The Power of a Smile

THE POWER OF A SMILE IS GRAND. Its extent reaches far beyond a face; the ripple effect of a smile can travel for miles. The grin of a child at the zoo can turn a cloudy day bright. A genuine smile from a stranger can change a life. It is the one gift, that when returned, makes both recipient and giver even happier.

Every day, I have a million reasons to smile. In May and June, I smile to celebrate my mom on Mother’s Day and to remember my dad on Father’s Day. Please join me in honoring our parents…

Bill and Carmen Aleman - Honeymoon 1939

It is all in that smile, the smile that costs nothing but gives so much. Many know that my mother has had some tough months since the latter part of December. ”How’s your mom?” I’m often asked. I’m happy to report, “Mom is great.” In the eyes of the beholder, her daughter, she is truly amazing. As a result of two recent falls, one that broke her hip, Mom is now wheelchair bound. We celebrated her 96th birthday in the hospital while she recovered from hip surgery in February. No doubt, it was a trying time for us, but my life is richly blessed to have my mother still with us and to have the opportunity to still engage in some very special moments together. Imagine the feeling of watching the face of your loved one, light up, every time you walk in to their presence. It’s the smile of unconditional love that is perpetual. “My children are my life” she adds emphatically. It’s that smile of love when we talk about the memory of my beloved father, who passed 17 years ago, but still lives on in my mother’s heart and soul of the husband she loved so much (see picture of my parent’s, Bill and Carmen while on their honeymoon). It’s the smile of lovers whose love need no words, but speaks volumes when they gaze into each other’s eyes.

This issue of The Women’s Journal features numerous reasons to lift the corners of our lips, to reveal our dimples and to let our eyes sparkle. It spotlights people who change our county and the world. Consider the miles of smiles created this spring by this issue’s contributors.

Smiles of …

• …relief of survivors of human trafficking in our state and beyond, when they are provided with lighting and transportation by Dress for a Good Cause, as reported by Diane Mina Weltman.
• …surprise of children who are having fun and discovering the world, whether they are facing squids and sea creatures with Science Explorers, swimming at Indian Springs Camp or diving into a good book at a library summer reading club program.
• …triumph of seasoned or novice golfers finishing a great round of golf, whether to help residents of Barclay Friends at the June 11 golf classic; to enjoy “Winning Golf” with Doug Hendricks; or to support a scholarship founded by Bronwyn Martin.
• …comfort of families who are enjoying cool homes during summer, while considering the environment when they install geothermal systems by Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning.
• …excitement over a new position. Welcome to Mark Yoder, the new president of Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
• …delight of music lovers attending the upcoming and new Chester County Jazz Festival, and musicians who can hear music now and in the future because of ear protection by ABC Hearing Net.
• …joy of friends, colleagues and families around the table of a potluck meal enhanced by the recipes of Cynthia Goch

Some of our contributors are—quite literally—creating smiles in extraordinary ways. In the following pages, read about:

• Dr. Glenn Burkland’s orthodontics practice, as featured on the front cover;
• Applecross Country Club offers fun clinics and camps for the whole family to learn to play golf;
• Volunteer Marie Holland and Rotaplast, a humanitarian organization that provides special surgery, highlighted in the “Superheroes” article;
• West Chester Dental Arts, whose practice keeps smiles healthy.
• W by Worth brand provides an opportunity for women to connect with other women, while having fun selling clothes!

I smile in appreciation for The Women’s Journal’s contributors, advertisers, readers and team members who help educate, enrich and empower us all. As always, a heartfelt thank you.

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

Mother Teresa

Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth. Unknown to many people is that orthodontics plays a vital role in preventive dentistry. Teeth that are properly aligned are more than beautiful—they are easier to clean and maintain, which leads to better oral health. When teeth are easier to clean, there is less chance of gum disease, food impaction and tooth decay. When teeth are in their proper positions, there is less strain on jaw muscles and joints. Even habits including thumb sucking, teeth grinding and tongue thrusting can be reduced or eliminated through orthodontics.

Since orthodontic treatment typically lasts from six to 24 months, our staff wants to help make your time in the office and during treatment enjoyable. Read about the 2012 summer theme and find out how much fun it is to visit our office.

“The true purpose of orthodontic
treatment is to create straight, healthy
teeth and a beautiful smile.”
– Dr. Glenn A. Burkland

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment

Q. How early should I consult an orthodontist about my child’s teeth?

A. Initial exams begin at seven years old, when permanent teeth are starting to erupt.

Q. What are the Benefits of Early Visits?

A. Minimizes future orthodontic problems; maximizes treatment results and periodic check ups are FREE until active treatment begins.

Q. What is the most typical form of treatment?

A. The most popular form of orthodontic treatmentis conventional braces made of stainless steel, gold or porcelain. Most teens choose metal braces and add color to them to make the experience more fun. Adults tend to choose porcelain brackets because they are less noticeable. Regardless of the material, Dr. Burkland uses the latest technology and a revolutionary process called Indirect bonding, or IDB, which will help place braces on teeth in a way that ensures maximum patient comfort, accuracy, and reduced time in the office for initial visits and overall treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indirect Bonding

Q. How does Indirect Bonding work?

A. An impression is taken of the patient’s teeth and a stone model is created. Dr. Burkland will carefully and precisely position your braces on a model of your teeth. Then, a soft transfer tray will encapsulate and lift the braces from the model. At your appointment, the transfer tray will slide over your teeth and your brackets will be rapidly bonded to your teeth all at once. Most of the procedure is completed before you arrive!

Q. What are the advantages of Indirect Bonding?

A. Takes less than half of chair time than a traditional bonding procedure would take. Reduces potential bracket repositioning later in treatment. Reduces overall time in braces. Decreases the number of wire adjustments throughout treatment.

Testimonial

“Dr. Burkland is a true artisan. He is exceptionally skilled at what he does, and he keeps up with the latest treatments. We couldn’t be more pleased with our experiences at every appointment. Extremely professional staff members welcome my family with smiles, superior service and competitive prices. We are seen promptly and never left waiting. Because of the outstanding level of care we have received, I have referred many friends to Dr. Burkland’s outstanding practice.”

–Janice Christian, mother of two daughters who wore braces

Dr. Glenn A. Burkland received board certification in the field of orthodontics in 1978. Well-known and respected beyond Chester County, he graduated first in his class from the University Of Pennsylvania Dental School before receiving his certificate in orthodontics from Harvard University.

From June 18 to Aug. 31, patients can enter contests and participate in drawings to win fun prizes. Furthermore, the office hosts ice cream socials one day each week (rotated) throughout the summer, and each patient (and family members) is treated to an ice cream sundae after an appointment. Summer fun at Burkland’s Orthodontics includes wearing colorful monkey T’s and jungle-khaki’s (as seen above).

JUNE 18 – AUGUST 31 Summer Contests and Drawings:

• Two Brushing Incentive Drawings – Winners receive four entrance tickets to the Elmwood Park Zoo and four Dixie Picnic box lunches (www.dixiepicnic.com).
• Referral Drawing – Win an Apple iPad.
• Guessing Contest – “Monkey in the Barrel.”
• Howler Monkey Trivia Contest.

A fire in the Grandview Heights suburb near Columbus, Ohio, underscores the importance of maintaining your business insurance coverage, even when sales are flat or declining.

Nearly two dozen small businesses were destroyed when flames raced across the attic of the two-story building. While most tenants were covered for fire, one reportedly had cancelled its insurance to reduce business expenses during the economic downturn.

A Common Misconception

Business owners are often tempted to reduce expenses by renegotiating or lowering business insurance coverage based on a perceived loss of value due to changes in the market. While most insurance contracts include a requirement to insure to the full replacement cost value, if you choose to insure for a lower value, you may be required to pay for part of the cost to repair or replace what was damaged.

Tips for Cutting Business Expenses

Don’t cut insurance from your budget to make ends meet. Here are other ways to cut business expenses that won’t leave you vulnerable.

• Lower your overhead
• Simplify staffing
• Adjust your advertising
• Ask your insurance agent how to reduce insurance-related business expenses

To get your free “20 Tips for Cutting Business Expenses” email Maggie at garcim1@nationwide.com.

www.nationwide.com/maggie 62 S Third Street | Oxford, PA 19363 P: 610-932-4935 | F: 610-932-4118 | C: 610-350-9816

DIGNITY. RESPECT. COMPASSION. CARE. At Barclay Friends, we hear these words again and again. Residents’ and families’ testimonies speak to the compassionate care and wonderful quality of life experienced in our special continuing care community.

For 119 years, Barclay Friends has provided service to older adults and their families. From 1893, when Barclay Home was established on Walnut Street in West Chester, to today at our lovely campus on Franklin Street, many committed individuals have worked to build our strong mission, values and programs.

Recent market studies confirmed that Barclay Friends is one of the premier long-term care communities in the area. Its Arts and Garden Programs, design and condition of the building, and staff —noted as the key strength of the community—make it a place where older people continue to learn and grow.

Out and About

To see the significance of its programs, look as close as Barclay Friends’ gardens and as wide as the edges of the county. Where else could residents grow fruits, flowers, and even cotton? Where else could residents who have never claimed to be an artist, attend weekly art programs and sell their art work at the Chester County Art Association at the Exton Mall? These activities provide true quality of life!

Moving Ahead

Throughout its history, Barclay Friends has combined great resident care, sound business practices, well-stewarded resources and charitable gifts to meet residents’ needs. The community continues to grow and to continue that legacy: to increase needed services for people suffering from dementia, and to respond to new needs in healthcare.

To help support that work, Barclay Friends is holding its 11th Annual Golf Classic on June 11 at the Honeybrook Golf Club. Please join us.

Each of us wants a community that honors our privacy and dignity, that can teach us a thing or two through opportunities to learn, and that celebrates the vitality of the spirit. When it’s time for care and services for an older adult in your life, Barclay Friends is here.

www.bf.kendal.org

Founded in 1991, Worth is a New York based fashion company built on one simple idea: providing intrinsic value through their luxury clothing brands, Worth New York and W by Worth. Their brands are uniquely sold in the homes of our national network of professional Sales Associates. Through exclusive one-on-one appointments, our sales team offers effortless and personalized luxury experiences that enhance our clients’ lifestyles. Additionally, they offer online shopping with the same caliber of service that our clients have come to expect at home.

SPIRITED. SEXY. SMART.

W by Worth has created a luxurious brand of exclusively designed, contemporary, sophisticated clothing made with the utmost attention to fabrication and detailing. As the lives of modern women have evolved, W by Worth has as well. Their Sales Associates tailor the product offering based on the needs and affinities of their clientele. W by Worth provides women of influence with spirited, sexy, and smart designs inspired by the inimitable sophistication and energy of New York City.

WHY WORTH?

EXCELLENCE – Worth was founded in 1991 based on a firm belief in the pursuit of excellence serving as the guiding principle for their future.
TRUST – Trust is a function of both character and competency, which instills confidence. The ability to establish, grow, extend and restore trust with customers, sales associates, management team, business partners, suppliers and employees is imperative in the Worth culture.
INTEGRITY – Integrity for Worth means honesty to give the right impression.People at Worth are expected to keep commitments, demonstrate courage, to act according to what is right.
A CARING CULTURE – Worth aspires to be an organization that cares about people, provides fairness and respect, and demonstrates dignity and consideration of others.
PERSONAL GROWTH – Worth believes in providing opportunities for personal growth in addition to business growth.
PASSION – Women of Worth are passionate about this company and their business, as is for Worth leaders. We’re at our best when we’re filled with passion, energy, eagerness and love for what we do.
CONNECTION WITH WOMEN BETWEEEN WOMEN – Worth is a company of women who relate to and care about one another on every level —personal and professional.
QUALITY – Quality is the inherent ingredient of Worth. PArTNErSHIP – Worth aspires for all leaders to be committed to what is right rather than who is right, ideally sharing credit and accepting responsibility.
FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY – Women of Worth are entrepreneurs. Their opportunity to earn is limited only by the time and energy they put into growing their business.
FUN – Selling clothes is fun! Sharing laughter and tears with our Worth family gives us memorable stories to pass down to future generations.
LOYALTY – Worth values loyalty. Loyalty starts first will loyalty to oneself —one’s personal standards and values. Loyalty to our organization comes next.
BALANCE – Worth supports and encourages the belief that balance is crucial in all aspects of life. Our body, mind, emotions, and roles must be in balance.
RESPECT - Respect for the individual and members of the group are important leadership traits of Worth. To respect one another and value each others differences.
WIN/WIN – Win/Win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions, creating the environment that finds a better way based on cooperation.

GIVING IS ALWAYS IN FASHION©

Feeling charitable? Our Giving is Always In Fashion Show was designed for those who want to have a “party with a purpose.” 10% of the net show sales will be donated to your charity of choice.

Disability income (DI) insurance protects your ability to earn an income. If you’re like most people, your income is your most valuable asset and the primary source of funding for every part of your life. Because of that, DI is probably one of the most important insurance protections you can have. So why is DI such a mystery? Here’s a look at how it works:

What’s Your Plan?

Sometimes it may seem challenging to follow basic financial tenets. You’ve heard them before: avoid debt, have three to six months of living expenses saved, take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match and others you’re probably familiar with.

Mortgage or car payments, health and car insurance, retirement savings, and child or elder care are a few types of expenses many of us shoulder each month.

If you couldn’t work because you were too sick or injured, how would you plan to pay bills? The country’s personal savings rate was about 5% in 2010, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so tapping into savings may not be an option. Would you raid from your retirement savings plan or borrow from others?

Disability Benefits At Work

If you have group long term disability insurance (LTD) through your employer, that’s a great start. This type of coverage provides basic protection.

Do you know the benefit percentage you would receive and for how long you would be eligible to receive benefits? Is the benefit amount capped?

Not sure? You’re not alone. Many people don’t. Chances are, your group LTD plan looks like this:*

• Most group LTD plans replace 60% of your base salary.
• Benefits are payable after six months, referred to as a 180-day waiting or elimination period.
• The benefit period is to age 65.
• The maximum monthly benefit amount is $10,000 or more.
• Most monthly benefits are taxable because many employers pay the premium, further reducing the benefit percentage.
• Incentive income (bonus, commission, etc.) is typically not covered.

You may find that you have a significant income gap. That is, there is too much of a difference between your pre-disability income and the group LTD benefits you’d receive while disabled.

Your Bonus—Hard-Earned But Unprotected

Currently, many companies are offering lower salary increases and higher “variable” pay components of employee compensation. So if you suddenly can’t work, it might feel like you never earned that bonus income, because it’s unlikely to be included in the calculation of your monthly benefit.

Assess, Then Act

Your income is far too important to go unprotected. Here’s how to take control and get started:

1. Check your group LTD plan to see what’s covered. The Summary Plan Description (SPD) can help.
2. Use our income gap calculator with your group plan details to find out whether the income protection you have in place is adequate.
3. Contact your company’s benefit manager about coverage options.
4. Talk with a financial professional about options to reduce the gap you may have in your disability income insurance coverage. If you’re not sure who to call, contact us to find a local MassMutual Financial Professional who can help you. You probably protect your house, car and your health with insurance. So why not also insure that which makes it all possible: your ability to earn an income. Understanding how DI works can help you decide if you have adequate coverage and get you on the road to added protection.

*Based on findings from The American College and MassMutual’s “Employer Perspectives on Disability Benefits” (2010).

The information provided is not written or intended as specific tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any Federal tax penalties. Mass Mutual, its employees and representatives are not authorized to give tax or legal advice. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel.
MassMutual issues individual disability income insurance. Policies have exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details of coverage call your agent or MassMutual at 1-800- 272-2216 for a referral to an agent.
Insurance products issued by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), 1295 State Street, Springfield, MA 01111-0001 and its subsidiaries C.M. Life Insurance Company and MML Bay State Life Insurance Company, 100 Bright Meadow Boulevard, Enfield, CT 06082. CR N201309-151327

THROUGHOUT THE PAST YEAR, TWJ articles about Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning have focused on the use of geothermal heating and cooling in commercial and residential settings. This article spotlights the use of a geothermal system for a modern house of a typical size for our area.

Example: Home in a Standard

Residential Community

Tammy and Steve Knutsons’ 27-year-old frame house in West Bradford Township resides on beautifully landscaped grounds.

When this house was constructed in 1985, the builder provided a standard Carrier air-to-air heat pump. Although this type of system was considered state- of-the-art when installed, it was not competitive with today’s technologically advanced systems with variable speed motors, high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and COP (Coefficient of Performance). Furthermore, the original system fell short of the Knutsons’ comfort expectations during the heating season, so they had added a chimney and oil furnace and eliminated the electric backup heat. When the house became cold, they would manually switch from heat pump to oil furnace operation.

Oil price increases in recent years forced Tammy and Steve to re-evaluate their heating system. In addition to the expense, they had to deal with an unpleasant fuel oil odor, and they came to realize that their system was failing to meet their needs. Following their avid interest in green technology, they were eager to discover how a geothermal heat pump system could improve their comfort as well as reduce their carbon footprint. Ideally, they wanted to change their system without undergoing major alterations to the home.

After meeting with Rick Redmond of Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning, they became convinced that installing a properly designed geothermal system was the right path to follow.

From Plan to Action

Drilling rig in the garden during installation of the loops.

After careful analysis, Brandywine Valley’s experts decided that the home needed a three-ton capacity loop with three 160’ vertical bores. Last summer, Jon Eldredge—a professional well driller with special expertise and machinery—drilled the boreholes beside the Knutsons’ house. He then used a special horizontal drilling process to connect the wells to the house by going under their beautiful garden beds, leaving them undisturbed. Brandywine Valley installed a Waterfurnace Envision heat pump system in the basement and modified a small amount of ductwork. They discarded the existing system, as the geothermal system would fulfill both the heating and cooling function. The installation of the geothermal system took three days to complete.

Results

The Knutsons are looking forward to a more comfortable house during the upcoming hot, humid summer. The new variable speed system will also provide air conditioning much more quietly than the previous central air unit. Due to the tremendous efficiency of the geothermal system, the Knutsons are projecting saving of approximately 37% annually on their heating bill. With the additional savings on air conditioning, the Knutsons can expect to get a full return on their investment in eight years (at current energy prices). The return on investment is further enhanced by the 30% Federal Tax Credit that is available for geothermal installations.

If you are interested in learning how a geothermal can reduce your home’s energy costs, contact Brandywine Valley Heating and Air Conditioning at 610-692-3900 or www.bvhvac.com.

WELCOME TO INDIAN SPRINGS DAY CAMP! Located on 46 acres of rolling countryside in beautiful Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, it is the site of an exciting summer camp for children, relaxing company picnics and other fun private events.

At Indian Springs Day Camp, boys and girls ages 3 to 14 enjoy recreation, fitness and learning experiences. Mature teacher-counselors ensure that each child receives the finest instruction at a vast range of facilities, sports courts and fields, in a multitude of activities that will leave campers happy at the end of each day:

• Swimming—instructional and recreational—in two heated pools.
• Sports-basketball,volleyball,baseball (and practice in a batting cage), soccer, street hockey, kickball, archery, miniature golf, sports clinics, camp Olympics, and more.
• Boating and fishing in Indian Springs’ large lake.
• Adventure elements–Zip-line and climbing wall.
• Nature Programs about the outdoors, conservation
  and the environment.
• Horseback riding (optional).
• Creative fun–arts and crafts programs in a large modern barn, talent show and camp carnival.
• Just plain fun!…Time to enjoy a playground with a giant slide and plenty of space to run and play.
  The camp also provides door-to-door transportation by Certified Pennsylvania school bus drivers, an experienced camp director and staff members, camp nurse, and nutritious meals served each day in the spacious dining room.

The camp also provides door-to-door transportation by Certified Pennsylvania school bus drivers, an experienced camp director and staff members, camp nurse, and nutritious meals served each day in the spacious dining room.

Corporate or Private Events

With abundant pine groves, a pavilion, a three-acre lake, sports fields, an outdoor theater, play areas, a country house and 16 cabins, Indian Springs is the perfect location to hold a special event. Host a company picnic,    team-building event, family or class reunion and other festivities at Indian Springs. In the bucolic landscape of Chester County, there’s lots to do and lots to learn, whether playing on a volleyball or newcombe court, flying down a zip-line or enjoying the great outdoors.

Indian Springs also makes event planning simple and hassle-free. Its event planners work closely with companies and families from the planning stages of an event to the finishing touches on the day of the event. They ensure that your special occasion is unique and memorable.

Great picnics at Indian Springs—with the camp’s “all you can eat” policy—come with the following
choices for tasty food and more:

• Roast beef, meatballs, knockworst and chicken
• Hot dogs, hamburgers
• Oven baked beans
• Corn-on-the-cob
• Salads and sides including cole slaw, sauerkraut, potato salad and macaroni salad
• Watermelon and assorted fruits
• Coffee and donuts
• Popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, potatochips

Indian Springs has been numerous campers and companies since it was founded in 1959. The director and staff look forward to seeing you, too!

Plan a visit, learn more, and register for the upcoming camp season. Inquire about our payment plan options. Call Camp Director Ted Furman at 610-645-0932, or email indiansprings59@aol.com

Street road | Chester Springs, PA 19425 www.indianspringsdaycamp.com

If you are like I am, you love music. As wonderful as it is to hear rock bands, marching bands and orchestral concerts, however, listening to music that is too loud and for long periods of time can destroy our ability to hear more music in the future. Once our natural hearing is damaged by noise exposure, it cannot be restored.

Consider this alarming statistic: The incidence of hearing loss in children older than three years old has doubled in the past 30 years, according to the American Speech and Hearing Association (http://www.asha.org/ public/hearing/Prevalence-and-Incidence-of-Hearing-Loss-in-Children/). Consider this also: Children in a marching band or drum line often experience tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, after the end of practice. A child can even incur ear damage after playing the alto sax for less than two minutes.

The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is avoidable. And it doesn’t require stopping the music. Wearing ear protection can help musicians and music lovers prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

The ABC’s of Hearing Protection

Natural hearing is precious. Dr. Judy Curtin, Au. D., owner of ABC Hearing Net in West Chester, can help people retain their hearing through education and special programs.

Education. Dr. Curtin provides educational seminars in numerous settings and on a wide variety of topics. Please contact her to arrange an in-service for a band or musical organization, parents’ association or school.

Programs. ABC Hearing Net can also provide programs that include education, ear protection and training for its proper use.

Through a special program called Adopt-a-Band, ABC Hearing Net will help school musical bands protect their musicians’ hearing at near-cost to ABC. Dr. Curtin will provide ear protection that is comfortable and reusable. Significantly, she selects ear protection that does not distort music fidelity and that allows speech and music to be heard wonderfully—not simply ear protection that boasts of a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) that blocks all sound. Half of ear protection is not effective because it is not inserted correctly, Dr. Curtin also teaches musicians how to use the ear protection properly. Through correct use of ABC’s ear protection, musicians can play for three hours safely for their hearing.

Is It Working?

How does you know if ear protection is working? To know for sure, “before” and “after” hearing test results must be compared. The “before” hearing test—called a baseline audiogram—must be performed in a room specially designed to block noises other than the sounds that are part of the test. It should be performed before an intervention program begins, in other words, before a musician wears ear protection. The results of a similar hearing test performed a year later can be compared to the earlier exam results. If the audiograms—the test results that provide a measure of hearing—are the same before wearing ear protection and afterwards, you can feel comfortable that the ear protection is doing its job.

Find out more. To schedule an educational program for your organization, or to receive a baseline hearing test, ear protection and training in its use, contact ABC Hearing Net at 610-431-2411.