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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of April 19, 2015

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources
and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them
___________________________________________________________________

In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting in
yellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might
improve our publications, content and convenience of use.
E-Update periodically reports ways in which subscribers use our publications to aid their
families or organizations. If you have a short description that might be helpful to others
and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences
that provide specific uses of benefit to bps461@msn.com.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activities are subject to change without notice; participants are encouraged
to use contact information to confirm times and dates.
To unsubscribe, please send a message to bps461@msn.com
with the word Unsubcribe in the Subject line.
2009-2014 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly each week
or month.
Area Ministries for Those Who are Struggling. GriefShare, DivorceCare,
Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts.

-2-

Day Trip Destination Sites: Free admission sites for individual and family outings.
E-Update ResourcesTM: Accompanying Information About Services, Including
Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Calendar of Events - Please Submit Additions Today

Upcoming Activities The following items are detailed in the accompanying Calendar of
Events and are in addition to those described within this E-Update. They will be occurring
during the current two-week period or are newly listed as part of the longer term Calendar.
These activities are provided for both personal use and printing out and sharing with others
through suggested posting on public and employee bulletin boards, hard copies or e-mail.

Updated: This Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)

Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Super Germinators Presentation for Kids Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Primary Election Candidates Forum Coatesville.
Amish Literature Authors Presentation New Holland.
Talkin Baseball Presentation Phoenxvillle.
Looking for Birds Walk Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Sen. Dinniman Town Hall Meeting Via Telephone.
Lessons of The Lorax for Children Coatesville (Wagontown).
What Equipment Do I Need to Take Great Pictures Presentation Chester Springs
(Ludwigs Corner).
Home Purchases: Financing Workshop Exton.
GrandFamilies Support West Chester.
Lyme Disease Documentary Screening West Chester.
Buying or Selling a House Forum Chester Springs.
Healthcare Employment Workshop Phoenixville.
Pennsylvania Rep. Corbin Open House Exton (Lionville).
Pennsylvania Rep. Quigley Open House Royersford.
Overworked and Overwhelmed Workshop West Chester.
West Side Story Singalong Malvern.
Prison & Prejudice to Participation and Pride Series Exton.
Nature Walk with a Ranger Nottingham.
Healthy Kids Day Area YMCAs.
Plant Swap Coatesville (Wagontown).
Theology of the Church Course Coatesville.
Prescription Drug Take Back and Recycling Day Malvern.
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Atglen.
Cancer and Hope Seminar Chadds Ford.
Junior Ranger Day King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Art on the Square Festival Kennett Square.
Wills for Heroes First Responder Clinic Springfield.
Sheep and Wool Day - Glenmoore.
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).

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New:

Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.

PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Sing-Along Sunday for Families Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Coatesville Centennial Kickoff Coatesville.
Resume Workshop Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Parkinsons Medications Presentation New Holland.
Amish Healthcare Approaches New Holland.
Writers Open Mic Night Phoenixville.
Meet the Lenders for Small Business King of Prussia.
Community Caf Luncheon West Grove.
Picasso and Matisse Rivalry Presentation Exton.
Parenting Strategies Presentation Devon.
Business Strategies Workshop Exton.
Home Purchases: Meet a Realtor Workshop Exton.
Pennsylvania Rep. Barrar Town Hall Meeting Chadds Ford.
LinkedIn Workshop Media.
Pennsylvania Rep. Truitt Town Hall Meetings West Chester.
Living Your Way Expo for Individuals and Caregivers Lancaster.
Fraud Protection Workshop Thorndale.
Baltimore Pike Street Plan Forum West Grove.
Concealed Weapon Carry Seminar New Holland.
Primary Candidates Forum Chester Springs (West Pikeland Township).
Prison & Prejudice to Participation & Pride Series Exton.
Pennsylvania Rep. Greiner Eggs and Issues Ronks.
Resident Paper Shredding Downingtown (East Caln Township).
Wills for Heroes First Responders Clinic South Coatesville.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Potassium Iodide Tablet Distribution Phoenixville (Kimberton).
Wild Animals Up Close for Children Glenmoore.
OABEST Expo Atglen.

Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongoing services and activities, along with special events, as soon as possible after establishing a
date to maximize publicity and to help individuals and other organizations with planning
processes for their own events.
Formats for submission should be similar to and include all information as that shown on the
current, accompanying Calendar of Events. Further information about submissions appears
at the end of this E-Update and the Calendar. Information should be submitted to
bps461@msn.com. Don't let your important activity be left unknown.

NEW THIS WEEK: Lancaster County Projected as Fast Growing in Pennsylvania

Lancaster is projected to become the fastest growing Pennsylvania county, adding nearly a
quarter more people over a 30-year period.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the state General Assembly, also
says in a report, Looking Ahead: Pennsylvania Population Projections 2010 to 2040, that the
county will move up from sixth to fifth place in overall population by the end of the period

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with 641,815 people. It is projected to be ninth in population density, with 578.4 persons
average per square land mile.
For counties in our reporting area, Chester 20.7% population increase with the eighth
greatest density at 803.5 persons, Berks 20.3% (10th in density at 578.4), Delaware 15.9%
(2nd/3,527.1), Montgomery 17.2% (3rd/1,943.1). Philadelphia is projected to gain 11.2%
population, with the highest density in the state at 13,869.7 individuals per square mile.
The complete report is available at
www.rural.palegislature.us/documents/factsheets/projections_2010-2014.pdf.
In an earlier Research Brief from the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the state's official
source for population and economic statistics, Montgomery County was identified as having
the 72nd largest county population in the United States, currently estimated at 816,857.
Philadelphia County, which had the largest numeric estimated gain, along with Montgomery,
Chester, and Lancaster counties, comprised 93.4 percent of the entire overall Pennsylvania
population gain since 2010.
The Research Brief is available at
http://pasdc.hbg.psu.edu/sdc/pasdc_files/researchbriefs/2014_County_Estimates_RB.pdf.

NEW THIS WEEK: HIV Infections Growing Among Ages 50 and Older
A growing number of people ages 50 and older in the United States are living with HIV
infection, according to a new report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Individuals aged 55 and older accounted for over one-quarter (26% or 313,200) of the
estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV infection in the United States in 2011, the most
recent year of compiled statistics.
Additional information about HIV and AIDS in all age groups, along with reasons for
increased concern about aging Americans, is available at
www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/age/olderamericans/index.html.

NEW THIS WEEK: Active Seniors Help Mitigate Risk for Alzheimers
Seniors engaging in meaningful and social activities may help preserve normal brain
shrinkage associated with the aging process, and even reverse it in men, according to a new
study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Results for a two-year period involved participants in the Baltimore Experience Corps, a
program that brings retired people into public schools to serve as mentors to young
children, working with teachers to help them learn to read in understaffed school libraries.
Findings indicated a direct correlation between brain volume and the reversal of a type of
cognitive decline linked to increased risk for Alzheimers disease, according to researchers.
Further information is available at www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2015/study-civicengagement-may-stave-off-brain-atrophy-improve-memory.html.

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NEW THIS WEEK: Free Child Abuse Prevention Resource Guide Published
A new 2015 Prevention Resource Guide: Making Meaningful Connections, along with other
publications to aid in combating child abuse, has been made available as part of April is
National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The materials and other information are available at
www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/?utm_source=Gateway&utm_me
dium=homepage&utm_campaign=NCAPM15.

NEW THIS WEEK: National Pass IT On Campaign Designed to Thwart Scammers

A national Pass It On campaign is designed to help the elderly and others from being
scammed.
The Federal Trade Commission has reported to Congress its
ongoing education and outreach efforts to combat identity theft,
including tax identity theft and Internal Revenue Service imposter
scams.
Millions of consumers are victimized by identity thieves each
year, collectively costing consumers and businesses billions of
dollars and countless hours to repair the damage, the FTC reported.
According to the testimony, 2012 federal Bureau of Justice statistics estimated that
16.6 million consumers were victims of identity theft.
"The truth is that sharing what you know can help protect someone who you know from a
scam," the FTC says.
The agency shares protective information on all types of scams and what to do about them,
including spreading the word and helping others, at
www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it-on.
FTC's testimony to Congress is available at www.ftc.gov/publicstatements/2015/04/prepared-statement-federal-trade-commission-internal-revenueservice-agent?utm_source=govdelivery.

NEW THIS WEEK: Uninsured Being Hit Disproportionately by Drug Costs

Uninsured cancer patients are paying anywhere from two to 43 times what Medicare would
pay for chemotherapy drugs, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill.
Uninsured patients who did not negotiate the billed amounts could expect to pay $6,711 for
an infusion of the colorectal cancer drug oxaliplatin, according to researchers. However,
Medicare and private health plans only pay $3,090 and $3,616 for the same drug,
respectively.
Even higher payment differences were found for drugs that were relatively inexpensive on
Medicare. For example, carboplatin was estimated at $26 for one infusion with Medicare,
but the estimate for uninsured patients was $1,124.

-6-

Further information on the study is available at http://uncnews.unc.edu/2015/04/07/priceof-cancer-drugs-varies-widely-based-on-whos-paying.

NEW THIS WEEK: Teen Misperceptions Abound About Everyone is Doing It

A Stanford University study finds major misconceptions by teens that may be influencing
their own habits related to peer alcohol and drug use, sexual activity, and even study and
exercise habits.
Researchers found that adolescents overestimate the amount of drug and alcohol use and
sexual behaviors that many of their peers are engaging in while, at the same time, they
underestimate the amount of time their peers spend on studying or exercise.
Further information is available at http://news.stanford.edu/news/2015/january/teens-peerperceptions-010715.html.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Certified Nursing Assistant Training Available

Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) is enrolling income-eligible
individuals for its Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program.
Further information is available at (610) 692-2344.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Motorcycle Safety Courses Scheduled

Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) is offering all riders from novice to
experienced -- safety training for the riding season.
In addition, anyone under 18 years of age must take and successfully complete a
Pennsylvania motorcycle safety program basic rider course before he or she can receive a
motorcycle license. To be eligible to test, youth must have a motorcycles learners permit
for at least six months and have 65 hours of supervised riding.
Further information about new motorcycling laws effective last year is available at
http://dmv.state.pa.us/centers/motorcycleCenter.shtml, with information on PAMSP at
www.pamsp.com.

Free General and Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes Being Offered April - May
Registration is underway for several eight-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth
Mental Health First Aid classes are being held in April and May in West Chester and
Coatesville.
The courses, being presented in full-day or two, four-hour sessions, are designed to
acquaint participants with the risk factors, warning signs and impact of mental health
issues.
Schedules, locations registrations are available at
https://chescodhstrainings.schedulemeappointments.com for Adult Mental Health First Aid
held in West Chester, and
www.brandywinefoundation.org/sites/default/files/YMHFATrainingFlyerWinterSpring2015.pdf
for Youth Mental Health First Aid held in Coatesville.

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Enrollment Re-Opened for Affordable Health Care Individuals Facing Penalties

Through Thursday, April 30
The Health Insurance Marketplace is providing individuals and families who owe a fee when
filing their 2014 taxes until April 30 to enroll in health coverage for 2015.
In addition, enrollment continues for individuals who have certain changes in circumstances
during the year or are eligible for Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program
(CHIP) coverages.
Further information is available at www.healthcare.gov or (800) 318-2596.

Pottstown Opens New Homeless Intake Center Location; Other Homeless Services
Changing Through Thursday, April 30
Ministries on Main Street, which provides winter homeless sheltering at community
churches, has opened a new intake center at Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC) -rear
entrance, 60 North Hanover Street, Pottstown, after its former center at St. Johns
Evangelical Lutheran Church closed.
The Center will open for registration at noon weekdays, with pre-registration requested at
(610) 970-2444. Individuals will be housed nights during the remainder of January at
Zions UCC at 209 Chestnut Street; starting Saturday, February 2, at St. Johns UCC at
111 South Price Street; starting Saturday, March 2, at St. Pauls UCC at 927 North Franklin
Street; and April to be determined.
Further information is available at www.ministriesatmainstreet.org.
In addition, the Pottstown Recovery & Education Center, which has been located at 249 East
High Street, is relocating this week to the First Methodist Church at 414 High Street and
only will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Trinity UCC is seeking volunteers to staff an 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays Drop-in Center
at its facility. Further information is available at
http://www.trinityuccpottstown.org/saturday-drop-in-center-for-the-homeless.html or (610)
326-2243. Further information on the daily center is available at (267) 507-3525.

Free Systems Failure and Community-Building Workshop Friday, May 1

Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon Link to Aging and Disability Resources Service Area will host a
workshop on Social Capital: The Power and Potency of Relationships from 9:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. May 1 at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl.
Al Condeluci, PhD, will examine the reasons why current systems have been less than
successful for individuals who are vulnerable as a result of disabilities or other compromises
and offer a community-building perspective designed to shift the culture to be more
inclusive and supportive of those in need.
Further information and required registration for the activity, which includes five continuing
education units (CEUs) and a light working lunch, are available at
www.berkslancasterlebanonlink.org/2015-workshops, blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.

-8-

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program Extended Now Ends Friday, May 1; Other
Energy Assistance Available
Pennsylvania has extended by a month the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) that was due to expire April 3.
Eligible residents now have until Friday, May 1, to apply for financial help through the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The federally-funded initiative provides cash grants to eligible recipients that are sent
directly to utility companies, or crisis grants for households in immediate danger of being
without heat, including repair or replacement of heating equipment. Qualifying individuals
must be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, for example $17,505 for a single
person and $35,775 for a family of four.
Officials said the decision to extend was made due to the protracted and severe cold
weather.
Further information and online applications are available at
www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap, local County Assistance Offices or
(866) 857-7095. Tips on saving energy are available at
www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.
The state Public Utility Commission provides information on five different categories of
assistance, along with other help links, at
www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx or (800)
692-7380.
In addition, eligible homeowners and renters in Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties
also can obtain home weatherization assistance, including insulation, heater service, window
and door replacement and other energy conservation measures through the Community
Action Agency of Delaware County.
Further information and application information is available at
www.caadc.org/pdfs/Flyer%20Brochure%202013.pdf or (610) 521-8770.

Great American Cleanup in Pennsylvania Underway; Pick It Up PA Days Scheduled

- Through Monday, May 4
Groups and organizations wishing to participate in public cleanups can obtain reduced or
free disposal during Pick It Up PA Days from April 11 through May 4, all part of a broader
spring Great American Cleanup in Pennsylvania period through Sunday, May 31.
Groups registering for the broader campaign, that can include cleaning up litter and trash
along roadsides, streams, beaches, parks, forests and neighborhoods, along with holding
events such as recycling hard-to-dispose of items like tires and appliances, creating or
enhancing green areas by planting plants, bulbs, and trees, removing or painting over
graffiti that devalues neighborhoods, and other activities that help beautify local
communities, also are eligible for free cleanup supplies such as bags, gloves and vests.
Further information, registration and already scheduled events are available at
www.gacofpa.org/?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fw
ww.gacofpa.org&utm_campaign=Learning+about+Next+Year%27s+Veterans+and+Emerge
ncy+Service+Professionals+Climate.

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UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets
from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area
locations, and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the third Tuesdays of the month at various
locations in Berks County for services cross-trainings and exchange of information on
creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door resources for older adults and adults with disabilities,
including consumers, family members and others, seeking information about local
resources. Specific topic workshops also are being scheduled in the counties. On April 21,
the Berks County Area Agency on Aging will discuss its services at Berks Heim Nursing and
Rehabilitation, 1011 Berks Road, Leesport. On May 19, AHEDD will discuss its disability
services at Community Rooms A and B of the Berks County Community Foundation, 237
Court Street, Reading On May 21, the work of Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern
Pennsylvania and the Community Homeless Assessment and Referral Team (CHART) will be
discussed at Juniper Village at Mount Joy, 607 Hearthstone Lane, Mount Joy. Further
information is available at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from Brian Long,
coordinator, at blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.
Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from
various services providers. On April 28, the Pennsylvania Office of Vocation Rehabilitation
(OVR) and the Bucks-Chester-Montgomery Link for Aging and Disability Services will
present. On May 26, Optum Hospice and The House womens homeless shelter will discuss
their work. Additional information about the group is available from Debbie Dundon at
Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282 x201 or debbie.openhearth@verizon.net.
Chester County Faith Community Health Ministry Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15
p.m., on the first Thursday of each month, from September through June to exchange
information on promotion of holistic health within faith congregations and communities and
to develop additional faith community nurses, also known as parish nurses. Further
information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.
COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the
month from September through June at the Head Start Center, 380 West Cedar Street,
Kennett Square. Further information is available from Elizabeth Garduno at
elizabethga@cciu.org or (610) 444-2880 x305.
Kennett Area Bridging the Community meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of
January, March, May, July, September and November at various community locations with
any interested individual or organization welcome to attend and share information on
resources and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett area
community. Additional information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or
(610) 717-2180. Minutes from prior meetings are available at
www.bridgingcommunity.com/bridging.php.
Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third
Wednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference room
at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives of
community organizations exchange information about current and upcoming activities and

- 10 -

hear presentations from various services providers. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on
the first Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at various locations.
The group is a diverse partnership of individuals, families, community organizations, service
agencies, businesses and funders committed to empowering individuals and families in
living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. Additional information is available from
Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.
Communities That Care (CTC) groups in several Chester County school districts provide
networking opportunities for community organizations and individuals that use a planning
and mobilization model to promote healthy youth development and prevent and reduce
negative youth health and behavior issues that may include substance abuse, delinquency,
teen pregnancy, school drop-out, and violence.

West Chester CTC meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the second Thursday of
each month of the school year at the West Chester Area School District Spellman
Administrative Building, 829 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Lunch is provided by
reserving at rsvp@wcctc.org or (610) 359-5817.

Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May at the Administrative Offices, Downingtown
Area School District, 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown. Further information and
registration available at dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with the

Coatesville Youth Initiative Steering Committee, meets periodically in the fourth floor
Community Room, Brandywine Health Foundation, 744 East Lincoln Highway,
Coatesville. Further information and requested lunch reservations are available from
Jarvis Berry, CTC community mobilizer, at Jarvis@coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org or
(610) 380-0200.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Support Groups for Unemployed and Underemployed Ongoing
Several networking/support groups (open to everyone) are available at area churches for
persons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specific
services in support of those who attend:
Downingtown (Lionville/Exton) -- Barnabas Group, at Calvary Fellowship Church,
95 West Devon Drive (rear entrance) at Route 113 in Exton (Lionville) is named after
the Biblical disciple known as the Son of Encouragement. Weekly sessions are part of
the churchs Care Monday, that includes a prayer group that meets at the same time
in the Prayer Lobby (Portico Entrance), with intercession for those attending the
Barnabas Group and the churchs other Care Ministries, including DivorceCare for
those coping with separation or divorce, even years later; Mending Hearts for those
with prodigal children and other family members; and various offerings focused on
assistance in healing and coping. Further information for Barnabas Group activities
is available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171.

Malvern Penn State Great Valleys Alumni Association and My Career Transitions
(MCT), an all-volunteer job counseling group, meets from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
the second Saturday of the month, except August and December, in 130 Main

- 11 -

Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On May 9, author Kelly Cornish, a diversity
and inclusion executive and talent leader, will discuss Finding Your Next! position.
Further information and required registration are available at
http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

Wayne A one-on-one Employment Guidance Ministry, along with periodic special

employment related events to aid jobseekers is available at St. Davids Episcopal
Church, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Malvern. Further information is available from
George Vosburgh at gbvosburgh@aol.com or (610) 688-7947.

West Chester Unemployment support group meets bi-weekly from 5:45 p.m. to
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner Street, West Chester, to
learn tips and techniques related to job searches. Further information is available
from Elisabeth Hartwell at ehartwell@firstpreswc.com, at (610) 696-0554.

West Chester BarnabasWC group meets from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Mondays,
except holidays, in the Community Room, Providence Church, 430 Hannum Avenue,
West Chester. Further information is available at www.barnabaswc.org or
info@barnabaswc.org.

Six Area Affiliates of Joseph's People meet during the month:

Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now
coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays
of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. On May 5, human resources
professionals Barbara and Paul Stoyell-Mulholland, chapter leaders, will discuss Tips
on Acing a Phone or Skype Interview. Second Tuesday: The Parish Hall Rear
Entrance, St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Third
Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike,
Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On April 21, Amy
Dinning, senior training and talent development leader, will discuss Whats So
Amazing About Networking?
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, in the
Parish Meeting Room Rear of the School Property, St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor
Avenue (Route 322). On May 12, a presentation will be made on How to Get a
Federal Job, with registration required for limited seating. Information about the
affiliate is available by leaving a message at (610) 873-7117.
Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 635 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 6:45 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. On April 22, Andrea Abernethy of Careerminds will discuss Resume Writing
& Tips. Further information is available from John Colgan at johnfcolgan@gmail.com.

- 12 -

Additional information on all St. Josephs People chapters is available at

www.josephspeople.org.
Free Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job Openings Report April
Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of services and monthly workshops offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Exton offices in Suite 500, 479 Thomas
Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center.
These trainings include an orientation presentation as to what PA CareerLink has to offer.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month, along with
several company job fairs, is available at www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/24796.
Monthly job openings list that lists several pages in the Chester County area is available at
www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/24797. Daily position openings updates are
available through www.cwds.state.pa.us.
Websites for additional county PA CareerLink offices in the area, at which many services are
available to out-of-county residents, include:
Berks: www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/CareerLink/Pages/default.aspx
Delaware: www.delcoworks.org
Lancaster: www.jobs4lancaster.com
Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024

PA CareerLink-Chester County Becomes GED Testing Site

PA CareerLink Chester County has become the countys first site for General Educational
Development (GED), also known as General Equivalency Diploma testing. The closest
testing since new, more difficult tests were initiated over a year ago has been in Media and
Reading, although preparatory classes have been conducted at several locations.
Testing will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Thursdays in Suite 500, 479 Thomas Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate
Center, Exton.
Additional information and appointments are available from Jacqueline Painter at Chester
County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) at (484) 945-4084.

Pottstown and Phoenixville Locations Providing Additional Job-Seeker Support

Pottstown YWCA and the Phoenixville Public Library are continuing to expand services for
job-seekers.
Pottstown YWCA has started a weekly Job-Seekers Connection support group from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m. Wednesdays at its Tri-County Area Adult Literacy Center at 1830 East High Street.
Sessions are designed to provide a supportive environment on how to obtain assistance in
revising resumes, write cover letters, start an internet-based job search, and maximize job
search visibility.

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The organization currently offers adult literacy classes, including reading, writing, math,
English language, and GED and U.S. citizenship tests preparation, along with a six-week Job
Skills Program, for eligible area residents.
Further information on the new support group is available at
www.facebook.com/ywcatricountyarea/photos/a.468031103259613.106123.142873902442
003/813804245348962/?type=1, on the adult literacy and other workforce development
components at www.ywcatricountyarea.org/adult-literacy.html, or at (610) 326-7323.
Phoenixville Public Library will host its monthly, fourth Thursday JobSeeker Workshop Speaker Series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. April 23, Kimberly
Wilkinson of Surrey Services for Seniors will discuss Careers in Healthcare.
On May 28, a representative of the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission
will present information on state and local government positions.
In December, the library began hosting a free weekly support group and individual job
coach assistance for the unemployed and underemployed, expanding already significant
library services available to job-seekers.
A sampling assists is available at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/category/adults/learn,
www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/resources, www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/ovr-employmentsupport, www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/computer-services and
www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/programs-for-adults-2.
Further information and required registration for limited workshop seating is available at
mpinto@ccls.org or (610) 933-3013 x132.

Montgomery County Community College Offering Free Online Assistance to

Entrepreneurs
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn the basics of Starting Your Own Business through an online
program developed by Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) for the
Pennsylvania Business and Entrepreneurial Initiatives Collaborative.
The self-paced program allows individuals to explore five modules on topics such as
business basics, financial and legal considerations, and marketing, as well as an in-depth
case study. The final module guides learners through the process of developing a
customized business plan.
Individuals who successfully finish the program and business plan will earn a proof of
completion certificate and may be eligible for three credits at MCCC through Prior Learning
Assessment (PLA), with other colleges and universities also able to evaluate the completed
course and business plan for possible PLA credit toward one of their programs.
The program is available at www.beresource.com, with further information at
www.mc3.edu/component/content/article/87-about-us/news/8739-free-online-course-foraspiring-entrepreneurs, dcollins@mc3.edu or (215) 619-7313.

Free Online Job-Seeker Computer Technology Training Offered

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission are offering more than 100 online courses and 500
educational videos to job-seekers through Online Broadband and Technology Training.

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Available topics include online and e-mail marketing, website development, social media,
advanced wireless technologies, cloud computing, internet security, information security for
end users, Quickbooks, Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
and Access, graphics and graphic design, business skills and project management.
Further information and enrollment is available at www.paobtt.com.

Department of Veterans Affairs Streamlines Benefits Process

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has streamlined its benefits process which, it says,
will make it faster and easier to apply.
Standardized forms will be sued to file disability claims and compensation appeals, with a
new intent to file a claim process also being implemented.
Further information is available at http://explore.va.gov/fileclaim?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_campaign=claimsandappeals&ut
m_content=18marchB.
Additional information on Veterans Affairs is available at www.va.gov.

PECO Giving Away Over 2,000 Trees

PECO Energy is giving away more than 2,000 trees in a partnership with the Arbor Day
Foundation to help customers save energy and money.
The utility says that correctly planted trees can help reduce energy use through summer
shading and slowing cold winter winds. Once trees are fully grown, they can lower energy
bills by up to 15 to 30 percent, PECO reports, along with increasing property value, reducing
carbon footprint, improving air quality and more effectively catching storm water runoff.
Customers can reserve a tree at www.arborday.com/peco, with the website also helping
customers determine how to plant the right tree in the right place to save energy. Once a
reservation is confirmed, a three-foot tall, lightly branched tree seedling will be shipped to a
customer's home within two to four weeks.
Customers are reminded to dial 811 at least three days before digging to ensure the area is
safe for planting.
Additional information about the Energy-Saving Trees program is available at
www.peco.com/community.

Transformation Initiative Becomes Weather-Ready Nation AmbassadorTM

Transformation Initiative Building Health Communities Through Healthy Families, an
umbrella initiative for this E-Update, has been designated as a Weather-Ready Nation
(WRN) AmbassadorTM by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The endeavor by families and Systems of Care advocate
Casey Jones will involve participation in improving the
nations readiness against extreme weather potentials that

- 15 -

can be experienced by residents and businesses throughout the region.

The local initiative, already publishing emergency preparedness and alerting information
through this E-Update, the accompanying Calendar of Events, the E-Update ResourcesTM
guide, and two Facebook pages is partnering with NOAA as part of the federal agencys
national awareness focus. The national WRN AmbassadorTM initiative is designed to help
unify efforts across government, research, media; the insurance industry; nonprofit
organizations and the private sector toward making the nation more ready, responsive, and
resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and water events.
To be recognized officially as a WRN Ambassador, a designee must be involved in promoting
Weather-Ready Nation messages and themes; engage with NOAA personnel on potential
collaboration opportunities; and share stories of preparedness and resiliency.
Jones, who has served as a public official in both Pennsylvania and New York and as an
organizational management advisor for more than a dozen communities and nonprofit
organizations, became involved with emergency management while still in high school
through mentorship of a county Civil Defense director.
He later oversaw emergency management operations, including declaration of several states
of emergency during his multi-year tenure as a city mayor, and served as a commander of
an award-winning Civil Air Patrol unit that engaged in search and rescue operations for
downed aircraft and other operations, twice receiving state public information officer of the
year awards.
Jones is part of the national SKYWARN spotter network, which provides timely and accurate
reports of local severe weather to the National Weather Service, and holds an amateur radio
license.
Last year he created a social media presence at www.facebook.com/TransformationIni for
reporting weather-related events and activities in Chester and adjoining counties that spans
portions of two National Weather Service forecast areas. A second site that primarily
encompasses weather and emergency preparedness education is at
www.facebook.com/TransformationInitiative.EmergencyPreparedness.
Jones overall initiative is to develop community-wide Systems of Care, based on life stages,
through collaborations among churches, faith-based and community organizations, including
governmental agencies, to help meet the needs of families.
Emergency preparedness is a critical component for family health, Jones said, saying his
community Facebook presence was developed after last years ice storm due to significant
voids that were experienced in having quality, broad-based and consistent preparedness
and response information available to greater Chester County residents.
Although our own capacity is limited to volunteer manpower and minimal equipment, and
without in-house meteorologists to provide direct weather forecasting opportunities, our
system is designed to consolidate and report in one place information from multiple
sources; make adverse weather potential easier to recognize in advance and to understand
and track; and provide quick access to resources in event of a weather-related situation,
he noted.
In addition, we not only try to serve residents of our reporting area, but those who travel
into and out of local and nearby locales for work, shopping and other activities.

- 16 -

This effort, which is provided without cost to consumers, has proven to be highly effective
in multiple weather reporting situations, Jones added.
He applauded NOAAs initiative, saying the federal agencys approach to building awareness
of potential year-around weather threats through a collaborative approach is much needed
in creating greater knowledge, understanding and responsiveness in helping to protect
individuals and families against weather-related events.
Information on Weather-Ready Nation is available at
www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation, the Ambassador initiative at
www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html and becoming a SKYWARN
spotter at www.skywarn.org.

Montgomery Replaces Chester for Healthiest County Status

A national County Health Ratings initiative says that all area counties but Montgomery aren't
doing as well this year when compared with 2014 as it relates to health factors, and all but
Delaware and Lancaster have dropped as it relates to health outcomes.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin
Population Health Institute, develops the often-heralded report annually to provide a
snapshot of "how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play" and
"a starting point for change in communities."
Chester County, which was rated first in Pennsylvania last year for health factors, dropped
to third, with Montgomery County rising from second to the top spot. Lancaster County
declined from eighth to ninth and Delaware from 14 to 16. Berks County dropped the most,
from 21 to 30, moving from the top fourth of Pennsylvania county ratings to the second
quarter.
Health factors are based on weighted scores for health behaviors, clinical care, social and
economic factors, and the physical environment.
For health outcomes, based on an equal weighting of length and quality of life, Chester
County dropped from second to fourth place, with Montgomery from fifth to sixth, and Berks
from 16 to 20. Lancaster County rose from ninth place to eighth, and Delaware from 41 to
39, although it still remains in the bottom half of state rankings. Philadelphia was ranked
last in both categories.
A searchable database for the current and past five years, ratings for each category and
methodology is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.

Montco Doubles Community Connections Navicates Resident Assistance Sites

Montgomery County has doubled its four current
Community Connection sites to assist residents in
accessing services.
Navicates (navigator/advocates), currently located in
Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale and Willow Grove, now
also will be available in Pennsburg/East Greenville,
Souderton, Ambler and Narbeth.

- 17 -

The initiative is designed to provide a front door approach to providing services to people
who need them most -- in their community, officials say, at the same time helping to create
a stronger partnership between government, community organizations and families to foster
better care.
Since inception, navicates have serviced nearly 3,500 individuals and families, providing
over 8,400 referrals to various agencies.
Further information is available at www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1585,
thutson@montcopa.org or (484) 674-6562.

Ride for Health Initiative Closes Southern Chester County

The Ride for Health Initiative (RFHI) that has been providing free human services
transportation for low-income residents of Southern Chester County has closed due to low
use.
The project, patterned after one in the Phoenixville area that will continue, was designed to
serve as a hope of last resort when no other transportation services was available.
Further information on the program is available at www.tmacc.org/foundation/ride-healthinitiative and www.tmacc.org/public-transportat/ride-for-health-initiative.

Legal Requirements Increase for Workers and Volunteers Involved with Children
Legislation that significantly impacts 23 areas of reporting, investigation, assessment,
prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases, including response to
abuse situations by child workers are being detailed by the state.
Information on new requirements, applications, effective dates, in-person and online
training availability, paid and volunteer clearances and more are available at
www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov.

Student College Financial Aid Applications Open

Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now are being accepted for the 20152016 academic year.
U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for federal
student aid, each year awarding some $150 billion in grants, work-study funds, and lowinterest loans to help millions of students pay for college.
Authorities suggest completing the form at the earliest possible date, even if tax returns
arent yet completed. Adjustments are able to be made later.
Further information and online applications are available at https://fafsa.ed.gov.

Montgomery County Chosen for Cultural and Linguistic Competency Pilot Project
Montgomery, York and Northumberland counties have been selected to participate in a
Cultural and Linguistic Competency (CLC) Pilot Project through the PA System of Care (SOC)

- 18 -

Partnership to incorporate and improve cultural and linguistic competency at the county
level of care.
The initiative will run through April 1 and will involve a joint effort between SOC county
leadership and community partners to develop programs that address the cultural and
language needs of youth and families being served, enabling delivery of services in a more
efficient and effective manner.
A final report will include best practices and recommendations for future CLC
implementation initiatives in other System of Care counties and the Commonwealth.
Further information about the Partnership is available at www.pasocpartnership.org or
leonardkt@upmc.edu.

Free Online Spring Preparedness Videos Available

New national Just in Time videos from the Disaster Resistant Communities Group on Spring
weather hazards now are available at http://www.drcgroup.com/project/jitt.html#winterawareness.

Berks County is under Drought Watch

Berks and 26 other Pennsylvania counties are under a DROUGHT WATCH due to belowaverage groundwater levels.
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says that "despite the recent surge of
surface water caused by snow melt .... low groundwater levels can cause well-fed water
supplies, both private and public, to go dry.
"The very dry fall and below-normal precipitation in January and February have contributed
to low groundwater levels in the northeast and central portions of the state. The increasing
temperatures and melting snow have helped, but groundwater levels may not be back to
normal before the summer," it says.
A drought watch declaration is the first and least-severe level of the states three drought
classifications. It calls for a voluntary five percent reduction in non-essential water use and
puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water
supplies.
Further information and conservation information are available at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=20710&typeid=1.

Please Note: New and Updated tags refer only to the time of appearance of information in these
E-Updates. Some on-going activities may have been in existence for some time and are being listed for awareness.

Letting People Know/Making a Difference - Ongoing

Feedback indicates that a lack of communications tools is a primary deficiency in bringing community services
providers and those needing information together.
If you know of an activity designed to have a real impact on families (this includes individuals and youth) that we
should be aware of or might be interested in reporting in these periodic e-mail updates, please let me know, either

- 19 -

with details or a web site link. In order to maintain its value, this forum currently is a subjective, selective
distribution so all information submitted may not be used.
Also, if you know someone who might be helped by these periodic updates, please forward all or selected portions
as you feel appropriate. If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please hit reply and advise by
typing "Subscribe" or "Unsubscribe" or something similar in the Subject line.
Events listed are based on subject matter related to activities impacting families and is based on information
reported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.
Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more advanced electronic
communications method for this type of material that will have more expansive yet less obtrusive characteristics.
Please stay tuned.
To submit materials for publication, please refer to the guidelines that follow.

Blessings
Casey
Casey Jones
Transformation Initiative
Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families
(610) 707-1494 / bps461@msn.com

2009-2015 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.
Information is designed to highlight activities within the broader community that can help enhance Christian
principles relative to development of healthy children, individual and family relationships.
Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards for benefit of
others.
Activities included in this publication are gathered from various submissions and other sources. No representation is made as to their accuracy or value.
Persons wishing to be included in future e-mailings of updates, should request inclusion by sending an e-mail
with Subscribe in the Subject line, along with your name, organization, community and where you heard about the
publications to bps461@msn.com.
General Guidelines for Information Submission:
Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure to new subscribers,
individuals who only may read the list periodically, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling
opposite an event or may want to collaborate with others in the area. For annual events, even longer lead times
may be appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the week of publication.
A general idea of the information needed (many submit too little for the consumer to understand what actually is
occurring and why they should consider attending) can be obtained by perusing the publications or using the
following guide:
Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.
Name of Event:
Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates:
Times (Starting and ending):
Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a MapQuest or Google
Maps searchable address:
Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:
Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.):
Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event (Two to three
descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous words such as
"wonderful", "great", etc.):
Any Fees, including free-will offerings:
Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the specific activity:
Any registration requirements.

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We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small, optional materials
fee is charged.
Fund-raising activities generally are not published unless there is a good mixture of free activities also available, including free admission, with a participant having the choice of purchasing incidental items such as
food or crafts.
Church events generally are published only if they are separate from normal weekly worship services.
Due to the wide variety of activities available, decisions on publication ultimately are determined on a case-by-case
basis in context with focus of the publications.