ANOTHER VIEW!!

Our E-Update, Calendar of Events and E-Update Resources

TM
, along with
supplemental updates of these and other information, now are available at
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A supplemental Page for weather and emergency-preparedness related
information
also has been established at
www.facebook.com/pages/Tranformation-Initiative-Emergency-
Preparedness/1481759185370701?ref=hl

You do not have to be a Facebook user to access the page
but do need to be a user to access other than basic features.
Like and Get Notifications on a Page to obtain updates during the week.



PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
Week of May 4, 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.

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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 Resources
TM
: 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)
Art Exhibit in Wood Malvern.
Congressional Art Show New Holland.
Student and Adult Art Classes Coatesville.
Wood Works Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Washington and Lafayette Enactment King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Parent Special Education Workshop West Grove and Phoenixville.
Preventing Senior Financial Fraud Presentation Harleysville.
Model of Grief Support New Holland.
Getting the Job You Want Workshop Exton.
Law Enforcement Memorial Service West Chester.
Medicare 101 Workshop Paoli.
Parent Special Education Workshop Phoenixville.
Videography Lighting Workshops Berwyn.
Dyslexia Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Special Mental Health Movie Night Phoenixville.
Living Well After Cancer Presentation Exton.
Student Art Show Reception Berwyn.
Photographing Valley Forge Photo Excursion King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Air Show Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.
Horse Show and Country Fair - Coatesville
Personal Shredding Downingtown and Oaks.
Electronics Recycling Chesterbrook.
SKYWARN Spotter Training Eagleview.
Preserving Photographic Memories Workshop Exton.
Community Day Chester Springs (West Vincent Township).
Disabilities Housing Options Workshop Willow Grove.

Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Art Exhibit in Wood Malvern.
Congressional Art Show New Holland.
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Student and Adult Art Classes Coatesville.
Wood Works Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Introduction to Franchising Workshop West Chester.
Nutritional Changes with Alzheimers Presentation New Holland.
Medicare 101 Workshop Exton.
Special Education Transitioning Workshop West Grove.
Special Needs Vocational Assistance Workshop West Chester.
Backyard Beekeeping Presentation Strafford.
Planning for Future Living Presentation Worcester.
Kids Party in the Park Malvern.
Alzheimers Family Workshop Kennett Square.
Debt Reduction Workshop Exton.
Public Transportation Plan Comment Session Exton.
Stop Smoking Now! Series West Chester.
Seeing Flowers Presentation Malvern.
Children Activities Parent Workshop Malvern.
Post Adoption and GrandFamilies Support West Chester.
Videography Sound Gathering Workshop Berwyn.
Can You Hear Me Now? Hearing Presentation West Chester.
Caring for Aging Parents Presentation Paoli.
Business Cash Flow Workshop Kennett Square.
Social Media and Business Networking Workshop Oxford.
Photographing Valley Forge Photo Excursion King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Personal Shredding Downingtown.
Hazardous Waste Collection Pottstown.
Little Free Library Competition and Mini Maker Fair Exton.
Brandywine Battle Re-Enactment West Chester.
State Rep. Corbins Veterans Picnic Downingtown.

New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Energy Independence Day Celebration Modena.
Foundations of Investing Presentation Exton.
Protecting Against Elder Financial Abuse Presentation Phoenixville.
Leonard Bernstein: American Idol, American Idealist Presentation Phoenixville.
First-Time Home Buyers Workshop Phoenixville.
Photographing Valley Forge Photo Excursion King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
King of Prussia Railroads Author Discussion Exton.
State Rep. Verebs Youth Fishing Derby Collegeville Rescheduled from May 3
Antiques Roadshow Appraisal Session Exton.
Childrens Mental Health Elmwood Zoo Day Norristown.

Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongo-
ing 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.

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UPDATED THIS WEEK: State Rejects Chesco Public Information Secrecy Blanket
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) has told Chester County it will have to
come up with a better reason to withhold documents that apparently describe how the
County will let the public know what is going on during a disaster.

A hearing officer has given the County until Friday, May 9, to submit specific reasons why
Casey Jones, publisher of this E-Update newsletter, is unable to review county procedures
for dissemination of information to the public during a crisis.

Jones originally had been denied a state Right to Know Law request, with the County
claiming that two documents, in their entirety, were subject to homeland security and public
safety exceptions to public disclosure. Jones appealed this decision to OOR.

The publisher has been advocating for some two and a half years for County improvement
to communications procedures with its residents during potential and actual disasters such
as hurricanes, tropical storms, ice and other winter storms, and floods, saying information
dissemination is inadequate and unreliable to enable the public to make informed decisions
for protection of their lives and property.

The state, in correspondence with the parties, provided support to Jones Right to Know
position, determining that an affidavit submitted by the County that the documents had
blanket exemption from public disclosure is conclusory in nature (and) (c)onclusory
statements in an affidavit are insufficient for an agency to meet its burden of proof.

Jones had agreed to a time extension of the matter before the OOR that enables the County
to provide specific reasons why all or portions of the documents are exempt. He contends
the County cannot withhold a document from public disclosure simply by declaring it
exempt.

A final determination of the appeal now is expected by June 6.

Further information about the action is available at our online Page at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: PaCareerLink Closing Coatesville, Opening at Exton
Wednesday, May 14 - Monday, May 19
PA CareerLink-Chester County will be closing its long-time Coatesville office next week and
opening the following week in Suite 500, 479 Thomas Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate
Center at Exton.

The office will close in Coatesville on Wednesday, May 14, for the move and will re-open
Monday, May 19 at the new location. Its full schedule of workshops will resume in June. A
calendar of activities is available at www.chesco.org/documentcenter/view/17414.

The office will have a new telephone number of (610) 280-1010.

As reported here last month, PA CareerLink and other employment and family assistance
programs, in a series of moves, will be co-locating at the new site with an expanding
Chester County Financial Stability Center.

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The Coatesville Area Senior Center, currently located at 22 North 5th Avenue, then will
move, following renovations, into the current PA CareerLink location at 250 Harmony Street,
Coatesville.

Under the re-location scenario, as previously reported, many different services will be
housed in the two adjacent Exton facilities to help create one-stop support for both job-
seeker and other financial assistance programs.

Further information is available at our online Page at www.facebook.com/TransformationIni.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Heroin Epidemic Town Hall Information Meetings Monday,
May 5 and Sunday, May 18; Year-Around Prescription Drug Drop Boxes Working
Town Hall community education meetings have been scheduled this month in Berwyn and
Oxford to acquaint residents on what is being described as an epidemic of youth switching
from prescription drugs to heroin, resulting in drug overdose deaths.

The first session , from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., May 5, at Keene Hall, Tredyffrin Township
Building, 1100 DuPortail Road, Berwyn, and the second meeting, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.,
May 18, at the Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, are part of an ongoing
Kaycies Cause campaign, named after 23-year-old Kaycie Rumford of Kennett Square who
died last March of a heroin overdose.

At the same time, Drug Take Back collection boxes at area police departments also are
starting to produce results.

Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan reports that over 350 pounds of unused
medicines have been disposed of at Chester County locations to date, with the drive
attempting to keep unused prescription drugs out of the hands of youth and adults, along
with water supplies.

Prescription drugs are being described as the gateway to heroin and other illegal drugs, with
youth and adults of all ages taking pills from unlocked medicine cabinets and ingesting them
indiscriminately. When prescription drugs no longer are available, users turn to heroin
because it currently is cheaper than prescription drugs, officials report. Hogan says the
problem is particularly acute in white, middle and upper-income families.

Traces of drugs also are turning up in municipal water supplies according to the federal
Environmental Protection Agency, presumably due to persons disposing of them in sinks and
toilets.

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Services provides an online list for local
collection locations throughout the state at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1677241&mode=2&utm_source
=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2fporta
l%2fserver.pt%3fopen%3d514%26objID%3d1677241%26mode%3d2&utm_campaign=Hap
py+New+Year.

A downloadable brochure of 18 Chester County collection sites that can be printed out and
posted or distributed is available at http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/17354.

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Information on the Berwyn Town Hall meeting, hosted by Tredyffrin Township Police, is
available at www.tredyffrin.org/residents/event-calendar/-item-1632, police@tredyffrin.org
or (610) 644-3221.

Information on the Oxford Town Hall meeting is available at
www.kaciescause.com/resources/oxford-town-hall-flyer.pdf, opc@oxfordpresbyterian.org or
(610) 932-9640.


NEW LAST WEEK: New Chesco Healthcare Discount Program Available
Chester County is making available a program to allow residents to obtain discounts on
vision care, LASIK and PRK vision procedures, hearing aids and screenings, prepaid lab
work, prepaid diagnostic imaging and diabetic supplies, along with prescriptions.and dental
costs.

The initiative is provided through the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership
with CVS Caremark, for savings on auxiliary healthcare services not included currently
under the Affordable Care Act.

No annual limits are placed on use, with no waiting period or forms to fill out. The plan
starts at $6.95 a month or $69 a year for individuals, and $8.95 monthly or $79 annually
for families.

The initiative joins discount card programs already in place for prescriptions and dental
services, with the County reporting that residents have saved nearly 118,000 residents
$600,000 through the prescription program in the past five years, with the dental program,
which started in 2011, having saved participants between 20 to 50 percent on services.

Further information on the new Health Discount Card, along with existing prescription and
dental programs, is available through the Chester County Health Department at
www.chesco.org/health or (610) 344-6225.


Free Series of Healthcare Education Workshops May
Jenerations Health Education will conduct a series of workshops for healthcare workers at
various area locations during April and May.

Ethically Handling End of Life Issues With Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia will be
held from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesday May 13, at Maris Grove, 100 Maris Grove Way,
Glen Mills. Nursing, NHA, social work and case manager credits will be provided, with CLE
credits pending. Further information and required registration are available with Susie at
(610) 387-4566.

Dealing With Difficult & Challenging Family Members will be presented from 8 a.m. to
11:30 a.m., including breakfast, on Wednesday, May 14, at The Birches at Arbor Square,
695 Main Street, Harleysville. Nursing, NHA, social work and case manager credits will be
provided, with CLE and PCA credits pending. Further information and required registration
are available with Julie at (215) 541-3702.


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Great American Cleanup Pennsylvania Free Beautification Disposal Through
Tuesday, May 5; Free Cleanup Supplies Now Through Saturday, May 31
Community and civic associations, school and youth groups, families and friends, business
employees, hunting and fishing clubs, conservation organizations, sports teams, and others
are organizing Great American Cleanup Pennsylvania events at various areas throughout the
region.

Through May 31 organizations can receive free cleanup supplies, such as bags, gloves and
vests, from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep America
Beautiful.

In addition, during Pick It Up PA Days from April 12 to May 5, registered events have access
to free disposal through a Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Waste
Industries Association and participating landfills partnership.

Further information is available at www.gacofpa.org. Information also is available about
Pennsylvanias Highway Beautification Program at
http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/Bureaus/pdHwyBeau.nsf/AAHHome?OpenFrameset.

Many local cleanup activities are listed at
www.gacofpa.org/greatpacleanup/GPCMainSearch.asp.


NEW LAST WEEK: Turnpike Commission to Display Total Reconstruction and
Widening Plans for Route 29 Interchange Thursday, May 8
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will hold an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 8
at the Great Valley Middle School, 255 Phoenixville Pike, Malvern, to discuss proposed final
engineering plans for improvements to the Turnpike's Total Reconstruction and Widening
project located on I-76 between the Downingtown and Route 29 E-ZPass Only interchanges.

Further information for the project corridor, to include total reconstructing and widening,
covers Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, West Pikeland, and Charlestown townships in Chester
County, is available at www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/mp312to319.


Free Trauma Impact on Education Workshop Saturday, May 10
A workshop on traumas impact on children and education will be held from 8:30 a.m. to
noon on May 10 at Greater Deliverance Church, 800 South 1
st
Avenue, South Coatesville.

Participants will learn the relationship between trauma symptoms and school function,
including poor academic performance and school behavior.

The session, hosted by the Chester County Coalition for Public Education Trauma Committee
in partnership with the Coateville Area NAACP and One Voice for the Coatesville Area School
District, will include breakfast and Act 48 education and social work credits.

Further information and required registration is available at
www.surveymonkey.com/s/3L9J58X or (484) 378-0950.


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NEW LAST WEEK: Chesco Public Transportation Plan Comment Period Open
Through Wednesday, May 28; Public Information Meeting - Wednesday, May 14
The Chester County Planning Commission will hold a May 14 public information meeting on
its draft of a new Chester County Public Transportation Plan, with public comment being
received through May 28.

The public session will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 28 in the Struble Room of the
Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, with public comments able to be
made by e-mail to Brian Styche, project manager, at bstyche@chesco.org or to the
Commission at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester.

The plan was developed as a 25-year vision of public transportation for Chester County to
provide an affordable, reliable, and accessible public transportation network to offer
mobility, encourage favorable land use patterns, sustain the environment, and alleviate
congestion within designated growth areas.

Created over a two-year period in coordination with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning
Commission, public transportation agencies that serve Chester County, chambers of
commerce, and municipal representatives, it is designed to become an element amendment
to the Countys Landscapes2 comprehensive plan. Two interim public meetings were held
during the development period in April 2013 and February 2014.

The document is available at www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/17264.


NEW LAST WEEK: Chester County Library Undertaking Impact Survey Through
Sunday, May 18
Chester County Library System is conducting an online survey to help determine how
patrons use the librarys computers and Internet connection and how this service has made
a positive impact on their lives.

Information gathered will be used to help the library improve technology services and
communicate the value of providing free access to computers and the Internet within the
community.

The survey, available in English and Spanish, is available at
www.ccls.org/cwo/Home/More_Info/Impact.


Free Elder Justice Day Workshop Set Wednesday, May 21
Chester County Elder Abuse Taskforce will host a workshop for the public and human
services agencies from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 21 at Westminster Presbyterian Church,
19 West Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester.

Presentations will include guardianships, the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals office, scams,
powers of attorney, understanding the court system, and the Chester County Department of
Aging Services

Further information and requested registration are available at http://pa-
chestercounty.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/370 or (610) 344-6035.


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NEW THIS WEEK: Free Human Services Agencies Business Disaster Summit
Thursday, May 29
United Way of Chester County and Chester County First, a regional planning group of
business continuity planners and security professionals, will host a Business Continuity and
Disaster Preparedness Summit for human services organizations from 8:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. May 29 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center, 137 Modena Road,
South Coatesville.

The workshop will discuss building a human services agency disaster preparedness and
recovery plan, with a November 18 followup session involving plan analysis and a table-top
exercise.

Further information and required registration for the event, which includes breakfast and
lunch, is available at ellen.stoltzfus@unitedwaychestercounty.org or (610) 429-9400.


NEW LAST WEEK: PennDOT Seeks Public Input on Transportation Priorities
Through Friday, May 30
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking online public comment in
regard to transportation priorities and investments to help update the states long range
transportation plan and develop its first comprehensive freight movement plan.

The survey is available through May 30 at http://paontrack.metroquest.com.


More Individuals to Be Mandated Reporters of Suspected Child Abuse Effective
Monday, June 16 and Wednesday, December 31
Governor Corbett has signed four laws that expand and further define mandatory reporters
of suspected child abuse and the reporting process, increase penalties for those failing to
report suspected abuse, and provide protections from employment discrimination for filing a
good faith report of child abuse.

Mandatory reporters now will include anyone who comes in contact with a child, or is
directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of a child.

Several of the new laws follow recommendations from a November 2012 report of the
Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Protection.

One of the laws takes effect June 16, with the remainder on December 31.

Further information is available at
www.pa.gov/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?agency=PAGovNews&item=15508#.U026PFdTaO4.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings
(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
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.

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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 May 14, the group will discuss summer program planning at the Bayard Taylor
Memorial Library, 216 East State Street, Kennett Square. 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 May 14, the group will meet at The Garage Community and Youth Center,
115 South Union 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.

Lancaster County 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 for
services cross-trainings and exchange of information on creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door
resource for older adults and adults with disabilities, including consumers, family members
and others, seeking information about local resources. On May 15, Brian Duke,
Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary, will address a combined meeting of the
Lancaster, Berks and Lebanon County LINKs, followed by Angela Smoyer, regional housing
coordinator with the Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania (SDHP). On
June 19, Zachary Landes and Kevin Murphy of HGSK Law Firm will present Legal
Perspectives on Social Security Disability at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, 75 East
James Street, Lancaster. Further information is available from Brian Long, coordinator, at
http://linktest2.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/march-meeting-notice.pdf,
LancasterCountyLINK@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 May 27, Surrey Services and Highgate
Village will present. On June 24, Tel Hai Retirement Community and Maternal and Child
Health Consortium of Chester County will provide information. 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.

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
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living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. Additional information is available from
Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.

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 July 10, a date change due to the July 4 holiday, the group will meet at
Neighborhood Agencies, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester. Further information is available
from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.

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. On May 8, Al Meyer, referral
development manger at Guadenzia, will discuss Bath Salts and Synthetic Marijuana.
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. On May 20, Sarah Marion of Holcomb Behavioral Health will discuss
gambling addictions and prevention. Further information is 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 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. On Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to
6:30 p.m., a different night and time, human resources professional Matt Levy will
discuss use of LinkedIn for a job search. Further information for Barnabas Group
activities is available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171.
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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 May 10, Amy Thul-Sigler, assistant
director for Penn State Alumni Career Services Department, will discuss Writing
Effective Resumes. 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 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. On May 13, starting at 7 p.m., a
different starting time, human resources professional Matt Levy will discuss use
of LinkedIn for a job search. 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. On
May 6, Barbarea and Paul Stoyell-Mulholland, chapter leaders for the SMM
Employment Network, will discuss Acing the Phone or Skype Interview: Tips and
Tricks at St. Mary Magdalen Church. 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 new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. Further information is available from John Colgan at
johnfcolgan@gmail.com.
- 13 -

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


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Many New Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job
Openings Report May-June
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 new Exton offices, starting in June.

These trainings include a new Resume Re-Invention Workshop for Professionals,
Overcoming the Age Barrier, Job Search and Networking Online, along with an orientation
presentation as to what PA CareerLink has to offer.

A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops is available at
www.chesco.org/documentcenter/view/17414.

A several-page monthly consolidated Job Openings Report and statistical information on the
local labor market are available http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/17996. 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


Red Cross Adds Pet First Aid Cell Phone App
American Red Cross has added a pet first aid cell phone application to its list of free apps
available for download.

The feature includes step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for
storing a tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a
veterinarian, an animal hospital locator, and how to include pets in emergency preparedness
plans.

Additional apps are available for tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, first aid, shelters finder,
swim and flood emergencies.

Further information and download links are available at www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-
first-aid-app.


Rep. Kampf Starts New Job-Seeker Newsletter
Pennsylvania Representative Warren Kampf has started a new monthly e-mail Career
Connection newsletter as a source for job-seekers to think about new approaches to
employment, obtain guidance through career obstacles or movements and learn more about
local employers.
- 14 -

Further information and signup for the publication are available at
http://www.repkampf.com/emailoptin.aspx?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm
_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.repkampf.com%2femailoptin.aspx&utm_campaign=Virtual+Jo
b+Fair+and+Career+News, DO157@pahousegop.com or (610) 251-2876.


Federal Labor Department Issues Young Peoples Self-Sufficiency Guidebook
U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new publication, Mentoring Youth and Young
Parents: A Guidebook for Programs Helping Youth and Young Parents Navigate a Pathway to
Self-Sufficiency.

It is available at http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=4681.


Chester County Register of Wills Making Free House Calls
Chester County Register of Wills Terri Clark is making pre-scheduled appointments to
hospices, nursing facilities, hospitals, and private homes to execute legal documents
pertaining to marriage licenses and notarizing power-of-attorneys for those who are non-
ambulatory or in last stages of life.

There is no cost for the on-site visit but standard service fees will apply.

Further information and scheduling is available at (610) 344-6335.


Summer Youth Camps Signups Underway
Registrations are underway for both the summer State Police Camp Cadet, and Camp
Dreamcatcher for HIV/AIDS infected and/or affected youth.

Camp Cadet, for youth ages 12 to 15, or 11 to 13 in Chester County, is designed to
introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive
relationship between youth and law enforcement personnel. It is structured similar
to training at the police academy and focuses on discipline, self-esteem, teamwork,
drug and alcohol education, violence prevention and many other issues facing
todays youth.

Further information about locations throughout the state and registration information
for limited enrollment are available at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=4451&&PageID=461143&
mode=2.

Camp Dreamcatcher, held the week of August 17-23 at Camp Saginaw at Oxford,
provides therapeutic and educational programs for HIV/AIDS infected and/or affected
youth from ages five to 17 in age-appropriate groups.

Further information is available at www.campdreamcatcher.org,
campdreamcatcher@kennett.net or (610) 925-2998.


- 15 -
Coatesville Farmers Market Leaving City
Coatesville Farmer's Market, which has been operating Saturdays during the summer at
Gateway Park at the intersection of Lincoln Highway and South 1st Avenue in Coatesville, is
moving to the Brandywine Hospital, 201 Reeceville Road.

The market now will be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.

Further information is available at www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleFarmersMarket or
coatesvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com.


Chester County Starts Public Access Mapping with Mental Health
Chester County Department of Human Services has started a process to map client services
to assist the public and services providers in understanding how to access them.

The first System of Care initiatives include Child Early Intervention and Mental Health
Services, along with Adult Mental Health Services. Supplemental guides provide additional
information about various aspects of such services, including terminology.

Additional agencies currently are developing similar documents.

The single-page maps and the supplemental guides are available at
www.chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=617.


Chester County Joins Phone App Community
Chester County has released both iPhone and Android apps to assist individuals with
obtaining information on some county services.

Current links include County government news, a calendar of meetings, events and health
clinics, County parks and trails, courts information, emergency alerts through ReadyNotify
PA, a directory of social services, land use planning, details and locations of all Chester
County government department offices, available County jobs, inspection reports for all
restaurants and food handling operations, and links to Chester Countys social media
communication and YouTube channel.

Seasonal functions, such as election results, will be added during the year.

The free app is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and can
be found by Chesco or ChescoCONNECT key word search.

Chester joins Montgomery County which unveiled its government app, Go Montco, last
August that includes News, Calendar, Parks & Trails, Staff Directory, Frequently Asked
Questions, Requests for Proposals and Bids, Jobs and more.

A Lancaster County Exploration Guide also is available through the Pennsylvania Dutch
Country tourism program.


(800) FIX-ROAD Pothole Reports
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) receives information on needed
pothole repair by telephone or e-mail.

- 16 -
The service, that also includes reporting of stormwater and drainage concerns and traffic-
related 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.


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/1102570574404-
1463/FREE+Medical+Transportation.pdf or (610) 925-3556. Information also is available
from partner agencies at
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102570574404-
1419/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/1102570574404-
1464/ride+for+health+brochure.pdf.


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.

Further information is available at http://pa-
chestercounty.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/16098 or from Kevin Zeeger, lead
hazard control program coordinator, at kzeeger@chesco.org or (610) 344-6725.


Fishing and Boating Reports Available
Pennsylvania State Fish and Boat Commission provides regional fishing, boating and
waterway reports for areas throughout the state at www.fish.state.pa.us/splashes.htm.


- 17 -
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 aware-
ness.


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.

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:
- 18 -
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.