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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS

IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of April 17, 2016

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources
and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them
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-2-

2009-2016 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities

Through Healthy Families. Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or noncommercial uses only.

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly each week
or month.
UPDATED LAST WEEK: 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.
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)

Camps Cadet Various Pennsylvania Locations.
Walking Girls to Success Series Honey Brook.
Bird Walks Audubon.
College Admissions Workshops Strafford.
Parenting and Children Time Pottstown.
Parent Cafes Pottstown.
Art Show Audobon.
Scenes from Historic Yellow Spring Art Show Malvern.
Art Classes Kennett Square.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good, Feel Better for Women Various Locations.
Budgeting Workshop Exton.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training South Coatesville.
Medicare 101 Workshop Exton.
Painfree Running Presentation Strafford.
Criminal Justice Careers Day Blue Bell.
iPad Tips Presentation Berwyn.
Protecting Pollinators Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Protecting Our Kids Presentation Paoli.
Savvy College Consumer Presentation Exton.
Veteran and Families Finances Workshops Coatesville.
Special Needs Transitions Planning Chat-n-Chew West Chester.
Prescribe-A-Trail Walk Phoenixville.
Veteran ID Discount Card Applications Kennett Square.
Skate Party Havertown.

-3-

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) South Coatesville.

Business Quarterly Breakfast Blue Bell.
Mayors Poverty Commission Hearing on Education Lancaster.
College for Those With Disabilities Orientation Downingtown.
Wilderness Survival Presentation and Exercise Phoenixville and Pottstown
(Warwick).
Nonprofit Repositioning Workshop Exton.
Barclay Park Dedication West Chester.
A-Day (Activities Day) Doylestown.
Kids Trout Rodeo Pottstown (Lower Pottsgrove Township).
Kids Fishing Derby Huntingdon Valley.
Childrens Dental Sealant Day Pottstown.
Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Presentation Strafford.
Orchestra Forum New Holland.

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

Camps Cadet Various Pennsylvania Locations.
Walking Girls to Success Series Honey Brook.
Bird Walks Audubon.
College Admissions Workshops Strafford.
Parenting and Children Time Pottstown.
Parent Cafes Pottstown.
Art Show Audobon.
Scenes from Historic Yellow Spring Art Show Malvern.
Art Classes Kennett Square.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good, Feel Better for Women Various Locations.
Wilderness Survival Demonstration Hike Pottstown (Warwick).
Reading with the Park Ranger Oxford.
Parkinsons Falls Presentation New Holland.
Student Sexual Assault Prevention Presentation Downingtown.
The Iditarod Alaskan Dog Sled Race Presentation Exton.
Meet the Business Lenders King of Prussia.
Housing Conversation Pottstown.
Buying a Car Workshop Exton.
Transition Planning for Special Needs Students Presentation West Chester.
Checking Account Accessibility Workshop Coatesville.
State Sen. Aument Town Hall Meeting New Holland.
Shingles Clinic West Chester.
College for Those With Disabilities Orientation West Grove.
3D Printing Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Squirrel Galley Art Show Malvern.
Humanity Fest Lancaster.
Plant Swap Coatesville (Wagontown).
State Rep. Milne Shredding, Recycling and Prescription Drug Take Back Malvern.
Skywarn Spotter Training Chestertown, Md.
Womens Expo Manheim.
Horse Shoe Trail Long Distance Hike Pottstown (Warwick).
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - Various Area Locations.
Prescribe-A-Trail Walk Phoenixville.

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New:

Sheep and Wool Day Glenmoore.

Reversing Pre-Diabetes Presentation -0xford.
Art Thieves Author Discussion Berwyn.
War Room Movie Showing for National Day of Prayer Coatesville.
Local Musicians Concert New Holland.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Camps Cadet Various Pennsylvania Locations.
Walking Girls to Success Series Honey Brook.
Introduction to 3D Printing Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Help Grieving Children Seminars Exton/Lionville.
Community Conversations with Montgomery County Commissioners Pottstown,
Norristown, Pennsburg, Glenside, Lansdale and Bryn Mawr
Tame Those Tantrums for Parents Chat-n-Chew Presentation West Chester.
Women in Leadership: Ready for Today and Tomorrow Workshop Blue Bell.
Birth Certificate Clinic Kennett Square.
Job Fair King of Prussia.
Resolution Hikes Nottingham and Atglen.
Flowers in the Forest Exploration Atglen.
Mindfulness in Nature Walk Glenmoore.
Hatfield History Hike Coatesville.
Family Law Workshop Coatesville.
Foundations of Money Management to Enable Checking Account Workshops
Coatesville.
Canvas Film Showing Lititz.
Frightening Friday the 13th Campfire Stories Nottingham.
Paws on the Path Dog Walk Nottingham and Atglen.
Coventryville Trout Club Kids Fishing Rodeo Pottstown (Warwick).
Backpacking 101 Orientation Coatesville (Wagontown.
Underwater Bugs Discovery Series Exploration Nottingham.
History & Secrets of Nottingham County Park Discovery Series Presentation
Nottingham.
Doggie Date Atglen.

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

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-5-

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UPDATED THIS WEEK: Human Service Block Grant Hearing Set Monday-Tuesday,
April 18-19; Public Comment Extended to Wednesday, April 27
Chester County Department of Human Services has extended its public written comment
period in regard to a $23.1 million proposed state Human Services Block Grant for the
2016-17 state fiscal year until Wednesday, April 27.
Scheduled public hearings are 4:30 p.m. April 18 in Suite 170, Government Services Center,
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, and 1:30 p.m. April 19 in the fourth floor Community
Room, Brandywine Health Center, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville.
The county is one of 20 in Pennsylvania to implement a five-year pilot process in which a
portion of its human services funding can be re-allocated for discretionary block grant
purposes.
The proposed plan is at http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/25725, with further
information at (610) 344-5262 and written comments submission to kbrauner@chesco.org.

NEW THIS WEEK: Second Platform to Employment (P2E) Cohort Being Recruited
Through Friday, April 29
Chester County residents, unemployed for 27 or more weeks or more weeks have an
opportunity to apply for the second round of a Platform to Employment (P2E) initiative that
has been billed as being successful for 80 percent of first-group participants in obtaining
new employment.
Applications for P2E are being received through April 29, with a Monday, May 9, start for a
five-week preparatory program, created by Connecticut-based The Work Place and designed
to address stated needs for long-term unemployed to return to work and employers to
recruit skilled workers.
P2 E provides job readiness training, support services and paid work experience with the
intent to secure jobs for the 25 individuals selected to participate in the project.
The initiative incorporates financial stability and mental health counseling to help address
stress factors encountered by long-term unemployed, using Family Service of Chester
County and Open Hearth, participants in the Pa CareerLink - Financial Stability Center
partnership, along with services provided by Josephs People unemployment support groups
and Chester County Economic Development Council programs.
Further information and applications are available at
www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/33076, www.platformtoemployment.com,
info@platformtoemployment.com or (203) 610-8492.

-6-

NEW THIS WEEK: Community Health Choices Planning Conversation Monday,

May 16
Several organizations will host a planning conversation on managed long term supports and
services (MLTSS) for Chester County from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 16 in the
Government Services Center cafeteria, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester.
Discussion by long term care representatives, consumer advocates and other key
stakeholders will focus on how the system, to be implemented by January 2018, will work,
who will be impacted and in what ways as the County partners with the new MLTSS
Community HealthChoices Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Further information and registration for limited seating is available at
https://chescodhstrainings.schedulemeappointments.com/?b2ZmZXJpbmdpZD0xODUx,
DHSTrainings@chesco.org or (610) 344-6640.

NEW THIS WEEK: Gnat Spraying Starts in Area Counties

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has started aerial spraying on
more than 1,600 stream miles in 39 Pennsylvania counties, including Chester, Berks and
Montgomery, to control black flies, also known as gnats.
The first aerial spraying took place April 11 on the Juniata, Schuylkill and Delaware rivers
and several of their smaller tributaries, with other waterways being treated as stream flows
and weather conditions allow, the agency reports.
The annual initiative is designed to reduce nuisance of black flies so Pennsylvanians can
enjoy the states waterways, officials said.
The said the department uses Bti, a naturally occurring bacterium, to treat the larval stage
of four specific human pest black fly species, saying it degrades quickly in the environment
and does not harm the aquatic ecosystem, birds, or other insects.
Further information is available at
www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/NewsRoomPublic/articleviewer.aspx?id=20965&typeid=1, with a story
from Lancaster Online on how Lancaster County is benefitting without having to share in the
cost at www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/enjoy-a-gnat-reduced-summer-thanks-toyork-and-other/article_3054c664-0347-11e6-b986-4b6cc082ada1.html.

NEW THIS WEEK: Reading Cited for Perfect Safer Streets Transportation Policy
City of Reading has received the first perfect score nation-wide for development of its Best
Complete Streets Policy.
The Smart Growth Americas National Complete Streets Coalition made the designation as a
result of the citys approval last year of a formal policy designed to help create safer streets
related to transportation.
Further information is available at www.bctv.org/special_reports/community/reading-scomplete-streets-policy-named-best-in-nation-from/article_0db286ce-00d0-11e6-bb1b6b732b8965c4.html#.VxGZEf6uC7E.facebook or (610) 374-3065.

-7-

NEW THIS WEEK: Medical Marijuana Bill Becomes Pennsylvania Law;

Implementation Still in the Future
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a medical marijuana bill but officials say it will take
about a year-and-a-half to implement.
The law allows dispensing of medical marijuana only as a pill, oil, tincture or liquid; in a
topical form, such as a gel, cream or ointment; or in a form medically appropriate for
vaporization or nebulization for 17 conditions.
Further information as to particulars is available at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/1036214346443816.

NEW LAST WEEK: How Long One Lives if Poor Depends on Where You Live
The New York Times is reporting The Rich Live Longer Everywhere. For the Poor,
Geography Matters.
An interactive, searchable map for our reporting area provides life expectancy of 40-yearolds with household incomes below $28,000, adjusted for race, at 79.6 years in
Montgomery County, 79.5 in Chester, 79 in Lancaster, 78.8 in Berks, 78.6 in Delaware, with
78.4 in Cecil, New Castle County, Del., and 77.3 in Cecil County, Md.
Further information is available at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/1033606193371298, with the interactive map
at www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/04/11/upshot/where-the-poor-live-longer-how-yourarea-compares.html.

NEW LAST WEEK: Action Sought to Help Mitigate Drug-Addicted Newborns

A group of child welfare advocates, organized by The Center for Childrens Justice, is asking
Pennsylvania government leaders to establish a state task force to help overcome the
number of drug-addicted newborns that have nearly doubled in four years.
PennLive is reporting that dozens of organizations want to see action to mitigate more than
7,500 Pennsylvania infants said to be covered by Medicaid that were diagnosed with
neonatal abstinence syndrome between 2010 and 2014 and to address other issues such as
ensuring proper care for babies born addicted to drugs including heroin and protecting
children being raised by addicted parents.
Further information is available at www.pennlive.com/news/2016/04/advocates_heroinaddicted_babi.html.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Emergency Responders and Autism Training Wednesday,
April 20
An Autism and Emergency Responders Seeing Beyond the Smoke training will be held
from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 20 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center,
137 Modena Road, South Coatesville.
The session, presented by Brian Focht, a State Fire Academy instructor and parent of a child
with autism, is designed to provide skills and knowledge required to respond appropriately
to traits of a person with an autism spectrum disorder and to use increased awareness to
develop community partnerships with schools and families.

-8-

Further information and required registration are available at

http://destraining.chesco.org/sites/destraining.chesco.org/files/users/239/Autism%20Flyer
%2020APR16.docx, jegillespie@chesco.org or (610) 344-4241.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Elderly Depression Training Thursday, April 21

Understanding Depression in the Elderly, with continuing education units (CEUs) for nurses,
social workers and case managers, will be held from 8 a.m. to 10:30 am. April 21 at the
Wellington at Hersheys Mills, 1361 Boot Road, West Chester.
Carol Sweeney, MA, RD, LDN, of Bayada Home Health Care will discuss the differences and
risk factors of depression, methodologies and tools for diagnosis and treatment options,
including medication management.
Further information and required registration is available at
dpaterno@benchmarkquality.com or (484) 653-1200.

Rep. Milne to Host Prescription Drug Take Back and Recycling Saturday, April 30
Pennsylvania Rep. Duane Milne will host his
annual Shredding, Recycling and Prescription
Drug Take Back Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in
the Penn State Great Valley Parking Lot, 30 East
Swedesford Road, Malvern.
The event, which traditionally has resulted in the highest collection of unused prescription
drugs in the area during the biannual Drug Enforcement Administrations nationallypromoted activity, also will include document shredding and small electronics and items
recycling.
Improper appropriation of unused prescription drugs from home medicine cabinets has been
identified as a leading cause of teenage and adult migration to heroin use in the Philadelphia
area and other parts of the country. Flushing of medicines has resulted in measurable
amounts being found in municipal water supplies.
Law enforcement officials coordinate Take Back activities at police departments,
supermarkets, drug stores and other locations that schedule the event from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m., with further information, including a searchable database of national locations
available starting Friday, April 1, at
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan recently reported that nearly two tons of
unused prescription drugs were collected last year through year-around secure drop boxes
at 19 county locations.
He reported 57 overdose deaths in 2015, with 42 involving prescription drugs.
Nationwide, more people are dying from prescription drug overdoses than from overdoses of
any and all illegal drugs, including heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines, he said.
A searchable database of Pennsylvania drop box locations, including hours of collection, is
available at https://apps.ddap.pa.gov/GetHelpNow/PillDrop.aspx.

-9-

Additional information for the Milne event is available at

www.duanemilne.com/Display/SiteFiles/92/OtherDocuments/Milne%20Recylcing%20flyer%
202%2016%2016.pdf, dmilne@pahousegop.com or (610) 251-1070.

Pottstown Rotating Shelter is Open Through April

Ministries at Main Street Pottstown shelter for the homeless is open at different community
churches for the winter.
Intakes will be processed, starting at noon weekdays, at Trinity Reformed United Church of
Christ (UCC) at 60 North Hanover Street. Sheltered individuals then will be transported to
St. James Lutheran Church, 1101 East High Street, during November; Christ Episcopal
Church, 316 East High Street, in December; St. Johns UCC in January; remain at Trinity
Reformed in February; St. Pauls UCC, 927 North Franklin Street in March; and First United
Methodist Church, 414 East High Street, in April.
Further information is available at www.ministriesatmainstreet.org/calendar.html or (610)
970-2444.

NEW LAST WEEK: National Weather Service to Stop Shouting Wednesday,

May 11
The National Weather Service (NWS), after decades of use, will stop "shouting" its alerts in
all capital letters and use upper and lower case.
Starting Wednesday, May 11, NWS will change its practice of using all capital letters, which
started when weather alerts were sent over teleprinters, basically typewriters hooked up to
telephone lines, that only allowed use of capital letters.
Although NWS first proposed changes in the 1990s to overcome what Internet speak refers
to as "shouting", it has taken years to phase out all the old equipment. Thus, the automatic
weather alerts that are posted to our Transformation Initiative Emergency Preparedness
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TransformationInitiative.EmergencyPreparedness will
take on a new look.
Further information on the change is available at www.noaa.gov/national-weather-servicewill-stop-using-all-caps-its-forecasts.

Free Look into the Future Connections 2045 Workshop Monday, May 2
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) will host a Connections 2045
workshop from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., May 2, at the Chester County Historical Society,
225 North High Street, West Chester, with others to be held in Philadelphia and New Jersey
on different dates.
The session is to gather opinions on what the future will look like, including forces such as
social, technological, economic, environmental, and political trends that can create sudden
and rapid change, affecting how people and places connect, particularly transportation
needs.

- 10 -

Further information and registration for the event, which includes a light dinner, are
available at www.dvrpc.ticketleap.com/connections-2045-chesco and the other events at
www.dvrpc.ticketleap.com, or (215) 238-2890.

Four-County Anti-Aggressive Driving Campaign Kicks Off - Through Tuesday,

May 3
Over 50 municipal police departments across Southeastern Pennsylvania will be combating
aggressive-driving for the next month as part of a statewide wave of law enforcement
activities.
Officers in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties will target motorists
exhibiting aggressive-driving behaviors such as running red lights, speeding and tailgating.
The effort, running through Tuesday, May 3, is part of the Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving
Enforcement and Education Project, funded through part of the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation (PennDOT) federal funds allocation from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
PennDOT provides the following tips if encountering an aggressive driver:
-- Get out of their way and don't challenge them;
-- Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact and ignore rude gestures; and
-- Don't block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the
traffic.
Further information on aggressive driving is available at www.justdrivepa.org/Traffic-SafetyInformation-Center/Aggressive-Driving.

NEW LAST WEEK: WIC Public Hearing Wednesday, May 18

Pennsylvania Department of Health will hold a public hearing in regard to the
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18
in Room 149, Goverment Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West
Chester.
The sessions are related to development of the 2017 State Plan of Program Operation and
Administration for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC.
Further information, including pre-registration for persons wishing to comment, is available
at
https://snt148.mail.live.com/mail/ViewOfficePreview.aspx?messageid=mgUqaTH3T65RGAk
QAhWtgBzg2&folderid=fl_4JWu82tNkiTlETUMO0XIQ2&attindex=3&cp=1&attdepth=3&n=6472903 or Bonnie Mellott at (717-783-1289. Written comments also
may be submitted.

Great American Cleanup of PA Underway Through Tuesday, May 31

Annual Great American Cleanup of PA, in which 128,000 volunteers collected six million
pounds of litter last year from Pennsylvanias roads, trails and shorelines, is in effect
through May 31.

- 11 -

During this period registered events can obtain free cleanup supplies, such as bags, gloves
and vests, from the Pennsylvania Department of Transporation (PennDOT) and Keep
America Beautiful. In addition, during Pick It Up PA Days, from April 16 to May 9,
registered events have access to reduced or free disposal.
Further information on Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is available at
www.keeppabeautiful.org, with details on the cleanup event at www.gacofpa.org.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
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 hear presentations from various services providers, discuss ways
to develop effective systems of care, help identify solutions to specific issues, and exchange
information about current and upcoming activities. On April 20, an attorney for Legal Aid
of Southern Pennsylvania will provide updates on current programs and opportunities
available for those facing various needs. Further information is available from Kathryn
Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets
from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area
locations, and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the third Tuesdays of the month at various
locations in Berks County for services cross-trainings and exchange of information on
creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door resources for older adults and adults with disabilities,
including consumers, family members and others, seeking information about local
resources. On April 21, at Lancashire Terrace Retirement Village, 6 Terrace Drive,
Lancaster, Lancashire Hall and Servants, Inc., will present. On May 19, at Long
Community at Highlands, 600 East Roseville Road, Lancaster, the group will hear from
Hamilton Relay | Pennsylvania TRS Outreach / CapTel (Captioned Telephones) and Keystone
Pet Enhanced Therapy System (KPETS). Further information is available at
http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from Brian Long, coordinator, at blllink@mail.com
or (717) 380-9714.
On April 19, the Berks County Group will meet at Manor at Market Place, 803 Penn Street,
Reading, for a presentation by Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped | Free
Library of Pennsylvania.
Bucks-Chester-Montgomery Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources
meets at various times and locations in the three counties. Further information and
suggested registration is available at www.buckschestermontgomerylink.weebly.com,
buckschestermontgomerylink@aim.com or (484) 364-6981.
Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from
various services providers. On April 26, presentations will be made by the Chester County
Library and TriCounty Community Network (TCN). On May 24, representatives of Health
Care Access, ResCare Home Care and Abilatools will speak. Additional information about
the group is available from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at
debbie.openhearth@verizon.net or (610) 792-9282 x201.

- 12 -

Chester County Faith Community Health Ministry Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15
p.m., on the first Thursday of each month, from September through June to exchange
information on promotion of holistic health within faith congregations and communities and
to develop additional faith community nurses, also known as parish nurses. Further
information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.
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 11, the meeting will be at First Baptist Church, 415 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.
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 the Government
Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. 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 June 3, it will learn about Faith-Based Collaborations and Success
Stories. Additional information is available from Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or
(610) 344-5262.
Communities That Care (CTC) groups in several Chester County school districts provide
networking opportunities for community organizations and individuals that use a planning
and mobilization model to promote healthy youth development and prevent and reduce
negative youth health and behavior issues that may include substance abuse, delinquency,
teen pregnancy, school drop-out, and violence.

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

Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May. On April 19, Valerie Melroy of Voice & Vision will
discuss From the Youths Perspective: How Communities Can Help Youth at the
Downingtown Area School District Administrative Offices, 570-Trestle Place,
Downingtown. Further information and registration are available at dtownctc@umly.org
or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

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

- 13 -

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) Job-Seeker 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 on Job-Seeker Group activities
is available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171.

Malvern Penn State Great Valleys Alumni Association and My Career Transitions
(MCT), an all-volunteer job counseling group, meets from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
the second Saturday of the month, except August and December, in 130 Main
Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. Further information and required registration
are available at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.
Further information and required registration are available at
http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 635 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now
coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays
of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. Second Tuesday: St. Laurence
Church, 8245 West Chester Pike - St. Laurence Road Entrance, Upper Darby, with
further information at smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. Third Tuesday:

- 14 -

Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike, Media, with
further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On April 19, Brenda Grove, director of
College Outreach and On-Site Programs at Villanova University, will discuss Open the
Hidden Job Market and More.
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, in the
Parish Meeting Room Rear of the School Property, St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor
Avenue (Route 322). Information about the affiliate is available by leaving a
message at (610) 873-7117. Further information and required registration for
limited seating are available at www.josephspeople.org/retreat.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 6:45 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. On April 27, Bob Moran, change management manager for Wawa, will
discuss Gotta Havva Change and its role in the job search process. 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.

Free Job Assistance Workshops and Job Opening Report - April

Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of services and monthly workshops offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Exton offices in Suite 500, 479 Thomas
Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center.
These trainings include an orientation presentation as to services PA CareerLink has to offer.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month, including onsite job recruitment opportunities, is available at http://pachestercounty2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/32887.
The March Job Openings Report is available at http://pachestercounty2.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/32888, with daily job opening 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

- 15 -

Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024

Mobile Job Lab Available

A new monthly Mobile Job Lab will be held from
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. the first Monday of each month in
Room 114 at the University Center, 95 South
Hanover Street, Pottstown.
Montgomery County Community Colleges University
Center, its Career Services and TriCounty
Community Network (TCN) will host the activity the first Monday of each month, with
attendees being able to search for jobs and obtain resume writing and other job-seeker and
career support services. Representatives of the University Centers college and university
partners also will be available to discuss admission processes.
Further information is available at
http://calendar.mc3.edu/EventList.aspx?fromdate=2%2F1%2F2016&todate=2%2F29%2F2
016&display=Month&type=public&eventidn=12720&view=EventDetails&information_id=195
32 or (610) 850-0181, with additional information on the University Center at
www.mc3.edu/universitycenter.

Free Online Training Available for Health Care Professionals Aiding Veterans
Health care professionals now have a free online course developed by the federal
Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) to help serve veterans and service
members.
The eight-hour Military Culture: Core Competencies for Health Care Professionals training
covers a variety of topics through interactive features, video vignettes, case examples and
treatment planning scenarios.
Each of the four modules within the course was developed using research, surveys and
extensive interviews with service members and veterans.
Information and registration for the training, along with other military culture-related
materials, are available at www.deploymentpsych.org/Military-Culture.

Over 500 Continuing Education Courses Now Available Online

Pottstown Regional Public Library now is offering over 500 online continuing education
courses for the price of a free library card.
A wide variety of offerings for professionals and others, including job-seekers, business
owners and housewives, including topics such as business, office skills, web development,
arts and photography, alternative medicine, crafts, pet and animal care, home and garden,
teacher tools, writing help, self-help, and homeschooling, according to reports.
Further information is available at www.sanatogapost.com/2015/11/21/library-offerscontinuing-education-courses or the library at 500 East High Street, Pottstown, or (610)
970-6551.

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Governor Outlines School Funds Allocations But Legislative Leaders Not Happy
Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf has outlined plans for distribution of current year school funds, with
Republicans saying he is ignoring the agreed to formula.
The action comes after the governor allowed Republican budget remnants to be adopted
without his signature last month, but vetoed the fiscal code bill that would have resulted in
a different school aid formula than one he is using.
The estimated amounts schools will receive is at
www.education.pa.gov/_layouts/download.aspx?SourceUrl=http://www.education.pa.gov/D
ocuments/TeachersAdministrators/School%20Finances/Education%20Budget/EdBudget%20201516%20est%20BEF%20and%20RTL%20Apr2016.xlsx.
The governor's arguments as to his allocations, along with his 2016-17 proposed budget for
education, is at www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20%20Administrators/School%20Finances/Education%20Budget/Pages/default.aspx#.VwUsEn
oaJ0x and www.governor.pa.gov/blog-how-school-money-is-being-distributed-this-year.

Area Providers Chosen for Planning Initiative to Improve Community-Based

Behavioral Health Services
Organizations in Berks, Delaware and
Montgomery counties have been chosen by the
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
(DHS) to participate in a federal planning grant
for adoption of innovative approaches to
community-based behavioral health services.
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) initiative will include Berks
Counseling Center, NHS Delaware County and Creative Health Services in Pottstown among
16 participating entities through the state.
The activity is designed to develop ways to serve more individuals in their communities and
ensure access to high-quality care, according to the Department.
Officials said that during the next four months the clinics will complete a needs assessment
and readiness review guided by the Department to determine additional services, staffing
and training to meet behavioral health needs of the community.
The readiness review will determine if each clinic meets standards required by federal
regulations to become a Certified Community Behavioral Clinic. Areas included in the
readiness review are staffing, accessibility of services, care coordination, scope of services,
quality measurement and reporting and governance of the clinic.
DHS will certify those clinics that have meet the standards by August 1, with an application
then being submitted in October to enable them to participate in the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS) demonstration grant.
Successful CCBHCs are expected to provide crisis services, targeted case management,
outpatient mental health and substance abuse services, patient-centered treatment
planning, screening, assessment, and diagnosis, psychiatric rehabilitation services, peer and

- 17 -

family support, care for veterans and members of the military, and outpatient primary care
screening and monitoring.
Further information is available at
www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DHS_details.aspx?newsid=200.

Multiple Rabies Incidents Reported in Lancaster County

Rabid animals have been confirmed in nine
March incidents in Central Pennsylvania, with
four of them in Lancaster County.
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture says three raccoons, one with human exposure, and
one bat were carriers.
It advises that people should avoid contact with wild animals and take precautions to limit
contact of their domestic animals with wild animals, and in particular avoid wild animals
acting abnormally including feral cats, with symptoms including unusual aggression,
daytime activity by nocturnal species, lethargy, drooling and paralysis
Not all animals show every sign, the department notes, but "most neurological or behavioral
abnormalities could potentially be rabies."
Further information is at www.media.pa.gov/pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=408.

Lancaster Reported to Be Among Top U.S. Fastest Growing Economies

Lancaster is being reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics to have the seventh
fastest-growing mid-size metro areas economies in the
nation for both a one and five-year period.
An analysis by PennLive, showing the County growing at a
rate 165% above the average of other economies in
populations of 500,000 and one million people, is available
at www.pennlive.com/news/2016/04/10_fastgrowing_metro_economie.html?ath=335debdf0a8e069581597e2f04c38237#0.

Justice Department Launches Regional Elder Justice Task Force

U.S. Department of Justice has created ten regional Elder Justice Task Forces of federal,
state and local prosecutors, law enforcement, and agencies that provide services to the
elderly to coordinate and enhance efforts to pursue nursing homes that provide grossly
substandard care to their residents.
Acting Associate Attorney General Stuart F. Delery said that although seniors expect nursing
homes to provide quality care, provided with dignity, the government too often is finding
nursing home owners or operators who put their own economic gain before the needs of
their residents.
The task forces are designed to help ensure all involved agencies we are working closely
with all relevant parties to protect the elderly, officials said.

- 18 -

Further information is available at www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-launches-10regional-elder-justice-task-forces.

Millions of Consumer to be Eligible for Internet Subsidies

Millions of low-income persons will be eligible for an early
Christmas present this year with a December 1 start date for
new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules to
expand Lifeline telephone subsidies to the Internet.
The Commission voted 3-to-2 to expand a program that currently provides free basic
telephone access to low-income Americans. Lifeline now will offer a $9.25 a month subsidy
to participants, who can apply it toward home broadband Internet access or add a data plan
to their cell phones.
Further information is available at www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-modernizes-lifeline-programdigital-age.

FCC Proposing New Rules to Enable Consumers to Decide Internet Privacy

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing new rules to empower consumers
to decide how data is used and shared by Internet providers.
The FCC says the rule is designed to ensure that broadband
customers have meaningful choice, greater transparency and strong security protections for
their personal information collected by internet service providers (ISPs) and how it is
shared.
Further information is at www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-proposes-broadband-consumerprivacy-rules.

Berks County Found Not to be Involved in Brain Drain

Berks County isnt suffering a "brain drain" of youth leaving area, according to Berks County
Community Foundation report.
In a Berks Vital Signs Brain Drain or Brain Gain study, researchers found that although
there is a modest outflow of individuals with graduate or professional degrees, isnt sufficient

to

determine if they are young adults under 35 years of age or older county residents, including
those electing to retire elsewhere.
The full report is available at https://issuu.com/alverniauniversity/docs/brain-drain-gainreport-2-11-16-v2.

Several On List for Safe High Schools and Pennsylvania Among Top Worse States
for Hispanics
Two reports find a number of area high schools are among the top 30 safest in Pennsylvania
and that the state is the third worst in the nation for Hispanics.

- 19 -

The first study is by Niche.com, a content provider of reviews and insights that includes
schools, with the second by 24/7 Wall Street, a State of Delaware financial news and
opinion company.
They are reported
www.pennlive.com/news/2016/03/safest_pennsylvania_public_sch.html#0 and
www.pennlive.com/news/2016/03/10_worst_states_for_hispanics.html#0.

Area Counties Now in Range for Zika Virus

Chester and adjoining counties are on new maps for
range of potential Zika virus spread, although risk or
likelihood, or exact locations or numbers of mosquitoes
living in these areas aren't shown.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
says that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are more likely to
spread viruses like Zika that is being linked to birth
deformities with pregnant mothers.
The new report is available at www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/resources/vector-control.html.

Zika Virus from Mosquitoes Drawing Increasing Concern for Both Women and Men
The Zika virus is drawing increasing focus, particularly for
women who could become pregnant and men who can
transmit the disease, from the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), with new guidance and
information to prevent transmission and health effects.
The CDC says there is "mounting evidence" that supports a
link between Zika, transmitted initially by mosquitoes, and
microcephaly, a birth defect that is a sign of incomplete
brain development, and possibly other problems such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
The new guidance is available at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0325-zika-virusrecommendations.html, with further information on the disease at www.cdc.gov/zika.

Area Counties Declared Federal Disaster Areas for Aid

Chester, Montgomery and adjoining counties to the west, along with Philadelphia, have
been declared federal disaster areas for the January Winter Storm Jonas, making local
governments and some nonprofits eligible for federal aid.
Assistance, generally at 75% of costs, will be available to state and local governments for
costs of clearing of snow during the January 23-24 event, and to governments and certain
nonprofits for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the
severe winter storm and snowstorm.
Further information is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4267 and county emergency
management offices.

- 20 -

Chester County Homeless Numbers Jump

The number of recorded homeless as part of
January's Point-in-Time count jumped by more than
10 percent this year in Chester County, with the
number of individuals spending at least one night in
shelters in 2015 increasing by more than 12
percent.
Less than half seeking shelter were able to be
assisted, according to a report to community
agencies from Decade to Doorways, the county's
10-year-plan group to end homelessness within 10
years.
The number of this year's homeless included 677
sheltered individuals, including 50 under the age of 18 and nearly half of those under five,
with another five unsheltered.
The unsheltered numbers, down from 15 the year before, may be unreliable, it was
reported, due to the count following January's major snow storm and cold weather when
more individuals are likely to seek shelter inside. Consideration is being given for a summer
count.
Lauren Hutzel, at podium, Decade to Doorways coordinator, said that 490 persons were
served in family emergency shelters in 2015, with over half arriving from housing with
family or friends.
Of these, 66 percent exited shelters to permanent housing, with 77 percent of those to
rentals with housing subsidies.
During 2015, ConnectPoints, the single telephone point of contact for homeless services,
received 5,166 calls reflecting 2,033 unduplicated clients. Of those, 87 percent of calls had
an emergency shelter and cold weather/warming shelter
need. Only 49 percent of these calls were able to have needs met, according to the report.
Information in regard to the Point-in-Time count is available at
www.decadetodoorways.com/the-need/point-in-time, and other statistics at
www.decadetodoorways.com/the-need/statistics.

Elevated Levels of Caffeinated Beverages May Cause Miscarriages

A new federal study says a woman is more
likely to miscarry if she and her partner drink
more than two caffeinated beverages a day
during the weeks leading up to conception.
The report by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Ohio State
University, Columbus. also found that women who drank more than two daily caffeinated
beverages during the first seven weeks of pregnancy were also more likely to miscarry.
At the same time, the study found that women taking a daily multivitamin before conception
and through early pregnancy were less likely to miscarry than those who did not.

- 21 -

Further information is available at www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/couples-prepregnancy-caffeine-consumption-linked-miscarriage-risk.

State Creates New Human Services Information System, To Be Further Upgraded

This Summer
Pennsylvania Departments of Aging and Human Services
have rolled out new public information and human services
assistance systems that are scheduled to be further
upgraded and consolidated this summer under a re-branded
Link to Community Care.
The changeover, from the Link to Aging and Disability
Resources, will affect 15 multi-county Links of services
providers, along with new information systems and a current toll-free information line.
Current Link service areas include Bucks, Chester and Montgomery; Berks, Lancaster and
Lebanon; and Delaware and Philadelphia counties.
A new Human Services COMPASS website for information and online applications for various
types of public assistance now is available at www.compass.state.pa.us. A new information
referral tool (IRT) for state services is available at www.humanservices.state.pa.us/IRT, and
toll-free telephone assistance is available at (800) 753-8827.
COMPASS is an online application where individuals can apply for many health and human
service programs such as Medicaid, cash assistance, or Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP). With COMPASS improvements, Pennsylvanians can submit
applications for long-term living services and supports or request services for intellectual
disability services, autism services, and early intervention services.
Pennsylvanians can use the IRT anonymously to input information about themselves, a
loved one, or client. The online program will guide individuals through a series of questions,
then provide a list of resources that are based on the clients specific needs in areas such as
intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, aging, addiction, mental illness, veteran
needs and help paying for prescriptions.
Further information on the changeover is available at
www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DHS_details.aspx?newsid=196, with information about current
Link service areas available at www.adrc-tae.acl.gov/tikiindex.php?page=PAProfile&stabrev=PA.

Pennsylvania Human Services Opens Lancaster Call Center

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has opened a 10th state-wide call center,
adding 130 individuals to the payroll in Lancaster.
The new center is being brought online to meet call volume. The Department reports it
currently is answering 93.2% of incoming calls to the Office of Income Maintenance
Customer Service Center, a major improvement from the 44.6% answered in January 2015.
The new location, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, will include bilingual caseworkers
for calls from Spanish speaking clients.

- 22 -

Consumers can use the call center at (877) 395-8930 for address changes, household
member add-ons and removals, income changes, replacement EBT card requests and case
status inquiries.
The site will supplement the Lancaster County Assistance Office at 832 Manor Street,
Lancaster.
Further information is available at
www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DHS_details.aspx?newsid=197.

Free Motorcycle Safety Training Available

The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program is offering free training to all state residents
and active duty military with a class M permit or motorcycle license.
The course focuses on training motorcyclists of all levels, from beginning riders to
intermediate, three-wheeled and advanced riders.
Further information on the year-around program is available at www.pamsp.com or (800)
845-9533.

New State Legislative District Resource Guide Published

Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Ross has published a new Resource Guide for his 158th District in
Chester County.
The 52-page document includes a wide variety of information on organizations and services
in and serving the District that includes East Bradford, East Marlborough, London Britain,
New Garden, Newlin, West Bradford, West Goshen Middle and South Precincts, and West
Marlborough Townships, along with Avondale Borough.
The guide is available online at
www.repross.com/Display/Display/SiteFiles/86/OtherDocuments/2016ResidentsGuide2-316.pdf with a few hardcopies available for those without online access through his district
office at 692 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, or (610) 925-0555.

Adult Depression Screening Being Recommended

A federal task force is recommending that primary care clinicians screen the general adult
population, including pregnant and postpartum
women, for depression.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (Task Force)
published its final recommendation yesterday, saying
it should be implemented with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis,
effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.
The Grade B recommendation means the task force found there is high certainty the net
benefit is moderate or there is moderate certainty that the net benefit is moderate to
substantial.
The task force says that (d)epression is one of the leading causes of disability in adults and
affects millions of Americans.

- 23 -

It can affect a persons quality of life and is associated with an increase in suicide rates,
among other health problems
Pregnant women and new mothers are also affected by depression, and both mother and
child can experience the effects of the illness.
The Task Force found that patients who were identified through depression screening and
went on to be treated with antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, or both showed
improvement in depression symptoms.
The group is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and
evidence-based medicine that is said to work to improve health of all Americans by making
evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings,
counseling services, and preventive medications.
Further information on the recommendation is available at
www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/RecommendationStatementFinal/d
epression-in-adults-screening1.

FTC Unveils New Website for Reporting and Recovery from Identity Theft
U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has debuted a new website that is said to make it
easier to report and recover from identify theft.
The initiative, at www.IdentityTheft.gov provides a personal recovery plan that walks one
through each recovery step, tracks progress and adapts to changing situations and pre-fills
letters and forms for easier reporting.

Free AlertBerks Crime Tips App is Introduced

Crime Alert Berks County has introduced a new smart phone application that allows county
residents to provide anonymous tips about crimes or suspicious activity, including
anonymous two-way conversations.
AlertBerks, developed by tip411, can be downloaded at no charge via the Google Play Store,
iTunes App Store, or by visiting the Crime Alert Berks County Web site at
www.alertberks.org.
Further information is available at www.bctv.org/special_reports/safety/crime-alertberkscounty-launches-tip/article_51ee8ace-b55b-11e5-baa823552383f307.html#.VpeOrMTuKmg.facebook or (877) 373-9913.

Pennsylvania Establishes New State Veterans Benefits Portal

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs(DVMA) has established a new
online application that allows veterans to obtain
information about state benefits, programs and services.
Registrant information will be shared with County
Directors for Veterans Affairs and other Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania agencies to help facilitate local connections.

- 24 -

Officials say the PA Veterans Registry is the departments first step of a long-term strategy
to achieve a higher level of communication with veterans and partner providers supporting
them.
Further information and registration is available at www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

New Consumer Rating System for Hospitals Unveiled

Capital Blue Cross, which services Lancaster and Berks County west, along with the Lehigh
Valley, and LeapFrog are starting a consumer rating system for hospitals, designed to help
employers and consumers make informed health care decisions.
The Leapfrog Hospital Survey is said to be the only nationally standardized and endorsed set
of measures that captures hospital performance in patient safety, quality and resource
utilization. Rating results will be made available online.
Further information is available at www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capitalbluecrossnew-hospital-recognition-program-improves-quality-of-care-for-customers300200235.html.

Several from Region on State Police Megan Law Absconder List

Pennsylvania State Police is seeking the publics help in locating over 140 absconded, or
wanted, sexual offenders throughout the Commonwealth.
The states Megans Law requires individuals convicted of a sexually violent offense to
register with the Pennsylvania State Police and to update and verify their information
periodically at an approved registration site, authorities say.
They said that offenders who have failed to register, update their information, or verify their
information as required are considered to be non-compliant with the statute, a felony
offense. Once a warrant is issued for their arrest, they are considered absconded.
A list of absconded offenders is available at http://ow.ly/VroNM. Persons with information
can tip the Megans Law Section at (866) 771-3170.

National Institute on Aging Issues Guidelines for What to Take to Hospital

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institute on Aging has issued
some safety tips for before, during and after trips to the hospital, including some guidance
for family and caregivers.
The information, which also includes a patients rights, is available at
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hospital-hints.

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.

- 25 -

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
2009-2016 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

Information provided is designed to highlight activities within the broader community that can help
enhance Christian principles relative to development of healthy children, individual and family
relationships.
Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards
for benefit of others.
Activities included in this publication are gathered from various submissions and other sources. No
representation is made as to their accuracy or value.
Persons wishing to be included in future e-mailings of updates, should request inclusion by sending
an e-mail with Subscribe in the Subject line, along with your name, organization, community and
where you heard about the publications to bps461@msn.com.
General Guidelines for Information Submission:
Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure to new
subscribers, individuals who only may read the list periodically, and for other organizations that want
to avoid scheduling opposite an event or may want to collaborate with others in the area. For annual
events, even longer lead times may be appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the
week of publication.

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A general idea of the information needed (many submit too little for the consumer to understand what
actually is occurring and why they should consider attending) can be obtained by perusing the
publications or using the following guide:
Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.
Name of Event:
Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates:
Times (Starting and ending):
Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a
MapQuest or Google Maps searchable address:
Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:
Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.):
Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event (Two to
three descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous
words such as "wonderful", "great", etc.):
Any Fees, including free-will offerings:
Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the
specific activity:
Any registration requirements.
We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small,
optional materials fee is charged.
Fund-raising activities generally are not published unless there is a good mixture of free
activities also available, including free admission, with a participant having the choice of
purchasing incidental items such as food or crafts.
Church events generally are published only if they are separate from normal weekly worship
services.
Due to the wide variety of activities available, decisions on publication ultimately are determined on a
case-by-case basis in context with focus of the publications.