Daily Archives: July 11, 2023

Colorado's first WELL-Certified residential community showed 36 statistically significant physical, social and emotional benefits of wellness-focused design and operations

DENVER , July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NAVA Real Estate Development (NAVA), in partnership with Colorado State University's ( CSU ) Institute for the Built Environment (IBE), has announced the completion of a three-year research study on Lakehouse, Colorado's first WELL-Certified multifamily residential community. Through the study, which aimed to better understand how thoughtful and sustainable design can influence the health and wellness of occupants, CSU researchers found evidence of increased satisfaction and improved physical and emotional well-being among residents who resided in Lakehouse.

Lakehouse is a 12-story, 196-unit community, located minutes west of downtown Denver in the Sloan's Lake neighborhood and uniquely designed to promote the health and well-being of its residents. In addition to being the first of its kind in Colorado , Lakehouse is one of the first residential developments in the world to earn WELL Gold Certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The IWBI's WELL Building Standardis a globally recognized program that integrates human health and wellness best practices into the design, construction, maintenance and operations of the built environment to optimize the resident experience.

"At NAVA, we not only believe but can now demonstrate the importance of placing human health and well-being at the forefront of building design," said Brian Levitt , president and co-founder of NAVA Real Estate Development. "With these critical findings, we hope to be the model for residential projects everywhere with regard to the social and economic benefits of prioritizing human and environmental health in our built environment."

The study used pre- and post-occupancy surveys, as well as interviews, to assess 83 variables across four core areas: satisfaction with the building/community, social connections, emotional health and physical health. There were statistically significant improvements in almost 45% of the variables measured, showing that overall, residents experienced a positive change in their perceived health, well-being, and happiness after moving into Lakehouse.

Residents reported increased satisfaction with Lakehouse's natural light, air quality, acoustics, safety, on-site fitness equipment and classes, urban farm and community kitchen. Social connections were likely improved due to Lakehouse's inviting and expansive communal spaces, farm-to-table shared kitchen and group cooking classes, among extensive resident events and programming. On average, residents considered 10 more neighbors to be acquaintances and two more neighbors to be friends, compared to their experience before living at Lakehouse. In terms of emotional health, residents noted Lakehouse's sense of community, beautiful views, and proximity to Sloan's Lake as factors lowering stress and strengthening connections to nature. In fact, 80% of respondents noted that the building's design enhanced their connection to nature. Physically, analyses showed a lower frequency of several physical health symptoms including tiredness, which coincided with the use of blackout shades and 87% of residents reported an increase in their ability to lead a healthy lifestyle due to access to world-class fitness amenities. According to the results of the study, the positive changes could be attributed to the healthy infrastructure and programming at Lakehouse, including meditation gardens, biophilic design elements, predominantly glass exterior, organic urban farm, nutrition-related classes and access to wellness experts.

In addition to engaging with CSU for the Lakehouse research case study, NAVA has partnered with IWBI to evaluate the potential economic and financial benefits of WELL Certification on projects. The results will be highlighted in a forthcoming whitepaper.

"Our social relationships and activity contribute to our health and well-being far more than many people realize. We were not surprised that the intentional design of Lakehouse to support a meaningful and active community resulted in residents reporting more connections with neighbors, greater happiness and less stress compared to living in prior residences. This study confirms the value and opportunity of considering the impact of design and programming on social dimensions of well-being," said Dr. Jeni Cross , Director of CSU's Institute for Research in the Social Sciences and member of IBE's advisory board, who guided study design.

For insights and key takeaways from CSU's Jennifer Schill , who led the research, visit https://chhs.source.colostate.edu/residents-healthier-happier-when-living-in-denvers-wellness-designed-building-csu-researchers-say/ .

For more on the study methodology and full results, please visit https://ibe.colostate.edu/resident_wellbeing_case_study/ .

About NAVA Real Estate Development NAVA Real Estate Development ("NAVA") is a real estate investment and development company founded in 2013. NAVA strives to develop architecturally significant buildings in prime locations that blend quality, function and design. The name NAVA comes from a Hebrew word meaning "beautiful," and NAVA is committed to building communities that positively impact people's lives and prioritize wellness. The firm is built on the belief that functional and healthy spaces yield meaningful economic and social benefits. NAVA is proud to work with the best teams, resources, and technology to help ensure the greatest economic, social, and environmental success for our participants and communities.

In 2020, NAVA completed Lakehouse, Colorado's first WELL Gold Certified community. Lakehouse was named "Innovative Development of the Year" at the NAIOP Colorado's Annual Awards of Achievement and "Best Health & Wellness Design Solution" at the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards.

NAVA is a Certified B Corporation spearheading a global movement to redefine success by voluntarily meeting the highest standards of accountability and performance. For more about NAVA, please visit http://www.navareal.com .

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Willie Lawrence Jr., MD, medical director for the Center For Better Health and Wellness at Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Corewell Health South, discovered his interest in science in fourth grade thanks to a public school community garden.

The interest grew in high school and college as he joined the premed track. In the summer after his freshman year at Cambridge, Mass.-based Harvard College, he worked in a pharmacology lab that studied cardiology drugs. He became interested in the physiology of the cardiovascular system. During his cardiology fellowship at Johns Hopkins, he discovered interventional cardiology. As he put it, "Interventional cardiology was way too sexy and enticing."

Dr. Lawrence was recently named Press Ganey's Physician of the Year. Here, he talks about the future of cardiology.

Question: What drew you to cardiology?

Dr. Willie Lawrence: My time at the lab was my first introduction to the field. I liked cardiology because it's a system where the pharmacology of treatment makes sense and the biology and physiology of intervention makes sense.

Q: What heart study, technology or innovation are you most excited about right now?

WL: New blood pressure technology could be a game changer. In some ways, it's fairly simple technology at this point in time, but I believe in its potential. There's Bluetooth technology that allows a patient to check blood pressure at their home and have that data immediately uploaded to a server so their provider can know their blood pressure at home. This home blood pressure is the best predictor of heart outcomes. As we learn how to best use telemedicine, we can better "meet people where they are" and potentially provide better care to more people.

During the pandemic we quickly discovered how poorly prepared we were to transition to telemedicine. There are significant racial disparities in blood pressure control, and these contributed to higher death rates for Blacks during the pandemic. This frontier of telemedicine is important. It certainly has its limitations. I'm a big believer in in-person care as the most effective way to impact folks' health. Yet, we have to figure out better ways to "meet people where they are." Technology like telemedicine may one day help us to overcome health disparities in both urban and rural communities. Connectivity is so powerful.

Q: What aspect of your work or the field keeps you up at night?

WL: The economics of hospital care and the misplacement of "value" concern me. Hospital care is not healthcare. Unless hospital systems are intentional, they do not necessarily improve healthcare and contribute to the culture of health of the communities they serve. I think there are solutions to the inequities that exist across populations, and I think that hospital systems have an important role in impacting social determinants of health. But what keeps me up at night is the concern that there are limitations financially to how much these hospital systems can participate because they are also businesses, and this may limit what they can do or are willing to do.

Q: What's one thing your hospital/system is doing in heart care that you're most proud of?

WL: I am here because Spectrum Health, now Corewell Health, hung up a banner after George Floyd that said "Black Lives Matter" and committed $50 million to impact health equity in the city. I am most proud of the commitment of this organization to have an impact.

Q: What's the best leadership advice you've received?

WL: My mentor said when you deal with people, you "put all cards on the table face up." That's how I try to lead my life. I try to tell people how I see things. I try to be transparent. If we start from a place of recognition of the facts, then I think it's easier to move on.

The other thing he said was, "The less credit you take for what you do, the more you can get done." I try to remember that every day and share credit for any successes we may have.

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Press Ganey's Physician of the Year on a cardiology 'game changer ... - Becker's Hospital Review

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City Officials Join Summer Campers and Local Artists to Kick Off TheOval Pop-Up Park on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Presented by WSFS Bank, TheOval Philadelphias beloved pop-up park is back with a new large-scale mural and site design, live performances, local vendors, a beer garden, family-friendly programming, and more!

PHILADELPHIA Today Philadelphia Parks & Recreation joined City Representative Sheila Hess, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and The Parkway Council to launch the 2023 summer season of TheOvalpop-up park at EakinsOvalon the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Presented by WSFS Bank, the seven-week summer series will kick off with a performance from SNACKTIME tonight, Friday, July 7th at 6:30 p.m.

Philadelphians love their parks, and we love a block party,said City Representative Sheila Hess.TheOvalis our citywide block party, and this year there is an exciting lineup of free family-friendly fun for all to enjoy.

TheOvalis open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from July 7th to August 20th with the following hours:

TheOval2023 is presented by WSFS Bank.

Summer campers from nearby recreation centers attending todays kick off event enjoyed a preview concert from Lets Rock Recess, the Philly Kids DJ, and a summer staple at TheOval.

TheOvalsummer pop-up has become a must-go destination for anyone looking to enjoy all the ways Philly summers are special,said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Interim Commissioner Orlando Rendon.From breathtaking views down the Parkway to live music and an exciting lineup of local food and drink vendors, theOvalis the perfect spot to get together under the sun and enjoy one of Philadelphias most iconic parks.

Each summer, the footprint of TheOvalpop-up is defined by a new, dynamic ground mural designed by Mural Arts Philadelphia. This year, Philadelphia-Based Artist Nathaniel Lee designed a Benjamin Franklin-inspired mural to be installed as the centerpiece of this years activation. The design tells the story of Ben Franklins mythical kite experiment, featuring interactive elements and tributes to Philadelphia classics.

Complementing the mural, Groundswell Design Group created a site-specific installation to provide shade, seating, and countless opportunities for passive recreation.

The theme of this summersOvalis a fun riff on the legend of Benjamin Franklins kite experiment and an ode to his lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia today,said Mural Arts Philadelphia lead artist Nathaniel Lee.The mural depicts this scene from Franklins perspective, with a few twists. Philadelphias skyline sits on the distant horizon, and the patterns on the kites silk handkerchiefs feature various Philly motifs ranging from the Liberty Bell to the LOVE statue.

Mural Arts is excited to bring TheOvalto life for thousands of visitors to the Parkway this summer,said Jane Golden, Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia.We are proud to partner with Parks & Rec to enrich Center Citys cultural hub with public art that ignites energy and offers a stunning visual to frame Philadelphias most exciting summer pop-up!

Philadelphias MilkBoy is back to host a 21,000-foot Beer Garden amongst the trees at theOval. Enjoy shaded seating, beers on top, nonalcoholic beverages, and other sweet treats from new partner Forn.

TheOvalfeatures a busy schedule of cultural, youth, and family programming for all ages. Highlights include:

Visitors will enjoy lawn games, childrens play structures, and a variety of seating in the sun and shade.

The Parkway Council is excited to partner with Parks & Recreation on this summersOvalpop-up festival,said Scott Cooper, President of the Parkway Council.TheOvalshows the potential the Benjamin Franklin Parkway has as an activated and beautiful urban park for all. We look forward to working with our partners to realize this vision for the entire Parkway, year-round.

For full event listings, visit:https://www.phila.gov/spotlight/the-oval/.

Follow TheOvalon Twitter and Instagram at @TheOvalPHL

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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR)advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the citys residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us atwww.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

TheParkway Councilis a coalition of institutions, residences, and businesses along Philadelphias Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Council works to accelerate the transformation of the Parkway into a great urban park filled with exceptional cultural and educational institutions, inviting gardens, active public spaces, and dynamic programming that welcomes and engages everyone.

Mural Arts Philadelphiais the nations largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For more than 35 years, Mural Arts have united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating over 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the Mural Capital of the World. For more information, call 215-685-0750 or visitmuralarts.org. Follow along on social media: @muralarts onTwitterandInstagram, @MuralArtsPhiladelphiaon Facebook, andphillymuralartson YouTube.

TheOvalis made possible, in part, thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor WSFS Bank.

About WSFS Financial Corporation WSFS Financial Corporation is a multibillion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally-headquartered bank and trust company in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region. As of March 31, 2023, WSFS Financial Corporation had $20.3 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $65.6 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates from 119 offices, 92 of which are banking offices, located in Pennsylvania (61), Delaware (39), New Jersey (17), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking, cash management and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Arrow Land Transfer, Bryn Mawr Capital Management, LLC, Bryn Mawr Trust, The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware, Cash Connect, NewLane Finance, Powdermill Financial Solutions, WSFS Institutional Services, WSFS Mortgage, and WSFS Wealth Investments. Serving the Greater Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visitwww.wsfsbank.com.

Meet the team

Nathaniel Leeis a staff artist who has worked with Mural Arts Philadelphia since 2007. He graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in Illustration in 2004. Nathaniel was the lead painter of the first Park on the Parkway ground mural installation at theOvalin the summer of 2013 and has provided artistic and technical support for it at several points since then. He is now honored to be chosen as designer and lead painter for this summers 2023Ovalmural installation!

Groundswell Design Groupis a Philadelphia-based studio that creates vibrant urban, participatory spaces. David Fierabend launched the practice in 2006 and today, a tightly knit group of landscape architects, urban planners, and interior designers work to create uniquely authentic spaces that speak to the local community, both newly developed and revitalized. Groundswells interdisciplinary work has reframed how public space can be activated in collaboration with the local community in cities across the country. Notable projects have included: River Garden in Memphis, TN, Cherry Street Pier in Philadelphia, PA, and Downtown Detroit Activations in Detroit, MI.

MilkBoy Philadelphia

Philadelphia-born MilkBoy encompasses live-music venues, bars, restaurants, film, and their Grammy-winning recording studio. MilkBoy is the brainchild of music industrys Jamie Lokoff and Tommy Joyner.MilkBoy the Studiowas originally founded nearly 30 years ago and is now internationally recognized as a premier recording studio for musical artists ranging from James Taylor, Jazmine Sullivan, Silk Sonic, Patti Labelle, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, Lil Uzi Vert, Dave Matthews, Erykah Badu, Miley Cyrus to The Roots. Every live show, every late-night drink, every dish from the kitchen at MilkBoy it is all inspired by MilkBoys roots in music and the thriving music scene that got it all started.

Fornis a cafe with two locations in East Kensington offering a robust coffee and cocktail program, house-made wine, and an evening culinary program, alongside daytime bites. Anchored by an ethos of collaboration and connection, forn hosts culinary pop-ups, features limited-release beverage partnerships, and serves as a retailer for international and local lifestyle and apparel brands.

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City Officials Join Summer Campers and Local Artists to Kick Off ... - Philadelphia Water Department

PRESS RELEASE

Published July 11, 2023

Merrill and Linda are the co-hosts of Rock Solid Families Podcast as well as the co-founders of Rock Solid Families, a 501c3 nonprofit, faith-based organization. Combined, they have over 70 years of experience in teaching, counseling, ministry, coaching and public speaking. In 2018, they left their full time positions in the Church and public school system to focus on strengthening families. Their goal is to guide and empower families to be all that God wants for them to be. In this episode, Merrill and Linda discuss their Summer of Love Marriage Assessment, deep diving into communication skills, one of four main categories the assessment uses to determine the quality of a marriage.

We're not saying you're not going to have conflict. Its how you resolve the conflict and the tools that you have in your toolbox, explains co-host Linda Hutchinson. Healthy communication strategies are pivotal for maintaining and building intimacy within a marriage. In Part 1 of their Summer of Love Series, co-hosts Merrill and Linda introduced their Marriage Assessment, a tool for couples to determine their strengths and weaknesses within their partnership. This assessment breaks marriage quality down into four categories, emotional connectedness, spiritual connectedness, physical intimacy, and communication skills. Today, Merrill and Linda Hutchinson discuss communication skills through sharing their ten key rules of engagement for communicating with a significant other.

Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.

In this podcast, the co-hosts cover:

What areas the Summer of Love Marriage Assessment addresses

How to recognize and resolve communication breakdowns

How to be intentional about having daily conversation with your partner

How a daily Heart Check builds intimacy and connection

Why it takes longer for men to warm up to talking about their feelings

Why it is important to prioritize checking in with your partner over any distractions

How to be actively invested in listening to your partner without interrupting

How to use I statements to be assertive and take ownership of your feelings without triggering defensiveness in your partner

How to fight with fairness with your loved one and avoid fighting fouls

Why you should put a 24 hour time limit on resolving a conflict

Why Merrill and Linda encourage couples to pray together

Why it is important to seek help for healing past traumas

Podcast Quotes:

Be intentional about daily conversation and attention to each other. (10:21-10:26 | Merrill)

Men are slow to warm up to talking about how they are feeling about things. (12:47-12:52 | Merrill)

Research says it takes about seven to eight minutes before you get past surface talk. (14:05-14:10 | Linda)

Trust the process and show that you are invested in it. (15:31-15:36 | Merrill)

Extend grace, because you are not going to do this well at first, especially if you have gotten into some bad habits. (16:21-16:26 | Linda)

Let the other person finish their thoughts, finish their story. Don't interrupt them in an attempt to either trump them with your own story or fix their problems quickly. And that is really important to make a person, especially a person you love, feel heard and understood. (16:54-17:11 | Linda)

We're not saying you're not going to have conflict. Its how you resolve the conflict and the tools that you have in your toolbox. (27:28-27:34 | Linda)

Pray together with your spouse on a regular basis. (31:47-31:50 | Linda)

About the Podcast Co-Hosts:

To learn more about Merrill and Linda, visit their website (Rock Solid Families).

About Rock Solid Families Podcast:

Rock Solid Families is committed to helping educate, equip, and empower families to be all God created them to be! Merrill and Linda Hutchinson began Rock Solid Radio in October of 2018. They have over 70 years of combined experience in teaching, public speaking, counseling, ministry, and coaching. After much prayer, Merrill and Linda made the decision to step down from their full time positions in the church and public school to focus on strengthening families. Both believe that healthy schools, churches, and communities depend on strong and healthy families. This weekly podcast is made possible through the generous financial support of community partners. With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Rock Solid Families is helping to build stronger communities one family at a time!

Complete The Rock Solid Families Summer of Love Marriage Assessment to see where you and your spouse are currently excelling and where you may need to do some maintenance.

Listen to, or watch, the full podcast interview by Merrill and Linda Hutchinson on your preferred podcast channel.

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Feathers

Jordan Feathers, M.P.T, M.B.A, was installed as Rotary District 7545s newest District Governor for 2023-2024 during a ceremony at the Bridgeport Conference Center on June 23.

Also, during the installation ceremony, Princeton Rotarian Jeff Disibbio, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias, was installed as the District Governor Elect. Beckley Rotarian Richard Macak, Jr., who is retired from the United States Marine Corps and the United States Department of Defense, was installed as District Governor Nominee.

Rotary District 7545, comprised of 53 clubs and over 2,000 members, covers most of the state of West Virginia, except for the Eastern Panhandle. District 7545 is part of Rotary International, which is a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the worlds most pressing humanitarian challenges.

Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

Feathers, a physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience, was recently named the director of the new West Virginia University Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at University Town Centre in Morgantown (slated to open in 2024).

A Rotarian for the past eight years with the Rotary Club of Cheat Lake, Feathers brings a passion for Rotary to the role. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, past club president and program coordinator, and the club Rotarian of the Year in 2016-2017.

I couldnt be more proud to be associated with Rotary in our state at this time, Feathers said. We are like minded individuals that are intentional about including others that have new ideas and being accessible to the community.

Many Rotary clubs are the service army for their communities and towns. Other clubs give significant grants to other non-profits and school students to improve services or further their education. Its a great time to be involved in Rotary and Im proud to serve alongside our almost two thousand members.

Continuing in the footsteps of previous leadership, Feathers remains focused on growing Rotarys membership throughout the state, as well as continuing to support the Rotary Foundation (Rotarys charitable arm).

Our District has been gaining ground on our regional Rotary counterparts in membership growth and Rotary Foundation giving, Feathers said. We are one of three Districts in our geographical area that are seeing consistent, positive membership growth.

Currently our District Membership team is investigating areas that have never had Rotary clubs before to place clubs in those communities. So, if you have a heart for service, enjoy fellowship, and want to see the benefits of vocational networking, look up http://www.rotarydistrict7545.org to see whats happening in Rotary in your area.

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Feathers installed as Rotary District Governor | News, Sports, Jobs - The Inter-Mountain

Director Steve MacKinnon wasnt even through casting All Shook Up when he and his colleagues at St. Lukes United Methodist Church realized something didnt feel right.

It wasnt funny at a time when people are asked to dig into their empathy and understanding, says the Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams, the southwest Orlando churchs lead pastor.

So, in an unusual move in the theater world, the church ditched the already announced Elvis Presley-inspired musical comedy and went under the sea. On July 20, Theatre at St Lukes will open its replacement show, the stage adaptation of Disneys The Little Mermaid.

We want to start conversations that help us think, Stiles Williams says. How can I live with my loved ones? We felt like Little Mermaid let us do that in a positive way.

The casts reaction to the drastic shift of gears?

Everybody was really gracious and supportive of the pivot, says MacKinnon, who is co-directing the show with KeLee Pernell and assistance from Faith Boles.

All Shook Up was originally selected at the end of last year earlier than the church usually selects its annual big summer musical, and Stiles Williams says, without quite as much soul-searching.

After last years Oliver, a musical with heavy themes of poverty and homelessness, we thought we were picking a fun rock-and-roll Elvis show, a fun way to tell a classic Shakespeare piece, Stiles Williams says.

Written in 2004, All Shook Up adapts characters and plots from Shakespearean romantic comedies including Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Nights Dream to a 1950s Americana setting. The featured songs are Presleys hits. It ran less than a year on Broadway but has been popular with regional and community theaters.

Because of the 1950s setting, there are antiquated ideas about race, some played for laughs. From Shakespeare, comes a crossdressing sequence in which a woman disguises herself as a man to get closer to the object of her affection.

Its a classic Shakespeare trope, its innocent and innocuous as Shakespeare wrote it, Stiles Williams says, but points out that theater operates in contemporary context.

Shes doing it [choosing an alternate gender] in a manipulative way and not in a search for her true identity, MacKinnon says of the plot twist. He and Stiles Williams decided, in Floridas current social climate, that the show would simply not be entertaining for all audience members.

Sometimes when things happen in the real world, we adapt, she says. And pivoting to The Little Mermaid?

It felt more affirming.

The Theatre at St. Lukes Facebook page carried a message, reading in part: With the growing political and cultural divide, we were concerned that All Shook Up, the Shakespearean comedy with a 1950s/Elvis theme, would cause more division and harm. We do not want to do anything that will divide the community more, or cause harm to the marginalized communities we support and affirm.

There also was concern about what children would enjoy in the show something that wont be a problem with The Little Mermaid, which Disney released in animated form in 1989 and remade as a live-action film this summer.

But theres more to The Little Mermaid than kiddie fare, MacKinnon says.

The musical has more depth than people think, he says, pointing out the stage versions themes include the walls society puts up against you and deals with the harm the human world has done to Ariels people Ariel being the titular sea creature.

Its relevant to the space were living in today, says MacKinnon. His cast participated in a workshop on unconscious bias and talked about Ariels struggle to live in a world that shes not from. The personal stories he heard from the shows performers were both impactful and moving, he says.

For Stiles Williams, the shows themes of parents, family and discovering ones authentic self mesh perfectly with the churchs mission.

Parenting is hard: How do you give children boundaries that keep them safe but honor the freedom that lets them be themselves and respect that? she says. These are important topics. And we have to learn to do that with all the people we love, its not just parent-child.

She thinks the musical also will speak to those journeying to find themselves.

One of the things people want help with is, How do I find my calling? How do I know what is my purpose?' she says.

Switching shows reminded church leaders that in a theater ministry, each production will be seen as a reflection of the churchs mission and values.

We realized we cant do something just for fun,' Stiles Williams says. Things are changing so fast in our society. We need to be intentional.

And the pastor is committed to making her church as inclusive as possible.

Jesus hung with marginalized, vulnerable people, she says, as he built a bigger table where everyone was welcome. Thats what Gods love is.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews.

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Theatre at St. Luke's: All Shook Up to The Little Mermaid - Orlando Sentinel

Marketers began 2023 with one eye on budgets and bottom lines and the other on the fate of a host of transformational moves set to disrupt the advertising industry.

But things quickly got off track when M&M's in January announced plans to take an "indefinite pause" from its spokescandies, which had been a source of controversy and conservative fascination since a polarizing 2022 rebrand centered on inclusivity. The entire episode proved to be part of a stunt around the brand's Super Bowl spot, which fumbled the pre-game buzz and mostly left viewers confused.

The M&M's incident quickly receded into the background, but has proved instructive for marketers in the first half of 2023. While concerns about the future of ad-supported streaming, cookie alternatives and measurement currencies have persisted alongside a shift in focus from the metaverse to generative artificial intelligence (AI)as marketing's latest shiny object marketersbiggest concern in 2023 has been how to avoid having their actions subsumed by a political culture war that has dominated headlines and led to backlashes against brands including Bud Light and Target.

As marketers head into planning for the crucial second half of the year, many are left to rethink the role of the brand, choosing between being vectors for purpose-driven actions as many have tried to be for years or returning to the more value proposition-based identities of the past. And for marketers navigating an increasingly fraught landscape, it's as if they are building the plane while flying it.

"We don't know if this is going to last in the long term, or if this is a short bubble-up of animosity and boycotting that might fade away in a little while," said Karthik Easwar, associate teaching professor at Georgetown Universitys McDonough School of Business. "If this is a fundamental change in how consumers respond, I think it's going to pose a lot more complexity and challenge, especially for big brands who are doing business with a wide swath of America."

A customer walks by a Pride Month merchandise display at a Target store on May 31, 2023 in San Francisco,

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images

For many marketers, Bud Light is the canary in the coal mine for how quickly and dramatically brands can be dragged into cultural battles that impact the bottom line. The brand earlier this year sent influencer Dylan Mulvaney a personalized beer can emblazoned with a picture of her face to celebrate the first anniversary of her gender transition. Soon, both the brand and influencer were the focus of right-wing media figures who called for a boycott.

"We definitely know that, strategically, [Bud Light] was looking to diversify and expand itself into new audiences, and that was the impetus behind their marketing. I don't know if they realized that such dominant voices from such a small group of people would be able to take over so much of the airwaves," said Ian Schatzberg, CEO and co-founder of branding agency General Idea.

Parent company Anheuser-Busch seemingly tried to let the backlash run its course, but its actions including putting two marketing executives on leave did little to stem the tide. Bud Light sales began to flag and the beer lost its spot as America's top-selling beer for the first time in more than two decades.

Brands like that that are already hurting, it's a little bit like, who does the coyote eat?

Mark DiMassimo

Founder and creative chief,DiGo

Target was soon the next domino to fall when the retailer decided to pull some items designed as part of its annual Pride collection following incidents in stores that put store workers at risk. But by responding to backlash from anti-LGBTQ+ forces, the retailer also drew the ire of the communities that it has worked to engage with its Pride collection.

"Brands are now stuck in this catch-22 play," Easwar said. "Some people are feeling that [brands] not standing behind the stance that they have that was supposed to be inclusive, because another group is saying, 'we don't want that.' If you keep it, you're angering one group, if you take it away, you're angering the group you're trying to include."

Overall, brands were comparatively quiet for Pride Month in June. While several long-standing participants from Skittles to Smirnoff continued to wave the Pride flag, others seemingly waved a white one, deemphasizing purpose-driven moves around identity and culture that have been a key marketing tactic for several years.

For their part, Bud Light and parent Anheuser-Busch have aggressively begun trying to change the post-boycott narrative with campaigns centered around summer drinking and beer production. But it's unclear if this return to fundamentals will slow the loss of market share that mass-market light beers like Bud Light have been fighting against for years by, paradoxically, engaging with younger, more diverse audiences in moves that are now exacerbating downward trends.

"Unfortunately for Bud Light, it's Bud Light It's beer water with a logo folks identified with, so as soon as the identification was polarized or damaged, it was very easy to switch," said Mark DiMassimo, founder and creative chief of creative agency DiGo. "Brands like that that are already hurting, it's a little bit like, who does the coyote eat?"

The Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille parade entry shows a banner advertising Bud Light beer at the WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood, Calif., on June 4, 2023.

Damian Dovarganes/AP

Even if the current divisive atmosphere is a short-term phenomenon, the threat of being drawn into a culture war could be enough of a risk to force marketers to rethink the role of brands in the market and in consumers' lives. This could mean a shift away from purpose-driven marketing around a variety of causes.

"I could imagine in boardrooms [executives saying] the role of the brand is not to create identity-oriented, community-based messaging the role of the brand is to deliver a product at a good price," Schatzberg said. "My suspicion is that you will start to see businesses potentially move towards more of a functional value prop versus something that is closer to culture and identity in the months ahead."

Continued economic pressures could also feed the need to focus on basic value propositions, with brands potentially avoiding messages around culture and identity this holiday season. And while that may be the safe approach, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

"You'll also have brands that are committed to the purposes that they've defined and the role that they want to play within the lives of culture at-large and they will continue in that," Schatzberg said. "I do envision you'll see these camps of different perspectives on how to navigate the consumer landscape coming out of this."

In recent years, the holiday marketing period has seen brands embrace not just gifting and gathering but diversity and inclusion in seasonal messages, an approach that seems less likely this year. Recent efforts by Jim Beam and Smirnoff that emphasized the importance of human connection and responded to a "joy recession" caused by consumer alienation, respectively, could hint at how marketers will message around the holidays this year.

"My suspicion is that you will start to see businesses potentially move towards more of a functional value prop versus something that is closer to culture and identity in the months ahead."

Ian Schatzberg

CEO and co-founder, General Idea

Apart from concerns around purpose, culture and creative, recessionary pressures could also continue to force marketers to focus on necessities that are central and authentic to the brand's identity.

"As marketers, we need to be really strict and surgical about what is critical for this year," said Josh Golden, CMO at marketing experiences company Quad. "A good surgical approach will actually have some great moments of visibility, and then if you have a good, solid internal team, you can have a great keep-alive for other things that may not necessarily be the highest priorities."

A view of Smirnoff display at Smirnoff Sponsors NFL's A Night of Pride with GLAAD at Super Bowl LVII on February 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images via Getty Images

One of the highest priorities will continue to be generative AI, which has dominated headlines in both the tech and marketing worlds all year. Much of the news related to the buzzy tech has been around adoption by ad platforms and agencies, with only a handful of brands ready to play in the AI sandbox. For brands moving away from purpose amid a period of economic difficulty, AI could be seen as a way to increase efficiency. But looking at AI only in terms of cost-saving could be dangerous.

"Rushing to embrace AI for cost reasons alone is akin to optimizing toward the lowest available CPM, said Erik Hamilton, vice president of search and social at independent agency Good Apple, in emailed comments. Smart marketers know that its what happens after the impression that really matters and that long-term, intentional, testing strategies yield the greatest savings."

Not everyone believes that generative AI is little more than marketers' latest shiny object,taking the mantle from, most recently, the metaverse. Platforms like ChatGPT could be game-changing in the way they empower marketers to better do their jobs, Quads Golden said.

"I'm really excited about the time saving aspects of this [technology], and then also having really smart marketers lean into the other areas dot connection, inspiration and making illogical connections," he said.

Being able to have more time to think about creative solutions to emerging problems is central to the role of marketers. Perhaps AI will help marketers as they navigate a fraught cultural landscape that is reshaping what consumers expect from brands. Marketing is a gamble and marketers must take risks for a chance at reward, Golden said.

"Marketing, frankly, gets in the middle of the cultural zeitgeist and has to jump on it," he said. "Sometimes, it's a grenade, unfortunately."

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Culture wars rage on, forcing marketers to decide whether to ... - Marketing Dive