Our Delaware Valley

September 8, 2024  7:30AM

20 minutes of a 30-minute program

Al Zone, Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo discusses the 100 anniversary year events, programming and new additions at the neighborhood landmark.  Created as a land trust in 1924, they grew from a facility for North and South American animals into a home for over 100 species from all over the globe including giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas, a number of which are managed through an international Species Survival Plan.  They are one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  He discussed the importance of this designation and how their work supports the conservation and protection of these animals and their habitats across the country.  To showcase their efforts a visit is narrated by their work in creating habitats, and allows guests to see feedings and even veterinary care. 

He discussed how the zoo offers programming for all with zip-lines and beer gardens to make it a full day of activities.  The zoo pioneered inclusion for children and adults with autism or special needs and were the first zoo in the world to earn certification as a Certified Autism Center with special admission hours, sensory backpacks and guides and even adult changing tables.  They were the first to add pet-friendly programming and offer ‘Yappy Hour’ events.

To celebrate their anniversary there are centennial Saturdays the first Saturday of the month with special programming and early admittance for members.  The 100th Anniversary Gala will take place November 2 at the Oaks Expo Center, tickets are now on sale, as well as for the annual Beast of a Feast October 10th, featuring food stations and evening entertainment throughout the zoo.  For Halloween family fun there’s Boo At The Zoo.  

Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd. in Norristown, PA, for tickets, memberships and visiting information go to elmwoodparkzoo.org.

Our Delaware Valley
September 8, 2024  7:30AM
20 minutes of a 30-minute program
Al Zone, Executive Director and CEO of Elmwood Park Zoo discusses the 100 anniversary year events, programming and new additions at the neighborhood landmark.  Created as a land trust in 1924, they grew from a facility for North and South American animals into a home for over 100 species from all over the globe including giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas, a number of which are managed through an international Species Survival Plan.  They are one of only 230 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  He discussed the importance of this designation and how their work supports the conservation and protection of these animals and their habitats across the country.  To showcase their efforts a visit is narrated by their work in creating habitats, and allows guests to see feedings and even veterinary care. 
He discussed how the zoo offers programming for all with zip-lines and beer gardens to make it a full day of activities.  The zoo pioneered inclusion for children and adults with autism or special needs and were the first zoo in the world to earn certification as a Certified Autism Center with special admission hours, sensory backpacks and guides and even adult changing tables.  They were the first to add pet-friendly programming and offer ‘Yappy Hour’ events.
To celebrate their anniversary there are centennial Saturdays the first Saturday of the month with special programming and early admittance for members.  The 100th Anniversary Gala will take place November 2 at the Oaks Expo Center, tickets are now on sale, as well as for the annual Beast of a Feast October 10th, featuring food stations and evening entertainment throughout the zoo.  For Halloween family fun there’s Boo At The Zoo.  
Elmwood Park Zoo is located at 1661 Harding Blvd. in Norristown, PA, for tickets, memberships and visiting information go to <a href="http://www.elmwoodparkzoo.org">elmwoodparkzoo.org</a>.

Our Delaware Valley introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities.

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Our Delaware Valley

Fall at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center returned to discuss their upcoming 2024 ADAcon: Inclusive Hospitality and Tourism October 16 – October 17 at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington for the industry with speakers, vendors and panels on best practices.  The event will kick off with a day-long excursion to Winterthur, a pioneer in accommodation and inclusion, on October 15.  We spoke about the hospitality industry; people with disabilities and their families generate up to 21 Billion in revenue, yet many hotels, restaurants, museums, nature centers and transportation providers don’t know how to accommodate these consumers.  The ADA Center’s Hospitality Conference will speak to restaurants, hotels and resorts, attractions, parks, transportation providers, travel and convention planners as well as those looking to get into the business.

She gave us an overview of the ADA and their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act, from who is protected to what employers, governments and businesses must do to accommodate this growing population.  We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, the businesses that are either responsible to accommodate through the ADA or local law, and how the ADA Center can help with information and direction.  The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten across the country offering these services.       

We discussed recent efforts to ban sub-minimum wage job waivers, the reasons behind their desire to close these facilities.  Finally, we talked about hiring and retention of employees, and about accommodations, how simple and how life-changing they can be.  She encourages anyone, from businesses to individuals to community and civic groups to reach out for information and programming to help implement the ADA for an inclusive society.  

For more information about training, the conference, and facts about the ADA visit ADAInfo.org or call 1-800-949-4232. 

Ms Deschamps also recommends the Job Accommodation Network for questions about types of accommodations available to employees, some simple.  Find them at AskJAN.org. 

Follow the ADA on social media at 
     Facebook
facebook.com/adanetwork
     LinkedIn
linkedin.com/company/ada-national-network/
     X (formerly Twitter)
x.com/ADANational

Ann Deschamps, Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center returned to discuss their upcoming <a href="https://web.cvent.com/event/18b67258-a189-49ff-9da9-a0dbe7cdade1/summary">2024 ADAcon: Inclusive Hospitality and Tourism</a> October 16 – October 17 at the Hotel duPont in Wilmington for the industry with speakers, vendors and panels on best practices.  The event will kick off with a day-long excursion to Winterthur, a pioneer in accommodation and inclusion, on October 15.  We spoke about the hospitality industry; people with disabilities and their families generate up to 21 Billion in revenue, yet many hotels, restaurants, museums, nature centers and transportation providers don’t know how to accommodate these consumers.  The ADA Center’s Hospitality Conference will speak to restaurants, hotels and resorts, attractions, parks, transportation providers, travel and convention planners as well as those looking to get into the business.
She gave us an overview of the ADA and their work in educating and training individuals, businesses and communities about the Americans with Disabilities Act, from who is protected to what employers, governments and businesses must do to accommodate this growing population.  We discussed who is covered by the ACT, a wide range that includes anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity, the businesses that are either responsible to accommodate through the ADA or local law, and how the ADA Center can help with information and direction.  The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is one of ten across the country offering these services.       
We discussed recent efforts to ban sub-minimum wage job waivers, the reasons behind their desire to close these facilities.  Finally, we talked about hiring and retention of employees, and about accommodations, how simple and how life-changing they can be.  She encourages anyone, from businesses to individuals to community and civic groups to reach out for information and programming to help implement the ADA for an inclusive society.  
For more information about training, the conference, and facts about the ADA visit <a href="http://www.ADAInfo.org">ADAInfo.org</a> or call 1-800-949-4232. 
Ms Deschamps also recommends the Job Accommodation Network for questions about types of accommodations available to employees, some simple.  Find them at <a href="http://www.AskJAN.org">AskJAN.org</a>. 
Follow the ADA on social media at       Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/adanetwork">facebook.com/adanetwork</a>      LinkedIn <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/ada-national-network/">linkedin.com/company/ada-national-network/</a>      X (formerly Twitter) <a href="x.com/ADANational">x.com/ADANational</a>

2024 ADA Inclusive Hospitality and Tourism conference is October 15-17

Onco-surgeon Dr. Arnold Baskies, member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Breast Surgeon, past-chairman of the National Board of Directors of the American cancer Society, advisory member of the Global Breast cancer Initiative with the World Health Organization, discussed the latest developments in the fight against breast cancer. We discussed the differing benefits of early detection, prevention and research into cures and the American cancer Society’s role in increasing awareness and reducing deaths.  He also discussed his current role with UE Life Sciences, a non-profit corporation developing consumer products that can detect changes in breast tissues, helping lead to earlier diagnosis.  He also discussed the ongoing efforts of the American Cancer Society, WHO and other global partners, in bringing early screening, treatment and prevention efforts to women underserved by healthcare, in underdeveloped countries and women in the US who are impacted by location and ongoing social determinants.  For more information go to CANCER.org

Onco-surgeon Dr. Arnold Baskies, member of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Breast Surgeon, past-chairman of the National Board of Directors of the American cancer Society, advisory member of the Global Breast cancer Initiative with the World Health Organization, discussed the latest developments in the fight against breast cancer. We discussed the differing benefits of early detection, prevention and research into cures and the American cancer Society’s role in increasing awareness and reducing deaths.  He also discussed his current role with UE Life Sciences, a non-profit corporation developing consumer products that can detect changes in breast tissues, helping lead to earlier diagnosis.  He also discussed the ongoing efforts of the American Cancer Society, WHO and other global partners, in bringing early screening, treatment and prevention efforts to women underserved by healthcare, in underdeveloped countries and women in the US who are impacted by location and ongoing social determinants.  For more information go to <a href="http://www.cancer.org">CANCER.org</a>

The Latest in Breast Cancer Information with Dr Arnold Baskies

From the Fairmount Park Conservancy Maura McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, and Program Manager Amanda Daws Cohen, discussed fall activities within the 10,000 acres + park system, its award-winning Trolley Trail and Anna C Vernon Park and the continuing renovations at Memorial Park and FDR Park. We spoke about the mission; the Conservancy works with the City of Philadelphia to steward and promote the over 130 local parks and 6 watershed parks and all they offer for our cultural resources, the environment and our public health.   They direct capital projects, such as the renovation of Memorial Park‘s fountain, and oversee historical preservation. 

They described their many guided hikes including a Trails to Ales brewing history walk, the Trolley Trail, a Park After dark moonlight trek and a special tour of the Parkside neighborhood.  There is also a Walking in William Still’s Footsteps hike October 5 that traces the park’s Underground Railroad history.   For children’s programming they have Storytime in conjunction with the Free Library, science experiments with tour guide Buddy Muhler, and Playground Pop-Ups at Anna C. Vernon park.   

This year they will go all out for the Day of the Dead at FDR Park, the Gran Fiesta De Los Meurtos, October 25 and 26.  The free festival will feature art activities, performances, food and more. 

We also talked about the annual Fall Love Your Park Weekend clean-up campaign is November 8-10.  If you can’t join them for this park project you can volunteer during the week for clean-ups at Carousel House Farm, the Skew Arch Bridge or other sites. 

In addition to these events this fall they invite us to movie nights at over 35 locations throughout the city, new routes for We Walk PHL community walking groups and outdoor yoga Sundays through October at Lemon Hill. 

For anything park related they ask you to visit MyPhillyPark.org

From the Fairmount Park Conservancy Maura McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, and Program Manager Amanda Daws Cohen, discussed fall activities within the 10,000 acres + park system, its award-winning Trolley Trail and Anna C Vernon Park and the continuing renovations at Memorial Park and FDR Park. We spoke about the mission; the Conservancy works with the City of Philadelphia to steward and promote the over 130 local parks and 6 watershed parks and all they offer for our cultural resources, the environment and our public health.   They direct capital projects, such as the renovation of Memorial Park‘s fountain, and oversee historical preservation. 
They described their many guided hikes including a Trails to Ales brewing history walk, the Trolley Trail, a Park After dark moonlight trek and a special tour of the Parkside neighborhood.  There is also a Walking in William Still’s Footsteps hike October 5 that traces the park’s Underground Railroad history.   For children’s programming they have Storytime in conjunction with the Free Library, science experiments with tour guide Buddy Muhler, and Playground Pop-Ups at Anna C. Vernon park.   
This year they will go all out for the Day of the Dead at FDR Park, the Gran Fiesta De Los Meurtos, October 25 and 26.  The free festival will feature art activities, performances, food and more. 
We also talked about the annual Fall Love Your Park Weekend clean-up campaign is November 8-10.  If you can’t join them for this park project you can volunteer during the week for clean-ups at Carousel House Farm, the Skew Arch Bridge or other sites. 
In addition to these events this fall they invite us to movie nights at over 35 locations throughout the city, new routes for We Walk PHL community walking groups and outdoor yoga Sundays through October at Lemon Hill. 
For anything park related they ask you to visit <a href="http://www.myphillypark.org">MyPhillyPark.org</a>

Fall at the Elmwood Park Zoo

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