What's The Story?

Oh, the places you will go …. when you let the music take you there!
For many young musicians, the musical dream is big. It was no different for Cara Wojciechowski. Cara started playing and singing at a very young age.

For many of us loss gives us the opportunity for perspective. Cara lost a dear friend, also at a very young age. Cara’s parents encouraged her to volunteer hoping that would help her work through that loss. Find out how the experience became the seeds that blossomed into a career decision years later. Today Cara is a Music Therapist at Tower Health.

She thought she would be working with terminally ill patients. Instead, she finds herself working with children, using her music to ease their stress in hospital situations. Turns out the whole family learns how to use music to visualize and lower stress levels. It’s no wonder when you hear her sing. Relax a little and enjoy Cara’s story.

A walk on the Highline in Chelsea District of New York prompted a discussion of its history and how the convergence of trains, people, cattle and goods in this area of New York shaped the neighborhood. The elevated line has been preserved and is now a beautiful linear park.

This story with Jane Runyeon and Valerie Boom explores how the effort to reframe the space in order to preserve the history and impact of trains in America has evolved. The result of the evolution is the ‘Ghost Train’ project.

Jane Runyeon, a lifelong artist and educator, is from Reading. Reading is home to the Reading Railroad, and it is only natural that Jane stepped up to be the executive director of this important artistic collaboration that brings the past to life in the present. Valeria is an architect and artist, and Lynn Redding is a lighting designer and artist. You will meet Lynn in part two of this story.

Trains of the past come alive in the Ghost Train project in the most magical of ways. People’s lives centered around the railroad. The Ghost Train will enable us to imagine through art what life was like 100 years ago. An array of different mediums will be utilized to make the past come alive in the rail areas that are being preserved.

Imagine what life was like 100 years ago, alive and bustling in the rail areas that are being preserved. Find out how you might look at some specific areas of Reading as the rail areas are being re-imagined and preserved through art. Trains of the past come alive in the Ghost Train project in the most magical of ways.

Anne Desjardins experienced crippling fatigue about 7 years ago and that was the start of a journey through a medical quagmire trying to find out what was wrong. A series of mis-diagnosis and lots of misunderstanding led to a great deal of frustration and no relief from symptoms. The journey was expensive and extremely frustrating yet the cause remained a mystery. Sound familiar? As it turns out Lyme Disease was the final destination on this medical search. With the proper diagnosis she has been able to get a handle on her health again and is determined to help others get off the medical mis-diagnosis train. Find out how to improve your quality of life. Senator White has a pending piece of legislation in Harrisburg right now to help untangle with medical web. In the meantime Anne has started a support called Berks County Lyme Support Group. It’s a way for you to connect with others dealing with similar issues, share successes and help each other on the way back to good health. Connecting People with information. The Facebook Page is Berks County Lyme Support Group.

Zeus McClurkin has been told, he’s too nice, “All you ever want to do is smile and dunk”. Now he gets paid for it! The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters travel all around the world and they find that the number one language everyone speaks is ‘a smile’. Zeus says, “I can speak that language!” The Globetrotters are ambassadors of goodwill on and off the court. While in Reading he visited elementary schools. His message to all kids is “BE YOU”. As a kid, Zeus thought The Harlem Globetrotters were just characters on the Scooby Doo show. He shares the dream of becoming a Harlem Globetrotter and spreading joy wherever he goes. You will enjoy his story.

Frank Antoine personifies empathy and compassion. His younger brother has autism. He recalls the struggle his mom faced when bringing his brother to a barbershop. When Frank was 12 he cut his brother’s hair so he wouldn’t have to go to the barber. Frank is keenly aware of the many challenges a person with autism and his family face, and he is passionate about easing the way. Frank figured if he could take one challenge off the plate it is worth it. Today he is a barber and offers free haircuts to anybody with autism. The gratitude from parents is more than enough. It has been quite a journey for Frank Antoine from that first haircut he gave his brother to today. Tune in and find out how he got here and the people that helped him along the way. His non-profit is called Fading Autism.

Xiomara “There’s no such thing as easy money.” Here’s to New Beginnings! Xiomara says “I was in a bad situation.” She describes the road she was on. “I thought I was doing worse than I really was. I started chasing money”. She says that is how she ended up in prison. Xiomara talks about the circumstances that led her to jail. “When it happened I quickly started to regret everything but it was too late for that I was headed to prison.”

Xiomara talks about how she transformed. “It made me a little bit tougher. It made me think. It was rough. I took a lot of classes to help me.” She was touched by other’s stories and says she heard unbelievable things you think wouldn’t happen, but did happen.
Xiomara recognizes what she could have done differently. “If I would have been clearer in my head I would have realized it was a bunch of lies and jealousy.” Listen to her story as she shares some advice that was hard earned.

As for her future, it’s looking good. She says, “There’s a lot of jobs out there, you just gotta look, stop taking the easy way out”. She has found that there are a lot of people out there willing to hire you and give you a chance and start a new beginning.

Leslie found herself facing prison. She found the courage to not only survive, but to thrive. She says, “I always had my children in my mind. I could never go back to the way I used to be.” Leslie had a good life. She was married with two daughters and a good job. Her company was bought out and things changed. She was laid off and got divorced. She says she became a “little too comfortable with unemployment”. Leslie says she didn’t make good choices.

When faced with a 3 ½ yr jail sentence she was afraid for herself and for her kids. Leslie didn’t agree to the events that unfolded that night and she didn’t speak at all when arrested. She was the only one charged. How did she overcome bitterness and arrive at a place of forgiveness? Tune in to find out how Leslie is able to say “I am OK. I am happier today than before I went to prison.”

Life is good once again for Leslie, but not without ongoing challenges. She has another baby and an “amazing boyfriend”. When asked what advice she would share with her younger self she has just two words. “Love yourself.” The story she shares is deeply personal and profoundly steeped in forgiveness and love. Listen to her message and share it with others.

Amy, Gyula and Owen Asztalos talk about what it means to decide if you are all in or all out when your child wants to be an actor. Do you have a child that wants to get into the acting business or do you want to get into the acting business? Learn from this family what it takes to have that all in or all out commitment. This is a very powerful interview with this family as they share their journey and their story.

It’s a Family Affair! Meet the Asztalos Family Amy, Gyula and Owen Asztalos. They share their journey with their son Owen. Amy says, “He literally came into the world dancing and impersonating Elvis”. How do you know if your child has that ‘special spark’? Gyula recalls being told, “Your son is very talented, he is like a diamond in the rough” yet he was still skeptical! Tune in to hear the journey that includes Owen impersonating characters at 2 years old and the defining moment witnessed on stage at the Santander Arena. There have been guides along the way that included Joel Gori, the Artistic Director of Metamorphosis Performing Company. Now there is AU, a management company in West Reading and Innovative Artists, Owen’s agent in New York. In a short time span Own found himself in the movie, ‘Diary Of A Wimpy Kid’ and in the Marco Polo Geico TV commercial. What does it take to help your child realize his acting dream? 100% commitment! Amy says, “You are either all in or all out…it’s a huge sacrifice and it costs a lot of money”

Meet Christine Leonhardt, CEO of City Thrift, is all about Sharing The Love So how does one “Share The Love” in a practical way? Christine Leonhardt talks about her journey from the corporate world to live her life’s mission to help people and do, as she says, “my bit of kindness and good every day to make the world a better place and hope that it branches out and other people catch the spirit”

She lights up as she talks about the people she meets at City Thrift and why it’s important to her to keep City Thrift alive. Christine Leonhardt’s enthusiasm is contagious. She is successful because many people in the greater Berks Community have caught her spirit and volunteer to help any way they can. Reading City Police, the Reading School District and numerous local shelters know they can count on Christine. She works hard to meet the needs of homeless in the city providing free clothing to help people on their journey to a new beginning and a better life.

Chrstine Leonhardt says, “The more you give, the more you get!”
Christine has tremendous faith and figured if she put herself out there, karma would work in her favor. She says, “,Sometimes things don’t happen the way you expect but at the end of the day everything works out.” What a difference she makes in the lives of people in this community!

He is a Doctor, a Painter, an Artist, a Photographer and more. We sat down with Dr Ahmad Shahzad to learn how he uses all these talents to bring about healing. Dr Shahzad found that a spiritual connection with wildlife helped him connect compassionately with his patients. He shares the lessons he learned from a cat and how he related his experiences to the mystic tradition of Islam that shares the concept of the sacred glance. “You must be in a non-judgmental state and totally present in your body in order to meet another person or soul or animal and connect in a sacred way and experience the presence of God”.
He says all of creation is of one Creator and so we are all connected. Dr Ahmad Shahzad studied and honed his talents in Pakistan. It was National Geographic TV shows that inspired him to come to America. He works hard to connect with his patients and looks for ways to promote healing and explore healing activities with patients and communities. “Every Glance Is Illuminating’ is a recent art exhibit he had on display at Reading Hospital. He adds some of his best and most honest critiques came from the untrained eye, from people who see and appreciate the art.
In 2011 he received the ‘Healing Art Of Medicine Award’ while training at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. Being present in the moment is vital to Dr Shahzad’s work. He continually promotes healing in all its forms and enjoys working closely with patients in rural areas.

Amy Johnson says “It's all in the family now”! This busy lady shares her story of transition from the corporate world to successful entrepreneurship. She speaks of leveraging the talents of partners to form a cohesive group. Pollen Consolidated, Lovin Spoonful and Reading Occasional Cocktail Club (ROCC) are thriving businesses that cover all the bases for any event. Amy talks about how she and her husband address the challenges of juggling three businesses and two kids. She says family is always first. She is equally passionate about believing in the revitalization of the city of Reading adding "I think it’s important to put your money where your mouth is". When working with non-profits a portion of proceeds goes back to organizations. Watch or Listen to more episodes on What's the Story? with Jo Painter

Randy Peers is the new leader of the Greater Reading Chamber and Economic Development Corporation or the GRCEDC. They are looking for a new name by the way, something that rolls off the tongue a bit easier! Randy is charged with integrating the Greater Reading Chamber of Business and Economic Development, Greater Reading Economic Partnership and the Greater Berks Development Fund into one umbrella organization. Randy says t the financing arm in the mix strengthens the capacity to expand business attraction, and business development and makes Reading and Berks is really innovative.

Randy talks about what motivated him to relocate from New York where he ran the Brooklyn Chamber and a job training organization for disconnected youth. He shares some more personal reasons that drew him to this area and his biggest surprise when he came here. Randy notes that the biggest advantage for him in this challenge is the fact that he is not from this area. It allows him to tackle the challenge of integrating 3 organizations without any preconceived notions shading his perspective. Randy says themes have emerged and one of them is – “The city of Reading really does matter!” Randy speaks to the difference between collaboration and integration and is energized and excited for the potential for change.

Patty Mahlon talks to Jo about being diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. She was on a waiting list for a lung transplant for 4 1/2 years and speaks about the importance of organ donation, listening to your body and living life to the fullest. A powerful What's The Story.

Take The Chill Off is the brainchild of Marc Goldstein and Chef Tim. Marc was looking for a way to get more blankets to people in need. Chef Tim wanted to use his talents to help that effort. Together they created this one day event that takes place at multiple sites around Berks County. Chef Tim makes his award winning chili and 100% of the proceeds go directly to Blankets of Hope. Marc created Blankets of Hope to operate without any overhead. All donated money goes directly to getting blankets to the organizations that need them. Find out what inspires and motivates these two to keep on providing opportunities for all of us to get involved and help others.

Frank Grill walks through doors of opportunity and when the road leads to devastation he looks for another door of opportunity and tries again. Frank shares his story from becoming a Christian to earning his MBA and becoming a successful corporate analyst, then losing everything.
Listen to his journey and find out how Frank found his way when a second door of opportunity opened at Hope Rescue Mission. The position allows him to use his analytic abilities and grow his creative talents at the same time. His focus is different now. His world is different. Frank is a genuinely happy man making a difference.

Life is full for Karin Wulkowicz and she shares it freely with others everyday, which is quite possibly, a trait she inherited from her Dad, Kaz, or Casimir Wulkowicz. Karin is a Master Gardener and now has been charged with setting up a Master Watershed Steward Program for Berks County through the Penn State Extension Office in Leesport. She says the goal is to train citizen scientists! As the coordinator Karin will be looking for volunteers and for partner organizations. Her team of volunteers will help fill the needs of the partner organizations like Berks Nature and The Conservation District. Education is the primary focus of the Master Watershed Steward Program and there will also be plenty of opportunities to go outside and get dirty too … cleaning up ponds and doing riparian plantings. Tune in and find out what you can do everyday to be a valuable watershed steward.

In addition to her work in the Master Gardener and Master Watershed Programs at Penn State Extension Office, Karin is also a professional licensed landscaper, and a volunteer at Hawk Mountain and the Reading Public Museum. She also hosts her weekly radio show, ‘Karin’s Music Festival’ on WEEU. Karin can be reached at 610-378-1327.

PA’s Medical Marijuana Act is Law. What does this Mean for you? Carrie Roberts, a consultant with Medicine Man Technologies with a background in law enforcement, discusses the impact this legislation will have for patients, doctors, communities, law enforcement, business and tax revenue. Listen to find out how you get a permit to operate a dispensary or grower/processor facility. Carrie addresses all this and talks about Pennsylvania’s effort to be the leader in studies regarding the medical benefits of Cannabis.

Giovanni Negron Garcia goes by the name of Gio. He turned his name into an acronym – Go Inspire Others. Gio lives this acronym every day. This young man was junior class president and is aiming for Senior Class President at Reading High School for the class of 2017. He says other class presidents didn’t make connections with students. Gio’ s aim is to connect with all the students in his class, to know them by first name and see what their needs are and work to make it happen for them. Gio believes it is important to make connections face-to-face. He has become a mentor for other students and works hard to help them be their best selves. Gio tells them, “Continue moving forward, don’t stop or ever say anything is impossible”.

Giovanni works every day to help his classmates make the necessary connections to move in their right direction after graduation whether that means moving successfully into the workforce or into the next level of education. When connections are made and other students discover their own power he calls it the ‘GIO Effect’. Gio says, “It’s all about having confidence”.

Gio grew up in Reading and his motivation comes from his supportive family. There were some hard times and years of difficulty. He lost a friend to suicide. He learned from all these experiences and remembered what his parents told him growing up …. Don’t Lose Hope. He was tired of seeing opportunities fly by him, he wanted to grab them and help others grab opportunity as well.

It’s every Mom’s worst nightmare, you find out your child is addicted to drugs. Addiction is such an insidious disease and recovery is a process that requires constant navigation. Patti Trabosh talks candidly about her journey with her son Nikko and her experience with insurance companies calling the shots and pulling the plug on recovery. She says it was during a second stint in rehab while at the Caron Foundation that Nikko’s insurance was denied. Caron Foundation offered a scholarship to help Nikko stay for full treatment. That’s when Patti’s mission began. She is grateful for the assistance and is determined to pay it forward. She wants to help others with financial assistance for rehab if they need it
Patti says the most important part of drug rehab is ‘after care’ which is expensive and is not generally covered by insurance. Patti is organizing a walk on October 1 in Kutztown. She wants to pay it forward and help others with funding if they need it to remain in rehab. Patti shares some tell tale signs of addiction that she saw in her son Nikko and offers some ways for parents to deal with their child’s addiction and help them through it. You can get more information about the walk by calling 484-955-9444.

Reading native, Ann Calvaresi Barr has been appointed by President Obama to Inspector General of the United States Agency for International Development, Government Accountability Office (GAO), which provides foreign assistance to those countries who are in need. The agency deals with democratic stabilization, health issues, hunger, malnutrition, reduce poverty. That’s a tall order and tremendous responsibility. She assures independent oversight over those programs that are administered globally.

Still she takes the time to visit her alma mater, Northeast Middle School in Reading, PA where she was named Distinguished Alumni. She speaks with the students about making a difference in life. When asked what part of growing up here in Reading PA plays a role in her career today, Ann says, “ strong family values with support to go forth with confidence, a tremendous public education system in a diverse population along with a myriad of activity opportunities” provided her the foundation of integrity and leadership necessary to navigate a diverse global organization. Listen to her story as she provides valuable advice for kids growing up in Reading today.

Fred Murai stopped by The PEOPLE Chronicles during a recent visit to Berks County. He was traveling in the United States to talk about safari trips in Africa. We were curious to learn about his journey. Fred grew up in the Kenyan countryside. As the oldest of 13 children he had to take on chores and take care of younger ones and help out his parents. This meant he was walking 10 miles round trip two times a day to fetch water with his Mother.

What surprised him when he visited the United States? Fred says, “You guys have a lot of running water all the time. When you go for a walk there is no challenge, no snakes, no big animals. The things we take for granted, the basic necessities of life, water and food, are the biggest challenges he and his family face.

He lived close to wild animals in the Kenyan countryside where zebras, hyenas, antelope and buffalo all wander free. The experience of growing up ‘one with the animals’ led to Fred’s desire to share the animals and his countryside with visitors.

Fred says the way kids talk to their parents here in the United States is very different than in Kenya. Listen to his story to learn more of the differences and similarities between our cultures.

Mark Goldstein’s story started in 2012. He shares the story of his ‘moment of truth’. It was that moment that motivated him to organize ‘Blankets Of Hope’. Over the past 4 years Marc has become more educated about the need. ‘Blankets of Hope’ currently works with over 40 organizations that have a need for blankets. Marc said the movement grew more than he expected.

‘Blankets of Hope’ does not stock blankets. As donations come in blankets are ordered and sent directly to the organization that needs them. More and more groups are getting involved, raising money and donating it to ‘Blankets of Hope’. Many groups will ask for their donations to be used to buy blankets for specific organizations. Marc accommodates that and has blankets shipped as requested.

Marc’s story started with a personal moment of truth and has come full circle as the work that is done has served as a moment of truth for many more in his community. Marc Goldstein sees ‘Blankets of Hope’ growing and serving surrounding counties. For now it is a strictly volunteer effort. Marc and four other board members all work full time and volunteer their spare time to this effort. Even web services are donated so that the money you donate to ‘Blankets of Hope’ is a 100% donation directly to providing blankets to those who need them.

Laurie Rhodes love of animals and dedication to helping others led her to a mission that is underserved I this community. She says there is a bond between people and their pets and “when you feed a pet and feed the soul. Laurie points out it is not her, but neighbors helping neighbors that allow her to carry out this mission.

Her journey began in 2012 when she brought food and warm clothing for people in Reading. Laurie Rhodes found that people will give their last dime and their last bite of food to feed their pets. She realized that people will live on the street in order to keep caring for their pets. Laurie had done rescue for animals for decades. Her two passions collided and today her phone does not stop ringing.

There is a need to feed pets, She distributes about 1400 pounds a month. The pet is often a person’s lifeline. Laurie says that, “In saving a pet you are actually saving a person”. She talks about the difficulties she dealt with as she embarked on a mission to care for people’s pets. Today food shelters ask for her help. Listen as Laurie shares the stories of the people she meets and their pets. She needs your help.

Meet Brian Twyman, newly elected councilman representing District Three in Reading. Brian says he learned early on that time matters and it's too important to let it slip by. He certainly doesn’t have much idle time. After graduating from college Brian was thirsting for more knowledge about philosophy and evolution. He studied systems and how they impact the way a neighborhood, a school, a city functions. Armed with this information Brian became very engaged in his community with permaculture, recycling and education. He set about doing what he could to make Reading a better place in the way it functions.

He established permaculture gardens in the greenhouse at City Park, instituted a recycling program in the Reading School District and conducted programs about permaculture in schools. When asked what compelled him to run for public office Brian said, “I can be effective one on one and in small groups… I wanted to do more on a macro level where you can affect policy legislation and how things function on a larger scale”. Brian Twyman would like to see District 3 thrive on a greater level. He discusses systems of exchange and utilizing them for growth.

Who is State Senator Judy Schwank? Only 9 of the 50 senators in Pennsylvania are women. She shares her story on the way to becoming a State Senator in the 11th District in Pennsylvania and some of the surprises she found when she got to Harrisburg. Judy fondly remembers growing up in Pittsburgh and shares memories of her grandfather and gives us insight into her life as a student. Looking back Senator Schwank says, “I’ve always said yes to opportunities” As student, volunteered for many different kinds of committees “Take what everybody else doesn’t want to do” Wanting to do good and help is part of her core being and it is why she said yes to the call to become a state senator.

Asked about the benefits and challenges of being a woman and in the minority in Harrisburg, Judy notes that women make very good policy makers, primarily because they are very collaborative. She says that on the whole, women are less ‘me’ centered and embrace a team approach. Female leaders work harder to prove themselves. They want to make a difference and want to do the job as best they can so they want to be sure they know the facts in order to speak with authority.

Service and representation to the community are of utmost importance to Senator Judy Schwank. She says opportunities come by serendipity. Sometimes serendipitous opportunities are born of difficult situations. A lifelong learner, Senator Schwank says “it’s important to do whatever you can, formally or informally, to always try to improve yourself”.

She shares her passions and some of life’s transformational experiences, periods of time that bring about growth and change. It is these experiences that drive her. It is also through these experiences that she is able to relate to and help others and is dedicated to mentoring young women.

Celebrate the Uptown Band’s 10th year anniversary and their nomination as Best New Adult Contemporary Group New Music Magazine. With their single release that Jenifer Kinder wrote ‘I Can Breathe’ at # 5 in the nation on the New Music Weekly AC Chart ahead of Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Gwen Stefani, the Uptown Band has good reason to celebrate!

So how do you get a hit single and a best new Adult Contemporary Group nomination? Well, on the way to making a living as an accountant Erich Cawalla came to a fork in the road. Erich Cawalla tells the story from the beginning. He says he always sang and then fell in love with the sax at age 13. He talks about recording in the basement, hauling equipment in a mini-van, singing with Burning House and the Bobby Mercer Road Show.

It all led up to forming The Uptown Band with Jenifer Kinder. Behind the headlines and the glitz and glamour Erich shares the reality of performing over 200 shows a year and the beginning of BANDAPALOOZA 5 years ago. It was the Uptown Band’s way of giving back to the community that supported them from the beginning.

Now it’s 10 year anniversary party time! Get your tickets for BANDAPALOOZA at the Crowne Plaza Reading March 25 at 7pm. It’s a party featuring the Uptown Band, Bunchafunk, The Groovemasters and DJ Bob Tier. There will be a raffle for a customized 10th anniversary Uptown Band guitar made by Dave Lewis.

All proceeds will go to the ‘Alisa B Anderson Voice Scholarship Program’ through the Reading Musical Foundation.

Cindy Ross is an author, artist, adventurer and hiker extraordinaire! With her 6th book, ‘Modeling A Life’, about to be released she took a moment to share the story of how this life began. Cindy joined the Blue Mountain Eagle Hiking Club when she was 15 and learned everything she knows about hiking. It was while hiking with the club she was inspired to hike the whole length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. Cindy Ross did just that when she was 24 years old. This was the birth of her life-long journey.

She wrote and illustrated her first book after that hike. The Book was culled from the journal she kept along the trail. Cindy Ross had 3 published books before ever writing a magazine article … she certainly had something to share! She kept hiking and kept writing and a beautiful life unfolded before her.

Cindy shares the story of that first journey, love, loss, injury and finding herself again. She learned what is most important to her while experiencing the solitude of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Five million steps later, at the end of the trail, Cindy found herself at the beginning of a life on the trail.

Tune is as Cindy shares the story of meeting her husband, sharing a marriage that celebrates the simple life with nature and raising kids on the trail.

Dr. Harry Serio is Pastor at Christ Church in Temple and prior to that he was the Pastor at St John’s UCC in Kutztown. Dr. Serio says the notion of A Spiritual Exploration Project “begins with the recognition that every person is on a spiritual journey …. It will take them in many different directions based upon their culture, ethnicity and people that have influenced them.” Dr. Serio talks about his colorful tenure at St John’s where they encouraged people to give expression to their faith journeys. Consequently there were members who were Lutherans, Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Wiccans and Jewish. We would listen to what they had to say and help them on their journey.

The whole experience led Dr. Serio to the Spiritual Exploration Project. He says “there is a great deal of validity and truth in so many different faith expressions …. The common thread would be one’s own existence and how we came here is the question that people are asking”. Dr. Serio says “the goal of the project is to enhance the spirituality of persons who are looking to express their faith in different ways”.

There are three initiatives in this project which is still evolving. The first is an Interfaith Dialogue to include all faiths and no faiths. An event is planned April 17. Dr. Serio says that, “So many are misguided about the Islamic community … Because of the attacks perpetrated by ISIS they think that Islam is a terroristic religion and that is absolutely not true”. Every religion has its own expression of violence and so the initial presentation will be a community forum on ‘God and Violence’. The hope is gain a better understanding of all faiths

Another initiative is the development a contemplative spiritual community that would also become involved in social justice concerns and social actions. Dr. Serio suggested this community will be modeled after the protocols of the Iona Community of Scotland and become a group that would look in and then also look out. They would go out into the community and do constructive work.

The third initiative is storytelling. “We want to gather stories of people and hear where they come from, what their hopes are, what their dreams are ... What was in their background to bring them to this particular place in time”. Dr. Serio is encouraged by the response to this Spiritual Exploration Project so far and invites you to join the journey.

Daniel Egusquiza, owner of the T.E.A. Factory, shares why it is important to him to be involved in the community working to make it a better place. The T.E.A. Factory is a community co-working space for Technology, Education and the Arts located on Canal Street in Reading.

Daniel talks about a very poignant experience he had about 5 years ago when he saw a woman while walking down Penn Street. The impact of that moment shaped his life. It was then that he decided to make this community a better place. He started slowly. He cleaned up his walk and then enlisted the help of his neighbors to clean up the whole block.

Gradually he started getting more and more involved in the community He never saw that woman again but he says, “In a way, it is good because she became every woman, she became you, she became my mother, she became my grandmother, she became my sister, she became all women”. Daniel adds that as a result “Love has always been a key component, like a check mark in my life. If I am doing something I am doing it because I love to do it. I couldn’t do it otherwise”.

Daniel also organized and directs ‘Barrio Alegria Dance Company’ which translates to ‘Neighborhood of Happiness’. He explains, “We look at how to develop leaders through the art of dance. We bring in members of the community who have absolutely no idea how to dance. We start teaching them how to dance and at the same time we give them leadership roles … then we go out into the community and they lead workshops or dance descriptions”.

The name of the dance company is derived from a poem where the writer lives in the neighborhood of melancholy but wants to live in the neighborhood of happiness. Daniel invites you to share the dream of creating a neighborhood of happiness and be an active part of it. He says, “Love is what should drive you and happiness will show the way. Everything follows happiness”.