News

Marywood University: An Evening of Celebration and Community

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Copyright 2015
Mussari-Loftus Associates
The Face of America Project

Freedom Lies in Being Bold. Robert Frost

Our Face of America Journey took us to Marywood University in Scranton for a wonderful evening of celebration, and community. On this cold April evening, while snow flurries filled the air outside the Nazareth Student Center, the atmosphere inside the building was warm and welcoming.

More than 150 students, teachers, board members, advisory council members and guests came together to celebrate the creation of Marywood’s School of Business and Global Innovation. This is a bold initiative designed to attract students and provide them with unique opportunities that will serve them well when they graduate.

The event was organized by Dr. Christopher Speicher who was assisted by students, staff and other faculty members. From the informative student displays strategically positioned along the parameter of the room to the delightful array of appetizing hors’doeuvres thoughtfully located in a place where everyone had easy access to the food, it was a top shelf event, and that was obvious to everyone who attended.

Context

These are a few of the things we learned about this major development in the School of Business at Marywood:

The president of Marywood University, Sister Ann Munley, believes that it takes a village to educate a student. In her remarks, she thanked all the members of the Marywood Village including members of the board of trustees, the administration, the Marywood Corporation and cabinet members. members of the Business Advisory Committee, the faculty, staff and community leaders.

She made it very clear that at Marywood University it is all about the students. They are our future she told the audience, and this initiative is designed to create new and meaningful opportunities for them.

Quoting Dr. Art Comstock, Executive Director of The School of Business and Global Innovation, Sister Ann identified three pillars of excellence: to instruct, to instill and to inspire. She said the Marywood University students who placed first in the 2015 DeSales University Fleming Ethics Bowl Competition reflect these pillars of excellence.

She also complimented faculty members who exemplify the pillars of excellence. Every day, she said, they model accountability, integrity and ethical leadership.

She defined the ultimate goal of the School of Business and Global Innovation with these words: “We want to create servant leaders who will make positive contributions to the communities in which they live and work.”

She ended her presentation with this thought: “Effective teaching is about transforming lives one at a time. It is about helping students to be their best self, and it is about motivating students to aspire to greater things.”

The Question

When Dr. Art Comstock returned to the podium, he asked this question:

Why are you here this evening?

His answer was simple and direct. Tonight is about celebrating accomplishments. You are here because you care about Marywood. You want this program to grow and succeed. We are looking back in order to move forward, and we are motivated by the maxim of Dr. Rex Dumdum: “I don’t like students. I love students.”

He spoke about the eight colorful display tables that highlighted what students are doing to make the most of their education.

He encouraged everyone to engage with the students. Let them tell you about their aspirations. Help them with suggestions that will enable them to get better.

He reminded everyone that it will take a village to reach our goals, and he urged everyone in the room to celebrate all that is and all that could be.

A Quiet Hero

Chris DiMattio is a quiet hero in every sense of the word. He was born and raised in Dunmore, PA. In 1988, he received a degree from Marywood College. For more than 25 years he has been an accredited investment fiduciary, a retirement plan advisor and a respected officer at FNCB Wealth Management Services. If you are looking for a living example of success, the life of Chris DiMattio has all the moving parts.

Yes, his business resume is impressive. Yes, his awards for community service at the local, regional and national levels are equally impressive. For Kitch and me, the most attractive quality of this extraordinary person is his kind and welcoming way. In short, Chris DiMattio is a nice person. There is a fundamental goodness about him that is reflected in the way he treats people. He is an affirmer, an encourager and a helper. He enjoys what he does. There are no histrionics, no pretentions, no uncomfortable moments when you are with Chris DiMattio. He has mastered one of the main precepts of leadership:

A good leader takes a little more of his share of the blame, and a little less than his share of the credit. Arnold H. Glasow

For this reason and many more, Chris DiMattio was an excellent choice for the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Deep Roots

John Lawless is a big man with a great smile and important responsibilities. He is the chairman of the Business Advisory Council.

His roots run deep into the soil at Marywood. He met his wife at Marywood. His sister graduated from Marywood. His daughter is an adjunct teacher at Marywood. His oldest son was an accounting major and his youngest son is a marketing major. It is fair to say that the Lawless family is Marywood Proud.

On this special evening Lawless was entertaining, interesting and informative.

He wants to expand the Business Advisory Council and use it as a resource to provide opportunities for students in the School of Business and Global Innovation. He is interested in the executive in residence program. In his mind, an old pro is someone who has been around the block and can show young people the way.

For Lawless, great leaders begin as great followers who follow great leaders.

A Common Purpose

While I was taking pictures for this article, I thought about something H. Jackson Brown, Jr. wrote about community:

Remember the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

Whenever I looked through the viewfinder of my camera, I saw people giving more. I saw what Alice Waters called the essence of education, people teaching kids by example how to live in a community in a responsible way.

On this special night at Marywood University, I saw a living mosaic of the words of John Winthrop: people delighting in each other, making others’conditions their own, rejoicing together, keeping the unity of spirit in the bond of peace.

Quite frankly, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Thank you, Dr. Rex Dundum for inviting us to this event. It is an experience we will never forget.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

The Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast: An Experience in Community, Friendship and Learning

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Copyright 2015
Mussari-Loftus Associates
The Face of America Project

Leadership and learning are indispensable to one another. President John F. Kennedy

The sixth annual Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast featured three gifted speakers: Liz Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Daymond John. They are models of excellence in thought, word and deed. Their lives and their messages give special meaning to the words passion, industry and learning.

Bob Funk, Founder of Express Employment Professionals and Corey Benton, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, promised everyone who attended the event that they would walk away with three gifts: insight in how to lead your business, proven ways to inspire your team and suggestions that will enable people to lead an influential life.

Kitch and I can give testimony to the accuracy of that promise and so much more. These are but a few of the life and leadership lessons we learned from each of the speakers.

From Homeless to Harvard: Liz Murray

Liz Murray is a woman with a compelling and poignant story, a brilliant mind, an iron will, a gift for storytelling and a presence that radiates a glowing inner light. She helps people put things in perspective.

Born to loving parents who became heroin addicts, the first 16 years of her life were anything but comfortable. An excerpt from one of her experiences will clearly establish her credentials as a resilient survivor.

In her world, she told the audience, there were twelve holidays in the year. They came on the first day of the month when the welfare check arrived. When her parents received the money at the “check cashing store” they went straight to the drug dealer to buy drugs. They would use the remaining $35.00 to buy groceries for the month. At home, the syringes were laid out on the table in the kitchen.

After her mother’s premature death, Liz Murray met a magical teacher who helped her see beyond the obvious by taking an interest in her, setting high standards for her and holding her accountable for the goals she set and the promises she made.

These are a few of the priceless lessons she learned during her journey from “breaking night” on the mean streets of the Bronx to the courtyard at Harvard University:

1. You must want to be useful;

2. Lead with your heart and the rest will follow;

3. Look for higher meaning in your life;

4. Ask yourself this question, “What happens when the party is over?”

5. People can’t give what they don’t have;

6. There is a blessing in the place where you come from;

7. Everything you do has impact;

8. Don’t put it off… avoid the “I will do it later” syndrome;

9. You never know when you will meet the person who will change your life;

10. Another way to love someone is to lift them higher.

Liz Murray is a kind person. She is willing to do her part. She refuses to succumb to what she calls “Paralysis by Analysis.”

During the intermission after her presentation, I asked several participants to describe her story in one word. These are the answers I received: Profound, memorable, inspirational, inspiring, heartfelt, thought-provoking, eye-opening, and an in-depth look at reality.

Liz Murray’s life gives truth to the words of Henry Ford: If you think you can do a thing or if you think you can’t do a thing, you are right.

The Funny Thing About Leadership: Dan Aykroyd

Dan Aykroyd is a big man with an impressive resume and a stellar reputation in the world of comedy. When you hear his name, you get the impression that this is a man who owns the proverbial silver spoon. In reality, that is not the case.

As a child he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and Asperger’s syndrome. By the time he was 14, these medical abnormalities had disappeared. He has lived with a birth defect called Syndactylism, and he was born with complete heterochromia. His right eye is blue, and his left eye is brown.

Before he became an actor, he dropped out of college. He was employed as a mail sorter for the Canadian national postal service.

On his passport he identifies his occupation as a writer. He is a police buff and he has a deep interest in the supernatural.

On this beautiful April morning he was center stage in Chicago to share his philosophy of leadership.

Calling upon his experience as a writer, producer and actor in 125 films in his 30 year career, he made a captivating case for leadership as collaboration. These are the major points from his presentation:

1. Collaboration is indispensible in a working group;

2. Never underestimate the strength of a team;

3. The Tao of leadership is this. A good group is better than a spectacular group;

4. A wise leader’s touch is light;

5. Good leaders realize how much how little will do;

6. A good leader provides opportunities to others;

7. Working together effectively requires respect for others;

8. A good leader backs off and lets the flow of what is happening occur;

9. A good leader is a good listener;

10. Good Leaders take the time and make the effort to get to know the people they are working with, away from the worksite.

In 1955, When Dan Aykroyd was three years old he had a magic moment. Knowing that he liked to mimic what he saw on television, his dad took a hockey stick and whittled a hand microphone for his son. For Aykroyd that was the beginning of his journey to the academy awards and his membership in the Order of Canada.

Although he did not refer to this quotation in his presentation, it summarizes what he was trying to share with the audience:

A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.Martin Luther King

Goal Setting: The Secret of Successful Leaders: Daymond John

Daymond John is the quintessential American success story. He is a living example of the American dream and American exceptionalism. He has it all, money, fame, power and success. Add to that list a successful television program, Shark Tank, but that is not the best description of this impressive man.

What you may not know, Daymond John was born in Brooklyn and he grew up in Queens. He was raised by his mother and his grandfather. He learned the entrepreneurial spirit while attending a co-op program that allowed him to work a full-time job and attend school on an alternative weekly basis. He is dyslexic. He worked as a waiter at Red Lobster while he was building his company FUBU. Between 1989 and 1992, three times he had to shut down the company because he had no money.

If you want to find the core of Daymond John, pay close attention to the opening line in his presentation, “It’s about people. The most valuable asset in the world is people.”
Then watch his face glow as he dedicates his presentation to Sophia, a woman who is battling cancer.

Think about the implication of his admission: “I will brag more about my failures than my successes, because I learned the most from my failures.” He has had failures including a $6 million loss in an investment that went south.

Count the number of times he says thank you during his presentation, and listen carefully to his 5 Shark Points:

1. Set goals for yourself;

2. Homework, you must do your homework and the analytics;

3. Adore…Love People;

4. Remember you’re the brand… Define yourself in 2-5 words. His words are For Us, by Us.;

5. Keep Swimming. Don’t give up. He was turned down 27 times before he found support for his idea.

In my opinion, Daymond John is a gratitude person, and that is the root of his success. He celebrates the sacrifices his mother made for him, including mortgaging her home so he could have the capital and the place to start his factory.

When Warren Bennis wrote these words he gave us a perfect description of Daymond John:

Leadership is the ability to translate vision into reality.

For Kitch and me, the sixth annual Express Leadership Live Simulcast was an experience in community, friendship and learning. We learned invaluable life lessons from the speakers. We connected with friends in a warm and welcoming community environment. The setting at the McCann School of Business was perfect. The atmosphere was positive.

Jeff Doran and Kathleen Nolan Barrett went out of their way to make everyone feel right at home.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. told us to remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.

The Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast was a success because everyone involved gave more.

Thank You, Jeff for the invitation.

Thank you, Kathleen for your welcoming way.

Thank You Amy Clegg for making us a part of the Express Employment Professionals family in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is an honor to work with you.

Thank you, Bob Funk for investing the time, energy and company resources in this wonderful leadership event.

Thank you, Bill Stoller for helping us understand what makes Express a special company.

Thank you, Liz Murray for sharing your inspirational story.

Thank you, Dan Aykroyd for reminding us that collaboration counts.

Thank you, Daymond John for explaining your secrets for success and demonstrating the power of gratitude.

Thank you, Corey Benton for moderating the event with dignity and class.

Those of us who had the good fortune to participate in the wonderful event learned the truth in William A. Foster’s dictum:

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

Please provide feedback to: tony.mussari@gmail.com

Wilkes University: Judge Max Rosenn: A Man for All Seasons

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2015
All Rights Reserved

Whatever games are played with us, we must play no games with ourselves, but deal in our privacy with … honesty and truth.Ralph Waldo Emerson

On a cold, damp March afternoon, Kitch and I made a Face of America journey to the campus of Wilkes University. Our destination was the Marts Athletic Center. Our purpose was to share a re-edited version of our Windsor Park Story, Judge Max Rosenn: A Man for All Seasons with students, teachers and parents who attended the March 26th, Gardner Educational Forum Lecture.

Kitch and I produced this episode from interviews we did with Judge Rosenn in 2004. We wanted to enable the most celebrated jurist in the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania to speak for himself about his life and his legacy. We wanted to highlight his definition of character, integrity, community service and justice. We wanted to enable young people to connect with a man who personifies the characteristics and values of America at its very best.

Several times each year, the Gardner Educational Forum brings together students, teachers and parents in a community setting to learn about people, places and experiences that will expand the horizons of the students, affirm the important service of teachers, and enable parents to experience the creative and invaluable opportunities Judy and Bob Gardner have been offering their students and graduates for many years.

Judy and Bob have a priceless gift, they make everyone feel like a valued member of their educational family. They create a palpable feeling of belonging and joy when you are with them.

As always, Dr. Robert Gardner started the event with a warm welcome to everyone and an expression of gratitude to the attendees, the participants and the organizers of the event.

Thinking Out Loud

To give structure to this part of the session, our PowerPoint presentation contained 34 slides including 26 informational slides and 8 slides with questions that were designed to stimulate questions and comments.

We dedicated the lecture to Dr. Dan Kopen, a Wilkes graduate and a well respected surgeon. Dr. Kopen gave Kitch a second chance at life when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In our opinion, Dr. Kopen is a man for all seasons. Little did we know that one of the participants in the room was a breast cancer survivor and a patient of Dr. Kopen’s. This is what she wrote about the dedication:

I, too, am ever thankful for the kindness and surgical expertise Dr. Dan Kopen afforded me in my life. His kindness and getting me through those days was a onetime gift of a lifetime. I can understand how you place him… in your presentation today.

Of all the questions we asked the audience, these three opened a gateway to the video:

Why should we study the life of Judge Rosenn?
What is character?
What is integrity?

The first question provided a natural transition to this thought. We study Judge Rosenn’s life because values matter…example is important. Studying his life will help us better understand the meaning and application of important values.

To provide context about the meaning of character and integrity, we included a discussion of Sir Thomas More, who, to this day, is the personification of courage, faith, forgiveness, honor, humility, learning, loyalty, patience and thoughtfulness. More was the first person to be honored with the title “A Man for All Seasons.”

Judge Rosenn Speaks

With help from Beth Spencer and Tracy Kaster, we were able set up and screen the episode about Judge Rosenn.

Sitting in our garden on a beautiful summer afternoon in 2004, the judge spoke eloquently and sincerely about the life experiences which helped him to develop character. In his opinion, character is formed at home, in school and in a religious setting. He believes his character was formed by the time he was 12-years-old. For the rest of his life his character gave him a moral compass that guided his actions in private and public life.

He was unequivocal in his comments about the need for people with character and integrity in all walks of life. People who put the interests of the public they serve above selfish interests of personal gain. He was as critical of CEO’s of major corporations and bankers as he was of elected officials, and rightly so. This was the era of the Enron and the World Com scandals to name but two stories that dominated the news at that time.

When Judge Rosenn spoke about his legacy, he emphasized the service he gave to his community after the devastation of Hurricane Agnes in 1972. He said this was one of his finest moments.

He also mentioned his attempt to get equal treatment for women in military service, and his attempt to uphold the claim of a private citizen that public officials like the U.S. Treasurer were obligated to perform a just and accurate accounting of the disbursements of the United States.

Life Lessons

In this section we reviewed Judge Rosenn’s comments about:
Honesty;
Truthfulness;
Respect for the dignity of the individual;
Morality;
Respect for law and country;
The need to judge people by their character, not their race, social or financial status and the need to learn something every day.

During the Q&A session, an undergraduate student majoring in education who attended the event with her father, who is a teacher, told us that everyday, she and her father sit down to talk about what they have learned that day.

A young, athletic undergraduate told the audience he learned that it is important to be the best person you can be.

A teacher shared this poignant thought: “There’s hope out there. In the classroom, I have to be kind.”

Another teacher shared this hopeful thought: “I come away revived and feeling that it’s going to be alright.”

While looking for a quotation that would summarize our experience at Wilkes University, I discovered these powerful words of Robert M. Hutchins, president and chancellor of the University of Chicago:

Education is not to reform students or amuse them or to make them expert technicians. It is to unsettle their minds, widen their horizons, inflame their intellects, teach them to think straight, if possible.

That’s a perfect description of what Judy and Bob Gardner do for their students, and how they use their Educational Forum Series to inspire other teachers to do the same for their students.

What we experienced at Wilkes University was a classic example of America at its best.

Thank you, Judy and Bob.
Thank you, Beth and Tracy.
Thank you, Judge Max Rosenn.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Marywood University: Teaching Business as a Force for Good

Starred Thoughts from the 13th Annual Conference on Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility

Written by Tony Mussari
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright 2015 All rights reserved
The Face of America Project
Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be. Rosalynn Carter

On March 23rd our Face of America Journey took us to Marywood University for the 13th Annual Conference on Ethics, Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility. The theme of the conference was Business as a Force for Good. As always, the setting was pleasant. The participants were friendly, and the presenters provided a treasure trove of information about the ways business can make our communities and our world a better place for everyone.

The featured speakers included Lauren Walters, Co-Founder and CEO of 2 Degrees Food, James Brogna, Assistant Vice President Advancement, Allied Services Integrated Health System, Joyce Fasula, CEO, and Joseph Fasula, Vice President, of Gerrity’s Supermarkets.

Student participants included Grace Morrissey, Ellen Clauss, Meryl Fioriti, Jin Tan and Caroline Andrews. They are members of the Marywood University Ethics Business Case Competition Team. Matthew Parkyn, Vice President of Net Impact, International Organization of Students for Responsible Business, Marywood Chapter, made a presentation about making responsible judgments.

Three members of the Marywood University faculty, Dr. Arthur Comstock, Sister John Michele, and Dr. Sarah Kenehan participated in a panel discussion with keynote speaker Lauren Walters. Another member of the faculty, Dr. Rex Dumdum, moderated the panel discussion. It was my privilege to work with Rex during the panel discussion.

The conference was organized by Dr. Murray Pyle and his wife Ellen Sherwood. They had help from members of the Marywood community.

Magic Moments

“Do the Right Thing”

Jim Brogna is a personable young man and an enthusiastic speaker. He was a perfect fit for his topic, Creating Corporate Citizenship by Developing Individual Values.

Twice during his presentation, he used large posters to reinforce his main theme. He told the audience it takes time to build character. In today’s social media world, however, it takes but a few minutes to destroy a reputation. To emphasize this point, he used a picture of Brian Williams, NBC News anchor, inscribed with this quotation from Matthew Josephson:

When credibility is important (and it’s always important). There are no little lies.

To effectively illustrate the definition and nature of business ethics, he used a popular illustration which appeared in an article written by Gloria Lewis, a professional staffing expert. It was posted in her blog on May 15, 2013.

Jim wanted to make the point that people in business have an obligation to know the difference between right and wrong, and when faced with decisions, difficult or easy as they may be, they must do the right thing for the right reason.

This important message resonated with everyone in the room.

“A Case Study and Its Challenges”

Shortly after 1 p.m., a group of students stood next to Dr. Murray Pyle when he introduced their topic: Technology and Privacy: A Responsible Corporate Model of Maintaining Individual Privacy in a Data Rich World.

As I looked through the viewfinder of my camera to focus their picture, I thought to myself this is similar to a number of scenes Kitch and I observed during our experience in the corporate world. Then and now, the individuals were dressed for success. They were enthusiastic about their discoveries and realistic about their challenges. They had developed an interesting product, and they were anxious to share what they had learned.

This classic example of student-centeredness sheds light on what is happening at Marywood University in the School of Business. Earlier in the day, Sister Cathy Luxner made this important point, “The privilege of education means
we have a responsibility to use what we learn for the common good.”

Each of the students who explained the “Future of Fourcircle” was disciplined, earnest and receptive to feedback.

An “Ah Ha” moment for the students happened during the Q&A session when Dr. Rex Dumdum called upon his life experience and deep insights to point out how the marketing of the product and the student presentation could be refined to address important issues of privacy. During Dr. Dumdum’s conversation with the students, the words of Robert Frost came to mind: I am not a teacher, but an awakener.

Two days after their presentation at the conference, the Marywood University Ethics Team won the 2015 DeSales University Fleming Ethics Bowl Competition.

“Making Judgments”

Matthew Parkyn is a senior in the School of Business and Global Innovation. Like most college students he wants to be happy and successful in life. High on his bucket list is a desire to travel the world. He also wants to make his mother’s life more comfortable.

In the conversations Kitch and I have had with Matthew, he has substantiated the insightful words of Alice Wellington Rollins:

The task of a good teacher is not how many questions he can ask of his students that they will answer readily, but how many questions he inspires them to ask him which he finds it hard to answer.

During his presentation, Matthew shared the meanings of several words including judge, judgment, judgmental, opinion and service.

He identified his sources, and he provided a variety of definitions and grammatical applications of the words. He also introduced the normative and subjective process.

To summarize the point he was trying to make, he offered a famous quote from Walt Whitman:

Be curious not judgmental.

A conversation with Dr. Gale Jaeger, the woman who created the ethics conference at Marywood in 2002 when she was a member of the faculty, helped Matthew develop a broader perspective of his topic and his definition. Dr. Jaeger’s question and her conversation with Matthew gave meaning to Robert Hutchins definition of educaton:

It is to unsettle their minds, widen their horizons, inflame their intellects, teach them to think straight, if possible.

“An Hour with Mom and Her Son”

Joyce Fasula is the CEO of Gerrity’s Supermarkets. She is better known as “Mom” to her customers. Her son Joseph is the Vice President of the corporation. On this day, they became teachers. Equipped with an effective PowerPoint presentation that included priceless archival photographs, they told their story of Gerrity’s interpretation of Corporate Social Responsibility.

They believe that ethics has made their stores profitable. They made the case that making a profit is not unethical. It’s how you make and spend the profit that answers the ethics question.

Their philosophy is very straightforward. To the owners of the company, the employees are most important. To the employees of the company, the customers are most important. For Mom and her son this creates a win-win situation.

Fasula told the audience:

We give our customers the benefit of the doubt, and we give our community a substantial part of our profit. We celebrate being fair and honest. We buy local. We negotiate with our suppliers in good faith. We support local charities and we embrace environmentally sound practices.

For the executives of Gerrity’s, the most ethical use of profit involves:
1. Providing for your family;
2. Reinvesting in your business;
3. Providing goods and services;
4. Providing jobs and opportunities.

“Ripples and Dots”

To set the tone for his keynote address, Lauren Walters selected quotations from President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address:

“Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country.”

“If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

Lauren Walters was nine-years-old when he heard those magical words. They made an indelible mark on his heart and his soul. More than half a century later, he is applying them in a compassionate and caring way.

He is the cofounder and CEO of 2 Degrees Food. His goal is to reduce hunger and malnutrition. His company produces healthy snack bars. For every bar sold, the company provides a packaged healthy meal to a hungry child. The concept is modeled after Tom’s Shoes…Buy one. Give one.

He personifies the purpose and spirit of ethics and corporate social responsibility.

He is a leader with a conscience, and a man who has successfully navigated what some have called the most difficult journey in life, the challenging 18 inch journey from the head to the heart.

During his speech, he connected the dots and the ripples, and he answered the fundamental question, “Why.”

He did not sugar coat his story. He freely admitted that what he is doing is hard.

He needed to collaborate with others to come up with a name, a product, a package, a story and a strategy.

To effectively do this he enlisted the support of people who were experts in each area, and he hired social media experts for marketing.

2Degrees Health is a for-profit company, but it partners with non-profit companies.

The product can be purchased in 2500 stores and it is available on 500 college campuses. It has provided 2 million meals for malnourished children in the U.S., Columbia, Kenya, India, Malawi, Myanmar and Somalia, but Walters has not yet reached his goal.

These are some of the challenges he and his team face:

It’s not easy to raise money;

Distribution is complicated;

Conveying the social halo while making the consumer happy and positive about helping other people is a necessity;

Creating a movement of enthusiastic supporters;

Developing products that are healthy and good for people;

Pricing and connecting with non-profits.

Lauren Walters describes himself as a optimistic person… a man with a glass half full attitude.

The best words I can find to accurately describe Lauren Walters were written by President Kennedy:

A man does what he must in spite of personal consequences, in spite of dangers and pressures, and that is the basis of all human mortality.

In my opinion, Lauren Walters is a classic face of America and a radiant example of America at its best. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet him and learn from him and his example.

“Dinner for 40”

One of the highlights of the annual ethics conference is the dinner for participants. It provides everyone who participates in the program an opportunity to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Equally important is the comfortable family atmosphere.

There were eight place settings at each table. Throughout the room, one could hear the quiet sounds of polite conversation occasionally interrupted by joyful sounds of laughter. Everyone needed a break from the fact-filled, intellectually stimulating sessions.

At our table we talked about books, family, connections and students. At one point, Robert Jaeger used his smart phone to obtain a list of books written by an author Sr. John Michele recommended to Kitch.

As one might expect, most of the talking stopped when the food arrived. The presentation of the food was very appealing and everything on the plate was delicious.
The Food Service staff at Marywood University is top shelf.

“Up Close and Personal”

The final event of the conference was a panel discussion. Designed to enable experts and practitioners to share their thoughts in a relaxed and comfortable setting, Dr. Rex Dumdum moderated the discussion, and I was given an opportunity to help him.

Together we decided to ask questions that would enable Lauren Walters, Sister John Michele, Dr. Art Comstock, and Dr. Sarah Kenehan to share information and personal experiences that would help the students better understand the rules of the game of life and business.

This is a summary of the starred thoughts from the panel discussion:

1. Live family first;
2. If you are not helping other people, you will not be happy;
3. You have to be passionate about what you do. If not, you have to move on;
4. Good people make good decisions;
5. Happiness is an outlook;
6. You can learn more from failure, because it opens your eyes and it creates learning opportunities;
7. Failure does not have to be suffered in silence and alone. It is an opportunity to share frustration and anger. Connections enable a person who has failed to reach out for help;
8. Failure is necessary to growth;
9. Do your best. Be persistent. Move on;
10. There will always be tension in life between what you’re passionate about and making a living. You need to find the balance.

In response to a question about skills needed to be happy and successful in life, the panel members provided this list:

1. Patience
2. Grit
3. Compassion
4. Integrity
5. Intelligence
6. Energy
7. Initiative
8. Persistence
9. Be gentle
10. Wisdom

When a student asked a question about cheating and the pressures that lead to cheating, three panel members offered this advice:

You only get one reputation. It’s like fine china, expensive but easily broken. Dr. Comstock

If you owned a company, would you hire someone who lied and cheated? Sister John Michele

How would you judge yourself? Lauren Walters.

The panel discussion ended with this question: What word would you like to engrave of the heart of every student in this room?

The responses were heartfelt and poignant:

Compassion, Dr. Sarah Kenehan;
Integrity, Dr. Art Comstock;
Connection, Lauren Walters;
Be kind, Sister John Michele;
Love, Dr. Rex Dumdum;
Care, Dr. Murray Pyle;
Acceptance, Dr. Gale Jaeger;

After the panel discussion, people assembled in little clusters to talk about a number of things. It was a beautiful scene. It validated the purpose of the conference and the words of one of America’s greatest minds. To rephrase the priceless words of Albert Einstein, The 13th Annual Ethics Conference at Marywood University was an opportunity for everyone in attendance to learn how to become a person of value and to better understand business as a force for good.

Thank you, Marywood University.
Thank you, Gale Jaeger.
Thank you, Murray Pyle.
Thank you, Ellen Sherwood.
Thank you, Jim Brogna.
Thank you, Grace Morrissey, Ellen Clauss, Meryl Fioriti, Jin Tan and Caroline Andrews.
Thank you, Matthew Parkyn.
Thank you, Joyce and Joe Fasula.
Thank you, Lauren Walters.
Thank you Rex, Art, Sarah and Sister John Michele.

Kitch and I look forward to our reunion in 2016.

(Digital photographs by Kitch and Tony Mussari)
Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Express Clydesdales Bring Community, Hope and Joy to Our Hometown

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.

Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari

Photographs by Tony Mussari, Sr.

Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2015

All Rights Reserved

There is nothing so good for the inside of man as the outside of a horse. John Lubbock

Unfounded Superstition

Friday the 13th is generally known as a day of bad luck. The second Friday in March of this year proved that superstition to be false.

On Friday, March 13, Kitch and I were invited to a fundraising event featuring the Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales. All the money raised during the event would be given to the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger in Danville.

What an experience it was.

Hundreds of people came to have their picture taken with a Clydesdale.

For more than two hours, mothers, fathers and grandparents purchased raffle tickets hoping to win one of the many gifts including an opportunity to ride in the Express Stagecoach pulled by six Clydesdales.

The horses were absolutely beautiful. One of the trainers told us that each horse weighs between 1800 and 2000 pounds. The average height is 6 feet at the shoulder of the horse. Clydesdales eat 25 to 50 pounds of hay and 5 pounds of concentrated feed every day.

What impressed us the most was the demeanor of the Clydesdales; they were disciplined and very patient.

Making a Dream Become a Reality

As with anything worthwhile, the journey to accomplishment usually starts with a dreamer and a dream. In this case, the dreamer is a well respected businesswoman, Amy Clegg.

Amy owns and operates the Express Employment Professionals office in Scranton. It was her dream to bring the Express Clydesdales to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Working with Jeff Doran the owner of the Wilkes-Barre Express franchise, and executives at the corporate office in Oklahoma, she made her dream become a reality.

It was no small accomplishment when you consider the fact that these horses participate in major fundraising events all over America including the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade. They are on the road 200 days a year.

Magic Moments

From the moment we entered the venue at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack, the feeling of community was palpable and very pleasant. People from all walks of life were purchasing raffle tickets.

Included in the long list of prizes was a ride around the racetrack in an Abbott Downing Company Hotel Coach circa 1800, four bicycles donated by the Wal-Mart store in Dickson City and gift certificates for items available at a variety of stores both large and small.

While the adults purchased the tickets and printed the appropriate information, the children looked at the gifts on display. Their heads were filled with dreams and their hearts were filled with hope.

One of those dreamers was a youngster named Brayden Owens. Braden is a sixth grader who has the intelligence, poise, and social skills of a high school student. For more than an hour he sat between Kitch and his 91-year-old great grandmother, Florence Phillips. Kitch was most impressed by Brayden’s focused, friendly, polite and charming way. “He has success written all over him. I hope he finds a good mentor,” she told me.

Several hundred yards away, people waited patiently in line to have their picture taken with a beautiful Clydesdale who was a celebrity with a purpose.

As I recorded some of these priceless moments with my digital camera, I thought to myself, this is a classic example of America at its best. In the anticipation of the moment, all eyes were focused on the Clydesdale who played his part flawlessly. He seemed to like the attention.

Yet something else was happening. People were talking to each other. They were enjoying the moment.

At one point I watched Jeff Doran reach up and deliver two children into the outstretched arms of their parents.

A few minutes later, I heard a quiet voice call my name. I turned, and standing on the other side of the barricade stood a prominent local artist and photographer, Diane Grant Czajkowski. Diane has been celebrated for her paintings of Civil War horses. How appropriate that she was in the crowd. It was a delight to be reunited with Diane.

At 7 p.m., Amy Clegg introduced Mary Scheller, a special guest, who sang our national anthem with enthusiasm and heart. While the professional performer gave depth to the words, I could not take my eyes off a young girl, Adrianna McGowan, who offered her own rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

A few minutes later Amy started the raffle drawing. She and Jeff attended to all of the details that added excitement to the moment. They made sure that every youngster who wanted to pull a ticket from one of the containers got their moment in the spotlight.

Then it was back to the racetrack for the launch of the ride in the stagecoach. The six Clydesdales performed flawlessly.

One of the couples sitting on the top of the stagecoach will never forget the moment. Yes, they will remember winning the raffle, and the elegance of the horses, but even more important to them and everyone else on the ride was the fact that Rick Klens gave an engagement ring to Cindy Cordelle as he proposed to her during the ride. Rick and Cindy will never forget Friday, March 13, 2015.

Celebrating and Looking Forward

When the activities with the Clydesdales ended, the second phase of the event, a reception and a preview of the Refresh Leadership speaker lineup began. The invited guests made their way to a room located above the racetrack. The refreshments were plentiful, the conversations delightful and the ambiance was just perfect for the event.

Mike Hoehner, Special Events Marketing Manager for the Express Clydesdales, served as the MC. In an efficient and professional way, he summarized the events of the day. He provided a preview of the April 15 Refresh Leadership Live simulcast that will feature Daymond John, Goal Setting: The Secret of Successful Leaders, Dan Aykroyd, The Funny Thing About Leadership and Liz Murray, the author of From Homeless to Harvard.

Then he introduced Kate Billeymer, the event coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. Kate expressed her gratitude for the many successes of the day, and she reassured everyone in the room that all of the money raised would be used to help people in the region with serious health issues.

The most poignant moment came when Kate introduced Tanya Hentschel and her daughter Kaitlyn and Melissa Stabinski and her twin sons Alex and Evan.

Both mothers spoke about the compassionate care and life saving treatment their children received at Geisinger with funds from the Children’s Miracle Network. Their presentations put everything in perspective in a way that touched the hearts of everyone in the room.

The event ended shortly after Amy and Jeff attended to the remaining raffle awards.

The Express Employment Professionals Clydesdales event was a classic example of America at its best and we are thankful for the opportunity to tell this story.

For this wonderful American Moment, we want to thank:

Amy Clegg;

Jeff Doran;

Mike Hoehner;

The Clydesdale’s Trainers;

All of the Express Employment Professional employees in Scranton & Wilkes-Barre, and all of the Express Employment Professional associates and volunteers.

Please provide feedback to:

tony.mussari@gmail,com

Happy Anniversary: Our Journey Continues

A Year of Memorable Moments

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari and
Tony Mussari, Sr.
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2015
All Rights Reserved

To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it more fit for its prime function of looking forward. Margaret Fairless Barber

The Numbers

On this the last day of February in 2015, Kitch and I celebrate the fifth anniversary of our Face of America Journey.

These are the numbers for 2014:

We traveled 5,100 miles visiting 24 cities in eight states;

Eight screenings of our documentaries were held in seven cities;

We posted 36 articles in our blog;

Ten of these articles focused on medical issues as we documented every step in Kitch’s total knee replacement surgery and other medical experiences at Geisinger/CMC in Scranton;

Ten articles were posted about our documentary Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg.

Highlights

As we review our travels, there are several moments that we will never forget. The naturalization service in Binghampton, New York, on the day Dr. Rex & Viola Dumdum became American citizens is in a class all by itself. Rex and Viola are two people who personify America at its very best, and they define genuine friendship in acts not words.

Celebrating the people we met during Kitch’s knee replacement surgery at Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists and Geisinger/Community Medical Center in Scranton brought both of us great joy. The people who cared for Kitch were thoughtful, kind and professional in every sense of the word.

Working with Drs. Judith and Bob Gardner and their associates in the Education Department at Wilkes University was an honor and a pleasure.

The opportunity Dr. Bill Kashatis gave us to work with Dr. Mollie Marti to tell the story of Judge Max Rosenn at the Annual History Conference at Luzerne County Community College was a delightful experience.

Our visit to Eagles Mere in July was simply beautiful. We enjoyed the setting, and the people we met were delightful. If all goes as planned we will return to this wonderful community again this year.

Our friend, Amy Clegg, invited us to participate in two seminars sponsored by Express Employment Professionals. Amy is a consummate professional as is Jack Smalley.

We made two trips to Baltimore, Maryland: one to celebrate Vicki Perez and to present a short film about her heroic daughter, 2d.Lt. Emily Perez; the other to celebrate our friend Mary Jane Norris at the 15th Annual Women in Maritime History Awards Ceremony.

In the spring, we traveled to Marywood University to speak at the annual ethics conference. We returned to Marywood 11 months later to keynote a Speed Networking event. Both experiences produced special moments and new friendships that we treasure.

In May, we screened Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg at the high school in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Five months later we joined a delegation of wonderful people from North Plainfield at a screening of the same documentary at the Convention Center in Atlantic City.

Endings

Anyone who has followed our travels since 2010 knows that we have spent more time in North Plainfield, New Jersey, than anywhere else in the country. These are the numbers:

We produced four documentaries about students from North Plainfield and their educational experiences during their visits to Shanksville, PA and Gettysburg PA;

We produced three short videos about North Plainfield students for our website, and we published 44 articles about North Plainfield students, administrators, teachers and school board members in North Plainfield in our blog;

We averaged four trips a year to North Plainfield. If you add the location scouting and post-production trips we made to Shanksville and Gettysburg for location shoots, we have logged over 10,000 miles while working on these projects.

During our first visit to North Plainfield, we saw what we believe to be the Face of America’s tomorrow today in the high school. That beautiful mosaic has not changed. In fact, it is forever enshrined in a special place in our hearts, in our minds and in our garden.

The road to and from North Plainfield is paved with all the things that life has to offer. There were beautiful moments of discovery. There were challenging moments of obstacles to be overcome. There were community moments of celebration and there were many, many wonderful teaching moments of growth, learning and transformation.

Unfortunately, the prophetic words of Candy Villagomez accurately describe the effort, energy and time we invested in the work we have done in North Plainfield: “Nothing lasts forever.”

The day before his death, Leonard Nimoy beautifully expressed this thought about endings with these words:

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memories.

This is the year our work in North Plainfield came to an end. The perfect moments will live on in our memories of this very special place.

The Dream

When we began our journey, we had three objectives:

We wanted to visit every one of the 48 continental states;

We wanted to build a mosaic of the Face of America on its best day;

We wanted to write and publish a book about our discoveries.

As you know, we accomplished all but one of these goals. We could not find a publisher who was willing to take an interest in our book.

This year we found an alternative.

Knowing that I am in the last quarter of my life, I decided to do something special for my grandchildren this Christmas. With encouragement and help from Kitch, we wrote a book entitled Papa Tony’s Gift: Life Lessons from the Heart.

It is a visual narrative. The majority of the pictures in the book were taken during our journey. The 214 graphics in the book speak to all of the values we associate with America on its best day.

The idea for the book is rooted in our experience at the 2013 Medal of Honor Convention. Four months later during the screening of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg, I looked out at the audience and my eyes focused on my grandchildren. Without thinking I spoke these words from my heart:

“I am worried about your future, your generation and the challenges you will face in your lifetime.”

I also made the point that we must not permit digital relationships to replace personal relationships.

Shortly after we returned home, I began researching and writing in February 2014. During their Christmas visit, we presented a draft copy of the book to the children. Recently, we picked up the final edition of the book at Offset Paperback Manufacturing, Inc.

Of all the things Kitch and I have had the opportunity to do and see during our journey, writing and publishing the book was the most challenging, difficult and rewarding experience.

Looking forward, we will be doing more writing and less documentary production. To be honest, as much as we enjoy the documentary process, writing is our first love.

Our year ended with a wonderful experience provided by a student at Marywood University. Matthew Parkyn needed a keynote speaker for a Speed Networking event, and he turned to us for help. That opportunity enabled us to spend five weeks researching and writing a presentation that has opened many doors for future activities.

To everyone who offered encouragement, empathy, help and the steadfast loyalty of friendship and understanding during this transitional year of our Face of America Journey, Kitch and I thank you with a promise. We will continue our search for examples of the Face of America, the people, the places and the values that speak to America at its best. We will continue to write about these experiences.

Looking back on our Face of America Journey in 2014, the words of a great writer and statesman come to mind:

The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see. Winston Churchill

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

The Face of Resilience At Marywood University

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari and
Tony Mussari, Sr.
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2015
All Rights Reserved

Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. Charles H. Spurgeon

Resilience

Recently I Googled the word resilience. In 0.27 seconds I had access to 40,200,000 hits.

These are a few of the definitions I found for resilience:

The capacity to recovery quickly from difficulties;

The ability to become strong, healthy or successful after something bad happens (merriam webster.com);

Resilience is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes (psychologytoday.com);

When you have resilience, you harness inner strength that helps you rebound from a setback or a challenge, such as job loss, an illness, a disaster or the death of a loved one. If you lack resilience, you might dwell on problems, feel victimized, become overwhelmed or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse(mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/resilience);.

Resilience won’t make your problems go away-but resilience can give you the ability to see past them, find enjoyment in life and better handle stress. If you aren’t as resilient as you’d like to be, you can develop skills to become more resilient (mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/resilience);

In short, people who have resilience make the most of their situation. They learn how to navigate the bumps in the road of life. They not only survive. They thrive.

Serendipity

On a cold, February afternoon, Kitch and I had a chance encounter with a Marywood student who left an indelible mark on our souls.

After five weeks of preparation for a keynote address to be delivered at Marywood’s first Speed Networking event, the moment was literally minutes away when we met Abo Zahid who, in our opinion, is a classic face of resilience.

Abo Zahid greeted us with a beautiful smile and a kind word. His demeanor set the tone for the evening. As we walked to the Nazareth Student Center, I was taken by his congeniality and determination. He was polite, respectful and a joy to be with.

We talked several times during the evening. He introduced us to his friends, and we introduced him to Matthew Parkyn the student who invited us to speak at the event.

Before he left the venue to visit a friend in the hospital, he made a special effort to tell us he would be in touch.

He kept his promise.

His second note was so powerful, I asked for his permission to include his story in this article.

I slept yesterday in Moses hospital because my friend was desperate. She cried all night… My neck is hurting me, because I slept in the chair until 5 in the morning.

You know my friend, there was a time I wasn’t able to move my head, but I said to myself I have to walk or die so I walked because I wanted to control my life.

I don’t want my family taking care of me. I can’t accept this idea. I want to take care of them.

I feel I’m like water. If you see water it is easy, simple and weak, but in reality nothing can stop water even mountains can’t stop water or a flood.

You know, I feel nothing can stop me. I have three dreams first walking and driving and you saw me driving yesterday; second studying in US; third I will keep it secret until I accomplish it then I will tell you about it.

I believed that if you think about anything and you believe it in your heart you can do it no matter what, because the human brain has strong and strange power… be patient, work on your dreams, smile and be positive all the time and look at the bright side at any problems.

There are people who look at the dark side don’t be like them.

Finally, if we expect the good things, the good thing will happen. If we expect bad things, bad things will happen.

I don’t believe in luck. "I’m the only one who creates my luck." Wish good luck that means expected good luck.

Finally and most importantly is to love all people no matter what their religion, color, race………..etc…

It is an honor to know and a pleasure to celebrate Abo Zahid. His life and his words give truth to Henry Ford’s famous thought about determination, and they compel us to ask ourselves Mr. Ford’s famous question:

“The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?”

In deeds not words, Abo Zahid answers this question in an inspirational way every day of his life.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

An Evening of Connections at Marywood University

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari and
Tony Mussari, Sr.
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2015
All Rights Reserved

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together
is success. Henry Ford

The Challenge

On a cold February afternoon, Kitch and I drove to the campus of Marywood University to participate in a Speed Networking event. Planned and organized by a small group of students who are majoring in Business and Managerial Science, it was the first of its kind held at the university.

Speed Networking enables students to connect with a wide range of individuals who can best be described as success stories, role models and mentors. According to those in the know, speed networking is a convenient and quick way to make professional contacts in a relaxed setting.

My assignment was one of the most challenging opportunities I have had during our Face of America Journey. The coordinator of the event, Matthew Parkyn, needed a keynote speaker. On January 5, he sent a note with this question:

I email you today to ask you if you would like to be my guest speaker for a program that my friends and I are setting up. The program will be on Thursday, February 12th, 5:30pm-7:30pm… As the speaker you will have 20-30 minutes of talking and 10-15 minutes of Q&A. Attached is a rough draft of what the event will entail.

I accepted Matthew’s invitation, and for the next five weeks, I spent most of my time working on a presentation that would encourage, inform, and inspire those in attendance. As I learned more about the event, it became very obvious that to be successful the presentation had to resonate with three different groups: students, teachers and business people.

With a lot of encouragement from Kitch and wonderful cooperation from friends and people we met during our journey across America, I was able to construct a presentation that was designed to give the students an insight into what it means to be successful in business and in life and what constitutes a productive mentoring experience.

First Impressions

The tone for the evening was set by a student who was parking his car when we arrived. A pleasant exchange opened the door to wonderful conversation with Abo Zahid. As we walked to the Nazareth Student Center, I was taken with his resolve and his beautiful smile. He was polite, respectful and a joy to be with. Without knowing much about his background, it was obvious to me that he is a living example of resilience.

The atmosphere inside the student center was festive and relaxed. The students who worked at the registration desk were pleasant. Dr. Monica Law welcomed everyone she met with a kind word and an infectious smile.

Matthew was preoccupied with many things, but he took the time to help me set up my PowerPoint presentation.

Conversations with Sister Mariam Pfiefer and Dr. Murray Pyle made us feel like we were part of the Marywood family.

Kitch had a serendipitous reunion with Ann Montoro Williams. In the 80’s, Kitch and Ann covered many of the same news stories for their respective radio stations. Today, Ann is the Director of Alumni Engagement at Marywood.

Dr. Chris Speicher visited with Kitch to update her on the activities of our mutual friend and Marywood graduate, Kirwan Ameen.

When our dear friend Dr. Gale Jaeger entered the room, she took a seat next to Sister Mariam. While Gale was a member of the Marywood faculty, she originated the Annual Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility Conference. To this day, the conference is one of the premier events sponsored by the Business and Management division of the university.

The Presentation

At the appointed hour, Matthew took his place at the podium. In the tradition of Speed Networking, he made brief remarks about the members of his committee, Katie and John. He welcomed everyone, and he explained the agenda for the evening. Then, he introduced my presentation.

To set the tone for the evening, I asked the students three questions:

Why are you attending this event?

What is your purpose?

What can I do to help you?

The students who responded emphasized their desire to improve themselves. One student put it this way: “I want to become a better person.”

After this exercise, I shared two quotations:

I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
Stephen R. Covey

I followed Dr. Covey’s insightful comment with a quotation from Dr. Dan Kopen, the surgeon who gave Kitch a second chance at life when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. When he started to practice medicine, his mother gave him this advice:

Treat every patient like they are family.

For the next 40 minutes, I followed Mrs. Kopen’s advice.

I shared a number life lessons, a summary of the essentials of mentoring and a list of suggestions for success in business and in life. Obviously, I cannot incorporate all of the material in this article, but I can tell you that the audience was engaged and receptive to the information. These are three ideas that got their attention:

Technology is a great servant, but a bad master.

There are 7 different types of mentors:

1. The wise leader (Senior Executive)
2. The life coach (HR Professional)
3. The teacher (Working with student)
4. Peer mentors (Colleague/friend)
5. The confidante (A sounding board)
6. The self help mentor (Books)
7. The inner mentor (Inner Voice)

Eliminate all or nothing thinking.

The Main Event

During the networking session, Kitch and I observed students talking with business professionals and potential mentors. The atmosphere was relaxed and the participants were making the most this unique opportunity. There were 15 tables in the room, and virtually all of the seats were occupied.

At Table 9, Chris DiMattio was surrounded by Finance and Accounting majors who were interested in making contacts in the financial services industry. Chris is a Senior Vice President at FNC Bank. He is a frequent visitor to the Marywood campus. Abo Zahid was one of the students listening to Chris.

At Table 7, Ann Montoro Williams answered questions from four students as she helped them better understand how they could make the right contacts and build their network.

The smiles on the faces of Dr. Murray Pyle and his associates made it very clear that Speed Networking is an enjoyable experience. This message is reinforced by the last picture I snapped for this article. It records the moment just before Michele and Abo left the venue.

On this cold winter evening, the upper main dining room in the Nazareth Student Center at Marywood University was filled with people who were engaged in a wonderful, student organized communal activity. In every respect, it gave truth to the words used by Marywood to attract new students:

Marywood University is about more than higher education. It is about taking your education higher.

Congratulations Matthew, Katie and John. Kitch and I enjoyed the Speed Networking experience, and we think it is fair to say so did everyone who attended the event.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.musssari@gmail.com

2014 A Year of Priceless Gifts

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

Lord we thank Thee…for the health, the work, the food and the bright skies that make our lives delightful. Robert Louis Stevenson

The words of one of the most beloved poets best explain the gratitude Kitch and I have for the priceless gifts we received in 2014 from our friends and family.

The year began with a memorable event at the Gateway Theater in Gettysburg. Thanks to the the kindness of Robert Monahan, Jr., the screening of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg was a perfect way to share the story of the Medal of Honor convention, the values associated with the Medal of Honor and the transformation of the students from North Plainfield, New Jersey who attended almost all of the convention events recorded in the documentary.

After the screening, we received this comment from a mother and grandmother who attended the screening:

IT REALLY SHOULD BE SHOWN TO THE SCHOOLS as the majority of the youth are not exposed to the humility, sincerity and dedication that you presented.

In March, we had the good fortune to participate in the Annual Ethics Conference at Marywood University. Organized by Dr. Murray Pyle and several of his colleagues at Marywood, it was a day of learning, and a priceless opportunity to make new friends and experience the beauty and the welcoming atmosphere of Kitch’s Alma Mater.

This is one of the transformational thoughts offered at the conference; There is no dichotomy between being a good person and being a success in business.

Dr. Murray Pyle “We thank you for the peace accorded us this day.”

On a beautiful march day, we traveled to Baltimore to attend the 15th Annual Women in Maritime History Awards. Our friend, Mary Jane Norris was the honoree. During her acceptance speech she shared this thought: Do small things well, because they all add up.

Mary Jane we thank you for the gift of your example.

In April, Dr. Rex Dumdum, Jr. arranged a screening of Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg at Marywood University. He attended to all the details of the event including dinner, a reception an afterglow, and the technical matters that make or break an event of this nature. Rex made sure there were no anxious or stressful moments before, during and after the screening.

It was an evening of community, friendship and learning.

There were no limits placed on the Q&A session. That enabled students, teachers and visitors to provide invaluable feedback. That experience inspired one of the students in attendance, Amber E. Clifford, to write a heartfelt comment about the documentary:

“Four Days of honor and Valor in Gettysburg is truly inspiring to those who are struggling to do what they know is right.”

Thank you Rex. You give special meaning to the words of Anna Sewell: “Good People make good places.”

In April, we participated in the annual Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast at the McCann School of Business in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

The facility was perfect for the event.

The people from the school were very pleasant.

The room where the event was held was an excellent choice for the session.

The members of the Express Pros team were very friendly and willing to do whatever they could to make everyone feel right at home. Their kind and welcoming way reduced the normal anxiety levels that accompany a presentation of this nature.

On that day, we met three radian faces of America, Kathleen Nolan Barrett and Kathy Barrett, Jeff Doran

In May, Amy Clegg invited us to participate in an Express Business Solutions Seminar in Scranton. Jack Smalley, the Director of HR Learning and Development for Express Employment Professionals, gave an informative and inspirational presentation about leadership.

These are but two of the thoughts he shared with his audience:

Leaders are responsible. They leave the excuses behind.

Effective leaders do not accommodate falling stars. They encourage and reward excellence!

Jack Smalley is a man who exemplifies professionalism with heart.

Thank you, Jack for giving us the strength to encounter that which is to come.

In May, we traveled to North Plainfield, New Jersey for two screenings of our documentary. These events were organized by Tom Mazur. The screening at the High School enabled us to experience the ways in which the documentary resonates with students.

The comments students shared with us after the screening made the long and demanding days and nights of location shooting and editing worthwhile.

The evening screening showed us that adults relate to the messages in the documentary in very positive ways.

This screening gave us an opportunity to celebrate the leadership of the retiring superintendant of schools, Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum. Without her belief in our work, we would not have been able to do what we have done in North Plainfield since 2009. That work may be over, but the positive memories will live on forever.

Later in the year, we joined a delegation from North Plainfield in Atlantic City. There we screenedFour Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg for a small audience at the New Jersey School Boards Association Convention. That venue proved the accuracy of Seneca’s words: It is quality rather than quantity that matters.

Several times this year, we had an opportunity to celebrate quiet heroes who make our world a better place because of their acts of kindness and consideration. Many of these people are associated with Geisinger/CMC in Scranton and Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists. Several articles in our blog record the competent and compassionate medical care Kitch received during her total knee replacement surgery.

To Dr. Harry Schmaltz and his team of caring professionals an adaptation of Stevenson’s words best records our gratitude. We thank you for the hope with which we expect tomorrow.

In 2014, both Kitch and I spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital for tests and procedures. In our blog, we expressed our thanks to the people who did their jobs without noise or notice in an excellent and humane way.

In October, we visited with our friends at Wilkes University. This occasion gave an old teacher a new classroom, and an opportunity to work with an impressive group of students who wanted to learn something about character education.

If you are looking for excellence in education, you need look no further than the creative work of Judy and Bob Gardner and their colleagues. What they are doing to enhance learning opportunities for students in the Education Department at Wilkes University is impressive.

Thank you Judy and Bob for giving us an opportunity to help you with the important work you are doing.

A few weeks later, we traveled to Luzerne County Community to participate in the Annual History Conference. This year Bill Kashatus invited us to partner with Mollie Marti to tell the story of the life and legacy of Judge Max Rosenn. To do this we produced a new version of the Windsor Park Story we broadcast about Judge Rosenn in 2004. It was a sentimental journey to one of our favorite places with one of the most impressive leaders we have ever met, Judge Max Rosenn.

In November, we drove to Binghamton, New York to celebrate the naturalization of two of our very favorite people Viola and Rex Dumdum. Sitting in the historic courtroom where the ceremony took place gave us a better understanding of what America and the blessing of American citizenship is all about.

What a gift it was to welcome two magnificent citizens to America on their big day.

Perhaps the most challenging work we did during the year took place during the early morning hours after we had attended to our other responsibilities.

In January, shortly after the screening in Gettysburg, Kitch and I began to work on a book for our grandchildren. Designed to be a legacy gift, it is a visual narrative. It combines images from our Face of America project and several documentary projects like our What Is America? Series and our Miracle Project with the life lessons we have learned navigating the bumps on the road of life.

During their Christmas visit we presented the book as a surprise gift to the grandchildren and their parents.

In a way, it closed the circle for us.

An adaptation of the words in Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem Morning Prayer enables us to give thanks for the blessings of 2014 and look ahead to the New Year with hope:

Lord we thank Thee for the place in which we dwell… the peace accorded us this day…for our friends…give us the strength to encounter that which will come in 2015…that we may be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath and in all changes of fortune, and down to the gates of death, loyal and loving to one another.

Happy New Year!

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tony.mussari@gmail.com

The Newest Faces of America

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…George Washington

The Broome County Courthouse in Binghamton, New York, is a national treasure. Designed by Isaac G. Perry in 1897, this Renaissance Revival masterpiece with its freestanding Ionic columns, gabled roof, eight-sided copper dome supporting a huge statue of the Lady Justice stands majestically in Courthouse Square. It demands the attention of everyone who visits this historic section of the city.

On a cold November morning, our friends, Uldarico, better known as Rex, and Viola Dumdum joined 20 other men and women who came to the courthouse with their family and friends to pledge their allegiance to America and to be welcomed as the newest faces of America. The majesty of the courthouse was an appropriate setting for the dignity and class of this American moment of moments.

Special Moments

Shortly after we entered the courthouse, Viola was the first person we met. She greeted us with a welcoming wave and a beautiful smile. Together we took the elevator to the second floor. When we entered courtroom 202, we were taken by the feeling of anticipation and excitement. Everywhere we looked people were shaking hands and embracing one another. The sense of community was palpable and priceless.

It did not take Rex but a few seconds to find us. When he did, he expressed his appreciation with a warm hug and beautifully chosen words of appreciation and friendship.

Of the 22 people who were to become citizens, there is no question in my mind that Rex’s journey to this moment was the longest. He came to the United States in 1977! During the years that followed, he managed to earn an MS, an MBA, a certificate in leadership and a Ph.D. and become a university professor.

Rex and Viola are respected members of their community. They are parents and grandparents who never gave up on their dream of becoming American citizens. They are two beautiful people with hearts of pure gold and friendship forged in platinum.

It was fitting that they occupied the very first seat in the courtroom and the one closest to the judge who would administer the oath.

When I think about their story, the words of Ben Franklin come to mind:

Diligence is the maker of good luck.

The Final Steps

After Gwynne Dinolfo, a representative of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, attended to a number of procedural matters in a very helpful and pleasant way, Judge Joseph F. Cawley, County Court Judge & Acting Supreme Court Justice Broome County New York, entered the courtroom. He introduced Pastor Elder Arthur W. Jones, Jr., Pastor, Mt. Sinai Church of God in Christ.

Standing beneath an engraved wooden plaque that read “In God We Trust,” Pastor Jones offered a kind and thoughtful invocation.

He asked God to bless those who serve in the armed forces, and our leaders who serve here at home. He prayed for world peace.

Making specific reference to the fact that we are in a season of thanks, he thanked God for the 22 people from 14 countries who were about to become citizens of our country and all the members of the committee who made this day possible.

For many of the people in the room, the most memorable line in the pastor’s invocation contained eight words:

“Thank you for letting their dreams come true.”

When Pastor Jones spoke those words I thought of an adaptation of the words of Aesop that perfectly describes Pastor Jones and the 22 candidates for America citizenship:

Gratitude is a sign of a noble soul.

Welcome to America

It did not take Judge Cawley long to get to the business at hand. He welcomed the candidates, and he introduced Gwynne Dinolfo. She presented the petitions for citizenship. Judge Cawley ruled favorably on the petitions. Then Richard R. Blythe, Broome County Clerk, administered the oath.

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

When this poignant moment ended, Judge Cawley spoke three words:

Welcome to America

The First Vote

Mr. Carl Wokan is a representative of the League of Women Voters. He knows the significance of this moment. He is a naturalized American citizen with a classic immigration story. His life documents what our first president was talking about when he declared America a place for the oppressed and the persecuted from all nations.

Mr. Wokan talked to America’s newest citizens and their guests about their right and their obligation to vote. His story about his mother never missing an opportunity to vote resonated with the audience.

When he finished Mr. Andrew Baranoski, a representative of the American Civic Association, reinforced this message, and he led the candidates in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The sound of the candidates enthusiastically reciting the pledge was a beautiful moment.

Mrs. Sharon M. Exley, Executive Deputy Broome County Clerk led the candidates in a reading of a patriotic document entitled The American’s Creed:

I believe in the United States of America, as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.

William Tyler Page, 1918

Closing Thoughts

In his closing remarks, Judge Cawley shared heartfelt thoughts about American citizenship. He admitted that sometimes he takes for granted our rights and our freedoms. He spoke eloquently about his admiration for the 22 new Americans. “I am inspired by your journey and your dedication that has brought you here today.”

He spoke about freedom of speech, religion and assembly, “rights that are sadly not granted or even possible in other parts of the world.”

He reminded everyone in the room that democracy is often unpredictable and uncertain. He said the recent elections prove that point, but in his heart and mind, democracy is the best and most stable form of government known to civilization today.

He talked about trial by jury, and the importance of jury duty.

He ended his comments with these words:

We welcome you to this diverse and proud nation of shared rights, freedoms and obligations. Your own unique, diverse backgrounds add to the collective wisdom that is the United States of America. The experiences that you bring to this country, your opinions, your dreams and your commitment will make this country better and stronger.

We are honored to have you join us today as American citizens. I and my colleagues want to welcome you and ask you to enjoy all that this country has to offer and all that you have to offer it.

While the judge was speaking, my mind was focused on his words, but my heart was captivated by the expressions on the faces of the new Americans in the courtroom, especially Viola and Rex.

They personify everything the judge was saying about America at its best. They, like the other members of their naturalization group, want to make the most out of their American experience. They want to learn and grow. They want to contribute in positive ways. They want to make the place where they work and the neighborhoods where they live reflect the light of their beautiful faces of America on its best day.

Justice Louis Brandeis said it best with these words:

The only title in our democracy superior to that of President is the title of Citizen.

On November 14, 2014, in courtroom 202, Kitch and I encountered 22 beautiful Faces of America. When we started our journey five years ago, we never dreamed we would experience a moment like this. The people we met and the symbolism of this magical ceremony gives us hope that our tomorrows can be better than our yesterdays.

Thank you, Rex and Viola for making us part of your family. We are blessed to know you, and America is fortunate to have your commitment, determination, example and service. God bless you and the members of your naturalization class, and God bless America

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Gratitude Moments at Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

Gratitude is the foundation for joy. That’s the secret! Until you find and live with gratitude and appreciation, you will never find joy.  Amanda Gore

Expressing Gratitude

For much of this year, Kitch and I have been working with Dr. Harry Schmaltz and his team of professionals at Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists. Kitch did all of the heavy lifting. She had total knee replacement surgery. I was fortunate to be her caregiver, her encourager, her helper. The words of Simone De Beauvoir accurately describe what I learned walking beside Kitch during her time of need:  

One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.  

Two words best describe the care Kitch received from Dr. Schmaltz and his team, excellent and compassionate. This is our attempt to express our gratitude to the people we met on this journey.

The English novelist and author of Black Beauty, Anna Sewell, once wrote:

It is good people who make good places.

For Kitch and me, those words summarize the atmosphere at Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists. It is a welcoming place, and one of the persons who sets the tone is the administrator, Stephanie Bewick. Some would call her the office manager, Kitch and I call her a kind and thoughtful friend.  During one of our recent visits, we met Stephanie, and Kitch was able to personally express her gratitude for the all that Stephanie does and has been doing for many years.

The expression on Kitch’s face when she embraced Stephanie reinforces the wisdom of Anna Sewell’s words. Stephanie is a good person who makes Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists a good place.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., was a keen observer of human nature. He told us:

Learn the sweet magic of a cheerful face.    

That message resonates with Dr. Schmaltz and the people who work with him. On September 25, we met Mary Ann. She is Dr. Schmaltz’s nurse. During Kitch’s recovery, she did everything in her power to minimize any inconvenience and pain. It is no exaggeration to say that Mary Ann is on call 24-7 in the service of patients once they leave the hospital. The smile on her face when she met Kitch provides an insight to her caring nature and kindness.  

When Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., encouraged us to learn the sweet magic of a cheerful face,he was describing the secret to Mary Ann’s success with Dr. Schmaltz’s patients.  

A Portrait of Competence and Compassion

Dr. Schmaltz is a pleasant person to be with. He is a thoughtful person who exudes a quiet confidence and humility. He always compliments the members of his team, and he celebrates the progress of his patients. His advice is deeply rooted in years of surgical and post-operative experience.

Dr. Schmaltz welcomes the participation of the caregiver in the process. When you meet with him, you get a feeling of belonging that lessens your anxiety. He talks with you in a conversational way that encourages questions. Yes, he takes great pride in his work, but he is not arrogant or dismissive.

During our post-operation visits with him, he took the time to explain every step in the process to full recovery. He showed us the images of Kitch’s knee replacement, and he assured Kitch that she was making great progress. He offered a few practical suggestions that would help Kitch, and he made one observation that put everything in perspective. Every month you will be more comfortable with the knee replacement. On the first anniversary of the surgery, you won’t even know that you have a replacement.

When Thomas Merton wrote this description of compassion, he was describing the atmosphere Dr. Harry Schmaltz creates for his patients:

The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.

Epiphany

After our visit with Dr. Schmaltz, we had a chance meeting with a very pleasant nurse named Grace. We were soon to learn that Kitch and Grace have something in common.  They are breast cancer survivors. While they exchanged stories about that challenging moment in their lives, a question a student asked me during a presentation at Luzerne County Community College flashed through my mind, “Where do we find our heroes?”

I was looking at two women who fit that description. During this moment the words of one of Kitch’s heroes took on new meaning.

Elizabeth Edwards battled breast cancer in 2004 and again in 2007. In 2010, this insidious disease took her life. Her inspirational legacy lives on in survivors like Kitch and Grace who fully appreciate her definition of resilience:

Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.  

The people at Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists are dedicated to helping patients put together something that’s good.

While we were checking out we met two delightful people, Janet and Gretchen. They help people arrange follow-up appointments. Their smiles are infectious, and their words are always kind and encouraging. Gretchen has been doing this work for 31 years. The picture captures their spirit of friendly cooperation. The atmosphere that makes Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists so special is a brilliant example of America at its best.

Thomas Fuller was absolutely on target with this advice:

Do something for your fellow man, not for the gold, but for the love of Man, and you shall truly have the gold. Thomas Fuller

Thank you, Stephanie Bewick for your welcoming way.

Thank you, Mary Ann for always being available to help Kitch.

Thank you, Dr. Schmaltz for your competent and compassionate care.

Thank you, Grace for your inspirational example.

Thank you, Kitch for your resilience.

Thank you, Janet and Gretchen for your friendliness and service.

Thank you, Scranton Orthopaedic Specialists. You can be sure we will enthusiastically recommend your services to our friends and relatives. You are one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s treasures.

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tony.mussari@gmail.com

Atlantic City in October
Sharing the Story of Honor and Valor with a Group of Educators in New Jersey

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Tony Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

From sandals to stilettos and foie gras to funnel cakes, Atlantic City offers something for everyone. The Atlantic City Alliance

On a sun-drenched October afternoon, our Face of America journey took me to Atlantic City. Unfortunately, I was flying solo, something I rarely do. Kitch was attending the funeral service for one of her childhood friends. Kathy had entered a hospital in California for a hernia operation. During the procedure one of the members of the surgical team nicked an artery. Kathy died from internal bleeding.

An adaptation of the words of Mary Shelley accurately describes Kitch’s state of mind as she dealt with this tragedy:

She was determined to transfer her love and support to the members of Kathy’s family.

On the Boardwalk

Kitch loves the ocean.

If Gustave Flaubert had asked this of Kitch, I have no doubt what her answer would have been:

Doesn’t it seem to you that the mind moves more freely in the presence of that boundless expanse, that the sight of it elevates the soul and gives rise to thoughts of the infinite and the ideal?

Absolutely!

Knowing her feelings about the ocean, my first stop after I registered was a visit to the boardwalk. With camera in hand, I took several pictures that were designed to give Kitch a feel for the atmosphere, the place and its surroundings.

One of my favorite shots speaks to what I found at the ocean. There was only one person on the beach and a few seagulls circling above.

Reunion

Shortly after 6 p.m., I joined Tom Kasper, Linda Bond Nelson and Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum. Tom and Linda are school board members in North Plainfield, New Jersey. Dr. Birnbaum was the Superintendent of Schools during the years Kitch and I volunteered as teachers with a camera in the school district.

Tom, Linda and Marilyn are excellent representatives of North Plainfield. They are committed to the school district in all the ways that matter. Above and beyond that, they are nice people to be with.

For more than three hours we exchanged stories, and we got to know one another in the ways that neighbors and friends know one another.

We talked about the problems School Board Members face, the merits and demerits of No Child Left Behind, the ways in which the digital revolution is changing education, and the challenge facing those who want to maintain traditional values like accountability, character, integrity, discipline, and respect.

As you might expect a good part of our conversation focused on entitlement and the emphasis on “me” in a world of histrionics and entertainment.

At one point in our conversation, I felt so comfortable; I shared my lifetime struggle with anxiety. It’s been my demon since I was a child, and as I get older it seems to become even more of a challenge. It is particularly vexing before and during a location shoot or any kind of presentation.

As an editor and producer, my brain is programmed to find imperfections and correct them. I worry about the things that can and often do go wrong. As a teacher, I was committed to teaching the principles of critical thinking, customer service, and planning to avoid unpleasant situations.

The most memorable moment of our reunion happened when Dr. Birnbaum told the story of a recent controversy that put North Plainfield on the CBS News. It involved an act of prejudice against North Plainfield athletes before a high school football game. When a reporter asked a North Plainfield student about his reaction, He replied, “Here in North Plainfield there is only one color…Maroon…that’s our school color.”

The Event

At 11 a.m., the educators who wanted to see our documentary, Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg, were in their seats in room 409. After a brief introduction in which I thanked, Tom Kasper for suggesting this event, Dr. Birnbaum for supporting the work we did in North Plainfield, the school board members from North Plainfield who were in the audience for their help and encouragement, Kitch for her unwavering support and Diane Morris, the staff member from the New Jersey School Boards Association who was responsible for organizing all of the workshops at the conference.

The lights were dimmed, and for the next hour, I sat in the back of the room observing the audience as they watched the documentary. It’s amazing how much you can learn by watching body language during a screening. In this instance, it was all positive save for one young man who arrived late. During the screening, his head remained down and his eyes were focused on his Smart phone as he texted for more than 40 minutes. He left the room before the documentary ended.

Such is reality in the digital age.

Feedback

Ask any documentary filmmaker, and they will tell you the most anxious time is before the screening begins, and the most important time is during the Q&A session.

On this day, we were blessed with participants who wanted to share their opinions.

An historical reenacter invited everyone in the group to an event in Gettysburg. His reaction to the documentary was short and to the point: “It is excellent.”

A teacher who had served in the military liked the information about the Medal of Honor Convention and the values the students learned from the experience.

A woman who described herself as a mom was impressed by the story, and she said these are the values her students and others must learn to live a good life. Her friend reinforced that point.

A woman said she came to the workshop because of the material she read in the program, but she found the documentary to be so much more beneficial than she had expected.

A man in the very first row identified himself as a former U.S. Marine. He liked the message of patriotism and service.

Virtually everyone who offered a comment shared these two thoughts. This film should have been shown to the entire convention. It should be shown in every high school in America.

Memorable Moments

After the session ended a teacher approached me to discuss the film. She told me she wants to show it to her students, but it will be a challenge making the time to do it. Nevertheless, she is going to do her best to make it happen.

Before, I left the room, Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum former Superintendent of Schools in the North Plainfield School District said something that touched my heart in a very special way” “You are the first person to see it all. You captured who and what we are. Please stay in touch.”

Our workshop at the convention attracted about 25 people. By conventional standards, that is not a large number. If, however, you see beyond the obvious and connect with what these people felt and said, the workshop was a success.

There were no sandals, stilettos, foie gras or funnel cakes in room 409 of the Atlantic City Convention Center. There were, however, educators who appreciated the work and want to help get the message recorded in Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg to a much larger audience in schools across the country so that teachers and parents can help students better understand the importance of character, integrity, gratitude, kindness and service in leading a quality life.

In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Thank you, North Plainfield for giving an old teacher with a camera an opportunity to tell this story.

Thank you, NJSBA for hosting this event.

Thank you to the people who took the time to attend the event and capitalize on what was offered. In my opinion, you are the Face of America on its best day, and I am in your debt

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Beautiful Moments at Geisinger/CMC in Scranton

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

Moons and years pass by and are gone forever, but a beautiful moment shimmers through life a ray of light. Franz Grillparzer

Let’s be honest. Not many people enjoy going to a hospital no matter what the cause or the occasion. During the past few months, Kitch and I have spent a good deal of time in the hospital. Our hospital of choice is Geisinger/CMC in Scranton.

Twice in the past three weeks, we drove to the hospital for a series of tests in the Radiology department. On both occasions, we experienced a kind of compassionate care that is encouraging and healing.

On October 22, we met a competent and kind ultrasound technician, Jay Kurilia. Jay is a welcoming person. Yes, the ultra sound test is non-invasive. It poses no threat to the patient. There is no exposure to radiation and no dyes are injected. Nevertheless, this does not eliminate the anxiety a patient experiences when he or she wonders what, if anything, will be discovered.

Working with Jay Kurilia was a pleasant experience. He treats his patients with great respect, and he explains what he is doing at every step in the process.

On October 31, while most people were preparing for Halloween, Kitch and I returned to Geisinger/CMC for another visit to the Radiology department. This time the test was a bit more involved.

The hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan is an imaging procedure used to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. A radioactive chemical is injected into a vein, and a nuclear medicine scanner tracks the flow of the dye from the liver into the gallbladder and the intestine.

The test was administered by Steve Eboli. Steve has been working at the hospital for 41 years, and he is perfect for the position he holds. His brother Joseph and a nurse named Jill comprise a three person team in the special suite where the test is performed.

Steve met us in the waiting room at 10:10 a.m. He introduced himself with a welcoming smile. He assured us that everything would go smoothly. Because of his professionalism, compassion and tact, it did.

Steve is a natural conversationalist. He has the gift of kindness. He goes out of his way to make the patient feel comfortable. He attends to little details. For example, when he told me the test is divided into three parts, and it would take about three hours, I asked him to share that information with Kitch. Without hesitation or complaint, he honored my request.

Steve’s colleague, a nurse named Jill, administered the injection in a way that caused no discomfort or pain.

During our conversations, we got to know each other, and we found a common connection. Steve graduated from high school in 1969 the same year as Kitch’s brother.

When I asked Steve if Kitch could enter the room to take a few pictures for this article, he welcomed the idea.

Final Steps

At about 12:15 p.m., I entered the lab for the final scan. To guarantee the success of this part of the test, 30 minutes before the scan, I enjoyed three Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. That enabled Steve to trace the movement of the fatty material in my digestive system.

The test took but a few minutes. When it was finished, Steve walked with me to the room where Kitch was patiently waiting. Both of us thanked Steve for his help and his kindness.

As we were leaving the Radiology department, I saw a mother and two children walking toward us. It was a photo opportunity, I could not ignore.

I asked for permission to take a photograph of Jenn and her children, Jadya and Madie. While I was focusing the shot, I thought about all the people we met on this special day. I am sure there are similar photos of them with their parents.

The words of George Elliston provide a perfect description of our special day at Geisinger/CMC in Scranton:

How Beautiful a day can be when Kindness touches it.

Thank you, Jay Kurilia for your welcoming way.

Thank you, Steve Eboli for your help and kindness.

Thank you, Joseph Eboli for your cooperation.

Thank you, nurse Jill for the perfect injection.

Thank you, Jenn for your cooperation.

Thank you, Geisinger/CMC for medical care with competence and compassion

Everyone we met on this day is a classic example of the Face of America at its very best, and we were fortunate to meet them.

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Looking Backward to Move Forward with Hope at Luzerne County Community College

Written by Tony Mussari, Sr.
Edited by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Photographs by Kitch Loftus-Mussari
Copyright Mussari-Loftus Associates, LTD 2014
All Rights Reserved

You can’t move forward until you look back. Cornel West

On a beautiful October morning, Kitch and I made our way to the Conference Center at Luzerne County Community College to look back at three episodes of Crime and Punishment in the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Dr. Thomas P. Leary, President of Luzerne County Community College, opened the event with a warm welcome and an expression of gratitude to the attendees, the participants and the organizers of the event.

When Mark J. Richetti, Jr., Executive Director of the Luzerne County Historical Society, addressed the audience, he reinforced the kind words of Dr. Leary and he thanked Dr. William Kashatus, the chairman of the conference.

Dr. Kashatus set the tone for the conference when he encouraged everyone to actively participate with questions and comments.

Justice with Honor

Dr. Mollie Marti, author of Walking with Justice keynoted the conference. She shared several servant leadership lessons from her mentor Judge Max Rosenn.

Five quotations from Judge Rosenn helped everyone better understand the man and his philosophy:

1. A leader’s true value is created by the compassion and healing he or she brings to humanity;                  

2. Celebrate what is right with the world…so you create more energy to help fix what is wrong;

3. In times of great uncertainty and need, you will have doubts. Also have hopes. Have dreams;

4. If we didn’t feel that an individual can shape one’s life we would not be concerned with developments of character and fundamental precepts like justice, the value of truth, the redeeming power of compassion and the transforming power of love;

5. Seize every opportunity to affirm others.

When Mollie finished her remarks, the lights in the room dimmed so the audience could watch Judge Max Rosenn: A Man for all Seasons. Kitch and I produced this program specifically for the conference. Drawn from a series of interviews we did with Judge Rosenn in 2004, it was our attempt to enable the most celebrated jurist in the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania to speak for himself about his life and his legacy.

After the screening, Mollie and I answered questions from the audience. For me, the most poignant and memorable question came from a student.

“Where can we find our heroes?”

Anthracite Labor Wars

In 2013, Dr. Robert Wolensky and William A Hastie, Sr., published a book entitled, Antharcite Labor Wars: Tenancy, Italians and Organized Crime in the Northern Coalfield of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 1897-1959. On this day, they would trace the history of the anthracite labor wars in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Their presentation focused on the nature of crime and corruption in the anthracite industry.

Using newspaper headlines and archival materials, they presented a litany of cleverly designed techniques used by mobsters and corporate executives to circumvent the legal system and discriminate against miners.

They also highlighted the activities of crusaders and reformers like Rev. John J. Curran and Rinaldo Cappellini who did everything they could to purge the industry of these captains of the night.

These excerpts and headlines from some of their slides will give the reader a better understanding of their presentation:

1987 the Battle of Archibald, Italian laborers protest subcontractors getting a “take” from their wages.

Opposition to IWW- I stand rigid and deep rooted with reference to the fight against the existence or perpetuity of such an organization (The IWW) in our community). Fr. John Curran 1916

The Murder of Detective Sam Lucchino, 1920

1 KILLED, 4 HURT BY BOMBS HERE

Dr. Wolensky ended his presentation with a quote from Michael Woodiwiss, author of Organized Crime and American Power and Gangster Capitalism. The Woodiwiss quote challenged everyone in the audience to rethink one of the basic misconceptions about the origins of crime in the anthracite industry:

The mistake that has always dogged U.S. organized crime control efforts was the misperception that organized crime was composed of conspiratorial entities that were alien and distinct from American life. A great deal of evidence suggests the opposite. High-level politicians and respectable members of business and professional communities have gained more from organized criminal activity than any other group…

The Darkest Moment

Former Pennsylvania County President Judge and Juvenile Judge Mark Ciavarella Sentenced to Prison Term of 28 Years

Former Pennsylvania County President Judge Michael Conahan Sentenced to Prison Term of Seventeen And A Half Years

Despite Red Flags, Judges Ran Kickback Scheme for Years

The afternoon session was dedicated to a discussion of the Kids for Cash Scandal. Robert May, the producer of the movie Kids for Cash talked about the rationale for the movie, its reception in cities around the country, and the positive reception it received in Washington, DC.

He shared excerpts from his film. One of these scenes contained an explanation of the “Zero Tolerance” philosophy that justified harsh punishments for juvenile offenders.

He emphasized the point that the film presents both sides of the issue. He also told the audience that disgraced Judge Mark Ciavarella, the author of Zero Tolerance in Luzerne County, gave him a reason to produce the film when he said that he hoped his work on the bench would produce some good.

Judge William Amesbury, journalist Terrie Morgan-Besecker and author William Ecenbarger joined May for a panel discussion about the movie and Luzerne County’s juvenile justice system.   

Judge Amesbury talked about how the Luzerne County juvenile justice system has changed since the scandal. He introduced several of the people who work with him to correct the abuses of the past and provide constructive alternatives that are centered in rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

William Ecenbarger is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. He is a soft spoken man. His book Kids for Cash: Two Judges, Thousands of Children and a 2.8 Million Kickback Scheme chronicles the story of the abuses in the juvenile justice system and the culture that permitted it to happen.

During the discussion he was critical of the conditions that permitted the Kids for Cash scandal to happen. He also made the point that across the country one finds many examples of injustice to juvenile offenders that are rooted in a flawed public perception of the juvenile justice system.

Terrie Morgan-Besecker talked about her award winning series about the juvenile justice system in Luzerne County. She joined Judge Amesbury in complimenting Atty. Al Flora for the reforms he initiated when the Luzerne County Juvenile Defender Unit was created in 2010.

Flora’s cardinal rule was simple:

When charged by police with a delinquent act, all children are entitled to the constitutional right of effective assistance of counsel.

All the members of the panel agreed that the denial of this constitutional right to the youngsters involved in the Kids for Cash scandal was the most egregious offense.  

Before the conference came to a close, Bill Kashatus summarized the most important lessons learned during the sessions:

1. We must adhere to the rule of law in Luzerne County;

2. We must understand that kids are not small adults;

3. We must address family issues that are the root cause of many of the problems;

4. We will never fully understand why people do bad things, but we must continue to
explore issues like crime and punishment in Northeastern Pennsylvania;

5. Zero tolerance is a flawed philosophy;

6. Judge Max Rosenn is an example of character and integrity. He is a model for all of  us;

7. Luzerne County is not the only place where corruption exists in America;

8. We need positive energy in the reform community.

The 23d Annual History Conference was a day of celebration, community, critical thinking and learning.

It was interesting, informative, at times painful, and thought-provoking.

An adaptation of the words of Carl Sagan applies:

You have to know the past, no matter how painful, to understand the present and improve the future.

Thank you, Luzerne County Community College for hosting the event.

Thank you, Luzerne County Historical Society for co-sponsoring the conference.

Thank you, Luzerne County Community College Food Service Department. Lunch was excellent.

A special thank you to the Community College AV-people for the professional way they managed every PowerPoint presentation and video.

Thank you, Bill Kashatus for making it happen.

The conference underlined the importance of history and the wisdom of Cornel West’s words.

As Kitch and I were leaving the conference center the words of David McCullough reverberated in my mind:

History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.  

(The first two headlines in The Darkest Moment Section of this article were taken from press releases issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The third headline is from an article that appeared in the New York Times on March 27, 2009)

Please provide feedback to:
tony.mussari@gmail.com

Wilkes students view documentary film on Gettysburg
The Times Leader

October 02. 2014 6:26PM – 1913 Views

By Bill O’Boyle boboyle@civitasmedia.com

Photograph by Fred Adams

WILKES-BARRE — Honor and valor, along with character, courage, humility and integrity were words discussed and their definitions displayed at length Wednesday during a two-hour presentation at Wilkes University.

Dr. Tony Mussari Sr., retired King’s College professor, spoke to a group of Wilkes education students about his latest film — “Four Days of Honor and Valor in Gettysburg.” His presentation was part of the Drs. Robert S. and Judith A. Gardner Educational Forum Series that features speakers from the educational and business community.

When the film ended and Mussari stopped speaking, the students came away impressed, challenged and determined to follow the examples depicted in the film.

The documentary was filmed during the 150th Medal of Honor Convention, held in September 2013, in Gettysburg. Six Junior ROTC students from North Plainfield (N.J.) High School are featured: Adriana Miranda, senior; Elijah Sheridan, junior; Jared Ruiz, junior; Ruel Lindsay, junior; Kyle Pacla, junior; and Nancy Bahnasy, sophomore.

The students got to meet and talk to several recipients of the Medal of Honor and they heard the selflessness of each story and the attitude of “we did what we had to do” that echoed through the four days.

And the echoes reverberated at Wilkes, where the students gained a perspective on how important it is to live one’s life in an honorable and ethical way.

Mussari began with a thought for the day from George Washington, the father of our country, who said: “Labor to keep alive in your breast, that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”

The New Jersey School Boards Association has supported publication and distribution of a teaching guide of Mussari’s documentary that will be used in all New Jersey public high schools.

“I’m worried about your generation,” Mussari said. “I’m not afraid for your future, but I am concerned.”

Medal of Honor

So Mussari embarked on this journey, with his wife, Kitch Loftus Mussari, to film another documentary to add to their list of completed projects, like those on the Agnes Flood of 1972, the Centralia Fire in 1982 and the Windsor Park series.

This project was 15 months in the making and included 21 trips to Gettysburg, site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

As the students watched the documentary, they learned there are 3,462 Medal of Honor recipients, all but one are men; 63 of them fought at Gettysburg and 1,522 fought in the Civil War. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

As Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Barney Barnum said, “I’m not a hero. I’m just Barney Barnum,” the students pondered the question often asked: “What motivated them to do what they did?”

There were plenty of reasons offered, but the overriding response was: “We did what we had to do.”

The students learned the hardest thing to do is doing the right thing, but most of the Medal of Honor recipients in the documentary agreed that when faced with a dangerous situation, a moment arrives when all just reacted and they did what had to be done.

As Sal Giunta, the youngest recipient who served in Afghanistan, said, “Right will always be right.”

Mussari said the lessons learned in Gettysburg need to be learned throughout the U.S. He said one-third of children are born into single-parent families. He said numbers are always increasing of grandparents raising their grandchildren.

“These are challenging times,” Mussari said. “These trends need to change.”

The Wilkes students said the documentary opened their eyes and they came away impressed by how each recipient disregarded their own safety to do what was necessary for the good of their comrades, their communities and their country.

(The Medal of Honor statistics in the documentary reflect the number of recipients as of September 2013)