Text - Just You, Only Better

This is the text version of my article that was published by philly2philly.com on 2/16/11

Emerging Organization Empowers Philadelphia Women

“Every woman wants to look and feel better. We need to learn how to look inward, so we

can love ourselves more and so we can instill self-esteem in our children.” - Molly Napolitano.

I was honored to be asked recently to cover a workshop presented by one of Philadelphia's emerging organizations Just You, Only Better, whose founder, President, and CEO is Molly Napolitano. In response to this era of high stress and challenging economic times, her group offers women specialized one-day workshops and 30-day programs.

“I wanted everyone to walk away with something valuable and to think, 'This was the best day I have had in a very long time.' Our mission is to improve health, happiness, and confidence …one woman at a time,” Napolitano said.

Napolitano earned her Master's Degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Florida. She then specialized in exercise prescription for the elderly, developing and directing physical therapy ce nters in Florida. Currently, she is the Fitness Expert for GlobalFit, a leading provider of fitness and wellness programs for multinational companies and insurers. Expanding on the writing contributions she makes for GlobalFit's website, she also created

mollynap.com. That blog focuses on women's fitness, confidence, fashion, beauty, and health issues.

Just You, Only Better's recent one-day workshop, at The Pyramid Club inside the Mellon Building in Philadelphia, included a distinguished group of speakers. They engaged a large gathering by providing expertise on a wide array of important topics.

Karyn Pless, a working mother with two children who lives in Malvern, said, “I learned something different from each of the presenters today. Part of that was learning to be kinder to myself. I'm trying find time to quiet my mind, to take care of me, and to do the things that make me feel good.”

Dawn Kraut came from New York to attend the workshop with her sister Karyn. She said, “What I hope to take from this event are ways that I can improve the quality of my life, without changing it dramatically. The talk on meditation and yoga was fantastic! Yoga gives you a chance to breathe and to think about things.”

Denise Kelly, a veterinary technician from Philadelphia said, “If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of anyone else. It's so important to take time for yourself and to relieve stress, even if it's just for just 30 minutes per day. I'm going to go back to work and to rave about this workshop.”

Napolitano also hosts free, self-esteem, workshops for young girls and their mentors sponsored by the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. Originating in the 1990's, the campaign emphasizes the image of real women with different body shapes. The goal is to get women to embrace and love themselves.

Noted entrepreneur, author, and television contributor, Jen Groover, joined forces with Napolitano, hosting a webcast preview of the workshop the night before the event.

Groover said, “The perspective that Molly and Biana offer to women is uniquely holistic and

adds a deeper value to understanding women's issues and empowerment.”

Napolitano who has spoken both nationally and internationally on women's topics, will be speaking at an upcoming event in San Francisco. She began this workshop with a presentation of how the media impacts the confidence of women and young girls.

“We, as a collective force, need to reverse the trend of how women are presented in the media. So many people compare themselves to what they see. But, women are setting themselves up for failure because what they are seeing isn't real. There is no such thing as perfection,” Napolitano said.

Vicki Lukert, a physical therapist from Florida, spoke about the importance of women's health issues. Alice Dommert, co-founder of Deliver Me Yoga, discussed various ways to relieve stress. Sandy Weston, owner of Weston Fitness, made a presentation that was called “Train Your Head...Body Will Follow.” Her positive energy inspired the entire group to stand up and have fun by exercising just prior to lunch. She also offered all participants a free Zumba class after the event.

“The easiest thing is just to do simple things and make little changes. Your mind gets use to doing something and it becomes part of your everyday life. I get energy from the people that I train,” Weston said.

After everyone enjoyed a shrimp salad lunch, Biana DeMarco offered “Fashion Tips to Help Reveal the Stylish and Sophisticated You.” DeMarco's fashion savvy was first tapped by Napolitano when she was asked to contribute to the Just You, Only Better website. Due to the strong response her Fashion Friday's segment created, the blog phillyfashionistas.com was born.

“The blog began with a core group of friends following it and then formed a persona of its own, gaining fresh new readers. I have people telling me now that reading my blog has become a Friday morning ritual. They grab a cup of coffee and read my posts. I try to keep it current and entertaining and from the feedback that I have been getting, it reads like a magazine.

“We are all creatures of habit. I help women identify their personal style, but also encourage them to step out of their comfort zone. I provide options on how to maximize their current resources. I show them how to obtain the essentials in a cost-effective way, making small wardrobe changes to achieve big sartorial results. I often discuss the necessary accessories and show ways on how to incorporate new trends,” DeMarco said.

Melinda Engel, a holistic nutritionist, spoke about a balanced diet. She also showed how to make amazingly nutritious shakes by using healthy ingredients. Janet Indorf, a top makeup artist who works for Bobbi Brown, demonstrated proper techniques for makeup application. Award-winning hair stylist Jeffrey Moffett, from Pileggi on The Square, provided advice on hair products and how to select a proper hair dresser.

Celebrity chef Brian Duffy, known for his creation of the “New Celtic” cuisine and a member of Chefs for Humanity, concluded the event's presentations. Duffy, who has been seen on the Food Network, The Today Show, and elsewhere, discussed healthy cooking, demonstrated creative knife techniques, and prepared a fabulous salsa.

Everyone who attended this five-star event was certainly inspired by it. But, they are also certainly inspired by people in their personal lives, as well as by other well-known individuals.

As for Molly's inspiration, “My husband, Frank Napolitano (President and CEO of GlobalFit) inspires me everyday. He believes in me more than anyone and urges me to take risks in order to be the best that I can be. Even when his schedule is completely full, he is always willing to help others to learn and grow.

“And I love Ellen DeGeneres. She is always happy and has so much FUN on her show. She's authentic, real, and not afraid to be herself in front of the world. I would LOVE to be on her show someday,” Napolitano said.

For information about Just You, Only Better, simply click on their website.

http://www.justyouonlybetter.com

Text - Kerry Fraser

My article was published by Yahoo Sports on 2/1/11
Retired NHL Referee Kerry Fraser is Still Making the Right Calls

Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemeiux, Mark Messier, and Guy LeFleur are indelible hockey names. Some of their greatest moments on the ice came while they were as young as Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Jonathan Toews, and Steven Stamkos.

There are other individuals who skate on those same frozen ovals. These father-like figures, whose striped uniforms signal authority, maintain control of the game. Most officials offer solid efforts that are worthy of respect. Then there are those who, like legendary players, transcend the game through their vision, performance, and longevity.

On a dually historic day in Philadelphia last April, the Flyers beat the rival New York Rangers in a season-ending shootout. It was the first time that a team clinched a playoff spot in that fashion. It was also the last of 2,165 games that Kerry Fraser, then the League's senior referee, worked.

“During my career I learned how to pay attention to detail, recognize my imperfections, and drop my wall. It takes some in-depth soul searching to make progress. I was just shy of my 58^th birthday when I retired last season and I felt that I had given enough,” Fraser said.

The hockey world recognized more than his trademark hairstyle during Fraser's thirty-year NHL career.

“In that final season, it all came together. The players and coaches around the league were proactive in approaching me and their recognition meant a lot. I knew I was ready to move into another area of life, spend quality time with my family, and look for new challenges.”

Preseason:

Fraser was born in 1952 and grew up in Sarnia, Canada, which is 60 miles north of Detroit, Michigan. He and his brother Rick enjoyed watching the Toronto Maple Leafs on television. They spent their early years playing on a backyard rink that their Dad, a player in the International League, had built for them.

That backyard practice eventually helped Fraser to become the 19-year-old captain of the Southern Junior “A” League's Sarnia Bees. In 1972, the Bee's played a game against the Detroit Junior Red Wings. Detroit's roster included a 16-year-old forward with a famous hockey name.

“I sat with Mark Howe recently in the press box at Madison Square Garden. Back in the 1970's he was a boy in a man's body. I was 5'7” and about 140 pounds, while he was a number of inches taller and about 50 pounds heavier than me. Mark had just returned from playing in the 1972 Winter Olympics, in Japan, where the United States had won the Silver medal.”

Fraser vividly recalled a confrontation with a much younger Mr. Howe, which he detailed in his new book The Final Call: Hockey Stories From A Legend in Stripes.

“During one game we played against his team, in my final season of Jr. A hockey, I gave Mark the hardest open-ice check that I possibly could. You never want to let another player see if you're hurt, but my insides shook after I checked him. That hit let me know that I needed to look for another type of work.”

Regular Season:

Through a referral of his Dad's hockey teammate, Ted Garvin, he attended the Haliburton Referee school in August, 1972. He worked through that decade, before earning a promotion to the NHL in 1980. He dropped his first puck in Colorado, when the Rockies faced off against the Minnesota North Stars.

“Ted said that, to be a good official, I had to understand the game and not over-referee it. I had to know the difference between a good hit and an illegal one. He also told me that I needed to get inside the player's heads, so I would know how they think. As such, the game really needed former players who could share this background knowledge.”

Fraser re-married in June of 1988 and that September he, his wife Kathy, and their young children moved to a home in New Jersey that they bought from former Flyers coach, Mike Keenan.

Kathy's three daughters: Marcie, Jessica, and Jaime, were all adopted by Fraser after they were married. In 1990, Kerry and Kathy also had a daughter, Kara, together. They also have five grandchildren: Kiera, Daryn, Madyn, Brady, and Harrison, who are between the ages of one and nine.

Kerry had three sons from his first marriage: Ryan, Matthew, and Ian. During the 2006-2007 season Fraser was on a rehabilitation assignment in the AHL. While there, he was able to work a game with son Ryan, who is a referee in that league.

Due to the travel involved in Fraser's career, he missed some important family occasions. However, his position allowed for unique access to the hockey world. Kathy and the kids were often able to join him for regular season games in various cities and for special events including: playoff games, 12 Stanley Cup finals, the 1996 World Cup, the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and All-Star games in 1990 and 2000.

Faith has become an important part of Fraser's life. He received the call to it in 1995, converted to Catholicism in 2001, and attempts to attend Mass daily.

A career that spanned three decades naturally included working games with all of the greats, including Wayne Gretzky. The two “legends of the game” formed a lasting bond through an unexpected event.

“During a game in Los Angeles, I placed my hand on the bench while I was talking to their coach, Barry Melrose. Kathy had bought a pinky ring for me as a gift and it had gotten turned around on my finger, so the crucifix on the front side of it was not showing. Wayne was sitting on the bench, saw my ring, and was not impressed. I turned it around, so the crucifix was showing, and told him that it had been a gift from Kathy. He nodded his head, looked at me in way that showed he understood, and said, “That's great Kerry.”

“From there, Wayne and I developed a unique relationship. He has a very special, quiet spirituality about him and was raised by two wonderful parents. I recognized his ability to accept his role as the face of the game and to do good for others.

“He has tremendous recall and is a hockey historian. One time, when Kathy and I were having dinner with him in Phoenix, he told me that he remembered watching me play in the junior leagues when I was a teenager and he was a youngster.”

Al Arbour and Scotty Bowman are two coaches Fraser felt were the best he ever saw. He offered accolades for two current coaches as well.

“I love what Craig Ramsey is doing in Atlanta. He is a quiet, methodical, guy who has a great understanding of how to play the game and is so good with young players.

“Peter Laviolette, in Philadelphia, is another person who has connected with his team.

He is taking the talent that he has and is allowing it to mature. He has a pulse on the game and is a perfect fit for Flyers.”

Like coaching, developing officiating skills takes time and effort.

“Not unlike the great players who demonstrate a superior field of vision on the ice, good referees must learn how to adjust their positions in advance, so they can have the best sight lines of the play as it develops to observe the action without becoming tangled up in it. Over time, you form judgment as well. It was once stated that through Experience a referee acquires Judgment; through Poor Judgment he will acquire Experience! An academic mind is always thinking about getting better. You want to be astute, stay honest, and analyze your own work to become the very best that you can be.”

In the 1990's, the NHL tested a two-referee system. By the 2000's, they fully implemented it into the league.

“There was an adjustment period to the two-referee system. We strove for consistency, similar to a defensive pairing. We had to learn how to work together as a team.”

After the 2004-2005 lockout season, obstruction was addressed by the league, but head shots have remained a controversial topic. It is one that Fraser was involved in during his career, he even made a presentation about it at a Mayo Clinic Hockey Summit that he was invited to attend this past fall.

“The restraining tactics that were coached and utilized following NHL expansion and we, as referees, allowed were horrific. A wise decision was made by the League to allow the skilled players to play, which added more excitement to the game. I have always taken a strong, opposing view of head shots. As officials, our first responsibility is to provide safety.

“After returning from the lockout season, I assessed two game misconducts in separate games, but Colin Campbell (NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations) and Steve Walkom (then NHL Director of Officiating) deemed them to be “good hockey hits” and rescinded the game misconducts. That sent a bad signal to everyone, officials and players alike, that those types of hits to the head were okay. Suspensions and loss of player salaries is the strongest deterrent that can be offered. The Players Association and the League need to decide this matter.”

During two of his final three seasons, including his last, the league did not allow him to work in the playoffs. An interesting decision, as he had often been voted the best referee in a League-wide vote of the players. It is worth noting that Fraser was an active member of the NHL Officials Association during his career and played a key role in their 1994 strike negotiations.

“On the labor side, I was able to exercise a voice for those that may have been improperly disciplined, or terminated.”

Growing financial issues among some teams and player association matters have now formed on the NHL's horizon.

“A potential labor situation is developing. Donald Fehr (recently named NHLPA Executive Director) gets the most for the people he is representing.

“The salary cap is being increased. But, there are troubled markets. Atlanta needs to win to survive. Florida is struggling and the league-owned Phoenix team is going to be sold. Winnipeg and Quebec are two locations that could gain franchises in the future.”

Playoffs:

At the beginning of his final season, Fraser accepted an offer from Fenn Publishing to write a book about his career. Published in the fall of 2010, it became the number one selling hockey book in North America. The forward to it was written by Wayne Gretzky.

He credits his wife with keeping him on a schedule that began a week after his last season ended and for helping him to recall many of the great hockey anecdotes that fill the pages. He generally wrote for 18 hours a day in order to meet a 75,000 word commitment.

“The fans want access to be in the game. The book allowed me to do that for them.”

Beyond the humorous, sometimes controversial, and great behind the scenes stories from Fraser's 30-year NHL career, his book also offers a very human narrative. It draws the reader into a world only previously viewed from their arena seats, or in front of a television set.

“I have received a lot of positive feedback, including a recent message from a 28-year-old USA hockey referee. He told me that he was ready to quit the game, because he had suffered such abuse. But, he credited my book with helping him to take the chip off his shoulder and to refocus on developing relationships with players and coaches.”

Fraser has recently joined TSN, in Canada, as a post-game analyst. He will be featured on “That's Hockey 2Nite”, during segments called “C'mon Ref”, with host Steve Kouleas and fellow panelist Matthew Barnaby.

“I'm comfortable in front of the cameras and love to share insights. I think I can provide a unique perspective and help to educate viewers about the rules of the game, in addition to sharing personal experiences and stories like those that have made The Final Call a best seller. There is a market and a desire for people to learn something different. In the future I might start a blog, or even write another book.”

Overtime:

As a boy, he played hockey on backyard rink in Sarnia. As an adult, he became a professional referee who will likely gain entrance into the NHL Hall of Fame. At the end of our interview Kerry Fraser, the grandfather, said that he was going to go watch his nine-year-old grandson Harrison play hockey. A final comment that combined his love of family with his continuing passion for the game.

The Arizona Shootings Cause Us to Search for Goodness

We hold an unspoken agreement that our lives are of infinite, equal value. Whenever someone shatters this oath, the power to restore it lies within everyone's moral grasp.

While the tragedy in Arizona is not a pleasant topic, this piece is offered as a method to honor those who were most affected by it. Violence should never translate to glorification. So, the name and the image of the person who committed the crimes has been intentionally omitted. Other journalists, for certain understandable reasons, have previously provided us with that information.

Debates regarding why some individuals use their free will to commit violent acts are relevant. However, those academic discussions shouldn't immediately rise above the importance of legal justice for any victim, or the feelings of their families and friends.

http://www.cfnews13.com/static/articles/images/news2011/arizona-shooting-victims-0110.jpg

Honor These Individuals

The following human beings were killed on January 8, 2011: Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwin Stoddard, and Gabe Zimmerman. Green's nine years of life were profoundly bookended by violence, as she was born on September 11, 2001.

Value Their Continuing Lives

The following human beings were injured on January 8, 2011: Bill Badger, Ron Barber, Eric Fuller, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, Susan Hileman, George Morris, Pamela Simon, and Mavanell Stoddard.

There were brave individuals who were present at the scene and helped to end the conflict. They represent the goodness within our society. However, their heroic spirit is not fleeting and can always be found within many others. We need only to look into the eyes of our family members and friends to affirm this soft point.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/01/10/moment-silence-arizona-shooting-victims

The Positive Power of Government

A few days after the shootings, many government officials and employees stood outside and observed a moment of shared silence. The use of tasteful language in the aftermath of this event has also been important. The words of President Barack Obama and Speaker of the House, John Boehner, revealed how the influence of government can be used in positive ways. Both individuals have displayed this type of high-level, non-partisan, humanity at various other times in their careers.

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/09/boehner-calls-arizona-shooting-an-inhuman-act/

Yet another event in a seemingly uncertain world ended the lives of some, damaged the lives of others, and jarred the rest of us. Some citizens may believe that they know where the roots of these problems have been growing. They may also think that people who hold opposite political views are currently scorching our public garden. Future seasons of consideration are always recommended for those who cultivate hardened opinions of others.

We must never allow our minds to close, because that defeats our capacity to be open to positive tomorrows. Each of us helps to maintain society. At times like these, our words and actions also help to restore it.


My article was published by philly2philly.com on 1/14/11

Text - Jen Groover interview

Do you know someone who is an innovator, a designer, an author, an expert, a speaker, a mentor, or a

television personality?

Any of those individual paths would be impressive.

Jen Groover has achieved success in all of those fields.

“I like listening to people who have inspirational stories to tell. I like to understand the process of how someone got where they are. It is important when people can offer inspiration and tactical skills that can be applied that day,” Groover said.

Family Legacy

Born in Media, Pennsylvania, Groover's parental influence set the initial foundation for her life. Accountability was key. Her early education was in Catholic school, where the value of discipline was instilled. Later, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Minor in Philosophy were creatively woven into her career.

“My Mom had a television show on Cablevision, organized political campaigns, and was involved in many charitable events. The experience of being with her allowed me to meet people, including Philadelphia athletes like Steve Carlton, Pete Rose, and Tug McGraw, who were living their dreams.”

“My father did not grow up in an affluent environment. He was a Marine before he put himself through law school and become an attorney. He was also very involved in the community,” Groover said.

Her mother was taught by Vince Lombardi at St. Cecilia High School in Englewood, New Jersey. An experience that impacted her life and was later offered to her son and to her daughter Jen.

“My Mom was an old school, hard knox, Italian woman from Brooklyn. In reading things about Lombardi, I know her perspective was influenced by his mentality. She used to say, “You're not allowed to complain unless you do something about it.” and “If you want to win, you have to go for it.” She passed those ideas on to us,” Groover said.

Super Groover

Groover's friends refer to her as “Super Groover”, because of her energy and ability to accomplish goals.

When asked how success may have affected her life Groover said, “Kaci, one of my best friends since we were young, said something to me recently that was very meaningful. She commented that I am still the same person that I was in high school and that success had not changed me.”

Psychology

“I learned that getting angry, upset, and over-anxious does nothing. It is through calmness and in the understanding of people that you become more fulfilled. One of my favorite books is Way of the Peaceful Warrior, by Dan Millman. In it he says “a warrior acts, only a fool reacts,” Groover said.

While studying at Kutztown University, she also helped to lead a successful fitness program. After graduating, she briefly worked as a Kindergarten teacher. Then she partnered with a man in Wilmington, Delaware who owned a gym and had a successful fitness training company. She started an aerobics division within the company called the “Groove Shop”, traveled to mentor instructors, and taught at Master's classes where thousands of conference attendees would be present.

“I was killing myself by over-training and over-working. For the 1999-2000 season an Olympic trainer was helping to prepare me for the U.S. National Aerobic Championship and for the Galaxy Fitness Competition, which is more of an anaerobic event. At the same time I was teaching multiple daily aerobics classes, training many clients, as well as doing gymnastics and yoga. I thought I was invincible,” Groover said.

Living a Life of Purpose

“There are many layers in a fabric that makes someone who they are,” Groover said.

For health reasons she eventually decided that it was best to move away from the intense physicality of her schedule.

“I was given the greatest gift of a wakeup call. I was defining myself by a body fat count. The idea of perfection was on a physical plane. That is not a way to live,” Groover emphasized.

During that time a trip to a motivational speakers conference, at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, was about to reveal that she was open to a new direction in life. Bob Proctor, seen on the best-selling DVD The Secret, spoke at that event.

“Bob taught me so many things that I knew, but did not know how to express, or to understand. I approached him and told him that what he said had changed my life. I asked him to be my mentor,” Groover said.

Art Linkletter and Walt Disney

While attending another motivational speaker's event, that featured Mark Victor Hansen, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, she met Art Linkletter. He had achieved fame as host of the television show, Kids Say The Darndest Things.

“I had the chance to have lunch with Art. He told a story that became one of the most profound tipping points of my life. Because he was friends with Walt Disney, Art was one of the first people to go to Disney Land when it opened in 1955. He said that Disney had ran into so many obstacles while trying to get his theme park started, but he never gave up.”

“He told Disney that he should hire college students to take pictures of the families that would be at the park and that he should set up places where those photos could be sold to them. Today, that is the standard at every amusement park in the world. He received royalties for that idea during the remainder of his life, even though he only had a handshake agreement with Disney at the time he suggested it to him,” Groover said. (Linkletter passed away earlier this year in May.)

Before that lunch with Linkletter, Groover had been frustrated because she didn't know how to formulate her ideas into a business. She realized through Linkletter's story that ideas have equity and just need to be positioned in the right way to become successful.

“One day I read about someone who had pursued an idea that was similar to one I had. But, that person had the courage to pursue it and I did not. So, that person reaped the rewards. It hit me that the feeling of regret was so much worse than had I tried it, even if I would have failed.”

Mantras To Live By

1. Have more fear of regret than failure.
2. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“One of the greatest questions I ever heard came from a high school student who said, “You are using success stories, what about the people that failed?” I told him that successful people have failed, but had gotten back up and kept going. The dichotomy of life is that you grow most when you are struggling, in pain, or are suffering,” Groover said.

Creating a Media Footprint

The creatively analytical Groover holds a variety of patents and trademarks, which is hardly surprising considering her many innovative business models. Groover's springboard came from a line of women's handbags she created called the Butler Bag.

“I have created many of the television segments that I'm on. I didn't really want to go on television and speak about fashion. I wanted to speak about entrepreneurship and the inspiration needed to start a company. So, I had to learn how to make that concept marketable for the media.”

“At the time I was getting involved with television there was no fusion between business and lifestyle segments. I worked on creating a footprint, within the media, where I provided content for the small business owner and entrepreneurs. That idea really took off when the economy started to plummet a few years ago. Today, I can't create content fast enough,” Groover said.

Through her segments on networks like Fox, NBC, and other media outlets, she presents concepts in a digestible form by converting Wall Street business jargon and political topics into Main Street language.

“My favorite part about working in television is going into a green room. You never know who you are going to meet there. Steve Forbes was extremely warm and welcoming when I met him. Paula Dean was so friendly and very humble,” Groover said.

Recommendations for Younger Women

Groover is not only inspired by, but has become friends with two well known individuals who have impacted the lives of women nationally. Nell Merlino, who founded 'Take Your Daughter To Work Day' and Gabrielle Bernstein, author of Add More Ing To Your Life: A Hip Guide To Happiness.

“Their efforts have taught me that when you have earned an opportunity to have influence, you also have a responsibility to make a positive impact and to help people. Women have come so far so fast. In setting the example for the younger generation, we need to keep expectations realistic. It is okay to ask for help, be vulnerable, and to remember that we can't do anything without other people,” Groover said.

Legacy

“When my Mom passed away a few years ago, I learned most profoundly about the power of legacy. In looking at my own daughters, I reflected on the many experiences she offered to me. I realized how much one person can affect a life. I know that what I do affects my daughters.”

“When they see me on TV, or my book in a store, I want them to know that I'm working, doing something positive and productive. I want them to understand that the rewards from what I do are not their toys, but are in seeing the things I'm working on come to life,” Groover said.

Leader Girlz is one of her newer brands. It teaches young girls about empowerment through play and helps foster their inner entrepreneur. She wants young women and girls to get to a point where they act out of love, not fear.

“Social influence is so important for young people today. Their uniqueness is their power. They should not all want to be alike. Being yourself is good. Everyone might not become an entrepreneur, but everyone has entrepreneurial skills,” Groover said.

Future

“Money does not motivate me, making a positive impact through change does. Successful people work on themselves, more than their business. I want to remain on the speaking circuit and continue with a number of television shows are in development. I would like to develop documentaries, want to fuse new theories of what wellness and fitness should be, and think I have a second book in me,” Groover said.

“I have a very optimistic view of the economy. Hard times have made us more resilient. The highest Cyber Monday (The Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend) sales ever were recorded this year. Business models are changing, as online sales, joint ventures, and collaboration are all stimulating the economy through multiple platforms and in different ways,” Groover concluded.

Relentless Resilience

If you were to see a someone on a sunny day, you would also see their shadow. A shadow is visible from certain angles and can be seen as an invitation to walk with that other person, rather than behind them. The shadows cast by accomplished people can be long, lasting, and are often joined with those of other leaders.

Jen Groover struck me as someone who is relentlessly resilient. She puts into practice what she has learned and offers models that can be implemented into everyday lifestyles. Her vividly recalled solid childhood foundation clearly enabled a consistent work ethic to be developed, a lasting success to have been earned, and a future that seems surely to evolve in many positive ways.

My article was published by philly2philly.com on 1/6/11

The full draft of my interview with Rich DeLucia:

The full draft of my interview with Rich DeLucia: 

Current Dodgers Scout & Former Major League Pitcher

“Always have a goal in life. Have some type of passion, so you can get up in the morning and feel good about yourself,” DeLucia said.

Recently, I had a chance to talk baseball with a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rich DeLucia is a former major leaguer who pitched during the 1990's. He played for, with, and against many greats of the game including: Joe Torre, Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and Dusty Baker.

Playing catch in the backyard with Dad

“You can't do it by yourself. My Dad started early with me and kept on me. He always said that if I did the best that I could, everything else would take care of itself. He and my Mom gave me opportunities and were supportive,” DeLucia said.

His standout performances at Wyomissing High School, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, caught the eye of major league scouts.

“Scouts were coming to see me during my junior year in high school. I was throwing in the upper 80's (mph) then, but I was 6 feet, 150 pounds. They said that they liked me, but that I wasn't physically ready for professional ball. So, I went to college and got bigger and stronger,” DeLucia said.

He accepted a full scholarship to play Division I baseball at the University of Tennessee. As Junior, he didn't have his best year, but was still drafted in the 15^th round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Medical tests later revealed a bone spur, in his right throwing arm, as the cause behind his off season. A cortisone shot caused the pain to vanish, resulting in a great Senior year on the mound, and a 6^th round draft selection by the Seattle Mariners in 1986.

People Who Matter Most

Early in his life, the most important support he received was from family and friends. As he moved into adulthood, the positive influence of his wife became key.

“I met and married Lisa before I became a major league baseball player. She supported me when I was playing in the minor leagues. She had an important position in accounting with DuPont in Wilmington, DE, and later in South Carolina, where we lived for two years. She was advancing with the company, but quit her job, which was a huge sacrifice that she made for me.”

“It was nice coming home to someone who didn't care if I got someone out. I wasn't always the most pleasant person after a loss, but she understood,” DeLucia emphasized.

Minor League Ball

“School had just ended and I went straight to Bellingham, Washington, which was short-season A-ball. It was easier the first year in pro ball then in college, where the batters used aluminum bats. I threw a no-hitter and had a 1.70 ERA. That gave me confidence and got me noticed,” DeLucia said.

During his first year in the minor leagues DeLucia was invited to play in an annual game for future prospects at the Kingdome in Seattle. Players there told him that he already had the “stuff” to be a major league pitcher.

“I thought I was good, but never thought I was going to be in the big leagues until I got to Double A in 1989 and had a great year. All of my minor league coaches, including Dan Warthan (recent New York Mets pitching coach) and Bobby Cuellar treated me awesomely and kept me on the right path,” DeLucia said.

In 1990, due to a back injury, he began the regular season in a warm weather climate with the Single A San Bernadino Spirit. He pitched well and advanced to the Williamsport Bills, in Double A, within a month. By August, he earned a promotion to the Calgary Cannons, in Triple A. In September, an unexpected bullpen conversation let DeLucia know that he was about to earn the ultimate promotion.

Making it to the show

“After starting my last game of the season in Calgary on a Wednesday, our pitching coach, Dan Warthan asked me to throw a bullpen session that Saturday. I didn't expect to pitch again that year, so I wasn't focused, but he told me to take it seriously and that I was not done pitching that year.”

“So, I asked if I was going to pitch in relief on Sunday, which was the last game of the Triple A season. When he said that I was getting called up after the game the next day my jaw dropped,” DeLucia fondly recalled.

Ken Griffey, Jr. and Randy Johnson

He made his major league debut as a Seattle Mariner against the Boston Red Sox on September 8, 1990. Jody Reed, the first batter he faced, popped out on a hanging slider.

Many familiar names were on that Mariners team including: Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr., Harold Reynolds, Omar Vizquel, and Edgar Martinez.

“Randy Johnson was just throwing the ball back then. He had not yet developed into a pitcher. But after he talked to Nolan Ryan, he turned into a different guy. He no longer threw everything at 100%, but started to vary his speeds. That change in approach really allowed him to develop into the pitcher he became.”

“Ken Griffrey, Jr. was the best baseball player that I had ever seen. He could do anything that he wanted to. An interesting thing happened during one game that I pitched in, his Dad, Ken Griffrey, Sr., was my left fielder and Ken Griffey, Jr. was my center fielder. During another game, they batted second and third in the order and hit back-to-back homeruns,” DeLucia said.

Rookie of the Year Voting

After getting a taste of big league life, he began to work even harder. A trade with the Giants emptied the Mariners bullpen, landed outfielder Kevin Mitchell, and led to DeLucia splitting time between starting and relieving. He won twelve games as a starter for Seattle in 1991, which was his first full season in the majors. That impressive performance earned him a spot among the top five in the American League Rookie of the Year Award voting.

“The mentality of relieving was better for me than starting. I liked potentially being involved in a game everyday. Plus, going at the batters with everything I had for an inning or two allowed me to use my best stuff, rather than trying to pitch to their weaknesses over the course of a game,” DeLucia said.

Pitching In A Hitter's Era

“The 1990's were the hardest time to pitch ever. Live balls, small parks, and players on steroids. Because I was aggressive, most of my runs were given up on homeruns. Most of my strikeouts were called pitches on the outside corner.”

“A good catcher will put down signs that you anticipate coming. I was always focused on the catcher. He knows your strengths and what will work. Dave Valle, Lance Parrish, and Tom Pagnozzi were good catchers that I played with. Matt Walbeck and I always clicked. I never had to shake him off. ” DeLucia said.

While he was an effective reliever, allowing less hits than innings pitched in his career, DeLucia also became an accomplished fielder. He sported a 1.000% fielding percentage in five different seasons.

Regarding some of the big names that he faced during his career DeLucia said, “Rickey Henderson would get a walking lead and then time you. It was best to hold the ball when he was on base. I would let him get out to his max lead and then go from there. The more the ball was held, the better the chance to prevent a steal. But if he was moving during the delivery, there was no shot to get him.”

“Mark McGwire didn't see me well. He went 1-19 against me, which was a single. Sammy Sosa went 0-12 and Joe Carter went 0-16,” DeLucia said.

Released by Seattle in 1994, he hooked on with Baltimore in the offseason before being taken by St. Louis in the Rule 5 draft.

Joe Torre

“I made their team out of spring training in 1995, but started the season badly. So, Joe (Torre) took me into his office after two weeks of struggling. ”

“He said, Look Rich, I see you're thinking too much out there. You're not going anywhere. You're on this club and your going to be here the whole year. Relax, loosen up, and have some fun out there.”

“I don't know how he knew what I was thinking about, but he did. What he said loosened me up and I had the best year of my career. He was even keel and nothing bothered him. Torre, Dusty Baker (current Reds manager), and Terry Collins (newly hired Mets manager) knew how to set the tone, offer game strategy, and put guys in the right position to be effective,” DeLucia said.

Working from the Cardinals bullpen, he went 8-7 with a 3.39 ERA. In 82 1/3 innings pitched he only gave up 63 hits, walked 36 guys, and struck out 76 batters.

Foreign Substances

“I didn't know much about steroids and wasn't confident that they would even help me. They were prevalent, but weren't tested for. I felt if I made my pitches, it didn't matter how big or how strong other players were. Steroids made pitchers throw harder, but not pitch better. They still had to have the mechanics to move the ball around the strike zone.”

“Hitters had the advantage because they were stronger, so they could wait longer to swing. They didn't have to go out of the zone to chase the fastball. That helped them to lay off the breaking ball. The stronger you are, the longer you can wait on the ball. The longer you can wait on the ball, the better chance you have of hitting the pitch,” DeLucia said.

Family Time

Part of the challenge of the baseball season was being away from family. Before his children started school, he and his family would live in an apartment. When he would go on road trip he wouldn't see them for awhile, but it was still better than not seeing them for the entire season.

“When I left baseball and started coaching, our son Tanner began school. Our daughter Brenna was younger, so she didn't start school until after he did. I would leave for Spring training in February and wouldn't see my family at all until the kids were out of school in June,” DeLucia said.

Becoming a Scout

DeLucia pitched for Cleveland during his final season in the major leagues in 1999. In 2000, he pitched for Oakland, in Sacramento and in 2001, for Detroit, in Toledo, until his arm gave out. He had Tommy John surgery in August of that year.

After trying a comeback in the spring of 2002, he realized there wasn't enough time for his arm to have regained its strength. So, he retired and accepted a position with Detroit as their minor league pitching coach in Erie. In 2003, he was the pitching for the West Palm Beach Cardinals in the Florida state league. He then took five years off, before he and his family decided that they were ready to adapt to a different type of baseball life. In 2009, he accepted a position as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I cover the entire Northeast. I have to rank every high school and college player that is draft eligible. I focus on what makes a player tick and see if they have the mental toughness to play baseball. I present the information I gather to my supervisor. If he likes it, he will make recommendations to the scouting director,” DeLucia said.

Three players that he recommended were drafted last June. A 13^th round selection and a free agent both made it to short season A ball, which doesn't often happen for players taken in those rounds. The 28^th round selection blew out his hamstring and is currently rehabilitating it.

“When I started in baseball, I was raw and threw hard. By the end of my career I didn't throw as hard, but was a better pitcher. I'm learning as much about scouting as I can. So, hopefully I will become a better scout each year,” DeLucia said.

Making Your Best Pitch

Achieving longevity in a very competitive industry, like professional sports, doesn't happen by accident. It is the result of a dedicated process. A hybrid of physical and mental toughness.

DeLucia was straightforward in his answers, shared credit for his success with many people, and didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. Character earns respect.

“The importance is the process and you get your satisfaction from the investment that you put into it. You have to adjust constantly and be true to yourself,” DeLucia concluded.

Copy and paste this link for a look at Rich's lifetime statistics:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/delucri01.shtml

My article was published by philly2philly.com on 1/1/11