Vulnerable Pennsylvanians still in need as pandemic winds down

 
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted millions of lives in so many ways: our health, jobs, education, social lives and more. For those who were struggling before the pandemic, the last 15 months have often made their situations even more difficult.

Nonprofit organizations on the front lines were impacted as well.

On Friday’s Smart Talk, we discuss how the pandemic affected Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable, what they still need, and how community members can help.

Appearing on the program are Kristen Rotz, President of the United Way of Pennsylvania, David John, Vice President of Government Affairs at Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, and Anne Gingerich, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO).

“Youz or yinz?” Pennsylvania dialects fascinate

Those who watched the recent HBO series Mare of Easttown were struck by how seamlessly British actor Kate Winslet adopted a Delaware County or Philadelphia regional dialect.

At least in the Philadelphia area, it started a conversation about dialects and regionalisms. It’s a topic that fascinates many who don’t even know they talk differently from other people around the country.

Joining us on Friday’s Smart Talk is Dr. Betsy Sneller, assistant professor of linguistics at Michigan State University.