Genre: Community Event

Hourglass is proud to host Chuck Marohn, founder & president of Strong Towns, for a community conversation. In this presentation Chuck will highlight some of the most powerful stories in his book, “Strong Towns: A Bottom Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity,” and use those insights to highlight a path to community prosperity that’s as unique as Lancaster. Using an innovative, hands-on approach, this presentation will showcase why so many towns in North America are struggling financially despite decades of robust growth. Part community conversation, part lecture from an expert, this talk will be a catalyst for every town in Lancaster to be safe, livable and financially resilient.

Schedule:

• 5-6 PM Reception with complimentary wine, beverages and hors d’oeuvres
• 6-7 PM Presentation from Chuck Marohn
• 7-7:30 PM Audience Q&A
• 7:30-8:00 Book Signing with Chuck

Thank you to our forum sponsors: Martin-Harnish Foundation, Coalition for Sustainable Housing, Coalition for Smart Growth, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lapp Electric, Kinectiv, Monty & Molly Milner, Davison Associates, LLC, ELA Group, Garber Metrology, Members 1st Credit Union, Bob and Linda Groff, and Paul Mueller.

Book Signing: Chuck’s books Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity (Wiley, 2019) and Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town (Wiley 2021) will be available for purchase at the event, or in advance at Read Rose Books (23 N Prince Street, Lancaster, PA).

Bonus Presentation: Everyone who purchases a ticket to this forum will be invited to join Chuck virtually the following morning, April 13 at 9 AM, as he meets with local experts for a conversation on housing. That presentation, “Breaking Out of the Housing Trap,” will focus on the root causes of America’s interrelated housing crises and will identify some rational responses that our community can take. You will have the opportunity to watch this conversation via livestream or later via video recording.

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About Chuck Marohn: Marohn is the author of Strong Towns: A Bottom-Up Revolution to Rebuild American Prosperity, and Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town. He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. He has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America. Planetizen named him one of the 10 Most Influential Urbanists of all time. Chuck is an expert on designing safe streets, advocating for incremental housing, creating financially resilient downtowns, solving infrastructure challenges, and community engagement for positive neighborhood change.

About Hourglass: Hourglass was founded in 1997 to inform, enlighten, and encourage decision makers so that Lancaster County can have growth and economic prosperity without losing its unique character and enviable quality of life. Hourglass focuses on a wide range of complex, legacy issues that impact Lancaster County both now and for years to come such as city vitality, education, growth and land use, and the environment. Hourglass functions as an independent, nonpolitical entity, providing objective information and fresh ideas, conducting research and analysis, and encouraging collaboration among local governments and organizations to help them better meet the challenges of a changing world.

Frank Leonardis, School of Social Work alumnus and author will share his story and the power of hope as a tool to overcome childhood trauma.

This is event is FREE but we are accepting $10 donation to be used to support social work students in need of financial support for educational expenses (not tuition). 

A Life Like This is a cinematic portrait of four outsider artists working and living with disability in Central Pennsylvania who face discrimination, inequity, and underexposure. Through the unique stories of Malcolm Corley, Adam Musser, Sybil Roe Thompson, and David Nolt, who create without pretension or boundaries, the film aims to destigmatize an underrepresented demographic of uniquely inspiring artists and explore how art shapes and impacts their lives.

Come early for a pre-show panel featuring Dr. Thomas Neuville, Professor at Millersville University, and Jacklyn Nagle, Executive Director of the Disability Empowerment Center. Stay after the show for a Q&A with director James Hollenbaugh and the four artists featured in his film. Artwork from the artists will be featured in the Lyet Lobby.

Accessibility info: This event will offer ASL interpretation.

CEUs: This event will offer 2.5 credit hours of ethics requirements for $25.00 to interested licensed professionals.

Directed by Dan Habib

Twenty-one-year-old Samuel Habib wants to launch the bold adult world he craves – to date, leave home, go to college – but he drives a 350-pound wheelchair, uses a communication device, and can have a seizure at any moment. Can guidance from America’s most rebellious disability activists empower his path forward?

Join us at 6:15 p.m. for a pre-show panel featuring Dr. Thomas Neuville, Disability Studies Professor at Millersville University, Jacklyn Nagle, Executive Director of the Disability Empowerment Center, Theo W. Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living, and Christian Huber, Disability Advocate with cerebral palsy and future Social Work/Disability Studies major at Millersville University.

After the showing, join us for a live Q&A with the film’s director, Dan Habib, as well as pre-recorded Q&As with Samuel Habib, the young man featured in the film. Maysoon Zayid, a comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate, will be joining the session via Zoom.

Accessibility: This event will feature ASL interpretation and audio description.

CEUs: This event will offer 2.5 credit hour of ethics requirements for $25.00 to interested licensed professionals.