"Music is one of life's gifts. It is toy, tool, and tonic. You can hear it and feel it - there is something for everyone." - Tom Smith

Growing up in Philadelphia, Tom Smith's family had a piano that, for the most part, was treated like just another piece of furniture, adorned with the lamp, a jigsaw puzzle, postcards, and other knickknacks. One night, when Tom was still in preschool, his mother banged out a few bars of "Rhapsody in Blue." Tom was amazed that the piano could make that kind of sound. Little did he know that many years later, after a career in computers and technology, he would make the leap to become a full-time musician.

Over the years, Tom dabbled with the French horn and the trumpet, but his true love remained the piano. He has been inspired by such musicians as Herbie Hancock, Kenny Baron, and Marcus Roberts - "a blind man, who I say with great pride, is one of the most exciting jazz piano players breathing," Tom explains.

Hunting at his friend's property in Lenhartsville and fishing at the Kutztown Rod and Gun Club are just a few of Bob Amelio's favorite things to do when he isn't working or spending time with his family. Before getting his Extreme X8 all-terrain power wheelchair, Bob relied on his family and friends to help him get around rough outdoor terrain. 

"Until I got the X8, I considered hunting as off limits to me," says Bob. In his new chair, Bob navigates rocky trails and powers through leaves, mud and grass effortlessly. "I don't see anything as an obstacle anymore," says Bob, "I am just doing what I want to do. Once I got the X8 I was able to walk on the beach with my wife for the first time in 28 years. It was awesome to be able to traverse the beach like anyone else does without huge effort." 

From The Balance, Article by LaToya Irby

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