Times Publishing Newspapers, Inc.
Promoting positive community news
Emma Sio of Newtown, a sophomore at the George School, recently won honorable mention in the Congressional Art Awards for her sculpture lamp.
The award was presented by Congressman Michael Fitzpatrick in a ceremony held at Bucks County Community College.
Free information sessions will be held April 15 & 22 for those considering a career as a locomotive conductor or engineer; classes start May 4
Locomotive Engineer and Conductor Basic Training Program. 65-hour introductory course prepares you to enter a training program to become an engineer or conductor on a freight or passenger rail line. Free information session 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 15 or Monday, April 22.
To register for free info session, call 215-968-8409. Course will run May 4 – June 25 (Sat. & Tue.) at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Pa., 18940. Fee: $365 (plus textbook) Register: www.bucks.edu/con-ed or 215-968-8409.
Foundations Community Partnership, a philanthropic foundation benefiting youth in Bucks County and the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) are co-sponsoring a full-day workshop entitled “Psychological First Aid Training” on March 19, 2013, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA. The program is designed to help expand the skills of behavioral health professionals and other disaster response personnel. The workshop presenter will be Steven M. Crimando, MA, CTS, CHS-V, an internationally known consultant and educator experienced in the application of the behavioral sciences in homeland and private security, violence prevention, crisis management, and disaster response.
“We are excited about bringing this important training to our Bucks County community and we are thrilled to be partnering with NOVA and Bucks County Community College to offer the best training possible to various first responder networks,” says Ron Bernstein, Executive Director, Foundations Community Partnership.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed modular approach to help children, adolescents, adults, and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster, terrorism, and other crisis events. It is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events and to foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning and coping.
PFA is based on the understanding that disaster survivors and others affected by such events will experience a broad range of early reactions (physical, psychological, behavioral, spiritual). Some of these reactions will cause enough distress to interfere with adaptive coping; and recovery can be helped with support from compassionate and caring disaster responders.
Presenter Steven M. Crimando, MA, CTS, CHS-V, is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress (BCETS), a Diplomate of the National Center for Crisis Management; the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress; and he serves on the board of directors of the International College for the Behavioral Sciences. He is a Certified Trauma Specialists (CTS), a Certified Police Instructor, and holds Level 5 Certification in Homeland Security (CHS-V). He is an expert in threat assessment and threat management, and is frequently called upon by law enforcement agencies, the media and the courts to provide insight on workplace, school and community violence prevention and response, including acts of extreme violence such as active shooter incidents. Steve served as a Disaster Field Operations Supervisor for the FEMA’s mental health response to the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks and coordinated onsite psychological operations at New Jersey’s Anthrax Screening Center. He helped coordinate psychological support services at such incidents as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, Hurricanes Floyd, Irene and Sandy, and TWA Flight 800 crash. Steve has assisted at over a dozen major air crashes and has counseled many victims of violence, including those who were targets of the Unabomber, international kidnappings and other acts of terrorism.
The workshop offers seven (7) continuing education credits for PA Social Workers & Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists, NBCC Counselors. Credit approval is pending for PA Nurses and Act 48 credits. Cost is $25 and includes coffee and lunch. For more information or to register, call (215) 343-6543 or visit http://www.novabucks.org/PSAregistration.pdf.
by June Portnoy
This month, Times Publishing Newspapers has recognized Marian Colello from Chalfont as our Hometown Hero.
A colleague of Marian’s from Churchville describes her as “a true mentor to so many students in her P.A.S.S. program at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) in Newtown.”
The P.A.S.S (Perkins Academic Support Services) Program is funded through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Grant. It provides services to students enrolled in an occupational major or certification program, meaning these students are expected to enter the workplace immediately after completing their degrees or certifications.
The program supports challenges faced by students who may be economically disadvantaged; need extra academic support due to physical, emotional or developmental difficulties; be a displaced homemaker; be a single parent; be enrolled in a non-traditional major; or speaking English as a second language.
Marian’s colleague adds, “As program coordinator of this program, Marian serves as a role model to so many students. She encourages them to overcome personal challenges and finish college by sharing her personal experience of struggling to earn her own college degrees.”
Marian decided to attend college when she was 46-years-old. She was divorced with three older children and wanted to become self-sufficient so she could support herself.
“I knew going back to school later in life would be a challenge, but I was not about to let that stop me,” says Marian.
And so beginning in 1996, Marian enrolled in BCCC, ultimately graduating with her associate’s degree in social services. She then continued her schooling, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work from Temple University. She accomplished all this while working full-time hours.
Not long after receiving her master’s degree in 2001, Marian interviewed for and received her current position at BCCC.
“Marian’s story impacted my life,” says Angela Anderson from Langhorne, who is currently enrolled in the P.A.S.S. program. “Her story proves to me that it is possible to get my life together as well.”
Marian’s story hit close to home to Angela, who enrolled at BCCC at the age of 40 as a single mother going through a separation.
“I was terrified of going back to school, but Marian has been my coach and my cheerleader,” adds Angela. “Whenever, I’ve been about to give up, she’s reassured me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Because of Marian, I have stuck with this program and plan to complete it.”
Marian also encouraged her colleague from Churchville to return to school for her master’s degree.
“I had two young children at the time, and would never have done it without her support,” says her colleague. “Marian knows how to motivate people to reach their full potential.”
A big part of Marian’s job is writing a federal grant for the P.A.S.S. program. Over the past 12 years, she has brought in $2 million in grant money to improve this program.
Although Marian is not a counselor, she runs workshops on campus, helping students in her program learn to become organized and better prioritize the many aspects of their lives.
“It’s often not the academics that are too challenging for students, but all their daily life challenges that prevent them from completing their degrees,” explains Marian. “I tell them that if they work hard and have the basic skills, they will succeed.
“I also help students look outside the box by considering non-traditional jobs.”
Marian recently had to endure the death of her parents within four weeks of each other, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and yet throughout it all, she remained positive and optimistic.
“I take a glass half full outlook in my personal and professional life, and it works for me,” says Marian.
Over the years, Marian has discovered she has a passion for teaching. She teaches part-time at BCCC in Newtown and at Strayer University in Bensalem, and especially enjoys teaching sociology.
“It is so rewarding teaching my students to see the world a little differently or from a different perspective,” says Marian.
“Marian is so dedicated to helping people make good choices in their lives,” says Angela.
Says Marian, “I believe that we all have obstacles in life, but if you have an opportunity to better yourself, open the door and take that chance.”
PHOTO CAP: Marian Colello
Bucks County sophomores, juniors, and seniors are urged to submit three poems by March 8 for the chance to win $300.
Call for Entries: Bucks County High School Poet of the Year. Poetry contest open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in or attend high school in Bucks County, including home-schoolers. Submit three original poems and an entry form – available at www.bucks.edu/poets – by Friday, March 8 to Bucks County Community College Dept. of Language & Literature, 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940.
Winner receives $300, a county proclamation, and the chance to read at a reception Sunday, April 14 at BCCC’s Newtown campus. Information: 215-968-8150.
submitted by Mark Bortman, Exact Solar, mark@exactsolar.com
A few days before writing this, I was feeling like a crotchety old man. You know the type – he walks around grumbling about the do-nothing generation of kids these days. To be fair (and to the relief of my daughter) however, my pants were not pulled up to my chest.
Well, I needn’t have despaired.
On November 30th, my spirits were lifted by a great conference hosted by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC) at Bucks County Community College. It was titled the “Green Your School Workshop.” Four different schools from the area reported on what they are doing to make their schools more sustainable, i.e. “greening” their school.
In addition, there were a couple of interactive exercises aimed at giving the students an impetus to do more. The workshop was attended by 180 students from the region and about 70 school administrators, teachers, and other interested adults.
The part that I really enjoyed was that the adults got out of the way, and let the students be the ones to present what they’ve been doing.
The activities were as varied as the students. Energy efficiency training and watershed education are built right into the curriculums at Bucks County Technical High School and Radnor Middle School. Truman and Bristol High Schools have a Green Jobs Club that constructed an outdoor classroom and performed other service projects.
Lisa Grayson, the chairman of the Bucks-Mont branch of the DVGBC, was thrilled with the level of participation from so many schools – both in attending and presenting their programs and success stories.
According to Lisa, “The event exceeded our expectations and we plan to keep the momentum moving forward so we can reach more schools and students with more programs similar to this!”
For more information on the DVGBC and the great things they are doing, check out their website, www.dvgbc.org.
Chalfont’s Lara Adams Gaydos, the newest Bucks County Poet Laureate, will read from her works at 2:00pm, Saturday, December 1st at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. She’ll be joined by 2011 Laureate Corie Feiner and four runners-up, Sandra Becker, Camille Norvaisas, Tom Mallouk, and Jane Mohler.
Admission is free. For more information call 215-968-8150.
On Saturday, October 6th, the Bucks County Association for the Education of Young Children (BCAEYC) held their 24th annual Educators Conference at Bucks County Community College in Newtown.
The theme of this year’s conference, “One Voice, One Choice – Children,” was attended by over 325 educators of our youngest citizens. The keynote speaker was Gigi Schweikert who spoke about “The Power of One Positive Person.” Over 35 professional development workshops were presented and more than 25 vendors were there to show the latest and best products to help educate young children.
The highlight of the day is always the Outstanding Educator Awards. These seven winners were selected based on recommendations by the parents and coworkers of the students they teach.
Pictured from left are Gloria Ramirez (St. Paul’s Pre-School, Warrington); Betty Hertkorn (Crossing Cooperative Nursery School, Washington Crossing); Shawn Moesch (Emily Day School, Levittown); Kristie Buckner (First Friends Childcare Center, New Britain); Lindsay Tendler (Children’s Village at Doylestown Hospital); and Frances Grauer and Christina Bravo (Wee Care Early Learning Center, Langhorne).
The Piazza Nuova Lodge #2665, Order Sons of Italy in America, Presents a Special Holiday Christmas Concert Fundraiser Performance, “an afternoon with Giada Valenti” accompanied by her full band on Sunday December 16, 2012 at 3:00 PM, at the Gateway Auditorium, on the Newtown Campus, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940.
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti is recognized for her special voice and stage presence. With her latest CD, “And I Love You So,” and live show Giada brings her elegant style to music fans worldwide. She is currently selling out in Performing Arts Centers all over the United States.
In this Special Christmas show Giada will be accompanied by her full band where she will take you on a musical journey singing hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s combined with Christmas favorites.
Buy Tickets Now! $35 (includes fees & mailing) call: 800-838-3006 brownpapertickets Event #262939
Or visit: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/262939
Today, a female soldier in combat zones is more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire. It’s a startling truth about the extent of the one of America’s most shameful and best-kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military.
The Department of Defense estimates there were a staggering 19,300 service members sexually assaulted in 2010 alone.
On Wednesday, November 14th, NOVA (Network of Victim Assistance) will host a free screening of “The Invisible War” at Bucks County Community College, Newtown campus.
The documentary of the ground-breaking investigation into the problem focuses on the powerfully emotional stories of rape victims, chronicling the women’s struggles to rebuild their lives and fight for justice.
A moving indictment of the systemic cover-up of military sex crimes, the film also features hard-hitting interviews with high-ranking military officials and members of Congress that reveal the “perfect storm” of conditions that exist for rape in the military, its long-hidden history – and what can be done to bring about much-needed change.
The free screening begins at 6:30pm at the college’s Gateway Auditorium. Doors open at 6:00pm.
For more information contact BHoblin@NOVABucks.org, 215.343.6543, or visit NOVA’s website, www.NOVABucks.org.
