R
URAL L EADER MAY 2018
M AG A Z I N E
You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your directtion.— Jim Rohn
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 1
Contents Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
4 Twenty Eighteen Nominatons Calendar 5 Step up, America: Five Ways Public Transportation is Crucial to our Small Towns 6 Twenty under 20 National Call for Nominations 8 Corn, soybeans and nuts: Top U.S. exports feed the economy 9 Eagle Elite Club and 50 under 50 National Call for Nominations 10 How far would you walk for clean water?
Guest Contributor Dr. Samuel Williams, III, MD Page 13 Can Georgia Keep Pace with PACE of Its Very Own? 12 Young 4-H leader makes STEM Fun and Accessible 16 Five Tips for a Memorable, Stress-free Graduation Party 18 2018: The year of comfort culture: Five ways to tap into your comfort culture 19 Celebrating the Women of Small Town America Call for Nominations
Contact Us Rural Leader Magazine, LLC 400 West Peachtree Street Suite #4-529 Atlanta, Georgia 30308 info@ruralleadermagazine.com 1-877-281-6505 Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermagazine.com
2 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@ RuralLeaderMagazine.com—
www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely,
Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 3 @RuralLeaderMag
2018 NOMINATIONS CALENDAR Forty under Forty
Recognizes young leaders under 40 from AL, FL, and GA March 1st-April 30th (September issue)
Fifty under Fifty
Recognizes leaders under fifty nationally for outstanding achievement April 30th-May 31st (October Issue)
Eagle of Elite Club Magazine
Recognizes youth ages 5-16 for outstanding scholastic achievement in leadership, art, music, community service, and sports April-30-May 30 (July Standalone issue July)
Twenty under Twenty
Recognizes youth under 20 for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service March 30th-May 31st (June Stand Alone Issue)
Scholars of Collegiate Distinction Magazine Honors individuals of all ages who attain higher education and from small towns May 1st-June 30th (August Publication)
Best Small Town Restaurant Ongoing
Celebrating the Women of Small Town America Recognizes women ages 18 and older for exemplary achievement and service to community April 1-May 31st (June Virtual Online Only)
Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People A national call to recognize exemplary leaders from small communities July 1-Aug. 31st (December issue)
For More Information, visit RuralLeaderMag.com.
4 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
Step up, America: Five Ways Public Transportation is Crucial to our Small Towns
If you’ve ever had to scramble to get to work because your car isn’t running - or you’ve been unable to drive due to an injury - you understand some of the challenges of the vast number of Americans who rely on public transportation in small towns. And as baby boomers move into their golden years, they’re creating demand for more investment in public transportation options - especially in small towns and rural areas. Those are the findings of a study by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) showing such small-town ridership grew nearly 8 percent from 2007 to 2015, even though rural populations declined by more than a half million residents. The top users of such rural amenities? Seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. In many cases that population would otherwise find it problematic to find regular transportation to and from jobs, healthcare facilities and stores, explaining why it’s important to convince legislators to invest in creating more small-town infrastructure and programming. Specifically, proponents hope Congress steps up by fully funding public transportation through the $61.1 billion FAST Act first approved in 2015. The range of amenities could include everything from buses to light rail, or paratransit, a category that encompasses supplemental services such as specially equipped vans. “It’s no secret we are a major retirement area for millions of seniors moving from other areas includ-
ing many, many veterans,” states Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in St. Petersburg, Florida. “Public transportation is so critical as we all are aging and need mobility options as we get older.” Some other important facts about the demand for more widespread public transportation: * A full 33 percent of U.S. veterans who are part of the VA health care system - some 2.9 million people who have worked to defend our country - live in rural and small towns. Many have been wounded and rely on public transportation due to limited mobility. * Americans with disabilities who live in small towns require 50 percent more public transportation trips than unimpaired people. * Because many seniors prefer to age in place rather than move to high-employment urban areas, seniors make up 17 percent of populations in rural areas compared to 13 percent of urban populations. * Transportation can take a big financial bite out of those living in rural areas; on average, they spend 7 percent more on transportation than city dwellers. For example, driving an older-model car costs about $3,000 annually - an average $20 per trip - while public transportation in rural areas averages out at $7 for every five miles traveled. * Rural public transit boosts safety and reduces the overall risk of traffic accidents, and not just among vulnerable populations. U.S. commuters as a whole reduce their crash risk by more than 90 percent when choosing public transit over driving; overall, tranGetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 5
sit-oriented communities undergo just 20 percent of the traffic casualties suffered by auto-oriented communities. To help address transportation issues for seniors, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District in San Joaquin, California, is offering a transportation service allowing them to meet non-emergency medical appointments. “We need to connect seniors to jobs, and especially to their medical transportation services,” emphasizes CEO Donna DeMartino. “They may have healthcare, but if they can’t get there it does them no good.” Transportation is also key to older residents of State College, Pennsylvania, one of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the nation. “We do have a number of people who have stayed
6 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
in the area or are coming back home, and they want independence and to stay in their homes,” notes Louwana Oliva, general manager of the city’s Centre Area Transportation Authority. “A lot of times, transportation is that key. They can manage to stay at home if they have transportation that gets them to healthcare and out to socialize.” Americans need to move forward to keep our country productive by encouraging legislators to look out for the needs of our vulnerable populations in small towns. Learn more about the FAST Act and supporting public transportation in rural areas at www.apta. com/rural.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 7
Corn makes up a large portion of the $132 billion worth of agricultural products exported each year and Syngenta is working to increase that amount.
Corn, soybeans and nuts: Top U.S. exports feed the economy Politicians spend a lot of time talking about America-first trade deals. Even though the average person may not think about U.S. trade often, it’s a key part of the economy - a topic that’s on everyone’s mind. In 2017 alone, the U.S. exported around $132 billion worth of agricultural products. As experts hope to grow this number in 2018, possible trade deals could become big news. The future of U.S. trading Economists and agricultural experts want U.S. trade to remain strong, so that exports are equal to or more than what they were last year. However, the complexities of selling U.S. commodities internationally constantly increases. Companies are working to grow agricultural trade to help Americans feed the world and build a stronger economy at home. Many agricultural associations and Syngenta employees work every day with foreign countries to develop positive relationships and a preference for U.S. commodities. American farmers are the most efficient in the world, says Laura Peterson, federal government and industry relations head for Syngenta. “We rely on export markets for our products, and with prices as low as they are, now is an important time to protect and grow our markets,” she says. “We are able to produce far more than we consume and compete in a world of high supply, so remaining competitive is crucial for U.S. agriculture.” Top U.S. agricultural exports Corn, soybeans and nuts make up three of the top five agricultural exports from the U.S. There is a lot to know about these foods, including the following
8 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
fascinating facts: * Corn: One planted seed delivers more than 500 kernels of corn. Corn is widely grown around the globe, with more tons produced each year than any other grain. * Soybeans: Soybeans are the largest source of protein in agriculture. They are also used to make a variety of nonfood products, including crayons, candles and haircare products. The U.S. exports about half of its soybeans to other countries. * Nuts: Nuts are wholesome and versatile. From using nuts in spreads and oils to snacking on roasted varieties, people, domestically and internationally, enjoy them every day. In December 2017, the U.S. exported $936 million worth of nuts. Negotiating trade agreements Free trade agreements beneficial to agriculture can boost the marketability of U.S. crops like corn, soybeans and nuts even more overseas. One prime example of this is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). “Syngenta remains engaged with U.S. government officials to monitor impacts in renegotiations and trade-dispute actions,” Peterson says. “The current threat of trade wars or withdrawing from trade agreements may harm agriculture.” Learn more about agriculture’s future With so much going on in 2018, it’s likely more news headlines will be dedicated to the important topic of U.S. trade. To learn more about U.S. agriculture, including crop research and trade negotiations, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 9
How far would you walk for clean water? You finish a workout and when you’re done, you reach for a bottle of water. Afterward, you shower, the clean water hitting your skin and then, that evening, you use water to prepare dinner for your family. It’s a standard day for you, but what if you were one of the millions of people around the world who didn’t have access to the clean water needed for life’s daily routines? What if the clean water you rely on every single day wasn’t available? While many people take clean water for granted, access remains a challenge for millions. Across the world, more than 844 million people lack access to clean drinking water. In some cases, the women and girls in the community, often those responsible for tasks requiring water, have to walk miles to reach the nearest water source. This is a staggering truth in countries around the world, yet many Americans are still unaware of how serious the problem really is. Raising awareness Recent research from Procter & Gamble (P&G) finds that one in four Americans underestimates the number of children who die each year because of waterborne illness, and that most Americans have no idea how many people struggle to have clean water. To raise awareness of the global water crisis, P&G launched a new documentary in partnership with National Geographic, titled “The Power of Clean Water,” to honor World Water Day celebrated each 10 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
year on March 22 and feature the impact of the P&G Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program. The documentary follows the lives of three women and their families in three areas of the world where many lack access to clean water. Documentary viewers visit Indonesia, Kenya and Mexico and see firsthand the daily challenges of living without clean water and how transformational it can be when clean water is available in a community. The new film is the latest initiative for the CSDW Program, which began in 2004 and has since worked with more than 150 partners and organizations to provide P&G’s water purification technology to communities that lack access to clean drinking water. To date, P&G, along with its partners, has delivered more than 13 billion liters of clean water to people who need it. Helping those in need If you’re interested in helping those affected by the global water crisis, take a moment to view highlights of the documentary and learn how the lack of clean water impacts people around the world. From there, take action by making a donation, getting others involved through a fundraiser or by purchasing a water purification demonstration kit with packets to share the power of clean water with others. Every action, large or small, makes a difference. To learn more about CSDW, visit www.csdw.org.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 11
Young 4-H leader makes STEM Fun and Accessible Cassandra Ivie is the founder and creator of the Incredible Machine, a curriculum and activities kit that teaches chemical, mechanical, software and electrical engineering to students in her community - and she is only 17 years old! Ivie is a 4-H leader from West Jordan, Utah, who brings hands-on STEM learning to youth in communities who may not otherwise have access to these types of projects. And her passion for STEM is contagious. She inspires those around her to become the next generation of STEM leaders our country needs. “It has been a privilege to lead these activities with local students to show them that STEM is accessible to everyone and that it is also a lot of fun. Seeing students’ faces light up when they have their ‘aha’ moment, is what it’s all about,” she said. Ivie was recently selected as the recipient of the 2018 National 4-H Youth in Action Award by the National 4-H Council. The award recognizes 4-Hers who have used the knowledge and leadership skills they learned in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. Every year 4-H recognizes youth in its four pillar areas of STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Citizenship. Ivie was selected as the winner for the STEM pillar award, and ultimately as the National Winner for her embodiment of the 4-H principles of learning by doing, leadership and her lasting impact on her community. With the help of sponsors like HughesNet, which delivers satellite Internet access to rural communities, 4-H is able to recognize outstanding youth like Cassandra. Cassandra’s journey began at a young age when she joined 4-H to pursue an interest in photography but through exposure to diverse topics in her club she discovered her passion for computer science. In 4-H, the largest youth organization in the U.S., students learn by doing and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Research shows that exposure to education and information, especially for a student in grades K-12, often leads to increased participation in STEM programs. Cassandra recognizes how access to 4-H and other local resources impacted her and is working to address this in her local area through leading after-school programs in schools across the Salt Lake City area. This accessibility is a vital piece to empowering young people in rural and urban communities to pursue STEM. It comes in many shapes from access to after-school programming, to relatable mentors and availability of high-speed Internet connections. 12 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
Increasing access to even one of these can have a lasting impact on a child. Since 2014, HughesNet and 4-H have partnered to help bring access to STEM education to more youth across the country. Their shared belief that all kids, no matter where they live, should have equal access to STEM continues to drive their work. Together they are working to prepare young people to be our future STEM leaders throughout the communities they serve while also uplifting exceptional young people, like Cassandra, who can serve as role models for kids across the country. Part of Ivie’s success teaching diverse kids about STEM through her Incredible Machine kits is making it fun and accessible for everyone. 4-H showed her that STEM learning isn’t just coding or memorizing concepts, but it involves tapping into a kid’s imagination and showing them how to use STEM concepts to create new and exciting things in almost every topic imaginable. Ivie likes to joke that she “sneaks the STEM in with the fun” but in truth she is tapping into kids’ natural curiosity to equip them with the skills needed to do anything they can imagine. The fun comes from the sense of empowerment kids get from “doing” and is what STEM and 4-H are all about. Interested in learning more or finding a 4-H club in your area? Visit www.4-H.org.—
Can Georgia Keep Pace with PACE of Its Very Own? by Dr. Sammuel K. Williams, III MD
The practice of Geriatric Medicine has come a long way, from being a non-board requiring, sub-specialization to what it is today—encompassing extensive breadth, and depth. This includes many niche within outpatient, inpatient, and post-acute care. There are many exciting areas within geriatric practice, and research. And, as Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology fellow at Johns Hopkins University I obtained extensive exposure to many cutting edge areas within the field. Those who practice the art, and science of Geriatric Medicine are in a unique position within primary care, to make an even greater impact. For example, elder house calls, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), acute for the Elderly (ACE) units, and, program of All Inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE). In this article, I will focus on FQHCs, and PACE program. FQHCs provide care for significant number of senior citizens. FQHCs are not-for-profit health care organizations that deliver “accessible” primary care to all ages. They serve medically underserved populations from diverse ethnicities. Services provided in FQHCs include: medical, dental, mental health, substance abuse, and enabling services. In 2011, FQHCs served 20.2 million patients consisting of 80.1 million total health care “visits,”73% below poverty level and 36% homeless, 6.9% (1.3 million) of those served by FQHCs were over age 65 years,
range: 3.7% (Delaware) to 16.8 (Vermont). I once asked myself, why 64 year old who had been receiving “quality” health care at an FQHC made the decision to seek care somewhere else? I’m sure that there are many possible answers. But, one might think that if you receive quality healthcare at a healthcare facility, even one withinin underserved community that a satisfied patient-would remain. What can be done to help retain older patients at FQHCs might involve making the facilities more elder friendly, i.e., “geriatricize,” as some FQHCs have already. This includes gaining understanding of, dynamic of finances/insurance coverage, geographic accessibility, and medical complexity. And that is tip of iceberg. Exploring further, I learned that elderly seeking care within FQHCs have higher burden chronic disease, and very frequent visits. This makes ready access to care providers critical, especially in locations that do not provide access to programs that may enhance, or increase access. Although FQHCs are well accoutered to provide coordinated care, the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, and PACE might be a solution to improving quality care for elderly patients at these locations.
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 13
After moving from Maryland to Georgia I started working at small, country hospital. There, I encountered a patient population where many, who, for reasons of disability, were unable to make it to their doctor’s office. Perhaps, because they lived on the fringes of the county, and lacked the economic means to make it to their clinical encounters. This situation is particularly of concern for disabled elders. Older adults that are unable to make it to their physician for medical reasons are considered “nursing home eligible.” These patients, may not be able to, without reasonable accommodation make it to their local FQHC for routine care. How do we provide care for them? One approach to providing care for nursing home eligible elders, which may involve providing some care for the patients in their home environment (and also transporting them to their clinic appointments) is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is described as “. . . a Medicare, and Medicaid program that helps people meet their health care needs in the community instead of going to a nursing home or other care facility.” Some programs are equipped with a van to pick up patients and transport them to the day facility. Housed within the PACE facility may include, amongst other things, physical therapy/occupational therapy, social worker, activities room, psychiatric services, and primary care clinic. PACE participants are able to be evaluated by their physician if needed for emergency medical issues—and their doctor is within the facility. The PACE clinic that participated in my early training, located in Boston, MA housed a quiet unit for patients with dementing illnesses. I distinctly 14 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
remember that in this particular dementia unit there were 2-3 patients with dementia sitting quietly at a table listening to comforting music. In Georgia, and where there are the least fortunate may we consider, or imagine a FQHC, that meets the gold standard Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care, and also housing a PACE Progam as the consummate healthcare facility for indigent patients, and especially disabled, and elderly? — About the Author Samuel Keith Williams, III, M.D. is a cum laude graduate of Morehouse College, Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, and completed his medical training at Boston Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Dr. Williams is a previous faculty member of Johns Hopkins University Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, A.T. Still University College of Physician Assistant Studies, and is a Volunteer Faculty Member at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia Campus in the Department of Internal Medicine. He is an At Large Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. And Sigma Phi Omega, Delta Lambda Chapter, the national academic honor and professional society in gerontology. Dr. Williams is also a Pro Member of the International Academy of Precision Medicine (IAPM), American College of Physicians (ACP), and the European Medical Association (EMA).
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 15
Five Tips for a Memorable, Stress-free Graduation Party The nation’s high school graduation rate continues to rise. With more than 84 percent of students graduating on time in 2016, it is at a record high, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, the National Center for Education Statistics is expecting that 3.6 million students will graduate from high school in 2017-18. With the growth in graduates, graduation parties are increasing and the bar is being raised on how to best honor and commemorate this special milestone. For graduating high schoolers, this is the year they will be moving on to life’s next big adventure. It’s a time to be excited, a time to be nervous, but above all, a time to celebrate. The season for grad parties is here, but for many parents, planning can be a bit tricky. Everyone wants a truly unique experience to recognize the accomplishments of their graduate, but at the same time, life can be hectic, and party planning can become stressful. The good news is that with a little know-how, it’s possible to throw a meaningful graduation party without going over the edge. These five tips will help any time-starved host create a truly memorable event and stay sane at the same time! Create personalized, printed invitations and announcements. Digital invitations might seem like the most convenient way to go, but there is an easy, more personalized and meaningful way to get the word out. Create photo cards by simply visiting one of the thousands of Kodak Picture Kiosks, which can be found at most CVS and Target locations. Here, in a matter of minutes, party planners can upload a favorite photo, select from dozens of designs and make an announcement that reflects the graduate’s personality. Envelopes are included with the cost of the card, making this a truly one-stop shop for everyone’s
16 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
invitation and announcement needs. Music, tunes and jams. Music is an essential component of any party. To create an ambiance that conveys a graduate’s style, have the graduate make a playlist of their favorite hits and most memorable school songs. Then all that’s needed is a Bluetooth speaker and a smartphone (or any other audio device with pairing capabilities). An answer to your dining needs. More restaurants are offering catering services, so whether the graduate wants a taco bar or pizza buffet, it’s likely that one of their favorite restaurants can accommodate a crowd and many offer delivery services as well. Create a message board. A novel way to share memories and create new ones is to set up a message board where guests can jot down stories and memories. Display a number of pictures, in any number of sizes - from mini prints to banners - that can be printed out at a Kodak Picture Kiosk or easily upload images to KodakMoments.com or the Kodak Moments App and order prints at home or on the go. Make it social media friendly. It’s the 21st century, and that means there’s going to be sharing of the graduation party on social media. Embrace it! Ask those attending to tag their posts and photos with a distinctive and easy-to-remember hashtag. This will allow everyone to have a selection of easy-to-look-at pictures, and later, can be used to create an archive of memories. It’s not often that there’s a chance to gather so many people together in one place to celebrate your child’s achievements. With these tips, it’s easy to create a graduation party everyone will remember for years to come.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 17
2018: The year of comfort culture: Five ways to tap into your comfort culture Are you in touch with your comfort culture? More than just a catchy buzzword, comfort culture is that sense of comfort and pride that comes from who you are, where you’re from and how you do things. It’s the space where you can relax and let the stresses of everyday life melt away, even for just a few minutes. It’s the feeling of being with old friends who really know you, sitting around the table with family enjoying a great meal or taking a walk under the stars with someone you love. It’s living authentically. How long has it been since you felt that way? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Those moments when you can relax, kick back and say, “Ahhhh” are hard to find. Everyone’s lives are so hectic and stress-filled these days. Between pressure at work, racing to get the kids to practice, bills stacking up, and everyone with their eyes on their cell phones instead of on each other, it can be difficult to find a minute to simply enjoy life. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are a few tips for finding your own personal comfort culture so you can enjoy real moments, real people and real food - all with an eye on quality connections. Remind yourself to relax. It might sound odd, but many people don’t realize how tense they are at any given moment of the day. Take a moment to simply breathe and let go of the tension you’re carrying around. Unplug. Disconnect from devices for a while. Declare your lunch hour to be an electronic-free zone. Take a walk outside, have lunch with a friend or co-worker, read a book, go for a workout, anything that doesn’t involve looking at a screen. Kick back with friends and family. Do whatever feeds your soul with your favorite people on the
18 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018
planet. Be the grillmaster at a neighborhood barbecue on a Sunday afternoon. Meet down at the lake for a bonfire with the people you grew up with. Have your best friends over for movies and popcorn. Play a pick-up game of basketball at the park. Enjoy your favorite comfort foods. Guilt free. Whether it’s your grandmother’s famous casserole, a burger and fries, or down-home, done-right, made from scratch biscuits, food and comfort were made for each other. And it doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Hardee’s, for example, has recently tapped into its own comfort culture, serving quality food the way you would make it, while celebrating real people, real moments and local pride. In its new campaign, “Tastes Like America,” they’re evolving the brand with a focus on giving people the comfort culture experiences they’re craving and honoring down-home, done-right food. Let the chores wait. Ban the job jar! Busy working folks tend to load up their weekends with chores that they don’t have time to get done during the week. Cleaning out the garage, mowing the lawn, finally washing those windows after a long winter. But if you’re doing chores all weekend, you’re not re-energizing yourself from a long week. Designate Saturday as your chore day, and save Sunday for relaxation and recharge. Pick and choose the tips that will work best for you. Tapping into your own, personal comfort culture is about filling your soul with whatever makes it soar. There’s time in everyone’s busy day for that.—
GetRuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018 19
20 RuralLeaderMag.com | MAY 2018