Advertise on podcast: Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Executive Director Kate Lombardi and Mark Schulz, Director of External Communications, discussed Musicopia’s mission, to inspire, educate, and connect children, youth, and their extended communities through collaborative music and dance experiences. Founded over 50 years ago, Musicopia provides the access to the arts programming that has been cut by many school districts. Today they reach more than 25,000 participants each year across three states (PA, South Jersey and Delaware) and 21 school districts through a wide range of programs including stringed instruments, drumlines, social and ballroom dancing, Tango and more as the local communities look for cultural connection. Taught by over 110 professional musicians and dance instructors, Musicopia introduces students to different music genres and instruments and to partner dancing, teaching teamwork and social skills. Students not only achieve a sense of accomplishment through their classes, their attendance and grades are also affected according to ancedotal reports. Classes are offered to students of all ages, from weekly to intense one-day workshops, in schools or community centers; students who wish to continue with their art are directed to Musicopia’s many partner organizations. In addition to their classroom work Musicopia actively seeks donations of instruments which are refurbished and provided to students in their programs. The Lullaby Project, allows parents and caregivers to create and record a lullaby for their children, allowing the family to share in a music experience.  Volunteers are welcome to help with programming and events. They invite everyone to Music in Motion, a benefit on Sunday, November 15 at 4 PM at Loft on Passyunk, to experience the impact of our music and dance programs firsthand.  For more information about programming, volunteer opportunities, instrument donation or the purchases tickets to Music In Motion go to Musicopia.org  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Darcy Lindy, Board Chair and Volunteer Coordinator for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Greater Philadelphia Chapter discussed the volunteer organization that seeks to end suicide. Suicide is now the 10th leading cause of death in the US, AFSP is the leader in research, public education and resources, advocacy and services to those impacted by suicide.  AFSP offers programming for schools and organizations, outreach information to vulnerable populations including Black, LBGTQ, Veterans and construction workers. For those struggling they offer 24/7 help and referrals, and grief support for families and individuals who have lost someone to suicide.  Darcy tells us that AFSP has just one employee, its mission is accomplished by volunteers, offering a few hours a month or every week. She invites us to donate, volunteer or just participate in an annual Out of the Darkness fundraiser/awareness day. This year the walk is October 10 at the Navy Yard, you can register in advance and fundraise, or on-site and just share in the community spirit. All ages – and pets – are welcome. There will resources available on site and ‘honor’ beads will be provided to acknowledge your support or loss.  Chad Rosenburg, a walk sponsor and team participant explained why his company supports AFSP.  To learn more about programming, to donate or volunteer, or to join an Out of the Darkness Walk, visit AFSP.org. For the Philadelphia chapter visit AFSP.org/chapter/greater-philadelphia See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Kerry Sautner, President & CEO of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. discussed the world’s first penitentiary, a misguided 19th century experiment by our founding Quaker fathers for justice reform, the introduction of solitary confinement. We discussed the building’s history as it evolved into a modern penitentiary, its later abandonment and its rescue by preservationists. Today the site is used to deepen our understanding of the American justice system and inspire us to consider how we can build a more just future. Eastern State offers job-readiness training for the recently incarcerated, revolving art installations on justice and tours and historic programing for the public.  We discussed the annual Halloween Nights, their major fundraiser each year. The fright attraction, one of the scariest in the country, also gives visitors insights into the criminal justice system.   For more information visit Eastern State Penitentiary online See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Joe Brooks, Executive Director of the Veterans Multi-Service Center discussed their work, the VMC is the ‘bridge for vets and their families from surviving, to thriving.’ He discussed their program, from crisis intervention with emergency housing, food and drug and alcohol treatment, to job training and securing the benefits owed to the veteran. So far in 2026 they have already secured over 11 million dollars in benefits for vets living in their service area, SE Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware. We discussed who qualifies for help: anyone who enlisted, whether they served one day or 20 years and regardless of their discharge status. The VMC works with vets and their families to uncover the benefits they are entitled to receive, including finding necessary paperwork, expanding disability payments and even appealing an unfavorable discharge. So far in 2026 they have already secured over 11 million dollars in benefits for vets living in their service area, SE Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware. We discussed who qualifies for help, anyone who enlisted, whether they served one day or 20 years and regardless of their discharge status. We discussed their new job center, thanks to a grant from the Phillies organization, and their women-only facilities for women vets who have their own needs and traumas. The VMC relies on fundraising, grants and donations, they also look for businesses to hire vets. Joe reminds us that the VMC has the highest ratings at charity watchdog sites; 98 cents of every dollar goes directly into programming.   VMCenter.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jennifer Pipa, Vice President Of American Red Cross Disaster Programs, and Rob Glenn, Vice President Of Global Resilience at the U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Foundation discuss their joint efforts to prepare small businesses for disaster. Small businesses are especially vulnerable in disasters, hurricanes, wildfires, flooding and tornados and more, without the scale and manpower of big corporations losing a property or even closing for short periods can put them under. Because small businesses are a vital part of any community the American Red Cross and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation have created free programs that can help small business owners prepare and mitigate damage in times of disaster. ARC’s Ready Rating program allows businesses to input their information about their company and their location; it then takes them through simulations of predicted and possible disasters for their area. It grades them on their current preparation and offers resources in better planning and support for prevention.  The Chamber Foundation’s Ready 4 Resiliency program offers ways for businesses to protect their future with ways to maintain customer bases and inventory and stock management.  Small businesses can register with the Foundation which will then alert them to other programs and business news and information and allow them immediate access to relief applications.   Ready 4 Resiliency Ready Rating See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the American Red Cross of Southeastern PA Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager, and Kathy Mullen, Volunteer Partner Lead for Preparedness, spoke about their work in disaster preparedness and relief and disaster prevention. Alana shared that house fires are the biggest share of their relief efforts and we discussed fire safety, from candles, cooking fires and space heaters. Kathy told us about her work with kids teaching them how to prevent house fires and how to prepare with smoke detectors, a practiced plan for evacuation and a designated meeting point after escaping. We talked about shelter in place and evacuation planning, from having a kit to provide for your family for up to seven days at home, to having flares, blankets and water in the car ready to leave when told to. We also discussed first aid and AEDs, the importance of knowing what to do – or not do – in an emergency and the courses that the ARC offers in first aid, lifeguard training and babysitter classes.     Finally, a conversation about the area’s blood supply as we come off a supply crisis, they must keep the shelves stocked before a disaster or before weather keeps donors at home. Blood donated today will not ne ready for up to two weeks.    We spoke about the resources the American Red Cross can offer, from classes to safety tips, shelter in place kit lists and a free smoke detector program. Both Alana and Kathy recommend the ARC apps to keep you informed about weather or environmental disaster info. There is also a blood donor app that can help you register to give and track where your donation goes. To learn more – or to volunteer - go to redcross.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Captain Benjamin Lyle, Divisional Secretary for Greater Philadelphia Operations discussed the history and programming of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. Founded in 1865 in England, this was the first American chapter. Today the mission has expanded to further address the needs of the poor and needs of underserved communities throughout the region. They offer programs for youth, families and seniors, from basic emergency resources and shelter, to social activities and after-school programming. In recent years the Salvation Army has become a strong voice in Anti-Human Trafficking, raising awareness and support for its victims. The Salvation Army relies on volunteers and donations to keep their programming running. To learn more about their many opportunities go to  easternusa.salvationarmy.org   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the 150th anniversary of the great Philadelphia Centennial Exposition and the birth of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Colin Fanning, the Louis C. Madeira IV Assistant Curator of European Decorative Arts, David Barquist, the H. Richard Dietrich, Jr., Curator of American Decorative Arts and Elisabeth Agro, the Nancy M. McNeil Curator of Modern and Contemporary Craft and Decorative Arts, discuss the arts and craft movement spurred by the expo and their new exhibit, current exhibit, Workshop of the World: Arts & Crafts in Philadelphia. The exhibit sheds light on the creative innovations that emerged from a network of Philadelphia artists, architects, and manufacturers in response to the problems of urban industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibition also explores how contemporary Philadelphia artists remix and reinterpret the legacies of Arts and Crafts. PHILAMUSEUM.ORG See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sue Wheldon CEO and Founder of Unite For HER - Help, Empower and Restore – discussed the national nonprofit that supports breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients by providing integrative therapies, services, education, resources, and support at no personal cost. Her search for answers during her own treatment from taste issues and side-effects to forced menopause inspired her to look for therapies that could support her physically and mentally during her care. New patients enroll to receive a gift basket of comfort items and a ‘Wellness Passport’’ of stamps that they can spend on the services that they would like to try, massage, acupuncture or mental health therapy or meal or grocery delivery services. For patients who had been previously diagnosed their Empowered Living Program offers webinars and seminars on survivorship, dealing with ‘scanxiety,’ nutrition and even cooking classes. UFH Connect is a digital network featuring a variety of live and recorded programming to enrich the health and well-being of the community with 40 virtual events that educate and inspire. In October the Unite for HER task force on women of color look at the different experiences and outcomes that these women face in obtaining treatment and the access to integrated therapies and services that they offer. Sue Wheldon’s book, Heal Empower Restore, available through Amazon and in bookstores in September, is a primer on living with a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer. She describes it as this community’s ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves’ as the whole-person care guide for all affected by breast and ovarian cancer, including guidance on integrative therapies, nutritious food recipes, inspiring stories, and much more.  Learn more at UniteForHER.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Lauren Smith MD, MPH, Vice-President of Strategic Portfolios at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation discussed the importance of the measles vaccine as children are going back to school. We discussed the rise in reported measles cases, a disease that was considered eliminated in the US in 2000, the possible tip of the iceberg for other infectious diseases as vaccination rates dip across the board. She explained vaccines are safe, highly effective and can reduce serious illnesses in children and adults. Dr. Smith spoke on the various causes that led to the return of measles, including our government’s cuts to public health and circulating misinformation, social media's spread of mis- and disinformation about autism, and even global travel. She urges parents to talk to their health care provider for factual information about vaccinations and also suggests The American Academy of Pediatrics or The American Academy of Family Physicians for more trusted information.  The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is one of the nation’s leading philanthropies, ‘paving the way… to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.’ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Tim Kerrihard and Chief Development & Marketing Officer Kristine DelMonte spoke on the 90 year old chapter and its mission, supporting children with physical, intellectual and mental disabilities and their families. Working with children from birth through six or kindergarten, they provide early childhood education, autism services,assistive technology for speech, pediatric speech and language therapy, pediatric occupational and physical therapy and even music therapy. They work in the child’s home or through facilities located throughout the Delaware Valley. They stress the importance of their work and early intervention, noting that children who receive services quickly are less likely to require additional support services in Kindergarten. For more information on programming, volunteering or events go to sepa.easterseals.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zabeth Teelucksingh discussed Global Philadelphia, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Philadelphia as an influential World Heritage City and as a vital, diverse center for global affairs and fostering international economic and cultural growth. We discussed Africatown and Chinatown as examples of flouring international communities within the city, the upcoming World Cup and its impact on tourism and foreign business development, the new map of Philadelphia’s remarkable 65 National Landmarks and the completion of Global Philadelphia’s contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainability project, a mural at Glen Foerd to celebrate water.  Learn more at globalphiladelphia.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matt Radar, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society discussed the work PHS does throughout the year thanks to the funds raised by the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. He spoke of its mission, using horticulture to increase access to fresh food, create healthy living environments, deep social connections, and generate economic opportunities. Its Vacant Lot Greening Program PHS LandCare program has been extended into Chester in partnership with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods, transforming almost two-football fields of lots to make the community safer, greener and cooler. He cites the economic impact of PHS, not just in money generated for the hospitality industry through the Flower Show or the increase in value of homes in green neighborhoods, but also in the employment programs they offer in landscaping. We talked about heritage programs such as Tree Tenders who plant and care for our tree canopy and the gardens PHS maintains. He recommends membership in PHS for the gardening magazine, garden tours and visits, workshops and lectures and one-on-one help with gardening questions. Members also have special discounts and ticket opportunities for the Flower Show. Finally, he invites everyone to drop by a PHS summer Pop-Up for plant swaps, music, food and cocktails.  To learn more about membership, Pop Up locations, volunteering or neighborhood greening programs go to PHSonline.org.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Thomas, President and CEO of PHDC discussed the city’s work in preserving neighborhoods and making them safer and affordable for residents. We spoke about Philadelphia’s aging population, poverty rate and our aging housing stock and the mayor’s plans to address them including the newest program for Philadelphia residents, Restore Repair Renew which offers 10-year fixed 3% APR loans for home repairs, focusing on health, safety, weatherization, accessibility and quality of life. He discussed adaptive measures available for residents with aging-in-place issues or those with physical disabilities, fire safety programs and their façade repairs. He also described the extra support they offer in the application process, with financial literacy help, fraud prevention and inspections. For more information about the City of Philadelphia’s housing programs go to www.phdcphila.org  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the Museum of the American Revolution Director of Education and Community Engagement Adrienne Whaley discussed the events planned for ‘Flag Day,’ the Historic District’s ‘Red, White & Blue To Do’ on July 2 and ‘Declaration Days’ their Semiquincentennial celebration Wednesday, July 1 through Sunday, July 5.  A full schedule of talks, walking tour, all-age activities and even musical entertainment will take place throughout the museum’s galleries – including The Declaration's Journey in the Patriots Gallery, and on its grounds over the extended holiday.   The Museum is also kicking off extended summer hours, now opening from 9AM to 6PM Tickets are always good for two day admission.  Get the full schedule of events, hours, workshop and talks at Amrevmuseum.org See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.