Oh, the places you will go …. when you let the music take you there! For many young musicians, the musical dream is big. It was no different for Cara Wojciechowski. Cara started playing and singing at a very young age. For many of us loss gives us the opportunity for perspective. Cara lost a dear friend, also at a very young age. Cara’s parents encouraged her to volunteer hoping that would help her work through that loss. Find out how the experience became the seeds that blossomed into a career decision years later. Today Cara is a Music Therapist at Tower Health. She thought she would be working with terminally ill patients. Instead, she finds herself working with children, using her music to ease their stress in hospital situations. Turns out the whole family learns how to use music to visualize and lower stress levels. It’s no wonder when you hear her sing. Relax a little and enjoy Cara’s story.

What's The Story?

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Cara Wojciechowski

Sue Lange’s ’The Traffic Opera’ is just a part of her story. It’s one of many successes in her journey. Have you ever been stuck in a traffic jam? Sue Lange was stuck in one on her way home from Harrisburg. The experience became the seed for ‘The Traffic Opera.’ Wow did that seed blossom! The Comedy Short has been nominated for multiple awards at the Southampton Film International, the Nice International Film Festival and the London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival to name a few. Sue Lange is the writer, Andrew Pochan is the director, and Chris Heslop wrote the score for this wildly successful project. Sue is most surprised by the numbers of people in the Berks County area who are familiar with ‘The Traffic Opera,’ and she calls it a gift card to Reading as it was filmed at 6th & Court Streets in downtown Reading and nearly everyone involved in the project is from the Reading / Berks area. Asked if she is surprised by the success of this show, Sue says, “It’s unique. And that’s what gets attention.” You can watch the Comedy short here https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7374490/?ref_=rvi_tt Sue talks about how it all comes together and which comes first, the writing or the music as she discusses the process from inception to completion. ‘The Traffic Opera’ is part of a larger initiative by The Film Commission and the Reading Theatre Project to make Reading THE Destination for filmmaking. Not one to rest on her laurels, Sue is already onto the next project, ‘Dust Nuggets’ which is also based in the Reading-Berks area. Sue Lange’s story underscores the amount of opportunity available in this area and the numbers of people using their talents to put Reading on the international filmmaking map! Can’t wait to see the release of ‘Dust Nuggets’!

What's the Story? witH Jo Painter | Meet Sue Lange

Education isn’t just about a body of knowledge, its helping kids learn how to be kind, caring and good citizens. A tall order that can be accomplished by helping them develop a connection with the natural world. Cindy Ross is an Author, Journalist, Blogger, and World Traveller. She talks about her latest book ‘The World is Our Classroom.’ This book is the culmination of lessons learned in 25 years of raising and educating her children outside in the natural world. Cindy’s kids were homeschooled, attended public school and taught themselves! Senses are awakened, and creativity is stimulated when learning takes place beyond the classroom. Cindy watched her kids discover what is really important to be happy. Opportunity presents itself time and time again to differentiate between a ‘want’ and a ‘need.’ Her kids always wrote about all their adventures, and there are excerpts from their journals in the book. When reading the excerpts, it becomes very clear how their outdoor excursions helped them develop empathy, compassion and a true love of learning. Cindy helped her children cultivate their own learning, and in this book, there are a wealth of resources to help you make classroom lessons come alive for your children and grandchildren in the great outdoors. Learning like this can happen right in your own backyard and neighborhood. You can teach them through experiences how to disconnect from technology. You will provide opportunities to talk more and get to know each other better. When you share adventures outside a very special bond is formed that can’t happen sitting around watching tv together. Adrenaline rushes and taking risks are part of growing up. Mountain climbing, kayaking, and outdoor adventures are much better alternatives to reckless driving or doing drugs. Show your kids how to network with others, learn through experiences and take calculated risks. How do you start? Get the book ‘The World Is Our Classroom’! It’s a great inspiration and resource to help you connect to the natural world and bond with your kids and grandkids outdoors. Find out more at www.cindyrosstraveler.com.

What's the story? with Jo Painter | Meet Cindy Ross

A walk on the Highline in Chelsea District of New York prompted a discussion of its history and how the convergence of trains, people, cattle and goods in this area of New York shaped the neighborhood. The elevated line has been preserved and is now a beautiful linear park. This story with Jane Runyeon and Valerie Boom explores how the effort to reframe the space in order to preserve the history and impact of trains in America has evolved. The result of the evolution is the ‘Ghost Train’ project. Jane Runyeon, a lifelong artist and educator, is from Reading. Reading is home to the Reading Railroad, and it is only natural that Jane stepped up to be the executive director of this important artistic collaboration that brings the past to life in the present. Valeria is an architect and artist, and Lynn Redding is a lighting designer and artist. You will meet Lynn in part two of this story. Trains of the past come alive in the Ghost Train project in the most magical of ways. People’s lives centered around the railroad. The Ghost Train will enable us to imagine through art what life was like 100 years ago. An array of different mediums will be utilized to make the past come alive in the rail areas that are being preserved. Imagine what life was like 100 years ago, alive and bustling in the rail areas that are being preserved. Find out how you might look at some specific areas of Reading as the rail areas are being re-imagined and preserved through art. Trains of the past come alive in the Ghost Train project in the most magical of ways.

‘Ghost Train’ Bringing The Past To The Present As We Look Toward The Future

Anne Desjardins experienced crippling fatigue about 7 years ago and that was the start of a journey through a medical quagmire trying to find out what was wrong. A series of mis-diagnosis and lots of misunderstanding led to a great deal of frustration and no relief from symptoms. The journey was expensive and extremely frustrating yet the cause remained a mystery. Sound familiar? As it turns out Lyme Disease was the final destination on this medical search. With the proper diagnosis she has been able to get a handle on her health again and is determined to help others get off the medical mis-diagnosis train. Find out how to improve your quality of life. Senator White has a pending piece of legislation in Harrisburg right now to help untangle with medical web. In the meantime Anne has started a support called Berks County Lyme Support Group. It’s a way for you to connect with others dealing with similar issues, share successes and help each other on the way back to good health. Connecting People with information. The Facebook Page is Berks County Lyme Support Group.

What's the story? with Jo Painter | Meet Anne Desjardins

Life sure is interesting! Dr. Pam Ellenberger spent her life as a successful plastic surgeon. Yet she closed her practice and embarked on a farming career. She jumped right in and today she operates Bent Limb Farm in Shoemakersville. Why such a drastic transition in her 50’s? Well Pam says she likes to knit and wool is itchy. Truth is she didn’t want to drift through her 50’s so Pam sought direction and guidance about her next life chapter with a life coach. That conversation gave her clarity and she knew she was ready for something different. This new incarnation for Dr Pam Ellenberger is another success. Check out www.bentlimbfarm.com Visit the farm and the shop. The beautifully crafted items don’t itch! They are incredibly soft! Dr Pam Ellenberger’s story is a salute to change, growth and new beginnings. After all, isn’t that what life is all about!

What's the story? with Jo Painter | Meet Dr. Pam Ellenberger

Zeus McClurkin has been told, he’s too nice, “All you ever want to do is smile and dunk”. Now he gets paid for it! The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters travel all around the world and they find that the number one language everyone speaks is ‘a smile’. Zeus says, “I can speak that language!” The Globetrotters are ambassadors of goodwill on and off the court. While in Reading he visited elementary schools. His message to all kids is “BE YOU”. As a kid, Zeus thought The Harlem Globetrotters were just characters on the Scooby Doo show. He shares the dream of becoming a Harlem Globetrotter and spreading joy wherever he goes. You will enjoy his story.

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Zeus McClurkin

Styrofoam takes 4,000 years to decompose and cannot be recycled. Lisa Fecera Gifford didn’t like that. Lisa wholesales soup to retailers up and down the East Coast and was determined to find a better way to package samples so that the packaging could be re-used. That quest led her to discover Flipbox. After a weekend trip to Germany to meet with the manufacturer's, she and her husband became the sole distributors of Flipbox in North America. Soon after that visit they established their own business called ‘Stay Cool Hot Stuff’. Lisa is now a ‘regular’ on QVC, the home shopping network, where she is wildly successful. Lisa Fecera Gifford attributes her successful journey to mentors she has met along the way. She remains in a state of deep gratitude every day and talks about the importance of staying positive, putting daily intentions in the universe and believing in yourself. You’ve heard these things before, now meet Lisa as she bears witness to the power of positivity and gratitude. Lisa and her husband Michael are committed to giving back to the community. They work to offer a ‘hand up’ to those who may be struggling by offering them employment opportunities when new shipments arrive and need to be packaged for sale. Lisa is still working on that ‘sample package’ design and is connected to the right people to bring that dream to fruition. Tune in and get inspired by what gratitude and positive intention can do for you! Don’t forget to visit www.staycoolhotstuff.com

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Lisa Fecera Gifford

What do you get for someone who has everything? It was Christmas, 2011 and Joe Rudden was searching for something meaningful. As it turned out the perfect gift was a letter from a family in need. The impact of that letter far exceeded his expectation. Six families received money and each of Joe’s children received a letter. The Gift By Gift Program was born! Tune in to find out how that search for a meaningful gift morphed into The Rudden Family Foundation. In just five years the Foundation has grown to work with multiple charitable organizations in the area providing a variety of services for families living in poverty. The connections made through those letters profoundly affect both the donor and the recipients and the innovation continues. Be part of the exchange at www.theruddenfamilyfoundation.org

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Joe Rudden

Frank Antoine personifies empathy and compassion. His younger brother has autism. He recalls the struggle his mom faced when bringing his brother to a barbershop. When Frank was 12 he cut his brother’s hair so he wouldn’t have to go to the barber. Frank is keenly aware of the many challenges a person with autism and his family face, and he is passionate about easing the way. Frank figured if he could take one challenge off the plate it is worth it. Today he is a barber and offers free haircuts to anybody with autism. The gratitude from parents is more than enough. It has been quite a journey for Frank Antoine from that first haircut he gave his brother to today. Tune in and find out how he got here and the people that helped him along the way. His non-profit is called Fading Autism.

What’s the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Frank Antoine

Xiomara “There’s no such thing as easy money.” Here’s to New Beginnings! Xiomara says “I was in a bad situation.” She describes the road she was on. “I thought I was doing worse than I really was. I started chasing money”. She says that is how she ended up in prison. Xiomara talks about the circumstances that led her to jail. “When it happened I quickly started to regret everything but it was too late for that I was headed to prison.” Xiomara talks about how she transformed. “It made me a little bit tougher. It made me think. It was rough. I took a lot of classes to help me.” She was touched by other’s stories and says she heard unbelievable things you think wouldn’t happen, but did happen. Xiomara recognizes what she could have done differently. “If I would have been clearer in my head I would have realized it was a bunch of lies and jealousy.” Listen to her story as she shares some advice that was hard earned. As for her future, it’s looking good. She says, “There’s a lot of jobs out there, you just gotta look, stop taking the easy way out”. She has found that there are a lot of people out there willing to hire you and give you a chance and start a new beginning.

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Xiomara

Leslie found herself facing prison. She found the courage to not only survive, but to thrive. She says, “I always had my children in my mind. I could never go back to the way I used to be.” Leslie had a good life. She was married with two daughters and a good job. Her company was bought out and things changed. She was laid off and got divorced. She says she became a “little too comfortable with unemployment”. Leslie says she didn’t make good choices. When faced with a 3 ½ yr jail sentence she was afraid for herself and for her kids. Leslie didn’t agree to the events that unfolded that night and she didn’t speak at all when arrested. She was the only one charged. How did she overcome bitterness and arrive at a place of forgiveness? Tune in to find out how Leslie is able to say “I am OK. I am happier today than before I went to prison.” Life is good once again for Leslie, but not without ongoing challenges. She has another baby and an “amazing boyfriend”. When asked what advice she would share with her younger self she has just two words. “Love yourself.” The story she shares is deeply personal and profoundly steeped in forgiveness and love. Listen to her message and share it with others.

Whats the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet Leslie

Amy, Gyula and Owen Asztalos talk about what it means to decide if you are all in or all out when your child wants to be an actor. Do you have a child that wants to get into the acting business or do you want to get into the acting business? Learn from this family what it takes to have that all in or all out commitment. This is a very powerful interview with this family as they share their journey and their story.

A life on the road - The Asztalos Family - Part 2!

It’s a Family Affair! Meet the Asztalos Family Amy, Gyula and Owen Asztalos. They share their journey with their son Owen. Amy says, “He literally came into the world dancing and impersonating Elvis”. How do you know if your child has that ‘special spark’? Gyula recalls being told, “Your son is very talented, he is like a diamond in the rough” yet he was still skeptical! Tune in to hear the journey that includes Owen impersonating characters at 2 years old and the defining moment witnessed on stage at the Santander Arena. There have been guides along the way that included Joel Gori, the Artistic Director of Metamorphosis Performing Company. Now there is AU, a management company in West Reading and Innovative Artists, Owen’s agent in New York. In a short time span Own found himself in the movie, ‘Diary Of A Wimpy Kid’ and in the Marco Polo Geico TV commercial. What does it take to help your child realize his acting dream? 100% commitment! Amy says, “You are either all in or all out…it’s a huge sacrifice and it costs a lot of money”

What's the Story? with Jo Painter | Meet the Asztalos Family

There are scores of Homeless Veterans in Berks County and the Armed Forces Brotherhood is doing something about it. We talked with Chris Bower, a Marine Veteran and Robin Gilmore an Air Force Veteran, about what it really means to serve in the military. “You do whatever needs to be done!” It is that ethic that drives the ‘Stand Down’. That term is ordinarily related to battlefront duties, you essentially stop, eat, relax and re-set. Robin talks about the meaning of Brotherhood, “Here’s brotherhood, you’re hungry, I have a sandwich, you can have half …. And if you’re really hungry you can have the whole thing.” These definitions are at the core of the monthly ‘Stand Down’ in City Park in Reading, PA. Clothing, shelters, hot-food, canned goods and pet food, bus passes and more are distributed monthly. But there is a bigger picture at play and Robin discusses some details of a proactive plan to work with the city to rehab city properties for veterans. Home Depot is ready to work with the Brotherhood to take beat up neighborhoods and turn them into vibrant communities. We can all help by lobbying local political officials to support the effort. Learn more at www.teamvcop.org

‘Stand Down’ at City Park Is Just The Beginning of a Bigger Movement To Help Our Veterans

Exploring community issues and current events discussing things that have you wondering, What’s The Story behind that? From Health and Science to Technology and Politics, Innovations, Social Issues, Family, Books and Business. Together we’ll learn something along the way.

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What's The Story?

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