Uncategorized – Page 55 – WITF Smart Talk Podcast

September 24, 2018

Battling opioids – A project of Pennsylvania Public Media

battling opioids web.png

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 24, 2018:

Pennsylvania has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the nation; nearly 13 people die everyday. The disease knows no socio-economic boundaries, and because of the wide-ranging social impact on families and communities, the crisis affects all of us.

Across the state, Pennsylvania Public Media stations WHYY (Philadelphia), WITF (Harrisburg), WLVT/PBS39 (Greater Lehigh Valley), WPSU (State College), WQED (Pittsburgh), WQLN (Northwestern Pennsylvania), and WVIA (Northeastern Pennsylvania) are collaborating to produce educational programming that focuses on the opioid crisis and its impact.

To begin the project “Battling Opioids,” an hourlong television special produced by the partners, will air on all stations on Thursday, September 27, at 8 pm across the state.

Smart Talk will feature discussions relating to the opioid battle throughout this week. On Monday’s program, WITF’s Director of Programming and Promotions Fred Vigeant and WITF Transforming Health reporter Brett Sholtis join us to talk about the station collaboration and the opioid problem in Pennsylvania. Also with us is Dr. John Gallagher, chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Opioid Advisory Task Force and Matt Null, referral development manager of Gaudenzia addiction treatment and recovery.

Matthew Null and Dr. John Gallager

You can help increase awareness and reduce stigma in your hometown by joining WITF’s Transforming Health project for a preview of the documentary and community conversation on Tuesday, September 25, at the WITF Public Media Center from 6:30-8pm.

An expert panel will include Jack Carroll, executive director of Cumberland Perry Drug and Alcohol Commission, Dr. Matt Howie, executive director of the York Regional Opiate Collaborative, and Kristin Varner, chief communications officer for The RASE Project.

Watch, learn, and share your thoughts at this community conversation and watch event. Click here to register.

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August 16, 2018

Leadership through farming and ag worker shortage

Photo by LEAF

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, August 16, 2018:

On a picturesque, three-acre farm along the banks of Sherman’s Creek, youth from diverse walks of life arrive most summer mornings for their jobs. Their drive to work takes them over north mountain and into a more peaceful part of Central PA; rural Perry County. They come to work, to farm.

The youth work for a non-profit called the LEAF Project, which stands for Leadership, Education and Farming. LEAF selects about 24 “interns” each summer, between 14-18 years of age, who work alongside farmers and chefs for the eight-week program.

LEAF Farm/Photo by LEAF

The project’s mission is to develop youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system. This includes everything from planning to planting, harvesting, packaging, marketing and preparing the produce. Organizers believe that by connecting youth to the food they eat, the land on which it grows, and to each other, leaders emerge who will be inspired to create personal and social change.

Executive director Heidi Witmer founded the LEAF Project in 2013 with “the remarkable support of many people.” She, along with most of the staff, have community development or education backgrounds, which supports the program’s youth development mission. They also partner with other local farms and restaurants to expose the youth-interns to the wider food system in our area.

Heidi Witmer, LEAF Founder and Executive Director is on Thursday’s Smart Talk, along with Sam Predmore, Assistant Crew Leader and Dailah Mial, Field Crew Manager. Chef Kurt Wewer, Executive Chef and General Manager of Little Bird Craft Kitchen at Ever Grain Brewing Company is joining the conversation, as well.

Dailah Mial, Heidi Witmer and Sam Predmore

While LEAF cultivates leaders through work in the food system, farms across Pennsylvania are struggling to find enough workers. The second part of Thursday’s Smart Talk explores this issue.

Local agriculture workforces are decreasing as families shrink, meaning that family farms now have fewer family members to maintain them. Locals may also prefer to hold jobs in industries besides agriculture, even if they grew up in farming families.

In addition, the agriculture industry relies on migrant workers, and more stringent immigration policies have discouraged many of these workers from coming to the United States.

The H2-A program has attempted to ease the problem of decreasing migrant workers by allowing employers in the United States to temporarily bring foreign employees into the country. It has experienced mixed levels of success.

Joining us on Thursday to discuss worker shortages in agriculture are Mark O’Neill, Media and Strategic Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and Jon Strite, Farm Manager of Strites’ Orchard.

Mark O’Neill

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August 15, 2018

Grand Jury on Catholic Church child sex abuse

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro holds hands with Judy Deaven who says her son was a victim of sexual abuse by a priest as a boy, during a news conference at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, 2018:

The Grand Jury report on child sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Church in Pennsylvania released Tuesday by Attorney General Josh Shapiro is one of the most extensive investigations into priests and others affiliated with the Church to date.

The Grand Jury named 301 priests, said there were more than a thousand victims that they knew of and probably thousands more. Due to the statute of limitations, only two have been prosecuted.

On Wednesday’s Smart Talk, we discuss the report and a recommendation from the Grand Jury to eliminate the statute of limitations.

With us on the program are Rep. Mark Rozzi of Berk County — an abuse survivor — and Pennsylvania’s Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm. We are also joined by survivor John Delaney.

Jennifer Storm and Mark Rozzi

Update: The conversation about the grand jury report extended for the whole hour. Kirk Stoner, Nathan Wolf and Lisa Riggs will join us to discuss conflicts of interest on Sept. 7.

Smart and sustained growth is a goal of most communities. What happens, though, when planned growth and development conflict with the interests of one or more key stakeholders?

Several high-profile community disputes made headlines this summer involving municipalities, developers and community members.

One such battle involved the Cumberland Valley School District. The district hoped to construct a new school on the McCormick Farm, which is part of the Natural Lands Trust. After considerable public outcry and hearings, the school district withdrew their plans.

In another example of conflicting interests, developers seek a zoning text amendment to develop the Summerdale Property in East Pennsboro Township. They hope to develop a light industrial component to the property, which could include warehousing. A public debate began, and the township planning commission recently recommended rejecting any changes. Township officials take up that vote next month.

Photo from Google Maps

So, if most communities seek smart and sustained growth, how do stakeholders work together toward a consensus? And if they cannot, what is the process to defend their interests?

In the studio are Kirk Stoner, Director of Planning, Cumberland County, Nathan Wolf, Attorney at Law, and Lisa Riggs, President, the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County.

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August 14, 2018

Specialization injuries in young athletes

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, 2018:

Youth sports is big business and it’s getting bigger. Children as young as pre-school are joining competitive sports programs and specializing at younger ages.

Boston NPR affiliate WBUR reported that in the past, American kids went out for Little League and school sports and, occasionally, one may have gone on to play in college or maybe even the pros. Today, a new model exists that seems to promote the pursuit of college scholarships and the elusive professional contract.

In fact, young athletes and their parents say that players have little chance of even making a high school team if they don’t pick a sport early and stick with it.

This emphasis on sports specialization and, in many cases, performing year-round, is having significant health consequences.

Sports medicine researchers are reporting overuse injury trends. Drs. Randolph Cohen and Eric Eisner, U18 Sports Medicine, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, FL, see an injury trend in young children who are playing sports for long hours and with great repetition. The researchers say that 20 years ago injuries like this were much rarer. They attribute it to the increase in kids specializing in a single sport and competing at a younger age.

Smart Talk is highlighting the risk of specialization injuries in young athletes with Dr. Michael Cordas, UPMC Pinnacle, board certified in family practice and sports medicine and the chairman of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA).

Also, in the studio is Dr. Matthew Silvis, Penn State Hershey Sports Medicine, and author of forthcoming paper on overuse injuries. Coach Charlie Fortney, Program director, Advanced Hoops AAU Basketball, is in the studio, as well. Coach Fortney played high school and collegiate basketball and assists players in the college basketball recruiting process.

Dr. Matthew Silvis, Coach Charlie Fortney and Dr. Michael Cordas

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August 9, 2018

Shut out of the housing market

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, August 9, 2018:

What a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago, housing values plummeted, and homes were repossessed in unprecedented numbers because of the economic recession. Today, a new housing crisis has developed with home buyers shut out of the market because of low inventory and sky-high prices. NPR reports that new home construction nationwide is at its slowest pace since the 1980s.

Finding available and affordable housing is especially problematic among minority groups. Affordable rental properties are also hard to find and may offer no viable option. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition released an annual report, “Out of Reach 2018.” They concluded that “there is no place in the U.S. where someone working full-time and earning minimum wage can afford a two-bedroom rental home at the national average fair market rent.“

NPR is airing a series this week called Shut Out of The Housing Market, looking at the problem nationwide. Why is this happening during a booming economy? Who is affected and what can be done to increase inventory at an affordable price?

On Thursday, Smart Talk will look at the housing market in Pennsylvania with Todd Umbenhauer, President, Pennsylvania Association of Realtors and Daniel Durden, CEO, Pennsylvania Builders Association. Also in the studio is Erin Wolfe, Associate Broker, Wolfe & Company Realtors.

Dan Durden and Erin Wolfe

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August 8, 2018

Road Trip to Beau’s Dream Dog Park in Lancaster

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, 2018:

It’s a Smart Talk Road Trip to Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park in Lancaster Wednesday!

Smart Talk Road Trips are usually a lot of fun for the audience and the Smart Talk crew — even when we’re discussing serious topics. But this Smart Talk Road Trip promises to be enjoyable for a couple of reasons. First of all, the Smart Talk audience has often told us that they like the shows when we’re focusing on pets and animals. And secondly, the family dog gets to participate in this show by playing at Beau’s Dream Dog Park.

The namesake for the park — Beau — will be there Wednesday with his owner Angela Ryan, who dreamed up the plans for the dog park and submitted them to the city as part of a competition. Angela joins us this program to discuss what inspired her. Charlotte Katzenmoyer, Lancaster’s Director of Public Works also is with us.

We’ll also discuss how a dog’s brain works, training, health and where people get their dogs.

Appearing on the Road Trip are Dr. Mikk Regester with Willow Run Veterinary Clinic, Kaye Ames, a dog trainer, and Connie Kondravy, President of the Organization for Responsible Care of Animals of ORCA.

“Wednesday’s Smart Talk Road Trip LIVE remote broadcast is supported by Roof Advisory and Pleasant View Retirement Community.”

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August 3, 2018

Ready Set Go Kindergarten Reinforces Early Childhood Education

WITF’s Ready Set Go Kindergarten

What to look for on Smart Talk, Friday, August 3, 2018:

Early formative childhood education is important for kids and their families. WITF and other community organizations believe that it is an imperative for businesses and communities, as well.

Quality early childhood education has a measurable economic impact, which often starts as early as birth with accessible child care. Research shows that real learning is happening from birth, and what we do or don’t do when children are very young can impact their time in school and beyond.

WITF remains committed to strengthening communities through our support of school districts, families and childcare centers. We recognize that transitions can be tricky. To help support families and children in the transition from preschool to kindergarten, WITF has partnered with community agencies and sponsors to create an annual event that provides families with useful information and gives the soon-to-be kindergartners a day full of fun and memories.

Ready Set Go Kindergarten is a fun day of exploration for soon-to-be-kindergartners and a great way for families to connect to resources.

WITF lobby set for Ready Set Go Kindergarten

Organizations like Child Care Consultants, Inc. (CCC), and The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) commit their resources to promoting early education and supporting families, as well.

Debbie Riek, Christy Renjilian, Janice Black and Jennifer Doyle

Joining Smart Talk on Friday are Janice Black, TFEC President and CEO, and Jennifer Doyle, TFEC VP of Development and Community Investment. Also in the studio is Christy Renjilian, CCC Executive Director, and the WITF Education Coordinator Debbie Riek.

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July 25, 2018

Rain and Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future

Swatara Creek crosses Sand Beach Road near Hershey 600 x 340.jpg

Photo by Scott LaMar/WITF

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, July 25, 2018:

The incessant rain that started falling last weekend is still going strong. It’s causing flooding throughout Central Pennsylvania, while closing roads and damaging homes.

The rainwater doesn’t only inconvenience drivers – it also poses a serious danger to pedestrians. A woman was swept away after falling into the Conewago Creek in southern Dauphin County Monday night.

Water is running into basements and even the first floors of homes, as well.

The rain is expected to continue Wednesday and maybe taper off with a continuing chance of showers Thursday. By the time the precipitation ends, some areas could have up to a foot of rain.

Wednesday’s Smart Talk provides an update on the weather, roads and other valuable information with Eric Horst, Millersville University meteorologist, Fritzi Schreffler from PennDOT, and Jeff Thomas from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

The Sentinel is compiling a map of flooded roads and invites people to report flooding on their form.

Also, solar energy is responsible for less than one percent of Pennsylvania’s net electricity generation, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future project group hopes that by 2030, solar power produced in this state will account for 10 percent of retail electric sales.

A group of stakeholders with expertise in areas ranging from business to environmental advocacy met in a series of workshops to come up with ideas for increasing the state’s production of solar power. In addition, everyone is invited to comment on the plan.

As explained in the Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future draft plan, increased solar energy can have health, economic, and environmental benefits.

To achieve its goal of expanding solar power in Pennsylvania, the project group determined that a combination of cross-cutting, grid scale solar generation and distributed solar generation will likely be necessary.

Cross-cutting involves making solar power affordable. Grid scale (solar energy produced in large amounts at farms or plants) is expected to account for the majority of Pennsylvania solar generation, while it is anticipated that distributed solar generation (small-scale technology used to produce electricity closer to the end use of power) will account for 10-35 percent of the state’s solar energy.

On Wednesday‘s Smart Talk to discuss Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future is Patrick McDonnell, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

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July 20, 2018

Social Determinants of Health

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, July 20, 2018:

Dr. Wanda Filer

On Friday’s Smart Talk, guest host Dr. Wanda Filer, Strategic Health Institute, leads a discussion on Social Determinants of Health.

There are many factors that can influence personal health. These factors are known as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). Determinants can include race, education level, TV habits, marital status, net worth, access to healthy food and employment, amongst many others.

How can we better understand what affects health? How can this information be used to improve inequalities within communities in the region? Can funding from programs like Medicaid help improve housing, transportation and food security and thereby improve an individual or family’s health outlook?

Social Determinants may also impact your health insurance. Earlier this week, a report on Morning Edition explained how health insurers are utilizing details through social media to determine your rates.

On Friday’s Smart Talk, guest host Dr. Wanda Filer will be joined by Leesa Allen, Executive Deputy Secretary at Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Dr. Margot Savoy, Chair and Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Temple University, current national chair of the Commission doing the EveryONE project, and Dr. Steven Woolf, Director Emeritus of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Leesa Allen, Dr. Steven Woolf and Dr. Margot Savoy

Additional reading on this topic:

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July 19, 2018

Robocall Epidemic and Improving Customer Service

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What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, July 19, 2018:

It never fails, the phone rings as soon as you sit down for dinner or begin a task; those intrusive and unwelcome phone solicitations.

Automated phone calls, also known as robocalls, have doubled in the last year with more than four billion calls placed last month alone.

Consumers find these calls annoying, intrusive and unwanted. Some of the calls are scams and some are legal. Robocallers are finding unique ways to disguise numbers to appear legitimate.

Who is making all these calls and how do you stop them?

Today on Smart Talk guest host Brian Roche (WGAL News 8) examines the robocall epidemic with attorney Margot Saunders of the National Consumer Law Center and Jonathan Banks, USTelecom, Law & Policy.

Also today, we focus on customer service and customer care.

Treating customers poorly is not a crime – but it can cause significant long-term damage to a business and its reputation. The impact of a bad experience can significantly affect the bottom line. A recent online report suggests that bad customer service experiences cost U.S. businesses $75 billion dollars annually.

Companies are going back to school to address customer care. Joining us on Smart Talk is Duffy Johnson from The Etiquette School of Central PA to discuss the basics of good customer service.

Duffy Johnson

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