Dedicated Trial Lawyer Reappointed to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

(Harrisburg, Pa.) - Stewart L. Cohen, of the Philadelphia law firm Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., has been reappointed to his second, three-year term with the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Cohen, an experienced trial lawyer, represents clients across the country in a variety of individual and class action cases.

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency funded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and consists of 13 members, of whom 11 are attorneys and two are non-lawyers, from across the state. The Board assists the Supreme Court in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The members meet regularly to decide cases, policies and board administrative matters.

“It’s an honor to be reappointed to the Board,” says Cohen. “The work we do is important, both to the public and to our profession. It has been a pleasure to serve the last three years with such distinguished members and I look forward to my next term.”

After obtaining his law degree from Temple University School of Law, Cohen was admitted to the Pennsylvania and New York Bar Associations. He practices before the United States District Courts in the Middle, Western and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania; the U.S. Court of Appeals; the Third Circuit Court; and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In 2010, Cohen is included again in the Best Lawyers of America, the oldest peer-review legal publication. He received the “Distinguished Alumni” award from his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, where he recently gave a graduation speech. Cohen was also an adjunct law professor at Widener University School of Law for 10 years.

In addition to his prior experience as a Board member for the Disciplinary Board, Cohen was a member and Chair of the Board’s Hearing Committee. He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice.

Not only is Cohen very involved in legal associations, but he is also dedicated to advocating for people with disabilities. He is the founding Board Member and former president of the Board of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, and Vice President of the Board of Directors of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Philadelphia and Vicinity.

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

Former President Judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline Appointed Vice-Chair of Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

(Harrisburg, Pa.) - Private practice lawyer and former President Judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline, Sal Cognetti, Jr., has been named the new Vice-Chair of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for a one-year term. Cognetti has held the position of Board member since 2006. Cognetti is a partner at the law firm of Foley, Cognetti, Comerford, Cimini & Cummins, specializing in civil litigation.

“I feel deeply honored that my colleagues have shown their faith in me by this appointment. I look forward to utilizing my past experience as a Board member to assist Board Chair Carl Buchholz in fulfilling the duties of the Board,” states Cognetti, a native of Scranton, Pa.

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency funded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, consisting of 11 attorneys and two non-lawyers from across the state. The Board assists the Supreme Court in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The members meet regularly to decide cases, policies and board administrative matters.

In 2000, former Governor Tom Ridge appointed Cognetti to serve as a judge of the Court of Judicial Discipline. In 2003, Judge Cognetti was elected President Judge of the Court, becoming the first lawyer to ever hold that position.

After earning his law degree from Georgetown University of Law in 1973, Cognetti’s professional career has been diverse. He started with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. He was also an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania.

Currently, Cognetti is a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Courts of Appeals, U.S. District Courts, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, American Bar Association, and Pennsylvania Bar Association. He has also served on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Policy Council Violence Prevention.

In addition, Cognetti has a background in the corporate world as former owner, vice-president and general counsel for Jos. Notarianni & Co., Inc., which was then one of the largest fresh fruit and produce wholesaler on the East Coast. Cognetti was also Chairman of the Board of First Family Bank in Clifton, N.J.

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

Former Vice-Chair Appointed to Chair of Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

(Harrisburg, Pa.) — Carl D. Buchholz, III, who has served as Vice-Chair of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania since September 2009, was named Board Chair on April 1st. Currently, he is fulfilling his second three-year term as a Board member.

The Disciplinary Board is an independent agency funded by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and consists of 13 members, of whom 11 are attorneys and two are non-lawyers, from across the state. The Board assists the Supreme Court in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The members meet regularly to decide cases, policies and board administrative matters.

As Chair, Buchholz will have greater involvement in day-to-day functions of the Disciplinary Board and Office of Disciplinary Counsel that he did not have as Vice-Chair. Buchholz states that he will concentrate on disciplining attorney misconduct that involves the practice of law, and work to assure the public that attorney misconduct will not be tolerated.

“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed Chair and to know that the Justices of the Court have the confidence in me to perform the duties of Chair,” says Buchholz. “I look forward to continuing the excellent work of former Board Chair Bill Pietragallo and attempt to make more of the discipline imposed on lawyers “public discipline” as opposed to “private discipline.”

Buchholz has prior experience in addressing ethical issues involving lawyers, having served on the Supreme Court’s Client Security Fund Committee as both Board member and Chairman. The Client Security Fund reimburses clients whose lawyers embezzled their clients’ funds.

Buchholz is a partner at Rawle & Henderson LLP, which has seven offices located throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, in addition to its main office in Philadelphia, Pa. With over 40 years of experience in law, Buchholz has substantial background in representing clients in appellate, insurance coverage, maritime, and casualty and premises liability matters.

As head of Rawle & Henderson’s Appellate and Maritime departments, Buchholz has appeared before the Pennsylvania Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth Courts, as well as the United States Supreme Court. Buchholz also provides legal guidance in litigating insurance coverage and indemnity disputes related to commercial contracts and insurance policies.

Receiving his law degree from Villanova Law School in 1970, Buchholz was a member of the Villanova Law Review and graduated with honors. He is a Proctor in Admiralty, and a member of the bars of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the United States District for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

PERRY COUNTY SUITS UP FOR ACCESSIBLE FITNESS CENTER

Center for Independent Living of Central PA to Open Second Office in Newport

(Newport, Pa.) —It’s time to pump iron in Perry County! The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) announces an expansion of its fully-accessible fitness center into Newport. Slated to open in May 2010, the Newport office will provide the people of Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties with a fully-accessible fitness center and potential assistance services.

Located in the old Newport Hotel, the building also houses apartments for senior citizens and sits across the street from housing for people with disabilities. The new office will feature a fully-accessible fitness center designed to meet the needs of both senior citizens and people with disabilities. Facilities can be used free of charge to CILCP’s consumers.

The fitness center will offer accessible equipment including a Magnum ADA Advantage Trainer with accessories. This piece of equipment provides over 20 different exercise patterns to work the upper body muscles. It also has supportive back padding for individuals using a wheelchair. The MOTOmed, a cycling machine for the arms and legs, is also available, as well as boxing gloves and medicine balls. All equipment is designed for people with disabilities, even those who have no or limited feeling in their limbs.

The center will also integrate services from the Living Well With A Disability program. Living Well With A Disability is a free resource that connects individuals with any type of disability to a qualified Living Well specialist. The specialist meets with the individual and assists the person in identifying needs and goals to live well, and developing a plan for meeting them.

At the new office, the staff will include a program manager, with Living Well specialists periodically available. These specialists can offer any resident with a disability services from Living Well With A Disability.

“We saw the need for an additional office and we are very excited that our consumers in Perry, Mifflin, and Juniata counties now have a place to go without having to travel to our Camp Hill location,” says CILCP’s Executive Director Theotis W. Braddy. “The location itself is also ideal as it’s so close to our built-in customer base.”

The law offices of Reager & Adler sponsored a portion of the fitness equipment, with the remaining funded through CILCP revenue. The fitness center and office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To learn more about the Newport office, contact Janetta Green, Director of Operations for CILCP at 717-731-1900. For more information on Living Well With A Disability, call 1-877-TO-LIVE-WELL or visit www.livingwellwithadisability.org.

About Center for Independent Living of Central PA

For over 20 years, CILCP has been serving people with all types of disabilities who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties. It is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent life styles. From achieving a small task to accomplishing a life-changing goal, CILCP is helping people with disabilities exceed their lifestyle expectations through one point of contact.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Stefanie Hare at 717-432-2468 or Stefanie@TheSuasionWay.com.

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Works for Me Campaign Helping People with Disabilities in Pa. Join Workforce

Harrisburg, PA (March 17, 2010) Since launching the “Works for me” campaign in mid-October, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare announces that nearly 1,000 inquiries have been fielded via phone and email, and nearly 15,000 visits have been made to the Web site. The ongoing campaign directs people with disabilities, including those receiving Social Security or Medicaid benefits, to resources and services provided by state and local government agencies, Centers for Independent Living (CILs), and stakeholders that can help them with training and employment.

“People with disabilities want to join the workforce and gain financial independence,” Edward M. Butler, executive director of Gov. Ed Rendell’s Cabinet and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, said. “But, many people are afraid of losing their social security and medical benefits which may not be the case at all.”

According to Butler, the “Works for me” campaign was designed to quickly connect people with all types of disabilities to the appropriate resources across the state that can address their unique situation and determine how to become employed while still receiving benefits they may qualify for. “It’s all about giving people with disabilities the tools and information they need to join the workforce and enjoy all the benefits a job provides like the opportunity for financial growth and security,” he said.

Mr. Butler admits that without the proper guidance and assistance, navigating through the process can sometimes be confusing and complicated. “That is why the Department’s action to initiate the ‘Works for me’ campaign is so vitally important to Pennsylvanians,” he said. “And the response the campaign has generated in a few short months supports research suggesting that people with disabilities want to work and support themselves and their families just like most people.”

As the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare announces campaign response figures, it also announces the decision to expand the program to reach more individuals that want to work. The campaign, which is funded by the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768), will continue and expand its statewide advertising efforts. Newspaper ads, transit panels and television commercials will help generate more awareness as well as the distribution of posters, brochures and DVDs to targeted organizations across the state assisting people with disabilities.

“Works for me” is a resource for people with any kind of disability including mental health, physical, sensory or developmental. Through a hotline number (1-877-268-9894), an individual can quickly and easily connect with a coordinator to determine which program is best for them and receive the guidance they need to make a decision about employment. Information is also available at

www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

In Pennsylvania, there are over 530,000 working aged individuals with disabilities (ages 18-64), and over 60,000 youth receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. According to a National Beneficiary Survey conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, 44% of beneficiaries reported a goal of getting a job or a better paying job within the next five years. Of these, over half were working or actively seeking employment during the prior year of the survey. This study and related initiatives contrast a common stereotype that people with disabilities cannot work and will rely on government benefits for their entire life. Mr. Butler also contrasts this stereotype explaining that he himself was born with cerebral palsy and has always been employed. “I’ve never collected a benefit,” he said.

On an individual level, there are countless benefits associated with employment for people with disabilities. Employment gives a sense of purpose, pride, accomplishment and becomes part of a person’s identity. It provides an opportunity to take part in the community, develop new relationships and give back to society. The “Works for me” campaign highlights many personal stories of individuals across Pennsylvania like Mr. Butler whom have gained both financial success and personal accomplishments through employment.

“Works for me” (www.WorksForMe-PA.org) is a free resource that can direct you to agencies and programs that help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania get a job. We will review your specific situation and guide you to resources that will help you find a job, training, education, assistive technology for work, or other support you may need for employment. There are many great reasons to work and, with the resources we have available, it is possible! And, contrary to what some people believe, you may be able to work without losing your financial security or health care benefits. “Works for me” is here to help answer your questions about working!

To learn more about personal stories or obtain additional information, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 432-2468 or visit www.WorksForMe-PA.org. For organizations interested in receiving “Works for me” brochures, posters or DVDs to distribute to people with disabilities, please contact Stefanie Hare at (717) 432-2468 or via email at Stefanie@TheSuasionWay.com.

This document was produced with funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768).

Campaign to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania

CAMP HILL, PA - Many people with disabilities want to work, but need training and help to find a job.  In addition, many individuals are afraid of losing social security and medical benefits.  AHEDD, a private, non-profit agency announces the “Works for me” campaign.  The initiative will expand awareness about how people with disabilities can join the workforce.

Launching in October to coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the campaign will respond to what research has found to be several of the greatest barriers to employment among individuals with disabilities - the fear and/or misunderstanding of not receiving the support or training needed to obtain a job or losing financial security and health care benefits if employment is achieved.

“People with disabilities may be able to join the workforce and increase their financial well being,” according to John Miller, AHEDD Vice President.  “The Social Security Administration and PA Department of Public Welfare have made improvements to policies and introduced new initiatives to promote employment.  These efforts complement existing resources and services provided by the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Link system.  There are numerous options available to help individuals find employment and increase their financial well being.  “Works for me” helps individuals navigate what is sometimes a confusing system.”

“Works for me” is a resource for people with any kind of disability including mental health, physical, sensory or developmental.  Through a Hotline number (1-866-902-4333 ext. 192), an individual can quickly and easily connect with a coordinator to determine which program is best for them and receive the guidance they need to make a decision about employment.  Information is also available at www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

In Pennsylvania, there are over 530,000 working aged individuals with disabilities (ages 18-64), and over 60,000 youth receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration.  According to a National Beneficiary Survey conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, 44% of beneficiaries reported a goal of getting a job or a better paying job within the next five years.  Of these, over half were working or actively seeking employment during the prior year of the survey.  This study and related initiatives contrast a common stereotype that people with disabilities can not work and will rely on government benefits for their entire life.  According to Miller, “this represents a profound economic development opportunity for the state and local communities.”

On an individual level, there are countless benefits associated with employment for people with disabilities.  “Employment gives a sense of purpose, pride, accomplishment and becomes part of a person’s identity,” he explained.  “It provides an opportunity to take part in the community, develop new relationships and give back to society.”  The “Works for me” program will encourage those who want to be employed and have the drive and motivation to join the workforce to do so without facing intimidation from complex and confusing rules and other barriers.

The “Works for me” campaign kick-offs in October with statewide television and billboard advertising in addition to the launch of a new Hotline and Web site.  The campaign will share personal stories of people with disabilities who, through employment, have benefited both personally and financially.  One such featured story will be that of Oni, a 50-year-old, Philadelphia woman employed as a Community Work Incentive Coordinator.

Oni is working because it helped her improve her quality of life.  She discovered the WIPA program and found out what she’s eligible to receive without losing benefits.  “Since working, I’m getting to a point where I don’t have to rely on social security anymore,” Oni said.  “And it’s opened doors for things I wasn’t aware of.”

“I was scared that I would start to work and lose my benefits,” she explained.  “But, I found out about WIPA, and realized that’s not true.  I’ve had improvements made to my home to make it more accessible and received funding for my wheelchair.”

“Works for me” represents resources that can direct you to agencies and programs that help people with disabilities in Pennsylvania get a job.  We will review your specific situation and guide you to resources that will help you find a job, obtain training, keep health insurance, get assistive technology, or find other support you may need.  There are many great reasons to work and, with the resources we have available, it is possible!  And, contrary to what some people believe, you can work without losing your financial security or health care benefits.  “Works for me” is here to help answer your questions about working!

To learn more about personal stories or obtain additional information, please contact Karen Gross at (717) 432-2468 or visit www.WorksForMe-PA.org.

About AHEDD
AHEDD is a private, non-profit agency with a mission to serve the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with disabilities.  Established in 1977 with headquarters in Camp Hill, PA, AHEDD serves the community by collaborating with business, government and people with disabilities.  AHEDD provides employment services and community education through a field office network throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware.  AHEDD has collaborated with Suasion, LLC of Dillsburg, PA to design and launch the “Works for me” campaign.  Suasion is a marketing and communications firm providing services to nonprofit and mission-based for-profit organizations such as health care providers; educational institutions; social services; advocacy, protection and education organizations; associations; and, long term and continuing care facilities.

This document was produced with funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA# 93.768).

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Experienced Trial and Appellate Attorney Named Vice-Chair of Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

About the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, please visit www.padb.us.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz at 717-432-2468 or email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com.

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Aggressive Actions Taken To Stop Disbarred Lawyer From Continuing To Practice

(Harrisburg, Pa.)— In early August of this year, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County a civil complaint, therein asking the Honorable Pamela Pryor Dembe, President Judge of that court, to enjoin a disbarred Philadelphia attorney from continuing to practice law. The last time ODC had to take such a drastic step to prevent a disbarred attorney from practicing law was 20 years ago.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel is the investigative and prosecutorial arm of the Disciplinary Board, which is an agency of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. The primary mission of ODC and the Disciplinary Board is to protect the public.

The complaint, which was filed against former attorney Allen L. Feingold, alleged that after his disbarment, Feingold pursued civil claims on behalf of himself and former clients as “co-plaintiffs”; failed to advise clients of his inability to practice law, as required by Supreme Court rules; and, used letterhead in the name of a licensed attorney, Jeffry Pearson, to mail and fax correspondence to lawyers, judges and clients, without Pearson’s knowledge or consent. In addition to requesting injunctive relief, ODC’s complaint requested that Judge Dembe appoint retired Supreme Court Justice Russell Nigro to serve as conservator and to take control of the files of Feingold’s former clients.

In March 2006, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court suspended Feingold for three years for failing to correct false testimony given by a client during a deposition, instructing an employee in a medical office to falsely say that she could not locate the client-patient’s medical records that had been subpoenaed by opposing counsel, and filing two frivolous lawsuits. In August 2006, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court suspended Feingold for two years, to run consecutively to the first suspension, for choking a judge pro tem who had entered a ruling that Feingold did not agree with. Both orders of suspension directed Feingold to comply with rules requiring that he notify clients of his suspension and disengage from the practice of law.

Under disciplinary enforcement rules promulgated by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania attorneys who are on inactive status, administratively suspended, suspended or disbarred are allowed to work in a law office that is staffed on a full-time basis by a supervising attorney who is licensed and in good standing. The rules, however, place significant restrictions on the former attorney. Direct communication with clients and third parties is limited to ministerial matters, such as scheduling and billing, and the former attorney is not allowed to render legal consultation or advice, appear on behalf of a client in court or at a deposition, negotiate a settlement, or handle client funds. A former attorney who is suspended or disbarred is not allowed to work for any law firm or lawyer with whom the former attorney was associated on or after the date on which the acts that resulted in the loss of license occurred, through and including the effective date of the disbarment or suspension.

In June 2007, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court entered an order holding Feingold in contempt for willful violation of the suspension orders and referred the matter to the Disciplinary Board for a hearing to determine the sanction. After finding that Feingold failed to notify clients of his suspensions; failed to withdraw his appearances from cases; continued to engage in “law-related activities;” and, failed to pay costs associated with the proceedings that led to his suspensions, the Disciplinary Board unanimously recommended that Feingold be disbarred. In August 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court disbarred Feingold. The Disciplinary Board’s reports and recommendations to the Supreme Court in the suspension and disbarment matters are available at the Disciplinary Board’s Web site at www.padb.us.

According to the complaint for injunctive relief filed by ODC in the Court of Common Pleas, “there exists no adequate remedy at law to prohibit defendant’s [Feingold’s] conduct and therefore an injunction is necessary and warranted in this matter.”

William Pietragallo, II, Chairman of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA, said, “The disciplinary system exists to regulate attorney conduct, and ensure proper action is taken for individuals who don’t follow the rules. While an injunction is very rare, there are times when this drastic measure must be taken in order to protect the public.”

After hearings on several dates, Judge Dembe entered an order on September 2, 2009 enjoining Feingold from engaging in the unlawful practice of law, and an order on September 10, 2009 appointing Justice Nigro to act as conservator “to protect the interests of [Feingold’s] present and former clients.”

About Office of Disciplinary Counsel

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) is the investigative and prosecutorial division of the disciplinary system, and its primary mission is protection of the public. The role of ODC is to investigate complaints against attorneys, and when appropriate, prosecute. ODC also provides educational programs for attorneys and consumers. The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of PA is responsible for the ODC.

About Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

The Disciplinary Board’s goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts in Pennsylvania. The Disciplinary Board was created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to review conduct and assure compliance by all attorneys with the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. For more information about the Disciplinary Board, and information about Pennsylvania attorneys, including license status and public discipline, please visit www.padb.us.

For more information about this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz at 717-432-2468 or Megan@TheSuasionway.com.

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Come Out and Celebrate Healthy Living!

(York, Pa.) – Over the last several weeks, the I Can! Challenge, a free, step-by-step health improvement program, has changed the lives of many people living with heart disease or diabetes. As a result of the success, and to continue to motivate individuals, a community celebration event will be held on Saturday, August 1st, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market in Loganville. The FREE event is open to the public. It’s an opportunity to celebrate wellness and health, and motivate attendees to be healthy.

The I Can! Challenge offers those with heart disease or diabetes support by giving simple, easy-to-follow tools to help improve their condition. Jenny Felizzi of York, one of the five public challengers, states, “This new lifestyle has been such an eye-opener for me.  I can’t believe how different I feel and how many areas of my life these changes have touched - changes I never would have expected.”

While the 12 weeks of the Challenge are coming to an end, the lifestyle and health changes made by participants should not. The five challengers, along with the public, have learned that these changes are for life. There’s a need for them to continue watching food portions, exercising, communicating with their doctor, and more as they continue on in their lives. Therefore, the celebration event will include healthy fun for the whole family! People attending can hear the success stories of those who have participated and learn healthy lifestyle tips. The event will help people that want to become motivated to improve their health or to continue and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Area health-related organizations will be on site, including: Family First Health, Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center, YMCA of York, TOPS, York Literacy Council, Eight Stones Yoga, and more. They provide services, such as health care and education, fitness, nutrition, adult literacy, and more! People can also participate in live demonstrations, such as yoga, portion control, and basic cardio fitness, as well as enter to win door prizes! Live entertainment will be provided throughout the day from WARM 103.3’s Kelly West and WSOX 96.1’s Fuzzy Summers.

Another public challenger, Vickie Kelly of Red Lion states, “I sure am thankful for this Challenge; it is helping me help myself.”

The I Can! Challenge is a program of Aligning Forces for Quality in South Central Pennsylvania. To learn more about this press release or the event, sponsored in part by Highmark Blue Shield, please visit www.icanchallenge.com or contact Stefanie Hare at 717-432-2468 or Stefanie@thesuasionway.com.

About the I Can! Challenge
The Challenge is a free 12-week program for those with diabetes or heart disease in York and Adams counties. The program provides participants with direction and support with diet, exercise, stress relief and more. Those interested in taking the Challenge can sign up online at www.ICanChallenge.com.

 

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NOT JUST ANOTHER WALK-A-THON FOR CENTRAL PA RESIDENTS

(Camp Hill, Pa.)—Many organizations have walks to raise money for their cause, but the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) is doing something a little different than the rest. Many of CILCP’s consumers use wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or other adaptive equipment to live their lives and do their everyday activities. So, it’s no surprise that they’re making sure their walk is accessible to all. People with any type of disability or ability are invited to sign up for the first annual Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well on July 18th at City Island.

Participants of all ages, abilities, and disabilities will walk, roll, or jog three laps around City Island in Harrisburg, rain or shine. Following the walk at 10 a.m., attendees will be able to enjoy food, drinks, and festivities until 2:00 p.m.

As an organization made up and serving people with all types of disabilities in Central PA, the proceeds will help the CILCP continue to provide services and ensure people with disabilities are living well – from finding housing and transportation, to providing accessible fitness equipment, as well as other services that assist people to live independently.

Everyone is encouraged to participate by forming teams or joining individually. Participants who register by June 25, 2009, receive a free Walk ’N Roll t-shirt and a discounted registration fee of $20.00. After June 25, the registration fee is $25.00, and participants are not guaranteed a t-shirt. Children age 5 or younger may participate for free, but will not receive a t-shirt.

In addition, families and corporate teams are encouraged to raise a minimum of $100 in sponsorship donations from neighbors, family, friends and business associates. Prizes will be awarded to the Individual, Family Team and Corporate Team that raise the most donations.

Theotis W. Braddy, Executive Director at CILCP, states “The Walk ‘N Roll for Living Well is one of the many things we’re doing as part of our Living Well With A Disability initiative. Our organization has been established by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities to assist in achieving goals, meeting challenges, fulfilling dreams, and ultimately to live well. In addition to unifying the community, this event will help us provide more opportunities for people with disabilities and increase public awareness. Anyone at any given moment can become disabled and we want to be able to continue to provide the services to individuals as long as we can.”

Tanya Foster, evening news anchor from CBS 21 and CW15, and Central PA’s Living Well With A Disability spokesperson will serve as host for the event.

For more information or to register, visit www.CILCP.org or call 717-731-1900 or (717) 737-1335 (TTY). Participants may also register on the day of the event at the Carousel Pavilion. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the walk ‘n roll begins at 10:00 a.m. All City Island facilities and the route are accessible. Sign language interpreters and CART will be provided.

The event is supported by CBS21 News, CW15, PinnacleHealth, Keystone Professional Property Services, and Conforti Physical Therapy & Fitness Center.

About CILCP
The Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) is a consumer controlled, cross disability organization dedicated to assisting people with disabilities to achieve and maintain independent life styles.  The organization assists individuals with any type of disability to find resources available to meet their needs, wishes and aspirations through Living Well With A Disability. To learn more about the CILCP visit their Web site at www.cilcp.org, and to learn more about Living Well With A Disability, visit www.livingwellwithadisability.org.

For more information regarding this press release, please contact Megan Kurtz at 717-432-2468 or email at Megan@TheSuasionWay.com.

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