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

Progress Pod

The Latest from the American Perimeter Trail Project

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

District Attorney, Matt Fogal

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

Letrell Deshan Crittenden on "The Road to Making Small-Town News More Inclusive"

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

Rue McKenrick and the American Perimeter Trail Project

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

April Brown of Franklin/Fulton County Drug and Alcohol

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

Female Firsts in Franklin County

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

Got a Business Idea?

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

We're Talking Libraries!

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

Marcie Taylor of the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation

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

Medicare Fraud and What You Can do to Help Stop it

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

Dr. Jayleen Galarza on Gender Identity & Sexuality

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

National Literacy Month

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

United Way of Franklin County Introduces ALICE

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

Tourism in Franklin County

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

Dr. Marita Flagler - Social Inclusion

Hosted by Pete Mazzone. Edited and produced by Jeremy Cate.

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