Life throws you curveballs sometimes. From a broken bone needing an emergency room visit, to a late night allergic reaction requiring virtual care, to the importance of regular check-ups, the location of your care matters. Penn State Health understands and offers you more options to access our nationally ranked care:
• OnDemand Virtual Care
• Penn State Health Medical Group locations throughout the county
• Penn State Health Urgent Care in Maidencreek, Muhlenberg and Strausstown
• Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center in Bern Township
To find a provider near you visit pennstatehealth.org/berks-county or call our physician referral specialist at 610-378-2001
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Rachael Romig, Editor 606 Court Street
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Reflections
Ifeel renewed. The sun is shining, people are heading back to their offices (albeit slowly) and things are starting to feel normal again. It felt like this day would never come.
I also had a baby girl since the last time we talked. Miss Penelope Anne debuted on March 25th and with her she brought renewed hope for me. Whether you are a mom or not, it’s a lot of pressure being the influence to a young woman. She will be strong, smart, kind, loud, bossy, honest, loyal, no-nonense but silly… all those things and more… and I’M supposed to teach her?! She reminded me that I should continue to be myself and involve her in my passions and experiences to help her grow. And as life returns back to normal, I can do that with her.
One of the big areas of formation for a young person is their surroundings – news, social media, and the increasing use of technology – and this magazine focuses on how you can sift through what is real, how to find news sources, and how to keep your integrity with so many loud voices around you pushing you to their own views. And how to disconnect from your phone…let’s just say our author on page 28 couldn’t, and she had to change her article! Hilarious. And terrifying.
Learning from past generations is also a huge piece of becoming who you are, so we wanted to hear from all generations on where they find their news, healthcare, and learning more about yourself and family for your own health.
It all ties together, doesn’t it? I wish all readers a happy summer. Try not to pressure yourself too much; “normal” activities may be resuming but nervousness still holds, so take it slow and easy. And if you want to get outdoors with Women2Women, we have some fun events to ease you back in to in person events.
See you soon.
Rachael Romig Senior Director - Events & Special Programs Women2Women | Family Business Alliance
Inspiration
She was not fragile like a flower. She was fragile like a bomb.
- Frida Kahlo
Totally Liberal Bias/Conspiracy Theories Hyper Partisan Liberal (questionable jounalistic value)
Confirms existing biases; won’t help convincing others. Be careful how much you hang out here.
News Media Bias
YOUR GUIDE TO A HEALTHY NEWS DIET
“You are what you eat.” We’ve all heard this expression, but did you know you’re also what news and information you consume?
That’s what news literacy and media technology experts say – and they’ve been studying it for years, since the release of developer Clay Johnson’s 2012 bestseller, The Information Diet: The Case for Conscious Consumption. And while developers, journalists, and educators have come up with all sorts of applications to help track consumption, discover news, and make it more relevant, it falls upon each of us to make conscious consumption a priority.
Continued on page 8
What was Johnson’s theory? That just as healthy food consumption impacts our wellbeing – as individuals and as a society – it’s just as important to consider the causes and effects of mindless consumption of information. Gobbling up news and information without giving it appropriate consideration has an impact on your life, identity, attention span, and ability to participate in democracy.
Johnson has even gone as far to compare what we are experiencing to “information obesity.” In a National Public Radio (NPR) conversation, Johnson said, “Obesity is a complicated problem. Obviously, obesity has to do with access, and obesity has to do with the economic conditions, but it sometimes also has to do with overeating, and the same thing happens with information. I think a lot of people don’t have great access to information and good information … And that means that we must make empowered decisions and informed decisions about what it is that we’re consuming. It’s the only way to sort of ‘live right’ online.” Now, more than ever, it’s vital to develop and practice healthy, empowering consumption habits. The COVID-19 pandemic, with all its associated societal issues, has forced millions to absorb overwhelming amounts of news and information. And in this extraordinary time, as a 2020 Psychology Today article by Patrick L. Plaisance, Ph.D., pointed out, “Reading and watching good journalism regularly can also cultivate the habit of contemplation,
of considering oneself in relation to the world. That habit of contemplation can, in turn, exercise the muscle of curiosity, leading us to ask more questions about what we know and do not know. Psychologists have long suggested this cultivation of contemplation and curiosity is how we develop the ability of empathy.”
But how to control the way information enters our lives? The News Literacy Project (NLP), a nonpartisan national education nonprofit, has some answers.
The NLP provides programs and resources for educators and the public to teach, learn and share the abilities needed to be smart, active consumers of news and information – and equal and engaged participants in a democracy.
“I think there is a real danger in the digital age to just view everything as content, and with that comes kind of a false equivalency that everything has the same standards, credibility, or value,” said Peter Adams, the News Literacy Project’s senior vice president for educational programs. “I really like Clay Johnson’s point that consuming highly partisan pundits can be really indulgent in the same way it can be indulgent to sit and eat too many gummy bears.”
The NLP advocates that in addition to providing empty calories, diets high in partisan punditry simply confirm preconceived
worldviews that distract viewers from thinking critically about issues at hand. As a first step towards becoming aware of consumption habits, NLP suggests thinking about “information neighborhoods” that represent seven different types of content— news, opinion, entertainment, advertising, propaganda, publicity, and raw information.
The NLP recommends categorizing each piece of information you encounter by determining its primary purpose and creator. The nonprofit encourages regular consumption of news bulletins, like NPR’s “Top of the Hour,” which is easily accessible online and on mobile, and wire services, like Reuters’ iPhone app. Eventually, you can build your own network of sources.
Keep in mind that there is no consensus on what “healthy” news items are – so experts recommend eliminating distraction, so you have the space to gain perspective and think critically about the media you decide to consume. By starting with a clutter-free information diet, you have a greater chance of focusing on what is happening and what is important.
“When people become outrage-free, these problems become very obvious,” Johnson said. He’s talking about the habit many have of reacting with outrage to largely meaningless news items on social media.
“I really see a lot of potential in people going out of their way to put themselves in the way of high-quality information and of opinion pieces that are different from their own,” the NLP’s Adams said. “That might mean following some pundits on
FAMILY-OWNED,
Family-involved
These four words characterize the Leader family’s role in the senior living profession for more than 55 years. Last year, the third generation of our family in the person of Meredith Janeczek Mills, granddaughter of Country Meadows founders George M. and Mary Jane Leader, took on a senior leadership position in the company—chief operating officer. Meredith is one of nine members of the Leader and Janeczek families employed by Country Meadows. Five of the nine are in the third generation. Collectively the nine of us have more than 150 years of experience in healthcare. I like to say the profession is imbedded in our family genes.
So, you might say, “What’s the big deal? ” The deal is about quality and experience. My father used to say, “You pay a lot more attention to what’s happening and work harder when your name is attached to the business.” And, I might add, because we love what we do.
We understand the critical success factors in senior living and know when something is missing. Unlike providers whose corporate leadership is headquartered in another state or even on the West Coast, our family lives and works in central Pennsylvania. We can drive to every campus easily. Family members either work full-time
Twitter with whom you generally don’t agree but you respect and find fair. And actually go ahead and read those. That to me is more like eating your peas than reading a straight news report from a source every day, for example.”
Experts agree that following the right combination of sources on social media is a must. The trick is to isolate a news-reading platform and make sure it is supplying a good balance of content. As the Psychology Today article explained, “In today’s chaotic media landscape, a duty of self-improvement means thinking about our news “diet” and cultivating healthy habits. It means we have a moral responsibility to work on our media literacy—and, more specifically, our literacy about journalism content. It means cultivating the habit of paying attention to stories that are not merely entertaining. It means resisting the temptation in our polarized society to dismiss anything we disagree with as “biased” and becoming more aware of our own cognitive biases. It means we must understand the differences between partisan media outlets and mainstream journalism organizations that strive for professionalism.”
In a 2017 article in Forbes, Paul Glader, an associate professor of journalism at The King’s College in New York City, and media scholar at The Berlin School of Creative Leadership, offered his list of 10 reputable mainstream news outlets. Glader’s list is a good start:
Continued on page 10
on a campus or visit one or more of our communities every week. With so many years of experience, along with regular exposure to what’s happening through personal visits, we are better able to assess problems when they exist and start the process to fix them.
On behalf of the Leader-Janeczek family, we hope we have the opportunity to serve your family
An editorial submission from G. Michael Leader, President & CEO of Country Meadows Retirement Communities
The Leader-Janeczek family
• The New York Times
• Wall Street Journal
• The Washington Post
• BBC
• The Economist
• The New Yorker
• Wire Services: The Associated Press, Reuters, Bloomberg News
• Foreign Affairs
• The Atlantic
• Politico
“While some may criticize mainstream media outlets for a variety of sins, top outlets such as The Washington Post, the New York Times, NBC News and the New Republic have fired journalists for… ethics violations,” Glader wrote. For most partisan-driven media sites on both ends of the political spectrum, that doesn’t happen. Younger generations especially need to understand the editorial “voices” of the above-mentioned outlets, and most other mainstream news organizations remain distinct from their newsgathering staff, rather than presuming that both kinds of content come from the same people.
“My fantasy app that will probably never exist would be to have a nutrition label on websites so we could immediately see what is in the piece and how much value it has to us,” said Maureen Freeman, the NLP’s Washington, DC, region program manager.
“But it comes down to education and people learning to do it themselves, because obviously there are not labels on information. And it’s worth it to take the time and give yourself quality.”
While there are no common standards on what constitutes a healthy diet, there does seem to be a consensus on what healthy practices are:
• Clear away distractions to manage consumption time
• Develop a process to assess the reliability of a news source
• Prioritize newsfeed content, by limiting your consumption to the news and information relevant to your professional life.
Recently, Johnson offered his own steps online:
• Keep a journal of information access and use.
• Cut the cord and build a system to regulate information intake.
• Set up your system with tools like RescueTime, AdBlock, BlockPlus, SaneBox.
Adams concluded, “I think that the [food] metaphor really drives home the seriousness of the role that information plays in our lives and why it is important to pay attention to what you take in, or what you expose yourself to.”
By cultivating mindful habits, and using tools that help facilitate them, you can build your own healthy news diet that encourages long-term learning and civic action. 2
By
Jennifer Goldsmith Cerra, Communications Manager Herbein + Company, Inc.
THE IMPACT of the Changing Media Landscape:
How to Make Sense of Media Trends
The media cycle is never ending from social media to newspaper, radio, and television…it never stops. According to Statista.com consumers around the world spend an average of 463 minutes or over 7.5 hours per day with media. American consumers tend to average more time than most, as media is a major part of their daily lives. Although the ways in which media is consumed are changing, Americans still spend around 369 minutes per day with traditional media (newspaper, television, and radio) along with 363 minutes of digital media (social media and online news sources). The media landscape is changing at a fast pace due to digital technology. Americans can get more media quicker but is this better? Digital media has vastly changed the way we consume news. Smartphones have given way to endless apps and websites that enable citizens to view news when, where, and how they want to. However, it seems not all of these news site are sharing accurate information. In recent years due to social media there has also been an influx of misinformation largely due to fake news. The Communication Faculty at Alvernia University teamed up to write this article in order to help others understand the lastest media trends and become better informed citizens.
A PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE MEDIA INDUSTRY
The last ten years have brought about significant change in technology leading to an ongoing revolution in media content and media creators. Although traditional TV and radio remain important players in the media landscape, their influence is waning. According to Nielsen statistics, the percentage of Americans watching broadcast television during the week declined from 92% in 2019 to 87% in the first quarter of 2021. Furthermore, a study by New York University indicated that
“traditional radio has failed to engage with Generation Z (people born after 1995) and its influence and relevance will continue to decline unless it reinvents itself.” The decrease in traditional TV viewership and radio listenership is nothing new. With the emergence of cable TV in the 1980s, the growth of the Internet in the 1990s, and the proliferation of social media and streaming video/audio in the 2000s, a paradigm shift has been taking place in the media industry. In addition to the big budget media productions for both news and entertainment, more and more everyday people are publishing content for specialized audiences with personal smart devices and a microphone.
So, where are people going for their media content? Who is creating it? The answers aren’t simple, but a deep dive into recent data helps to fill in the picture:
• According to Statistica, there are 3.78 billion social media users worldwide and averaging about 2.5 hours per day;
• GlobalWebIndex indicates that 54% of Internet users use social media to research products and services;
• Pew Research states that 86% of American adults get their news from digital devices, with 68% getting information from news websites, 12% from online searches, 11% from social media, and 3% from podcasts;
• Between 2014 and 2020, the number of bloggers in the United States increased by 10 million;
• Interest in podcasting continues to grow, with approximately 2 million original podcast shows, and 75% of podcast listeners listening in to learn new things;
Continued on page 10
• There were more than 37 million YouTube channels in 2020, a growth of 23% from the previous year;
• As cited on VloggingPro, more than “44% of Internet users watch vlogs” (video logs) each month, with the typical user watching 100 minutes a day of online videos, “which amounts to watching 5 billion YouTube videos per day in total,” with product review videos, how-to/educational videos, and vlog talk shows as the top three video types.
Media fragmentation is pervasive. Fragmentation is a division of media that refers to the increase in user choice and consumption from the web to mobile to offline. Media content now comes from diverse channels including traditional TV and radio, blogs and podcasts, print books and magazines, ebooks and ezines, websites, databases, direct mail, email, print advertising, content marketing, social media apps, etc. While today’s media creators still include established entertainers, media outlets, trained journalists and pundits, many more consumers are going to corporate and small business websites, social media influencers at the macro and micro level, and everyday folks sharing, liking, and posting content in a variety of places.
How are these changes affecting business professionals? According to WordStream Advertising and Media Space Solutions, ezine publications and blogging have continued growing as a medium of communication with over 409 million people viewing more than 23.6 billion pages each annually. Businesses who incorporate
blogs as part of their marketing content get 97% more links to their websites. Furthermore, research by the Omnicore Agency indicates that multimedia content such as streaming video and audio is 50 times more likely to drive search traffic to a site than plain text alone. As of 2021, podcast enthusiasts spend 15 billion hours listening to their favorite audio shows each year. Worldwide, people are creating YouTube content and uploading approximately 500 hours of video every minute. Only 1% of millennials indicate they are persuaded by ads; rather, they are drawn to high quality content such as found on a YouTube channel, blog, or podcast. With the increased interest in blogs, vlogs, and podcasts, it’s predicted that the content marketing industry will be worth approximately $412 billion by the end of 2021. Ideally, business professionals should consider building a content marketing strategy that utilizes several content marketing types: blog content marketing, PR content marketing, social media content marketing, podcast content marketing, infographic content marketing, video content marketing, and/or paid ad content marketing.
MEDIA TRENDS AND MENTAL HEALTH
There is plenty in the news about the effects of current media trends on our physical and mental health. But the cure might just be in the disease. A majority of Americans, more than 80%, say they prefer to get their news via a digital device like a smart phone or a table (Pew, 2021). Especially in the under 30 crowd, news is accessed via social media most of the time (Pew, 2021). It can become impossible to take a break from the barrage of negative images and headlines. The stress is on our feed.
The good news is the same apps that provide us with news media can give us a break from it. A report by Common Sense Media (2021) indicates that this trend also has an upside: young people are using social media to manage their own mental health by tapping into resources via snapchat and TikTok, staying connected to peers, and seeking out their own sources of inspiration. This can also be true for women who frequently share photos and seek support on Twitter and Facebook (Pew, 2015). Engaging with a support network online – especially since the COVID Pandemic – can actually lower stress for women because of the social connections we engage with in our networks.
Because social media is responsive to what we tell it we want to see by clicking and sharing, we can teach our feeds to stop stressing us out by being selective about what we read, which accounts we follow, and where we comment.
Even in 2019, Americans felt that misinformation was a “big problem” in the country, even more so than violent crime or climate change. Per a 2019 Pew survey1, half of Americans polled said made-up news and information was a very big problem, with 68% of respondents saying it impacted Americans’ confidence in government. Perhaps most troubling is that over half the respondents also said it affected Americans’ confidence in each other, but only 10% of respondents thought America would make progress in addressing misinformation.
2021 has seen little progress in meaningfully addressing the problems of misinformation, with vaccine hesitance being the latest challenge facing the country. A series of recent Kaiser Family Foundation2 polls show that between 13 and 15% of Americans refused COVID-19 vaccines between December 2020 and March 2021. Between 7 and 9% only intend to get vaccinated if they are required to do so. Unfounded and scientifically debunked fears about COVID-19 vaccines being linked to autism or other concerns about their safety are common themes in vaccine misinformation.
The most important way people can fight misinformation is not to spread it. Social media sharing allows for misinformation to propagate widely. If something appears inflammatory for inflammation’s sake, don’t share it. Consider talking privately to people you know who may be sharing misinformation on social media rather than doing a public call-out post. Acknowledging that everyone can be taken in by misinformation and showing compassion will make much more headway than another Facebook flame war.
One of the biggest spreaders of misinformation is “Fake News.” According to University of Michigan’s Library, “fake news” can be defined as those news stories that are false: the story itself is fabricated, with no verifiable facts, sources or quotes. Sometimes these stories may be propaganda that is intentionally designed to mislead the reader, or may be designed as “clickbait”
written for economic incentives (the writer profits on the number of people who click on the story). In recent years, fake news stories have proliferated via social media, in part because they are so easily and quickly shared online.
Fake News has become a big problem in recent years. In fact, more than half of US internet users say they regularly stumble upon fake news, and another 34% say this happens occasionally. While the percentage of false information on the internet is high, many also report finding fake news in traditional outlets. Namely, 31% of Americans say they regularly come across false news in print, television, and radio. Another 46% occasionally find some information they believe is fake, statistics show.
Some fake news stories are real stories that are reported incorrectly, because the publisher was not very thorough. However, some fake news stories are completely fabricated to get people to believe something that is not true. This can cause people to make misinformed decisions. In the 2016 presidential election, hundreds of fake news stories were spread around about both candidates primarily on social media. Many believe this caused citizens to base their votes on false stories which is problematic.
Since fake news is so prevalent citizens need to take it upon themselves to become media literate and know how to spot fake news. Unfortunately, this is not always an easy task because sometimes fake news is very carefully disguised to look like real news. Here are some questions and resources to assist you. The Maryland State Library Resource Center says you should ask yourself these three questions when evaluating a news story.
Question 1: Who is the creator?
Question 2: What is the message?
Question 3: Why was this created?
Continued on page 14
The following is a list of additional questions to help you figure out if a news story is fake.
• Is the story being reported anywhere else?
• Is there a byline or introduction, and are you aware of the person’s expertise?
• Is the author listed on the site, or is there an “about me” section?
• Does the organization have an “about us” link?
• What is the name of the organization creating or hosting the content?
• Look at the URL. Does it have a tilde ~ in it? This is frequently a personal site.
• Check for the ending of the website’s URL: .gov, .edu, .mil, and .org are more credible than websites that end in .com, .net, and many others.
• Search the Internet for more information about the author.
• Does the news story have a correct date?
It is always a good idea to verify information before you share it with others—in person or on social media. Below is a list of additional resources to assist you; these educational and non-profit institutions support media literacy education and have information on their websites.
Center for Media Literacy (CML)
Media Literacy Now
National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE)
The media landscape changes frequently due to digital advances and will continue to evolve rapidly. As the audience for online media increases so will the number of platforms. Therefore, it will be critical for individuals to become smart consumers of media. This will include maintaining a healthy balance of screen time as well as becoming media literate and knowing when to spot misinformation or fake news. Many public schools and universities are incorporating media literacy into their classes in order to help students navigate news sources. Further, the job outlook for careers in the media industry, particularly digital or social media, are on the rise. 2
By Jodi Radosh, Ph.D.,
Caroline Fitzpatrick,
Ph.D.,
Ryan Lange, Ph.D., and Danielle Saad, Ph.D., Alvernia University Department of Communication Faculty
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On the Local Front: Journalistic Integrity
Women2Women wanted to examine the evolution of journalism over the years. We spoke with three local female journalists who have worked in the journalism field for many years to get their insights. Karen L. Chandler (KC), Donna Reed (DR) and Susan Shelly (SS) shared their insights. Their responses shared a similar theme – BE BRAVE, HAVE A THICK SKIN, AND STICK TO THE ETHICS OF THE PROFESSION.
Has there been an evolution in the journalistic principles you learned? If so, what are some of the major changes?
KC: I began freelance writing for the Reading Eagle less than 10 years ago with my first assignments spent covering municipal meetings. My editor was very traditional and my initial assignments were returned and edited to remove any descriptive language that I felt enhanced my coverage. There was no use of words like “angry” or “sad” and people were quoted as saying things, never yelling or rebutting or shouting. Social media had not taken off at that time, so the sensationalism of click-bait was never considered. Facts were still king for that editor, even as recently as those few years ago.
DR: That’s both a good question and one that should never have to be asked. The basic principles of Journalism 101, both as I learned them and lived them, are these… (see sidebar) …and, no, I don’t believe that for true journalists, the principles have changed. It’s the definition of a journalist that has been watered down. Consequently, the public perception is understandably skewed and confused. The proliferation of talking heads and pundits, particularly on the three mainstream cable “news” networks, underscores the undermining of real journalists and quality news dissemination.
SS: I don’t believe journalistic principles such as truth, independence, accountability, transparency, and responsibility change – or ever should change. Someone who reports what they believe or claim to be news without relying on these principles is not acting in the spirit of true journalism.
Have those changes impacted how you approach writing a story?
KC: Although I’m no longer writing for the newspaper and the assignments that I take now are more apt to need my descriptors and creativity, the lessons I learned from that editor still echo in my mind. Of great importance as I write is a predominance on not imposing my opinion, despite the topic.
DR: It’s been a couple of years now since I’ve written a news story, but, no, those changes did not impact my approach to gathering the information from covering a municipal meeting to writing about a specific issue. The training ingrained in me by mentors and by experience has the needed professional staying power.
How, if at all, has the 24/7 news cycle changed the profession, including the transition from print to digital media?
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FEATURE
KC: Over the last several years, the desperation of newspapers to remain relevant has seemed to inspire dramatic headlines that are solely meant as click-bait. Unfortunately, many people are not willing or able to pay for subscriptions to the regional newspapers and take the tidbit of deceptive information found in that headline and run with it. The distortion spreads within social media comments, within households, and among friends, continuing to feed the current division we see both locally and nationally, making the burden heavy for journalists to report the facts and not feed the beast.
DR: It’s taken away the time that is essential to put together a quality piece. Tweets, Facebook, and Instagram and other multiplatform social media updates in real time take the reporter’s attention away from the material/news unfolding. The distractions play havoc with even the best journalists trying to pull together a meaningful and cohesive report. And, for the public, depending what they are seeing and at what time, viewers/readers may be looking at an outdated version that may have been replaced by an updated and more accurate piece.
As a lifelong print reporter, the demise of traditional newspapering remains a heartbreaker for me. The print news audience shrinks as dedicated readers age. Starting with USA Today, the goal of short, tight stories has evolved into shorter, tighter digital pieces. Consider the impact of reporting of the Bay of Pigs, Watergate, the Pentagon Papers, and Iran-Contra issues among others…newspapers were the keys to public awareness. On the local level over the decades, issues like corruption in Reading government, the county coroner’s office, and aberrant agri-business loans were all uncovered due to diligent, strong newspaper work. Now, there are neither the number of reporters nor the local independent ownership of the newspaper to undertake that kind of effort. And that’s mirrored across the country. Reporters are the watchdogs of democracy and they are being eliminated to all our peril.
SS: The 24/7 news cycle fundamentally changed the way news is delivered and received and gives people the ability to pick and choose the “news” they consume. Instead of getting our news from common, trusted sources like a network news anchor or a local newspaper, information can be found from outlets that range from far, far right to far, far left. As television journalist Katie Couric once said in an interview, “many news viewers are not looking for information, they are looking for affirmation.”
Over the last few years, there has been a lot of discussion about fake news. As a journalist, what steps do you take to ensure you are reporting facts?
KC: I learned with one trivial typo how important facts are early on during my news reporting. That is a lesson not easily forgotten when that error is brought to light at a full municipal meeting. It was not a mistake that actually affected anyone or anything, but for me, the public humiliation was the scar that remained to oversee my work ever since. I research thoroughly during the process, proofread carefully, and review for any potential misconceptions that could arise from the sentence construction.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM 101
By Donna Reed
• Never assume. Doing the requisite research on individuals and issues is essential to a strong and fact-filled news report.
• There are two (at least) sides to each story. Always reach out to those sources involved and let them respond. If they choose not to do so, make sure that’s noted in the story.
• A reporter’s opinion is neither needed nor valid in a news story. Credible reporters avoid any verbiage that lends itself to suggest any stance the writer may have. It is critical to avoid unnecessary adverbs and adjectives or catch phrases. Strong line editors are essential to excising these. (Columns and commentaries written by reporters are fine, but they must be clearly labeled as such.)
• The reporter is not the story. In a public setting, such as a municipal meeting, the reporter is the public’s eyes and ears – not the public’s voice. The reporter’s job is to relay the action by officials. Reports must keep a poker face and buttoned-up lips.
• Avoid personal relationships with those on assigned beats. This is a challenge, more so now with social media than it was prior to that. At the Reading Eagle, in my first years on staff, beats were changed immediately if editors had any indication a reporter had developed a friendship – or more – with someone he or she was responsible for covering. That was tough, even then, to do in a mid-sized community like Greater Reading. Now, I see reporters and their sources friending each other and commenting on personal social media posts. I believe that endangers the necessary objectivity needed in reporting local news.
• There is a reason the free press is both a constitutional guarantee and holds the nomenclature of “The Fourth Estate.” Journalists hold a sacred public trust. If a reporter does not feel that to his or her core, does not understand that he or she is accountable to the public at large, then it’s a terribly incorrect career choice.
• A thick skin is a requisite. Journalists are always under public scrutiny. Handling criticisms, even bullying, is part of the job. It’s a dance of sorts, remaining civil under verbal attack. Also, unfortunately, there’s now the need to know when a critic has crossed the line to become a potential physical threat. Then, it’s time to reach out to the authorities.
DR: Fake news is a double-sided thing. The past president used it frequently as a tool to discredit journalists who were doing their jobs reporting on him – and not acting as his public relations staff. It is also a real thing, not specific to any one organization. Historically, those engaging in fake news were rightfully called out and fired in order to ensure the credibility of their employers. That should still occur in reputable entities. The problem is that now whole new “news” organizations have sprung up and spew fake news – such as denying that the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre happened – and are somehow embraced and touted as purveyors of certain malevolent “truths.”
SS: Verify, verify, verify. I would never intentionally report something I knew was not true. However, I have made mistakes in reporting because I didn’t fully understand a complex situation and didn’t ask the right questions to get all the information I needed. I sometimes get sources very irritated by asking them to repeat information numerous times, but I’ve learned that it is the only way to make sure I fully understand the information on which I will base a story.
What can readers do to evaluate whether what they are reading or ingesting is factual?
KC: Rising to the temptations of click-bait on social media and headlines in newspapers and magazines is the worst pitfall for anyone seeking the truth. Obviously, if a topic is of interest or concern, reading more than one full article to gather as much information as possible is key.
DR: Read/watch as much news as you can. Compare and contrast different news reports. Watch CNN and Fox; ABC, NBC, CBS, the BBC, DW, and others as much as you can. Read The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal as well as The Hill, Politico, and The Week among others. Read the Reading Eagle, the local weeklies and watch local news to get the facts on news that directly impacts you. You’ll soon learn who the real journalists are. The more information you consume, the better citizen you’ll become.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt pressured to report on a story from a specific angle and if so, how did you deal with that?
DR: Yes. Once, on the business beat for the Reading Eagle in the early 1980s, I was asked to do a feature on a guy who produced one of those coupon books popular back then. I told my editor I was concerned the guy didn’t have a brick-and-mortar office/ address connected to the book and I was skeptical he was on the level. But my editor wanted the story and I went and interviewed him, wrote the article, and submitted it to my boss with strongly voiced misgivings. Turned out the book and guy were a fraud and I got the righteous complaint calls from businesses included in the book who never gave their permission to be a part of it. The editor’s name wasn’t on the article, but my byline was. I was not a happy camper. That editor was a great guy and we had a strong working relationship that I think was ultimately strengthened by this editorial misstep.
SS: I have on numerous occasions had individuals ask me to omit information from a story or not report something they said during a public meeting. But the job of a journalist, as stated in the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics, is to “be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable,” and that means you sometimes must be willing to have someone upset or angry at you. Journalism is not a job for someone with thin skin.
Has being a female journalist ever impacted the stories you were assigned?
KC: After covering a very heated municipal meeting regarding potential warehouse construction on farmland, I quoted a municipal supervisor as saying that the warehouse would never be built. The next month when I returned for the subsequent meeting, this supervisor called me out in front of the angry residents and accused me of misquoting him and that he never would have taken a stand that the warehouse would not come.
Continued on page 18
FEATURE
Only months later did another official tell me that what I wrote was accurate. I truly believe that that supervisor felt safe lashing out at me because he considered me a weak female, and no doubt knew that I would never confront him, which was true. I admit to becoming more fearful at whichever meetings I covered that seemed to be run by aggressive men and was overly alert to the quotes I included in my stories to protect myself from similar repercussions.
DR: Yes. When I joined the Reading Eagle staff in 1976, I was originally a GA (general assignment reporter) in the morning and relegated to writing weddings and “women’s stories” in the afternoon. As someone who interned on Capitol Hill during the Watergate years and held a dual degree in communications and political science, I was angered and somewhat humiliated by being shared with what was still the women’s section. But, within a year, thanks to folks like Heather Thomas and Christine Burger already on staff, the tides began to shift as our collective voices strengthened. I was soon covering the police beat, bankruptcy court, and backing up the City Hall reporter. I became the paper’s first female op-ed columnist in 1977. We all still shared writing obits, taking new arrivals (births), and compiling coming events logs, but overall things and assignments became more equitable as more female journalists like Karen Miller, Nora Coyne, Connie Leinbach, Janet Kelly, and Dawn Maurer among others grew our numbers and responsibilities. By the mid-1980s, several of us held editor positions.
SS: I don’t think so. Over the years I was a police reporter and still cover medical, business, education, and stories in a variety of other areas.
What advice would you give a female journalist starting her career on staying true to her principles?
KC: I believe that females staying true to their principles is an issue in general. As a non-confrontational person, I have felt the pressure of knowing people may not adhere to my beliefs and that my feelings may not be popular. Unfortunately, today’s divisive society does not seem to allow much room for differences and I personally find that staying quiet and staying on my path works best for me.
DR: If you truly value calling yourself a journalist, if it’s a sincere calling, you know what is right and what’s not. Hold true, even if it means butting heads with an editor. Follow protocol, but don’t be afraid to defend yourself through the chain of command on a matter you believe important; you’ll be more respected for doing so.
Put into practice – into every word written or spoken – what you were taught and what you’ve learned on the job. Be kind, be understanding, be available to your sources and report news stories without opinions to them or visible opinions to your viewers/readers. If you believe in journalism and your own practice of it, the principles will be an innate part of your everyday working life.
GARDEN PARTY
SS: Be brave. Ask the tough questions, even if you are hesitant or afraid to do so. At age 63 I am a far better journalist than I was when I was younger and less confident. Don’t let anyone get in your way of doing the very best job you can.
Anything else you want to add on the topic of journalistic integrity?
KC: It may sound trite, but honesty is still the best policy. And honesty does not mean omissions of important information. Or a clever twist of words that leaves a reader a bit unsure of what the facts really are.
DR: Now, more than ever, journalistic integrity is under fire –and justifiably so thanks to the politicization of the cable news and the often inaccurate and divisive information disseminated under the guise of “news” on so many social media platforms. Get to know which reporters have staying power, usually indicative of credible work. If as a reader or viewer, you find an error, contact the reporter or news outlet. As someone who worked for decades in print and briefly in broadcast, I can assure everyone that journalists strive to be correct and will certainly want to correct the record.
It’s been said that journalism if the first draft of history. Getting it right is a legacy which every real journalist hopes to share.
SS: Being a journalist has been an honor and a huge responsibility. Over the years I have been charged with telling many people’s stories. I’ve told the stories of parents who have lost children, a young woman who had just been diagnosed with uncurable cancer, as well as people who had accomplished more than they ever thought they could. When people share these parts of their lives with you, it’s a sacred duty to get their stories right because they are trusting you to do that. When someone shares with you the most important things that have ever happened to them – whether good or bad – you hold their stories and are obligated to tell them with the respect they deserve. 2
By Karen Klein, Fulcrum Information Resources kklein@fulcrum-info.com
Contributors’ biographies
KAREN CHANDLER is a native of Berks County who began a love of reading and writing at an early age. She worked as a technical writer and editor for a large corporation, but also spent time locally as a substitute teacher and nonprofit director. Most recently, Karen has been self-employed performing social media management, as well as professional writing services for the Reading Eagle and area businesses and publishers.
DONNA REED, a Berks native, is a graduate of The American University, Washington, DC, a city where she worked for two major news organizations. She logged 23 years as a Reading Eagle journalist before joining the former Berks County Chamber of Commerce as communications vice president. Subsequently, Reed served as assignment editor for 69 News/ Berks Edition. She's a former editor of The Historical Review of Berks County, former editor/columnist at The Ephrata Review, and is a Berks County Living magazine contributing writer. She’s taking a lead role in Reading’s upcoming 275th anniversary celebration, and serves on the boards of Crime Alert Berks County, BCTV, the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda, and GRCA’s Women2Women. Reed is in her fifth term on Reading City Council representing District 5.
SUSAN SHELLY is a freelance writer and editor. While she enjoys business, medical, and education-based writing, her favorite stories to tell are those of the struggles and achievements of others.
WOMAN2KNOW
What is the main purpose/ objective of Science Explorers?
Science Explorers provides hands-on science literacy programs to children ages 4-12
What led you to start Science Explorers in the very beginning?
As a young mom with three kids, I started Science Explorers in my garage in Lancaster County. We found that there wasn’t a lot of inquiry-based programming in the elementary schools. Teachers are under enormous pressure to meet the needs of all of their children so adding hands-on science experiments is not always at the top of the list. They just don’t have the time in a day. The children are at all different levels with all different skill sets. Science Explorers gives children time to explore and create without stringent time frames. Our programs are geared for preschool ages (4, 5 and 6) and our regular camp is for ages 7-12. We change the club topics every school year so our “Science Explorers” can attend for six years without repeating a topic.
Meet
JENNIFER MOOREHEAD Founder & CEO Science Explorers
How have you adapted your programs during 2020-21 to accommodate children? What can families look forward to in Summer and Fall of 2021?
Science Explorers has redesigned our entire business model. We now provide every lesson in an individual kit to minimize contact. Although we are anticipating being back to “live” programming this summer at select locations, the class sizes will be small and we will be following all CDC guidelines. We will also continue our virtual, prerecorded and written instruction offerings. We also have added our STEM kits with directions in Spanish in virtual, pre-recorded and written instructions. While a global pandemic has been very difficult, it enabled Science Explorers to go from basically the Tri State area to National by July of 2020. We have delivered clubs, camps and family science nights across the country to rave reviews. What has been really fun is to have friends or cousins that don't live near each other, or sometimes live across the country, participating in the same program. Virtual programming has opened up our world at Science Explorers.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about starting their own business but doesn’t know how to begin?
Write a business plan! There are templates you can follow and resources such as SCORE that will help guide you. A business plan gives you a roadmap or recipe to follow. If you don’t have a plan, it’s almost impossible to stay on track. Surround yourself with people that have skillsets that you do not possess. I started Science Explorers, but it is a completely different business than the one I started in 1999. We have an AMAZING team at Science Explorers. We would not have survived the pandemic without the dedication and commitment of our team. Don’t reward mediocrity…bad attitudes are bad for every business. Showing up counts…it’s not always going to be smooth sailing but if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
Is there any additional information that you would like to share?
We are so very grateful for all of our Science Explorers. Our families and children that support science literacy are our scientists of tomorrow! I believe if we have learned anything through this global pandemic, we need more scientists and collaboration in science works!
• Accredited with STEM.org
• Selected by Newsweek in 2021-Best in STEM
• Whitaker Science Center 2020-“Champion of Women in STEM”
• Hulafrog 2021-Best STEM program www.scienceexplorers.com
“If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it!” 2
By Kelly Hancock
FA L L TRAINING
W2W CONFERENCE + EXPO RECAP
Anyone who attended the Women2Women Conference + Expo this year can attest to the strange and wonderful experience of being at an event in a virtual world. While we didn’t anticipate planning yet another Digital Summit for this event, we were delighted with the turnout! DEGY World provided a fantastic virtual world where our attendees could pick out and wear a big beautiful hat throughout the Conference, wander the aisles of the Virtual Expo Hall and chit chat with our amazing vendors, and network with close to 150 other women in attendance.
We were joined by three incredible women as our breakout speakers: Shannon Laird, Karen Loftus, and Sandra Lane who shared their stories of coming out in the workplace, walking out windows, and the habits of highly productive women, respectively. We also celebrated our 2021 ATHENA Award Recipient, Virginia Dodge, and heard her speak about the journey that led her to becoming the incredible, giving community member that she is today.
Our Keynote Speaker Meg Mueller shared her story of growing up a CEO’s daughter, success in a male dominated field, and the importance of mentoring each other in a positive work culture.
Some of the other highlights included sipping virtual coffee on the virtual beach, the ROCKING dance party at the end of the day, and watching the fireworks show atop the lighthouse. We’re all looking forward to holding events in person once more, but being able to hear this group of women laughing together again will hold us over for a little bit longer! 2
By Devon Fiore, Events Coordinator Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
As a celebration of the diversity of amazing women in Berks and Greater Reading, Women2Women held the 3rd Annual De Mujer a Mujer Awards Ceremony on June 10, 2021. Three women were awarded recognition in various categories.
Meet Zylkia Rivera, our 2021 Small Business Owner Award Recipient
Zylkia’s nominator had this to say about her: “In 2020 due to her hard work, she surpassed Keller Williams’ 2019 sales, even in the midst of Covid. The Real Estate industry was closed for in-person transactions for about three months due to Covid. Through this period, she continued to work remotely and service her clients and prepared the team for when Real Estate was reopened.
The team’s client base continues to grow due to the excellent customer service she provides. She is looking to grow the team members this year. This year she is on track to grow the team’s revenue by 33%. In the last two years, Zylkia was able to assist over 100 families with homeownership and to get the most profit for her client when selling one of their most valuable assets, their homes. Zylkia served as a resource to individuals who are considering a career in Real Estate and to new agents as they learn the Real Estate business. She also provided education about the home buying process to families and visited local schools to provide guidance to students who are contemplating opening their own business.
Prior to Covid, Zylkia volunteered at various community events, served as MC for health events for Latina women, served as a mentor for a young Latina developing as a Christian and participated in various advisory groups.”
Zylkia’s work through her position at KW has been critical to her community, congratulations and thank you for all you do!
Meet Sanchita Bhusari, our 2021 Young Changemaker Award Recipient
Sanchita’s nominator had this to say about her: “Sanchita is an 18-year-old High School Senior who will be graduating from Wilson High School Class of 2021. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend a university to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Finance and Computer Science, and continue her passion for academics, music, dance, and community service.
We are so proud of Sanchita, who recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project titled The EcoEco System. For this project she created a bike attachment that tracks the distance travelled during use and communicates that data to her MyEco app, which calculates how much carbon emission is reduced. The app provides the user with useful information regarding climate change to make our community more aware of this issue. After certain levels of activity are reached, rewards intended to promote local businesses can be achieved. Sanchita’s goal for this project was to influence vehicle users to reduce their usage due to an obtained environmental awareness.
We are proud of Sanchita’s Gold Award project and volunteer activities. We believe this has shaped her in countless ways, through teaching the importance of using her voice and being a valuable part of her community.”
Sanchita is a wonderful young woman sure to bring even more positive change to her community in the future! Congratulations!
Meet Erika De La Mora, our 2021 Community Impact Award Recipient
Erika’s nominator wrote: “Erika has a passion for helping people. From her years as a banker to now NHS Director of Lending, Erika always keeps the best interests of her clients in mind. Erika is truly a go-getter with a can-do attitude. She is always up to any challenge and her performance is second to none. With her performance, we as an agency are able to carry out our mission of affordable housing while creating new homeowners and strengthening our communities.
In the 44 years of existence of Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks, no loan officer has achieved what Erika has done. Winning the Million Dollar Club recognition in 3 straight years (2018, 2019 & 2020).”
Erika has helped over 500 families in our community achieve their goal of home ownership. We couldn’t be happier to present her with this much deserved award!
2
ON THE CALENDAR
AQUA ZUMBA WITH ALISON SNYDER
Aqua Zumba is an excellent way to get fit while enjoying the pool! And enjoy instructor Alison Snyder who is passionate about seeing people ENJOY LIFE!
Benefits of Aqua Zumba:
• Water supports the body, putting less stress on your joints and muscles
• Working out in water helps build strength. Fighting against the push of the water activates your muscles
• Water pressure helps put less strain on the heart by moving blood around the body
• The impact of gravity is less in the water allowing a greater range of motion
• Working out in water helps prevent overheating, helping you exercise for longer
DATES: JULY 17, 21 & 28
Time: 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Cost: $5
Venue: Green Valley Country Club Swim Club, Sinking Spring, PA
RESCHEDULED
BREAKFAST4SUCCESS
- LEADERSHIP PANEL: REAL LIFE. REAL TALK. REAL STRATEGIES. COURTNIE NEINPresident & Co-Founder, Good Life Companies
ADELLE SCHADE - Dean of Pre-College & Summer Programs and Director of Science Research Institute, Albright College
Leadership isn’t just the action of leading a group of people or an organization, it is being compassionate, an open communicator and active listener among many other skills. Courtnie Nein & Adelle Schade will share their strategies for leadership and their personal stories of becoming the leaders they are today, including the obstacles they overcame along the way.
While you’re with us, join us in welcoming new GRCA members and celebrate those long-standing with a Shining Star Award in partnership with WFMZ-TV 69News.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Venue: Virtual Event - Zoom
LEAN IN INFORMATION SESSION
If you are considering your career & personal goals, think about investing in yourself and your future and take advantage of this opportunity. If you are a supervisor looking at the women in your organization and considering your next generation of leaders, think about investing in their future by supporting their participation in a Lean In Circle.
Lean In Circles have shown:
• Increased Professional Confidence
• Managing Conflict Resolution
• Enhanced Decision-Making Skills
• Improved Communication Skills
• Building Team Dynamics
DATE: AUGUST 17
Time: 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Venue: Chamber's Center for Business Excellence
KICK & SIP SELF DEFENSE CLASS
Join the Instructors of ATA Martial Arts for a fun-filled afternoon of wine and cheese tasting and self-defense tactics. Get your friends together to try new things, learn how to defend yourselves, and have fun! Each participant also receives a goodie bag following the event.
FREE TO ATTEND! Spots are limited, so register soon! Must be 21 or older to attend.
DATE: SEPTEMBER 12
Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Venue: Wyomissing ATA Martial Arts
Courtnie Nein
Adelle Schade
My Gut Instinct is seeking motivated volunteers and community-minded vendors to join us at our 8th Annual Guts and Glory Digestive and Wellness Expo, an exciting journey of wellness education, nutritional awareness, and health consciousness. The event is being held at Willow Glen Park on Saturday, September 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. rain or shine. Participation is free! Learn more at www.mygutinstinct.org.
Advantages of a Latina Growing Up in Berks
Iwas born in 1973 in Puerto Rico, but my mom actually had already moved to Berks County in 1970 when she was 23 years old and had my oldest brother at the Reading Hospital. However, in January of 1973 while pregnant with me she went to Puerto Rico to do a real estate transaction, and lo and behold I was accidentally born on a beautiful island. Fifteen days later I was brought home to Pennsylvania and have lived in Berks County my entire life. And what are the advantages of this you would ask?
As a Latina, I feel I grew up having the best of both worlds. While in the seventies there were not a lot of Latinos living here, I grew up in a household where the Latin culture was the only thing my mom knew having recently arrived from the island. Therefore, while at home, I was spoken to in Spanish, ate all the traditional Spanish foods, and participated in many cultural things brought back from the island like our music, food, and customs. But when I was sent off to school every day, I had to speak English, eat American foods, and learn American history, culture, and traditions. So, as I like to say on any given day, I can crave anything from rice & beans with fried pork chops to the opposite extreme and crave chicken pot pie or shepherd’s pie, it just depends what mood I’m in. I also love our Latino beats, but I love soft rock music, and R & B music as well. Not to mention the fact that I went to school and lived around kids that were White, Latino, Asian, and Black. I love that I grew up in a diverse community as it makes me the person that I am today.
Some may mention some disadvantages like stereotypes, assumptions, & discrimination, etc., but I feel my advantages like opportunities, career, being bilingual, teaching others about my Latin culture, and being super diverse surely outweigh my losses.
Don’t get me wrong, who wouldn’t want to grow up on a beautiful island like my Puerto Rico, but because it’s a commonwealth of the United States I know that I can travel back and forth with ease. However, don’t be fooled by the island’s ocean breeze because here in Berks we are also surrounded by beautiful nature, like lakes and rivers plus we have all four seasons. Even if there are crazy times when you don’t know if you are wearing shorts or a winter outfit it sure keeps things interesting.
As you can see, history, culture and traditions are so important. But don’t forget that what we are doing today will be history one day. Make sure the ones we leave behind will be proud of our diverse history. 2
By Rosa Julia Parra, Palo Magazine, CEO
“Looking for new clients? Our readers are active, community-minded decision makers with disposable income.”
Alicia M. Lee Regional Media Sales Executive alicia@hoffpubs.com
Your Wardrobe Revamp
Sustainability and Giving!
Every time I have opened my closet since the switch over to remote work last March, I find myself laughing at the amount of slacks, blouses, and other general “work attire” that hasn’t seen daylight since February 2020. I won’t say they’re gathering dust – I keep up with the cleaning – but they may as well be! Many of my friends and peers have gotten rid of their professional wardrobe altogether, and find themselves stuck when they realize they have a formal event coming up this year. Whether you want to purchase something for an upcoming wedding that you know you’ll only wear once, or want to get rid of your ten pairs of Old Navy work slacks that just aren’t as comfortable as your yoga pants when working from home, I can point you in the right direction!
APPS TO SELL (OR BUY!)
Used clothing in good condition can bring you some extra pocket money if you know where to sell! Apps like ThredUp, Poshmark, and Mercari are all designed for users to sell (and buy!) used clothing. It’s a perfect way to get rid of the work ckothes you aren’t really using anymore and make room in your wardrobe for staple pieces that may be worn more often in and out of the office. Buying and selling used clothing is a sustainable alternative to purchasing from “fast fashion” stores that contribute to global waste, pollution, and unethical work practices.
WARDROBE SWAP PARTIES
One of my favorite ways to get rid of old or unworn clothes, and get new ones, is a Wardrobe Swap Party! Invite your friends and tell them to bring all the clothes they’re looking to get rid of. I usually sort by item – pants on the couch, blouses on the kitchen table, kid’s clothes on the coffee table, shoes in the hallway, and so on. Everyone who shows up will put their clothes into the right piles, then rifle through the others to see if there is anything they want to take! Encourage everyone to bring a dish or a bottle of champagne and turn it into a brunch as well. You can socialize, have a potluck, and get rid of your old clothes and get some fun new ones for free! Anything left over at the end of the swap can be donated to a Goodwill, Salvation Army, or even a local organization that gives work attire to underserved communities!
GOT A FORMAL EVENT?
The pandemic has caused many bodies, as well as wardrobes, to change a little bit. If you find yourself not fitting into that go-to dress you usually reserve for weddings, or realize you got rid of all your black tie clothes in that big spring cleaning last year, worry not! Rent the Runway is perfect if you’re looking to wow at a formal event, but don’t need to keep the outfit you wear. You can browse their designer closet and pick out something to fit the bill – they’ll send you 2 sizes a few days before your event and you just ship them back when you’re done. I couldn’t have been happier with the dress I got for a black tie winter wedding a few years back. They’ve even started member plans so you can access an “ever-rotating” closet of designer clothes for work, formal events, and more. 2
By Devon Fiore, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, Events Coordinator
THE 24-HOUR (NON) DISCONNECT
Smartphone Dependence + Addiction
I needed a deadline extension for this article and then eventually an allowance to craft this article from its original topic into more of a confession. Why, you ask? Because I had committed to going a full day without my phone and then sharing my experience. That’s right – my phone, the little pocket supercomputer to which I am (evidently) addicted.
Originally, I created an all-day calendar appointment titled “Tentative: No Phone” for the date on which I intended to relinquish the phone, and, somehow, I just kept moving it back to a later date. Eventually, I ran out of possible dates altogether and had to admit that I might be more dependent on my phone than I realized.
I had to ask myself why disconnecting from my phone turned into an impossible task. If I’m being honest, there are a number of reasons. Connection to friends and family via text is a huge one for me. I loathe talking on the phone. When the phone rings, I feel relieved when I see it’s one of those spam calls rather than an actual human I know and love. But send me a text and we can chat back and forth for hours. Secondarily, I am a full-time working mom trying to navigate a pandemic and quite frankly, I enjoy relaxing and unwinding alone once my kid and husband fall asleep. It’s the time of day that belongs solely to me and if I’m not texting, then, pre-pandemic, I would watch mindless reality TV. However, since lockdown and quarantine and the entire worldwide crisis, I have grown incredibly
fond of filling those pre-bedtime hours with social media, either scrolling Instagram, gabbing in Facebook groups or watching TikToks. (Side note: TikTok addiction could fill an entire article of its own, but that’s literally a story for another day.)
Shamefully, I googled smartphone addiction and found a slew of information on how we are being harmed: anxiety, low self-esteem, weight gain and sleep problems to name just a few, with these negative effects happening across all age groups. None of that was particularly surprising.
But how to combat it, I wondered? One of the articles suggested a Two ‘T’ till Tea approach, meaning that you don’t use your phones on Tuesdays and Thursdays until teatime. It was from a British author, but you get the idea. Another suggested disabling all notifications, scheduling times to check your cell phone and completely steering clear of it before bed. Another contained a study with the disturbing comparison of humans to snails, with this quote that smacked me in the soul: The smartphone is no longer just a device that we use, it’s become the place where we live. The flipside of that for human relationships is that at any point, whether over a meal, a meeting or other shared activity, a person we’re with can just disappear, having ‘gone home’ to their smartphone. That may have been the most
depressing thing I’ve read on the internet recently and that’s saying something given the current state of our world, from the pandemic to American politics and everything in between.
In my research, I also discovered and downloaded an app called Wellpaper that promises to track your phone usage and display it in a highly visible way on your phone’s home and/or lock screen. It updates each time you unlock your phone and you can clearly see where you stand. While my Google Pixel phone has a digital wellbeing function with similar information, you have to click around to find it. I can count the number of times I have actually viewed it on one hand. This app will display that insight every time I look at the phone, so I am hoping it will help reduce my usage.
In the face of all these distressing discoveries, I believe another key to solving (or at least easing) this whole riddle is mindfulness. The more I progress through life, the more I learn that being present has a drastic positive effect on my feelings, emotions and overall sense of well-being. Looking at a phone constantly robs us of presence and, in turn, of feeling content.
I am still going to try and give up the phone for 24 hours (check back next issue maybe?!), but in the meantime, let’s try and avoid snaildom together. 2
By Sara Frassinelli, Spherion Staffing Services, Director of Marketing
Resources: – Two ‘T’ till Tea- A way out of Smart Phone Addiction – Digital Detox: What to Know – Scientists say smartphone addiction has morphed us into human snails – OnePlus’ Wellpaper app: Google Play
Actual ROG Patients
Healthcare Across the Generations
The healthcare industry has seen so many changes over the past decade due to technology; telemedicine/telehealth, price transparency, remote monitoring tools, and artificial intelligence, all fueled by a younger patient generation. While it has been challenging for some of the older generations to implement and use these tools, many had no choice during the pandemic but to learn all about virtual visits and how to access their health information portal.
You can’t expect to give the same patient experience across the generations. Different generations have different expectations for their priorities and experiences in healthcare. While patients of all ages have some things in common, such as wanting to be well and pay the least amount possible for healthcare, each generation approaches the healthcare system with different attitudes and mindsets. Regardless of age, more
patients are shopping around for medical care the way they do for other consumer services, to determine how and where they will spend their health care dollars. And technology plays a bigger role than ever before; from booking appointments, chatting with a provider, to paying your bill.
Many healthcare systems are finding they need to better identify the patients they serve and make sure staff understand their specific needs and language. In addition to age or generation, sometimes it makes sense to refine engagement strategies based on criteria such as diagnosis or cultural diversity. Healthcare today is about more than just administering care in the physical office, but also communicating and engaging with patients at all times, even virtually through the use of technology and understanding that not all patients have this access.
Generation Z (age 6-24)
We’ll focus on the adults of this generation since those born less than a decade ago aren’t making decisions about their healthcare. Most do not have a primary care provider and they are less likely to go to the doctor due to the cost, inconvenience of an appointment or their general lack of time. They still prioritize both their physical and mental health and many rank their mental health as poor, having concerns with stress and anxiety. This generation is more of a whole-person wellness and tends to seek out alternatives, such as supplements and wearable devices. This generation of patients likes to have input in decision-making while they still consult their parents when making healthcare decisions since they are just becoming independent. These options increase convenience for them, which is beneficial to their busy and fast-paced lives.
Generation Y/Millennials
(age 25-40)
Millennials are tech-savvy in nature and expect immediacy. They like to use technology as part of their healthcare experience, they value efficiency and convenience. They view health differently from their parents and grandparents, down to the very definition of the word. Previous generations are more likely to associate healthiness with “not being sick,” while millennials think more of eating smart and exercising. They’re concerned with maintaining their daily wellness, rather than making it in for their checkup. Millennials tend to seek out alternative medicine, such as wearables and dietary supplements. Health benefits and offerings like telemedicine, behavioral health and mindfulness are attractive to younger generations. Millennials tend to make decisions based on emotional experiences. It only takes one negative experience for them to switch providers. They place a high value on their peers’ input and existing patient testimonials. So much so that they’re more likely to make decisions based on advice they hear and read than expert advice. This generation focuses on the cost of healthcare when making decisions.
Generation X (age 40-56)
Generation X makes their healthcare decisions like they make retail decisions. They search for and rely on various sources of information, analyzing all options to determine which is best. This generation often visits the doctor, but not only for themselves as they are often caregivers for their children and aging parents. Since many of this generation is still working full-time, they need convenience and ease when scheduling appointments. Because of this they want more appointments after work and on weekends. Gen-Xers actively seek information online, including ratings and review sites. They have short-term expectations of their doctor relationships, are influenced by health care providers’ reputation and experience, and will switch providers based on recent experiences, a characteristic they share with Millennials.
Baby Boomers (age 57-75)
Boomers are known to prefer individual engagement during their healthcare system experiences. They like interacting with their providers and value their opinions, but also prefer to do some of their own research. This aging generation relies on healthcare often for their existing and developing conditions. While this age
group didn’t grow up with the Internet, they have embraced technology and are actively seeking more tech-savvy ways to connect with their doctors. Baby Boomers are more brand-faithful than younger age groups and they’ll return to a practice if it has quality care and a doctor they can trust.
The Silent or Greatest Generation (age 75+)
The Silent Generation likes to stick to traditional health advice, which is why they aren’t as comfortable with the current shift in the health industry. They’re also among the highest users of healthcare. They require more and longer patient visits and expect a very high level of service from their doctors. This generation follows their doctors’ recommendations and relies heavily on them for health information and referrals. They respect their medical professional’s authority and they have a firm belief in good service. Because of this, they want credible professionals; they won’t trust just any health expert. Don’t assume that seniors aren’t tech-savvy like their younger counterparts; many people age 65+ use the Internet as part of their daily lives. 2
By Monica Rush, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Director Rehabilitation Servicess
Benefits of Treating Multigenerational Patients Within the Same Family
Family medicine physicians provide expert care for every member of the family, from newborns to seniors. That means we can care for you, your children, and your parents with comprehensive care and personal attention to help you stay healthy during every stage of life. The better we, as physicians, know you and your family, the better we can support your health and your health goals. Caring for members of the same family is beneficial to understand patient preferences, lifestyle, and how to best offer personal attention and guidance.
Treating patients throughout their lives supports a physicianpatient relationship based on trust and good rapport. Knowing family members’ medical histories allows the physician to have informed conversations with each patient regarding care. Treating multigenerational patients from the same family also provides invaluable insight into the dynamics of the household and further enhances the treatment of the individual in the context of the family. When I am familiar with and involve multiple family members in the plan of care, I can learn additional information I otherwise would not have. For example, if grandma has a medical history of hypertension it could be worsened by her chef grandson who frequently cooks meals high in sodium. The more information I have regarding all aspects of a patient’s life can help the care team manage grandma’s heart condition via healthy lifestyle changes in addition to medications, when necessary.
Every member of the family plays a crucial role in influencing the social and environmental factors that impact the health and wellbeing of the family unit. When caring for members of the same family I often implement the practice of “shared decision making” to make a positive impact on the health of the family unit. Shared decision making involves working collaboratively with the entire family to discuss one family member’s health goal. For example, if a patient shares they would like to create healthier lifestyle habits, it is important to include other members of the family in the conversation so everyone is educated on the problem and what
could happen as a result if no changes are made. They can enable each other and work toward a common goal. This approach can lead to greater success and often benefits the entire family. When one member is committed to making a healthy change the other members often make the same, or similar changes, in support.
An added benefit of families seeing the same physician is that they often schedule their appointments back-to-back. This can be beneficial for all parties involved as it helps keep each accountable and active in their own health and the health of their family. It is also not uncommon for a spouse, partner, child, or grandchild to come into the office to address a concern for their family member.
As a practicing Family Medicine physician, I enjoy getting to know my patients and their family members through the individual lens of each patient. Every patient has a story to tell and their own unique perspective to share. I look forward to working with each patient to help them achieve their goals and optimize their health and well-being. 2
By Sandy Lee, MD, Tower Health Medical Group Family Medicine – Hamburg
How do you consume your NEWS?
How do your kids/grandkids consume their news?
I get the Daily Skimm e-newsletter and listen to The Daily podcast among others for news. Ben gets his from PBS. – Kelly Beaver
I consume my news through social media to start the day. I scroll through FB for Reading Eagle highlights and other news feeds that I am on. If something peaks my interest, I will look further into it. I still get the daily newspaper to read at home but there are definitely some days that I don’t even look at it.
As for my children, they are 100% social media – the good, the bad, and the ugly. We are at the age where they believe everything that they see and hear so we have to often take a step back and look into what they have read or heard and discuss. It creates many interesting conversations.
– Ruthann Woll
Gift or Garbage?
Generational Hand-Me-Downs Turned CRAP
Iwalk through the basement and I sigh glancing at the assortment of random items collecting dust. My husband’s childhood crib passed down from his parents and grandparents. An antique embroidered chair that once resided in my great grandparent’s parlor. A secretary that graced the foyers of all my childhood homes. And tucked up on a shelf next to a box of china I haven’t eaten off of since I was 10, resides the once cerulean blue Sears tricycle, given to me for my 3rd birthday. No less than once a month, I resolve to “do something” about these items. Yet, there they sit, serving no purpose except to quiet the voices of the past exhorting, “Your grandmother LOVED this chair!” “That china will be valuable someday, it’s Noritake.” Or the infamous, “You can hand this down to YOUR kids.”
The reality is that these items are, in fact, CRAP.
A turn of phrase coined by Certified Professional Organizer and owner of The Clutter Crew, Vali Heist, CRAP is “Clutter that Robs Anyone of Pleasure. It’s stuff that gets in the way,” explains Heist, “and brings you down.”
Heist says she’s always been an organized person, one who has always recycled, thrifted and been able to let go of things she wasn’t using. 15 years ago, she decided to put those skills to work for others by helping them through the process of decluttering.
She points out that many of us don’t even realize how much stuff we have until we are faced with downsizing or moving. “People want to simplify their lives but they need to have a goal of letting go.”
Heist works with clients of all age groups and sees generational differences in attitudes towards CRAP:
• The Silent Generation1 (generally people born between 19281945) are children of the Great Depression and the attitude is “I might need it someday”. Members of this generation usually lived in fewer places and had fewer opportunities to purchase random possessions. Along with the Baby Boomers (generally born between 1946-1964), decluttering can bring up issues involving control over how stuff is disposed of. “Clients in this age group are horrified at the thought of stuff going into a dumpster,” says Heist.
• Gen X (generally born between 1965-1979) are at the age where they are faced with cleaning out a parents’ home and downsizing themselves as empty nesters. They tend to be stuck between telling their parents, “I don’t want YOUR stuff” and letting go of memories (pictures, childhood artwork).
• Millennials (generally born between 1980-1994), Gen Z (born between 1995-2012) and younger want less and generally have less. The first generations with 24/7 access to consumer goods, these individuals balance the ease of acquiring stuff with thrifting and up-cycling. These generations put greater value on mobility and experiences.
Overall, getting rid of CRAP is a process, for anyone and everyone. Heist suggests the first step is coming to the realization that one wants to embark on the decluttering journey: “It’s not a fun process for a lot of people. Talking through what you want to accomplish is a great way to give yourself permission to let CRAP go.”
“Decluttering is a habit, not a once and done,” Heist concludes. “The earlier in life you develop the habit, the more control you have over CRAP. You have to decide if you want your life to revolve around stuff or instead around family, friends and experiences.”
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By Kirsten P. Haas Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Berks County
2021 Summer Book: Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire – The Lemonade Escapade
Visions Federal Credit Union is proud to partner with the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and Women2Women to sponsor the 2021 Youth Summer Reading program for the youth of Berks County. Through this partnership, Visions supplied over 900 youth in Berks County with their very own copy of this year’s book, Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade, written by Ty Allan Jackson. In addition to supporting the mission of the Youth Summer Reading program that encourages children to find joy in reading and to improve their reading comprehension skills, Visions strives to educate and enhance the financial wellness of our youth and the communities we serve. This year’s book, Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire: The Lemonade Escapade, follows Danny Dollar on his adventure to become a millionaire in any way he can while teaching the readers about finance, banking, investing, and entrepreneurship.
To wrap up this year’s reading program, Visions is honored to present a meet and greet opportunity with the author, Ty Allan Jackson, for all the participants at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading. Ty Allan Jackson is an award-winning children’s book author, literacy advocate, publisher, and captivating motivational speaker. He is the founder of Big Head Books, LLC, a literacy organization that aims to introduce children to the joys of reading. Ty travels around the country inspiring children and educating adults about the impacts of literacy. A three-time TedX presenter, Ty believes that literacy is the foundation for a successful life and promotes it with humor and enthusiasm. 2
By Colleen M. Barton, CCUFC
Impact & Engagement: Financial Wellness Officer Visions Federal Credit Union
2021 Partner:
Jessica Bezler Reading Hospital –Tower Health
Jennifer Cerra Herbein + Company, Inc.
Devon Fiore Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Sara Frassinelli Spherion
Kelly Hancock Community Volunteer
Kirsten Haas Women2Women
Tracy Hoffmann Hoffmann Publishing Group
Nicole Kantor TRIOSE, Inc.
Karen Klein Fulcrum Information Resources
Alicia Lee Hoffmann Publishing Group
Karen Miller Women2Women
Yoheli Ortiz-Uqdah Women2Women
Rosa Parra Palo Magazine
Rachael Romig Greater Reading Chamber Alliance
Monica Rush Penn State Health –St. Joseph
Ty Allan Jackson
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest decisions, and having Peter Heim by your side to help you and your family navigate through the multiple steps of the transaction is key. Born and raised in Berks County, Peter is an award-winning Real Estate Broker with more than 35 years of experience.
Peter has been married to his wife Michele for nearly 30 years. They have seven children and one grandchild. Pete and his family have been involved with many Berks County organizations over the years. His knowledge of the area and the Berks County real estate market is a huge asset.
Consistently one of the top agents in Berks, this seasoned professional brings his hardworking yet fun personality to every interaction to do the best job for you.
Peter specializes in customer service. Whether listing or selling residential or commercial real estate, Peter is dedicated to helping his clients. His personal attention to every aspect of the business has garnered him more than 200 five-out-of-five Gold Star independent reviews.
“Pete Heim is the absolute best at what he does. His integrity and positivity come through in every conversation with him. We have worked with Pete many times over the past 20 years and we still laugh about our first meeting. I’ve recommended Pete to other friends and family over the years and would continue to do so. He truly has your best interests at heart. I am blessed to have him as my realtor and friend.” Bev L.
“Can’t say enough positive things about working with Pete. His reputation is outstanding and earned the old fashion way. Honest, caring, smart, communicative, and client focused.” Steve M.
“Pete is top notch! His level of expertise & customer service is hard to beat. I’ve worked with him for many years & will definitely call him again. Thanks for a successful sale!!” Laura D.
