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>.

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

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

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

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

Rock to the Future Teaches More Than Music

Lynn Cohen, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, and Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager, discussed the local impact of their relief efforts across the five states affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, they talked about the volunteers who are trained for on-site emergency work, helping local agencies feed and shelter refugees, distribute supplies, coordinate government operations, and accessing damage.  More than 100 volunteers from the greater Philadelphia area have deployed and the local chapter has lent ten emergency and mission response vehicles.                             

We talked about the role of the volunteer at the Red Cross, from working blood drives, delivering blood, responding to fires, and installing smoke detectors.  They described their signature programs, including their emergency training, the first aid, CPR and lifeguard certification classes, their annual ‘Sound the Alarm that installs thousands of free smoke detectors, and their disaster preparedness resources.    

We talked about the ongoing need for blood, the American Red Cross is a major supplier of the nation’s supply and any interruption in collection can cause a shortage. They gave us a rundown of who can give, virtually anyone over 17 – 16 with parental permission – who is feeling healthy that day.  They stressed the need for whole blood and platelets for trauma, cancer and sickle cell patients.   Call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to RedCrossBlood.org to find a collection drive near you, to register and to download their Donor App that allows you to pre-check your status to save time at your appointment.

For more information about training, volunteering, how to prepare for disasters go to redcross.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS.  You can donate to their relief efforts by texting HURRICANES to 90999. 

Lynn Cohen, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, and Alana Mauger, Regional Communications Manager, discussed the local impact of their relief efforts across the five states affected by hurricanes Milton and Helene, they talked about the volunteers who are trained for on-site emergency work, helping local agencies feed and shelter refugees, distribute supplies, coordinate government operations, and accessing damage.  More than 100 volunteers from the greater Philadelphia area have deployed and the local chapter has lent ten emergency and mission response vehicles.                             
We talked about the role of the volunteer at the Red Cross, from working blood drives, delivering blood, responding to fires, and installing smoke detectors.  They described their signature programs, including their emergency training, the first aid, CPR and lifeguard certification classes, their annual ‘Sound the Alarm that installs thousands of free smoke detectors, and their disaster preparedness resources.    
We talked about the ongoing need for blood, the American Red Cross is a major supplier of the nation’s supply and any interruption in collection can cause a shortage. They gave us a rundown of who can give, virtually anyone over 17 – 16 with parental permission – who is feeling healthy that day.  They stressed the need for whole blood and platelets for trauma, cancer and sickle cell patients.   Call 1-800-REDCROSS or go to <a href="http://www.RedCrossBlood.org">RedCrossBlood.org</a> to find a collection drive near you, to register and to download their Donor App that allows you to pre-check your status to save time at your appointment.
For more information about training, volunteering, how to prepare for disasters go to <a href="http://www.redcross.org">redcross.org</a> or call 1-800 RED CROSS.  You can donate to their relief efforts by texting HURRICANES to 90999.

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

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