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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
Week of May 18, 2014

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

In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting in
yellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might
improve our publications, content and convenience of use.

E-Update periodically reports ways in which subscribers use our publications to aid their
families or organizations. If you have a short description that might be helpful to others
and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences
that provide specific uses of benefit to bps461@msn.com.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Activities are subject to change without notice; participants are encouraged
to use contact information to confirm times and dates.

To unsubscribe, please send a message to bps461@msn.com
with the word Unsubcribe in the Subject line.

2009-2014 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:
UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
Special Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly
each week or month.
- 2 -
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.
UPDATED LAST WEEK: E-Update Resources
TM
: Accompanying Information
About Services, Including Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families.


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


Updated: This Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Art Exhibit in Wood Malvern.
Congressional Art Show New Holland.
Center County Senior Centers Art Show West Chester.
Science in the Summer for Elementary Students Area Libraries.
Student and Adult Art Classes Coatesville.
Human Trafficking Awareness Exhibit Chester County Libraries.
Wood Works Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Foundations of Investing Workshop Exton.
Elder Financial Abuse Presentation Phoenixville.
Primary Election Local Polling Places.
Leonard Bernstein Presentation Phoenixville.
Inside the Philadelphia Movie Business Presentation Malvern.
Medicare 101 Workshop Kennett Square.
Elder Justice Day West Chester.
eastFresh Coatesville Healthy Food Demonstrations/Giveaways Coatesville.
Credit Report Workshop Exton.
Ancient Egyptian Dining Presentation Royersford.
Open Mike Coffee House Coatesville.
Battle of the Clouds Presentation West Chester (East Goshen Township).
First-Time Homebuyers Workshop Phoenixville.
3 Shades of Blue Christian Rock Concert Paoli.
Photrographing Valley Forge Workshop King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Citizen First Aid & CPR Training South Coatesville.
Youth Fishing Derby Pottstown.

Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Congressional Art Show New Holland.
Center County Senior Centers Art Show West Chester.
Science in the Summer for Elementary Students Area Libraries.
Student and Adult Art Classes Coatesville.
Human Trafficking Awareness Exhibit Chester County Libraries.
Wood Works Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
World War I Memorial Service King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
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Fish-for-Free Day Pennsylvania Waterways.
Memorial Day at Valley Forge King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Memorial Day Parade Kennett Square.
Special Education Discipline Workshop West Grove.
Community Caf Luncheon West Grove.
Helping Your Child Succeed Parent Forums Pottstown.
King of Prussia Railroads Author Presentation Exton.
Family Finances Workshop Exton.
Drugs Awareness Forum Nottingham.
Spring BioBlitz and Photography Workshop King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Youth Fishing Derby Collegeville.
OABEST Expo Parkesburg.
Antiques Roadshow Appraisals Exton.
Founders Day Thornbury.
125
th
Borough Anniversary Malvern.

New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Memorial Parade and Family Fun Day Malvern.
Summer Family Playgroups Pottstown.
Kennett 55+ Games and Barbeque Kennett Square.
Veterans Social Work Expo Coatesville.
Swingin Summer Thursdays West Chester.
Car Show Parkesburg.
Miller Park Summer Concert Series Exton.
Turks Head Music Festival West Chester.
Rep. Milnes Kids Fest Malvern.
The Interview and Beyond: The Total Package Job-Seeker Workshop for Women
Exton.
Fish-for-Free Day Pennsylvania Waterways.
Cracked Author Discussion with Teens About Bullying Exton.
Good Neighbor Day Downingtown.
Family Fest Phoenixville.

Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongo-
ing services and activities, along with special events, as soon as possible after establishing a
date to maximize publicity and to help individuals and other organizations with planning
processes for their own events.

Formats for submission should be similar to and include all information as that shown on the
current, accompanying Calendar of Events. Further information about submissions appears
at the end of this E-Update and the Calendar. Information should be submitted to
bps461@msn.com. Don't let your important activity be left unknown.


NEW THIS WEEK: Free Lead and Healthy Homes Program Starts in Montgomery
County
Montgomery County Health Department has initiated a Lead and Healthy Homes Program
(LHH) to help reduce illness and injury incurred by home health hazards such as lead,
asthma triggers, and fire and fall hazards

The Department provides a comprehensive Environmental Home Assessment (EHA) to
families with children seven years of age for primary prevention services when the child has
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asthma or is at-risk of lead poisoning, such as living in a home with chipping or peeling
paint).

Further information and request for assistance is available at
www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=1124, wrogers@montcopa.org or (610) 970-5048.

Earlier this year Chester County announced a lead-based paint mitigation funding program,
providing eligible homeowners and landlords at least 90% of the costs for removing lead
hazards in homes with children.

Home occupants meeting 80% of federal Area Median Income guidelines (up to $44,150
annually for an individual or $63,050 for a family of four, as examples) may be eligible if a
property is in Chester County, constructed before 1978, and a child under the age of six
lives in the home, is expected to live in the home, or visits more than six hours per week.

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


NEW LAST WEEK: Low-Interest Homeowner Repair Program Starts in Pottstown
Genesis Housing Corporation has started a low-interest loan program to assist Pottstown
residents with general home repairs.

The initiative, which provides a three percent loan of up to $5,000, with up to a five-year
repayment schedule, is available for owner-occupied properties, with no income-eligibility or
home equity requirements.

Further information is available at
www.genesishousing.org/_pdfs/home_improvement_loan_press_release.pdf,
info@genesishousing.org or (610) 275-4357.


NEW LAST WEEK: 511 Mobile Travel Conditions App Now Available
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has established a 511PA mobile
phone application that covers all state and Turnpike-operated roadways, with current traffic
speeds recorded on about 15,000 of the 40,000 miles of highways.

Further information about the hand-free app, also able to hear information from New Jersey
and West Virginia and available for Smartphones and iPhones, is at
www.511pa.com/NetworkCoverage/usingApp.aspx.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: PaCareerLink Now Open In Exton; Closes Coatesville Office
Monday, May 19
New details are emerging in regard to PA CareerLink-Chester County closure of its long-time
Coatesville office and its re-opening this week at new facilities at Exton, co-locating with an
expansion of the United Way Financial Stability Center.

As reported here two months ago, the collaboration, designed to offer a comprehensive
approach to delivering a variety of workforce and financial stability services, will be housed,
starting May 19, in Suite 500, 479 Thomas Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center at
Exton.
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In addition, the Countys Youth Employment Center, the House of Original Dreams
(H.O.O.D.), will relocate August 1 from its current location in West Chester to Suite 350 in
the Exton building.

PA CareerLink will have a new telephone number of (610) 280-1010, with the Financial
Stability Center at (610) 280-1023.

PA CareerLinks full schedule of workshops will resume in June. A current schedule is
available at www.chesco.org/documentcenter/view/17414.

Under the re-location scenario, many different services will be available in the adjacent
Exton facilities to help create one-stop support for both job-seekers and those needing
financial stability guidance.

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

Further particulars are available at our online Page at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni.


NEW LAST WEEK: Pottstown Faith Community Organizing Meeting for Homeless
Issues Scheduled Monday, May 19
Representatives of several Pottstown churches will host a community organizing meeting to
help address the homeless issue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 19 at First United Methodist
Church, 414 East High Street, Pottstown.

The session, which includes a light dinner, results from a reported non-renewal of a lease
for the Recovery and Education Center at 249 East High Street that serves as a day facility
for individuals, including homeless.

During winter months, homeless are sheltered overnight through a rotating Ministries on
Main Street outreach at several community churches and then are able to spend part of the
day at the recovery center.

Further information is available from the Rev. Kork Moyer of Ministries on Main Street, at
pastorkork@besidestillwaters.net or (610) 970-2444.


NEW THIS WEEK: Education Roundtable to be Convened Wednesday, May 21
State Sen. Andy Dinniman, minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, will convene
a roundtable discussion on critical issues in education from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., May 21,
at the Technical College High School, 443 Boot Road, Downingtown.

Educators and residents from a five-county area are expected to participate.

Further information is available at www.senatordinniman.com/dinniman-roundtable-
discussion-on-education-in-pa-set-for-may-21 or acirucci@pasenate.com or (610) 692-
2112.


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

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

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


NEW LAST WEEK: Montco Embarks on Community-Based STD Screening Initiative
Thursday, May 22
Community organizations will learn how they can get involved in a reimbursable
community-based sexually transmitted diseases screening initiative for young people from
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., May 22 at the Classroom Building, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville.

The Montgomery County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will
host the luncheon to explain how non-clinical venues can assist and potentially gain
reimbursement for their facility as a result of participation in a successful STD screening
program for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Last years county health report showed the number of reported cases for both diseases
jumped significantly between 2009 and 2011, with a 27% increase for cylamydia, from
1,411 cases to 1,795, and a 40% jump for gonorrhea, from 107 to 291, with 330 in 2010.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chlamydia is the
most commonly reported STD in the United States, most people who have the disease dont
know it since it often has no symptoms and, if left untreated, can make it difficult for a
woman to get pregnant. Further information is available at www.cdc.gov/Std/chlamydia.

The CDC says gonorrhea, the second most prevalent STD, also can go undetected and cause
serious health problems in both women and men. Information is available at
www.cdc.gov/Std/gonorrhea.

Further information and required registration for the Montgomery County screening initiative
luncheon is available at www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/7129,
mmasters@montcopa.org or (610) 278-5117 x6768.

The 2013 county health report is available at
www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/4847.


NEW LAST WEEK: Free Helping Your Child Succeed Parent Gatherings May 27-29
(Tuesday Thursday)
Pottstown School District will hold a series of four parent forums from May 27 to May 29 to
discuss with Pre-K to third grade parents and caregivers What Do You Need to Help Your
Child Succeed?

The discussion sessions, to include a free meal, raffles, giveaways and available Spanish
interpretation, will be:
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Tuesday, May 27 -- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pottstown Middle School, 600 North
Franklin Street.
Wednesday, May 28 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Connections on High, New York
Plaza Building, 238 East High Street.
Thursday, May 29 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 King Street at
North Charlotte Street, with a second gathering on
Thursday, May 29 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barth Elementary School, 467 West
Walnut Street.

The series are part of a seven month, $175,000 project funded by the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation to work with the community, particularly parents but local agencies and
community leaders, to seek input on ways to increase family participation in early childhood
and parent education programs. The district will submit a multi-year implementation grant
to the Foundation at the end of the planning process.

Further information on the Our Kids.Their Future parent sessions and initiative is available
at www.peakblog.org/pottstown-community-conversations, jbennett@pottstownsd.org or
(61) 256-6370.


Chesco Public Transportation Plan Comment Period Open Through Wednesday,
May 28
The Chester County Planning Commission is receiving public comment on its draft of a new
Chester County Public Transportation Plan through May 28.

Input is able to be provided by e-mail to Brian Styche, project manager, at
bstyche@chesco.org or to the Commission at the Government Services Center,
601 Westtown Road, West Chester.

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

Created over a two-year period in coordination with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning
Commission, public transportation agencies that serve Chester County, chambers of
commerce, and municipal representatives, it is designed to become an element amendment
to the Countys Landscapes2 comprehensive plan.

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


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

The workshop will discuss building a human services agency disaster preparedness and
recovery plan, with a November 18 followup session involving plan analysis and a table-top
exercise.
- 8 -

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


NEW THIS WEEK: Free Veterans Social Work Expo Thursday, June 5
Veterans, family members and community organizations will learn about social work
programs and services available to veterans during the second annual Social Work Expo
information fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 in the Great Hall, Building 5, at the VA Medical
Center, 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville.

The Coatesville VA Medical Center and Spring City and Springfield Community Based
Outpatient Clinics comprise an integrated health care system that offers team-based mental
health care, primary care, geriatrics and extended care, specialty and womens health care,
and pharmacy services for inpatients, residential patients and outpatients.

Social workers are key members of each interdisciplinary team within these health care
service lines, with specialized social work programs including veterans justice outreach,
homeless outreach, suicide prevention, caregiver support also being available.

Further information is available at
www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleVAMC/photos/a.164510550251339.27581.16378468365725
9/671616872874035/?type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf, rosalind.phillips@va.gov or
Kathleen Leonard at (610) 384-7711 x5160.


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NEW THIS WEEK: Free Delaware County Landlord Breakfast Friday, June 6
Delaware County landlords will receive information on services and resources available
when one rents to low income individuals, seniors, and persons with disabilities during a
breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 6 at Generations Restaurant, 9 State Road, Media.

Topics also will include how to avoid the eviction process, landlord-tenant law, fair housing
requirements, services to help landlords, aging services, how to connect with qualified
referrals, and how to list units on PAHousingSearch.com in this Delaware County Link to
Aging and Disability Services-hosted event.

Further information and required reservations for limited seating are available at
www.fhcsp.com/pdf/Landlord%20Breakfast%202014.pdf, boboc@co.delaware.pa.us or
(610) 499-1965.


NEW LAST WEEK: Free Elder Abuse Awareness Conference Friday, June 13
Montgomery County Elder Access to Justice Roundtable will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness
Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13, at the Parkhouse Atrium, Montgomery
County Community College, 340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell.

Focus of the forum will be on Guardianships and Powers of Attorney, including benefits and
potential abuses of these tools and resources for addressing suspected abuse.

Further information and required registration for the event, with education credits being
available, are at www.eventbrite.com/e/planning-ahead-guardianship-powers-of-attorney-
tickets-11554524895?err=29.


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

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

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

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

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


NEW THIS WEEK: Deadline Approaching for Senior/Disabled Property Tax/Rent
Rebate Program Application Monday, June 30
Eligible Pennsylvania seniors and those with disabilities have until June 30 to apply for up to
a $650 rebate from property taxes and rents.

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Property owners age 65 and above, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and persons
with disabilities age 18 and older receiving up to $35,000 in 2013 income, excluding half of
Social Security, or renters receiving up to $15,000 with the partial Social Security exclusion
may be eligible for rebates based on a sliding scale.

Further information, forms and assistance are available at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/property_tax_rent_rebate_program/11
410, district Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and state legislator offices, or (888) 222-
9190.


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 exchange information about current and upcoming activities and
hear presentations from various services providers. On May 21, Healthy Food, Healthy
Families will be the topic with Kate Miller discussing the 40
th
anniversary of the federal
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program; Phoebe Kitson of the Chester County Food
Bank and the eatFresh Coatesville program discussing its initiatives; and a followup
discussion to last months Health Fair Summit. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.

Lancaster County LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets from 1 p.m. to
2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area locations for
services cross-trainings and exchange of information on creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door
resource for older adults and adults with disabilities, including consumers, family members
and others, seeking information about local resources. On June 19, Zachary Landes and
Kevin Murphy of HGSK Law Firm will present Legal Perspectives on Social Security Disability
at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, 75 East James Street, Lancaster. Further information is
available from Brian Long, coordinator, at
http://linktest2.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/march-meeting-notice.pdf,
LancasterCountyLINK@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.

Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from
various services providers. On May 27, Surrey Services and Highgate Village will present.
On June 24, Tel Hai Retirement Community and Maternal and Child Health Consortium of
Chester County will provide information. Additional information about the group is available
from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282
x201 or at debbie.openhearth@verizon.net.

Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on
the first Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at various locations.
The group is a diverse partnership of individuals, families, community organizations, service
agencies, businesses and funders committed to empowering individuals and families in
living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. Additional information is available from
Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.

- 11 -
Kennett Area Each and All Dialogue Group meets from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first
Wednesday of the month at the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 South Walnut Street,
Kennett Square, to promote a living philosophy of being and becoming a peaceful,
progressive and inclusive community. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at
dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.

COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the
month from September through June at various Southern Chester County locations. Paid
and volunteer individuals who work with Chester County children, youth and families share
information and build partnerships for after-school, out-of-school and summer programs.
On June 11, the group will finalize summer program planning at the Bayard Taylor
Memorial Library, 216 East State Street, Kennett Square. Further information is available
from Laurie Szoke at las7@psu.edu or (610) 696-3500.

Community Nurse Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of
alternating months to exchange information on promotion of holistic health within faith
congregations and communities and to develop additional faith community nurses, also
known as parish nurses. On July 10, a date change due to the July 4 holiday, the group
will meet at Neighborhood Agencies, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester. Further
information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.

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 July 9, the group will meet at His Mission, 342 Birch Street, Kennett
Square, with the meeting preceded by a community picnic at 6 p.m. with participants bring
a dish to share. 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.

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

Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May at the Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon
Drive, Exton. On May 20, Sarah Marion of Holcomb Behavioral Health will discuss
gambling addictions and prevention. Further information is available at
dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with the
Coatesville Youth Initiative Steering Committee, meets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. the
third Thursday of every other month in the fourth floor meeting room of the
Brandywine Health Foundation, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Further
- 12 -
information is available from Jarvis Berry, CTC community mobilizer, at
jberry@brandywinefoundation.org or (610) 380-9080 x105.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Support Groups for Unemployed and Underemployed -
Ongoing
Several networking/support groups (open to everyone) are available at area churches for
persons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specific
services in support of those who attend:
Downingtown (Lionville/Exton) -- Barnabas Group, at Calvary Fellowship Church,
95 West Devon Drive (rear entrance) at Route 113 in Exton (Lionville) is named after
the Biblical disciple known as the Son of Encouragement. Weekly sessions are part of
the churchs Care Monday, that includes a prayer group that meets at the same time
in the Prayer Lobby (Portico Entrance), with intercession for those attending the
Barnabas Group and the churchs other Care Ministries, including DivorceCare for
those coping with separation or divorce, even years later; Mending Hearts for those
with prodigal children and other family members; and various offerings focused on
assistance in healing and coping. On Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30
p.m., a different night and time, human resources professional Matt Levy will discuss
use of LinkedIn for a job search. Further information for Barnabas Group activities is
available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171.

Malvern Penn State Great Valleys Alumni Association and MyCareer Transitions
(MCT), an all-volunteer job counseling group, meets from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
the second Saturday of the month, except August and December, in 130 Main
Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On June 14, My Career Transitions
volunteers will guide attendees through aspects of developing a Job Search Toolkit.
On July 12, Alex Freund, a career and interviewing coach, will discuss The
Interview: You Are Onstage. In August, there is no meeting. 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:
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, at St.
Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor Avenue (Route 322), in the parish meeting room behind
the school at the back of the property. On May 13, starting at 7 p.m., a different
starting time, human resources professional Matt Levy will discuss use of LinkedIn
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for a job search. Information about the affiliate is available by leaving a message at
(610) 873-7117.
Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 601 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Media -- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays for GetWorks, at Hassler
Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike, or in the St. Francis
Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 North Providence Road. On May 20,
Mock Interviews for Job-Seekers will be conducted at the Presbyterian Church.
Further information is available at (610) 566-3944.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish Life
Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West Grove.
Further information is available from John Colgan at johnfcolgan@gmail.com. On
May 21, Amy Dinning, training and development leader, will discuss What Is So
Amazing About Networking. Additional information on all St. Josephs People
chapters is available at www.josephspeople.org.


UPDATED LAST WEEK: Many New Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job
Openings Report May-June
Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of monthly workshops offered by the Pennsylvania
Department of Labor CareerLink at its new Exton offices, starting in June.

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

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

A several-page monthly consolidated Job Openings Report and statistical information on the
local labor market are available http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/17996. Daily
position openings updates are available through www.cwds.state.pa.us.

Websites for additional county PA CareerLink offices in the area, at which many services are
available to out-of-county residents, include:

Berks: www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/CareerLink/Pages/default.aspx
Delaware: www.delcoworks.org
Lancaster: www.jobs4lancaster.com
Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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

The service, that also includes reporting of stormwater and drainage concerns and traffic-
related concerns, or property damage incurred by PennDOToperations, is available at (800)
FIX-ROAD, (800) 349-7623 or
www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/web.nsf/HomepageWithFooter?OpenFrameSet&Frame=main&
Src=%2FInternet%2Fweb.nsf%2FContactUsCCC%3FOpenForm%26AutoFramed.

Municipal road issues should be reported to local governments.


Services Expansion of Free Southern Chester County Ride For Health Initiative
The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and the
Phoenixville Community Health Foundation have expanded their Ride for Health Initiative
(RFHI) in Southern Chester County to include trips for human and social services needs in
addition to the earlier healthcare focus.

The service provides taxi or public transit trips for eligible residents of Avon Grove, Kennett,
Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to health and human and social services
sites, including those in Kennett Square, West Chester and Coatesville.

Scheduled transportation is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Kennett Area
Community Service, 136 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square. Earlier information is available
at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102570574404-
1463/FREE+Medical+Transportation.pdf or (610) 925-3556. Information also is available
from partner agencies at
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102570574404-
1419/RFHI+Flyer+%28English%29_8+23+13.pdf.

Information on a similar Phoenixville area initiative that has been in existence since 2000 is
available at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102570574404-
1464/ride+for+health+brochure.pdf.


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


Letting People Know/Making a Difference - Ongoing
Feedback indicates that a lack of communications tools is a primary deficiency in bringing community services
providers and those needing information together.

If you know of an activity designed to have a real impact on families (this includes individuals and youth) that we
should be aware of or might be interested in reporting in these periodic e-mail updates, please let me know, either
with details or a web site link. In order to maintain its value, this forum currently is a subjective, selective
distribution so all information submitted may not be used.
- 16 -

Also, if you know someone who might be helped by these periodic updates, please forward all or selected portions
as you feel appropriate. If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please hit reply and advise by
typing "Subscribe" or "Unsubscribe" or something similar in the Subject line.

Events listed are based on subject matter related to activities impacting families and is based on information
reported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.

Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more advanced electronic
communications method for this type of material that will have more expansive yet less obtrusive characteristics.
Please stay tuned.

To submit materials for publication, please refer to the guidelines that follow.


Blessings
Casey

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

General Guidelines for Information Submission:
Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure for new subscribers,
persons who don't read the list every week, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling opposite an
event or might want to collaborate with another in the area. For annual events, longer lead times may be
appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the week of publication.

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