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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS

IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of January 31, 2016

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
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with the word Unsubcribe in the Subject line.

-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)

Dare to Be the Best Fatherhood Initiative Pottstown.
Engineering of Art Exhibit Malvern.
Biweekly Cancer Survivors Well-Being Activity Pottstown.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Celebrate Recovery Startup - Coatesville.
Ticker Test Presentation - Broomall.
Heart Health Presentation Exton.
Fort Mifflins Stand Presentation King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Healthy Grieving Support New Holland.
Sleeplessness and Heart Issues Presentation New Holland.
Property and Rent Rebate Workshop Berwyn.
Senior Transit and Veterans Discounts Signup Downingtown.
Identify Theft Presentation Exton.
Join the Continental Army for Kids King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Dare to Be the Best Fatherhood Initiative Pottstown.
Engineering of Art Exhibit Malvern.
Biweekly Cancer Survivors Well-Being Activity Pottstown.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.

-3-

New:

Year of the Monkey Chinese New Year Celebration Chester Springs (Ludwigs
Corner).
Keeping in Balance Alzheimers Caregivers Support New Holland.
Social Security Changes Presentation Berwyn.
Love Your Heart Presentation Phoenixville.
Prayer Ministry Workshop for Church Leaders Reinholds.
Pre-School Stress Reduction Parents Forum Downingtown.
Visual Impairment Services Team Presentation New Holland.
Prom for Individuals with Special Needs Kennett Square.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Washingtons Birthday Party Two-Day Celebration King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Basics of Social Media Marketing Workshop Spring City.
Tough Guys and Drama Queens Parenting Presentation Exton/Lionville.
Core Services Hearing by Mayors Commission to Combat Poverty Lancaster.
Community Parks Plan Forum Coatesville.
Jazz Concert New Holland.
Social Media Networks Workshop Royersford.
College to Career Fair for Students and Parents Downingtown/Lionville.
Pennsylvania Rep. Cutler Town Hall Meeting Paradise.
Mental Health First Aid Certification Training Pottstown.
Embraceable You Stage Production New Holland.
Join the Continental Army for Kids King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Bagpipe Concert New Holland.

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

NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Continues Behind Curve in Public Storm Reporting
Chester County Emergency Services continued to operate behind the curve during the
January snowstorm, with delayed relays of information to the public in regard to accelerated
storm warnings.
As Transformation Initiative has reported for some five years to emergency services officials
and some three years to County Commissioners, public alert messages continue to be what
we term erratic, sporadic and, therefore, unreliable.
One example on Friday, January 22, occurred when the National Weather Service (NWS)
posted a Blizzard Warning for Eastern Chester County which we posted to our enhanced
weather reporting Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TransformationIni at 4:11 a.m., via
our automatic alert system, with a NWS repeat at 4:38 a.m.
At 4:22 a.m., the Chester County was posting an automatic alert for a lower-level Winter
Storm Warning for the entire County.

-4-

At 8:05 a.m., nearly four hours later, seeing no update from the County, we commented on
the Countys Facebook page about the Blizzard Warning.
The County finally responded at 10:08, over two hours later and nearly six hours after the
initial report, that there was a Blizzard Warning for Eastern Chester County.
At 10:33 a.m. on Saturday, January 23 Transformation Initiative sent an e-mail in regard to
an incorrect Storm Situation Report due to maximum storm totals having been increased
25 percent by the National Weather Service for 2/3 of the County due to new projections
maps issued over an hour previously. After no county response, a second message was
forwarded to the County at 11:03 a.m. through another channel.
Chester County finally changed its report approximately an hour later.
In prior situations, Chester County has been hours late in issuing flood warnings and other
inactions. It has suggested that it relies primarily on technology for public alerting when
the practice has been shown to be erratic, sporadic and, therefore, untrustworthy.
Transformation Initiative, based on its own volunteer efforts, has alleged that the county
system should be able to be upgraded with little effort or increased funding.
County officials previously have said there is no intent to change its current practices.

NEW THIS WEEK: Zika Virus Now Being Linked in Pennsylvania

Zika virus travel health alert for pregnant women and others now are being linked to
Pennsylvania.
As we first reported early last week in a Facebook post at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/984675388264379, the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel
alerts, particularly for pregnant women who may be
susceptible to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy

outcomes.
Reports of Pennsylvanians who have traveled being tested
and one of the mosquito species that carry the Zika virus
living in Pennsylvania followed at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/987238388008079.
Experts aren't predicting widespread transmission of the virus within the United States,
according to reports, with the greatest concern associated with out-of-country travel, such
as to the Olympics this summer in Rio de Janeiro. Further CDC information is available at
www.cdc.gov/zika.

NEW THIS WEEK: Estimated 100,000 Pennsylvanians To Lose Food Stamp Benefits
Some 100,000 Pennsylvania residents are expected to lose food stamp benefits after a
three months period this year due to better employment opportunities.

-5-

Under a 1996 federal law, waived during the economic downturn, unemployed adults
without children who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food
stamp benefits are limited to three months of benefit within a three-year period.
Reports indicated this will affect 43 state counties, including all but Delaware and
Philadelphia in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Cities of Lancaster and Reading due to
high unemployment rates.
Further information about the action is available at
www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/philadelphia/89640-food-stamp-changes-in-2016affect-100000-pennsylvanians?l=df, with a United State Department of Agriculture
explanation at www.fns.usda.gov/snap/able-bodied-adults-without-dependents-abawds.

NEW THIS WEEK: 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.
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.

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NEW THIS WEEK: Over $5 Million in Parks Activity Slated for Area
Our five-county reporting area will receive over $5
million out of $28 million in Community Conservation
Partnerships Program grants awarded by the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR).
More than 40 grants, including a $60,000 Tri-County trail study award in Pottstown, range
from $15,000 to $1.25 million for studies, parks, trails and related projects.
A complete list of awarded projects is available at
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20031593.pdf.

NEW THIS WEEK: Supreme Court Gives New Chance to Teens Serving Life
Sentences
U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that some 500 Pennsylvania inmates, including dozens from
our reporting area who are serving life sentences for murders committed as teenagers,
must be given an opportunity to argue for eventual release.

The 6-3 decision found that mandatory life without parole for juvenile homicide offenders
violates the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments.
A report on the ruling is available at
http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=366506431&#RoLIixvyVp3XWttr.01
and the decision at www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/15pdf/14-280_diff_ifkn.pdf.

NEW THIS WEEK: Wide Variations Found in Parental Checks on Teen Web
Practices
A majority of parents are keeping a close eye
on their teens digital life, but few do so by
tech-based means, according to a new study
by the Pew Research Center.
Among parents of teens 13 t0 17 years of age,
61 percent said they checked which websites
their children visit but few as few as 16% are
using monitoring tools.
Nearly half know their teens e-mail account
password but only a little more than a third
know their social media passwords. Mothers
also are more likely than fathers to
communicate with their children about
appropriate behavior, the study found.
The results are available at
www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2016/01/07/parents-teens-digital-monitoring.

-7-

An additional study on what parents are concerned with as it relates to their children, from
being bullied to getting in trouble with the law, is at www.pewresearch.org/facttank/2016/01/14/dangers-that-young-people-face-a-look-at-the-data.

NEW THIS WEEK: Governor Joins Anti-Sexual Violence Movement While in

Lancaster County
Governor Tom Wolf, in Lancaster County, has pledged Pennsylvania as the first state to kick
off an "It's On Us" campaign to end sexual violence.
Its On Us PA, which joins in with a White House initiative, was announced at Elizabethtown
College and is designed to enlist colleges, universities, school districts and communities in a
broad-based fight against sexual violence of all kinds.
Further information on the action is available at www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/govwolf-launches-it-s-on-us-pa-campaign-against/article_803d6dcc-c6d7-11e5-bcf7af197c259daa.html#.Vqwhv550Ccg.facebook.

NEW THIS WEEK: Dramatic Jump Recorded in Pain Medicine Hospitalizations

Among Older Pennsylvanians
A dramatic increase has been recorded in pain medicine overdoses that required
hospitalizations among older Pennsylvanians, eclipsing heroin overdose admissions, but the
percentage of deaths from heroin overdoses is four times greater.
PA Health Care Containment Council reports a 225% increase in 2014 hospital admissions
for pain medication overdoses, with 62 percent of patients being 50 years or older and 1.5
percent of hospitalizations ending in death.
In contrast, heroin overdose admissions jumped 162 percent, 66 percent of those being
ages 20 to 39, with a 7.5 percent death rate.
The full report, including regional breakdowns, is at
www.phc4.org/reports/researchbriefs/overdoses/012616/docs/researchbrief_overdose20002014.pdf.

NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Law Enforcement Collects Nearly Two Tons of Unused
Prescription Drugs
Chester County police departments collected nearly two tons of unused prescription drugs
last year through secure drop boxes at 19 locations.
Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said today the collections will keep drugs out
of the hands of children and others, potentially leading to addiction, and ground water and
public water supplies.
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 boxes, including hours of collection, is available
at https://apps.ddap.pa.gov/GetHelpNow/PillDrop.aspx.

-8-

NEW THIS WEEK: FTC Unveils New Website for Reporting and Recovery from
Indentity 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.

NEW THIS WEEK: Pennsylvania Settles Suit Against Keeping Mental Prisoners in
County Prisons
Pennsylvania has agreed to hire more workers to help keep defendants found incompetent
to stand trial from spending hundreds of days in county prisons before being transferred to
state psychiatric hospitals for treatment.
Settlement of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was
announced by the state Department of Health and Human Services.
Further information is available at
www.media.pa.gov/Pages/DPW_details.aspx?newsid=189.

Free Pottstown Fatherhood Initiative Moves to Ongoing Status

Dare to Be the Best, a fatherhood initiative from the Pottstown Family Center, has gone to
an ongoing schedule from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the Montgomery County Health
Department Conference Room, 364 King Street, Pottstown.
The six-session series, which men can attend more than once, provides fathers with
resources, parenting techniques, and networking opportunities related to issues particular to
each individual. Childcare and snacks are provided.
Further information and registration are available at (610) 326-1610 x339.

Free Mobile Job Lab to be Debuted Monday, February 1

A new monthly Mobile Job Lab will start from 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. February 1, 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.

-9-

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.

UPDATED LAST WEEK: Celebrate Recovery Starts in Coatesville Monday, February 1

A new group to Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step recovery ministry for
individuals trying to cope from all types of hurts, habits, hang-ups and struggles, including
addictions, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekly in the Fellowship Hall, New Life in
Christ Fellowship, 1 South 5th Avenue, Coatesville, starting February 1, a postponed date
due to Winter Storm Jonas.
The initiative for both men and women, is the latest site to start up throughout the area.
The national ministry started 25 years ago at Saddleback Church in California, led by Pastor
Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life, and now is offered in some 20,000 churches
world-wide.
Further information, including additional area locations, is available at
www.celebraterecovery.com, or the Coatesville site at (610) 384-7261.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Prayer Ministry Seminar Set Thursday, February 11
Prayer Ministry as a Therapy for Ritual Abuse (RA) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Survivors workshop for church leaders will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., February 11, at
Swamp Christian Fellowship, 390 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds.
The session, one in a monthly series on RA/DID conducted by Living Hope Counseling
Center, will highlight the practice as an indispensable component for churches learning how
to become safe havens for RA survivors with DID.
Further information and requested registration are available at Livinghope8@comcast.net or
(215) 767-5004.

Free Local Income Tax Preparation Now Available, Along with Preparation Software Through
Friday, April 15
Free income tax preparation sites throughout the region are
providing income tax preparation services for individuals who
generally make $54,000 or less annually, persons with
disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers
who need assistance in preparing their own returns.
In addition, the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also is providing free tax preparation
software to aid individuals having less than $62,000 in 2015 income.
The free services take particular note of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that provides
up to $6,269 to an individual or couple with three or more qualifying children and earning
less than $53,506, all based on a sliding scale.

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The IRS estimates that one out of five individuals who have earned money during a year
and qualify for the benefit, which can be more than that paid in taxes, fail to file for it.
Further information on the ETIC is available at www.irs.gov/Credits-&Deductions/Individuals/Earned-Income-Tax-Credit/EITC-Income-Limits-Maximum-CreditAmounts-Next-Year.
Information and searchable databases for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) preparers are available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/FreeTax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
Information on Free File software is available at www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-YourFederal-Taxes-for-Free.

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.

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Re-Opens Through Spring

Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) has re-opened for the winter season.
Eligible individuals, both renters and homeowners, can receive
funds paid directly to home energy providers to assist with winter
fuel costs.
In addition, a crisis program provides funds for broken heating equipment, lack of fuel or in
danger of being without fuel or utilities, or repair of a primary or secondary heating source.
Being on public assistance or having an unpaid bill arent requirements of the program.
Further information on LIHEAP and other assistance programs and application methods are
available at www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap or County Human
Services offices.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the fourth
Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from

- 11 -

various services providers. 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.
Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the first
Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at various locations. The
group is a diverse partnership of individuals, families, community organizations, service
agencies, businesses and funders committed to empowering individuals and families in
living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. On February 5, the group will hear
presentations on legal aid and immigration. Additional information is available from Kathy
Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.
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. On February 4, the group
will meet at Neighborhood Health Agencies, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester, with
Joyce Cummins of Adult Care of Chester County discussing services for aging seniors.
Further information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 7172180.
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. Further information is available at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from
Brian Long, coordinator, at blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.
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. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
Kennett Area Bridging the Community meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of January,
March, May, July, September and November at various community locations with any
interested individual or organization welcome to attend and share information on resources
and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett area community. On
March 9, the meeting will be at Kaolin Mushroom/South Mill, 649 South 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.
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.

- 12 -

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. Further information and registration available at
dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

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

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Support Groups for Unemployed and Underemployed Ongoing
Several networking/support groups (open to everyone) are available at area churches for
persons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specific
services in support of those who attend:

Downingtown (Lionville/Exton) 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. On February 13, Michael Goldberg of Knock
Out Networking will discuss that subject. Further information and required
registration are available at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcomingmeetings. 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.

- 13 -

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. On February 2, Jennifer Driscoll of the
Investor Relations Department at DuPont will discuss Answering the Question Who
Am I? 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. On February 9, Elaine Herbert, senior
career advisor at DeVry University, will discuss Storytelling to Identify
Accomplishments. Third Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30
East Baltimore Pike, Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On
February 16, Job Market Consultant Darryl Anderson will discuss Who Will Hire Me?
Identifying Your Next Employer.
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. On February 9, job coach Amy Dinning will discuss
The Power of Connecting. On Sunday, February 21, Josephs People will hold its
free annual retreat workshop, including childcare, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by
dinner and optional Mass at McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, Malvern Retreat
House, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern. 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. 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.

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UPDATED THIS WEEK: Free Job Assistance Workshops February

Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of 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 is available at
www.workshop.pacareerlinkchesco.org/calendar.
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
Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024

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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Public Now Can Track Winter Plowing on Major Highways

The public now can see if winter plows are out on interstates and expressways and where
on www.511PA.com.
The action is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Automated
Vehicle Location (AVL) system pilot that is designed to improve the agencys information on
vehicle movement and use of winter materials.
Although some 500 PennDOT plow trucks and more than 200 contracted rental trucks will
be able to be tracked on the departments website, officials said that trucks from
lowertraffic roads that are moved onto interstates wont be shown on 511. In addition, due
to differing staff schedules, storms or equipment usage, locations of all of the trucks will not
be visible at all times.
Further information is available at www.governor.pa.gov/gov-wolf-announces-plowtrucktracking-now-publicly-viewable-511pa.

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 Women Workers Losing Ground for Comparable Wages

Women workers in Pennsylvania didn't
fare well in 2014 when it came to
wages or their comparability to male
counterparts.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) says that median usual weekly
earnings were 78.8 percent of those
for male counterparts in 2014, a
decrease of .9 percent from the
previous year, at the same time that
overall average female wages already
were the lowest in real numbers when
compared with surrounding states of
Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.
Since 1997, BLS reports, median
usual weekly earnings for women, in
comparison to men, have fluctuated from 71.8 percent in 1997 to 81.7 percent in 2012

- 16 -

before starting the current decline. Nationally, the comparison rate is rising and was at 82.5
percent overall in 2014.
Further information is at
www.bls.gov/regions/midatlantic/newsrelease/womensearnings_pennsylvania.htm.

State Attorney General Issues Tips on Health Club Memberships

Pennsylvania Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection is cautioning individuals to
know their rights before signing a contract with any health fitness facility.
With the start of the New Year and increased health resolutions, the department says there
are specific protections under the state's Health Club Act, including a requirement that clubs
and gyms register with the Attorney General's office if they sell long-term contracts, along
with financial protection for consumers if clubs suddenly close, consumer rights to cancel
contracts or obtaining refunds in event of relocation, injury or other special circumstances,
and more.
The Bureau of Consumer Protection says it receives hundreds of complaints from consumers
regarding health clubs and gyms, most involving struggles over contract cancellations or
consumers seeking refunds when clubs suddenly close.
Further information is available at www.bctv.org/special_reports/health/attorney-generalsoffice-offers-tips-for-commonwealth-residents-considering/article_7346afa4-b622-11e587e3-63dad804829e.html#.VpjeWkwhMTI.facebook or (800) 441-2555.

Court Rules Permanent Employment Ban Law Unconstitutional

Pennsylvanias Commonwealth Court has ruled that the state's lifetime ban on certain
convicted criminals obtaining full-time employment in nursing homes and long-term care
facilities is unconstitutional.
The court, in its decision, said it defies logic to suggest that every person who has at any
time been convicted of any of the crimes listed in (the law), including misdemeanor theft,
presents a danger to those in an Act-covered facility. It also took issue with lawmakers
determining that individuals employed on July 1, 1998, would be safe when those employed
after that date would fail the test.
The General Assembly is able to create a more logical law if it chooses.
A copy of the decision is available at
www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Commonwealth/out/216MD15_12-30-15.pdf?cb=1.

Pennsylvania Receives B- on National Education Report Card

Pennsylvania has received a B- in a quality ratings national education report card but still is
among the top seven in the United States.
The 2016 Quality Counts report by Education Week examines qualities of:
Chance for Success (B-/15th overall), providing a cradle-to-career perspective on the
role that education plays in promoting positive outcomes throughout a person's life.
K-12 Achievement (C/9th) that considers current academic performance, change
over time, and poverty-based gaps.

- 17 -

School Finance (B-/10th) that assesses spending patterns and equity.

The nation as a whole, according to the report, only maintains "a solid C" in combined
ratings.
The interactive report is available at www.edweek.org/ew/qc/2016/2016-state-reportcardsmap.html.

New Federal Dietary Guidelines Create Controversy

New federal dietary guidelines have brought controversy over what was left out.
The guidelines, updated every five years by the U.S. Agriculture and Health and Human Services
Departments, urges Americans to drastically cut back on sugar and, for the first time, focus
on teenage boys and men eating too much meat, chicken and eggs.
However, the New York Times reports that some provisions in the draft, including
recommendations about meat and eggs, were omitted from the final version, resulting in
controversy.
The news report is available at www.well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/newdietguidelines-urge-less-sugar-for-all-and-less-meat-for-boys-and-men/?_r=2, with the
guidelines at www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines.

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.
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.

- 18 -

Oracle Agrees to FTC Settlement That It Deceived Consumers About Java Platorm
Security
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that Oracle has
agreed to settle agency charges that the company
deceived consumers about the security provided by
updates to its Java Platform, Standard Edition software
(Java SE), which is installed on more than 850 million
personal computers.
Under terms of a proposed consent order, the company will be required to give consumers
the ability to easily uninstall insecure, older versions of Java SE.
When a companys software is on hundreds of millions of computers, it is vital that its
statements are true and its security updates actually provide security for the software, said
Jessica Rich, director of FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. The FTCs settlement
requires Oracle to give Java users the tools and information they need to protect their
computers.
Oracles Java SE provides support for a vast array of features consumers use when browsing
the web, including browser-based calculators, online gaming, chatrooms, and 3D image
viewing.
According to FTCs complaint, Oracle was aware of significant security issues since
acquiring Java in 2010 which allowed hackers to craft malware that could access consumer
usernames and passwords to financial accounts, and other sensitive personal information
through phishing attacks.
Further information is available at www.ftc.gov/news-events/pressreleases/2015/12/oracle-agrees-settle-ftc-charges-it-deceived-consumers-aboutjava?utm_source=govdelivery, with a blog post of additional information at
www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/whats-worse-stale-coffee-stale-java.

Pennsylvania Not Well Prepared for Infectious Disease Threats

Pennsylvania is less prepared for protecting its residents from new infectious disease threats
than all surrounding states other than Ohio, according to a new report.
The Outbreaks: Protecting Americans from Infectious Diseases, from the Trust for America's
Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds that more than half of states,
including Pennsylvania, scored a five or lower out of 10 key indicators related to preventing,
detecting, diagnosing and responding to outbreaks.
Delaware and New York were among five states tying for the top score, achieving eight out
of 10 indicators, with Maryland in the second tier and New Jersey the third.
The report concludes the United States must redouble efforts to better protect the country
from new infectious disease threats, such as MERS-CoV and antibiotic-resistant superbugs,
and resurging illnesses like whooping cough, tuberculosis and gonorrhea.
Further information is available at www.healthyamericans.org/reports/outbreaks2015.

- 19 -

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.

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.

- 20 -

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.
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.

- 21 -

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.