RoomAbout Dr. Matt:Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.  He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher.  He has spoken over 400 times all over the world about supporting neurodivergent kids.  Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE).  Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016.  He is the co-founder of The Neurodiversity Collective: https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ Connect with Dr. Matt:Website: www.theneurodiversitycollective.comFB: www.facebook.com/drmattzakreski

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Michael G. DeAntonio, Ph.D., to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Dr. DeAntonio tells the story of how Buxmont Academy, comprised of six alternative schools in eastern Pennsylvania, USA, came to be from the minds of the founders, Susan and Ted Wachtel. He explains how their ideas became the foundation of how we use restorative methods with children in alternative school environments. He shares a powerful example of how restorative intervention diverted a young man who vandalized a classroom from criminal prosecution by bringing together those who he had harmed and working to repair that harm in both a socio-emotional and physical sense. In true restorative fashion, Dr. DeAntonio reminds us of where we've been, where we are, and where he would like to see United States education move towards in the future. Dr. DeAntonio has three decades of experience as an educator and administrator in public education. He's the executive director at Buxmont Academy, one of the IIRP's model programs. He served as an instructor in the Department of Secondary Education at Kutztown University and as an educational liaison for Buxmont Academy. Before that, Mike served as a principal and assistant principal and sits on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Student Assistance Professionals. His experience ranges from middle school science teacher to instructor of graduate students. His doctoral dissertation focused on the role that restorative practices play in high school environments.

Get ready for an information-packed episode as we delve into the dynamic Philadelphia real estate market with our guest, Maria Quattrone. We also have some fantastic tips that every dedicated REALTOR® should remember and amusing yet unbelievable stories from her extensive real estate career, just for you, so tune in!     Key takeaways to listen for 5:30 Why REALTORS® should pay attention to local laws and politics 18:20 The importance of asking questions as a beginner REALTOR® 24:12 Reasons you need to be direct when communicating with buyers and real estate agents 28:55 Significance of having good quality pictures when selling a property 35:37 REALTOR® safety tips you should remember     Resources mentioned in this episode 26:43 Community Reinvestment Act 35:59 Pennsylvania Association of Realtors     About Maria Quattrone Maria Quattrone, a native of Philadelphia, is the distinguished Founder and CEO of Maria Quattrone and Associates RE/MAX @ HOME and Motto Mortgage Expert Solutions. With a prosperous career in real estate spanning nearly two decades, she has emerged as a pivotal figure in the industry. Her relentless dedication and proficiency in sales and marketing have underscored her prominence in Philadelphia's real estate sector. Her success has won praise and accolades from Industry Insiders and Clients alike.     Connect with Maria Podcast: Be the Solution with Maria Quattrone LinkedIn: Maria Quattrone Facebook: Maria Quattrone YouTube: Maria Quattrone TikTok: @mariaquattronerealestate Email: mquattrone@liveloveathome.com Phone Number: (215) 607-3535     Connect with Leigh Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.   Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops     Sponsors Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training How to Dominate During This Recession! Enroll Now to get ahead of the curve and learn how to manage changing markets, the action steps for what to do, and most importantly, what to say so that you can secure listings, assist more buyers, and grow your business no matter what the market is doing.   Link: http://dominatethisrecession.com

  Welcome to our August 2023 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania! The events and information listed below will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania as well as any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community. If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com  by the 27th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month.     A Message from our State Affiliate President. Hello everyone! Happy August! It is hard to believe that summer is almost over and school will be back in session!  We are hoping that the registration for the State Convention will be open by the time of this message.  Please register early! I am beginning to line up speakers for the Saturday Agenda.  If you have a topic you want to hear about or someone you think would be of interest, please let me know. Stay Cool! - Lynn Heitz President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania president@NFBOfPA.org   Google Calendar Links The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your calendar apps. You can view the calendar without subscribing to it and view it on your web browser by going to https://www.NFBofPA.org/calendar . However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on your calendar apps, please click Subscribe and go through the steps to subscribe.   Member Spotlight: Brian Mackey. Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to allow other members to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you enjoy this little spotlight!   Brian Mackey serves as the NFB of PA State Treasurer as well as the Treasurer of the Greater Berks County Chapter. He is a huge Philadelphia Flyers fan. His love of sports does not keep him as a spectator though as he is also a golfer with the Mid-Atlantic Blind Golfers Association. His expertise and interest in web development has given Brian the opportunity to continue serving not just Pennsylvania but multiple states as their webmaster and content developer. His organization skills also landed him a job as the Administrative Assistant with the DoubleTree Hotel in Reading, PA. He is the lead person for our registration tables at the state conventions. If you happen to run into Brian, do not forget to say “Hello!”   August Calendar of Events. The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group see any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com   The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar so please check back periodically to ensure the right information.   Coffee with the State President and Board This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state's divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts. Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 7:30PM.   Jigsaw Chapter monthly Meeting a monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their geographical area. This is our at-large chapter Meetings Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10 AM.   Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting: A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of Pennsylvania Friday, August 11, 2023 at 10 AM.   Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10:15AM.   Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting: A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.  This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding areas. Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 10 AM.   Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting: A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College, Pennsylvania. Saturday, August 12,2023 at 1PM.   Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and their supporters. Monday, August 14, 2023 at 6PM.   Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11 AM.   Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting: A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6PM.   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters. Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6 PM.   Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10 AM.   Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 2 PM.   Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 7 PM.   Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as their supporters. Wednesday, August 24, 2023 at 7:30 PM.   Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area.  The other chapter is the Keystone Chapter. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10 AM   Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10 AM   Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog as well as their supporters. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 4 PM.   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting: a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. Monday, August 28, 2023 at 7 PM.   White Canes Connect Podcast Did you know that the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant as well as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members as well as interviews and resources for the blind community. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeartRadio, and on YouTube @PABlindPodcast. Contact White Canes Connect at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com if you have any show ideas or wish to be on the podcast.   National Convention 2023: Recap We had such a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones at our national convention in Houston, Texas this year! We had a total of 43 people registered from our state and 10 of those who registered were first timers! Welcome to the Federation family to all the first timers! Here are some highlights from national convention as it relates to our PA members: Emily Gindlesperger was elected back to the board of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children! Denice Brown is still in the position of Treasurer of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders as the position is a two-year term! Gloria Nathan-Cherry was elected to the seat of board member for the Community Service Division! Harriet Go was elected as the 2nd Vice President for the National Organization of Blind Educators! Harriet Go also is the new Kids Camp Director! Stacie Leap was nominated as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee! Two National Scholarship winners are from our state: Joann Kim and Ashley Rogers! Accessible Pharmacy received the Bolitin Award! Lynn Heitz presented at the annual meeting for the Diabetes Action Network Division and the Blind Seniors division about Accessible Pharmacy! Esther Gillyard performed at the Performing Arts Division Showcase of Talent! Quitrina Townes' name was called for a Door Prize with the PAC Plan!   Congratulations to those mentioned above on all their accomplishments! Pennsylvania is definitely a state full of leaders and game changers!   Our 2024 National Convention will be from July 3 to 8, 2024 in the Rosen Center located in Orlando, Florida! Start saving up and we look forward to meeting you in Orlando!   State Convention 2023 Our State Convention is coming up soon! Mark your calendar! Clear your agendas! We will be convening from November 9 to 12, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Harrisburg, PA! Please see the links below to register for the convention as well to reserve your hotel rooms! Room rates are $99 a night. We will have a Senior Possibilities Fair, Technology Seminars, Talent Showcase/Live Auction, special interest groups and division meetings and so much more! We hope to hang out with you at the convention! Attendee Registration for State Convention: https://nfbofpa.org/2023-state-convention-registration/ Info on making hotel reservations at the Crowne Plaza Harrisburg: https://nfbofpa.org/reservations-for-crowne-plaza-hotel/   Shout-Outs and Announcements! Birthday Wishes The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all those who were born in August a very happy birthday!   Rest in Peace Eric Coleman! From Denice Brown: On July 7th we lost a great friend in the blindness community. Eric Coleman passed away. Many of you met Eric through ASB (now Vision Link). Eric loved to have game night at his house, and his wife Yancey was always the perfect hostess. He was one of the biggest Philadelphia Eagles fans, and had no problem boasting about his team. In the past Eric had been a member of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and he did travel to a few of our National Conventions. Please keep all of Eric's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. His service was on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Majestic Hall, 800w. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA   Rest in Peace Vanessa Walsh! From Denice Brown on Sunday, July 30, 2023: It is with a heavy heart that I come to you again with another death in the blindness community. It was reported to me that last night former member Vanessa Walsh passed away in North Carolina. Please keep Vanessa's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. If I receive any additional information, I will let you know.   John Jon Awareness Walk Member Lyvette Byrd had her 2nd Annual John Jon Awareness Walk under her business, For The Byrds Consulting, LLC, and a lot of members of the affiliate came to support. At the walk, Greater Philadelphia Chapter member Yvonne Hughes received an award for all her advocacy work in the disability community! Congratulations to Yvonne!!! Lyvette Byrd would like to thank everybody who contributed in any way to the walk: giving donations, participating at the walk, serving snacks and beverages, and everything in between! Lyvette would also like to thank members Quitrina Townes and Stacie Leap who volunteered their time as planning committee members!   Fundraisers Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser The t-shirts come in either black with white letterings or white with black letterings. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a scholarship fund to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their family through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com   Believe You Can! Talent Show SAVE THE DATE: The Keystone Chapter will be having their annual talent show fundraiser on Saturday, October 14, 2023. More details will follow as the date gets closer! If you wish to be a performer or have any questions, please contact BelieveYouCanShow@gmail.com   Other External Events These events are not hosted or sponsored by the NFB or the NFB of PA. However, we think these might be good resources for those living in Pennsylvania. If you have any events that you wish to be in our monthly digest, please email Stacie Leap at nfb.stacie@gmail.com   SEPTA Advisory Council Update SEPTA stands for “Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority.” The SEPTA Advisory Council has not been having their monthly meeting due to internal restructuring. Please see the below message from the SAC team.   Good morning, The SAC leadership is just about finished updating SACs bylaws... We decided to delete the teams link series calendar invite so everything will start fresh. SAC staff that work with SAC leadership will share the new link with all SEPTA staff that attend these meetings. For SAC attendees, SAC leadership will circulate the new link to you all as well. We do apologize for any inconvenience, we know this has taken longer than expected, but trust SAC leadership, when we said we want these meetings to produce results for the disability community, that's exactly what we meant and mean. Stay tuned, trust the process, and we'll be back to meeting regularly real soon.   Best, Latoya Maddox-SAC Chair Heather  Shanefield-SAC Secretary Liam Dougherty-Assistant Secretary   Senior Summit Continues! Member Yvonne Hughes has been hosting a bunch of senior summits throughout the city and there is one coming up in August. Please see below as it is the text from her flyer: EDUCATE TO EMPOWER   Information: Health Screening (Blood Pressure, Diabetes Health Information) National Federation of the Blind Revenue And other resources!   Sponsor: Temple Health & Medicaid Date: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Location: Christy Recreation Center (728 S 55th Street, Philadelphia PA 19143) Enter on Christian St.   REMEMBER THE FOUR E'S: EDUCATE TO EMPOWER TO LEARN TO ENGAGE AND EMBRACE YOURSELF   CONTACT YVONNE HUGHES FOR MORE INFORMATION (215) 966-9614 | MARVON22253@GMAIL.COM   Liberty Resources' Blind/Low Vision Support Group Our members Karen Rose and Simone Cooper partner up with Liberty Resources to hold a weekly virtual support group at Liberty Resources. The aim is to share resources and provide support to those experiencing blindness or low vision. Meetings are weekly on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2pm ET via Zoom. You do not need to live in Philadelphia to attend these meetings, this is open to all in Pennsylvania! For more information or to sign-up, please email Latoya Maddox at LatoyaMaddox@libertyresources.org   Purple Path Awareness Walk Purple Path is an awareness walk about domestic violence. It will be a day filled with testimonials, live entertainment, raffles, food, resources/information tables and much more! The event will be on October 7, 2023 from 12PM to 4PM at 800 Macdade Blvd.Collingdale, PA 19023. More information including volunteering, sponsorships, and registering can be found on their website: www.purplehouseporjectpa.org   Women Healed For a Purpose 2023 Conference! Our member Lyvette Byrd is hosting her 2nd Annual Women Healed For a Purpose Conference under her business, For the Byrds Consulting, LLC. The mission of the conference is to equip and restore the community through a faith-based initiative that we hope will strengthen women holistically; mind, body, and spirit. We are women Living Interdependently in support of Family, Friends, and our Fellow neighbors to Educate and Empower our community. The event will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  There will be guest speakers, and live entertainment. There will be an in-person option as well as a Zoom option. For more information including vending opportunities, volunteering, or to register, please visit the For The Byrds Consulting website.   NFB Pledge I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.   NFB Message The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.   Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!   Thanks! the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team https://www.nfbofpa.org 

Currently an Associate Adjunct Professor in the School of Education of the University of Pittsburgh with a particular focus on social and political dynamics of education, Dr. Van Shura has coordinated presidential, U.S. Senate, state legislative, and municipal campaign activities. She served as the Teller for the 2020 Electoral College for President-elect Joseph Biden and as an Elector for President-elect Bill Clinton in 1992. Dr. Van Shura served as the Director of the State Office for United States Senator Harris Wofford (D-PA), as the Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pittsburgh, and as a Director for a non-profit serving individuals with disabilities.  Other professional experiences include serving as the Director of Community Affairs in the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, interfacing on issues of education, human services, ethnic constituencies, and international visitors. Dr. Van Shura currently serves on the Remake Learning Council; the Board of Directors of Chatham Village Homes, a national landmark; and the Board of Directors of Bender Leadership Academy, which empowers students with disabilities.  Recently, Dr. Van Shura presented at the Superintendents Forum of Western Pennsylvania, South Hills Area School Districts Association (SHASDA), and Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools and other educational groups.   

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! On today's episode, we talk with Deborah Poppel, Senior Project Scientist with RK&K as well as Treasure of PAEP about PAEP, Being a Certified Wildlife Biologist, and the Dark Side of Consulting.   Read her full bio below.Help us continue to create great content! If you'd like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form Showtimes: 3:17  Nic & Laura discuss the dark side of environmental professions10:59  Interview with Deborah Poppel starts12:04  PAEP19:24  Being a certified biologist32:04  Consulting36:09  Field NotesPlease be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.Connect with Deborah Poppel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-poppel-cwb%C2%AE-21113645/Guest Bio:Deborah Poppel is currently a Senior Project Scientist with RK&K and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals (PAEP).  Deb is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with over 30 years of professional experience, 26 of which have been as an environmental consultant.  Ms. Poppel specializes in assisting clients with compliance under the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and wetlands/Clean Water Act regulations. In her career she has served as a Project Manager, Natural Resources Department Manager, and Protected Species Technical Practice Group Leader. She resides in Pennsylvania.Music CreditsIntro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace MesaOutro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs MullerSupport the showThanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Rachelle Dené Poth is an edtech consultant, presenter, attorney, author, and teacher. Rachelle teaches Spanish and STEAM: What's nExT in Emerging Technology at Riverview Junior Senior High School in Oakmont, PA. Rachelle has a Juris Doctor degree from Duquesne University School of Law and a Master's in Instructional Technology. She is currently pursuing a second doctorate, focused on Educational Technology.Rachelle is an ISTE Certified Educator and a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She is a past-president of the ISTE Teacher Education Network and served on the Leadership team of the Mobile Learning Network for five years. She received the ISTE Making IT Happen Award in 2019 and has received several Presidential gold and silver awards for her volunteer service to education.  She was named one of 30 K-12 IT Influencers for 2021. She has been selected as Outstanding Teacher of the Year by PAECT (the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications in Technology, the PA affiliate of ISTE) and by the NSBA as one of the "20 to Watch" educators.Since 2019, Rachelle has written seven books. ‘Her newest book "Things I Wish [...] Knew"  includes the voices of 50 educators from around the world.  She has also contributed to eight other books related to education. She presents regularly at state, national and international conferences and provides professional development and coaching for educators.Rachelle is a columnist for Getting Smart and a blogger for Defined Learning and NEO LMS. She has a podcast ThriveinEDU and is the host of a PBL Podcast by Defined Learning on the BAM Radio Network.  Rachelle is also a host of ThriveinEDU Live and leads a community of educators on Facebook.

The CoinWeek Podcast is sponsored by PCGS. At the Central States Numismatic Society's Annual Convention, PCGS will be hosting a Set Registry Showdown. Two of the best collections - J&L and Escalante - will go head to head in this battle. Attendees will have the opportunity to view each collection and make their own judgment as to which is superior. Learn more about this unique event by visiting www.pcgs.com and plan to join the action in Schaumburg, Illinois starting April 26th! Don't miss out on the chance to see some of the finest collections compete side-by-side and take in one of the best coin shows in the country.***In this episode of the CoinWeek Podcast we talk to Tom Uram. Tom is an example of the power and possibilities that exist within the coin collecting hobby. He has worked tirelessly over the years to bring excitement to coin collecting, and as a result, he will be the next President of the American Numismatic Association. Tom is a doer. His dedication is evidenced by his role in the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, his heading of the Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists, and his efforts to get Congress to authorize the 2021 Morgan and Peace dollar bullion coins program. We have a candid conversation about the hobby, how to grow it, and how we get more active collectors to be active members of the broader coin culture.

April 18th, 2023, Court Leader's Advantage Podcast Episode We have been talking about various aspects of employee recruitment and selection, often as it intersects with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This brought up the topic of the power imbalance surrounding employee selection.  Traditionally, job candidates enter the selection process in a powerless and sometimes even in a belittling position.   The NACM Model Code of Conduct, Canon 1.4 states “A court professional treats litigants, co-workers, and all others interacting with the court with dignity, respect, and courtesy.” So, the questions arise: · Is the power imbalance in the hiring process real? · Is it disrespectful to job candidates? · Do we who hire court employees actually have any interest in altering that power imbalance? Most of us have been on both sides of the interview table.  And most of us can agree that applying for a job can be competitive and it can be nerve-wracking; can it also be demeaning?    Today's Panelists   Karl Thoennes, Court Administrator for the Second Judicial Circuit Court, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Karl began his career in the courts in Alaska in 1988, working as a division supervisor at the state's largest trial court in Anchorage.  He was appointed as Court Administrator in Todd County, Minnesota in 1998, and then Stearns County, St. Cloud, two years later.  In 2004 he was appointed as Administrator for the Second Judicial Circuit in South Dakota. Karl has guest lectured at St. Cloud State University on court structure and management, spoken on international public ethics in Minneapolis, and completed two graduate seminars in public policy in Sapporo, Japan, first as a student and then guest speaker.   He holds a Masters degree in public administration from the University of Alaska. Rick Pierce, Judicial Programs Administrator for the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of the Courts. As judicial programs administrator, Rick is responsible for program implementation and education in court administration at the general and limited jurisdiction court levels. Rick served as the President for the Mid-Atlantic Association for Court Management for 2005-2006. Previously he has served on the MAACM advisory board from 1997-2005. A graduate from Washington and Lee University, Rick received his Masters in Public Administration from Shippensburg University in 1995. He has been an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of Court Management, (PACM) since its inception in 1989. He has served as a board member from 1994-2001, culminating in his presidency in 2000-2001. Liz Rambo, Trial Court Administrator for the Lane County Circuit Court in Eugene Oregon. As the TCA for one of Oregon's largest courts, Liz is responsible for all non-judicial court functions including budget, human resources, technology, facilities, and business efficiency.   A 31-year court employee, Liz has a history of advocacy for the mission of the Oregon Judicial Department and the service that the Oregon Judicial Branch provides to the public.  Liz has served on a variety of judicial branch leadership committees including as Chair of the Chief Justice Communications Committee, member of the Chief Justice Strategic Planning Committee, Law and Policy Workgroup, Internal Audit Committee, the Oregon eCourt Steering Committee.  For the last five years, Liz has worked closely with Lane County leadership toward building a new Lane County Courthouse and will continue to bring her years of experience to that ongoing project through design and construction. Liz graduated with high scholarship from Oregon State University with a BA in history and has an MBA from Portland State University.  She is a long-time member of the National Association of Court Management and holds a Court Manager certification from the National Center for State Courts. Liz is the recipient of the 2023 Warren E. Burger award for excellence in court administration.

In this episode of White Canes Connect, David talks about the events coming up in March within the NFB of PA and outside of the affiliate that may be of interest to blind Pennsylvanians. The script for this episode was taken word-for-word from Stacie's email. Literally. If you're not on the list serv of your chapter or division, go to https://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo. Thanks again to Stacie for compiling the monthly digest. Welcome to our March 2023 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania! During the first few days of the month, we will start sending out our calendar of events. These events will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania as well as any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community. If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at stacie.leap@gmail.com by the 29th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month.   For those using screen readers, you can use your heading navigations to skip around the email.   A Message from our Affiliate President March 1st, 2023 Hello Everyone, Happy March, Spring will be here soon and we will all feel better about getting out and about!   There are several Outreaches and Conferences coming up in the next few months and I hope to see many of you there.   Please visit our Calendar of Events for more information.  - Lynn Heitz, NFB of PA State Affiliate President   Membership Dues for 2023 We are still collecting dues for 2023! Please contact your chapter and divisions for membership dues as each chapter and division has different amounts.    Google Calendar Links The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your calendar apps.  You can view the calendar without subscribing to it and view it on your web browser by clicking the following link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on your calendar apps, please click the following link and go through the steps to subscribe:  https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/7jgal0nrodbmg61a8aar0o3i2g%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics   Member Spotlight” Denice Brown Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to allow other members to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you enjoy this little spotlight!   Denice Brown serves within the National Federation of the Blind in many capacities. She serves as the President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter going on 20 years this year. She also is one of the Board Directors for our amazing affiliate. She was recently elected to the role of Treasurer of the National Association of Blind Black Leaders and has been on the Scholarship Committee for several years. She volunteers her time teaching iPhone skills at Liberty Resources and is a proud sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She does so much more than we might not even be aware of. While her schedule might be tight, she finds time to attend jazz concerts, travel across the country, and hang out with her mother. If you ever get a chance to meet her in person, do not hesitate to say “Hi”.   Calendar of Events The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom information. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group see any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at stacie.leap@gmail.com or text her at 215-776-6741.     The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar so please check back periodically to ensure the right information.   Jigsaw Chapter monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for those does not have a local chapter in their geographical area. This is our at-large chapter. Saturday, March 3, 2023 at 10AM   Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting  a monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship and their supporters.    Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6PM     Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Bucks County of Pennsylvania    Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10AM   Leadership Seminar 2023 Selected individuals will meet in State College, PA for the annual Leadership Seminar. For more information, please contact our State Affiliate President at president@nfbofpa.org Friday, March 10, 2023 – Sunday, March 12, 2023 in State College, PA   State Board Meeting This meeting is held quarterly. The PA State Affiliate Board convenes to discuss matters relating to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. Typically, this meeting is held virtually but for this month, we will convene in-person at the Leadership Seminar. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1:45PM at State College, PA   Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. There will be no March 2023 meeting due to the Leadership Seminar that is happening at the same time. The Chapter will reconvene in April 2023.   Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting  a monthly meeting for those who consider themselves to be Deaf Blind and their supporters.          Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6PM   Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly Meeting  a monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters  Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 11AM   Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 6PM   Clusive Workshop We have invited the team at Clusive to come and talk about their program and services. Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11AM      Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area.   Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 10AM     Erie County Chapter Meeting   a monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County Pennsylvania. Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 2PM     Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters   Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 7PM     Blind Seniors Group   a monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as their supporters.   Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 7:30PM     Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley.   Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10AM   Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting a monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Greater Philadelphia area.  The other chapter is the Keystone Chapter. Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10AM     Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU)   a monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog as well as their supporters.   Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 4pm     Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting   a monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters.   Monday, March 27, 2023 at 7PM    White Canes Connect Podcast  Did you know that the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant. It features interviews with our PA members as well as interviews and resources for the blind community. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts. Listen on  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeartRadio, and on Twitter @PABlindPodcast. Contact White Canes Connect at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com if you have any show ideas or wish to be on the podcast.   National Convention 2023 Registration is now open for the 2023 National Convention. Tickets are $25 and banquet tickets are $70. The convention will take place in Houston, Texas from July 1-6, 2023. Hotel information and registration links are at www.nfb.org/convention   Special Shout-Outs! Birthday Wishes The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania would like to wish all those who were born in March a very happy birthday!   Congratulations to Dexter Cooper on his award! Congratulations to Greater Philadelphia's member Dexter Cooper for his upcoming award sponsored by the Men of Jericho within his Masonic organization. He will be presented with his award on Saturday, March 11th at 12PM During a luncheon. Here is the information, if you are able to attend. The tickets are $50. It will occur at: Saint Nicholas Banquet Hall 817 N. 7th Street Philadelphia., Pa 19123   There are also opportunities to place an ad in the booklet. The prices are $20 for a half page, and $30 for a full page. For ads you can contact Kelly R. Myers at 610-714-1103, or krmpublishing@yahoo.com Payments can be sent through Cash App at: $ernball For further information and to congratulate Dexter, you can call him at: 267-584-3714 Congratulations to Stacie Leap on Anvaya Feats' featured video! Stacie Leap was featured by Anvaya Feats for her work in accessibility testing and advocacy for the organization. Please check out the YouTube video at the following link: https://youtu.be/v0FWX4D27ms   Our Condolences to Emily Gindlesperger and Angelina Angelcyk We regret to inform our Affiliate family that Emily Gindlesperger lost her mother earlier this week.  Please keep Emily and her daughter, Angelina Angelcyk, in your thoughts and prayers. You may contact Emily at vp2@nfbp.org   Fundraisers Community Service Division Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser Members of the Community Service Division has opened up Double Good popcorn stores throughout the country to raise fund for the division. Previous funds raised were used to host service projects at the NFB National Convention, provide financial assistance to first-time national convention attendees, and many more! Please consider buying this delicious popcorn in a variety of flavors! It comes in a variety of flavors and shipped directly to your house! From flavors like: Butter Believe It, Sergeant Salt & Pepper, Caramel DM, Sweety You Salty, and much more, you definitely cannot go wrong! It is only for four days so please do not wait but order yours starting March 3, 2023! It will be over on March 6, 2023 at 12PM ET!  You can purchase the popcorn with Stacie Leap's popcorn store link which is https://popup.doublegood.com/s/qm57o5h1   NFB of PA April Raffle The NFB of PA is selling $5 tickets for their April 2023 Raffle. Participants will choose a 3-digit number to play during the entire month of April 2023. Each day, a winner is chosen to receive a monetary prize. If your number is selected from Sunday to Friday, you will receive $50. If your number is selected on a Saturday, you will receive $100. Once a winner is selected for the day, their number is thrown back into the pot so a person has 30 chances to win during the entire month of April! Please send all payments to NFB of PA State Treasurer Brian Mackey by March 27, 2023. Each chapter treasurer has some raffle tickets in their possession to sell so please contact your chapter treasurer for more details. If you are not a part of a chapter, such as a family member, friend, co-worker, acquaintance, or supporter of any kind and wish to purchase tickets, please contact Jim Antonacci at jjantonacci@verizon.net   PAOPBC Chocolate Fundraiser The Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children is participating once again with Sarris Chocolate to do some fundraising! 25% of all sales goes back into the division. This is to allow for scholarships and financial assistance that we can give back to the parents who have blind or visually impaired children. Please consider buying some chocolate for loved ones during Valentine's Day! Give someone the gift of chocolate for St. Patrick's Day! Buy some to show appreciation to family and friends during Easter, all occasions and holidays in between! This is the Spring collection and will run from now until April 2, 2023 This is to ensure that your chocolate gets to you by Easter if you wish to eat it then but you can always buy some now and more later. :) This is the perfect gift for yourself or someone in your life! Our Group code is 10-0316. You can also access the following link to get to the website and support our division: https://www.sarriscandiesfundraising.com/Group.aspx?id=10-0316   Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser The Blind Parents Group still have some t-shirts left over from our fundraising efforts at the state convention. The t-shirts come in either black with white letterings or white with black letterings. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a scholarship funds to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their family through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at stacie.leap@gmail.com   SABE THE DATE: Greater Philadelphia Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser Pop, pop, pop it up! The Greater Philadelphia Chapter will be having their Double Good popcorn fundraiser in April 2023. Look out in future emails on how to support!   Other External Events These events are not hosted or sponsored by the NFB or the NFB of PA. However, we think these might be good resources for those living in Pennsylvania. If you have any events that you wish to be in our monthly digest, please email Stacie Leap at stacie.leap@gmail.com   OVR State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting Thursday, March 2, 2023 Start time: 10 a.m. End time: 3 p.m. Break: noon – 1 p.m. This meeting will be hybrid, with the in-person portion held at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg (800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg, Pa), and the virtual portion held via Zoom. The public is invited to attend in person or connect to this meeting using the following information: You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: March 2, 2023, 10 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: PA State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting Please click the following link to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85656724729?pwd=SktvQnZvaEJPcnBBMTZFWE81cy9TZz09#success Passcode: 210559 Or One tap mobile: US: +19292056099,,85656724729#,,,,*210559# or +13017158592,,85656724729#,,,,*210559# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: 1-929-205-6099 or 1-301-715-8592 or 1-305-224-1968 or 1-309-205-3325 or 1-312-626-6799 or 1-646-931-3860 or 1-669-444-9171 or 1-669-900-6833 or 1-689-278-1000 or 1-719-359-4580 or 1-253-205-0468 or 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799 or 1-360-209-5623 or 1-386-347-5053 or 1-507-473-4847 or 1-564-217-2000 Webinar ID: 856 5672 4729 Passcode: 210559 For more information, please visit their website at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/Board-and-Committee-Info/Pages/PA-State-Board-of-Vocational-Rehabilitation.aspx   SEPTA Advisory Council Meeting Postponed The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority typically holds monthly advisory council meetings to the public; however, meetings are postponed until further noticed. Please see the letter sent to the Advisory Council and public: Good afternoon, SAC members and general public,  I regret to inform you that the February 9, 2023, SAC meeting is canceled. SEPTA must complete an internal investigation regarding the conduction of SAC meetings.    SAC meetings will resume upon SAC chairs and SEPTA coming to a resolution on their internal issues. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.     Sincerely,   The SAC chairs   Liberty Resources' Blind/Low Vision Support Group Our members Karen Rose and Simone Cooper partner up with Liberty Resources to hold weekly virtual support group at Liberty Resources. The aim is to share resources and provide support to those experiencing blindness or low vision. Meetings are weekly on Tuesdays from 1pm to 2pm ET via Zoom. You do not need to live in Philadelphia to attend these meetings, this is open to all in Pennsylvania! For more information or to sign-up, please email Latoya Maddox at LatoyaMaddox@libertyresources.org   Vision Thru Art Vision Thru Art is a weekly sculpture class for blind and visually-impaired artists that has been running at Allens Lane Art Center for more than 30 years. Our dedicated faculty, staff and volunteers help the students express their inner vision through a variety of media including clay, wood, mosaic, stone and other mixed materials. The students are encouraged to work at their own pace while enjoying the easy-going social atmosphere of the class. In 2014, Allens Lane Art Center made the class completely free for all the students including free art supplies each year. Location: The Fluhr Studio - (downstairs back studio accessible by rear entrance). Many of the students use Para-transit to get to the class. Service dogs are of course welcome. Day/Time:  Wednesday, 10:30 am – 12:30pm and Friday 10:30 am – 12:30pm. Fees: There are no fees for this class. Registration: Contact by phone (215-248-0546) or by https://allenslane.org/vision-thru-art/   Eye See You I love U Eye See You I love U is hosting numerous fundraisers coming up.  You can view their events and get more information on their website at https://eyeseeyouiloveu.org/ On February 20th they will be hosting their family fun night at Chuck E Cheese that is open to parents and children of all abilities. They will also be holding their first Walk A thon in June. On June 10th from 9 AM to 4 PM, individuals can come to Hempfield Park and participate in our Eye Will Walk With You Walk A Thon to raise awareness for Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and children with no vision and low vision. The registration link is below. You can use code EYESEEYOU until April 20th for 15% off of registration. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eye-will-walk-with-you-2023-tickets 499094815027?aff=ebdsoporgprofile   Women Healed For A Purpose 2023 Conference! Our member Lyvette Byrd is hosting her 2nd Annual Women Healed For a Purpose Conference under her business, For The Byrds Consulting, LLC. The mission of the conference  is to equip and restore the community through a faith-based initiative that we hope will strengthen women holistically; mind, body, and spirit. We are women Living Interdependently in support of Family, Friends, and our Fellow neighbors to Educate and Empower our community. The event will be on Saturday, October 28, 2023. More details about the event will come at a later date!   NFB Pledge I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.   NFB Message The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.

In our newest episode of PenPodcast, we are joined by Beth J. Sanborn. Beth joined the Lower Gwynedd Police force in 1997. Since then, she has served as a Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge (OIC), and currently serves as a School Resource Officer assigned to the Wissahickon School District. Since 2015, she assumed responsibility for all juvenile cases, earning her the rank of Juvenile Detective. Beth earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Widener University in 1996. She later earned her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University in 2014. Most recently, Beth earned her Doctoral Degree in Public Administration from West Chester University in 2019. Her Doctoral dissertation is entitled “School Resource Officers as Mentor/Counselors, Including Levels of Intervention.” She actively volunteers with the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth and Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center. Beth sits on the executive board for PASRO, the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers, is an instructor for NASRO, the National Association of School Resource Officers and is a Director & Policy Fellow for the International Center for Law Enforcement Studies. Join us for a chat with Beth. Visit her profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbethjsanborn/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pen-podcast/support

In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa and David speak with Katia Hadjeb-Rahman, the newly-elected President of the Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU.) Katia tells us about her first NFB of PA State Convention and how she almost didn't attend the annual PAGDU meeting there. She is a passionate advocate for guide dog users, and it shows. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/056    Contact Katia About PAGDU If you've got questions about PAGDU or guide dogs in general, contact Katia. Her email address is khadjeb@widener.edu. Learn more about the school where Katia got her guide dog Ireland at https://www.seeingeye.org/. Resources & Links Mentioned To read the article about the Canadian woman refused boarding by Air Canada: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/air-canada-apologizes-for-not-letting-blind-woman-fly-with-guide-dog-1.6629205 If Uber or Lyft has discriminated against you, the NFB wants to know: https://nagdu.org/rideshare. Support The National Federation Of The Blind Of PA In this season of giving, please consider donating to the NFB of PA. Since 1977, the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has been helping members live the lives they want! Please support the largest organization of the blind in the state. We Need Your Pictures We are looking for pictures to add to the NFB of PA website. If you want to share images of you using assistive tech, out and about with your white cane or guide dog, preparing a meal in the kitchen, or doing just about anything else, send them to us! Email pictures@nfbp.org. One image per email, please. In the body of the email, type the description of the image you are sending.  Give Us A Call We'd love to hear from you! We've got a phone number for you to call, ask us questions, give us feedback, or say, "hi!" Call us at (267) 338-4495. You have up to three minutes for your message, and we might use it on an upcoming episode. Please leave your name and town as part of your message.  Follow White Canes Connect Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | IHeartRadio  Connect With Us If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, reach out on Twitter. We are @PABlindPodcast. You can also email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com.   https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/whitecanesconnect/white_canes_connect_055_post.mp3    

Matthew Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodiverse clients. He specializes in working with children and adolescents, as well as their families, in providing therapy and conducting psychological evaluations. He is proud to serve as a consultant to schools, a professor at the university level, and a researcher and author on his specialty, Giftedness. Dr. Zakreski is a member of Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children (NJAGC), and a member of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE). He has given professional talks, trainings, and keynote addresses at these organizations and others, including internationally. Dr. Zakreski is the co-founder and lead clinician at The Neurodiversity Collective, where he provides therapy, coaching, training, and psychological assessment.  Listen to this enlightening Parenting With Impact episode with Dr. Matt Zakreski about 2E kids and how to navigate the challenges of giftedness and neurodiversity, especially when your smart kid is having trouble at school. 10 Parenting Tips for School Success with Complex Kids There are only 10 tips in this FREE parent's guide from the experts at ImpactParents -- and they're the only ones you need to give you the foundation to help your kids find school success! Used by parents all over the world, you learn quick steps to lighten the load and help smart kids feel good about school again. Here is what to expect on this week's show: The difference between synchronous and asynchronous neurodevelopment What are the layers of development, and how do 2E kids compare to others? How does the brain of a gifted child differ from others? Related Blogs: GEMO  Up Until Now  Connect with Dr. Matt: Website Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discovery, Immersion, and Breaking the Mold.In this episode of The Outspoken Podcast, host Shana Cosgrove talks to Christie Getman, Country Director for Nepal at Mercy Corps. Christie describes how she landed on her path of international work, explaining her desire for a unique career. She also discusses the value of athletics and how she met her husband through a running club. Shana and Christie dive into the technical side of the work of Mercy Corps, illuminating the ways in which the mechanisms of foreign aid have evolved. Lastly, listen to the end to hear why Shana's voice provides Christie comfort while she's flying through mountains in the cabin of a small propeller plane. QUOTES “One of the messages that I always say to people is that this is a whole life career. This is not like ‘this is my job and this is my life.' When you're in this line of work, it affects your entire life - you have to be all in.” - Christie Getman [34:14] “The best thing that you can do if you want to support emergency response is send cash. It is the most cost effective, it's the most efficient, it's the lowest overhead, we can trace it the best, it gives people dignity, and it supports the local economy.” - Christie Getman [56:08] “What I've learned is that I need to just sit with it. Just lean into the silence for an extra minute or two, and inevitably someone who's less assertive will come forward, start, and give their opinion if I hold back. But if I don't hold back - and I jump in - that other person may never speak up.” - Christie Getman [62:51]   TIMESTAMPS  [00:04] Intro [01:31] Meeting Christie [04:34] Christie's Time in Baltimore [08:46] Christie's Childhood [18:38] Athletics as a Part of Building Community [21:43] Getting her Masters in Anthropology [25:22] Christie Explains what an NGO is [26:55] What Drew Christie to International Work [32:15] Countries that Christie Lived in [35:21] Motherhood When Working Internationally [39:42] Christie's Work in Nepal [44:02] Experiencing COVID in Nepal [47:00] Getting Technical [58:38] Christie's Advice for her Younger Self [63:42] Impactful Book [64:27] Christie's Surprising Facts [67:08] Outro     RESOURCES https://www.richmond.edu/ (University of Richmond) http://www.baltimorefamilies.org/ (Baltimore Family Alliance) https://www.thebreakers.com/ (The Breakers Palm Beach) https://www.pasc.net/ (Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils) https://www.gotothehash.net/ (Hash House Harriers) https://www.gwu.edu/ (The George Washington University) https://www.worldbank.org/en/home (The World Bank) https://www.ngosource.org/what-is-an-ngo (What is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)?) https://www.accenture.com/us-en (Accenture) https://www.britannica.com/place/Martinique/History (History of Martinique) https://www.history.com/news/deadliest-tsunami-2004-indian-ocean (2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami) https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nepal-earthquake-of-2015 (Nepal Earthquake of 2015) https://kpi.org/KPI-Basics (Key Performance Indicator (KPI)) https://www.agilealliance.org/agile101/ (Agile) https://venmo.com/ (Venmo) https://www.zellepay.com/ (Zelle) https://www.paypal.com/us/home (Paypal) https://nepal.mercycorps.org/mercy-corps-nepal-covid-19-second-wave-emergency-response/ (Mercy Corps Nepal COVID Response with Christie's CNN Appearance) https://english.onlinekhabar.com/qr-code-payment-is-getting-popular-in-nepal-how-does-it-work-is-it-secure.html (QR Code Payment in Nepal) https://www.mercycorps.org/who-we-are/our-team/tjada-doyen-mckenna (Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rapid-response-on-the-ground-in-ukraine-w-mercy-corps/id1227971746?i=1000553538254 (Masters of Scale Podcast with Tjada D'Oyen McKenna) https://www.whatsapp.com/ (WhatsApp) https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416 (The Alchemist) by Paulo Coelho   RELEVANT LINKS...

Use code is "SMART" to get 30% off any new magazine subscription!  By Franklin Egan, PASA This is the second article in a series on soil health challenges and innovations revealed through case studies that are part of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture's ongoing Soil Health Benchmark Study, a citizen-science project begun in Pennsylvania in 2016. Read the first installment on the GFM or PASA website. In 2013, Cameron and Audrey Pedersen relocated Bending Bridge Farm to twelve acres of land they purchased near Chambersburg, PA. Given their new land had been in continuous conventional corn production for decades, the soil was in dire shape. The first spring working that ground they could not even get a chisel plow to break the surface because the soil was so compacted and crusted. Cameron and Audrey knew they needed to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to regenerate the health of their soil, and they wanted this plan to adhere to organic methods. As part of their strategy, they have been practicing a diverse crop rotation that includes long windows for over-winter and summer cover crops. Because of this, Cameron and Audrey keep their land in living cover for 248 days of the year—making Bending Bridge a leader in cover cropping among the other 23 vegetable farms participating in PASA's Soil Health Benchmark Study. Read the article:  https://growingformarket.com/articles/20181101   Learn more about Growing for Market:  https://growingformarket.com/ Follow Growing for Market: https://www.instagram.com/growingformarketmagazine

Use code is "SMART" to get 30% off any new magazine subscription!  By Franklin Egan, PASA This is the second article in a series on soil health challenges and innovations revealed through case studies that are part of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture's ongoing Soil Health Benchmark Study, a citizen-science project begun in Pennsylvania in 2016. Read the first installment on the GFM or PASA website. In 2013, Cameron and Audrey Pedersen relocated Bending Bridge Farm to twelve acres of land they purchased near Chambersburg, PA. Given their new land had been in continuous conventional corn production for decades, the soil was in dire shape. The first spring working that ground they could not even get a chisel plow to break the surface because the soil was so compacted and crusted. Cameron and Audrey knew they needed to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to regenerate the health of their soil, and they wanted this plan to adhere to organic methods. As part of their strategy, they have been practicing a diverse crop rotation that includes long windows for over-winter and summer cover crops. Because of this, Cameron and Audrey keep their land in living cover for 248 days of the year—making Bending Bridge a leader in cover cropping among the other 23 vegetable farms participating in PASA's Soil Health Benchmark Study. Read the article:  https://growingformarket.com/articles/20181101   Learn more about Growing for Market:  https://growingformarket.com/ Follow Growing for Market: https://www.instagram.com/growingformarketmagazine