NEW!!

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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of February 23, 2014 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. Special 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. 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.

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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) Only Connect Exhibit Collegeville. Conflicts and Faith Series New Holland. Made of Steel Exhibit Malvern. 40 Years of Painting Exhibit Collegeville. Adult, Youth and Child Art Classes - Pottstown American Revolution Illustrations Exhibit King of Prussia Valley Forge. Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations. Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries. Borrowing Basics: Know Your Money Series West Chester. Underground Kidnapping Presentation Kennett Square. Photography Workshop Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Elder Law and Long-Term Care Series Phoenixville. Meal Prep Demonstration Coatesville. Affordable Healthcare Enrollment Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Vegan Chocolate Cooking Demonstration Strafford. State Rep. Truitt Town Hall Meeting West Chester. Hands-Only CPR Training Downingtown. Church Meet State Series New Holland. Marketing Your Business Presentation Berwyn. Challenges of Dementia Presentation Kennett Square. Double Indemnity Classic Film Friday Phoenixville. Black Patriots of the Revolution Presentation Kennett Square. Join the Continental Army for Kids King of Prussia (Valley Forge). Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events) Only Connect Exhibit Collegeville. Conflicts and Faith Series New Holland. Made of Steel Exhibit Malvern. 40 Years of Painting Exhibit Collegeville. Adult, Youth and Child Art Classes - Pottstown American Revolution Illustrations Exhibit King of Prussia Valley Forge. Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations. Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries. College Questions Presentation Exton. Anti-Human Trafficking Presentation Kennett Square. Charge It Right Know Your Money Workshop West Chester. New Careers Workshop Exton. Autism from the Outside In Workshop West Chester. Healthy Meal Prep Demonstration Coatesville. Autism Behaviors and Assessment Strategies Workshop West Chester. Emergency Preparedness Presentation Pottstown. Master Composter Course Exton.

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New:

Guiding Good Choices Parents Series Pottstown. An Evening with Martha Washington Historical Perspective King of Prussia (Valley Forge). Grieving Hearts From Death Support New Holland. Medicare Counseling Kennett Square. Cooking Demonstration Kennett Square. Criminal Record Expungement Workshop Kennett Square. Spring Concert Chester Springs. Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events) History of the Harp in Ireland Presentation and Recital Phoenixville. Healthy Cooking Demonstrations Kennett Square. Ask the Doc About Vision Presentation New Holland. Youth Drama Performance Kennett Square. Every Child Ready to Read Workshop for Parents of Preschoolers Exton. Children and Youth Creative Writing Club Parkesburg. Auld String Theory St. Patricks Day Concert Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Veterans and Families Housing Information Forum Coatesville. Healthy Weight Goals Presentation Phoenixville. State Rep. Cutler Constituent Forum Paradise. Jet Set Lifestyle Author Presentation Exton. State Legislator in Residence Panel Presentation Blue Bell. Piano Concert Kennett Square. Baritone with Piano Concert Wilmingtown, Del. Finding Peace with Tremors Presentation New Holland. Single Mothers Conference West Chester. The Egg Hunt West Chester (East Goshen Township). Terra Firma? Living on the Edge Geological History Presentation Kennett Square. Healthy Kids Day Coatesville. Clarinets Quartet Concert New Holland. Township-Wide Yard Sale West Chester (East Goshen Township).

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: Lead-Based Paint Mitigation Funding Program Starts Chester County Department of Health has initiated a funding initiative for eligible homeowners and landlords to receive at least 90% of the costs for removing lead hazards in homes with children. Home occupants meeting 80% of federal Area Median Income guidelines (up to $44,150 annually for an individual or $63,050 for a family of four, as examples) may be eligible if a property is in Chester County, constructed before 1978, and a child under the age of six lives in the home, is expected to live in the home, or visits more than six hours per week.

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Further information is available from Kevin Zeeger, lead hazard control program coordinator, at kzeeger@chesco.org or (610) 344-6725.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Electric Rate Guide Pennsylvania residents faced with higher than normal electric bills this winter can compare rates through the state Office of Consumer Advocate. Information is available at www.oca.state.pa.us/Industry/Electric/elecomp/ElectricGuides.htm?utm_source=Listrak&ut m_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.oca.state.pa.us%2fIndustry%2fElectri c%2felecomp%2fElectricGuides.htm&utm_campaign=House+Budget+Hearings+Continue, consumer@paoca.org or (800) 684-6560.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan Chester County Planning Commission has released a Brandywine Battlefield Preservation Plan: Revolution in the Peaceful Valley that includes an inventory of more than 200 historic resources within the Battlefield including buildings, meetinghouses, fords, and landscapes that were locations of combat and battle-related events during the Revolutionary War, together with a map atlas. The document, which presents recommendations on how to better preserve the battlefield's open spaces and historic landscapes, including how municipal partnerships can achieve a strategy for protecting the nationally-significant resource, is available at www.landscapes2.org/publications/historic/bbpp.cfm.

NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Seeks At Least Five Business with Significant Storm Loss By Friday, March 7 Chester County Department of Emergency Services is seeking at least five businesses or agricultural cooperatives that suffered economic loss due to ice and snow storms between February 4 and February 15 in order to seek potential low cost loan funding for effected county businesses. The Small Business Administrations Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program can make funds available for a business to meet its obligations as they mature, and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses, regardless of whether they suffered physical damage to property. Further information and an Economic Injury Survey form are available at www.chesco.org/des or (610) 344-4335.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Disaster Recovery Continues Area residents are continuing to recover from a back to back ice storm, dubbed Orion, and a major snow storm this month. Some current highlights include: A Chester County Disaster Help Request form has been published for individuals to request agency assistance, although assistance is not guaranteed to be available for

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some situations. It is available at www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/15727. A Storm Response and Recovery Guide for Southeastern Pennsylvania, published by 2-1-1, is available at www.nj211.org/sepa/images/stormrecoveryguide.pdf. Additional information on 2-1-1 services is available at www.211sepa.org. Chester County is seeking individual and business storm damage reports to aid individuals in obtaining information they may need to assist them and for compiling an overall assessment of damages county-wide that could result in federal disaster aid being made available to the County. Damage reports are being taken from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 2-1-1, or an alternate toll-free number of (866) 964-7922. The alternate number must be used with some Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone systems, with 2-1-1 not publishing the alternate number on its main web page. A confidential disaster distress hotline is available through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to help individuals cope with stress stemming from the severe weather and power outages. Trained professionals will provide emotional support for callers, along with information on how to distress and its effects on individuals and families, tips for healthy coping, and referrals to local crisis centers for additional care and support if needed. The hotline is available at (800) 985-5990, (800) 846-8517 TDY for the deaf or hearing impaired, or by texting 66746. Timely information between weekly E-Update publications can be obtained, as received and appropriate, by going to www.facebook.com/TransformationIni and Like us at the top of the page. Share the web page with family, friends and others through the drop-down menu on the top right side.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Affordable Care Act (ACA) Public Information Session and Enrollment - Tuesday, February 25; Next Enrollment Deadline Approaching Saturday, March 15; Final Open Enrollment Deadline Monday, March 31 Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN) will conduct an information session for potential enrollees in Affordable Care Act health insurance programs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, February 18, and individual enrollment assistance sessions for individuals on Tuesday, February 25, at Henrietta Hankin Branch Library, 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Further information on these and other Affordable Health Care sessions are available in the Calendar of Events. The deadline for April 1 enrollment in a health insurance plan is Saturday, March 15, with the 2014 open enrollment deadline, which also triggers tax penalties for those without an exemption, being Monday, March 31.

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The new Act enables many individuals and families to obtain lower cost health insurance coverage, particularly if they have pre-existing conditions, with tax credits to purchase insurance also being available for eligible persons. Individuals who fail to enroll in a qualified health insurance plan by March 31 will be required to pay a penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child, or 1% of income, whichever is higher, with the fee increasing every year. Some individuals may qualify for an exemption from the fee. Further information about these provisions is available at www.healthcare.gov/get-covered-a-1-page-guide-to-the-health-insurance-marketplace. Individuals are able to apply via any of the following: Online at www.healthcare.gov. With aid of a Marketplace Call Center representative available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 318-2596 or (855) 889-4325. With aid of many onsite Certified Application Counselors and application assisters available locally. Assistance organizations can be identified at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov. By mail with a paper application available at www.healthcare.gov/how-do-i-applyfor-marketplace-coverage. Signup events also will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, at the Phoenixville Public Library. Further information is available in the Calendar of Events.

Inaction by Pennsylvania state government has left as many as 400,000 Pennsylvanians earning too much but too little on January 1 to obtain health insurance coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act. Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation reports that due to Pennsylvania being one of the few states to date to decline federal funds to expand Medicaid, a large number of state residents, most of them working, will be making too much to obtain Medicaid but too little to obtain health insurance under the new federal program, thereby falling into an uninsured gap. Further information is available at www.kaiserhealthnews.org/stories/2013/november/19/in-pennsylvania-a-big-gap-in-healthinsurance-coverage.aspx and www.healthcare.gov/what-if-my-state-is-not-expandingmedicaid.

UPDATED LAST WEEK: Montco Commissioners Schedule Public Conversations Caravan Monday, February 24, and Thursday, February 27 Montgomery County Commissioners are holding two Conversations with Your Commissioners later this month to obtain public comment on various issues, with the first three of five being postponed due to weather. Sessions are being held at 7 p.m. Monday, February 24, at The Grand Theater, 252 Main Street, East Greenville; and 7 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the Norristown Municipal

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Building, 235 East Airy Street, Norristown. Meetings in Lower Pottsgrove, Abington and Bryn Mawr will be re-scheduled. Further information is available at http://www.montcopa.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1689 or (610) 278-3061.

NEW LAST WEEK: Coatesville Community Needs/Economic Development Forum Scheduled Thursday, February 27 A public forum to address local needs and concerns in the City of Coatesville, particularly as it relates to economic development, will be held at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, February 27, in the cafeteria, Lincoln University Coatesville facility (former Gordon Middle School). 351 Kersey Street, Coatesville. The session, hosted by State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and an ad hoc committee of local church and community leaders, will include discussion on job training and a local hire program, opportunities for small, locally-owned businesses and employees, Standards that ensure projects are developed in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly development standards, educational opportunities, spaces for the arts, and assisting homeless veterans to get back into the workforce. Further information is available at www.senatordinniman.com/dinniman-to-hold-coatesvillecommunity-forum-on-february-27 or (610) 692-2112.

PennDOT Seeking Public Input in Regard to Route 41 Intersections Through Friday, February 28 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking information and public opinion in regard to four existing intersections along Route 41 in Chester County, particularly those at PA 841, White Horse Road, PA 926, and PA 796. Further information and an online survey is available at http://pa41.com/?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fw ww.pa41.com&utm_campaign=PennDOT+Seeks+Public+Input+on+Route+41+Intersection s%2c+Ross+Says, or Steve Fellin at sfellin@pa.gov or (610) 205-6821.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free National Certified Gambling Counselor Training Series Available Starts Tuesday, March 4 Holcomb Behavioral Health will host a four monthly session training for clinicians to become National Certified Gambling Counselors from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting March 4, at Keystone Center Outpatient Services, 5000 Hilltop Drive, Brookhaven. The sessions will an introduction to problem gambling, along with problem gambling and the family, special populations and treatment strategies. The training is free for Delaware County clinicians and $25 for others on a space-available basis, with a fee for social work education credits. Further information on requirements and required registration are available at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/11025705744041577/Revised+Gambling+Training+flyer+and+reg+form.pdf, sarah.marion@holcombbhs.org or (484) 444-0412.

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NEW THIS WEEK: Narcotics Overdose Task Force Proposed Wednesday, March 5 Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems is holding an agency information meeting at 10 a.m. March 5 at its offices at 467 Creamery Way, Exton, to develop expansion of a Narcotics Overdose Prevent & Education (NOPE) Task Force from Delaware into Chester County. The groups purpose is to diminish frequency and impact of overdose death, which totaled more than 34 from heroin in 2012 in Chester County, through community education, family support and purposeful advocacy. Further information about the national initiative is available at www.nopetaskforce.org, with meeting registration available at beth.mingey@holcombbhs.org or (484) 444-0412.

NEW THIS WEEK: Public Transportation Plan Forum Wednesday, March 5 A re-scheduled Chester County Public Transportation Plan forum will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 5, with a public presentation at 7 p.m. in the Struble Room, Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. Participants will have an opportunity to provide input toward desired improvements in public transit services, including progress on the overall plan, findings analysis, potential performance measures and draft recommendations, together with results of an April 2013 public workshop at the Chester County Historical Society in West Chester. Further information is available at www.septa.org/events/pdf/2014-03-05-ches-co-publicmeeting.pdf or (610) 344-6285.

NEW THIS WEEK: Post Adoption and GrandFamilies Support Groups Starting Wednesday, March 5 Chester County is offering simultaneous post adoption and grandfamilies support groups for adoptive parents, kinship families, teens, boys and girls ages six to 13, and pre-school ages two to five in different rooms. Sessions will be held on alternating Wednesdays, on March 5 and 12, April 2, 16 and 30, and May 14. Further information as to eligibility and registration are available from Kathy Boyd at kboyd@chesco.org or (610) 344-5890.

Free Human and Animal Disaster Response Trainings - March Two multi-day trainings for individuals interested in helping the public and animals during disasters will be conducted in March. A 28-hour Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training will be conducted on seven Monday and Thursday nights and one Saturday at the Chester County Public Safety Training Facility, 137 Modena Road, South Coatesville, starting Thursday, March 20. The sessions will focus on disaster preparedness, fire safety, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and terrorism, including classroom and exercises components.

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Further information and required registration by Thursday, March 13, for limited seating, is available at http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/15413, jzeis@chesco.org or (610) 344-5014. A Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals training will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, in the Academic Center, Harcum College, 750 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr for County Animal Response Team (CART) members. The interactive workshop, sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team, is designed to help communities actively prepare for the care of dogs, cats and other small animal companions during a disaster. Further information is available at http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/15417, RedStarTraining@americanhumane.com, or (610) 344-5014.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Youth Service Applications Available Due Friday, March 21 Coatesville Youth Initiative is receiving applications for its paid summer Youth Service and Leadership Development Program through March 21. The activity will include 40 youth ages 14 to 18 as of June 23. Information sessions for parents and eligible youth will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 in the fourth floor community room, Brandywine Center, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville; or at the same time on Thursday, March 6, at the Caln Township Building, 253 Municipal Drive, Thorndale. Further information is available at http://coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org/ServiceCorps%20Youth%20Application%202014.pdf, mena@coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org or (610) 380-0200 x204.

Free Income Tax Preparation Underway Through Tuesday, April 15 Individuals earning $58,000 or less and senior citizens can obtain free income tax preparation through April 15 at many area locations. The federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also is promoting awareness among many eligible non-filers that up to a $6,143 tax credit may be available, even if no taxes are due. The agency estimates that one out of five individuals eligible for the credit do not receive it due to failure to file or faulty returns. An EITC Awareness Toolkit for businesses seeking to help stimulate local economies and human services providers seeking to assist clients is available at www.irs.gov/pub/irspdf/p5075.pdf. Last year, millions of dollars in refunds were returned to area taxpayers through the free preparation services, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in preparation savings. Information on preparation appointments in area counties is available at: Berks: www.bcapberks.org/Financial-Assistance-Berks-County.html or (610) 3766571. Chester: http://chestercountyfreetaxes.org or (610) 380-9099.

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Lancaster: www.uwlanc.org/PriorityAreas/FinancialStability/VITA.aspx. Appointments also can be made by calling 2-1-1.

Further information on sites in other counties that have scheduled volunteer income tax preparation hours is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-forYou-by-Volunteers.

Rotating Homeless Shelter Opens Through Wednesday, April 30 Ministries at Main Street has opened its homeless shelter that rotates among Pottstown churches for the winter. Daily intake starts at noon weekdays at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church Parish House basement at 75 East Main Street. During November, the homeless will stay at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 60 North Hanover Street. The host in December is Christ Episcopal Church, 316 East High Street; in January Zions United Church of Christ, 209 Chestnut Street; in February St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 927 North Franklin Street; in March St. Johns United Church of Christ, 11 South Price Street; with April to be determined. Further information is available at www.ministriesatmainstreet.org/calendar.html, info@ministriesatmainstreet.org or (610) 970-2444.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Older Adults Financial Security Toolkit Available The National Council on Aging has released the latest in a growing series of materials to assist seniors with basic money management. Its in the Cards, part of the Savy Saving Seniors program, provides information on how to use, manage, and protect government-issued and prepaid debit cards. It joins Becoming Resource-FULL with the Help of Benefits & Peace of Mind Savings that covers budgeting tips, money management applications and tricks, benefits of banking, budget busters to avoid, and how to find and apply for benefits, along with Steps to Avoiding Scams, an overview of popular scams targeting seniors, tips for avoiding them, and next steps for victims of financial fraud. Further information and free downloads, with a charge of hard copies, are available at www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/economic-security-Initiative/savvy-savingseniors/#toolkit3.

NEW LAST WEEK: Pennsylvania House Republicans Soliciting Online Questions on Next State Budget Proposal Pennsylvania House of Representatives Republicans for the first time is soliciting online questions from state residents on various aspects of a $29.4 billion state budget proposed earlier this month by Gov. Corbett. In addition to regular budget hearings, Pennsylvanians can submit questions they would like top cabinet officials of state government to address during House Appropriations Committee budget hearings.

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Further information on the proposed budget and the process is available at www.pabudget.com/participation.aspx?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_ter m=http%3a%2f%2fwww.pabudget.com%2fparticipation.aspx&utm_campaign=Governor+P resents+Budget+Proposal+to+Lawmakers.

Free Opoid Overdose Toolkit Available The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published an Opoid Overdose Toolkit to equip communities and local governments with development of policies and practices to help prevent opoid-related overdoses and deaths. It includes information for community members, prescribers, and those recovering from an opoid overdose, five essential steps for first responders and safety advise for patients and family members. The National Institute on Drug Abuse advises in regard to pain killers that (T)aken as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain safely and effectively. However, when abused, even a single large dose can cause severe respiratory depression and death. Numerous area forums have suggested that unmanaged prescription drugs, often taken from medicine cabinets, have become the new drug of choice for youth and adults and often leads to heroin use because of the lesser cost of heroin. Further information on the Toolkit is available at http://store.samhsa.gov/product/OpioidOverdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA13-4742. Additional resources, including locations of free year-around prescription drug take back boxes in area counties, are available in E-Update ResourcesTM.

Services Expansion of Free Southern Chester County Ride For Health Initiative The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation have expanded their Ride for Health Initiative (RFHI) in Southern Chester County to include trips for human and social services needs in addition to the earlier healthcare focus. The service provides taxi or public transit trips for eligible residents of Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to health and human and social services sites, including those in Kennett Square, West Chester and Coatesville. Scheduled transportation is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Kennett Area Community Service, 136 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square. Earlier information is available at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/11025705744041463/FREE+Medical+Transportation.pdf or (610) 925-3556. Information also is available from partner agencies at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/11025705744041419/RFHI+Flyer+%28English%29_8+23+13.pdf. Information on a similar Phoenixville area initiative that has been in existence since 2000 is available at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/11025705744041464/ride+for+health+brochure.pdf.

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Free Spanish Version of Office of Developmental Programs Gold Book Available The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs has produced a Spanish language version of Understanding the Office of Developmental Programs in Pennsylvania: Intellectual Disability and Autism Services, known as the Gold Book. The document and further information is available at www.temple.edu/thetrainingpartnership/espanol.

Flu Cases Widespread in Pennsylvania; Over 90% is Swine Flu Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to list flu activity in the state at widespread, with the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also reports that flu is widespread in most of the United States. The H1N1 virus, known as the Swine Flu, is dominant in more than 90% of the states cases, with the CDC reporting that a significant portion of reports nation-wide this year has been of young and middle-age adults. A weekly report by Pennsylvania counties is available at www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=557490&mode=2, with federal information available at http://emergency.cdc.gov/HAN/han00359.asp. Federal, state and county health officials continue to urge vaccinations for anyone six months of age and older and available at many locations. Further information is available at www.flufreepa.com/portal/server.pt/community/influenza_%28flu%29/14161/pa_influenza _weekly_report/557490 or local county health departments or state health clinics.

Protections Against Scams and Fraud State and federal agencies provide assistance to consumers in guarding against scammers and other fraud. Information from the State Attorney General on the recent Target credit card hacker scheme is available at: www.attorneygeneral.gov/press.aspx?id=7385&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email& utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.attorneygeneral.gov%2fpress.aspx%3fid%3d7385&utm_c ampaign=House+Passes+Bill+to+Protect+Victims+Calling+for+Help General consumer protection information on many subjects also is available at www.attorneygeneral.gov/consumers.aspx?id=418. Scam alerts from the Federal Trade Commission are available at www.consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings (Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change) 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 February 25, Mercy Home Health, Home Instead Senior Care and EverCare Hospice and Palliative Care will discuss skilled and non-medical home

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care and hospice. Additional information about the group is available from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282 x201 or at debbie.openhearth@verizon.net. Kennett Area Each and All Dialogue Group meets from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 South Walnut Street, Kennett Square, to promote a living philosophy of being and becoming a peaceful, progressive and inclusive community. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180. Faith Community Nurse Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month 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. On March 6, the group will meet at Neighborhood Agencies, North Hills Medical Building, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester. 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 various Southern Chester County locations. Paid and volunteer individuals who work with Chester County children, youth and families share information and build partnerships for after-school, out-of-school and summer programs. On March 12, at the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library, 216 East State Street, Kennett Square, the group will discuss Spring and Summer programs. Further information is available from Laurie Szoke at las7@psu.edu or (610) 696-3500. 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. On March 12, the group will meet at Friends Home, 147 West State Street, Kennett Square. 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 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. On April 4, attendees will meet in Room 170 at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, with a presentation on Transportation Services and Issues. 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

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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 Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton. Further information is available at dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 4589090 x2827. Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with the Coatesville Youth Initiative Steering Committee, meets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the third Thursday of every other month in the fourth floor meeting room of the Brandywine Health Foundation, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Further information is available from Jarvis Berry, CTC community mobilizer, at jberry@brandywinefoundation.org or (610) 380-9080 x105.

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 MyCareer 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 Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On March 8, human resources executive Matt Levy will discuss How to Use Social Media to Turbo Charge Your Job Search. Further information and required registration is 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

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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 A new 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: Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, at St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor Avenue (Route 322), in the parish meeting room behind the school at the back of the property. 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, 601 First Avenue. Further information is available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398. Media -- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays for GetWorks, at Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike, or in the St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 North Providence Road. Further information is available at (610) 566-3944. 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 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Childrens Chapel, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 290 State Road, West Grove. On February 26, State Rep. John Lawrence will discuss unemployment insurance and resources for job-seekers and small businesses. Further information is available from John Colgan at johnfcolgan@gmail.com. Additional information on all St. Josephs People chapters is available at www.josephspeople.org.

UPDATED LAST WEEK: Many New Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job Openings Report February 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 monthly workshops offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Chester County office in Coatesville. These trainings, including a new Resume Re-Invention Workshop for Professionals, provide a wide range of information, including a PA CareerLink services orientation, and various basic and advanced job seeking skills and information. There also are several organization job fair opportunities posted to the Calendar A full calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops is available at http://pachestercounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/15540. Persons interested in seminars may register at (610) 384-9393.

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A several-page monthly consolidated Job Openings Report and statistical information on the local labor market are available at www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/15671. 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

Free Computer Basics for Job-Seekers Classes Phoenixville Public Library will start twice-monthly Computer Basics for Job-Seekers classes this month to assist the unemployed and underemployed with learning tasks such as using Microsoft Word to create and format a resume, saving a resume file and e-mailing it as an attachment, uploading and copying/pasting a resume to a job application, basic Web navigation, completing an online application, and using Indeed to find job listings and apply for employment. Adult Services Director Mark Pinto and computer tutor Ann Roehm will provide the two-hour workshop starting at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays and 2 p.m. on the fourth Wednesdays of the month in the librarys Community Education Room at 183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville. Participants must be able to use a computer keyboard and mouse. Further information and required registration for limited seating are available at http://ereserve.ccls.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp, mpinto@ccls.org or (610) 933-3013 x132.

Free Housing Counseling Classes Offered Genesis Housing Corporation is providing housing counseling classes in Pottstown and Norristown to assist prospective homeowners in acquiring their own homes, including affordable units the organization has renovated. Classes on Understanding Credit, Money Management and Home Buying Basics are offered monthly in Norristown and periodically in Pottstown, with further information available at www.genesishousing.org/counseling_schedule2.html#counselingregistrationform, info@genesishousing.org or (610) 275-4357.

Montgomery County Kicks Off Yearlong Distracted Driver Prevention Campaign Montgomery County Health Department and a consortium of state, county and local organizations have joined together in a yearlong campaign to reduce distracted driving. The awareness and prevention effort adopts the AT&T It Can Wait campaign that includes community events, health fairs, high school and corporate outreach, and involvement in online and digital communications. Authorities said there were 1,224 motor vehicle accidents attributed to distracted driving in Montgomery County in 2012, including five involving fatalities and 614 with injuries.

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Campaign features include an online pledge to not text while driving and a texting and driving simulator, available at www.itcanwait.com. Further information about the Montgomery County initiative is available at www.montcopa.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/1665, kkucz@montcopa.org or (610) 2785117 x6787.

Pennsylvania Near Bottom in Tobacco Cessation Mitigation American Lung Association claims that Pennsylvania is near the bottom as it relates to tobacco prevention and cessation advocacy efforts. In its annual State of Tobacco Control report, the organization gives the state an F for both tobacco prevention and requiring health insurance coverage for cessation programs, and a C for both smoke-free air laws and tax rates on tobacco. The association claims the economic cost from smoking in Pennsylvania exceeds $9.4 billion annually, including 20,024 smoking attributable deaths, 6,395 lung cancer deaths, and 4,971 respiratory disease deaths. It says over one in five adults, or 21.4%, smoke, with an 18.6% high school and a 3.4% middle school smoking rate. Further information is available at www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org/stategrades/pennsylvania.

Chester Valley Trail Phase II Opens The second 5.8-mile phase of the Chester Valley Trail, from the Uptown Worthington development at Routes 29 and 202, east to Old Schoolhouse Road in Tredyffrin Township, has opened, creating a 9.8 mile trek from Exton Park. Phase III construction is scheduled to begin next month, adding another 1.25 miles and connect the countys Exton Park site with Ironlake Boulevard in Exton. It will include a signalized trail crossing at Route 30 and North Ship Road. Another one-mile section, Phase Iva, will continue the trail from Main Street at Exton west to the Oaklands Corporate Center. Publicly accessible trailhead locations to the Trail include Chester Countys Exton Park site, 132 Church Farm Lane at Exton; East Whitelands Battle of the Clouds Park at 125 North Phoenixville Pike in Malvern; and East Whiteland Municipal Building, 209 Conestoga Road, Frazer. A new trailhead for Phase II is being constructed on Warner Road in Upper Merion Township in Montgomery County. A program on how the Chester County Railroad became the Chester County Trail is being presented on Sunday, February 16 at the Chester County Library in Exton. Further information and registration is available in the Calendar of Events. Further information on the Chester County Trail, including maps, is available at https://pachestercounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=1239.

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Prison Re-Entry Resource Guide Available Prison Re-Entry Network of the Philadelphia area has developed a new online resource guide to assist individuals being released from prison and those seeking to assist them during the re-entry process. In addition to resources, the initiative also includes a Learning Center and Library and information on legislation, support and advocacy, and a personal health record. The website is available at www.prisonsociety.org/#!prisonerreentrynetwork/c18y5.

(800) FIX-ROAD Pothole Reports Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) receives information on needed pothole repair by telephone or e-mail. The service, that also includes reporting of stormwater and drainage concerns and trafficrelated concerns, or property damage incurred by PennDOToperations, is available at (800) FIX-ROAD, (800) 349-7623 or www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/web.nsf/HomepageWithFooter?OpenFrameSet&Frame=main& Src=%2FInternet%2Fweb.nsf%2FContactUsCCC%3FOpenForm%26AutoFramed. Municipal road issues should be reported to local governments.

Nearly One in Five American Adults with Diagnosable Mental Illness The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that nearly one in five American adults experienced a diagnosable mental illness in 2012, consistent with 2011 findings, with only 41 percent receiving any mental health services during the past year. The agency also reported that of those with a serious mental illness, only 62.9 percent received treatment, with the top three reasons given for not receiving help were not being able to afford the cost, feeling they could handle the problem without treatment, or didnt know where to find services. In addition, 2.2 million youth ages 12 to 17, or 9.1 percent of this population, experienced a major depressive episode in 2012, with these young people being over three times more likely to have a substance use disorder (16.0 percent) than their counterparts who hadnt experienced a major depressive episode (5.1 percent). The new SAMHSA findings also determined that nine million American adults 18 years and older (3.9 percent) had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, with 1.1 percent making suicide plans and 0.6 percent attempting suicide. The report is available at www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k12MH_FindingsandDetTables/Index.aspx.

Utility, Heating and Weatherization Assistance Available Pennsylvania residents may be eligible for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Prgoram (LIHEAP) funds during the winter, along with other utility subsidies and assistance, including energy and water, throughout the year.

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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. Through Friday, April 4, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is receiving applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that assists low-income families with heating bills through a cash grant sent directly to a heating provider. The program also provides crisis grants for households in immediate danger of being without heat, including broken equipment. Applicants do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill, and can either rent or own. Further information and eligibility information are available at www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap or (800) 692-7462. 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.

Free Venison Program Benefits Food Banks Chester County Food Bank has partnered with Hunters Share the Harvest to distribute venison to the 90 food cupboards, meal sites and social services organization that it serves. Under the program, hunters donate deer that is processed without charge by area butchers and then given to the food bank. Further information is available at www.sharedeer.org, info@sharedeer.org or (717) 5451188.

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 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.

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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

General Guidelines for Information Submission: Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure for new subscribers, persons who don't read the list every week, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling opposite an event or might want to collaborate with another in the area. For annual events, 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 might like to attend) 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:

We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small 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, and a participant has 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.