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.

Our Delaware Valley looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Our Delaware Valley

Fall at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Brigadier General (ret) Michael Fleming, Outreach Manager, Cohen Veterans Network, and Grace Caufield, Clinic Director for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals discussed Cohen Veterans Network , a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves, and their families, providing high-quality, accessible care.  Founded in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen, the network began in part because his son served in the United States Marine Corps.

CVN currently has 22 Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics in high-need communities across the country serving 20 states, providing services in-person or via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy for theentire military family including spouses or partners, children, siblings, parents, caregivers and others as defined by the veteran or service member.  They treat a number of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children’s behavioral problems.  Concentrated programming addresses suicide risk and couples therapy.  

In honor of Veterans Day they offered ways to bridge the civilian-military gap including flying an American flag, donating to a veteran service organization, or buying a veteran a meal.They also offer a Veterans Pop 101 Quiz to test your knowledge about veterans to gain a better understanding about veterans and the military community.  You can also watch PsychArmor’s 15 Things Veterans Want You To Know.  It’s all found at cohenveteransnetwork.org/veteransday. 

Brigadier General (ret) Michael Fleming, Outreach Manager, Cohen Veterans Network, and Grace Caufield, Clinic Director for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals discussed <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cohenveteransnetwork.org_&amp;d=DwMGaQ&amp;c=jGUuvAdBXp_VqQ6t0yah2g&amp;r=lQz7zU3Itbuw4TzInCR5NXpysFZDqxQt3XEXSd3X4HY&amp;m=HIiFb_Uqlt0sFCatYSz-m0Newesqe9vfTdkqjfp80og&amp;s=tPU8-wdZPLYJSLEifvz-Vm1SHva7aMOEArHxYJl6TIc&amp;e=">Cohen Veterans Network</a> , a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves, and their families, providing high-quality, accessible care.  Founded in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen, the network began in part because his son served in the United States Marine Corps.
CVN currently has 22 <a href="https://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/clinics/">Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics</a> in high-need communities across the country serving 20 states, providing services in-person or via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy for the entire military family including spouses or partners, children, siblings, parents, caregivers and others as defined by the veteran or service member.  They treat a number of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, PTSD, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children’s behavioral problems.  Concentrated programming addresses suicide risk and couples therapy.   
In honor of Veterans Day they offered ways to bridge the civilian-military gap including flying an American flag, donating to a veteran service organization, or buying a veteran a meal. They also offer a Veterans Pop 101 Quiz to test your knowledge about veterans to gain a better understanding about veterans and the military community.  You can also watch PsychArmor’s 15 Things Veterans Want You To Know.  It’s all found at <a href="http://www.cohenveteransnetwork.org/veteransday">cohenveteransnetwork.org/veteransday</a>.

Cohen Veterans Network serves the military and military families

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, discussed the import economic role tourism and the Visitor Center play for the region.  With so many major conventions and sporting events, and with its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and New York, Philadelphia is a major national and international tourist destination.  She discussed how her staff work with travelers at four stations across the city to make their visit memorable whether they are looking for dining, museums, history, sports, outdoor recreation or family entertainments.  They work with regional sites and institutions to make their stations the easiest way to learn about leisure time in Philadelphia. 

Kathryn is thrilled to announce that they will be celebrating Rocky this December with the first ever Rocky Fest and Rocky Day December 3.  Working with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Film Society, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Monument Lab, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Laurel Hill Cemetery, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Zoo Phlash bus tours will take guests to famous Rocky film locations beginning November 30 – December 8.  Other events include Real Life Rockys Mural Unveiling on December 4,

Southpaws Yappy Hour at the Docks December 5,  a Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink December 6, Rocky Movie Marathons December 6 – 8 and another Rocky Date Night at The Zoo December 7.  The new Rocky gift shop can be found at the base of the ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

We finished with a discussion of their plans for 2026 – which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Rocky’s release – and what the city can expect with World Cup Soccer, the MLB All Star Game and more during the holiday week.

For more information about Rocky celebrations go to PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest.

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President &amp; CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, discussed the import economic role tourism and the Visitor Center play for the region.  With so many major conventions and sporting events, and with its close proximity to Washington, D.C. and New York, Philadelphia is a major national and international tourist destination.  She discussed how her staff work with travelers at four stations across the city to make their visit memorable whether they are looking for dining, museums, history, sports, outdoor recreation or family entertainments.  They work with regional sites and institutions to make their stations the easiest way to learn about leisure time in Philadelphia. 
Kathryn is thrilled to announce that they will be celebrating Rocky this December with the first ever Rocky Fest and Rocky Day December 3.  Working with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Film Society, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Monument Lab, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Laurel Hill Cemetery, the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Zoo Phlash bus tours will take guests to famous Rocky film locations beginning November 30 – December 8.  Other events include Real Life Rockys Mural Unveiling on December 4,
Southpaws Yappy Hour at the Docks December 5,  a Rocky Date Night at Penn Ice Rink December 6, Rocky Movie Marathons December 6 – 8 and another Rocky Date Night at The Zoo December 7.  The new Rocky gift shop can be found at the base of the ‘Rocky Steps’ at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
We finished with a discussion of their plans for 2026 – which also happens to be the 50th anniversary of Rocky’s release – and what the city can expect with World Cup Soccer, the MLB All Star Game and more during the holiday week.
For more information about Rocky celebrations go to <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VNdDCPN9Q1IQoLnpCruRFxBcLW?domain=phlvisitorcenter.com">PHLVisitorCenter.com/RockyFest</a>.

Kathryn Ott Lovell, President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporatio

Jessica Craft,  CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future discussed the free music program that works with over 1200 youth annually In schools, community locations, and the justice system, supporting youth development and economic empowerment.  

Classes teach guitar, bass, drums, piano, music production, and writing to allow students to create, collaborate and perform their own music.  To overcome the economic barriers many students face Rock to the Future gives each student their instrument and provides transportation and meals for classes. 

Rock to the Future uses music to help youth build new beliefs, learn new skills, and try new things, they develop confidence and skills like leadership, communication, conflict resolution and a sense of belonging which supports the long-term goals of youth staying in school and graduate, pursuing college and trade programs, building healthy relationships, physical health benefits, and building safe communities.

Since her last interview, Rock to the Future programs now include paid creative and life skill development opportunities which distributed more than $80,000 to teens this past summer and provide youth with scholarships and trade school support after graduation, recruited a full-time mental health specialist that helps our students learn skills like affirmations, positive thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and connects youth with resources and extended their programming for youth who are incarcerated and in the justice system.  

She discussed their fundraising efforts – there is a $55,000 match for all donations made up until December 31st.   They also accept instrument donations and need volunteers.

For more information about classes and how to bring the program to your school, go to rocktothefuture.org.  Follow them on social media @Rock2Future

Jessica Craft,  CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future discussed the free music program that works with over 1200 youth annually In schools, community locations, and the justice system, supporting youth development and economic empowerment.  
Classes teach guitar, bass, drums, piano, music production, and writing to allow students to create, collaborate and perform their own music.  To overcome the economic barriers many students face Rock to the Future gives each student their instrument and provides transportation and meals for classes. 
Rock to the Future uses music to help youth build new beliefs, learn new skills, and try new things, they develop confidence and skills like leadership, communication, conflict resolution and a sense of belonging which supports the long-term goals of youth staying in school and graduate, pursuing college and trade programs, building healthy relationships, physical health benefits, and building safe communities.
Since her last interview, Rock to the Future programs now include paid creative and life skill development opportunities which distributed more than $80,000 to teens this past summer and provide youth with scholarships and trade school support after graduation, recruited a full-time mental health specialist that helps our students learn skills like affirmations, positive thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and connects youth with resources and extended their programming for youth who are incarcerated and in the justice system.  
She discussed their fundraising efforts – there is a $55,000 match for all donations made up until December 31st.   They also accept instrument donations and need volunteers.
For more information about classes and how to bring the program to your school, go to <a href="http://www.rocktothefuture.org">rocktothefuture.org</a>.  Follow them on social media @Rock2Future

Fall at the Elmwood Park Zoo

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