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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS

IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of January 24, 2016

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources
and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them
_________________________________________________________________
In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting in
yellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might
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E-Update periodically reports ways in which subscribers use our publications to aid their
families or organizations. If you have a short description that might be helpful to others
and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences
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2009-2016 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities

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

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
UPDATED LAST WEEK: Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities
held regularly each week or month.
UPDATED THIS WEEK: Area Ministries for Those Who are Struggling.
GriefShare, DivorceCare, Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts.
Day Trip Destination Sites: Free admission sites for individual and family outings.
E-Update ResourcesTM: Accompanying Information About Services, Including
Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families.
UPDATED THIS WEEK: Calendar of Events - Please Submit Additions Today
Upcoming Activities The following items are detailed in the accompanying Calendar of
Events and are in addition to those described within this E-Update. They will be occurring
during the current two-week period or are newly listed as part of the longer term Calendar.
These activities are provided for both personal use and printing out and sharing with others
through suggested posting on public and employee bulletin boards, hard copies or e-mail.

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

Art Ability Exhibition Malvern.
Dare to Be the Best Fatherhood Initiative Pottstown.
Engineering of Art Exhibit Malvern.
Biweekly Cancer Survivors Well-Being Activity Pottstown.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Community Caf Dinner West Grove.
Social Networks for Business Workshop Royersford.
Chester County in the 60s and Today Author Discussion Chester Springs (Ludwigs
Corner).
Scrabble Club Start Up Phoenixville.
Help Grieving Children Seminar Exton/Lionville.
Downtown Development Presentation Kennett Square.
Starting a Business Workshop Pottstown.
Writers and Readers Author Discussion Phoenixville.
Special Kids Camp Expo Malvern.
Retro Video Play Time Exton.
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Art Ability Exhibition Malvern.
Dare to Be the Best Fatherhood Initiative Pottstown.
Engineering of Art Exhibit Malvern.
Biweekly Cancer Survivors Well-Being Activity Pottstown.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).

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New:

PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.

Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Super Camp Fair West Conshohocken.
Celebrate Recovery Startup Coatesville.
Ticker Test Presentation Broomall
Heart Health Presentation Exton.
Fort Miflins Stand Presentation King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Sleeplessness and Heart Issues Presentation Bryn Mawr.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate Seminar Berwyn.
Senior Transit and Veterans Discount Applications Downingtown.
Identity Theft Presentation Exton.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Appalachian Trail Presentation Exton.
Family Roots Presentation Exton.
Family and Hope Expo Pottstown.

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

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Local Income Tax Preparation Now Available, Along with Preparation
Software
Free income tax preparation sites are gearing up to start
providing services for individuals who generally make $54,000
or less annually, persons with disabilities, the elderly and
limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in
preparing their own tax returns.
In addition, the federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also is providing free tax preparation
software to aid individuals having less than $62,000 in 2015 income.
The free services take particular note of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that provides
up to $6,269 to an individual or couple with three or more qualifying children and earning
less than $53,506, all based on a sliding scale.
The IRS estimates that one out of five individuals who have earned money during a year
and qualify for the benefit, which can be more than that paid in taxes, fail to file for it.
Further information on the ETIC is available at www.irs.gov/Credits-&Deductions/Individuals/Earned-Income-Tax-Credit/EITC-Income-Limits-Maximum-CreditAmounts-Next-Year.

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Information and searchable databases for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) preparers are available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/FreeTax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
Information on Free File software is available at www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-YourFederal-Taxes-for-Free.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free AlertBerks Crime Tips App is Introduced

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

NEW LAST WEEK: Pennsylvania Women Workers Losing Ground for Comparable Wages
Women workers in Pennsylvania didn't
fare well in 2014 when it came to
wages or their comparability to male
counterparts.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) says that median usual weekly
earnings were 78.8 percent of those
for male counterparts in 2014, a
decrease of .9 percent from the
previous year, at the same time that
overall average female wages already
were the lowest in real numbers when
compared with surrounding states of
Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.
Since 1997, BLS reports, median
usual weekly earnings for women, in
comparison to men, have fluctuated from 71.8 percent in 1997 to 81.7 percent in 2012
before starting the current decline. Nationally, the comparison rate is rising and was at 82.5
percent overall in 2014.
Further information is at
www.bls.gov/regions/midatlantic/newsrelease/womensearnings_pennsylvania.htm.

NEW LAST WEEK: State Attorney General Issues Tips on Health Club Memberships
Pennsylvania Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection is cautioning individuals to
know their rights before signing a contract with any health fitness facility.

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

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

Court Rules Permanent Employment Ban Law Unconstitutional

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

Public Now Can Track Winter Plowing on Major Highways

The public now can see if winter plows are out on interstates and expressways and where
on www.511PA.com.
The action is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Automated
Vehicle Location (AVL) system pilot that is designed to improve the agencys information on
vehicle movement and use of winter materials.

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Although some 500 PennDOT plow trucks and more than 200 contracted rental trucks will
be able to be tracked on the departments website, officials said that trucks from
lowertraffic roads that are moved onto interstates wont be shown on 511. In addition, due
to differing staff schedules, storms or equipment usage, locations of all of the trucks will not
be visible at all times.
Further information is available at www.governor.pa.gov/gov-wolf-announces-plowtrucktracking-now-publicly-viewable-511pa.

Free Helping Grieving Children Seminar Wednesday, January 27

A seminar on Helping Grieving Children for parents, caregivers and individuals working with
children will be held from 6:30 p.n. to 8 p.m. January 27 at Calvary Fellowship of
Downingtown, 95 West Devon Drive at Route 113, Exton/Lionville.
The session, with Rockin Wednesdays for children and separate Middle and High School Life
Groups available, will provide information on how to help children who are experiencing the
death of someone who was close to them through the grief process.
Further information and required registration are available from Casey Jones, GriefShare
cofacilitator, at bps461@msn.com or (610) 707-1494.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Continues Next Deadline is
Sunday, January 31
The final open enrollment deadline is January 31 for Individuals wanting to enroll or change
plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace, with coverage to start March 1.
Over 85 percent of insured are receiving federal subsidies to help pay the cost of their
health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, officials say.
All existing policy holders are encouraged to check coverages and rates due to possible
changes that could lessen coverage or increase premiums which have been approved to rise
between 1.4 to 26.2 percent in this area, depending on the plan.
Further information and enrollment are available at www.healthcare.gov. Local
organizations providing free assistance in helping to compare plans and costs are available
through the searchable database at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov. Telephone assistance
is available at (800) 318-2596, TTY (855) 889-4325.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Mobile Job Lab to be Debuted Monday, February 1
A new monthly Mobile Job Lab will start from 1 p.m.
to 4 p.m. February 1, in Room 114 at the University
Center, 95 South Hanover Street, Pottstown.
Montgomery County Community Colleges University
Center, its Career Services and TriCounty
Community Network (TCN) will host the activity the
first Monday of each month, with attendees being able to search for jobs and obtain resume
writing and other job-seeker and career support services. Representatives of the University
Centers college and university partners also will be available to discuss admission
processes.

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Further information is available at

http://calendar.mc3.edu/EventList.aspx?fromdate=2%2F1%2F2016&todate=2%2F29%2F2
016&display=Month&type=public&eventidn=12720&view=EventDetails&information_id=195
32 or (610) 850-0181, with additional information on the University Center at
www.mc3.edu/universitycenter.

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

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

Pottstown Rotating Shelter is Open Through April

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

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Re-Opens Through Spring

Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) has re-opened for the winter season.
Eligible individuals, both renters and homeowners, can receive
funds paid directly to home energy providers to assist with winter
fuel costs.
In addition, a crisis program provides funds for broken heating equipment, lack of fuel or in
danger of being without fuel or utilities, or repair of a primary or secondary heating source.
Being on public assistance or having an unpaid bill arent requirements of the program.

-8-

Further information on LIHEAP and other assistance programs and application methods are
available at www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap or County Human
Services offices.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the fourth
Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from
various services providers. On January 26, a representative of Manatawny Manor and a
Focus Group for the Upcoming Help Book 5 will present. Additional information about the
group is available from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at
debbie.openhearth@verizon.net or (610) 792-9282 x201.
Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on the first
Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at various locations. The
group is a diverse partnership of individuals, families, community organizations, service
agencies, businesses and funders committed to empowering individuals and families in
living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. On February 5, the group will hear
presentations on legal aid and immigration. Additional information is available from Kathy
Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.
Chester County Faith Community Health Ministry Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., on
the first Thursday of each month, from September through June to exchange information on
promotion of holistic health within faith congregations and communities and to develop
additional faith community nurses, also known as parish nurses. On February 4, the group
will meet at Neighborhood Health Agencies, 795 East Marshall Street, West Chester, with
Joyce Cummins of Adult Care of Chester County discussing services for aging seniors.
Further information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 7172180.
Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets
from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area
locations, and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the third Tuesdays of the month at various
locations in Berks County for services cross-trainings and exchange of information on
creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door resources for older adults and adults with disabilities,
including consumers, family members and others, seeking information about local
resources. Further information is available at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from
Brian Long, coordinator, at blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.
Also, on Wednesday, January 27, the Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties Link will meet
from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Central Bucks Senior Center, 700 Shady Retreat Road,
Doylestown, to hear Carol Hahn from Quality Insights present a new community group, the
Tri-County Community Care Coalition (TC4) of hospitals, care facilities and other healthcare
entities in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties that seeks to coordinate provider
efforts in reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions of Medicare beneficiaries. Further
information and registration is available from Elizabeth Doan, coordinator, at
buckschestermontgomerylink@ailm.com or (484) 364-6981.
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

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at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives of

community organizations hear presentations from various services providers, discuss ways 11 to develop effective systems of care, help identify solutions to specific issues, and exchange
information about current and upcoming activities. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
Kennett Area Bridging the Community meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of January,
March, May, July, September and November at various community locations with any
interested individual or organization welcome to attend and share information on resources
and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett area community. On
March 9, the meeting will be at Kaolin Mushroom/South Mill, 649 South Street, Kennett
Square. Additional information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or
(610) 717-2180. Minutes from prior meetings are available at
www.bridgingcommunity.com/bridging.php.
Communities That Care (CTC) groups in several Chester County school districts provide
networking opportunities for community organizations and individuals that use a planning
and mobilization model to promote healthy youth development and prevent and reduce
negative youth health and behavior issues that may include substance abuse, delinquency,
teen pregnancy, school drop-out, and violence.

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

Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May. On January 19, Chiropractor Russ Cooperstein will
discuss Drug-Free Solutions to Sleep Deprivation at a meeting at the Downingtown Area
School District Administration Building, 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown. Further
information and registration available at dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

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

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

Downingtown (Lionville/Exton) Job-Seeker Group at Calvary Fellowship Church,

95 West Devon Drive (rear entrance) at Route 113 in Exton (Lionville) is named after
the Biblical disciple known as the Son of Encouragement. Weekly sessions are part
of the churchs Care Monday, that includes a prayer group that meets at the same
time in the Prayer Lobby (Portico Entrance), with intercession for those attending the
Barnabas Group and the churchs other Care Ministries, including DivorceCare for
those coping with separation or divorce, even years later; Mending Hearts for those

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with prodigal children and other family members; and various offerings focused on
assistance in healing and coping. Further information on Job-Seeker Group activities
is available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171

Malvern Penn State Great Valleys Alumni Association and My Career Transitions
(MCT), an all-volunteer job counseling group, meets from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
the second Saturday of the month, except August and December, in 130 Main
Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On February 13, Michael Goldberg of Knock
Out Networking will discuss that subject. Further information and required
registration are available at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcomingmeetings. Further information and required registration are available at
http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 635 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now
coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays
of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. On February 2, Jennifer Driscoll of the
Investor Relations Department at DuPont will discuss Answering the Question Who
Am I? Second Tuesday: St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike - St.
Laurence Road Entrance, Upper Darby, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. On February 9, Elaine Herbert, senior
career advisor at DeVry University, will discuss Storytelling to Identify
Accomplishments. Third Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30
East Baltimore Pike, Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On
February 16, Job Market Consultant Darryl Anderson will discuss Who Will Hire Me?
Identifying Your Next Employer.
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, in the
Parish Meeting Room Rear of the School Property, St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor
Avenue (Route 322). Information about the affiliate is available by leaving a
message at (610) 873-7117. On Sunday, February 21, Josephs People will hold

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its free annual retreat workshop, including childcare, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed
by dinner and optional Mass at McShain-Horstmann Family Life Center, Malvern
Retreat House, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern. Further information and
required registration for limited seating are available at
www.josephspeople.org/retreat.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 6:45 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. On January 27, Jeff Hanna, church deacon, will discuss Interview
Preparation and the Interview. 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, Job Fairs and Job Openings Report January
Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of services and monthly workshops offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Exton offices in Suite 500, 479 Thomas
Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center.
These trainings include an orientation presentation as to services PA CareerLink has to offer.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month is available at
http://chesco.org/159/Workforce-Development-Board.
The November 2015 job openings list that provides several pages for the Chester County
area is available at
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?ChesterCountyDepartm/80b0df4900/432f3381ef/8a41433e69.
Daily position openings updates are available through www.cwds.state.pa.us.
Websites for additional county PA CareerLink offices in the area, at which many services are
available to out-of-county residents, include:
Berks: www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/CareerLink/Pages/default.aspx
Delaware: www.delcoworks.org
Lancaster: www.jobs4lancaster.com
Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024

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

Over 500 Continuing Education Courses Now Available Online

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

Pennsylvania Receives B- on National Education Report Card

Pennsylvania has received a B- in a quality ratings national education report card but still is
among the top seven in the United States.
The 2016 Quality Counts report by Education Week examines qualities of:
Chance for Success (B-/15th overall), providing a cradle-to-career perspective on the
role that education plays in promoting positive outcomes throughout a person's life.
K-12 Achievement (C/9th) that considers current academic performance, change
over time, and poverty-based gaps.
School Finance (B-/10th) that assesses spending patterns and equity.

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

New Federal Dietary Guidelines Create Controversy

New federal dietary guidelines have brought controversy over what was left out.

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

Pennsylvania Establishes New State Veterans Benefits Portal

Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs(DVMA) has established a new
online application that allows veterans to obtain
information about state benefits, programs and services.
Registrant information will be shared with County
Directors for Veterans Affairs and other Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania agencies to help facilitate local connections.
Officials say the PA Veterans Registry is the departments first step of a long-term strategy
to achieve a higher level of communication with veterans and partner providers supporting
them.
Further information and registration is available at www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

New Consumer Rating System for Hospitals Unveiled

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

Oracle Agrees to FTC Settlement That It Deceived Consumers About Java Platorm
Security
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that Oracle has
agreed to settle agency charges that the company
deceived consumers about the security provided by
updates to its Java Platform, Standard Edition software
(Java SE), which is installed on more than 850 million
personal computers.

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

Pennsylvania Drug Overdose Deaths Accelerating

Drug overdose deaths continue to accelerate
in some states, with Pennsylvania recording
the 11th highest -- 2.9 percent -- increase in
the nation from 2013 to 2014.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) says in a new Increases in
Drug and Opioid Overdose Deaths report says
the rise in deaths are across all demographics,
up in both men and women, in non-Hispanic
whites and blacks, and in adults of nearly all
ages.
Nearly half a million Americans died from drug overdoses between 2000 and 2014,
according to the CDC, with opioid overdose deaths, including both opioid pain relievers and
heroin, hitting record levels in 2014, a 14 percent overall national increase in one year.
The most commonly prescribed opioid pain relievers, those classified as natural or semisynthetic opioids such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, continue to be involved in more
overdose deaths than any other opioid type, according to the report.
The increasing number of deaths from opioid overdose is alarming, said CDC Director Tom
Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. The opioid epidemic is devastating American families and
communities.
"To curb these trends and save lives, we must help prevent addiction and provide support
and treatment to those who suffer from opioid use disorders," he said, noting that the

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report "also shows how important it is that law enforcement intensify efforts to reduce the
availability of heroin, illegal fentanyl, and other illegal opioids.
Further information is available at www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/statedeaths.html.

Seniors Taking Potentially Unsafe Drug Doses

Nearly a quarter million seniors took a potentially unsafe dose of opioids for 90 or more
consecutive days in 2011, with Congress now considering Medicare monitoring of
prescription drug use, according to the Prescription Drug Abuse Project at The Pew
Charitable Trusts.
Cynthia Reilly, director of the Prescription Drug Abuse Project at Trusts, says prescription
monitoring is becoming an increasingly common way to address a growing problem. She
noted U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Statistics that more than
16,000 Americans die from painkiller overdoses annually.
Further information on the issue is available at www.publicnewsservice.org/2015-1207/health-issues/congress-considering-prescription-monitoring-for-medicare/a492881?hd&utm_campaign=2015-12-16+PNN&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua.

Teens Substituting Daily Marijuana Use for Cigarettes

Teens are substituting daily use of marijuana for cigarettes, recognizing the harmful effects
of cigarettes but not viewing regular
marijuana use as risky.
A report by The Atlantic, based on a
teen drug use report released by the
National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA), says that for the first time,
more high-school seniors smoke
marijuana daily than smoke cigarettes
daily, with an equal number of
sophomores three percent -- using
marijuana daily as those smoking
cigarettes.
TEENS BELIEVING LESS RISK FROM MARIJUANA

The publication quotes NIDA director Nora Volkow as saying that while she is heartened by
declines in cigarettes and drinking, the growing acceptance of pot among teens concerns
her because preliminary studies show changes in the brain structure of young people who
smoke pot.
It notes that Volkow and other scientists worry that when teens, whose brains are not yet
fully formed, flood their systems with cannabinoids from marijuana, the wiring process
between neurons can be disrupted.
Further information is available at www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/12/marijuanaovertakes-cigarettes-among-teens/420708.

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Pennsylvania Not Well Prepared for Infectious Disease Threats

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

Hospital Price Disparities Driving Privately Insured Health Care

The disparity in hospital prices within regions of
the country is the primary driver of variation in
health care spending for the privately insured,
according to a new "Big Data" project by four
institutions.
Carnegie Mellon University, Yale University,
University of Pennsylvania and London School of
Economics researchers say their work
demonstrates the prices hospitals negotiate with
private health insurance companies contrast
considerably within and across geographic
regions in the United States and cited examples
of as much as nine and 12 times variations
among metropolitan communities for the same procedure.
They say the report, which analyzed 92 billion health insurance claims from 88 million
people covered by three of the nation's largest insurance companies -- Aetna, Humana and
UnitedHealth -- "provides the most comprehensive and detailed analysis of private health
care spending in the U.S. to date and examines the real prices hospitals negotiate with
private insurers for medical services".
A summary of the report as it relates to hospital prices is available at
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/researchers-find-hospital-prices-vary-significantly-forthe-privately-insured-300193098.html, with The Price Aint Right? Hospital Prices and
Health Spending on the Privately Insured abstract and graphs at
www.healthcarepricingproject.org/papers/paper-1.
A copy of the overall 2014 Health Care Cost and Utilization Report is available
www.healthcostinstitute.org.

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FDA Seeks to Up Indoor Tanning Devices Regulations

Due to many risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to bump up
regulations in regard to indoor tanning devices, particularly for those under age 18.
A proposed rule would restrict use of indoor tanning devices only to adults age 18 and older,
require indoor tanning facilities to inform adult users about the health risks of indoor
tanning and obtain a signed risk acknowledgement from users.
The FDA currently requires that indoor tanning devices only be labeled with a visible, blackbox warning stating they should not be used by people under age 18.
The agency also is proposing a second rule requiring manufacturers and indoor tanning
facilities to take more actions to help improve the overall safety of indoor tanning devices.
The FDA says there are many risks from these devices, including use of sunlamp products
such as indoor tanning beds or booths exposing individuals to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that
increases risk of eye injury, skin damage and skin cancer -- including melanoma, the
deadliest type of skin cancer.
Further information, including methods for public comment, is available at
www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm350790.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_
medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

Are You Losing Ground in the Middle Class?

Ever wonder if you fit the definition for the middle class?
A calculator from Pew Charitable Trusts research helps one find out, and also how, as a
middle class individual, you are losing ground financially.
Both are available at www.pewsocialtrends.org/2015/12/09/the-american-middle-class-islosing-ground.

Over $.5M Directed Toward Area Child Sexual Abuse Assistance

More than half a million dollars will be coming to the region as part of the first round of
grants from a $48 million Penn State endowment fund
established as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child
molestation scandal.
Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinuency
(PCCD) has approved $3.4 million in awards to 44 agencies throughout the state that "assist
child victims and adult survivors of sexual abuse, childrens advocacy centers, victim service
organizations that provide direct services, and training to treat victims of child sexual
abuse, officials say.
The January 2015 settlement agreement provided for $48 million in monetary penalties
imposed on Pennsylvania State University (PSU) by the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA), to be deposited into a separate account in the State Treasury to be
distributed for benefit of Pennsylvania residents in assisting child sexual abuse victims.
Further information, including a list of awards in programs aiding victims, child advocacy
centers, direct victim services and treatment training categories, is available at

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www.pccd.pa.gov/AboutUs/Pages/Press%20Releases/Pennsylvania-Commission-on-Crimeand-Delinquency-Approves-$3-4-Million-in-Grants-from-the-NCAAPSU-Endowment-ActFund.aspx#.Vm6dRL_AD-u.

Major Overhaul Changes Federal No Child Left Behind Law

A major overhaul of the No Child Left Behind education law is creating a new approach to
accountability, teacher evaluations and the way most poorly performing schools are pushed
to improve.
President Obama has signed legislation that will shift most of the power back to the state.
An Associated Press report on the legislation is available at
www.lancasteronline.com/news/national/obama-shifts-power-to-states-with-no-child-leftbehind/article_b5738602-9f6d-11e5-bb63-47fa0b260568.html#.Vmod8a_-5tM.facebook.

Disabilities Group Calls for Halt to New Sheltered Workshops and Subminimum
Wages
The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania is calling for elimination of subminimum
wages paid to workers with disabilities and for a ban on creating new sheltered workshops.
The group, in a Community Jobs and a Living Wage: Opportunities for People with
Disabilities in Pennsylvania report, includes the demands as part of a 10-point platform.
It says about one in six Pennsylvanians are people with disabilities, totaling about 1.8
million individuals, about one million of them being adults between 21 and 64-years of age.
A copy of the 20-page document is available at
www.drnpa.org/File/community_jobs_and_living_wage.pdf.

Pennsylvania Low in Health Ratings of Area States

Wide disparities exist in the health ratings of Pennsylvania and area adjoining states,
according to a new report by 24/7 Wall St., LLC, a Delaware state internet content
organization.
Scoring finds New Jersey the healthiest at 11th place, Maryland at 18th, Pennsylvania at
29th and Delaware at 32nd.
The top states in regard to health were said to be Hawaii, Vermont, Massachusetts,
Minnesota and New Hampshire.
In Pennsylvania, the organization reports 30.2 percent obesity, the 20th highest nationally;
260 deaths per 100,000 people, the 16th highest; 135 primary care physicians per 100,000,
the 13th highest; and 90.9 percent with health insurance, the 10th highest.
Although it cites some good health examples, it says that while the national average state
public health spending is roughly $86 per person, Pennsylvania only spends $48. High
smoking and cancer and drug abuse deaths also are highlighted.

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The full report is at www.247wallst.com/special-report/2015/12/10/the-most-and-leasthealthy-states-a-survey-of-all-50.

www.247wallst.com/special-report/2015/12/10/the-most-and-least-healthy-states-asurvey-of-all-50.

Children in Foster Care and Persons with Disabilities Benefit from New
Pennsylvania Laws
Children in foster care will have greater ability to take part in extracurricular activities and
persons with disabilities will have broader opportunities to hunt from a
motorized wheelchair under legislation approved by Pennsylvania Gov.
Tom Wolf.
Sponsors of the foster care bill that children and youth in foster care
currently miss out on activities due to caregivers needing to obtain prior
approval for participation from a county child welfare or private placement
agencies or the court.
The Activities and Experiences for Children in Out-of-Home Placements Act, which takes
effect immediately, changes the authority to determine activities participation. Further
information available at
www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn
=477.
The hunting legislation, to take effect in 60 days, enables persons with disabilities to carry a
loaded gun from a motorized wheelchair.
Details about the legislation, which includes a permit requirement, is available at
www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn
=698.

New Kids Screening Recommendations for Cholesterol, Depression and HIV

The American Academy of Pediatrics is updating recommendations for preventive pediatric
health care, now advising that kids should be screened for high cholesterol, depression and
HIV.
The cholesterol recommendation, for children between nine and 11 years old, reflects the
organizations growing concern about childhood obesity.
Health care providers are also being advised to screen for depression every year between
the ages of 11 and 21 to help combat suicide, which is a leading cause of death among
young people.
The HIV screening is recommended for adolescents between 16 and 18 years old to ehlp
address the latest federal statistics that show one in four new HIV infections occur in youth
13 to 24 years of age, with about 60% of all youth with HIV not knowing they are infected.
Further information is available at
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/Preventive_Health_120715.html#.VmcNw6alts.facebook.

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Pennsylvania and New Jersey Among Top 10 Worst State for Black Americans
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are among the top 10 worst states for black Americans,
according to a financial news and opinion company that delivers content over the Internet.
The ratings -- New Jersey at seventh worst and Pennsylvania at eighth -- is based on a
study by 24/7 Wall St., LLC, a Delaware state corporation that says it creates more than 30
different cross-sector reports daily.
For Pennsylvania, it says the "poverty rate among whites in Pennsylvania is lower than the
national white poverty rate, while the poverty rate among the black population is higher
than the national black poverty rate," with only four other states in the country have such
disproportionate poverty rates....
"High poverty and poor education in Pennsylvanias black communities likely contributes to
worst social outcomes," it suggests, also citing "the incarceration rate among the states
black population of 3,269 for every 100,000 black residents (being) significantly higher than
the national rate of about 2,306 incarcerations for every 100,000 black Americans."
The full report is at www.247wallst.com/special-report/2015/12/07/worst-states-for-blackamericans-2.

Several from Region on State Police Megan Law Absconder List

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

Pennsylvania in Bottom Fifth of Worst Run States

Pennsylvania has been rated as the 10th worst run state in the nation by a financial news
and opinion company.
24/7 Wall St., LLC, a State of Delaware corporation delivering content over the Internet,
made the rating in one of its special reports today, specifically citing the current state
budget impasse along with other factors.
A rundown on the best to worst ratings and why is available at www.247wallst.com/specialreport/2015/12/03/the-best-and-worst-run-states-in-america-a-survey-of-all-50-4/10.

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

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

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

Letting People Know/Making a Difference - Ongoing

Feedback indicates that a lack of communications tools is a primary deficiency in bringing
community services providers and those needing information together.
If you know of an activity designed to have a real impact on families (this includes
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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

- 22 -

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