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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS

IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of December 6, 2015

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources
and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them
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-2-

2009-2015 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities

Through Healthy Families. Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or noncommercial uses only.
Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:
UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly each week
or month.
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)

Artist Exhibit Coatesville.
Herrs Christmas Lights Display Nottingham.
Victorian Christmas Tours Schwenksville.
Art Ability Exhibition Malvern.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Fall Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Flu Shots Coatesville.
Pardons and Expungements Workshop Coatesville.
Computer Scams Presentation Exton.
Holiday Weight Gain Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Lusitania Sinking Presentation Exton.
Voice and Chime Choir Concert Strafford.
Michelangelos Rome Presentation Phoenixville.
Ready to Read Pre-Literacy Time Exton (Lionville).
Substance Abuse Community Meeting West Chester.
Live Nativity and Concert New Holland.
Emotional Sight Roller Coaster Presentation New Holland.
Affordable Care Act Coverage Workshop Kennett Square.
Opening a Checking Account Workshop Coatesville.
My Life Youth Party Oaks.
Candlelight Christmas Concerts Wayne.
Community Dinner West Chester.
Jurassic World Movie Night Phoenixville.
Parent-Teens Just Talk About It Forum Berwyn.
Forty Niners Chorus Christmas Shows West Chester.

-3-

Historic District Holiday Tour Coatesville.

Live Nativity Honey Brook.
Tree Lighting West Chester (East Goshen Township).
A Christmas Carol Production New Holland.
Christmas Celebration Drama and Musical Lansdale.
Paws on the Path Hike Nottingham.
Women Writers Forum Glenmoore (Ludwigs Corner).
Open Hooking Demonstration Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Art Show New Holland.
Bird Feeders and Foraging Presentation Glenmoore.
Christmas Show for Individuals with Special Needs Exton (Lionville).
Train Room Open House New Holland.
Choirs and Movie Pottstown.
Victorian Christmas Schwenksville.
Live Nativity Downingtown.
Christmas Parade Downingtown.
Long Hill Home Author Discussion Kennett Square.

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

Herrs Christmas Lights Display Nottingham.
Victorian Christmas Tours Schwenksville.
Art Ability Exhibition Malvern.
Children Art Classes Coatesville.
Artist Exhibit Coatesville.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Fall Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
Christmas Parade Parkesburg.
Christmas Concert Souderton.
Christmas Pageant Exton.
Cantata and Handbell Concert Downingtown.
Live Nativities Parkesburg and Pottstown.
Forty Niners Chorus Christmas Show West Chester.
Parenting in Social Media Age Film Screening Wane and Berwyn.
Caregivers Holiday Celebration New Holland.
Medicare 101 Workshop Exton.
Kids Book Club Chester Springs.
Star Wards Colorama Phoenixville.
Autism Waivers Chat-n-Chew for Parents West Chester.
MLK Advocates Awareness Forum Kennett Square.
Community Coffee Klatch Holiday Party Kennett Square.
Make Extra Money Following a Job Passion Job-Seeker Workshop Phoenixville.
Teen Book Club Chester Springs.
WIC Walk-in Clinic Coatesville.
Feed the Children Distribution Coatesville.
Community Breakfast Parkesburg.
Train Room New Holland.
Family Movie Night Thorndale.
Continental Army March In King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Live Nativity West Grove.
Westminster Ringers Saturday Evening Concert New Holland.

-4-

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

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

NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Stopping Payments to Human Services Providers Due to
No State Budget Friday, January 1
Chester County will stop payments to human services providers
January 1 due to no Pennsylvania budget and also will withhold
several million dollars a month in fee collections due the state.
As reported last week via our Facebook post, County
Commissioners noted the actions at their regular meeting, reading
a prepared statement during the session in regard to withholding
money from the state and then mentioning the provider payments
stoppage while talking with reporters.
Chester joins Berks and Lancaster counties which stopped
payments when the new state fiscal year went into effect July 1, Montgomery which stopped
provider payments last month and Delaware that ceased them December 1.
It also joins Bucks County in stopping remittance of Pennsylvania fees collected by county
row offices, amounting to several million dollars a month.
Commissioners said the county is supposed to receive about six million monthly from the
state that then is distributed to human services providers but it has front-ended about $30
million to date and will have expended about $36 million by the end of the year.
They said the county receives 42 percent of its revenue from the state and federal
governments, with the state not only stopping its own aid payments to the county but also
withholding federal funds pass-throughs.
Several unanswered questions accompany the actions including whether the county:
-- Will end up paying penalties for withholding collections going to the state, with some $4
million monthly being remitted by row officers, who are said to support the holding action,
with some three-quarters of that being in real estate transfer fees;
-- Can use the withheld monies to reimburse providers; and
-- Can seek legal recourse against the state for failure to provide required county funding.

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Commissioners said these questions are being reviewed as quick as possible by the county
solicitor.
When asked if the provider withholding policy will be dropped if a state budget is passed
before January 1, Commissioners indicated it will continue since it takes several weeks for
payments to be processed by the state.
When queried as to what will happen if a human services provider doesn't have funds to
continue operations without timely county payments, Board Chair Terence Farrell said those
services will cease.
Commissioners expressed clear frustration with the state budget stalemate, placing blame
on both the Governor and the State Assembly, although it was said that conversations with
members of the legislature indicated they were as frustrated as county officials since
negotiations are primarily between legislative leaders and the governor.
They said it isn't a partisan issue, with Commissioner Farrell saying state officials need to
"step up to the plate .... or get another job".
Commissioner Michelle Kichline said today's action is an attempt to give the county's
vulnerable populations a voice in regard to the lack of state funding and its impact upon
such individuals and families.
She also noted that the lack of a state budget, forcing the county to draw upon its reserves,
also jeopardizes the credit ratings of both.
Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said there has been discussion at the state level in regard to
school districts that have to borrow money being made whole, but this hasn't included
county governments.
The official news release in regard to the county ceasing to remit funds to the state is
available at www.chesco.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=455.

NEW THIS WEEK: Oxford Community Health Clinic Now Taking Appointments
A new Oxford Community Health Center is taking appointments for dates starting midmonth, with an open house scheduled for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 9.
As we previously reported, La Comunidad Hispana (LCH), a long-time Kennett Square health
and community services organization and federally qualified health center, will open its first
satellite location in the Oxford Professional Center, 301 North Third Street.
Officials said it will be a full-service health center for primary, acute, and chronic care in
support of low-income, vulnerable families in Southern Chester County.
The center will be open to patients starting mid-December, accepting patients with and
without health insurance, along with public coverage such as Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP
Appointments are available at (610) 444-5278, with further information at
www.lacomunidadhispana.org/news-events.

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NEW THIS WEEK: 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.

NEW THIS WEEK: 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.

NEW THIS WEEK: Police Department Establishes Safe Trade Location for Online
Site Transactions
Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department, in conjunction with the AIM Group, LLC,
has designated its lobby and front parking lot areas at 1041 Wilmington Pike, West Chester,
as Safe Trade locations for persons conducting transactions through online sites such as
Craigslist.
The AIM Group, a consulting company for classified advertising businesses, launched the
Safe Trade initiative as a public service to promote the use of police facilities for members
of the public to meet and conduct transactions with strangers.
The department has designated two parking spaces that are subject to 24-hour video
recording directly in front of our building as Safe Trade locations, with the lobby of the
department, which also is under 24-hour video recording, being open to conduct online
transactions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.
during weekdays ONLY (Monday thru Friday), excluding observed national holidays, during
Police note that all transactions will be subject to video recording, police officers will not
assist or witness any transactions. Those involving sale of any weapon or illegal item are
prohibited.
Further information is available at www.westtownpolice.org or (610) 692-9600.

-7-

NEW THIS WEEK: 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.

NEW THIS WEEK: Pottstown and Lansdowne Libraries to Host Teen Reading
Lounges
Pennsylvania Humanities Council has selected libraries in Pottstown and Lansdowne as
among 14 across Pennsylvania to host a 2015-16 Teen Reading Lounge program.
This particular round of programming is directed toward better understanding needs of lowincome youth and to explore how Teen Reading Lounges can help them build essential life
skills.
Further information is available www.pahumanities.org/initiatives/essential-education/teenreading-lounge/2015-16-launch.

NEW THIS WEEK: SCORE Partners with Villanova for Business Mentoring
Chester and Delaware County Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) has partnered
with Villanova University's Idea Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Institute
to provide mentoring, business seminars, and workshops within Delaware, Chester and
Montgomery County as well as to the Villanova academic community.
The initiative is designed to expand the scope of SCORE's mission of fostering vibrant small
business and university communities through the region through its mentoring and
educational programs.
Individual counseling will be available Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the Idea
Accelerator Center located in the Falvey Library on the Villanova campus at 800 Lancaster
Avenue, Villanova.
Further information and scheduling are available at
www.chestercounty.score.org/mentoring/request/0/8955 or (610) 344-6910.

NEW LAST WEEK: Consider It is Theme in Berks County

Berks County Community Foundation has unveiled a new initiative designed to promote
intelligent and thorough discussion of divisive local and national issues while maintaining a
level of civility among participants.
The Consider It focus is based on the American Public Square in Kansas City, with the
Foundation working in the nonpartisan initiative with Allan Katz, founder of American Public
Square and former U.S. Ambassador to Portugal. State Sen. Judy Schwank and Berks
County Commissioners Chairman Christian Leinbach are co-chairing the effort.

-8-

Community forums will tackle local issues in a thoughtful, meaningful way, according to
Kevin K. Murphy, Community Foundation president, without the sessions being
conversations versus debates.
He said the goal is to facilitate conversation and allow people to consider points of view
that they might not have previously contemplated and to understand how people with that
viewpoint see an issue.
Further information is available at
www.bccf.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=998:new-program-to-bringcivil-discourse-to-divisive-local-and-national-issues&catid=89:news.

NEW LAST WEEK: Adult White Males at Highest Risk for Heroin Overdose Deaths
Drug overdose deaths
throughout the state, including
our reporting area, primarily
involve white males from 18 to
60 years of age, according to
the Philadelphia Field Division of
the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA)
In its first Analysis of DrugRelated Overdose Deaths in
Pennsylvania Intelligence
Report, the agency also says
that heroin was the most
identified drug in 48 of 58
reporting counties in 2014,
including all of our reporting
area.
Rural counties aren't escaping
the heroin epidemic either, with 12 being among the 20 highest rates of drug-related deaths
per 100,000 people.
Philadelphia had the highest drug-related deaths per 100,000 people in the state at 41.98,
or 655 total for the year.
Delaware was 11th at 22.03 per 100,000 or 118 actual; Montgomery 17th at 19.71 (158);
Berks 31st at 15.23 (62); Lancaster 42nd at 11.25 (60); and Chester 52nd at 7.02 (36).
The Chester County District Attorney's Office has reported the county already has surpassed
the 2014 number this year.
Demographics of drug overdose deaths in area counties last year, provided by county
coroner offices, include:

Berks: 44 male, 18 female; 52 white, two African American and eight Hispanic; 15
ages 18 to 30, 18 ages 31-45, 26 ages 46-60 and three age 61 and over.

-9-

Chester: 29M, 7F; 34W and one each AA and H; 9 (18-30), 12 (31-45), and 15 (4660).

Delaware: 74M, 44F; 106W and 12AA; 24 (18-30), 32 (31-45), 47 (46-60) and 17
(61+).

Lancaster: 33M, 27F; 55W, 4H and one unknown; 14 (18-30), 20 (31-45); 20 (4060) and six (61+).

Montgomery: 90M, 68F; 131W, 20AA, four H, two Asian and one unknown; one
under 18, 43 (18-30), 40 (31-45), 54 (46-60) and 21 (61+).

The full 89-page report is available at

www.dea.gov/divisions/phi/2015/phi111715_attach.pdf.

NEW LAST WEEK: Adult Obesity Now More than One-Third of Adult Population
Adult obesity is continuing to rise,
with more than one-third of all
American adults fitting that category.
According to a new report from the
National Center for Health Statistics
(NCHS) at the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), non-Hispanic and Hispanic
women lead the category, although
men aren't far behind.
Youth obesity has level off over the
past four years, according to the
NCHS, but still is over 17 percent.
In addition to the obesity report, the Center took a look at prevalence of hypertension at
www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db220.htm and the life expectancy gap between black
and white populations at www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db218.htm.

NEW LAST WEEK: Lancaster County Court Moving from Constables to Deputies
Lancaster County President Judge Dennis Reinaker is stripping arrest warrant duties from
elected constables, effective June 1, and transferring them to sheriffs deputies, according
to Lancaster Online.
The move is expected to save taxpayer money and improve services, according to the
report, saying that six new deputies will be hired for approximately $300,000 while a few of
the more than 100 constables were making over $100,000 annually in fees.
Further information is available at www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-countyjudge-removes-constables-from-arrest-warrant-duties-to/article_cb0c052a-937e-11e59815-6f80f8edf073.html.

- 10 -

Law Enforcement Starts Operation Safe Holiday of Seat Belt and Stop DUI
Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies have started a statewide Click It or Ticket seat-belt enforcement
campaign tomorrow, followed by expanded alcohol and drug impairment actions from
Thanksgiving Eve through the New Year's holiday.
Pennsylvania State Police, Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Liquor Control Board
(PLCB) are combining enforcement, education and smartphone technology through
Operation Safe Holiday and the SaferRide cellphone app.
During Operation Safe Holiday, law enforcement agencies statewide will focus on
nighttime seat-belt use and impaired driving.
The SaferRide app, developed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helps individuals arrange a taxi or contact a friend to
obtain a safe ride home after drinking.
PennDOT reports the holiday season last year found 1,039 of statewide crashes involving a
driver impaired by drugs or alcohol, with 35 fatalities in those crashes.
During the same period, 937 crashes with 32 fatalities involved unbuckled occupants, it
says.
Further information is available at www.penndot.gov/Pages/all-newsdetails.aspx?newsid=171#.VlL097-9ASI.

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.

Hunters Join in Donating Harvested Deer to the Hungry

Over a dozen area meat processors are hoping to help push an annual drive to donate deer
to the poor to more than 100,000 pounds this season.
Hunters can donate all or part of a harvested deer by taking it to a participating processor
which then will distribute ground venison to food banks and pantries.
More than 2,400 deer were donated through Hunters Sharing the Harvest last year,
resulting in 97,000 pounds of ground venison that went to some 20 regional food banks
which, in turn, redistribute it to more than 5,000 local provider charities such as food
pantries, homeless shelters, churches and missions, along with individual families.

- 11 -

An average deer is said to provide enough highly-nutritious, low-cholesterol meat for 200
meals.
More information on the initiative, in existence since 1999, is available at ShareDeer.org or
(866) 474-2141.

Lancaster County Library System Could be Folded into County

LancasterOnline is reporting that the independent Library System of Lancaster County could
be absorbed by county government in order to provide more resources to the systems
14 member libraries.
An estimated $600,000 would be saved through the change by eliminating duplication,
reports say, with at least half of the savings going directly to the libraries. The county
currently helps fund library services at about $2 million annually.
Further information is available at www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/county-considersabsorbing-library-system-in-order-to-provide-more/article_21e70842-8fbd-11e5-937d936a2706ea83.html.

Lancaster County is Second in State for Refugee Resettlement

Lancaster County took in over refugees during the last federal fiscal year, ending in
September, moving from third to second place in actual numbers received and in far greater
proportion to overall populations in first place Philadelphia or third place Erie counties.
The Pennsylvania Refugee Resettlement Program reports monthly state intakes, with the
past year showing 696 total for first place Philadelphia, 643 in Lancaster and 632 for third
place Erie counties, with 25 in Bucks, 17 in Montgomery, six in Chester, four in Delaware
and none in Berks.
An earlier LancasterOnline report for 2013 through July 2015 had found Lancaster third
overall in actual numbers, with Montgomery eighth and Chester 11th state-wide.
Multi-year statistics of refugees and originating countries, as reported by the Program, are
available at www.refugeesinpa.org/aboutus/demoandarrivalstats/index.htm.
LancasterOnline stories that discuss impacts related to the Syrian refugee debate are
available at:

Area statistics: www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-county-ranks-rd-inpennsylvania-for-refugee-resettlement-in/article_22003e76-5bbe-11e5-8c930bdbca2e5b6c.html#.Vk-aFW-taTY.facebook.

The refugee-vetting process:

www.lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/explaining-the-strict-refugee-vettingprocess/article_e87e362c-8ef7-11e5-bfe7-cb7a49c0fd36.html.

- 12 -

AMA Seeks Ban on Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising

The American Medical Association (AMA) is calling for a ban
on direct-to consumer advertising of prescription drugs,
alleging that such promotion "inflates demand for new and
more expensive drugs, even when these drugs may not be
appropriate.
The organization reports that the United States and New
Zealand are the only two countries in the world that allow direct-to-consumer advertising of
prescription drugs and cites market research firm Kantar Media that advertising dollars
spent by drug makers have increased by 30 percent in the last two years to $4.5 billion.
A new AMA policy, announced yesterday, also calls for convening a physician task force and
launching an advocacy campaign to promote prescription drug affordability by demanding
choice and competition in the pharmaceutical industry, and greater transparency in
prescription drug prices and costs.
Further information is available at www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/news/news/2015/2015-1117-ban-consumer-prescription-drug-advertising.page.
The World Health Organization (WHO) previously had weighed in, reporting that "(d)irectto-consumer advertising of drugs has been legal in the USA since 1985, but only really took
off in 1997 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eased up on a rule obliging
companies to offer a detailed list of side-effects in their infomercials".
Further information from the WHO is available at www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/87/8/09040809/en.

State Township Supervisors Raise Alarm About Heroin and Prescription Drugs
Mitigation Termed Fragmented
Heroin Hits Home, a 19-minute video report from the Pennsylvania State Association of
Township Supervisors is raising a state-wide alarm as to heroin and prescription drug use
throughout the Commonwealth.
Barbara Lyons, chair of the Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors in Bucks County;
State Sen. Eugene Yaw, board chair of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania which has held
hearings and developed a comprehensive report on heroin use and addiction in the state;
and Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Adam Reed provide a wake up call as to what is
happening in the drug world across the state.
The system is very fragmented, according to the report, with Sen. Yaw also saying it
takes a faith-based element to battle this issue.
The video is available at www.vimeo.com/145141288.
The Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) of area services providers and other
interested persons also will be discussing the Community Impact of Drug Abuse at its
monthly meeting Wednesday.
The group meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. November 18 in the 4th Floor Conference Room
at the Brandywine Center, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville.

- 13 -

Dr. Kimberly Stone, Public Health Department physician and co-chair of the Chester County
Drug Overdose Task Force, and Jamie Johnson, deputy director of County Drug and Alcohol
Services, will provide an overview of the current drug abuse situation, particularly
prescription drugs and heroin, and new public availability of Naloxone that can be
administered by any citizen to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Providers also are able to exchange information about unresolved issues they may need
assistance with finding answers to during Problem Corner, along with organization
announcements, fliers and other items during Community Happenings.
Further information is available from Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or (610) 3834612.

Naloxone Drug Overdose Reversal Medicine Now Available to Public Under

Universal Prescription
Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine has
issued a state-wide standing order, or prescription, to
obtain the medication to enable family members and
others to administer it if someone they know
overdoses.
The state Health Department says "the rise in heroin addiction and prescription drug abuse
has quickly led to a public health crisis in Pennsylvania, where 1 in 4 families suffer from the
effects of substance abuse addiction.
"Heroin and opioid overdose are now the leading cause of accidental death in Pennsylvania,
killing more individuals than those involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents," it reports, with
2,400 Pennsylvanians dying from drug overdoses last year.
Further information on the Order is available at www.media.pa.gov/Pages/HealthDetails.aspx?newsid=255. Additional information on "Naloxone and Reverse Overdose
Toolkit" of information is at
htwww.ddap.pa.gov/overdose/Pages/Naloxone_Reversal.aspx#.VjH2MCu9ASJ.
Insights into local impacts, from a Chester County Drug Overdose Symposium earlier this
months, are available at:

www.facebook.com/FathersMatterChesterCounty/posts/1114182335272118,

www.facebook.com/FathersMatterChesterCounty/posts/1114181011938917, and

www.facebook.com/FathersMatterChesterCounty/posts/1114180715272280.

FEMA Issues Holiday Safety Reminders

Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a series of tips for the holidays,
including cooking and travel safety.
Cooking is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries, the agency reports, noting that
(w)hether you are cooking your holiday dinner or just making a snack, practicing safe
cooking behaviors will help keep you and your family safe.

- 14 -

Information on outdoor grill, turkey fryer, and around the kitchen safety are available at
www.ready.gov/home-fires.
Winter driving safety tips, keeping abreast of weather conditions while traveling, having
your car checked before winter and travel by a professional, communicating your travel
plans and updating family and friends while traveling, and having an emergency supply kit
are discussed at www.ready.gov/car.
Be Aware. Be Prepared. Stay Safe.TM

Homeless Families Faith-Based Initiative Starts in Southern Chester County

A Southern Chester County faith-based initiative has received its first families in an effort to
help assist the homeless to achieve sustainability.
Family Promise, with 11 churches providing overnight lodging and meals on a one week per
calendar quarter basis and 15 others assisting in the effort, started operations this month.
Families travel daily from the churches to a Resource Center at 105 West Evergreen Street
in West Grove, with children going to schools. Adults are assisted in identifying housing,
jobs and other applicable resources to help them out of homeless situations.
Up to 14 family members can be served at any one time.
Further information is available at www.familypromisescc.org, familypromisescc@gmail.com
or (610) 345-1100.

Study Says Learning Declines When Four-Year-Olds Mixed with Three-Year-Olds

The University of Texas at Austin researches have found that four-year-olds mixed in with
three-year-olds in Head Start classrooms lose nearly five months average of academic
development.
Nearly 75 percent of Head Start classes teach the two ages together, according to
researchers, saying that based on the new findings the effect is strong enough to suggest
that mixed-age classrooms are preventing some children from starting kindergarten ready
to learn math and reading.
The report, funded in part by the National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development, is due for publication in the journal Psychological Science.

Free Veteran Birth and Death Certificates Now Available Via Online Ordering;
Processing Fee Still Applies
Active military personnel, veterans, and eligible family members now can order veteran
birth and death certificates online, without paying a $20 certificate fee, although a $10
processing charge will continue to apply.
Pennsylvania Department of Health says the new state proces allows Pennsylvania-born
military personnel stationed throughout the country and world to order and receive the
same processing time as those who are stateside, with online and telephone ordering said
to be an average of three weeks faster than mail orders.

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Further information on the state system is available at www.media.pa.gov/Pages/HealthDetails.aspx?newsid=259.

Health Insurance Marketplace Health Insurance Enrollment is Underway

Through Tuesday, December 15
The Health Insurance Marketplace has re-opened for new individuals and families without
insurance and for those wanting to review or change plans.
Those without health insurance, without falling under an exemption, will face a tax penalty
of 2.5 percent of yearly household income, up to $695 per person or $347.50 per child
under age 18, with a maximum of $2,985 per family, in 2016 .
Over 85 percent of insured are receiving federal subsidies to help pay the cost of their
health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
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.
Tuesday, December 15, is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start
January 1.
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.

Thousands to be hit with ACA Health Insurance Increases Up to 26.2 Percent

Thousands of individuals within our reporting area will be hit next year with Affordable Care
Act (ACA, also known as Obamacare or the Health Insurance Marketplace) insurance
premium increases totaling 1.4 percent to 26.2 percent, depending on location.
A few individuals in some locations will experience no increase. The rate of change doesn't
reflect the net cost of the premium, including any federal subsidies, or varying benefits of
individual plans.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department has released its 2016 premium approvals list, with
open enrollment starting Sunday, November 1, for initial signups or to change plans,
effective January 1.
More than 80 percent of Pennsylvanians buying individual health insurance through plans
offered on the federal governments Marketplace receive subsidies to help pay their
premiums, the Department says. Individual health plans are offered both through this
federal Marketplace and directly from private insurers, but consumers are eligible for
subsidies only for plans bought through the federal Marketplace.
Further information on the impact is available in our last weeks Facebook page report at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/937811516284100:0. You do not have to be a
Facebook user to access the story, but do need to be if you wish to forward it to Facebook
users. Additional information on policies review and assistance appears below.

- 16 -

NEW THIS WEEK: State Waives 529 College Savings Plan Enrollment Fee
Through Thursday, December 31
The Pennsylvania State Treasury is waiving enrollment fees for PA 529 college savings plans
through December 31.
The program name originates from Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax
code, which provides special tax breaks to encourage college saving.
Contributions to the plans are deductible from Pennsylvania state income tax, with the
entire value of an account e exempt from Pennsylvania inheritance tax. Assets held in a
PA 529 plan arent counted when determining state financial aid for college and tuition
discounts are provided at over 300 private colleges nationwide, including more than 50 in
Pennsylvania.
Further information is available at www.pa529.com.

State Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended Through

Thursday, December 31
The deadline for eligible seniors and the disabled to apply for up to $650 in Pennsylvania
Property Tax/Rent Rebates, which may be increased to $975, again has been extended from
June 30 to December 31, with some 450,000 individuals already having applied.
Rebate distribution will start Wednesday, July 1, for those who already have applied, with
applications after that date being processed as
they are received.
The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age
65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and
older; and people with disabilities age 18 and
older.
The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, with
half of Social Security income being excluded from the limit. In addition, due to program
changes last year to ensure claimants arent disqualified from rebates solely because of
Social Security cost-of-living-adjustments, homeowners and renters may be eligible for
rebates even if their eligibility income is greater than these limits.
Therefore, any homeowner who collected Social Security, received a property tax rebate in
2013 for claim year 2012 and had annual income last year discounting half of Social
Security up to $36,129 ($15,484 for renters), is encouraged to apply for a rebate for
claim year 2014. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for
certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975, with the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue automatically calculating supplemental rebates for qualifying
homeowners.
Further information and applications are available at
www.revenue.pa.gov/GeneralTaxInformation/PropertyTaxRentRebateProgram/Pages/default
.aspx#.VX_2pka9BP1, county Department of Aging and senior centers, and state legislator
offices. Application deadline and income limit information hadnt been updated on some

- 17 -

Department of Revenue web pages as of this writing but appears at

www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Revenue-Details.aspx?newsid=139.

Pottstown Rotating Shelter is Open Through April

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

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Re-Opens Through Spring

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

Chesco Adopts Code Blue Winter Policy to Open Additional Shelter Beds
Chester County will be declaring a Code Blue this year when temperatures are forecast to
35 degrees or below, (considering the wind chill factor, and a situation exists in which
someone would be at risk of hypothermia, frost bite, or other cold-related injuries if forced
to sleep outside.
Additional shelter space will be made available at different locations on a night-to-night
basis, referred through ConnectPoints, the countys contractor for homelessness assistance.
Further information is available from Gene Suski, community cervices manager, Chester
County Department of Community Development, at gsuski@chesco.org or (610) 344-6900
or ConnectPoints at (800) 935-3181.

- 18 -

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
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
December 3, meeting in the first floor conference room, Neighborhood Health Agencies,
795 East Marshall Street, the group will obtain an overview of needed supports and
resources to assist victims of crimes, including the elderly, children and others from the
Crime Victims Center of Chester County. 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 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.
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. On December 17, Social Media and the APPRISE volunteer Medicare counseling
services will be presented at Long Community at Highlands, 600 East Roseville Road,
Lancaster.
Specific topic workshops also are scheduled in the counties. Further information is available
at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from Brian Long, coordinator, at
blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.
Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third
Wednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference room
at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives of
community organizations hear presentations from various services providers, discuss ways
to develop effective systems of care, help identify solutions to specific issues, and exchange
information about current and upcoming activities. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
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. 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.
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

- 19 -

resources and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett
areacommunity. On January 13, the meeting will be at The Market at Liberty Place,
148 West State 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. On December 10, the group will
continue its discussion on coalition effectiveness.
Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May at the Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon
Drive, Exton (Lionville). 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) -- Barnabas Group, at Calvary Fellowship Church,

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

- 20 -

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

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. 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. In December,
the meeting will be joined with the Josephs People Christmas Party in Downingtown.
Third Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike,
Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On December 15, Tyrone
Robinson, a business development specialist, will conduct a speed networking
activity.
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). On December 8, the group will host the annual affiliates
Josephs People Christmas Party, starting at 6:30 p.m. Information about the
affiliate is available by leaving a message at (610) 873-7117.
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.

- 21 -

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 December 16, church Deacon Jeff Hanna 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.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Free Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job
Openings Report December
Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of services and monthly workshops offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Exton offices in Suite 500, 479 Thomas
Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center.
These trainings include an orientation presentation as to services PA CareerLink has to offer.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month is available at
www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/31586.
Monthly 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

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.

- 22 -

Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Expanded in Four-County Area

Sightings of spotted lanternflies in a four-county area
have resulted in a general Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture quarantine that restricts movement of
firewood, yard waste and other materials, including
outdoor household items, in parts of Berks, Bucks,
Chester and Montgomery counties.
The order includes any material or object that can spread
the pest, including firewood or wood products, brush or yard waste, remodeling or
construction materials and waste, packing material such as boxes, grapevines for decorative
purposes or as nursery stock, and any outdoor household articles like lawnmowers, grills,
tarps and other equipment, trucks or vehicles typically not stored indoors. Violators face
prison time and up to $20,000 in fines per incident.
The insect, which has no known impacts to human health, is an inch-long black, red and
white spotted pest and is native to China, India, Japan and Vietnam, officials said. It is an
invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant species which also grow in
Pennsylvania. It was first detected last year in Berks County.
Quarantine-impacted areas currently include:
Berks County: Colebrookdale, District, Earl, Hereford, Longswamp, Oley, Pike,
Rockland and Washington townships and the boroughs of Bally, Bechtelsville,
Boyertown and Topton.
Bucks County: Milford Township and Trumbauersville Borough.
Chester County: South Coventry Township.
Montgomery County: Douglass and Upper Hanover townships and the boroughs of
East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill.
Further information is available at
www.media.pa.gov/pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=364 or (866) 253-7189.

Report Says Pennsylvania is Behind the Curve Regarding E-Cigarettes and Young
People
LancasterOnline is reporting that Pennsylvania is way behind other states in regulating the
purchase of e-cigarettes by youth.
It says a November 2014 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
finds that 40 states have enacted laws prohibiting the sale of e-cigs and other vaping
materials to individuals under age 18, with the National Conference of State Legislatures
reporting the number now has risen to at least 48 states and two territories.
The CDC also found that the number of students in grades six to 12 reporting having ever
used an e-cigarette more than doubled from 3.3 percent to 7.7 percent from 2011 to 2013,
with a 2014 national study finding that e-cig use among eighth and 10th graders is double
that of traditional cigarette smoking, according to the story.
The full news report appears at www.lancasteronline.com/news/local/pa-is-one-of-the-onlystates-where-minors-can/article_19e6c89a-7f36-11e5-bf534ba45e6f404f.html#.VjS356_X5uw.facebook.

- 23 -

Persian Gulf Veterans Benefit Application Period is Extended

Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War from August 2, 1990, to August
31, 1991, have received a three year deadline reprieve for filing for a financial benefit for
such service.
Gov. Tom Wolf has signed legislation retroactively extending the application deadline from
August 31 to August 31, 2018.
A one-time benefit of $75 per month, up to $525, for each month of active service in the
Persian Gulf Conflict Theater of Operations during the covered period, with an additional
one-time benefit of $5,000 if the service member was declared a prisoner of war at any
time during that period previously had been in effect. It also is available to eligible
beneficiaries.
Over 10,000 claims, totaling more than $3.5 million, had been approved at the end of last
year, with many eligible veterans not aware of the benefit.
Further information is available at
www.dmva.pa.gov/veteransaffairs/Pages/Programs%20and%20Services/Persian-GulfBonus-Program.aspx#.VjSlvyu9ASI%20or%20866-458-9182.

Scam Prevention Seminar Available Online

A Scam Prevention seminar, presented by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan and
hosted by State Rep. Becky Corbin at Freedom Village at Coatesville, is available online,
highlighting many of the most common threats and how to protect oneself.
The session is available at
www.3ctvlive.com/scam_prevention_w_hogan_1280_x_720.cfm?utm_source=Listrak&utm_
medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2f3ctvlive.com%2fscam_prevention_w_hogan_1
280_x_720.cfm&utm_campaign=Thanksgiving+Holiday+Food+Drive.

Free Weekly Legal Clinic Available in Coatesville Wednesdays

Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania is hosting a free walk-in legal clinic for eligible lowincome individuals from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Maternal Child and Health
Consortium of Chester County offices, 1001 East Lincoln Highway Suite 104, Coatesville.
Various non-criminal issues, including custody, housing, benefits, civil items and more will
be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, with individuals requested to bring any
relevant documents to a matter and proof of immigration status.
Further information about eligibility and other questions is available at (610) 275-5400
x131.

Museum Passes Offered by Chesco Libraries

Chester County Library and its Henrietta Hankin Branch are making passes available to
patrons for admission at six different museums and historical sites in a three-county area.
The initiative, funded by library Friends groups, will provide access to the Chester County
Historical Society and American Helicopter museums in West Chester, Elmwood Park Zoo in

- 24 -

Norristown, National Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville, and the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Drexel University and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
Customers with valid library cards in good standing can borrow museum passes for one day,
with no renewals. Passes, with availability varying for each library, must be borrowed and
returned, at the same facility.
Further information is available at the Chester County Library at 450 Exton Square Parkway,
Exton, and the Hankin library at 215 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner) or
at (610) 280-2620.

SEPTA Moving Toward Photo Senior Transit Passes

Seniors will be able to use state photo driver licenses or identification cards for free rides on
Southeast Pennsylvania Public Transportation Authority (SEPTA) buses, trolleys and
subways or $1 for trains in the near future but the transition process isnt as clear.
Although some state legislators are reporting that current passes no longer will be accepted
as of November 1, requiring riders to travel to Philadelphia to obtain a new SEPTA photo
identification, the process isnt that clearcut, according to Joe Connolly of SEPTAs
government affairs office.
He said the Authority is transitioning to an electronic system that will require magneticstriped cards for regular and senior transit riders as the process is phased in over the next
several months. Senior riders, therefore, eventually will need a photo identification, such as
a state driver or identification card or a SEPTA photo pass to obtain free or reduced fares.
State legislator offices no longer are helping to process applications that currently result in
issuance of paper IDs. Instead, individuals requiring a SEPTA new photo pass will need to
travel to the Authoritys main office at 1234 Market Street in Philadelphia or obtain a card
when a new mobile van visits legislator offices or senior fairs.
Connolly said the transition process may be unclear because SEPTA is trying to phase in the
system without causing hardships for seniors, noting the new system, allowing use of stateissued driver licenses and personal identification cards actually will expand SEPTA user
convenience significantly once the system is fully implemented.
Further information on the free and reduced ride program is available at
www.septa.org/fares/discount/senior-id.html or (215) 580-7800, or (215) 580-7853
TDD/TTY for hearing or speech impaired; the Lewis office at (610) 269-1289 or the Toepel
office at (610) 323-3299.

National Weather Service Changes Area Winter Alert Criteria

Changes are being made by the National Weather Service (NWS) related to Winter Storm
Warnings, Watches and Advisories and other weather products for Western Chester and
Lancaster counties for the upcoming winter season.
Storm totals for such event designations are being lowered by NWS at State College to
"better service higher population centersmedia markets and commuting areas.
"The new thresholds are better aligned with real observed impacts within the region (traffic
and school closures etc) and provide seamless criteria for media along state borders," NWS

- 25 -

says, adding "the new alignments also improve forecast collaboration between neighboring
NWS offices servicing the region."
In a concurrent announcement by NWS at Philadelphia/Mount Holly, that forecast office says
the change "avoids public confusion across the eastern/western county zone split in Chester
County."
No changes are occurring for Berks and Western Montgomery counties.
Further information from State College, including graphical explanations, is available at
www.facebook.com/NWSStateCollege/posts/986177891433298. A NWS Philadelphia/Mount
Holly statement is at www.weather.gov/phi/WinterCriteriaChange.

Caution Urged Before Filling Home Heating Oil Tanks

Pennsylvania residents are being
encouraged to take precautions before
filling home heating oil tanks for winter to
avoid spills that could cost them up to
$50,000.
State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says that poorly maintained or leaking
home heating oil tanks can pose a fire risk, diminish indoor air quality and contaminate
groundwater.
It reports that one in five Pennsylvania homes use heating oil to stay warm in the winter,
and encourages owners to consider inspecting indoor and outdoor home tanks for potential
problems prior to refilling them.
Preventing leaks will save owners both energy and money, in addition to protecting their
health, DEP says, noting that cleaning up a spill caused by a heating oil tank can cost up to
$50,000 and may not be covered by homeowners insurance. Homeowners can check with
their insurance providers to determine whether coverage is available.
DEP encourages homeowners to consider the following:
For safety reasons, always assume the tank contains at least some oil;
Routinely inspect the exterior of the tank and all attached equipment;
Check for signs of rusting on the tank and its structural supports;
Examine the tanks fill line and feed line to the furnace for leaks;
Never tip over or empty a tank onto the ground;
Enlist a professional to perform maintenance or alterations to a heating oil tank
system; and
Recognize that wet spots or odors near the tank may signal a problem.
When fuel is delivered, DEP suggests making sure the home address is clearly visible and
the tanks fill line is clearly marked. If someone is unable to be home when fuel oil is
delivered, mark the fill pipe with a red flag or marker and inform the oil company of the
location. Ensure that any disconnected fill pipes are permanently sealed and cannot be
opened.
Residents who think their oil tank may have a problem should immediately contact their oil
company for help.

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Additional information is available at www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document107008/2630-FS-DEP1681.pdf or from the DEP Division of Storage Tanks at (717) 7725599.

Free Senior Center Toolkit Addresses Suicide

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has published a new
guide, Promoting Emotional Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Centers,
during September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
A companion to Promoting Emotional Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior
Living Communities, the resource is for senior center staff and volunteers to connect older
adults to a range of critical services and programs.
The guide is available for download at http://store.samhsa.gov/product/PromotingEmotional-Health-and-Preventing-Suicide/SMA15-4416?WT.mc_id=EB_20150917_SMA154416, with the senior living communities version at
http://www.store.samhsa.gov/product/Promoting-Emotional-Health-and-PreventingSuicide/SMA10-4515.

Updated Website Provides Additional Insight on Local Governments

Local Government Commission of the Pennsylvania General Assembly has updated its
website to provide quick links to information about local government laws, bidding practices,
taxation, municipal statistics and other governmental operations.
Information on the bi-partisan commission is available at www.lgc.state.pa.us.

PennDOT Creates New Website to Advise on Highway Construction Projects

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has a new website that provides
real-time information on construction projects throughout the state.
The website is at www.projects.penndot.gov/projects/PAProjects.aspx.
Travel information also is available at www.511PA.com or by telephone at 5-1-1, providing
travelers with current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other
transportation services.

Child Abuse Clearance Changed to Certification

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
has changed the terminology for child abuse
history clearances to certification and
strongly encourages individuals to apply
online for more efficient processing.
Volunteers working with children were relieved of fees for child abuse clearances and
criminal background checks required by the state Child Protective Services Law, effective
July 25, with the cost of Department of Human Services (DHS) and Pennsylvania State
Police (PSP) child abuse and criminal history record checks being reduced from $10 to $8
for all other applicants, effective the same date.

- 27 -

FBI clearances, required for all employees and for volunteers who have not been a
continuous resident of the Commonwealth for the last 10 years, continue to apply.
In 2014, 23 pieces of legislation were enacted including Act 153 of 2014, changing how
Pennsylvania responds to child abuse, such changes significantly impacting the reporting,
investigation, assessment, prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect
cases. However, organizations using volunteers raised concern about future recruitment
due to the costs.
The list of persons required to obtain clearances, according to the Governor's Office, are:
-- Child care service employees;
-- Foster parents and adult household members;
-- Prospective adoptive parents and adult household members;
-- Individuals 14 year of age or older applying for a paid position as an employee
responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children;
-- Any individual seeking or provide child-care services under contract with a child-care
facility or program;
-- School employees governed by public school code and those not governed by the public
school code (colleges and universities).
More information about clearances required under the Child Protective Services Law is
available at www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. Individuals seeking clearances can go directly to
www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis to create an individual account and apply for child abuse
history certifications electronically.

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.

- 28 -

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
2009-2015 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

Information provided is designed to highlight activities within the broader community that can help
enhance Christian principles relative to development of healthy children, individual and family
relationships.
Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards
for benefit of others.
Activities included in this publication are gathered from various submissions and other sources. No
representation is made as to their accuracy or value.
Persons wishing to be included in future e-mailings of updates, should request inclusion by sending
an e-mail with Subscribe in the Subject line, along with your name, organization, community and
where you heard about the publications to bps461@msn.com.
General Guidelines for Information Submission:
Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure to new
subscribers, individuals who only may read the list periodically, and for other organizations that want
to avoid scheduling opposite an event or may want to collaborate with others in the area. For annual
events, even longer lead times may be appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the
week of publication.
A general idea of the information needed (many submit too little for the consumer to understand what
actually is occurring and why they should consider attending) can be obtained by perusing the
publications or using the following guide:
Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.
Name of Event:
Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates:
Times (Starting and ending):
Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a
MapQuest or Google Maps searchable address:
Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:
Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.):
Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event (Two to
three descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous
words such as "wonderful", "great", etc.):
Any Fees, including free-will offerings:
Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the
specific activity:

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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.

ined on a case-by-case basis in context with focus of the publications.