-2-

during the current two-week period or are newly listed as part of the longer term Calendar.
These activities are provided for both personal use and printing out and sharing with others
through suggested posting on public and employee bulletin boards, hard copies or e-mail.

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

Camps Cadet Various Pennsylvania Locations.
Personalities, Practices and Churches from the Reformation Era Ispeaker Series
New Holland.
GSK Science in the Summer for Elementary Students Area Libraries.
Walking Girls to Success Series Honey Brook.
Bird Walks Audubon.
Art Classes Kennett Square.
Longs Park Summer Concert Series Lancaster.
Parent Cafes Pottstown.
Gospel Roller Coaster Upper Darby.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good, Feel Better for Women Various Locations.
Prescribe-A-Trail Walk Phoenixville.
Art History Presentation with Song and Dance Exton.
Health and Wellness University West Chester.
Shingles Clinic West Chester.
Strawberry Festival Coatesville.
World War II Author Presentation Phoenixville.
Children's Room Library Opening Oxford.
Student Art Show - Oxford
National Weather Service Skywarn Spotter Training Limerick.
Volunteer Fair Exton.
Civil War Enactments Schwenksville.
Come Out and Play Family Day West Chester.
National Trails Day King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Resolution Hike Atglen.
Community and Trails Celebration Exton.
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Camps Cadet Various Pennsylvania Locations.
Personalities, Practices and Churches from the Reformation Era Ispeaker Series
New Holland.
GSK Science in the Summer for Elementary Students Area Libraries.
Walking Girls to Success Series Honey Brook.
Bird Walks Audubon.
Art Classes Kennett Square.
Longs Park Summer Concert Series Lancaster.
Parent Cafes Pottstown.
Gospel Roller Coaster Upper Darby.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.

-3-

New:

Look Good, Feel Better for Women Various Locations.

Memorial Parade Malvern.

Chester County Parks and Trails Presentation Exton.
Eleanor Roosevelt Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner)
Mental Health First Aid Training Exton.
50Plus Expo Exton.
State Rep. Toepel Healthy Living Expo Green Lane.
Organic Gardening Presentation Exton.
The Lady in the Van Movie Night Phoenixville.
State Rep. Kampf Family Safety Expo and Movie Night Chesterbrook.
Paws on the Path Walk Atglen.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sharon Hill (Darby Township).
Rug Hooking Demonstrations Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Musical Memories Concert New Holland.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Is Franchising Right for You? Workshop Pottstown.
Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil Aston.
Drug Overdose Kit Workshop and Distribution Coatesville.

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.

Receive Early Alerts During the Week on Many of These and Other Stories

Our E-Update, Calendar of Events and E-Update ResourcesTM, along with many
supplemental updates of information during the week, now are available at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni
You do not have to be a Facebook user to access the Page but do need to be a user
to access other than basic features.
Like our Page and then click on Get Notifications in the dropdown menu next
to Like to obtain the latest updates. Otherwise, Facebook picks and chooses
what information you receive on your News Feed and Timeline based on
algorithms it chooses.

NEW THIS WEEK: Three Full-time Job-Holder Wages Needed to Pay for a
Two-Bedroom Apartment in Area Counties
A new report says it takes 3.2 full-time job holders at minimum wage in Chester, Delaware
and Montgomery counties and 2.4 in Berks and Lancaster counties to be able to rent an
average two bedroom apartment.

-4-

The National Low Income Housing Coalition made the analysis as part of a national Out of
Reach - No Refuge for Low Income Renters report financed by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The fair market rate for a two-bedroom apartment in the top three counties is $1,210 a
month, based on 2016 U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD)
data, with it taking 1.3 full-time jobs in Chester and Montgomery and 1.6 in Delaware even
if occupants are earning average median incomes for those counties. In
In Berks County, the fair market rent is $892 and in Lancaster $897 per month, both with
1.5 job holders at average median income to pay the rent.
Hourly full-time wages required to pay the rent are $23.27 in the top three counties, with
$17.25 an hour in Lancaster and $17.15 in Berks. Calculations are based on one-third of
wages going toward rent.
The full report is available at
www.nlihc.org/sites/default/files/oor/OOR_2016_embargoed.pdf.

NEW THIS WEEK: NARCAN Overdose Kits Now Available at Montco Health Centers
Montgomery County Health Department is making NARCAN two-nasal spray kits available at its health centers
to persons at risk of experiencing an opiate -related overdose; and to family members, friends,
or other persons in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an overdose.
The kits are available to eligible county residents without insurance or those with a financial hardship that
renders them unable to afford the copay at a participating pharmacy, officials said, with health department
locations at 364 King Street, Pottstown; 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown; and 102 York Road - Suite 401,
Willow Grove.
The action is in response to opioid overdose deaths continuing to be a major public health issue in the United
States, contributing significantly to accidental deaths among those who misuse heroin and prescription opioid
drugs, with deaths due to opiates in Montgomery County increased by 72% between 2009 and 2014 and just
over half being attributed to heroin.
Officers in 26 of the 49 Montgomery County police departments currently carry Naloxone while on duty; with 41
documented saves across the county since 2015, authorities report.
They said that due to an extensive pharmacy outreach, 24 independently owned pharmacies have dispensed
over 275 Naloxone kits to the general public under a County Standing Order for the prescription, with five
chains pharmacies also dispensing the drug under a Pennsylvania Physician General order.
Further information is available at www.montcopa.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/3078.

NEW THIS WEEK: New Nutrition Labels to be Required on Packaged Foods

Consumers are going to have new Nutrient Facts labels on their packaged food, but may not
see them on everything for three years.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new rules that require a new label
design, modification of the list of required nutrients that must be declared on the label, and
updated serving sizes.
The new Nutrition Facts label will make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions
about the food they eat, according to the FDA, but implementation isn't required until July

-5-

26, 2018, with manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales having an
additional year to comply.
Label updates also will help increase consumer awareness of the quantity of added sugars in
foods, according to the FDA.
The agency says it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie
requirements if one consumes more than 10 percent of total daily calories from added
sugars
However, Americans on average get about 13 percent of their total calories from added
sugars, with the major sources being sugar-sweetened beverages (including soft drinks,
fruit drinks, coffee and tea, sport and energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages) and snacks
and sweets (including grain-based desserts, dairy desserts, candies, sugars, jams, syrups,
and sweet toppings), the FDA reports.
Further information is available at
www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Labeling
Nutrition/ucm385663.htm.

NEW THIS WEEK: Driver Skills Private Test Centers Added in Three Area Counties
Delaware, Lancaster and Montgomery counties are among eight to participate in a new state
program to allow third-party businesses to administer non-commercial driving skills tests to
Pennsylvania resident permit holders who have successfully met the criteria to obtain a
license.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) says the 18-month pilot project
expansion involves 10 testing sites throughout the state, with the department providing
"close oversight of the participating entities" and performing performance audits and site
visits to ensure compliance with laws and policies.
Some sites, which include Defensive Driving Academy in Newtown Square and Drivin2Drive
in Bala Cynwyd, already are performing the tests, while others, such as an unannounced
one in Lancaster County, are expected to be operational by summer's end.
Further information on the project is available at www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-newsdetails.aspx?newsid=231#.V0osQORYxLN, with licensing centers information at
www.dot4.state.pa.us/locator/locator.jsp#top?20160528193534840=20160528193534840.

NEW THIS WEEK: Ignition Interlock Devices to be Required for First Time DUIs;
More Three-Wheelers Required to be Licensed
First-time offenders of driving while under high blood alcohol levels now will be required to
have ignition interlock devices on vehicles under legislation signed by Pennsylvania Gov.
Tom Wolf.
State Sen. John C. Rafferty, Jr., area bill sponsor, said research shows over 30,000 firsttime DUI offenders each year and that a substantial number will violate the terms of their
license suspension and become repeat offenders.
The device prohibits an operator from starting a vehicle until they breathe into the interlock
system, demonstrating they haven't been drinking.

-6-

Similar laws are in place in 15 states, Rafferty said, and according to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration recidivism rates have dropped by as much as 60 percent in
those states requiring the devices.
Further information and a copy of the legislation is available at
www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?
syear=2015&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=290.
The Governor also signed legislation that more clearly defines the distinction between newly
developed three wheeled vehicles with two forward wheels and the more recognizable three
wheeled trike-style motorcycles that have been in existence, requiring the new vehicles also
to be licensed.
Further information and a copy of that legislation is available at
www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?
sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1108.

NEW THIS WEEK: Expanded Anti-Hazing Legislation to Take Effect

New legislation, designed to strengthen the ability of Pennsylvania school districts to crack
down on hazing and requiring school boards to adopt anti-hazing policies, will take effect
Monday, July 25.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has signed legislation that expands current anti-hazing laws
that currently apply only to institutions of higher education.
The new legislation:
Expands the current law to apply to secondary schools, defined as any public or private
school providing instruction to grades 7 through 12.
Amends the definition of hazing to apply the prohibited behaviors to any person, rather
than only a student.
Requires each governing board of a secondary school to adopt a written anti-hazing
policy and to provide this policy, along with the schools rules, penalties, and program
enforcement, to all athletic coaches involved with the schools programs.
Requires each governing board of a secondary school to post its written anti-hazing
policy on its website.
Amends the enforcement and penalties subsection of the law to provide that expulsion
may also be a penalty for a violation of the institutions anti-hazing rules.
Further information is available at www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-signs-anti-hazingbill-four-others-into-law, with the legislation at
www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?
syear=2015&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1574.

-7-

NEW LAST WEEK: Surf and Rip Current Forecasts Now Available
National Weather Service (NWS) has started publishing its summertime surf and rip current
forecasts through September 30.
Main components of this forecast, in addition to a rip current risk, include weather
conditions, ultraviolet rays (UV) index, surf wave height and water temperatures.
The report is available at www.weather.gov/phi/surfrip4, with a video on the dangers of rip
currents, which can be dangerous and potentially deadly, even on nice days, at
www.oceantoday.noaa.gov//htt//www.weather.gov/phi/surfrip4.

NEW LAST WEEK: Area Counties to Receive $5.3 Million for Traffic Light
Improvements
Five area counties are big winners under a $12 million Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation plan to help state municipalities upgrade traffic signals under a Green LightGo program.
Governor Wolf has announced that Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Montgomery
counties will receive some $5.3 million for 44 projects out of 109 that will be funded statewide.
Made possible under Act 89, the states transportation funding plan, the program
establishes partnership agreements between municipalities and PennDOT whereby local
governments can request up to 50-percent funding for traffic-signal projects.
During this fiscal year, grants can be used for installing light-emitting diode (LED)
technology, performing regional operations such as re-timing, developing special event
plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest
technologies.$368,859 for 20 projects.
Further information and the projects list are available at www.governor.pa.gov/governorwolf-announces-12-million-in-green-light-go-traffic-signal-improvement-funding.

NEW LAST WEEK: Schuylkill River Heritage Area Has $590 Million Annual Impact
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area generates $590 million annually in impact for the region,
according to an Economic Impact Study.
It also found the area supports 6,134 jobs and generates $37.7 million in state and local tax
revenue, primarily as a result of tourism related activities.
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area, one of 49 in the country, encompasses the Schuylkill
River watershed through Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and Schuylkill
counties.
The document is available at http://files.ctctcdn.com/c471d8a7001/9afb4657-651a-4bdb87b9-3fb37dfa4f8c.pdf.

NEW LAST WEEK: Motorcycle Deaths Jump in U.S., Not Pennsylvania

Motorcycle fatalities jumped 10 percent nationwide last year but Pennsylvania and New
Jersey didn't follow the trend.

-8-

The national Governors Highway Safety Association says that preliminary numbers from the
states show an increase from 4,548 motorcycle deaths in 2014 to 5,010 last year.
Lack of helmet use, alcohol involvement, speeding and invalid licensure continue to be the
leading causes of motorcycle crashes and deaths, the organization reports, saying that use
of helmets would reduce deaths by 37 percent.
In Pennsylvania, motorcycle deaths dropped from 186 to 179, or a four percent decrease
between 2014 and 2015, with New Jersey sinking 20 percent, from 61 to 49.
Delaware saw the largest area increase of 33 percent, but on much smaller numbers of 15
and 20 deaths. Maryland recorded a seven percent increase, from 69 to 64.
Further information and the report are available at
www.ghsa.org/html/media/pressreleases/2016/20160519motorcycles.html.

NEW LAST WEEK: Over $2 Million in State Grants Go to Rail Improvements

Area projects will receive more than $2 million of the $36 million that the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has awarded to improve rail lines state-wide.
An estimated 9,200 jobs will be created and over 39,000 retained state-wide over the next
five years due to thirty-one state-wide rail projects being funded under two PennDOTmanaged grant programs, with five awards designated in this region.
Further information, including a list of awards, is available at www.governor.pa.gov/wolfadministration-announces-new-rail-projects-that-will-create-retain-48000-jobs-throughstate-investment.

Police Ramp Up Click It or Ticket Seatbelt Use Efforts Through Sunday, June 5
Dozens of municipal police departments state
police across southeast Pennsylvania are
engaged in a statewide Click It Or Ticket
seatbelt enforcement mobilization through
June 5, including Memorial Day weekend.
Police will focus on roadways with high
unbelted crashes, injuries and deaths by
initiating a combination of enforcement and
public awareness activities, according to the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
All vehicle occupants under 18 years of age must wear a seat belt, officials said, with drivers
and front-seat passengers over 18 years old who are cited for another traffic violation
receiving a second ticket if they are unbuckled.
Pennsylvania recorded another decrease in seat belt use in 2015 with an observed rate of
83.6%, the lowest since 2005, PennDOT reports, with officials saying that proper use of a
seat belt can increase chances of surviving a crash by up to 60 percent.

-9-

According to PennDOT data there were 3,440 crashes in Bucks, Chester, Delaware,
Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in 2015 in which people were not wearing seat belts,
with 64 people dying in those incidents.
Further information about PennDOTs seat belt efforts is available at JustDrivePA.com.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Forum Scheduled Wednesday, June 8

Home of the Sparrow will host a Chester County Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
breakfast forum from 9 a.m. to noon June 8 at the West Chester University Graduate
Center, 1160 McDermitt Drive, West Chester, to gauge interest in developing a coalition to
address negative affects of adverse childhood experiences.
Presentations in regard to the subject will include Alyson Ferguson, director of grantmaking
at Thomas Scattergood Behavioral Health Foundation, and Jason Alexander of Capacity for
Change.
Further information and reservations are available with Milena Lanz at
MLanz@homeofthesparrow.org or (610) 647-4940.

NEW THIS WEEK: Free Churches as Safe Havens for Abuse Workshop Thursday,
June 9
Churches as Safe Havens for Ritual Abuse Survivors will be presented by Pastor Brian Martin
at Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl from 8:30 a.m. To
11 a.m. June 9.
The non-denominational workshop, that also will include information on Prenatal Trauma
and Healing, is the final session in a monthly series hosted by Living Hope Counseling
Center to raise awareness and understanding of church and ministry leaders about ritual
abuse and dissociative identify disorder (RA/DID), introduce local ministries working with
survivors and provide resources about the issue.
Further information and required registration, which includes a continental breakfast, is
available at livinghope8@comcast.net or (610) 380-7242.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Nonprofit Conference Scheduled Monday, June 13

TriCounty Community Network (TCN) will host an information and educadtion conference for
nonprofits from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13, at The Hill School Center for the Arts,
800 Beeach Street, Pottstown.
Ira Koretsky, president of The Chief Storyteller, a boutique marketing and sales consulting
firm, will deliver the keynote address, with nonprofit management workshops and
organizations providing services to nonprofits also available.
Further information and required registration are available at
www.eventbrite.com/e/nonprofit-conference-2016-tickets-22738670977 or (610) 850-0181.

- 10 -

NEW NEXT WEEK: Free Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Training Wednesday,
June 15
Dan Dubovsky, independent consultant and former Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
specialist for the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence, will present Preventing Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Recognizing Those with an FASD to Improve Outcomes
training June 15 in Morton.
The session, to include professional continuing education units, will be held from 9 a.m. to
noon in room 171/172, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, 200 Yale Avenue.
The prevention and intervention strategies forum will examine why the prevalence of FASD
is greater than many other disorders yet is mostly misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorders,
the importance of screening individuals for a possible FASD, and identification of three
modifications for those with an FASD to improve outcomes for them, their families, and the
programs that serve them.
Further information and required registration for the session, which includes a light
breakfast, is available at http://files.ctctcdn.com/442d356b001/d807bfdb-ee33-433f-80d21bb089ee0a82.pdf, aria.walerski@holcombbhs.org or (484) 444-0412.

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
various services providers. On May 24, representatives of Health Care Access, ResCare
Home Care and Abilatools will speak. Additional information about the group is available
from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at debbie.openhearth@verizon.net or
(610) 792-9282 x201.
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 June 2, at
the Neighborhood Health Agencies, Casey Jones will discuss the System of Care aspects of a
Fathers Matter coalition initiative. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at
dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.
Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on
the first Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at the Government
Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. The group is a diverse partnership of
individuals, families, community organizations, service agencies, businesses and funders
committed to empowering individuals and families in living self-sufficient, productive and
fulfilling lives. On June 3, it will learn about Faith-Based Collaborations and Success
Stories. Additional information is available from Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or
(610) 344-5262.
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

- 11 -

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.
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.
Bucks-Chester-Montgomery Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources
meets at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at various dates and locations in the three counties. Further
information and suggested registration is available at
www.buckschestermontgomerylink.weebly.com, buckschestermontgomerylink@aim.com or
(484) 364-6981.
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. 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 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May. Further information and registration are available
at dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

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

- 12 -

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) holds weekly
sessions as part of the churchs Care Mondays of supports. Further information is
available at www.cfdowningtown.com/caremondays or
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 June 11, author Hank Boyer, a senior
management advisor, will discuss Current & Emerging Job Search Tactics for the
Experienced Professional. Further information and required registration are available
at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 635 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now
coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays
of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. On June 7, Joseph's People
participants who have found employment will share resources and tools that worked
for them. 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 June 14, Brandi Baldwin-Rana,
Ph.D., a psychologist, educator and leadership performance advisor, will discuss how

- 13 -

to Maintain Your Equilibrium And Emotional Well-Being! during a job search. Third
Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike,
Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com.
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, in the
Parish Meeting Room Rear of the School Property, St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor
Avenue (Route 322). Information about the affiliate is available by leaving a
message at (610) 873-7117. Further information and required registration for
limited seating are available at www.josephspeople.org/retreat.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 6:45 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. Further information is available from John Colgan at johnfcolgan@gmail.com.
Additional information on all St. Josephs People chapters is available at
www.josephspeople.org.

Free Job Assistance Workshops - May

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 offered by the office.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month, including onsite job recruitment opportunities, is available at
http://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/33278.
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

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Octorara School District Offering Homeland Security & Protective Services

Academy for Chester County High School Students
Octorara Area School District is accepting enrollment for Chester County high school
students to enter its fall Homeland Security & Protective Services Academy.
The Academy is said to prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills required to
perform entry-level duties in law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and
other safety services, with training being conducted as part of high school curriculum at the
Chester County Public Safety Training Campus in South Coatesville.
On focus of the program is training for students to be nationally certified fire service
personnel due to declining number of volunteers in the fire service agencies, along with
receiving other public safety certification opportunities.
Further information is at http://octorara.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1536 or
Cyndi Manning at (610) 593-8238 x3549.

Police Save Over 350 Lives State-wide with Anti-Overdose Drug; Most Are in Area
Counties
Over 350 lives have been saved to date in this area
by police officers administering Naloxone to reverse
opioid overdoses among drug users, with most of
the saves state-wide occurring in our extended
reporting area.
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol
Programs is reporting that nearly 40 percent of the
state drug overdose reversals have occurred in
Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and Chester
counties. All but Montgomery County are reported
to have all county police departments having
Naloxone available to administer.
Delaware County is tops in the state, with 184 saves, followed by York with 170,
Philadelphia with 117, Bucks 84, Lancaster 61, Montgomery 57 and Chester 46. Berks
County, which has had three saves is described as only having partial coverage or is
preparing to launch.
Naloxone, a drug administered by nasal spray or injection, reverses opioid overdoses,
including heroin. As previously reported, it now is available to any individual through a
state-wide prescription from the state physician general, although all drug stores don't
currently dispense.
Earlier this month, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan announced that Acme
Markets now is stocking the drug at all county supermarket pharmacies and will be
continuing to roll it out in other areas. Some drugstore chains started dispensing the drug
last year.
Information in regard to Naloxone use, including background, data for emergency services
personnel, a Friends and Family Guidance Toolkit, a list of pharmacies dispensing the drug
in each county, and more is available at
www.ddap.pa.gov/overdose/Pages/Naloxone_Reversal.aspx#.VzYaZ-QaL-s.

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Area Counties Lead in Sexual Offender Cases

Area counties account for more than 20 percent
of all sexual offender cases in Pennsylvania,
with all five in the top ten.
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania
Courts (AOPC) reports that during the past
three calendar years cumulatively Lancaster
County was the third highest, followed by
Delaware in fourth place, Montgomery in sixth,
Berks in eighth and Chester in 10th in the
number of cases. Philadelphia was tops with
707, or 14.87 percent of the state total, followed by Allegheny County with 447, or 9.4
percent.
The total number of individuals sentenced as sexual offenders between January 1, 2013,
and December 31, 2015, was 4,225, charged with 16,987 offenses, AOPC reports.
Of sexual offenders sentenced, 51 percent were between the ages of 19 and 35, with 44
percent being charged with sexual abuse of children.
The number of cases has increased dramatically state-wide in the three-year period with
new mandated reporting laws going into effect. Cases state-wide rose from 1,124 in 2013,
to 1,703 in 2013 and 1,929 last year, or a more than 70% increase during the period.
In this reporting area:
Lancaster County (July 1, 2015), estimated Census Bureau population of 536,624),
there were 76 cases in 2013, 71 in 2015 and 110 last year for a total of 257 or 5.4
percent of the state-wide total.
Delaware County (563,894): 38, 79 and 98 for a total of 215 or 4.52 percent of the
total.
Montgomery (819,264): 33, 60, 82 - 175 (3.68 percent).
Berks (415,271): 54, 46, 64 - 164 (3.45 percent).
Chester (515,939): 29, 31, 48 - 108 (2.27 percent).
Further information and demographics are available at www.pacourts.us/news-andstatistics/news?Article=899.

State Focusing on 2018 Managed Long-Term Care Changes

A new managed long term services and supports system, to take effect in January 2018,
already is drawing attention in Southeastern Pennsylvania with significant changes in the
way older residents and those with disabilities receive care.
Community Health Choices, to be rolled out first in Southwestern Pennsylvania next year,
will be directed toward keeping individuals in their communities instead of nursing homes
and other assisted living facilities.
The Brandywine and Phoenixville Community health foundations hosted an information
session in West Chester for Chester County providers and others interested in

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improvements to the healthcare system, with others being held in the five-county 2018
implementation area.
Jennifer Burnett, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Office of Long-term Living, said the general population is underprepared for long-term care,
most get into it due to a medical emergency, and information currently is very confusing
and the system very difficult to navigate.
She said that just over half of individuals in long term care now are being cared for in
community settings versus nursing homes, but local care is the desire of 95 percent of the
population.
Successful implementation of the new system, described several times at the meeting as
having potential to be either being a major improvement or a disaster, will depend on
proper education of the public and providers along with other factors, speakers said.
Further information on Community Health Choices is available at
www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/communityhealthchoices/#.Vzp8aeQaL-s.

Pottstown Area Churches Coming Together for Regional Unity

A growing number of churches in the Pottstown
area are coming together to focus on unifying the
church regionally, with pastors and leaders
gathering twice a month and hundreds of
Christians participating on Pentecost Sunday for a
combined Night of Praise.
The May 15 gathering at The Hill School in
Pottstown, the second held by the group, observed
the post-Easter descent of the Holy Spirit on the
apostles of Jesus Christ. Additional prayer and
praise gatherings are being planned for at least
three times a year.
The Netzer movement, derived from the Hebrew word for shoot or branch, is designed to
assist churches and members to grow in combining a shared faith in the Trinity and
equipping for work of ministry, rather than highlighting theological differences.
Further information is available at www.netzer.org. and
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/photos/pcb.1053512131380704/1053511344714116
/?type=3&theater or (484) 222-0125.

Chester Countys State of Its Women Reported

Chester County Fund for Women and Girls has released its latest Blueprint Report, a needs
assessment of county females.
The 176-page document, presented by Allison Turner, department chair and associate
professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at West Chester University,
updates a 2010 report, delving into Employment and Earnings, Poverty and Opportunity,
Health and Well-Being, Work and Family, Reproductive Rights, Violence and Safety, and
Political Participation.

- 17 -

A copy of the report, along with a summary, is available at

www.ccwomenandgirls.org/research.

Frozen Food Recalls Grow Due to Listeria Potentials

Tons of frozen foods, originally starting with frozen vegetables and fruits and now meats,
are involved in expanding recalls from multiple sources due to listeria concerns.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the disease primarily affects
older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems,
although others can be affected. It is caused by eating food contaminated with the
bacterium Listeria monocytogenes and is considered an important public health problem in
the United States.
A current list of recalls is available at www.foodsafety.gov/recalls/index.html, where one
also can sign up for automatic alerts.
Further information on listeria is available at www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html.

Social Security Administration Reveals Top 2015 Baby Names

Noah, Liam and Mason are the top boy names for 2015,
says the federal Social Security Administration, with
Emma, Olivia and Sophia being the most popular for
girls.
In Pennsylvania, the rankings are a bit different. A
complete list of the top 10 names nationwide, by state,
the top five in each of the last 100 years, and more are
available at www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames.

Zika Virus Response Plan Developed

Plans are underway to bolster surveillance, mitigation, and response efforts for the Zika
virus, although risks of contracting it in Pennsylvania are termed "very low".
Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Environmental Protection have announced a
Pennsylvania Zika Virus Response Plan that outlines the phases of education, surveillance,
and response activities that will occur for various levels of mosquito activity within the
commonwealth as well as triggers based on the presence of the virus within the state.
The phases range from the current situation of a moderate level of travel-associated cases
to potential widespread local transmission by mosquitos.
The agencies noted the only confirmed cases in Pennsylvania of Zika, which is identified as
being of danger to unborn children, are in individuals who contracted the virus while visiting
one of the areas where the virus is actively spreading.
They say, however, that "once warmer temperatures arrive in the commonwealth and
remain in place throughout the summer months, the risk of limited local transmission of
Zika virus by the type of mosquitos that potentially carry it will increase."

- 18 -

Additional information, including the response plan, is available at

www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=307.

Area Counties Now in Range for Zika Virus

Chester and adjoining counties are on new maps for
range of potential Zika virus spread, although risk or
likelihood, or exact locations or numbers of mosquitoes
living in these areas aren't shown.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
says that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are more likely to
spread viruses like Zika that is being linked to birth
deformities with pregnant mothers.
The new report is available at www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/resources/vector-control.html.
Zika Virus from Mosquitoes Drawing Increasing Concern for Both Women and Men
The Zika virus is drawing increasing focus, particularly for
women who could become pregnant and men who can
transmit the disease, from the federal Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), with new guidance and
information to prevent transmission and health effects.
The CDC says there is "mounting evidence" that supports a
link between Zika, transmitted initially by mosquitoes, and
microcephaly, a birth defect that is a sign of incomplete
brain development, and possibly other problems such as miscarriage and stillbirth.
The new guidance is available at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/s0325-zika-virusrecommendations.html, with further information on the disease at www.cdc.gov/zika.

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.

- 19 -

Events listed are based on subject matter related to activities impacting families and is
based on information reported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.
Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more
advanced electronic communications method for this type of material that will have more
expansive yet less obtrusive characteristics. Please stay tuned.
To submit materials for publication, please refer to the guidelines that follow.

Blessings
Casey
Casey Jones
Transformation Initiative
Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families
(610) 707-1494 / bps461@msn.com
2009-2016 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

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

Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:

Any Fees, including free-will offerings:

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:
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.):

- 20 -

Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the
specific activity:

Any registration requirements.

We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small,
optional materials fee is charged.
Fund-raising activities generally are not published unless there is a good mixture of free
activities also available, including free admission, with a participant having the choice of
purchasing incidental items such as food or crafts.
Church events generally are published only if they are separate from normal weekly worship
services.
Due to the wide variety of activities available, decisions on publication ultimately are determined on a
case-by-case basis in context with focus of the publications.