The TCN Connection
Volume 2, Issue 4 June 30, 2009 TriCounty Community Network 260 High Street Pottstown, PA 19464 p. 610.705.3301 www.TCNetwork.info
Mirror Mirror— An actor’s perspective
May 12, 2009By now, you’ve heard the buzz about “Mirror, Mirror” - perhaps you even watched the 7 minute video promo on DVresources.org The play, an original script created for TCN by students of Pottsgrove High and professional playwright Aileen McCullough, follows the lives of students navigating relationships (romantic and friendships) all in one “typical day”. On May 12th St Pius X Theatre Club performed the play to their entire student body (500 students). One of the actors, Colin Weatherbee, a junior at St. Pius, shared some thoughts after his performance in the play: “I played the character of ‘Andrew’ and I had a lot in common with him. We both have the same sense of humor, care about friends, and know the limitations of texting and stalking. I thought the script was realistic because it provided oversight into the lives of typical teens’ lives and I could relate to almost every character. For those in unhealthy relationships, my advice would be ‘GET OUT OF IT!’ No one needs to be in a relationship where they are abused physically or emotionally. Find help through friends, parents, teachers or local community organizations.”
What’s Inside?
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Check out Up-Coming Events. See page 2 What has TCN Accomplished this past quarter? See p. 3 FirstCall Phone Line See page 3 Check out the Spotlight on a New Board Member! See p. 4
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Scene from Mirror, Mirror, St. Pius performance, 5/12/09
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Genesis Pregnancy Care Center-25 years!
Article submitted by Dianne Pomon, Executive Director, Genesis Pregnancy Care Center .
The Information You Want! The Support You Need. www.infolinkpa.org
Working together. Enhancing life.
May 29th—Genesis Pregnancy Care Center (GCC) turns 25 years old! For those still getting to know GCC, they provide free, confidential assistance to young women faced with a possible unplanned pregnancy as well as those in need of clothing and supplies to care for their babies. “We are a Christian prolife ministry that demonstrates the love of Jesus to teens and young adults in the tri-county area. We offer pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, peer counsel-
ing for pregnancy options, advice on healthy relationships, maternity wear, baby clothing, equipment and supplies. Our Healthy Start program offers formula to new mothers from hospital discharge to their first WIC appointment .” An additional service offered is the “Genesis Kid's Thrift Store” for young mothers to shop for infant through toddler sized clothing, baby furniture, equipment, and maternity wear, as well as toys, videos, dvd's, etc. All items are gently used and reasonably priced.
Donations are always welcomed, here are some key items GCC can use this summer: • • Preemie diapers and clothing baby liquid soap, shampoo, lotion, and wipes
Donations of infant and toddler clothing, maternity wear, and baby equipment are accepted Tuesday through Fridays 10 am to 4 pm.
Address: 888 High St., Pottstown 610.970.8089
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Message from the Executive Director
When was the last time you tuned into CNN and was urged to log into their Facebook account? Twitter account? Or Myspace account? Confusing and overwhelming for those of us who simply want to receive information with no hassle. The reality is that social networking sites are transforming the way we communicate and stay in touch with our professional and personal network. As a formal collaborative, TriCounty Community Network works to build relationships by offering face to face events (i.e., monthly networking meetings, focus group meetings, town hall meetings) . Our Network is truly decentralized because we rely on relationships and community leaders united to address social, health and environmental concerns in our tricounty region of PA. As we wrap up our fiscal year on June 30th and reflect on our impact over 12 months, TCN has much to be proud of...we’ve reached over 500 students with the safe-dating play “Mirror, Mirror”, we’ve helped over 85 pre-teens experience team building exercise and empower them to create their own service projects at schools, we’ve helped over 70 caregivers learn about important community resources so they can help their loved ones without losing their own sense of purpose. Our Membership/Marketing committee helped TCN to spread the word about our mission, thus increasing our membership with 40 new members, and our Legislative committee, it’s the little engine that advocates and promotes important changes such as improved P.A.R.T transportation services to underserved communities in Pottstown. I applaud the Chairs of our various Committees who worked hard to ensure we accomplished critical goals. I wish you a well rested summer. Don’t forget to join us online on the networking site: LINKEDIN.com, explore collaborations with your fellow TCN members. Mandy Blake-German, LSW
Sonya Sotomayor—Signs of change in the U.S.
Article submitted by Centro Cultural Latino Unidos Board member Rebecca Villegas:
Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos, Inc. was overjoyed at the news of Sonya Soto- mayor’s nomination. While it is projected that by 2100, 57% of the U.S population will be considered to represent the Hispanic by their lineage. (Colon, B. 2009) it is for that reason that the Hispanic youth of today recognize the reward in hard work, a good education, and having positive role models. CCLU’s constant efforts to build up the entire youth focus on character building, self expression and dedication to the community. By giving students leadership opportunities in a variety of youth oriented
programs, students will experience personal growth, as well as an understanding of the power of being a contributor to the community.
Club CHICA is just one of many programs offered to youth that promise education for the whole child. A healthy lifestyle enrichment club for girls 10- to 18 , Club C.H.I.C.A., stands for Cultivating Health In a Changing America. Current areas of interest to be covered are: drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy, healthy eating, depression, Domestic violence, STDs, anxiety, money management, etiquette, personal hygiene and self esteem issues. This program and others give students education and hands on experience that will contribute to their decision
making in their future. Visit our new website at: www.cclu-pottst.org.
CCLU Summer Camp program 2008
Upcoming Events– Mark Your Calendar
July 2nd—Education Committee @ 9am—Friendly’s Restaurant, Pottstown July 15th– Marketing & Membership Committee @ 8am– VNA Office, 1963 E. High St, Pottstown July 15th—TCN 101 Overview Presentation @ 2pm, TCN office, 260 High St., Pottstown July 16th—Legislative Committee meeting @ 4pm, ManorCare, 724 Charlotte St, Pottstown July 17th—TCN Board of Directors’ Retreat—Frederick Mennonite Community 8am-12:30pm July 20th—BUSY Teen Committee meeting @ 1pm—Family Services, 1976 E. High St., Pottstown July 29th—Board Finance Committee meeting @ 8am, 159 High St., Susquehanna Bank, Pottstown August 6th—Education Committee meeting @ 9am, Creative Health Services, Pottstown September 1st—TCN Board meeting @ 8am, Susquehanna Bank, 159 High Street September 3rd—Education Committee meeting @ 9am, Environment Task Force Meeting @ 10am September 14th—Domestic Violence Committee meeting @ 1pm, Women's Center, 1800 High st., Pottstown September 15th—8:30am—10am- TCN’s Monthly Meeting at Villa at Morlatton, Douglassville, PA
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Networking Tips for the summer months
Some people are natural networkers! They can work a room, connect with people, listen to stories and enjoy every moment. For others, entering a room of strangers and meeting several new colleagues is intimidating. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, networking is a critical element in building your professional image and sustaining a positive reputation. As a TCN member, you’re given several opportunities to network, participate in small group discussions and share your mission (personal or professional). Here are five basic ways to ensure you maximize your networking experience: 1. Networking is about building authentic relationships– take your time, ask openended questions and then listen without interrupting Ask yourself—what are your goals in participating in the TCN collaborative? What do you want to get out of it? Hold a volunteer position in TCN, it’s a great way to stay visible and give back to the community (co-chair a TCN committee, serve as a secretary to a committee, consider participating on the Board of Directors) 4. Become a known resource for others— when you are recognized as a strong resource, people remember you and will turn to you for suggestions, ideas, etc. Develop your 30 second “Elevator Speech.” Make it concise, memorable, and informative. Need help on your elevator Speech? Our fall issue will provide some basic tips.
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TCN Accomplishments—4th Quarter
Highlights of TCN’s impact in the community from April—June:
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TCN members voted in 8 new full members for a total of 44 new members joining the Network since July 1st 2008 BUSY Teen Committee– hosted their annual Spring Leadership Summit with 58 middle school students representing 6 School Districts Domestic Violence Committee— Showcased safe dating play to 2 schools: St. Pius X High and Downingtown High East for a total of 570 participants
Education committee—6 Municipalities uploaded TCN website to their resource pages Environmental Task Force—Meeting held on 6/4 to plan educational program in collaboration with ACETV and PCTV Home and Community Resource Committee– hosted the 4th Annual Caregivers Resource Event (5/16) which served over 70 caregivers and offered free CEUs for professionals Legislative Committee—met with Pottstown Borough staff to advocate for improved P.A.R.T services
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Marketing/Membership Committee— helped to diversity TCN membership with 7 members from Chester county and 18 members from Berks County TCN staff conducted 10 in-person presentations to various community leaders, organizations and agencies. TCN administered the FirstCall Phone line (see details below).
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We thank our Friends from Montgomery County Aging & Adult Services for allowing TCN space for 2 office cubicles, filing cabinets and printer/mail access!
Updates: FirstCall phone line & Where to Turn Guide
Article submitted by TCN staff member Jan Morris, M.Ed. It has been a busy few months on the FirstCall phone line. From January through March we had many calls regarding homelessness, rent/ mortgage and utility/heating concerns. Since then there have been record numbers of calls regarding utility shut-offs. In May, 40% of the calls received through FirstCall were individuals expressing concern about receiving PECO shut-off notices. We have been fortunate to be able to refer these calls to the PECO CARES program and Mont. Co. agencies that received Emergency Federal Stimulus Package monies through United Way SEPA. We have been averaging around 3 calls per day, which is an increase from last quarter when we averaged 2 calls per day. This summer, TCN is pleased to contract with Mont. Co. Community College to have a summer intern working out of our office. Sam Lucidi is busy creating a database for our Where to Turn Guide, with a goal of creating a user friendly guide that can be easily navigated through TCN’s website. We’ll share updates about the new guide at our 9/15 meeting. Welcome Sam!
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Board Members Fiscal Year 2009-2010
Maureen Allen (Treasurer), Community Housing Service Katrina Belcher, Susquehanna Bank, Pottstown Zenta Benner, Frederick Mennonite Community Jenn Brown (Board co-chair Pottstown Family Center Carolyn Brunschwyler, Pottstown Comm Health & Dental Andrew Finkelstein The Medicare Group, Phoenixville Greg Galtere, Boyertown Junior High West Gary Hawkins (Secretary) Griswold Special Care Janine Kelly, Women’s Center of Mont. Co. Heather Stanton, Professional Home Care Service Earl Stingel (Board co-chair), Sanatoga Court Rebecca Villegas Penn State Cooperative, Skippack
Spotlight on the Board
Name: Carolyn Brunschwyler
Current Position: Acting Director Agency: Community Health & Dental Care Board Member of TCN: Since December 2008 How did you hear about TCN? “I moved to Berks County in 1999 and heard about TriCounty Interagency Consortium (TCIC) in my employment as a Field Coordinator for RSVP. As a TCIC Board member, I supported the merger that resulted in Tricounty Community Network. I just returned to the Board in December 2008.” What was it about TCN’s Mission that made you decide to return to the Board? “In order for the needs of a community to be met, businesses, both nonprofit and for profit, need to come together and work collaboratively. I believe that no single entity can go about their mission standing alone. TCN has an excellent reputation for building those types of important relationships in our community.”
Special Thanks to TCN Supporters!
We are truly grateful to the following foundations, agencies and community organizations for their support during the 2008-2009 fiscal year: Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Montgomery County Human Services, the MCEWDB and Phoenixville Community Health Foundation. We are also grateful for the in-kind donations from Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services and Montgomery County Community College, and especially for the immeasurable inkind support from our member organizations in the form of committee work, professional experience and office support.
General Meetings
What: A meeting for TCN members and guests to network, review organizational business and hear educational speakers. When: 3rd Tuesday of each month from September to June Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. includes light refreshments, networking and educational speaker Where: Montgomery County Community College, Pottstown. (101 College Drive)
TCN is a proud grant recipient of The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation and is in partnership with the United Way SEPA in providing FirstCall.
Our Mission is to build relationships among organizations, community members and businesses through advocacy, information sharing and education to improve health, social and environmental conditions within the tricounty area.