Women2Women Winter 2016

WINTER 2016

MAGAZINE

The Business of

TRAVELI NG

for Work

MAGAZINE

Karen Marsdale, Senior Editor Melissa Varone, Editor Kristin Golden Mancuso, Associate Editor

Contents

WINTER 2016

•

201 Penn Street • Suite 501 • Reading, PA 19601 berkswomen2women.com • 610.376.6766

Women2Women Advisory Council

Alexa Antanavage, Danielle Antos, Mary Arbogast Margarita Caicedo, Karen Collins, Valerie Downing Vicki Ebner, Kim Hippert-Eversgerd, Nancy Hoban Delphia Howze, Bethany Kirkner, Karen Marsdale Julia Nickey, Mary Jean Noon, Chiara Renninger Connie Skipper, Alison Snyder, Vanessa Wanshop Women2Women, managed by the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry, encourages women to create connections, gain knowledge, open doors and build strategic alliances, and much more. Our goal is to create more women leaders in Berks County by providing a forum where women from diverse backgrounds can learn, share ideas and mentor each other.

Membership is free and open to all women of Berks County.

Women2Women Magazine is a publication of the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Women2Know

wORK2LIFE

6

An Interview with Dr. Jill M. Hackman Executive Director, BCIU

10

RACC Staffer Goes From GED to Masters

12

Meet the New Chairwoman of the Women2Women Council, Vicki O. Ebner

14

Healthcare is Bringing New Women Executives to Berks

22

Bridal Registry—It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Registry!

26

Traveling for Work

Health2Wellness

30 Women & Alzheimer’s Disease To join: W2W@GreaterReadingChamber.org Stay connected: BerksWomen2Women.com Facebook.com/BerksWomen2Women LinkedIn: Berks Women2Women Title Investors Penn State Health St. Joseph Wells Fargo

Growth2Go 18

Protect Yourself: Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention Tips

The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

For Advertising Opportunities: call 610.685.0914 Ext. 1 Read W2W Magazine Online at BerksWomen2Women.com

Alarming Trend Harmful to Oral Health Among Young Residents of Berks County

34

Certified Nurse–Midwives “Birth” Group

35

A Special Delivery in a Special & Unique New Way

36

Embracing the Benefits of Exercise at Any Age

38

A Fermenting Journey...

42

New Year Skin Resolutions

Platinum Investors Alvernia University Boscov’s Department Store, Inc. Penske Truck Leasing Reading Eagle Company Reading Health System Santander Bank Susquehanna Bank Gold Investors BCTV Baker Tilly Berks County Bar Association Berks County Living Bell Tower Salon, Medi-Spa & Store Carpenter Technology Corporation Comfort Keepers East Penn Manufacturing Fulton Bank-Great Valley Division Herbein+Company Highmark BlueShield Lords & Ladies Salon & Medical Spa M&T Bank Meridian Bank National Penn Peritech Home Health Associates, Inc. Reading Dermatology Associates RKL LLP (Reinsel Kuntz Lesher LLP) Sweet Street Tompkins VIST Bank Wyomissing Hair Studio VA Productions

32

In Every Issue 4

Editor’s Desk

44

More Women2Know

46

Idea Exchange

© 2016 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

Women2Women Magazine is published quarterly by Hoffmann Publishing Group, Reading, PA HoffmannPublishing.com • 610.685.0914 Graphic Designer: Brittany Fry ON THE COVER: Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director, Berks County Intermediate Unit COVER PHOTO BY: Roxanne Richardson, Enchanted Acres Photography

Like us at Facebook.com/BerksWomen2Women

Roxanne Richardson, Enchanted Acres Photography

Editor’s Desk

W

riting this particular Editor’s Letter was bittersweet…by the time you read this issue, I will have taken on a new role in the community. As much as I have enjoyed my tenure at the Chamber, and as editor of Women2Women magazine, it was time to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

Melissa Varone Editor, Women2Women Magazine Assistant VP, Marketing, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Women2Women Magazine EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Tracie Barrett Sweet Street

Tracy Hoffmann

Hoffmann Publishing Group

Kristin Golden Mancuso

I have had the great pleasure of experiencing a second stint at the Chamber. And for the past three years I had great passion in my responsibilities and involvement in important initiatives serving our community. Not one for sitting still for too long, I went in search of an opportunity that would continue to challenge my thinking, expand my professional experience and enhance my leadership skills. I found that role at a well-respected institution that was evolving and transforming the community as well.

Simply, I’m following the teachings of Women2Women.

Without a doubt, the highlight of my time at the Chamber was having the great privilege of sharing the journey of so many wonderful women in our community through this publication. The number of women who approached me and complimented me on the magazine and the success of Women2Women is overwhelming. As much as I would like to take credit for this great movement, now celebrating its 5th anniversary, it would not have prospered without the founder, Karen Marsdale, Senior Vice President of the Chamber.

Karen is the role model I strive to be…she is constantly challenging and reinventing herself. She embodies the heart and soul of Women2Women.

Thank you for allowing me to share the accomplishments of the powerful women in our community. The publication just keeps getting better, and I am certain that the next editor will continue my passion of sharing the stories of successful women leaders in our community.

Marketing Consultant

Kristin Kramer

Wilson School District, Wilson Education Foundation

Britany Maack Loomis Company

Karen Marsdale Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry Julia Nickey Penn State Health St. Joseph Connie Skipper Berks County Intermediate Unit Melissa Varone Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry

4 Women2Women Winter 2016

Happy Reading!

Melissa Varone

berkswomen2women.com 5

Photo by: Roxanne Richardson, Enchanted Acres Photography

Community & Business Profiles, Insights & Highlights

An Interview with

Dr. JillExecutive M. Hackman Director, BCIU r. Jill M. Hackman joined the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) on June 1, 2009. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director on October 18, 2014, she served as the Assistant Executive Director for the organization, a position she held for two years.

From January 2014 through August 2014, Dr. Hackman assumed the role of Acting Executive Director; her leadership and service during that time were critical to 6 Women2Women Winter 2016

the success of the Reading School District project. From 2009 through 2012, she served as the Director of Early Childhood and Student services, BCIU’s largest office that provides programs and services to more than 5,000 children.

In addition to serving as BCIU Executive Director, Dr. Hackman serves as the Berks Career and Technology Center Superintendent of Record. She is the Board Vice-Chair for Berks Business Education Coalition and

a member of the following organizations: United Way of Berks County Board, Council on Chemical Abuse Board, Greater Reading Economic Steering Committee and Penn State Berks Advisory Board.

Women2Women had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Hackman to discuss some specific questions related to her work as the BCIU Executive Director and to learn about her leadership perspective.

: You’ve served as Executive Director for a bit over a year now. What have been some of the challenges? Successes? : It has been an honor over the past year to serve as Executive Director for the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) and, over the past year, we have addressed many challenging issues and accomplished a great deal as an organization. While we have been fortunate to achieve many successes during that time, the one that stands out is the establishment of an effective leadership team. Selecting the right leaders for the organization was a top priority and essential to the development and continuing improvement of the organization.

The 12 cabinet-level administrators who comprise the BCIU leadership team serve as role models for the 1,200 staff members in order to achieve our organization mission of Helping Schools Excel – Helping Children Learn.

It is vital that the leadership team cultivates a respectful and collaborative environment that encourages teamwork, motivation to succeed and institutional pride so that all staff members thrive as service providers to our constituents.

The financial landscape in education continues to present challenges for not only intermediate units but partner constituent school districts.

With the 2015 state budget impasse, this challenge has been magnified and created uncertain and unsettled times. Nonetheless, with the governance of the BCIU Board of Directors, leadership of administrative team members, dedication of competent staff members and support of constituent school districts, we have been able to successfully move ahead and remain focused, as an organization, on the mission of Helping Schools Excel—Helping Children Learn.

: What are the key roles and responsibilities of an Executive Director? In this role, how are you able to influence the educational landscape? : As Executive Director, in addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, it is my responsibility to design, articulate and implement strategic plans for the organization that are responsive

to our customer needs in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. Setting the strategic direction for the organization is a top priority. In addition, developing and leading organizational culture is a critical component to operating a successful organization. Influencing the educational landscape is truly a team effort, but, as Executive Director, I am always mindful of when it is necessary to change direction, outline a revised plan, and navigate ahead, even when it will lead the organization into uncharted territory.

: What is an Intermediate Unit and what services does it provide? : Intermediate units are entrepreneurial, highly skilled, technology-rich and responsive providers of cost-effective, professional development, instructional and operational services to school districts, charter schools and non-public / private schools. Additionally, intermediate units are direct providers of quality instruction to students, specifically in the areas of early childhood and school-age special education services. As an organization, we focus on designing instructional programs and utilizing new technologies to meet the unique needs of students and their families, and to create and expand educational options and opportunities. BCIU is the only intermediate unit in the Commonwealth to offer regular education transportation contractual services to member districts. We currently have five district transportation contracts with over 400+ vehicles daily on Berks County roads.

BCIU also generates operational savings for member school districts by leading joint purchasing efforts for health insurance, fuel/ energy and providing consolidated back office administrative supports.

: Has the work of an Intermediate Unit changed over the years?

How so? : Pennsylvania’s 29 intermediate units were established in 1971 by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to operate as regional educational service agencies to provide cost-effective, management-efficient programs to Pennsylvania school districts. Over the years, intermediate units have responded

to a wide array of needs as they developed in schools and communities throughout the state. Today, intermediate units continue to fulfill their mission of service by addressing traditional and emerging needs, serving as essential links for learning in Pennsylvania, and as a liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Funding for intermediate units has changed over the years. The state appropriation for intermediate units has decreased more than 50% since the mid-1990s. The BCIU currently has an operating budget of $160 million which encompasses 81 program budgets. As an organization, we have no taxing authority; hence, revenue sources are through federal and state grants / contracts, proprietary services and mandated services.

Funding sources include: 49% Federal, 20% State, 26% Proprietary, and 5% Other. While school districts serve as a primary partner, less than 1% of the overall operating budget is contributed by member school districts.

In order to continue to thrive as a service organization, we continue to focus on securing grants and contracts and are always exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.

: How would you define leadership?

What is your leadership style? : My leadership style can best be described as that of a servant-leader. With a focus on the desire to serve, servant leadership stresses the importance of teaching leaders to serve others while still achieving the mission and goals of the organization. On a daily basis, I strive to model the qualities of a servant-leader, which include the following: (1) valuing diverse opinions, (2) cultivating a culture of trust, (3) developing other leaders, (4) helping others with life issues, (5) listening and encouraging, (6) thinking long-term, and (7) acting with humility. As a servant-leader, my goal is to surround myself with good people and then motivate them to achieve greatness. Whether working with internal team members or external constituents, my work is centered on how I can best serve others to achieve such greatness. When connected with others, it inspires commitment and assists colleagues to find a deeper meaning in their work.

Continued on page 9 berkswomen2women.com 7

8 Women2Women Winter 2016

Women2Know and the background is vital prior to making recommendations or proposing solutions to matters being discussed and reviewed.

: What are the traits and qualities that have led to your success? : There are many traits and qualities that contribute to leadership success; however, there are five that define my work as a leader: (1) communication skills, (2) interpersonal skills, (3) decision-making skills, (4) problem-solving skills, and, (5) time management. These traits provide sound leadership strategies in order to promote the organization’s mission while maintaining fiscal stability. The work of Jim Collins’ organizational leadership theory in Good to Great has contributed to shaping my leadership style. Specifically, Collins references Level 5 Leadership, those leaders who are humble, but driven to do what is best for the company. Level 5 leaders serve in a collaborative fashion, yet lead with humility. I strive daily to exhibit such leadership practice in my work at BCIU.

: Was there any mentor who significantly influenced your leadership approach? In what ways? : While I have had the privilege of serving with many influential leaders during my years in education, there are two individuals who shaped my leadership approach.

One of the most inspirational leaders I was fortunate to work with was Dr. Vicki Phillips, who hired me as an administrator while serving as Superintendent of Schools for the School District of Lancaster (SDoL). Dr. Phillips approached leadership based on the theme of “Together We Can” which was the cornerstone of SDoL. She modeled dedicated professionalism on a daily basis. Her leadership style was direct yet supportive in nature.

Another inspirational leader I have had the privilege of learning from is Dr. John George, former BCIU Executive Director. Dr. George approached every situation with the highest level of ethical standards while demonstrating dynamic and visionary leadership. Our work together emphasized modeling for leadership team members the ability to collaborate, coordinate and motivate staff members to serve our students and support our constituent school district partners. Both Dr. Phillips and Dr. George truly serve as model leaders in the field of education, and it has been a privilege

: What is your vision for BCIU and schools in Berks County? : I am committed to ensuring that BCIU provides high quality and cost-effective programs and services for Berks County school districts, charter schools, private schools and other organizations and agencies that serve children.

BCIU is focused on providing quality resources, innovative programs and responsible leadership to meet the educational and social service needs of our children, schools and community. This vision is only possible with the partnership of our partner districts, business leaders and community agencies.

to observe and collaborate with them during my professional tenure.

: More and more politics has permeated schooling and education in general. How do you as Executive Director navigate those political waters? : As Executive Director, navigating the political landscape at the local, state and federal levels is critical. Collaborating with our elected officials is key for not only positive organization impact, but, more importantly, to the teaching and learning process. Over the years, I have found that being actively involved in the political process has helped me navigate sensitive issues in both Berks County and at the state level, resulting ultimately in my having the ability to influence policy and regulatory requirements. When approaching the political landscape, I operate under the premises of Stephen Covey’s work of seeking first to understand, then to be understood.

Political issues typically debated at both the state and local level are usually saturated with both complex and subtle intricacies which are not always readily apparent to the casual observer; therefore, I have found that understanding both the ‘big picture’

: Discuss the role of women in leadership. When we think about educational leadership, the perception is that it is a male dominated field. Is this true?

Has being a woman impacted your ability to lead? If so, what challenges have you faced and how have you addressed them? : Rather than thinking about women in leadership roles, I focus on getting the job done, and done well as a leader rather than a gender issue. It has been my own personal experience that women have made significant gains in the field of educational leadership, a once male dominated field. Over the past two decades, women have outnumbered men in both college enrollment and college completion rates; hence, resulting in a larger number of women in the field of leadership. I believe that becoming a leader is about internalizing a leadership identity and developing a sense of purpose. This notion has been internalized personally for me by always taking purposeful action, having a compelling reason to lead, and collaborating with others. Over the years, I have learned that leadership is more about the interactions and experiences that I have made with others, and the impact that I have had as a servant-leader. Ultimately it is about service and not about power. berkswomen2women.com 9

Women2Know

RACC Staffer Goes From GED to Masters Alison Wenger, Reading Area Community College

magine being a single mother of three small children with no high school diploma watching the company where you have worked for the last three years nosedive into bankruptcy. Now imagine that same woman 11 years later…with a master’s degree, a fulltime job and a loving husband.

plan when the company declared bankruptcy.

She enrolled in the GED program at RACC knowing that she needed her degree in order to search for a job.

in those classes had all kinds of situations that they were dealing with. I had to reach them as people before I could teach them.”

After graduating from RACC, Auria enrolled in the Accelerated Degree Program at Albright, which met one night a week. The greatest benefit for this program was that it allowed her to work a full-time job in the Enrollment Services Office at RACC. She said the support and encouragement of her co-workers helped push her to reach her goals.

Auria’s latest accomplishments…

Now, as the Keystone Education Yields After earning her GED, Auria completed Success (KEYS) program coordinator, Auria a 12-week executive secretary career training continues to give back since KEYS helps program at RACC. As part of a financial aid students get access to services they need to It sounds like a Hollywood movie, but it’s package, she received a work-study position help them stay in school. the real-life story of Auria Bradley, coordina- with Al Vanim in the Advantage Program. In tor of Reading Area Community College’s this position, she gained a better understandAuria earned her bachelor’s degree in (RACC’s) Keystone Education Yields Success ing of the supportive structure that RACC Organizational Behavior and Psychology in (KEYS) program. She will be the first to tell provides to the students it serves.

2007 and as part of that process researched you that her “key” to success was RACC. graduate programs from across the country.

In 2005, Auria earned an associate degree She settled on Capella University’s online A native of New Jersey, Auria moved to from RACC in the Executive Secretary courses and received her master’s degree Pennsylvania for a job with a production Program. Auria admits that scholarships, in Human Services with a specialization in and distribution company, but needed a new including one from the Hispanic Center and Social and Community Resources earlier this another for single mothers awarded through year. She would eventually like to earn her the Berks Community Foundation, played certification to become a licensed counselor a large role in her ability to afford college. and continue working with adolescents and young adults.

“I had many challenges in my life, but school gave me a way out,” said Auria, who was a “I believe that giving back to the community first-generation college student. “Whatever is necessary,” she said. “I will continue to I had to sacrifice, I was not giving up school. find opportunities to do so with our youth I believe in education and I believe in RACC. because they are our future. They just need I appreciate all that RACC has taught me someone to guide and encourage them.” and instilled in me.”

“I had many challenges in my life, but school gave me a way out.”

10 Women2Women Winter 2016

Auria also believes in giving back and spent a year teaching GED classes as part of the Move Up Program that provides literacy education to low-income students pursuing a GED. “That was tough,” she said. “Students

In 2011, Auria graduated from Capella University with a Master’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in Social and Community Services. In 2012, she started the PhD in Human Services program, Social and Community Services. Her expected graduation date is 2017-18. In March of 2015, she accepted the position of the Director of Literacy Programs at Reading Area Community College. Auria shares, “I am truly grateful for RACC, higher education, and the opportunity to collaborate with various organizations within the community to help contribute to the betterment of the city of Reading.”

berkswomen2women.com 11

Women2Know

Meet the New Chairwoman of the Women2Women Council,

Vicki O. Ebner We sat down with Vicki to talk about her background, how she became involved with Women2Women, and what she has in store for the program during her tenure.

Here’s what she shared with us!

Left to Right: Vicki Ebner, Lisa Grennawalt, Kim Leppold,  Allison Shannon & Liz McCauley

Tell us about your background and your journey.

I attended Lafayette College and graduated in 1982 with a degree in government and law; then went on to earn my law degree in 1985 from Dickinson School of Law. I was employed at UGI Utilities for 24 years, leaving as a Senior Vice President of Customer and Governmental relations. I live in Sinking Spring with my husband Jeff and daughter Kelly who is a Wilson High School senior. Our son Ryan lives in Philadelphia and our daughter Jesse lives in New York City.

How and why did you get involved with W2W?

I have always believed that women are their own worst advocates, but we are also the best advocates for each other. I viewed W2W as a good place to meet local leaders as well as a great place to bring younger women who could benefit from meeting and listening to women leaders outside their workplace.

Just like people, there are many types of leaders and it is good to see a wide range of leadership styles.

At W2W every event brings in new participants, new speakers and a new atmosphere in which to grow.

What are your thoughts on mentoring?

During my career, my mentors were always on a more informal basis. I would see successful women and watch carefully what attributes and behaviors worked for them. I became a very active observer and listener. I think it is very important for people to understand that there is rarely only one way to approach an issue or challenge. Learning how to bring out the best in people in a difficult discussion is a true skill, and the need for this skill is one I learned from a mentor long ago, and she may not have realized she was mentoring!

12 Women2Women Winter 2016

What would you like to accomplish during your tenure as Chair?

Women2Women has had so many successes! I am very proud to be leading a group so valuable to women and to the Greater Reading business community. In this program year we are already focused on continuing to increase the profile of Women2Women as well as improving the way participants find us and interact with us. We have a full schedule each year and we are making sure the programs are visible and accessible; we are continually trying to improve.

We are also very excited about our first “On the Road” Program. In March 2016 we are headed to Alvernia University. “Entrepreneurship with a Focus on Fashion” will feature a panel of women who will talk about their careers, their journeys and their fashion. We encourage all Women2Women members to attend and help us bring this initiative to a college campus. I can promise you that all attendees will be inspired by this panel.

I am also looking forward to the continuing growth of De Mujer A Mujer, our Latina initiative, which focuses on building and inspiring Latinas in our community. I can’t forget our Girls2Leaders initiative and how we are working to inspire, mentor and educate middle and high school students as well.

This strategic initiative is being included in the broader discussions of workforce development needs.

Any final words for our readers?

I want to encourage our readers to join us in this journey. Try a few events and I am sure you will be hooked. If you have been attending…thank you; and we encourage you to bring your friends and your daughters, nieces or any other special women in your life! Both of my daughters have attended events and they are amazed at how many fabulous women they meet. It’s a wonderful gift—giving our daughters, friends, co-workers or employees access to a room full of successful, welcoming women ready to share their experiences and helping them to grow. I encourage each of you to share W2W with others.

berkswomen2women.com 13

Women2Know

Healthcare is Bringing New

Women Executives to Berks

Constance Morrison, CEO

Home Health Care Management, Inc., the parent company of Berks Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), Pottstown VNA and Advantage Home Care

1. How did you end up in Berks County? Would you give us a brief background on what led you to here as your final destination versus somewhere else?

I am originally from Delaware County, so I am very familiar with the Philadelphia area and central PA. Since my husband and I were both in the Navy, we have lived in many different places. After he retired from the Navy this past year, we decided it was my turn to pick the area that we could now establish some roots. I received a call from a recruiter about the position at Home Health Care Management, Inc. and the rest is history.

2. How does your organization fit in the healthcare spectrum within the community?

Our family of companies is made up of Berks VNA, Pottstown VNA and Advantage Home Care. Being connected allows us to be a part of the continuum of care. We can provide care giving, nursing, and even hospice and palliative services. This also helps us work closely with the hospitals and physicians in our community to ensure the best care for the patients.

14 Women2Women Winter 2016

3. What do you consider your strongest personal and/or work attributes?

To lead a health care organization in an ever-changing environment, I have to be flexible. One day we think we understand where the system is going, and then the next it completely changes direction.

4. How would your coworkers define you?

When polled, these are the adjectives that described Constance: Positive, Confident, Direct, Down to Earth, Driven, Compassionate, Honest, Trustworthy, Energetic, and a Visionary.

5. What is something quirky that we should know about you?

I was one of the first female medical personnel who passed the qualifications to be a member of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare (MIUW) medical unit. MIUW was tasked with providing security for ports, harbors and beaches using sonar and other undersea tools.

Amy Teal, CEO

HealthSouth Reading Rehabilitation Hospital.

1. How did you end up in Berks County? Please give us a brief background on what led you to your current position.

In March 2012 I accepted a position with HealthSouth in Mechanicsburg, PA as their Controller. At the time I was attending York College of PA for my MBA. Upon completion of my MBA in December 2014, I started to consider my career options and look at opportunities for advancement within HealthSouth. At that time, becoming a CEO was not something that I had even considered an option but in early 2015 the CEO position in Reading became vacant and I applied for the position. After interviewing with Regional Leadership and meeting with the Team in Reading, I decided this hospital would be a good fit for me.

2. What do you consider your strongest personal and/or professional attributes?

My strongest personal attributes are that I am compassionate and caring, which is why I have worked my entire career in health care. I believe strongly in the care that we provide and am passionate about providing superior service because that is what I would want for my loved ones. My professional attributes that I hope make me successful in this position are that I am driven, fair and perceptive. I expect that these traits will assist as I make improvements to the care that we provide in the hospital.

3. How does your organization fit in the healthcare spectrum within the community?

Many times our hospital and the type of service we provide is misunderstood. We are an Acute Rehabilitation Hospital which means we provide a Hospital level of care while providing a superior level of Rehabilitation services. We are considered to be a higher level of service than a Nursing Home but just one step below an Acute Hospital.

We are governed by standards that are more stringent than Nursing Homes, which allows for a higher level of care and better outcomes.

4. How would your coworkers define you?

I think my coworkers would define me as motivated, ambitious, unafraid and tenacious. I don’t give up easily and enjoy taking on a challenge.

5. What is something quirky that we should know about you?

I don’t know that I would consider it quirky, but I have two Great Danes that I adore and spend as much time with them as I can.

Continued on page 16 berkswomen2women.com 15

Women2Know Michele Werner, CEO Peritech Home Health Associates

1. Please give us a brief background on what led you to your current position.

Caring for others has always been inherent to my makeup, so it’s no surprise that I became a registered nurse. Upon receiving my BSN degree, I began working at DuBois Regional Medical Center in inpatient obstetrics and through a recommendation from a physician there, I was offered a position with Peritech. Peritech is a state licensed, Medicare certified home health agency, accredited by the Joint Commission. My responsibilities increased as a result of these designations and a partnership offer ensued. I was named CEO last year.

2. How did you end up in Berks County?

Berks County has an excellent health system but there were some gaps in maternal/child, perinatal and pediatric home health services, the specialty care that Peritech provides. We actually had individuals reaching out to us for our services in this market. While I don’t reside in Berks County, I saw a real need for Peritech to be here.

3. What do you consider your strongest personal and/or professional attributes?

I feel compassion along with honesty and integrity, both personally and professionally, are my strongest attributes.

4. How does your organization fit in the healthcare spectrum within the community?

With the long list of health services available in Berks County, there was still a gap in available holistic mother/child home healthcare which Peritech filled.

5. How would your coworkers define you?

I would hope they would recognize my dependability and consistency in providing support, day in, day out.

6. What is something quirky that we should know about you?

I’m not sure you’d consider this quirky but as CEO, I appreciate a great deal of flexibility with the time I spend in the office, but still continue to be the first employee to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night. It’s been my routine for a long time and I don’t see it changing.

16 Women2Women Winter 2016

Growth2Go /

Finance, Mentoring & Education

PROTECT YOURSELF: Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention Tips Mary Jean Noon, Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo

he term “Identity Theft” has become a very familiar term in our society and should not be taken lightly. When it comes to keeping your personal and financial information safe, it’s important to be proactive. Follow these steps to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft.

Identity Protection Tips O Carry only necessary information with you.

Leave your Social Security card and unused credit cards in a safe and secure location.

O Do not provide your Social Security number unless absolutely necessary.

O Make photocopies (front and back) of vital information you carry regularly and store them in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box. Then, if your purse or wallet is lost or stolen, you have contact information and account numbers readily available.

O If you are uncomfortable with a phone call that was not initiated by you, hang up or ask for the purpose of the call. Then contact the company using legitimate sources such as contact phone numbers found on the company’s website, your bank statements, and those listed on your ATM, debit or credit card.

O Never provide payment information on a call that you did not initiate.

O Replace paper invoices, statements and checks with electronic versions, if offered by your employer, bank, utility provider or merchant.

18 Women2Women Winter 2016

O If you have free online account access with Wells Fargo Online® or Wells Fargo Business Online® Banking, you can reduce paper statements by signing up for Bill Pay and free online statements.

O Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding. Many fraud and identity theft incidents happen as a result of mail and garbage theft.

O Review your credit report at least once a year to look for suspicious or unknown transactions. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.

O Subscribe to a daily credit monitoring service. Wells Fargo offers Identity Theft Protection, which includes a personal credit report and quarterly updates from up to all three major credit bureaus.

(Restrictions and fees apply; refer to terms and conditions.)

O Promptly retrieve incoming mail and place outgoing mail in a U.S. Postal Service mailbox, instead of your home mailbox, to reduce the chance of mail theft. Consider paperless options for your bills and financial statements.

O Know your billing and statement cycles. Contact the company’s customer service department if you stop receiving your regular bill or statement.

PROTECT YOUR ACCOUNTS There are many steps you can take to secure your checking, credit card and debit card accounts. These tips can help get you started.

Checking Account Security Tips O Report lost or stolen cards and checks immediately.

O Review account statements carefully. Regular account review helps to quickly detect and stop fraudulent activity. Ask about suspicious charges.

Continued on page 20 berkswomen2women.com 19

Growth 2Go O With Wells Fargo Online® or Wells Fargo Business Online® Banking, you can monitor your account online any time and as frequently as you like.

O Limit the amount of information on checks. Don’t print your driver license number or Social Security number on your checks.

O Store new and cancelled checks in a safe and secure location.

O Carry your checkbook with you only when necessary.

O Use tamper-resistant checks. Wells Fargo checks include many safety features such as tamper-resistant packaging and chemically sensitive paper to deter alterations

Credit & Debit Card Security Tips O Always keep your credit or debit card in a safe and secure place. Treat it as you would cash or checks. Contact your bank immediately if your card is lost or stolen, or if you suspect unauthorized use.

O Do not send your card number through email, as it is typically not secure.

O Do not give out your card number over the phone unless you initiated the call.

O Regularly review your account statements as soon as you receive them to verify transactions. And contact your bank immediately if you identify any discrepancies.

O To protect your account, Wells Fargo recommends you change your Personal Identification Number (PIN) regularly.

O When selecting a PIN, don’t use a number or word that appears in your wallet, such as name, birth date, or phone number.

O Ensure no one sees your PIN when you enter it. Memorize your PIN. Don’t write it down anywhere, especially on your card, and never share it with anyone.

O Cancel and cut up unused credit and other cards. If you receive a replacement card, destroy your old card.

O Shop with merchants you know and trust.

O Make sure any internet purchase is secured with encryption to protect your account information. Look for secure transaction symbols such as a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your web browser, or “https://…” in the address bar of the website. The “s” indicates "secured" and means the web page uses encryption.

O Always log off from any website after a purchase transaction is made with your credit or debit card. If you cannot log off, shut down your browser to prevent unauthorized access to your account information Taking action does not guarantee to prevent fraud, however, it can help to protect you and reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

And of course, if you ever have any questions about your accounts or transactions, contact your bank immediately.

20 Women2Women Winter 2016

W2W polled facebook followers on best places to travel as a solo tourist, best trips for families, and/or fun girl’s weekend getaway trips!

Here are their responses!

Rosa Julia Parra This may sound biased, since I was born in Puerto Rico, but PR is the best place for all three of those things, plus business trips, or golf trips. Just do a bit of research and you will see, besides, since it’s part of the United States no passport needed.

Ellen Albright Just drove through the Seneca Lake Wine Trail on a trip to upstate New York. Wineries every twenty feet, and all the beautiful scenery one can imagine!

Cynthia McClure Thomasset My friend rents this Cape May Victorian and is perfect for families, friends, anyone. 6 bedrooms, sleeps 13. I love this house!

It has been in her family for over 50 years.

Michele Blood NYC, especially when you have something to celebrate with your girlfriends!

Claudia Rodriguez NYC, always something to do! My favorite place in the world!

Margo Henninger Musgnug Napa Valley and Paso Robles Lisa Meredith Unrath Boston for individual or family; Houston for individual!

Wendy Kerschner Our family enjoyed one day/night in Niagara Falls on our way home from a week at a cottage in the Georgian Bay in Canada. Did the museum, Maid of the Mist, rotating dining venue at top of the tower & hotel room overlooking falls. An expensive day...well worth it.

Alneasa Ani Jordan DoubleTree in Reading. Great food and entertainment.

Mandy Lynn I love Scranton. A nice walk around the Lake, Nay Aug, Steamtown (and I’m really not into trains but the restoration process was fascinating), drive up to Nicholson/Tunkhannock/Lake Carey, great places to eat, and all sorts of other things to do and see.

Jahjaira Nina Dominican Republic, Punta Cana, any resort of your choice.

Kate Ketter Split Rock Lodge and Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos are both great for families. Both have indoor waterparks and lots of amenities for families (outdoor pool, restaurant, spa/salon, ice cream and bowling) on site.

Split Rock also offers lots of outdoor activities at the lake and on the grounds and is a fun choice for older children. We visit these resorts at least twice a year and they never disappoint. berkswomen2women.com 21

Work2Life /

Balancing Life, Work & Family

Bridal Registry

—It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Registry!

Danielle Antos Program Coordinator, Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry

here are many milestones in a woman’s life. But the biggest event next to graduations, landing their first job in their chosen career and having a baby is probably getting married. A wedding day is one of the most special days—whether the event is big or small—and taking vows of matrimony is a huge step.

But for many brides-to-be, planning and preparing for the big day can be overwhelming!

Forming the wedding party, securing the venue, selecting the menu, centerpieces, flowers, the dress—all can add up to a lot of stress for the bride. In addition, setting up a household can also be a daunting task. Bridal registries can help and keep you organized.

Boscov’s Department Stores, Inc. has the answers—at least to this challenge. “We strive to make this process fun and exciting, not only for the bride, but for the groom too,” said Beth Anne Ages, Wedding & Gift Registry Director. Boscov’s educates couples that the bridal registry is not just for showers; it is Continued on page 24 22 Women2Women Winter 2016

berkswomen2women.com 23

Work2Life also for wedding day gifts. “Wedding guests are very concerned with purchasing items that are needed by the couple. They want to make sure they buy what the couple really wants,” said Beth Anne. This is the one time in life when folks are willing to spend money for those larger items.

Bridal registries have come a long way from just picking out china, crystal and flatware.

Trends indicate that brides are looking to build their kitchens for casual entertaining. They are also bringing their grooms along to register.

“Couples really go for bakeware and cookware.

They are more interested in casual pieces that can be used for every day,” said Beth Anne.

Couples seem to want to cook together—the kitchen is not just for women. They also are registering for large items, such as furniture, bedding ensembles, grills and luggage. When family members can go in on a gift together, couples are able to upgrade. Barware is also very popular. Selecting items that will last “till death do us part” is a very practical choice. But of course, don’t forget those special toasting glasses or a beautiful cake knife or candlesticks.

Today, couples are attracted to a more relaxed atmosphere in their homes. Gone are the days of formal dining rooms, and fine china is becoming a thing of the past. “Many of the traditional china manufacturers are developing more casual options that are microwave and dishwasher safe,” said Kim Kolakowski, Vice President, Credit & Database Marketing for Boscov’s. Couples are establishing their home environment and designing their kitchens with their own personality and using cookware to add personal touches. They do not want the high-maintenance of fine china and crystal that has to be washed and stored carefully. “Many celebrity chefs have beautiful cookware that is reasonably priced and so stylish; that is really where we are seeing the trends,” said Beth Anne.

The Internet is where most couples start getting ideas for their wedding. Websites such as Pinterest and wedding blogs are often go-to sites for planning. Boscov’s often sponsors blog posts and then shares these articles through social media. “Our store consultants develop informational content for these sites to help educate couples on how to register, suggest items to register for and newlywed essentials,” said Kim. Boscov’s Pinterest page offers lots of creative ideas for centerpieces, dresses, make-up, favors, and so much more.

Check out their Pinterest board at www.pinterest.com/boscovs/ eat-drink-b-married/.

The Bridal Registry at Boscov’s offers couples some incredible perks.

“We partner with vendors who offer free gifts when a certain dollar amount is purchased from a registry,” said Beth Anne. This is a big help to couples just starting their life journey together; purchases from their registry helps them get additional pieces they want or need. Boscov’s also offers a couple’s 15% off shopping pass; Registry Rewards Certificate (earn a 10% rebate on all gifts purchased through a registry—works like a gift card); and a Registry Wrap Up (10% off the remaining items on a gift registry). And, something for the guests—complimentary gift wrap for all registry purchases. Who doesn’t want that?

Article photos supplied by Boscov’s Department Store.

24 Women2Women Winter 2016

Work2Life

Traveling for Work Kristin Golden Mancuso, KGM Marketing, LLC

e are all familiar with juggling work and life priorities, but what if your job adds travel to the mix? Women2Women spoke to three women (some of them by email at odd hours of the night!) to understand what travel adds to their world—the pros and the (surprisingly minor) cons.

Jennifer Focht

“I work with a great group of people. It’s really like home to me.

I’m blessed with the division I am in,” Jennifer is a buyer for the Lady’s Better and Junior Shoe Buyer for Boscov’s Department Store. She’s been working at Boscov’s for 16 years and travel has been part of her role throughout her buying career. What some might identify as the most glamorous part of her job—identifying trends and top-sellers 26 Women2Women Winter 2016

for the season ahead—is the part that often And believe it or not, it’s her job that helps requires her to travel. To most of us, traveling her feel balanced. to Sketcher’s home office in Manhattan Beach, California, hardly sounds like business travel, The downside: Jennifer wishes she could but for Jennifer, it’s serious business. Her be a more involved with her children’s schools. responsibilities require her to make smart However, that comes with a silver-lining. buying decisions with Sketchers and the many When Jennifer has a chance to volunteer in other brands Boscov’s carries, and create a plan the classroom, she schedules it with work that will provide shoppers with what they are and is able to be there. looking for when they visit their local store.

Sure, travel makes her life busy, but Jennifer Jennifer notes that her travel has fluctuated wouldn’t have it any other way! as her role has evolved with Boscov’s. At one point, she traveled to New York City two times each week. These days she only makes Laura Krick that trip twice each month. Mix that with shows in Las Vegas and you might wonder how she balances her job with her life at “I love travel! home. Jennifer notes that her self-proclaimed super-organized style helps her manage her In my role, I priorities. But she’s clear that she wouldn’t work high above be able to do what she does without an the forest & down incredibly supportive network at home and among the trees.” the family-oriented culture of her employer.

“At Boscov’s, I work with a great group of people. It’s really like home to me. I’m blessed with the division I am in,” notes Jennifer.

Laura is the Global Director for Clinical and Market Development for Interrad Medical, based in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Her role requires her to travel 50%–75% every month, which sounds like a whole lot, but Laura is passionate about her work and pleased to contribute what she can to patient care.

Laura was well aware of the travel required when she accepted her position. When asked, she says, “I love travel! In my role, I work high above the forest and down among the trees.” Laura continues, “I understand patient care requirements, identify improvement strategies and guide the over-arching direction for healthcare provider training and product development opportunities.”

Travel, specifically visiting hospital locations in different countries and working directly with healthcare providers, provides Laura with important insights and allows her to be at the bedside or in the operating room.

Making changes that directly impact the patient experience brings Laura incredible job satisfaction.

“Being away from my husband and daughter, and eating alone,” says Laura. “Thank goodness for FaceTime!

The downside:

It makes being away easier; I don’t feel we are as far apart as we really are at times.”

Laura is also frustrated that some people think traveling is glamorous. “Most of the time, I am not seeing the glamorous side of the cities I visit. Sure, I hope to see cool things or experience great cultures, but most of my time is spent in the hospitals, at dinner and in the hotels—and sometimes dinner is even in the hotel. So, it is not nearly as glamorous as it seems.”

Laura’s advice? Try to have at least one regional experience during each trip. “Often it’s one great meal, with a local flair,” shares Laura, “so I can tell myself I am experiencing the culture.”

My other tip? Register for miles/points clubs and cards. As the travel points build points, you can plan your family vacations, making work-related travel a benefit to your life.

Laura’s greatest challenge is probably time management. “I am very reactive, and Continued on page 28

P R O S of Traveling for work: 8 Traveling to new places 8 The FOOD! 8 Miles/hotel points clubs and cards accrued for personal use 8 A chance to focus 100% on work 8 Change in environment— fresh perspectives 8 FaceTime technology helps stay connected to home

CO N S of Traveling for work: 2 If you have children, you’ll need a reliable support network 2 Not having enough time to “visit” your destination 2 Missing family 2 Challenging to be involved with children’s schools berkswomen2women.com 27

Work2Life sometimes let fate tell me what the priority is.” Laura notes, “If I share any advice that can help, it is ‘lists and technology’. I make careful lists and set reminders, constantly, and sometimes three or four!”

Dulcinea (Dulcie) Frymoyer

“When I started my position, I was so excited to travel.”

Dulcinea (Dulcie) is the Director of Marketing Services for Reading Bakery Systems and has been with the company for more than 12 years. Reading Bakery Systems manufactures snack food equipment that produces baked snacks for medium to large snack manufacturers throughout the

28 Women2Women Winter 2016

world. Depending on the year, Reading “I don’t like being away from my family for Bakery Systems’ business is 50% domestic more than a week—I miss [them] so much!” and 50% international.

Dulcie’s main piece of travel advice is: “When I started my position, I was so safety first. “Be careful and pay attention to excited to travel,” says Dulcie. Reading Bakery your surroundings,” says Dulcie. “And ask Systems has taken her to many U.S. and for guidance from trusted locals.” international cities that she wouldn’t have otherwise visited. Each year is different and Dulcie’s work/life balance challenges will her travel ranges from a few times each year sound familiar to most. “Since having children, to once each month. balance has been difficult. I have less time at night and on the weekends to get work done, Dulcie’s business trips require her to be so I have to be very productive and efficient away for longer stints on customer visits or during my workday.” for tradeshows. And she absolutely loves to experience new cultures. “This year I was And Dulcie quickly adds that she benefits in Shanghai, China and Munich, Germany. from a little extra support at home. “My Some of my other favorite trips were to husband cooks dinner for us most nights Barcelona, Spain and Bogota, Columbia,” when we get home from work, so that cersays Dulcie. tainly helps!”

The downside: Her challenge? Dulcie has a young son and another baby on the way.

1.

2.

3 .

4.

Heart Disease Cancer Stroke COPD (Emphysema & chronic bronchitis)

5. Alzheimer’s 6.

7.

8.

9.

Diabetes Kidney Disease Blood Poisoning-Septicemia Anxiety Disorders/Depression

10. Osteoporosis

List compiled from Everyday Health, Fox News, Office on Women’s Health, Del Mar Times and Hopkins Medicine.

berkswomen2women.com 29

Health2 Wellness

Mental, Spiritual, Physical Health & Wellness

Cheryl Tutella, MS, ACSM-CCEP Penn State Health St. Joseph

iana hung up the phone in disbelief.

Her mother, a widow who had been a successful administrator, was having trouble balancing her checkbook the past few months and was sure someone at the bank was at fault. Now, Mom called to say she became lost on her way to bridge club. And when asked about her last doctor’s appointment, Mom said she forgot all about it! Something was not right. This was not the mother that Diana knew.

tion and death of nerve cells in the brain, is Alzheimer’s disease. Strong links with serious characterized by memory failure and decline head injuries and conditions that damage of other cerebral abilities that disrupts nor- heart and blood vessels have also been found. mal daily living. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia impacting Like Diana’s mother, early signs may be 60–80% of those affected, which is over 5 memory loss, confusion, decline in judgemillion Americans. ment, reduced ability to problem solve and complete familiar tasks, as well as personality According to the CDC/National Centers changes, difficulty communicating, misplacing for Health Statistics, life expectancy at birth things, social withdrawal. Symptoms and rose to a record high 78.7 in 2010. http:// rate of disease progression vary. Although www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/life-expectancy. the cause is unknown, ways to reduce the More frequently, stories similar to Diana’s htm. Increasing age, family history and likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease are being faced. Dementia, a result of destruc- genetics elevate the possibility of developing involve maintaining lifestyle habits such

30 Women2Women Winter 2016

as healthy diet, regular exercise, social and mental engagement, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.

it is estimated that 63 percent, approximately 10 million, are women. As compared to men, studies have shown that women are more likely to provide longer hours of duty and more The Alzheimer’s crisis is especially impact- intense personal care for a longer duration of ing women. According to the Alzheimer’s time than men. Furthermore, women receive Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and less caregiving support than male caregivers.

Figures report March 2014, almost two-thirds Although stressful for all caregivers, women of American seniors living with Alzheimer’s caregivers report twice the physical stress disease are women, which is an estimated 3.2 as male Alzheimer’s caregivers. Of women million aged 65 and older. As compared to caregivers, 62% reported their duties to men, women at risk of developing Alzheimer’s be emotionally stressful, and depression is disease decline at twice the rate as men. At age linked more commonly to women caregivers.

65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease Additionally, women caregivers also expressed in their lifetime is higher for women: one concern about maintaining their own health. in six chance for women and one in eleven chance for men. For those 71 years and older, Due to caregiving, women are also being the prevalence of developing Alzheimer’s negatively affected in the workplace. Of disease and other dementias is 16 percent of women Alzheimer’s caregivers, 19 percent women and 11 percent of men. To further had to quite work, and 20 percent went from highlight the significance of the Alzheimer’s working full time to part time as compared crisis in women, when in their 60s, women are to only 3 percent of working male caregivers. about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s Other employment consequences of women disease over the rest of their lives as they are caregivers include lost job benefits, necessity to develop breast cancer. of taking leave of absence from work, and feeling penalized at work as a result of their According to new research reported at caregiving duties. the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2015 (AAIC® 2015) in More information can be found on the Washington, D.C. 7/21/2015, women with Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org. mild cognitive impairment have two times faster decline in cognition than men with mild cognitive impairment. Another study at the REFERENCES conference reported the decline in women was more dramatic than men in cognition, www.alz.org function and brain size after surgery and http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/life-expectancy.htm general anesthesia. More research on topics linking gender and vulnerability to Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease disease including biological, hormonal and Facts and Figures report March 2014 lifestyle factors needs to be done.

The impact of Alzheimer’s disease on women goes beyond simply having the disease.

Additionally, women are more likely to be caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Of all unpaid Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers,

Women2Women Founders Connie Skipper

Berks County Intermediate Unit

Mary Beth Smialek First Energy

Paula Barrett RKL

Robin Costenbader Jacobson RCJ Consulting

Paula Barron

Tompkins VIST Bank

Michele Richards Fulton Bank

Robyn Jones

Berks County Living Magazine

Press Release—Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2015 (AAIC® 2015) in Washington, D.C., 7/21/2015

Regina Rinehimer

Alzheimer’s Association. 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2015; 11(3)332+.

Donna Lamp

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Support Groups are designed to provide emotional, educational and social support for caregivers through regularly scheduled meetings. They help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia. The support group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Penn State Health St. Joseph at Shelbourne Square. Contact Cheryl Tutella, 610-404-2230, for more information.

Wells Fargo Advisors

Penn State Health Saint Joseph

Carolyn Spano Crowne Plaza

Karen Marsdale

Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce & Industry

berkswomen2women.com 31

Health 2Wellness

ALARMING TREND

Harmful to Oral Health Among Young Residents of Berks County Jason Brudereck, Berks County Community Foundation Director of Communication

s she moderated a recent meeting of the Berks County Task Force for Oral Health, Karen Miller put her head in her hands.

“I’m just thinking of all that fluoride going down the drain,” said Miller, a former Reading mayor and now senior fellow at Berks County Community Foundation.

Miller was lamenting the results of a recent survey that found 78.65 percent of children in Reading drink bottled water instead of tap water. In all other areas of Berks County, 46 percent of children choose bottled water over the tap.

Both groups choose bottled water more often than the average American does. Across the United States, 39 percent of people age 2 and older drink bottled water no matter whether they are home or away, and only one-third of Americans drink bottled water over tap water when home, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Berks task force’s survey was conducted in libraries across the city and county, downtown at Berks Community Health Center and Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc., among migrant farm workers, and elsewhere. Participants were given toothbrushes and oral hygiene kits.

The task force’s next duty is to find out why this alarming trend is occurring in Reading and throughout Berks County and perhaps to mount a publicity campaign to counter it, said Miller, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs and former chief of staff at the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Reading School District’s dental hygienists (who are the only dental hygienists working in public schools in Berks County), staff at various libraries and workers at Olivet Boys & Girls Club will be among those holding focus groups to delve deeper into the survey’s findings.

The task force held its first meeting in the spring of 2014 at Berks That means that many children in Berks County aren’t getting County Community Foundation to address oral health, one of the fluoride that is put in tap water to strengthen teeth, Miller said. the priorities identified in the 2013 Berks County Health Needs Much of the fluoride, and a lot of precious income in Berks County, Assessment, which was a wide-ranging study sponsored by the is wasted when people pick bottled water, she added.

Community Foundation, the United Way of Berks County, Penn State St. Joseph Regional Health Network and Reading Health System.

For the average American household of 2.6 people, the annual cost of tap water solely for drinking is just 32 cents. That same household The task force is composed of 27 physicians, dentists, hospital would spend $602.91 when substituting bottled water for tap water, and medical center administrators, dental hygienists, school according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and Business Insider. nurses, rural health care workers and representatives of a variety of community organizations.

Those members have several theories about what could be behind the popularity of bottled water in Berks: • Misinformation about the safety and quality of tap water.

• Cultural differences among those coming from countries where tap water is not safe.

• It’s perceived as “cooler” to hold a bottle of water than an alternative drinking vessel.

But the tap water in Berks is safe, said task force members and Ernest Herbein Schlegel, chairman of the Reading Area Water

32 Women2Women Winter 2016

Authority, which gets most of its water from Lake Ontelaunee eight miles north of Reading. The results from testing tap water around Berks are regularly made public and show that the quality of the water is high.

Schlegel, who is not a member of the task force, also pointed out plastic drinking bottles contain chemicals, some of which interfere with hormones in the body. These chemicals include bisphenol-A, or BPA, among others. Chemicals in the plastic can leach into bottled water, especially when heated or when a bottle is old, studies have shown.

Also, even though plastic drinking bottles are recyclable, five out of six end up in landfills or as litter, according to National Geographic Kids. The litter and trash costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year, according to the Container Recycling Institute.

As the oral health task force continues its mission, its activities will be publicized, said Kevin K. Murphy, Berks County Community Foundation president. “This is a very unusual collaboration and Karen Miller has performed remarkably in her effort to get this initiative moving forward,� Murphy said.

berkswomen2women.com 33

Health 2Wellness

Certified Nurse–Midwives “Birth” Group Prenatal Care in Collaborative Effort with the Women’s Health Center at Reading Hospital.

Audrey Groff, CNM, Director Midwifery Service, Reading Health System

I

n January 2015 the Certified NurseMidwives (CNMs) at Reading Hospital began offering women another option for care during their pregnancy; CenteringPregnancy.

This innovative program was funded by The Friends of Reading Hospital.

CenteringPregnancy is the most widely practiced and best known model for group prenatal care. In the 1990s Sharon Schindler Rising, CNM, developed the program which is now administered by the Centering Healthcare Institute based in Boston. Centering is structured to provide specific information about topics related to pregnancy: diet, exercise, lab tests, body changes, signs and symptoms of preterm labor, labor coping strategies and breastfeeding.

Women who complete the sessions rate the care they received very highly. One participant wrote “this has been the most supportive setting—to be with other women going through the same issues as you. I would recommend this to every pregnant woman.”

to fund training for facilitators. CNMs and other providers attend two-day training to become familiar with CenteringPregnancy in preparation for leading groups.

Groups are formed with 10–12 women who have similar due dates; a midwife and Pediatrician Dr. Karen Wang has co-facilitator are always present to guide disserved on the Steering Committee for cussion and to assist with health assessments.

We feel that Centering is one of the best CenteringPregnancy. She is a strong supThere are 10 sessions which start after the ways to receive prenatal care because women porter and advocate for the benefits of first trimester. The first 4 sessions are every get more time with their provider. Research group care. As a result of her involvement, 4 weeks, and then every other week for the supports that group care decreases rates of CenteringParenting is now being offered remaining sessions. Each two-hour session preterm birth and increases rates of breast- to families at the Children’s Health Center. includes individual time with the midwife. feeding. Both of these outcomes positively Additional time is spent as a group where impact the health of our community in the CenteringPregnancy & CenteringParenting: everyone can share questions and advice long term. March of Dimes is a strong sup- both illustrations of Advancing Health. through discussions and planned activities. porter of CenteringPregnancy and continues Transforming Lives.

For more information, visit the Centering Healthcare Institute http://centeringhealthcare.org or watch the following short videos:

34 Women2Women Winter 2016

Health 2Wellness

A Special Delivery in a Special & Unique New Way Erica Roberta & Corina Piller, Penn State Berks students

T

he goal of the Penn State Health St. Joseph CenteringPregnancy’s award-winning program is to empower women to make healthy choices for themselves and their unborn child. CenteringPregnancy program offers supportive group sessions where women can build long-lasting relationships and lifelong knowledge.

To outsiders, this interaction may be reminiscent of a gathering of old friends. However, this group of women is a result of this innovative program which strives to create a new dimension to prenatal care with its self-care set-up and engaging group sessions.

Catherine decided to join CenteringPregnancy when hospital staff Unlike a traditional approach to prenatal care: arrive for a pre- recommended the program to her during a regular prenatal visit natal visit, take a number, check in with a receptionist and wait when they saw how nervous she was about becoming a first-time to be seen by a doctor individually, Penn State Health St. Joseph mother. “Everyone was scaring me with these stories,” she explained.

CenteringPregnancy transforms the experience by placing women “But coming to this group prepared me for the good and the bad in a safe space among others. Together, over the course of ninety that was going to come.” minutes, they receive checkups, share information and ideas and provide support for each other while also having access to medical For more information about Centering, email SpecialDelivery@PennStateHealth.psu.edu. professionals to get answers to medical questions they might have.

For expecting mothers in the program, they walk through the front doors of the Downtown Campus and head right to the CenteringPregnancy room. Music plays as they enter and they are greeted by a team made up of a Community Health Advocate, Midwives, Registered Nurses and Doctors. The atmosphere has a similar feel of a family reunion. The Midwives and staff know each woman by name, without having to check a chart, and the staff is lively, welcoming and kind to each other and the patients.

During a recent visit from a new mom, Catherine Nunez (age 21), a group of jovial women gush over her healthy three-month old daughter—who has her mother’s eyes. Their questions swirl about her adjustment to life as a new mother. Catherine enjoyed reconnecting and visiting the staff, who were so instrumental in her delivery of her healthy, new baby. In fact, Catherine especially wanted to pay a visit with Kim Hunter, a Registered Nurse, at Penn State Health Downtown Reading campus who counseled Catherine through the CenteringPregnancy program during her pregnancy. berkswomen2women.com 35

Health 2Wellness

EMBRACING THE BENEFITS OF

AT ANY AGE Kristin Kramer, Executive Director, Wilson Education Foundation, Public Information Director, Wilson School District

ou may be familiar with the saying, “It’s never too late to try something new.” Well, Christine Schifalacqua has embraced this motto in many aspects of her life, including her fitness routine.

“I have always tried to stay active,” shares Christine, 58, of Sinking Spring. “But Garage Strength has really impacted my workout routine and physique.”

Christine Schifalacqua

A few years ago, a coworker invited Christine to join her at Garage Strength, which is far from your average gym, and she said she was hooked! “There are pigs, goats and chickens in the field. You can purchase raw milk, organic eggs and grass-fed meats and poultry,” explains Christine. “We typically work out in the barn. A variety of people go there including Olympic athletes, high school and college athletes, and regular folks like me.”

Calling itself “the world’s first strength farm,” Garage Strength is owned and operated by Dane Miller, a PA state championship athlete, who graduated from Schuylkill Valley High School. At Penn State, Dane was a four-time Academic All-Big 10 scholar athlete. He has also trained under and with numerous Olympic champions. Dane was motivated to

36 Women2Women Winter 2016

open a facility to train other student athletes and has grown his business into a regional premier Olympic weightlifting and sports performance center.

with Dane. “He challenges me, and he is always doing research to improve his training,” Christine says.

“Exercise is a medicine that can help us age Christine’s workout at Garage Strength well and gracefully,” says Dr. Crozier. She focuses on weight-bearing activities, plyo- explains that as we age, we get stiff and tight. metrics (jump training) and flexibility. “They “Working out helps with flexibility as well as target every single muscle, sometimes muscles improving one’s gait and balance, which can I didn’t even know I had,” Christine says, who decrease the risk of falls,” which she says is typically goes to “the Garage” three times the leading cause of fractures. a week. “I focus one day on legs, one day on arms, and one day on cardio but using “I was never athletic, but I like to move and strength moves versus pedaling or running feel good and have fun! I see the difference for a half hour.” first-hand between people who remain physically and mentally active, and those who do “Weight-bearing exercises are important not,” says Christine, who has been a speech for forming and maintaining bone health,” language pathologist at Phoebe Berks Health explains Dr. Kelley C. Crozier, Medical Center, Wernersville, for the past 15 years.

Director, Reading Health Rehabilitation Hospital, and Chair of Physical Medicine and In addition to training at Garage Strength, Rehabilitation. “In addition to preventing Christine enjoys other fitness activities. In the obesity and heart disease, exercise also can warmer months, she plays tennis, golf and runs help prevent osteoporosis. As we age, women outdoors. And during the winter, she attends lose one to three inches in our height, which spin class once a week. “Garage Strength has starts around age 40. We lose about a half helped me improve in all these activities as I inch every decade.” Healthy, older people have better endurance,” she explains. experience a 0.5% decline in bone mass per year. This can be compounded by menopausal When asked about her proudest fitness changes, a decrease in weight-bearing activity accomplishments she says, “Climbing an and Vitamin D deficiency.

18-foot rope. It was on my bucket list. It may not be on everyone’s, but it was on mine! And “Women have a much bigger problem I wanted to do pull ups—unassisted pull ups. with being sedentary as we age,” says Dr. I can’t do many, but I can do them,” she shares.

Crozier, who shares that 68% of women are inactive with no regular exercise. “Swimming, “I am healthy, I am rarely sick, and I do not walking and running are all great options for take any medication,” which Christine attricardio health and giving us endurance. And butes to her fitness activity. Other motivating exercise has many other benefits including factors for Christine and her fitness regime improved sleep and helping to reduce stress, are that she can still keep up with her kids. anxiety and depression. But just doing aerobic In 2014, she completed the Broad Street Run, exercise is not enough. We lose muscle as a 10-mile race through Philadelphia, with we age. Weight-bearing exercises help with her daughter Victoria, who just turned 30. strengthening and balance. And building “And I’m going to be a grandmom in March, and maintaining muscle helps keeps one’s so I’ll soon be chasing a little baby around!” metabolism higher.”

“You are never too old to start exercising,” After six weeks at Garage Strength, Christine says Dr. Crozier. Regular exercise is the most noticed her body change. “My husband effective way to slow and counteract the effects noticed, too. I was more cut, more sculpted of age-related muscle and strength loss. She and the weight came off around the middle, recommends starting slow and low. which can be challenging as we age,” she shares. “My balance improved, and I developed Christine says, “My advice is to be mindful core strength. The entire workouts focus on of what you are eating and drinking, find an maximizing core strength. If you have core activity that brings you joy, get a support system strength, you can do anything.” She also in place, and go find your happy place!” likes the personal attention working out

DR. KELLEY CROZIER’S

Tips to Help Maintain Bone Health :

Participate in Weight-Bearing Exercises.

Calcium is key! Dr. Crozier recommends all women take a calcium supplement along with Vitamin D, which work together to keep bones strong, as well as Vitamin C, which helps the body absorb the calcium.

In addition to dairy products, there are other sources of calcium including leafy greens like kale and collard greens. Almonds and sesame seeds are also good sources.

Be aware of medications you may take that negatively impact the body’s calcium intake such as Nexium, which many people take because of stress.

Smoking, alcohol and carbonated drinks (soda) leach the body of calcium.

Bone Density Scans starting around menopause. “They are a great way to keep an eye on your bone health,” says Dr. Crozier.

berkswomen2women.com 37

Photos by: Rebecca J. Doubek

Health 2Wellness

A Fermenting Journey...

Rebecca J. Doubek, Doubek Worldwide Media

I

took my first sip of kombucha tea about 3 years ago with my nose plugged and a trepidation like a child taking a sip of cough syrup. I had no idea that first sip would open me up to a whole new world. Little did I know I would soon be brewing my own kombucha and taking up counter space to ferment kefir and veggies.

I’m a “connect-the-dots” kind of girl. I believe that the actions we take and choose in our lives are yoked to specific outcome and consequence. Some good, some bad. I am often surprised at how frequently people overlook the connection between what they put in their bodies and how they feel. What we eat, drink, medicate with, etc., has a direct connection to how we feel and how our bodies and minds respond.

Did you know that our bodies are largely made up of bacteria?

Like a whole lot of it. We have about a hundred trillion bacterial cells! When I began to experiment with fermented foods, I fell in love with the science and the simplicity of good bacteria.

Our genome is our genetic makeup, DNA, genes, etc. So for every gene in your genome, there are about 100 bacterial ones. They call it a microbiome. Many researchers and doctors believe this is the guiding force for our health and overall well-being. And lots of things can impact the bacteria that live in our microbiome, like what we eat.

Studies have shown that the “health” of our microbiome may play a big role in the wellness of our whole body and brain func38 Women2Women Winter 2016

tion. Everything from food cravings, mental health and depression, immune systems, neurological disorders, even cancer. This highly complicated community of bacteria is in the driver’s seat when it comes to our whole health.

Once I began to read about and research ways to restore gut health to the microbiome, I was hooked. It just made sense to me. Connect the dots…put good bacteria into the gut and begin to re-establish your overall health. I began following a blog about fermenting, picked up a book with recipes and started to dip my toe in the world of fermentation.

“Kefir, kombucha and cultured vegetables are packed with powerful, beneficial bacteria that enhance the flora in your gut. Ingesting these bacteria leads to colonization and, thus, to a healthy immune force…when you eat a probiotic food, the food itself provides a protective armor that helps shield the friendly bacteria.”

— Donna Schwenk, “Cultured Food For Life”

I started just buying kefir and kombucha. These two beverages are rich in healthy “good” bacteria. Kefir is more like a runny yogurt where as kombucha is made from tea and is more like soda, carbonated and with a strong taste. Fermented foods can include things like sauerkraut, yogurt, fermented veggies, pickles, and kimchi.

My first sip of kombucha was incredibly fizzy and had almost a vinegary smell. I was skeptical but sipped slowly and was surprised that it wasn’t so bad. I quickly developed a taste for the fizzy tea, sampling different flavors and brands. Several local grocery stores and specialty health stores in Berks County carry both kefir and kombucha offerings, so it was easy to find.

My husband started drinking kombucha, too. At the time, he was a daily ibuprofen popper, thanks to years of competitive sailing and sports. He told me one day as I was making a grocery list that we were out of kombucha and that I should get more. “I don’t know what’s in that stuff, but I feel better after I drink it.” Soon the daily dose of ibuprofen wasn’t necessary.

That was a testament I hadn’t expected but I was also feeling the effects of this powerful drink. I introduced kefir to my kids and it became a favorite. It was also great in smoothies. I even found kefir popsicles! It was having a positive impact on my family but what was it doing?

Read the back of a kefir bottle and you’ll see a lot of “lacto-” words referring to the many strains of bacteria present, in addition to the yeast strains. Kefir is typically made with milk and is naturally lactose free as the lactic acid is eaten up in the fermentation process. You can also make water kefir and use milk alternatives. Homemade kefir is thought to have between 30–56 strains of good bacteria.

Yogurt? Just 7–10.

A kombucha bottle will reveal it has 1 billion organisms of Probiotic Bacillus, among other things. Kombucha is thought to detoxify the liver (yes, it’s great for a hangover cure!), improve eyesight, relieve headaches and migraines, improve digestion, help heal ulcers and ease joint pain.

When I began researching how to make these fermented foods at home, I was surprised to find a whole online community of avid fermenters and bloggers eager to share their experiences. Many will tell you that making your own fermented foods and beverages provides you with a much more powerful bacteria for your gut, as well as it being much more cost-efficient. Kefir, kombucha and fermented foods can be expensive, especially if you are trying to put them in your daily diet.

I decided to start with kefir grains. I ordered my starter pack online and within a day received some milk-white-looking grains in small plastic bag. It reminded me of large tapioca or cous cous.

I was fermenting in mason jars, but I found making kefir to be a little tricky for my first attempt. I had so many questions and so Continued on page 40 berkswomen2women.com 39

Health 2Wellness many unsure moments. I referred to the online information a lot. The good news is I could still eat the “errors,” like my first batch of kefir which I left a bit too long and made cheese!

Next I decided to try my hand at kombucha, so I set out to find a Scoby.

Scoby stands for “Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast” and you need this to ferment the tea. Frankly, it’s a little bizarre looking. It looks like it might be the remnants of a petrie dish growth gone awry.

Also called a “mother” or a “mushroom,” you use a large one for kombucha brewing. I had a fellow fermenter friend give me my first one. Scobys grow quickly and you’ll often find you have more than you need.

Yes, it looks like something from the movie Aliens, but it’s full of powerful goodness. So I got over the weird looking thing and made kombucha. A few of my friends are a little freaked by the crock full of scobys in my kitchen!

40 Women2Women Winter 2016

It was easier than I thought. I recycled my previously purchased kombucha bottles and used those to bottle my first batch. I waited about 10 days, then did a second ferment to flavor the tea. To my surprise, my kombucha was awesome!

Fermented vegetables were my last experiment. I ordered starter cultures online and by this time, my mason jar stash had grown significantly. I went a little crazy, fermenting everything I could, pickles, kraut, cauliflower and tomatoes.

In my experience, the veggies and fruits are the easiest thing to ferment. You can actually make kraut and pickles without buying starter and just making a simple salt brine with filtered water. You need a culture starter for other veggies, but pickles and kraut are a great way to start with your first ferment. The biggest difference between other recipes you’ll find for making pickles or kraut, or even store bought versions, is that fermenting these foods does not use vinegar, which kills all the good bacteria. You don’t want vinegar anywhere near your good bacteria.

My recent favorites are a fermented tomato salsa that is tangy and just enough spice, orange zest jicama and fermented salsa verde.

I’ve taken these recipes and tweaked them a bit as I’ve gotten more comfortable with fermenting. I love trying new things and new recipes in the name of good health.

And I’ve connected the dots. Good bacteria in my diet = good health. So raise a bottle of kombucha, a glass of kefir or a spoonful of fermented veggies and say “Cheers!” to your health!

berkswomen2women.com 41

Health 2Wellness

New Year Skin Resolutions & Expert Tips for Solving Winter Skin Problems Peter Campanella M.D., Co-Owner JS Medspa, Medical Director, and Julie Stubler, Co-Owner JS Medspa, Licensed Skin & Laser Specialist

When making resolutions for 2016, working out or eating healthy may be at the top of your list. But why not also make a resolution to be good to your skin and commit to making some positive changes? It’s an opportunity to make a few simple tweaks to your routine that can yield lasting radiant results. After all, winter’s harsh weather conditions bring a bevy of skin problems. Luckily, we were able to sit down with Julie Stubler of JS MEDSPA to get her expert advice on how to prevent and treat winter’s most common skin issues, as well as getting our complexion in tip-top shape with a simple new year regime for the best skincare year yet!

1. Many women use lighter moisturizers during the spring

and summer months, and more intensely hydrating ones in the winter. At what point should we make the switch?

When the temperatures fall below 60 degrees, people typically feel a tightening sensation which is one of the first signs of dry or dehydrated skin.

2. What type of moisturizer or what types of ingredients in a moisturizer should we look for? Any recommendations for those who have acne-prone skin? For acne-prone skin we really

love the Hydrance Serum by Avene. It is a water based moisturizing serum that doesn’t contain pore clogging ingredients, but hydrates the skin beautifully because it doesn’t contain oils. For normal to dry skin types, we love Circadia’s Aquaporin hydrating cream. It contains avocado, olive oil and macadamia nut oils that rehydrate dry, flaky skin.

42 Women2Women Winter 2016

3. In addition to moisturizers, are there other types of products

you recommend using to help skin handle harsh weather conditions this time of year? It is important to avoid harsh cleansers

that can dry and strip the skin. Using a cleanser that is pH balanced and formulated to cleanse the skin gently without irritating is best.

4. Dry, scaly skin seems to go hand-in-hand with blistering

weather. What handy exfoliating tips can you give? Using a professional or medical grade Vitamin A that is recommended for your skin type and advice on how to use can make the biggest difference in how your skin feels during extreme weather conditions. A useful tip is to AVOID harsh granular exfoliants. Also, AVOID daily use of mechanical brushes.

Everyone seems to get this item as a gift for themselves. Ask a skin care professional how often to use your mechanical brush for best results.

5. Eczema flare-ups seem to increase during the winter. What tips can you give to avoid and treat this skin condition? PROTECT that

skin. For the hands, wear gloves! The harsh winter air is very drying, ripping moisture from the skin causing an extreme compromise in the skin. The skin cracks and inflammation occurs. Apply a hand cream immediately after washing hands.

We recommend the Avene Cold Cream Hand Cream. It is fragrance free and grease free. You can feel an immediate relief as soon as it is applied.

This is dermatologist tested and safe for use for all skin types and ages.

6. Do you have a go-to solution for addressing cracked, chapped lips? Of course. The Avene Cold Cream Lip

Balm is perfect for lips of all ages. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved. It will soothe and protect the delicate tissue on lips. Children need this protection before playing outdoors, walking to the bus stop and throughout the day. They will love how soft and smooth their lips feel.

7. When it’s cold and dry, wrinkles and crows’ feet tend to

become more pronounced. What type of products would you recommend using to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? We have a wonderful Wrinkle Ninja called the Myo Cyte

RX! It is a power peptide that stimulates connective tissue (collagen) to reduce wrinkles or fine lines. Hydrating the skin is key in extreme weather conditions. You must constantly replace the natural moistening factors that dry heat in your home or workplace strip. Also, professional skin treatments that can stimulate NMF (natural moisturizing factors) cellular renewal and collagen stimulation are key to survive the war on aging.

ALSO...you must use a daily dose of topical Vitamin C to protect the skin.

8. What are some mistakes you’ve seen women make as

they try to keep skin hydrated during the winter months?

Using greasy moisturizers to hydrate dry skin which lays on the surface and accumulates. The heavy moisturizers (drug store brands) clog the skin resulting in large pores and major congestion. And using harsh exfoliants. Many woman and teens try to scrub the dry skin off which in turn results in inflammation and breakouts.

10. Last but not least, we all want younger radiant-glowing

skin. Can you recommend a simple new year regimen that would apply to most skin types? Absolutely, it is super easy. Protect

during the day and correct at night. Using a sophisticated skin care routine can transform skin within one month! Seek out a PROFESSIONAL skin care specialist and advice for exfoliating or rejuvenating treatments – and discuss homecare options. There is a wonderful network of PROFESSIONALLY trained Estheticians in Berks County who are very passionate in what they do and LOVE nothing more than to assist you or your teen with the right skin maintenance for glowing beautiful skin. Contrary to popular belief this is not an expensive process at all. Skin care can be very affordable. In fact, discuss your budget with your professional and you will happily see that she/he will take that into great consideration.

9. We all know sunscreen is a must, but do we need to use a

different UV strength this time of year? Love this question. The Light Daytime Sunscreen SPF 37 by Circadia is not only award-winning but a superior sun protection that lightly hydrates and protects your skin from the daily UV that can damage our skin. Although we are not protecting the skin from UVB (burning rays) in the winter seasons, we still drive our cars, work near windows and have some activity outdoors. Using a "daily" SPF is most appropriate for this time of the year. If you are snow boarding or skiing, the UV rays are intense and can burn the skin if not protected.

Also, Peter Campanella, M.D., co-owner of JS Medspa, would want you to take precautions in protecting your eyes when outdoors as well. berkswomen2women.com 43

Women2Know More Women2Know looks behind the scenes at outstanding women who have successfully contributed to an organization’s successes, inspire and motivate others to achieve, and personify the mission and objectives of Women2Women.

Tracy Panase Owner of the Franchise:

Just Between Friends

he summer between my eighth and ninth birthday, I started my first “business.” I had this brilliant idea that moms in my neighborhood could drop their kids off at my house from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and for $2 (yes, $1 an hour) I would provide crafts, snacks and games. I made fliers and put them in mailboxes, posted that same flier on community bulletin boards and invited all my little friends. This was circa 1975 when apparently mothers did not think twice about leaving their children with an inexperienced 8-year-old because “Toddler Time with Tracy” was a hit! I remember getting so many kids that my mom told me I needed a “waiting list.” The reality was she didn’t want to have to feed (and supervise from the kitchen window) 20 kids.

From this humble beginning, I moved on to running a successful afternoon paper route.

Does anyone remember evening newspapers?!

And the list goes on and on. For as long as I can remember, I have always worked and worked really, really hard.

44 Women2Women Winter 2016

I went on to do what most kids do…I went to college, got a degree, landed a good job, got married, had kids…the whole 9 yards.

While I have always had this passion for working for myself, I tend to be risk adverse.

Working in corporate America was always a safe bet, but never quite enough.

When my son (who is now 18) was just 2 years old, a family friend gave him this really cool (and tasty) “cookie on a stick.” I thought this was such a great gift—it was personalized, unique and above all, a really high-quality product. My husband John, who is an engineer by trade, also found this to be a clever idea and began to research the company. Six months later, we bought the franchise and within 3 years, we owned four locations.

on this journey of self-employment is to find someone who can provide balance in your business relationship. Being self-employed is not for the faint of heart and having a voice of reason or in my case, encouragement, has been vital.

We owned our first venture for 13 years.

During that time, I went from being all “in,” to going back to corporate America midstream.

In 2004 when the economy started to turn and we had two small children, we felt that it was better for our family, and marriage, if we diversified.

Signing the front of a paycheck is much different than signing the back. I returned to the very comfortable environment of corporate marketing but never lost the “urge” to call something my own.

This was the start of our entrepreneurial roller coaster and believe me, it has been quite For us, franchise opportunities have always a ride. When I say “we can’t,” John is quick been the most attractive. Franchising enables to respond “of course we can, and we will.” you to be in business for yourself, but not My first piece of advice to anyone starting by yourself. Buying into a proven system has

provided someone like me who tends to worry about all of the “what ifs” with a network of support and proven methodologies.

In 2008, following the loss of both of my parents, I took a brief break from work.

I was commuting over three hours a day, traveling all over the globe and had two young children…something had to give.

During this hiatus, John stumbled across a unique “part-time” franchise opportunity.

The company was called Just Between Friends (JBF)—the concept was so simple, that it was brilliant. Moms sell their children’s gently used clothing, toys, books, games and baby gear during a semi-annual 4 day event. The franchisee was responsible for marketing the event, securing the venue, staffing the sale and running a twice yearly pop up shop. Right up my alley—despite the fact I had zero experience in the consignment industry. Looking back at my entire career, this is another theme—I have never been the most qualified. What I have been is the one with the strongest drive.

When I was delivering newspapers out of my parent’s station wagon, my dad would say to me, “Always play to your strengths.” With JBF, I found a business partner who could work “in” the business while I focused “on” the business. My role for the first five years was primarily the back-end efforts, such as website, marketing, advertising and public relations.

It worked! We started with two territories and quickly grew to be named “Franchisees of the Year” and top achievers in the system.

The initial success with Just Between Friends took place while I held another full time corporate marketing position. My “real” job enabled me to work from home—giving me the flexibility needed to maintain two demanding positions.

As our business continued to grow, so too did the time commitment. Five years into our venture, my partner decided it was time for her to step aside, which gave me the opportunity to purchase her share of the company. Another turning point…

In 2014, I became the sole owner of two of the largest JBF sales in the country and maintained my full time job. Despite the fact that I had been doing this for five years, there was this nagging voice in my head telling me that something (what, I don’t know) was going to force this thriving business to come crashing down. I held on to my corporate job—taking all of my nights, weekends and vacation days to run JBF. We continued to exceed expectations in 2014 and 2015, resulting in the purchase of a 3rd territory in the fall of 2015. In anticipation of launching this new venture, I left the corporate world for the third, and I believe, final time. I did so with a great deal of support from my husband, the JBF team and the communities that we serve through our events. I always tell people, “If I can do this, anyone can.” It takes passion, organization and above all, a willingness to drive…sometimes, you just need a little push!

berkswomen2women.com 45

Idea Exchange

What is Ghee? And Its Benefits?

Brit Maack Account Executive, Loomis Company Author, Own Your Life blog

“What does not kill you makes you stronger, diamonds are made under pressure, courage is grace under fire, strength is gained through adversity”… It appears to be a universal truth that when rising above a tumultuous time or event, someone or something leaves improved. However, this truth is not limited to the luster of a diamond or the strength of a person; even a simple American staple such as butter can be refined under the burden of heat.

Yes, as delicious as butter is, it has a poor reputation for being a diet offender, but bring butter to its melting point and I promise it will make a solid return, literally, and that return is butter’s mature cousin, Ghee.

What is Ghee? Well, Ghee is the purified essence of butter.

Through slowly melting butter one removes the lactose and caseins and is left with a smooth oil called Ghee. This smooth oil is rich and creamy like butter, spreadable like butter, smells like butter, I mean, I can’t believe it’s not butter! Well, until I hear the benefits of Ghee, then I understand that we are clearly not talking about butter, but we are talking about Ghee.

A Few Benefits Include: • • • • •

Allergen free, since the casein and lactose is removed in the heating process; those sensitive to dairy can enjoy.

Rich in Vitamin K2 and CLA, an antioxidant with antiviral properties (when sourced from grass fed cows).

A very high smoking point making it great for cooking.

Aids in digestion, due to its butyric acid content.

Is a skin superfood, perfect bedtime moisturizer.

There is no surprise of the sophistication of Ghee; it has had centuries to mature. Believe it or not, Ghee has been around for the past 4,000 years. If only men could mature for 4,000 years, but I digress! After learning Ghee’s long history I was stumped to why I have only recently heard of butter’s refined cousin, but with the rise of healthy alternatives, I and other health professionals, believe it may even make the list of next superfoods!

Where can you find Ghee? I found the brand Simply Ghee in West Reading at Say Cheese’s market. Simply, Ghee is fairly rare because they use 100% grass fed cows providing those strong antioxidant, anti-viral benefits. Also, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down to lunch with the owners of Simply Ghee, two pretty awesome ladies who followed their dreams, noses and tummies to become local producers of this liquid gold!

Be sure to check out their product at www.simplyghee.com.

46 Women2Women Winter 2016

berkswomen2women.com 47