FREEMarch | April 2014

2014 Women of Heritage Speakers

Tracey C. JonesPresident of Tremendous Life Books

Michelle FosterRegional Director of MissionDelivery Programs for theAmerican Diabetes Association

Sharnell Weathersby, MBABranding You: Buidling Women Leaders

Rickie Meryl FreedmanReiki Master/Teacher P.T.

March/April 2014 Urban Connection 3

In Central PA an annual gathering occurs that presents “a safe place for an authentic conversation,” according to Vera Cornish, the woman who gave birth to the Heritage Breakfast.

After reading a newspaper article about an inspirational and dynamic Philadelphia-based entrepreneur Reneé Amoore who was once deputy chair of the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee.

“I was captivated by this woman who was then chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and how she was portrayed as an astute business woman,” explained Cornish. “During the course of my career as a teacher and then as a college administrator and launching my own business, I had never been exposed to that type of woman.”

Inspiration led Cornish to launch a forum where women, especially African American women, could be exposed to inspirational, motivational and thought-provoking thought leaders.

“It’s an opportunity to shift your personal paradigm, to expand your mindset,” said Cornish. And the room has been filled for the past 14 years.

Over those years, the Heritage Breakfast staged has been graced by women representing corporations such as Mellon Bank, PinnacleHealth Systems and the Grammy Foundation.

The people who primarily attend the breakfast are women who are in business. They may work for corporations, be entrepreneurs or solo-preneurs, or leaders in ministry. Men who value a woman’s perspective also attend.

This year’s event, scheduled Friday, March 28 at the Hilton Harrisburg, 1 N 2nd St., promises to build on the excellence of the past.

“One of the most important aspects of the breakfast is that we listen to the needs of women in business. Consistently we have been asked to address how to create both your personal and professional brand,” explained Cornish. “Way too often the conversation only focuses on the logo or trademark. While this is an imporant aspect of branding, our goal is to expand the dialogue to include core values, non negotiables, reputation, public personae and social media, to name a few.”

Each of the unique women on the panel will give their insight on the topic in order to help members of the audience better understand the importance of knowing their identity and why their personal brand has greater longevity than the various projects on which they have worked, companies they have worked for, or businesses they have started.

The speakers for this year’s breakfast are: Sharnell Weathersby, Sr. Associate Brand Manager at The Hershey Company, Co-President of Lead One, LLC; Tracey C. Jones, President of Tremendous Life Books; Rickie Meryl Freedman, Reiki by Rickie, Reiki Master/Teacher, P.T.; Michelle Foster, Regional Director of Mission Delivery Programs for the American Diabetes Association. Joining the panel will be Vera Cornish. Guest host Porcha Johnson, WGAL News 8.

Up to 200+ people are expected to attend so be sure to order your tickets in advance by calling 717-343-1509. Online registration is available at heritagebreakfast.info.

Doors open at 7:15 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 8 a.m. Business networking begins at 9:30 and concludes at 10:30 a.m.

Heritage Breakfast to Focus onPersonal, Professional BrandBy Sonya M. Toler

4 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

Real Talk With Min. J. kenneth Robinson

Min. J. Kenneth Robinson is on a mission as a messenger of hope. Known to many as Kenny Rob, he has earned a reputation as a dynamic comedian on both national and international stages. This former BET, DEF Comedy Jam comedian is no stranger to television and sending a message of laughter across the nation and around the world.

Today, Kenny Rob is a man transformed. Embracing this new chapter of life, Min. J. Kenneth Robinson delivered his first sermon on September 15, 2013. Since then, he has launched Real Talk With Min. J. Kenneth Robinson, Where Do You Turn When Life Gets Hard, which is the first in a series of presentations that is the perfect blending of ministry and comedy. The blessing is the audience gets two for the price of one – Min. J. Kenneth Robinson and Kenny Rob. Kenny Rob is a natural comedian and can find humor in everything. With all the fame of the past, one thing has remained the same – laughter heals.

Passionate, purposeful and unyielding, he is anchored in the word of God, and knows that every aspect of his past has prepared him for today. So why not pose the question: Where do you turn when life gets hard, because it will? Why not create a platform for an authentic conversation that is solution-based and, in the end, leaves people laughing deeper than they have in a long time.

Special note: XXX, mother of J. Kenneth Robinson, rarely misses a performance now that he is a man transformed.

J. Kenneth Robinson is an associate minister of Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of Pastor Charles R. Meile, Sr.

For more information on Real Talk, call Min. J. Kenneth Robinson at (717) 557-3783. He would love to hear from you directly.

COMING SOON…

Celebrating the Chamber’s 100th year as a Chamber of Commerce and CREDC’s 30th year anniversaries, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors and the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) Board of Directors announced their 2014 Board Chairs. Glenn “Bub” Manning will serve as chair, Harrisburg Regional Chamber Board of Directors and Jim Nulton will serve as chair, CREDC Board of Directors for 2014.

Manning has been employed in the design and construction industry since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972. He began his career as a field engineer during the construction of Unit 2 at Three Mile Island Generating Station in Middletown, Pa. Over the past 32 years, he has held progressively more responsible positions as project manager, senior project manager and director of project management, and joined Quandel Construction Group, Inc. in 1985, where he presently serves as a principal. Manning also serves as chair of the Loan Review Committee for CREDC, is a board member on the Team PA Foundation, along with the PA Chamber of Business & Industry. He is also a member of the Aircraft Owner’s & Pilots Association.

“I have seen a lot of changes since I moved to central Pennsylvania in 1972, and one has been the growth and success of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, especially over the last 12 years under the leadership of Dave Black and his exceptional staff,” said Manning. “I served on the CREDC Board for six years because of the importance I place on CREDC’s role in our region. I was then asked to serve on the Chamber board and now to have the privilege of serving as board chair during our 100th year is truly an honor. The initiatives we have in place for the future will continue to benefit all of the citizens and businesses within our region.”

Jim Nulton serves as PPL Corporation’s regional affairs director. He is the company’s key contact for local elected officials, community leaders and news media in the Harrisburg region. In his position, he provides leadership for addressing important local issues, such as job retention, economic growth, educational improvements and environmental protection. He also serves on several boards in the community, which include The National Civil War Museum and the Boys & Girls Club of Central Pennsylvania. Jim began his PPL career in 1979 and has served in numerous management positions in marketing and economic development during that time.

Nulton added, “I am honored to serve as this year’s Chair of the Board for CREDC. This is a unique opportunity for me to lead an organization, like CREDC, that continues to have a major impact on economic development and job creation in the region.”

The additional slate of 2014 Harrisburg Regional Chamber Officers is as follows:

1st Vice Chair – Kurt Twiford, Conexus, Inc.2nd Vice Chair – Rick Russell, Hershey CompanyTreasurer – Deb Suder, Buchanan Ingersoll & RooneySecretary – Jim Mooney, Enginuity, LLCExecutive Committee Member – Sheilah Borne, Penn State

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

The additional slate of 2014 CREDC Officers is as follows: 1st Vice Chair – Sharon Ryan, Dasher Services, Inc.2nd Vice Chair – Jewel Cooper, Susquehanna Bank

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & Capital Region economic Development Corporation (CReDC) announces 2014 Board Officers2014 Marks the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary as a Chamber of Commerce and CREDC’s 30th anniversary

Treasurer – Rick Seitz, Alexander Building ConstructionSecretary – Nick DiFrancesco, PA Community Bankers

Association

New Board members elected for 2014 are as follows:Chamber – Tim Shea, Hollywood Casino; Tracy Pawleski, Giant

Food Stores, Inc. and Martin’s Food Markets; Chip Wasson, First National Bank; Merone Yemane, Morgan Stanley.

CREDC – Mike Elby, Alternative Rehabilitation Communities; Chris Bushey, Quandel Construction Group, Inc.; Bill Pugh, Pinnacle Health; Jeannine D. Peterson, Hamilton Health Center.

In 2013, during the organization’s annual board retreat, members developed a list of core values based upon the current mission statement.

Core Values:We believe we have an obligation to our region that is larger than

our organization, our businesses and ourselves.Excellence – we don’t just say we’re good, we continually work to

be better.Leadership – we lead by example, we lead with a vision for a

better future for all.Inclusion – we believe everyone has a voice and understand

there are different perspectives.Innovation – we are creative, we experiment and take risks to

advance our organization and region.Fun – we love to laugh, to make others smile and to spread

goodwill in our region.

“Throughout the organization’s history, our members have worked tirelessly to help businesses grow and expand, start new businesses and attract new businesses to the region, both big and small, each bringing jobs and tax revenue to improve our quality of life,” stated David Black, president and CEO of the Chamber and CREDC. “In the 1980s, CREDC was created and merged with the Chamber in the ’90s through the efforts of people with great vision that focused on the regional business community. Through the merger, the beginnings of a catalyst for business growth, job creation and policy change was created. This year we celebrate the past, but our focus will remain on the future.”

Join the Chamber and CREDC as it celebrates its 100th year anniversary at the 2014 Annual Dinner, Wednesday, April 16, 5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner and program at the Hershey Lodge. The event features a keynote address from Michael Parrish Dudell, best-selling author of Shark Tank: Jumpstart Your Business – the official business book of ABC’s hit show Shark Tank.

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC serves as a catalyst for promoting growth and quality of life in Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties by providing a unique blend of business, community and economic development and advocacy services under one roof to boost our economic vitality and livability as a region. The Chamber and CREDC has been accredited with five stars from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

6 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

Save the Date

April 24 through 274th Annual National Urban Health Conference, at various

locations throughout New York City.

Thursday, April 24 @ 6 p.m.National Urban Health Conference – Part I

2014 National Urban Health Awards Reception

Friday, April 25 @ 10 a.m.National Urban Health Conference – Part II

Public Health Fair ConferenceAll are invited to attend.

Saturday, April 26National Urban Health Conference – Part III

Focused On Women’s Issues & Key Issues Impacting Youth

Sunday, April 27National Urban Health Conference – Part IV

Spiritual Health

At houses of worship, including churches, mosques and synagogues. For more information, call The Greater Harlem

Chamber at (212) 862-7200.

Cornish and Associates is a proud member of

Nationally known motivational speaker/suthor Tawana Williams is “unarmed but dangerous” and will change your life, literally. Tawana was born without arms and impaired use of her legs due to the drug Thalidomide that was given to her mom when she was pregnant. She was trained as a baby to use her feet as hands. Her legacy is connected to President John F. Kennedy, and she’s a blessing to the world. She has a powerful and uplifting message for people of all walks of life. Her compelling story is one

Tawana Williams – Your Messenger of Hope and Inspiration

of triumph, perseverance and determination.Tawana has overcome many adversities – she was gang raped

during a home invasion, raped by her step father, addicted to crack/cocaine for 10 years and has never let her disability or challenges stop her. Tawana “beat the odds.” In 1991, after hitting rock bottom, she cried out and was delivered instantly from her addictions and her fears. This led her on a mission to travel the country and change lives with her message of hope and inspiration to all people. Tawana has one daughter, April, three grandsons and she was married to her childhood sweetheart, Toby, on December 25, 1991.

Tawana has many gifts and accomplishments. She’s the author of five books, including her bestseller Unarmed But Dangerous, which will be featured as a movie in theaters coming soon. To support her movie campaign, please donate at gofundme.com/unarmedbutdangerousmovie.

Tawana is also an artist (she draws with her feet), advocate, TV personality, vocalist, businesswoman, mentor and CEO of Tawana Williams Outreach, Inc. a non-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. She’s an advocate for change and is lobbying congress for family assistance rest rooms (F.A.R.R.) in every Airport throughout America – visit tawanawilliams.com to read and sign her petition. She’s also advocating to change the way that drug companies and doctors have covered-up taking responsibility for thousands of Thalidomide babies.

Tawana is the “hope coach” and shares proven systems, practical methods, prosperity principals and life-changing strategies that will move your bottom line, such as how to live a life with “no more excuses,” how to personally develop who you are, how to create what you want, how to take control/ownership of your life, how to move from ordinary to extraordinary, how to boost your self-esteem, how to help the disabled and wounded soldiers overcome challenges and much more. Tawana Williams is definitely a force to be reckoned with and will change your life.

Tawana is a Les Brown Platinum Speaker and has been speaking professionally since 1996. She’s been featured on The Jerry Springer Show sharing how she beat the odds, The Judge Hatchett Show to mentor a troubled teen, TCT-TV, The WORD Network, Manna Express TV, The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television and many other regional/national programs. Tawana was interviewed by Oprah’s producers by phone, and she and her husband were featured in Homes of Color Magazine, Epitome Magazine and Hope for Woman Magazine – all in the same year.

Today, she speaks for corporations, churches, youth events, summer camp programs, schools, colleges, universities, prisons, daycares, nursing homes, Boys & Girls Clubs, veterans, drug rehabilitation centers and organizations.

Tawana is the “adversity expert” and will challenge you to “stop making excuses and create results.” Her story will move you from mediocrity to abundance. She will travel anywhere to make a difference. Tawana says, “If you want something you’ve never had, then do something you’ve never done.”

Tawana Williams has a life-changing message to help you achieve your goals. Are you ready? If so, call today.

To book Tawana Williams for your next event, call (252) 291-6081 or visit tawanawilliams.com.

March/April 2014 Urban Connection 7

Reserve your 2014 space now!

Call 717-343-1509Visit www.urbanconnection.us

8 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

Sharnell Weathersby, MBaBranding You: Building women leaders

Sharnell Weathersby is a marketing guru with a passion for empowering women leaders to successfully brand themselves, market their business and increase their leadership influence. Weathersby has professional experience in branding and building integrated marketing strategies with some of today’s leading consumer brands.

A graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Marketing and a MBA in Management from Eastern University; Weathersby consults women leaders and small business owners on the process of building an effective branding strategy to communicate and reach a targeted consumer base. She manages a $500M brand portfolio as Sr. Associate Brand Manager at The Hershey Company in the U.S. chocolate business.

A mother, wife, and working professional herself; Weathersby shares the many hats that women today wear. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL; she is a byproduct of strong-educated women who intentionally invested into her emotionally, mentally and spiritually. As a result of their impact, Weathersby continues the legacy of mentoring young women and fostering personal growth.

In collaboration with her husband, Darnell Weathersby, Sharnell is co-President of Lead One, LLC. where she leads marketing consulting services and also conducts workshops and seminars providing resources that target individual growth and self-empowerment.

Additionally, she provides leadership to regional and community initiatives serving on the Board of the Greater Harrisburg Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, Inc. and as member of the Epsilon Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Rickie Meryl FreedmanReiki Master/Teacher, P.T.

Bringing an Integrative approach to Holistic Health, Rickie’s expertise spans across many aspects of healthcare, particularly pain and stress management as well as the reduction of addictive behaviors, anxiety and sleep issues.

Her specialty and gift, "Reiki by Rickie ~ Gentle Touch, Deep Healing", individualized Healing and Balancing sessions, is one of many tools. Rickie also teaches all levels of Reiki Classes, including “Reiki for Healthcare Professionals” and “ReikiKids”. She has created and conducts numerous workshops, including “Introduction to Reiki”, “Stress Management”, “The Power of a Positive Attitude”, “From Grief to Gratitude”, “Choosing Peace in Challenging Times”, and “Chakra Healing and Balancing”.

Rickie offers her Reiki Sessions, and unique Therapeutic Massage at "ReikiSpace & Learning Place", Harrisburg's first Reiki Center, which she created and opened on 4/1/13. ReikiSpace includes fifteen Reiki Practitioners trained by Rickie, and a Mentorship program.

Rickie’s Mission in the world is to bring the Inner Peace of the Reiki Experience in a grounded way to as many people as possible in every walk of life. “I don’t DO Reiki, I LIVE Reiki!” With the knowledge that every thought, word and emotion carries energy and affects ourselves, others and the world, Rickie believes that “Our world and this Earth need all the Light, Love and Positive Energy we can possibly share!”

Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place Sturbridge Business Park 2793 Old Post Rd., Suite 10 Harrisburg PA 17110www.ReikiByRickie.com 717-599-2299 Rickie@ReikiByRickie.com

2014Women of Heritage Breakfast

Porcha JohnsonWGAL News 8

Porcha Johnson is WGAL News 8's Dauphin County reporter.Porcha comes to WGAL from Tampa, Fla., where she worked as a reporter. Before working in the

Sunshine State, she reported and anchored in Raleigh, N.C. and Jackson, Tenn.Some of the highlights in her professional career include covering the Casey Anthony murder case,

President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign, Sen. John Edwards withdrawal from the 2008 presidential race and two NFL players in Tampa who went missing after a fishing trip.

Before working in Jackson, Porcha was a news assistant/producer for NBC News' Washington bureau. There she did interviews with former UN Ambassador Joseph Wilson, Sen. Patrick Leahy and Gen. Peter Pace.

Porcha first discovered her passion for news as a career at Westlake High School, where she anchored the morning news and read the daily announcements over the intercom to students and staff. She believes the beauty to news is "letting people tell their own story."

Porcha graduated from Howard University Magna Cum Laude. She was born in Los Angeles, Calif. and raised in Waldorf, Md.

March/April 2014 Urban Connection 9

Michelle FosterRegional Director of Mission Delivery Programs for the American Diabetes Association

Michelle Foster, Regional Director of Mission Delivery Programs for the American Diabetes Association, is responsible for disseminating diabetes outreach and education to at-risk communities. Working in diverse environments, Mrs. Fosters develops, oversees and implements programs and outreach events targeting high risk populations including African Americans, Latinos, seniors, and children. She works to ensure that the overall delivery of programs and activities is in accordance with the mission and the goals of the organization: “to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.”

Nearly 26 million adults and children in the United States has diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fights for those affected by diabetes. It serves the community through the funding of publishing of scientific findings, providing vital information, advocacy, services, and other efforts for people with diabetes, their families and healthcare professionals. Mrs. Foster’s work is centered on helping individuals

living with diabetes or caregivers better understand how to manage their disease and provide them with adequate resources and care to accomplish that. She educates on ways to prevent or delay onset of diabetes, separates myth from reality, and gives easy-to-implement tools and resources.

Mrs. Fosters is dedicated to reaching communities to create awareness, prevent diabetes among at-risk populations and to ensure that all people with diabetes get the best care, treatment and information about how to manager their diabetes. Her passion stems from educating and empowering individuals to take better care of themselves, their families and their community.

Tracey C. JonesPresident of Tremendous Life Books

Author, speaker, publisher, Air Force veteran, and daughter of the late bestselling author and motivational speaker, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, Tracey C. Jones is the President of Tremendous Life Books. She serves as a Trustee at Lancaster Bible College, and on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and the Amelia Givin Library. She is also active in local military and civic associations.

Tracey believes you’ll be the same person you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. She is the mother of 9 rescue pets, 4 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 ducks, and the co-pawthor of three books: True Blue Leadership: Top 10 Tricks from the Chief Motivational Hound, From Underdog to Wonder Dog, and Saucy Aussie Living: Top 10 Ways to Get a Second Leash on Life which she published with two of her canine kids.

Tracey’s oversees the Books for Tremendous Living Foundation which has donated over $900,000 to local homeless shelters, missions groups, disaster recovery organizations, and scholarships to local colleges. Tracey enjoys the outdoors, biking, golfing, traveling, spending time with her pets, and of course…reading!!!

Creating YourPersonal & Professional Brand

www.veracornish.comveracornish@gmail.com

717.343.1509

10 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

Molly Barker often found inspiration on her runs. It was the kind of self-healing that would only come

from miles on her feet.In 1996, Barker went one step further by launching Girls on the

Run(GOTR), a grass-roots, non-profit program to inspire young adolescent girls through running. Aimed at third- through fifth-graders, Girls on the Run, along with, Girls on Track, teaches girls to be healthy, inside and out.

GOTR is a simple idea: Help young girls with self-doubt become strong, independent women. Running is incorporated, but the real momentum comes from the coaches and volunteers who impart wisdom.

By 2011, the organization oversaw 188 individual councils in the United States, including one in the Capital Region.

Twice-weekly 90-minute meetings are a mix of discussion, question-and-answer time, team-building games and, of course, exercise through running. The girls prepare to participate in a non-competitive walk-or-run 5K held this year onSaturday, May 17 at the Milton Hershey School campus to celebrate their achievements and raise awareness for the program.

Discussions include healthful eating habits, gossiping, bullying and body image. Lessons are designed to give girls the tools to steer clear of “risky behaviors,” including drug or alcohol use, early sexual activity and a sedentary lifestyle. GOTR’s goal is to instill confidence in the next generation of young adults.

Locally, Capital Area GOTR began in 2010 in two Dauphin County schools, with the financial support of PinnacleHealth as the founding sponsor. The mission, to inspire girls to become joyful, healthy, and confident, closely supports PinnacleHealth’s mission to improve the health and quality of life in central Pennsylvania.

Since then, Capital Area GOTR serves 37 teams in 33 local partner

Girls on the Run – The finish line is just the beginning!schools in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties. More than 400 girls will participate in the third annual 5K in May.

The true success of the program, however, is not in the numbers, but rather in the words of the girls who participate.

The most important thing I learned from Girls on the Run is…?“That you can do it even if you don’t think you can.”–Carolyne, age 11

“Always be positive no matter who you are with.”–Sadie, age 10

“That I can run like a beast!”–Lily, Age 11

“Having fun and feeling good about yourself.”–Lena, Age 8

GeT INVOlVeD

Join the run: The Spring 2014 Capital Area GOTR participants, coaches and running buddies will complete a 5K on May 17 at 10 a.m., presented by PinnacleHealth at the Milton Hershey School (Henry Hershey field), off Route 322. Open to the public.

Volunteer: Opportunities for women and men include race staff, running buddies, coaches and committee members.

Donate: Financial assistance from individuals and businesses ensures all girls can participate.

Start a program: Bring GOTR to your school this fall. Complete a site application and your coaches will be trained and certified by GOTR.

More information: capareagirlsontherun.org.

May/JuneFun, Food & Festivals

July/augustSummer In The City

Call 717-343-1509

March/April 2014 Urban Connection 11

Do you feel at every turn someone asking for your money, your time and/or your things? Try disappearing for a little while so you can resurface with a clear head and calm spirit. On an impulse, extend grocery shopping, church or work with a few hours of me time.

Here are five ways to consider how to chill for a few hours:1. Go to a movie or two alone and get lost in the dark. Make it a

movie that takes you places and soothes you. Don’t pick an action packed, mystery or horror film. Choose one that may make you laugh or cry – the two emotions that may bring that calming effect.

2. Buy a silly tabloid. Find an indoor or outdoor bench in a quiet place. Stay away from a mall or store where you will be tempted to spend or buy something you may regret.

3. Treat yourself to a quiet elegant place for dinner. Tell the waiter you are not in a hurry and to pace your courses so they are not served at once. Take your time, enjoy the meal and let your mind wonder.

4. Get lost in the woods. Walk the safest wooded trail in your town. Take your time, this is not a physical exercise but a mental one. Be sure to enjoy the nature around you.

Get out of Town Overnight

1. Make a quick decision before you leave home that you will not be back until the next day. Stuff your best oversized bag with toiletries, makeup and fresh top and glitzy shoes.

2. Keep on hand modestly rate hotel within a few hours from home in a town that has jazz (many people go alone), a spiritual place that is always open, or a theatre with live plays.

3. Since you have a cell phone you can be reached if necessary so no need to explain, in fact, it is that empowering feeling some of us

loose, always having to report what we are doing.

4. Before you go home, meditate on how you will handle the issues facing you. Make a list of the things you want to change, and how you will approach them or decide when you will review those issues that make your life stressful.

Plan Ahead for an Extended Vacation1. Think about the kind of feeling you

want to leave your vacation with and back into selecting the place, the time of year and amount of time you want to spend.

2. Based on the above, select the place and length of time your budget allows then decide who you want to travel with. It is important that you don’t defeat the purpose of getting away.

3. Be flexible, when a deal comes up on one of the discount sites, book it. You will be ready because you have a travel companion, the money saved and the mindset to go.

4. Each vacation day, make a list of the things you want to change or tackle and how you will approach them. The night before you leave review and revise so you will be re-charged to face what’s ahead.

Connie Portis is a publisher and host of Sisters and Friends Getaway to Martha’s Vineyard. Visit sistersandfriends.com or email her at caportis@hotmail.com.

Four Ways to Make a Quick, Brief Getaway and Chill

12 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

In January, I had the opportunity to join school district superintendents, elementary school a d m i n i s t r a t o r s ,

police chiefs, municipal planning staff, parents, and community members on walkability audits around a few elementary schools in Lancaster County. Funded by the PA Department of Transportation, the PA Safe Routes to School Resource Center awarded these walkability audits to stimulate dialogue on improvements that can be applied to ensure safe and easy access to walking routes for students.

As someone who walked to school as a child, I expected the walks to be routine, but enjoyable, despite the snow on the ground and the chill in the air. I expected to see, at least, a few parents meet their children to walk with them back home to the neighboring development. I expected to see a couple of children stop to jump in the snow, throw the occasional snowball or make snow angels. However, I didn’t see any of that on our walk around the elementary schools, and a number of other things surprised me.

There were a few pleasant surprises. Some schools had identified walking routes for the students, employed crossing guards and maintained separate school entrances to prevent walkers from crossing bus and vehicle traffic. Some schools had even invested in signage and redirected traffic on their property to ensure students were safe.

However, there were a number of unpleasant surprises. We learned that some school districts that once allowed children to walk to school, no longer encouraged walking and bussed all children to school – even the students who lived in neighborhoods within a stone’s throw from the school. In some districts, if a parent wanted their child to walk to school, the parent had to give special permission or complete extra paperwork. At some schools, bicycling to school is not allowed and, if it is allowed, it’s not encouraged as there isn’t a bike rack anywhere on the school property. At other schools, managing parents picking up children in cars was cumbersome, required more staff than managing students getting on the bus and should have come with a badge and the ability to issue traffic citations. We also learned that some school districts could eliminate up to three buses by having children within walking distance walk to school, saving the district and taxpayers up to $50,000 per bus per year.

In the neighborhoods, we saw first-hand where sidewalks abruptly ended, requiring us to trek through someone’s yard or walk in the street. We came across sidewalks that weren’t maintained. We visited neighborhoods where there weren’t any sidewalks or walking paths. We saw people risking their lives to cross streets with no crosswalks or pedestrian signals to stop traffic. We saw cars parked illegally in crosswalks. We experienced times when motorists didn’t yield to us as pedestrians, and we watched as people in wheelchairs attempted to make it to their destination in a narrow shoulder or on the street along with traffic

when a shoulder didn’t exist.So, it should come as no surprise that, if adults have a difficult time

walking to and from school, children will experience challenges as well. But, if we really think about it, these challenges are mostly man-made. As a society, we’ve become very focused on getting people and things to their destinations quicker, without thinking about the unintended consequences of these actions. We place a priority on motor vehicles. Think about the last time you drove somewhere when you really could have safely walked there. Now, think about a place you wish you could walk, but know it’s not safe to do so. The good news is that it’s not too late to do something about safer streets for walking and bicycling. Here are a few things that we all can do:

• Put children first.Be an advocate for the Safe Routes to School program. Voice

your support for continued funding for programs that ensure school students can walk and bike to school safely by calling the PA Department of Transportation at (717) 783-8800.

• Put some pep in your step.Get out there and walk your neighborhood. Take note of the

problems you see as you’re walking, and call your municipality’s public works or planning office to report those problems. While you’re at it, use the Walkability Checklist that can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Visit nhtsa.gov and search for “Walkability Checklist.”

• Put it in writing.Write a note to your child’s school, email your legislator or fax a

letter to your municipal leaders letting them know that you want your neighborhood to be safe for everyone – regardless of age or ability – who wants to walk or bike to their destination. Also, praise good work. Let your municipality know that you support their efforts to become more walkable and bike-able by sending a thank you note.

• Put your car in park. Instead of driving to the store, the gym or a relative’s house that’s

close by, take your bike or walk there instead. Not only do you benefit from the physical activity, but it also encourages others (including motorists) to be more physically active as well. But, don’t forget to wear your reflective or light-colored clothing so motorists can see you.

All of us have a role in making our communities safer for walking and bicycling. For more information on what you can do to help, visit livewelllancaster.org or email contact@livewelllancaster.org. LiveWELL Lancaster County is supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Our Community Deserves Safer Streetsfor Walking and BicyclingBy Eboni Bryant, MS, MBA, manager, LiveWELL Lancaster County

March/April 2014 Urban Connection 13

When it comes to life and business, what truly sets you apart is your ability to be yourself

in any situation, regardless of circumstances. Success and fulfillment depend on it. The

people you love depend on it. Colleagues, clients, stakeholders and business depend on

it. Communities depend on it. Your relationship with you is one of the greatest gifts you

can give yourself and others. It is also one of the most important investments you can

make to develop your personal and professional brand.

Each of us is equipped with unique gifts to live a life of joy and abundance and to be of

service to the world. Discovering our unique essence and strength is a strategic advantage

and has value. As we take time to get to know ourselves and cultivate activities and

practices to support us in living our truth, we become discerning in our choices, actions

and contributions. The value and confidence we bring to endeavors becomes strategic

and significant. The voice and perspectives we bring to our personal and professional

lives reflect this awareness, enabling us to be catalysts for change, action and results. It is

also what differentiates us in the market and allows for authentic connection and trust in

relationship.

The capacity to be ourselves is developed with an openness and willingness to look

within and understand who we are at a core level. We begin by noticing what brings us

joy and strength and also having the courage to see where we are weak and vulnerable.

A clue is to notice where we are easily triggered. Quite often, what upsets us in another

Your Relationship with You- Creating Your Personal and Professional BrandBy Nancy Feth, Inspire Connection

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14 Urban Connection Janurary/February 2014

Featured Business Womanlil Jackson

Described by her peers as h i g h - s p i r i t e d and blessed with versatility, Lil Jackson places herself on the

frontline of issues affecting her community. As a successful real estate professional, Lil ranks amongst $1 million-plus single-sales agents. Her passion and objective is to serve her diverse clientele with the highest level of integrity and excellence.

In addition to traditional home sales, Lil provides her clientele with a full range of essential homes services including property management.

Many appreciate Lil because she genuinely listens attentively and works tirelessly on behalf of her clients.

She is a proud member of Straub & Associates and active with Straub’s dynamic Renovation Team.

Lil has an associate degree in mass communication and is a professional business trainer and speaker. Her entrepreneurial experience includes former co-ownership of a single-price retail store; owner/instructor of an award-winning, competitive baton twirling school; host of Your Real Estate Connection via wdgaradio.com; and co-author of Amazon.com best seller The Queen’s Legacy.

Lil resides in Steelton, Pa. with her husband, Steven E. Jackson, Sr.

is an invitation to heal something within ourselves, developing

capacity and strength and allowing our light to shine with greater

brilliance. It often involves letting go of what no longer serves in

service of living life in alignment with our identity and values. We

emerge with greater clarity of purpose and alignment with who

we are – key components of our personal and professional brand.

We become known for our capacity to be in alignment with our

own truth, and our ability to bring what is needed to any given

situation of which we are part. It does not mean we bare all things

everywhere we go, rather we strategically bring gifts of who we

are to each and every moment consciously with intention. We are

trustworthy, and our brand reflects our identity.

It takes courage to live fully. It takes trust to create a powerful

brand. When it comes right down to it, the greatest gift and value

we bring is to authentically be ourselves. Own your brand with

confidence and grace.

Nancy Feth is a professional coach and strategic catalyst who

passionate about relationships. Her work with individuals,

couples, businesses and teams has assisted each in developing

relationships that are both authentic and intentional. Clients

served range from international organizations to small-businesses

and entrepreneurial ventures. inspireconnection.com

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