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Online EditionsOur E-Update, Calendar of Eventsand E-Update ResourcesTM, along with

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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIESWeek 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

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In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting inyellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might

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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 activitieslisted by day over the next several months.

Special Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularlyeach week or month.

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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 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 ofEvents andare in addition to those described within this E-Update. They will be occurringduring 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 othersthrough 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 Summerfor 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 InvestingWorkshop 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 ReportWorkshop Exton. Ancient Egyptian Dining Presentation Royersford. Open Mike Coffee House Coatesville. Battle of the CloudsPresentation West Chester (East Goshen Township). First-Time Homebuyers Workshop Phoenixville. 3 Shades of BlueChristian 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 Summerfor 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. 125thBorough Anniversary Malvern.

New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)

Memorial Parade and Family FunDay 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 adate to maximize publicity and to help individuals and other organizations with planningprocesses for their own events.

Formats for submission should be similar to and include all information as that shown on thecurrent, accompanying Calendar of Events. Further information about submissions appearsat the end of this E-Update and the Calendar. Information should be submitted tobps461@msn.com. Don't let your important activity be left unknown.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Lead and Healthy Homes Program Starts in MontgomeryCountyMontgomery 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) tofamilies 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 peelingpaint).

Further information and request for assistance is available atwww.montcopa.org/index.aspx?nid=1124, wrogers@montcopa.orgor (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 leadhazards in homes with children.

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

Further information is available athttp://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 PottstownGenesis Housing Corporation has started a low-interest loan program to assist Pottstownresidents with general home repairs.

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

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

NEW LAST WEEK: 511 Mobile Travel Conditions App Now AvailablePennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has established a 511PA mobilephone application that covers all state and Turnpike-operated roadways, with current trafficspeeds 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 Jerseyand West Virginia and available for Smartphones and iPhones, is atwww.511pa.com/NetworkCoverage/usingApp.aspx.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: PaCareerLink Now Open In Exton; Closes Coatesville Office

Monday, May 19New details are emerging in regard to PA CareerLink-Chester County closure of its long-timeCoatesville office and its re-opening this week at new facilities at Exton, co-locating with anexpansion of the United Way Financial Stability Center.

As reported here two months ago, the collaboration, designed to offer a comprehensiveapproach 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 atExton.

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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 inthe 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 isavailable at www.chesco.org/documentcenter/view/17414.

Under the re-location scenario, many different services will be available in the adjacentExton facilities to help create one-stop support for both job-seekers and those needingfinancial 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 atwww.facebook.com/TransformationIni.

NEW LAST WEEK: Pottstown Faith Community Organizing Meeting for Homeless

Issues Scheduled Monday, May 19Representatives of several Pottstown churches will host a community organizing meeting tohelp address the homeless issue from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 19 at First United MethodistChurch, 414 East High Street, Pottstown.

The session, which includes a light dinner, results from a reported non-renewal of a leasefor 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 onMain Street outreach at several community churches and then are able to spend part of theday at the recovery center.

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

NEW THIS WEEK: Education Roundtable to be Convened Wednesday, May 21State Sen. Andy Dinniman, minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, will convenea 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-21or 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 humanservices 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 ofAging Services.

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

NEW LAST WEEK: Montco Embarks on Community-Based STD Screening Initiative Thursday, May 22Community organizations will learn how they can get involved in a reimbursablecommunity-based sexually transmitted diseases screening initiative for young people from10 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 willhost the luncheon to explain how non-clinical venues can assist and potentially gainreimbursement for their facility as a result of participation in a successful STD screeningprogram for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Last years county health report showed the number of reported cases for both diseasesjumped significantly between 2009 and 2011, with a 27% increase for cylamydia, from1,411 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 themost commonly reported STD in the United States, most people who have the disease dontknow 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 causeserious health problems in both women and men. Information is available atwww.cdc.gov/Std/gonorrhea.

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

The 2013 county health report is available atwww.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 todiscuss with Pre-K to third grade parents and caregivers What Do You Need to Help YourChild Succeed?

The discussion sessions, to include a free meal, raffles, giveaways and available Spanishinterpretation, will be:

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Tuesday, May 27-- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pottstown Middle School, 600 NorthFranklin Street.

Wednesday, May 28 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Connections on High, New YorkPlaza Building, 238 East High Street.

Thursday, May 29 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 King Street atNorth Charlotte Street, with a second gathering on

Thursday, May 29 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Barth Elementary School, 467 WestWalnut Street.

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

Further information on the Our Kids.Their Futureparent sessions and initiative is availableat www.peakblog.org/pottstown-community-conversations,jbennett@pottstownsd.orgor(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 newChester County Public Transportation Planthrough May 28.

Input is able to be provided by e-mail to Brian Styche, project manager, atbstyche@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 tooffer mobility, encourage favorable land use patterns, sustain the environment, andalleviate congestion within designated growth areas.

Created over a two-year period in coordination with the Delaware Valley Regional PlanningCommission, public transportation agencies that serve Chester County, chambers ofcommerce, and municipal representatives, it is designed to become an element amendmentto 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 ofbusiness continuity planners and security professionals, will host a Business Continuity andDisaster Preparedness Summit for human services organizations from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. May 29 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center, 137 Modena Road, SouthCoatesville.

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

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Further information and required registration for the event, which includes breakfast andlunch, 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 inregard to transportation priorities and investments to help update the states long rangetransportation 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 CleanupSupplies Through Saturday, May 31

Community and civic associations, school and youth groups, families and friends, businessemployees, hunting and fishing clubs, conservation organizations, sports teams, and othersare organizing Great American Cleanup Pennsylvania events at various areas throughout theregion.

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

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

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

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

The Coatesville VA Medical Center and Spring City and Springfield Community BasedOutpatient Clinics comprise an integrated health care system that offers team-based mentalhealth 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 atwww.facebook.com/CoatesvilleVAMC/photos/a.164510550251339.27581.163784683657259/671616872874035/?type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf, rosalind.phillips@va.govorKathleen 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 availablewhen one rents to low income individuals, seniors, and persons with disabilities during abreakfast 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 qualifiedreferrals, and how to list units on PAHousingSearch.com in this Delaware County Link toAging and Disability Services-hosted event.

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

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

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

Further information and required registration for the event, with education credits beingavailable, 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 EffectiveMonday, 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 toreport suspected abuse, and provide protections from employment discrimination for filing agood faith report of child abuse.

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

Several of the new laws follow recommendations from a November 2012 report of thePennsylvania 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/RentRebate Program Application Monday, June 30Eligible Pennsylvania seniors and those with disabilities have until June 30 to apply for up toa $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 personswith disabilities age 18 and older receiving up to $35,000 in 2013 income, excluding half ofSocial Security, or renters receiving up to $15,000 with the partial Social Security exclusionmay 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/11410, 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 thirdWednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference roomat Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives ofcommunity organizations exchange information about current and upcoming activities andhear presentations from various services providers. On May 21,Healthy Food, HealthyFamilieswill be the topic with Kate Miller discussing the 40thanniversary of the federalWomen, Infants and Children (WIC) program; Phoebe Kitson of the Chester County FoodBank and the eatFresh Coatesville program discussing its initiatives; and a followupdiscussion to last months Health Fair Summit. Further information is available fromKathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.

Lancaster County LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets from 1 p.m. to2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area locations forservices cross-trainings and exchange of information on creating a one-stop, no-wrong-doorresource for older adults and adults with disabilities, including consumers, family membersand others, seeking information about local resources. On June 19, Zachary Landes andKevin Murphy of HGSK Law Firm will present Legal Perspectives on Social Security Disabilityat Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, 75 East James Street, Lancaster. Further information is

available from Brian Long, coordinator, athttp://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 thefourth Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (northentrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizationsexchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations fromvarious 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 ofChester County will provide information. Additional information about the group is availablefrom Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282x201 or at debbie.openhearth@verizon.net.

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

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Kennett Area Each and All Dialogue Group meets from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the firstWednesday 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 atdochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.

COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of themonth from September through June at various Southern Chester County locations. Paidand volunteer individuals who work with Chester County children, youth and families shareinformation 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 TaylorMemorial Library, 216 East State Street, Kennett Square. Further information is availablefrom 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 ofalternating months to exchange information on promotion of holistic health within faithcongregations and communities and to develop additional faith community nurses, alsoknown as parish nurses. On July 10, a date change due to the July 4 holiday, the groupwill meet at Neighborhood Agencies, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester. Furtherinformation 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 ofJanuary, March, May, July, September and November at various community locations withany interested individual or organization welcome to attend and share information onresources and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett areacommunity. On July 9, the group will meet at His Mission, 342 Birch Street, KennettSquare, with the meeting preceded by a community picnic at 6 p.m. with participants bringa dish to share. Additional information is available from Joan Holliday atdochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180. Minutes from prior meetings are available atwww.bridgingcommunity.com/bridging.php.

Communities That Care (CTC) groups in several Chester County school districts providenetworking opportunities for community organizations and individuals that use a planningand mobilization model to promote healthy youth development and prevent and reducenegative 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 ofeach month of the school year at the West Chester Area School District SpellmanAdministrative Building, 829 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Lunch is provided byreserving 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 themonth from September through May at the Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon

Drive, Exton. On May 20, Sarah Marion of Holcomb Behavioral Health will discussgambling addictions and prevention. Further information is available atdtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with theCoatesville Youth Initiative Steering Committee, meets from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. thethird Thursday of every other month in the fourth floor meeting room of theBrandywine Health Foundation, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Further

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information is available from Jarvis Berry, CTC community mobilizer, atjberry@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 forpersons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specificservices 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 afterthe Biblical disciple known as the Son of Encouragement. Weekly sessions are part ofthe churchs Care Monday, that includes a prayer group that meets at the same timein the Prayer Lobby (Portico Entrance), with intercession for those attending theBarnabas Group and the churchs other Care Ministries, including DivorceCare forthose coping with separation or divorce, even years later; Mending Hearts for thosewith prodigal children and other family members; and various offerings focused onassistance in healing and coping. On Tuesday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30p.m., a different night and time, human resources professional Matt Levy will discussuse of LinkedIn for a job search. Further information for Barnabas Group activities isavailable 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 MainBuilding, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by anew member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On June 14, My Career Transitionsvolunteers will guide attendees through aspects of developing aJob Search Toolkit.On July 12,Alex Freund, a career and interviewing coach, will discuss TheInterview: You Are Onstage. In August,there is no meeting. Further informationand required registration are available at

http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

Wayne A one-on-one Employment Guidance Ministry, along with periodic specialemployment related events to aid jobseekers is available at St. Davids EpiscopalChurch, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Malvern. Further information is available fromGeorge Vosburgh at gbvosburgh@aol.com or (610) 688-7947.

West Chester Unemployment support group meets bi-weekly from 5:45 p.m. to7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner Street, West Chester, tolearn tips and techniques related to job searches. Further information is availablefrom 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 orinfo@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 behindthe school at the back of the property. On May 13, starting at 7 p.m., a differentstarting 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 theHagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 601 First Avenue. Further information isavailable 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. FrancisRoom at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 North Providence Road. On May 20,Mock Interviews for Job-Seekerswill 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 SchoolEducation Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, ChesterSprings. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or atdavid.bolz@verizon.net.Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's ofSiena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information isavailable from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.West Grove 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish LifeCenter, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West Grove.Further information is available from John Colgan atjohnfcolgan@gmail.com. OnMay 21,Amy Dinning, training and development leader, will discuss What Is So

Amazing About Networking. Additional information on all St. Josephs Peoplechapters is available at www.josephspeople.org.

UPDATED LAST WEEK: Many New Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job

Openings Report May-JuneUnemployed 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 PennsylvaniaDepartment 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 orientationpresentation as to what PA CareerLink has to offer.

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

A several-page monthly consolidatedJob Openings Report and statistical information on thelocal labor market are available http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/17996. Dailyposition 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.aspxDelaware: www.delcoworks.orgLancaster: www.jobs4lancaster.comMontgomery: 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 tocome up with a better reason to withhold documents that apparently describe how theCounty 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 proceduresfor dissemination of information to the public during a crisis.

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

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

The state, in correspondence with the parties, provided support to Jones Right to Knowposition, determining that an affidavit submitted by the County that the documents hadblanket exemption from public disclosure is conclusory in nature (and) (c)onclusorystatements 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 Countyto provide specific reasons why all or portions of the documents are exempt. He contendsthe County cannot withhold a document from public disclosure simply by declaring itexempt.

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

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

Summer Youth Camps Signups Underway

Registrations are underway for both the summer State Police Camp Cadet, and CampDreamcatcher 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 tointroduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positiverelationship between youth and law enforcement personnel. It is structured similar totraining 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 informationfor limited enrollment are available atwww.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.netor (610) 925-2998.

(800) FIX-ROAD Pothole ReportsPennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) receives information on neededpothole 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 orwww.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 thePhoenixville Community Health Foundation have expanded their Ride for Health Initiative(RFHI) in Southern Chester County to include trips for human and social services needs inaddition 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 servicessites, including those in Kennett Square, West Chester and Coatesville.

Scheduled transportation is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Kennett AreaCommunity 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 availablefrom partner agencies athttp://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 isavailable at http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102570574404-1464/ride+for+health+brochure.pdf.

Please Note: New and Updatedtags refer only to the time of appearance of information in theseE-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 - OngoingFeedback 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 weshould be aware of or might be interested in reporting in these periodic e-mail updates, please let me know, eitherwith details or a web site link. In order to maintain its value, this forum currently is a subjective, selectivedistribution so all information submitted may not be used.

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Also, if you know someone who might be helped by these periodic updates, please forward all or selected portionsas you feel appropriate. If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please hit reply and advise bytyping "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 informationreported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.

Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more advanced electroniccommunications 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.

BlessingsCasey

Casey JonesTransformation InitiativeBuilding 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 anevent or might want to collaborate with another in the area. For annual events, longer lead times may beappropriate. 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 isoccurring and why they might like to attend) can be obtained by perusing the publications or using the followingguide:

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 alsoavailable, including free admission, and a participant has the choice of purchasing incidental items, suchas 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-casebasis in context with focus of the publications.