It's FRidaaaaaaaaaay!! Lots of Freebies out there!

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER AND DISABILITY PRIDE COMMITTEE MARK 22^nd ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

FREE Celebration includes major museum acquisition honoring the legacy of human rights advocate Justin Dart Jr.

Philadelphia, PA (July 13, 2012) – The National Constitution Center and the Disability Pride Committee, including Liberty Resources and Vision for Equality, will honor the 22^nd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a daylong celebration recognizing all that the disability community has accomplished in the past two decades, as well as the continued fight for civil and human rights.  The festivities will take place at the Center on Saturday, July 28, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Admission is FREE in honor of the celebration. 

   “This major milestone serves as a reminder of how ‘We the People’ must include all the people to build a great democracy,” said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner.  “The National Constitution Center, in partnership with Disability Pride, is proud to bring this celebration to a national stage.”

   At 11:00 a.m., visitors are invited to a special ceremony honoring a significant new addition to the Center’s main exhibition, The Story of We the People: Justin Dart Jr.’s wheelchair, which he used when flanking President George H.W. Bush during the signing of the ADA bill on July 26, 1990, and during many subsequent advocacy efforts to uphold the ADA and secure the civil rights that all Americans hold sacred. 

Considered the “Father of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Justin Dart Jr. stood at the forefront of the international disability rights movement, working tirelessly to ensure equal opportunity and independence for all Americans.  In 1998, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award.  Yoshiko Dart, Justin Dart Jr.’s widow, will be present for this moving event, which will include remarks by speakers David Eisner, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center and Thomas H. Earle, CEO of Liberty Resources.  The ceremony also will feature a live performance of the “ADA Anthem” by Jeff Moyer, human rights advocate and musician who composed the anthem. 

   "It is especially fitting on this anniversary celebration that we memorialize the passage of our civil rights law by adding to the National Constitution Center’s permanent collection the wheelchair belonging to the Father of the ADA," said Thomas H. Earle, CEO of Liberty Resources.

   Immediately following the ceremony, a distinguished panel will discuss Justin Dart Jr.’s lasting legacy and their vision of the future for those living with disabilities.  Panelists include Lex Frieden, a pre-eminent disability activist, leader of the independent living movement, and Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Professor of Rehabilitation at the University of Texas, who will join via robotic telepresence; Cassie James-Holdsworth, Director of National Advocacy & Policy for Liberty Resources; Andy Imparato, Senior Counsel and Disability Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Janine Bertram Kemp, widow of the late Evan Kemp, who played a key role in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and also was present at the podium during the signing of the ADA bill; Joseph Rogers, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania (MHASP), who served on the Congressionally appointed task force on the Rights and Empowerment of People with Disabilities, which helped pass the ADA; and Erik von Schmetterling, former chair of Liberty Resources.  Lawrence Carter-Long, Public Affairs Specialist for the National Council on Disability will share highlights of the day internationally via Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #disabilitypride.

   From 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., guests can view a photography display on the Grand Hall Overlook, featuring the work of nationally recognized documentary photographers Tom Olin and Harvey Finkle.  Olin is a photojournalist and social documentarian who has captured and Harvey Finkle.  Olin is a photojournalist and social documentarian who has captured significant moments of the disability rights movement since 1983.  Finkle is a documentary photographer from Philadelphia who has produced a substantial body of work focused on social, political, and cultural issues.  Both photographers will be on hand to discuss their work with guests.

   Throughout the day, visitors can watch demonstrations in front of the Center by the Magee Sixers wheelchair basketball team; enjoy performances by 4 Wheel City of New York City, SPIN Choir, Great Neck Band, Johnny Crescendo, and Timmy Kelly Jr.; and chat with activist Lex Frieden via roaming robotic telepresence.

   In addition, visitors can learn about health, wellness, and advocacy issues for the disabled at an information fair featuring organizations such as Vision for Equality, Temple University Institute on Disabilities, Parent to Parent, Disability Rights Network, Adaptive Sports, and Latino Services.  National Constitution Center staff members will lead discussions about the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act and disability rights issues at stake in the 2012 presidential election.  Children and their families also can enjoy arts and crafts activities led by the Independence Arts Studio of Philadelphia.

   Starting at 2:30 p.m., visitors can join more than 300 participants in a Disability Pride March beginning at the National Constitution Center and ending in front of the Liberty Bell, where remarks about the Disability Rights movement today will be made by German Parodi, recipient of the Bread & Roses Community Fund Emerging Leader Award.  Following the parade, the celebration will conclude with a special reception featuring food and live entertainment in the Atrium Lobby at Liberty Resources on 7^th and Market Streets from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

About the National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the most powerful vision of freedom ever expressed: the U.S. Constitution.  Located on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship through a state-of-the-art museum experience, including hundreds of interactive exhibits, films and rare artifacts; must-see feature exhibitions; the internationally acclaimed, 360-degree theatrical production Freedom Rising; and the iconic Signers’ Hall, where visitors can sign the Constitution alongside 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.  As America’s forum for constitutional dialogue, the Center engages diverse, distinguished leaders of government, public policy, journalism and scholarship in timely public discussions and debates.  The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, the national hub for constitutional education, which offers cutting-edge civic learning resources both onsite and online.  Freedom is calling.  Answer it at the National Constitution Center.  For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org. 

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Vacation Bible School at Norwood Methodist Church

  Norwood United Methodist Church will hold a Vacation Bible School 9-11:30 am July 30-August 3. The program is free to all, but a mission offering will be taken. This year’s theme is “Son Rise National Park.”
  To register, call 610-566-3336 before July 25 or register online at www.NorwoodUMchurch.org/ministries.htm.

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Concert At Aston Library

Allison DeSalvo’s World of Song will entertain the kids with a concert at the Aston Public Library 1 pm Wednesday, July 25. The concert is for all-ages. To sign a child up for the Aston Public Library Summer Reading Program, go to www.tinyurl.com/AstonSRP12  . For more information, go to http://www.astonlibrary.org/ .  The Library is  at 3270 Concord Road in Aston.

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Civil Service Workshop Set For July 25

 A Civil Service Workshop for Delaware County residents is set for 9:30 to 11a.m., Wednesday (July 25). The workshop will include reviewing open test announcements, the application process, how to schedule a test, types of tests, what happens after testing and test-taking advice and reminders.
  The workshop will be held at the CareerLink office, 701 Crosby Street, Suite B, Chester. Those interested in attending should call CareerLink between 8 and 4, weekdays at 610-447-3350 for an appointment.
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Riddle Offers Free 'Look Good, Feel Good' Program

   Riddle Hospital offers a program, Look Good, Feel Better -- July 23, 5-7 p.m. in Health Center 3, Community Education Center, for women undergoing treatment for cancer.
Developed by the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Foundation and the national  Cosmetology  Association, the program features the latet makeup tip as well as information on wigs head wraps andmuch more.
  Each participant will receive a personal beauty ki t to take home. The program is free, but pre-registration is required. Call 1-866-CALL-MLH to register or for more information.
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Job Interviewing Workshop July 26

A FREE workshop to assist job seekers in how to apply interviewing skills that will help them get a job offer is set for 1:30 to 3:30p.m., Thursday (July 26).
   Mock interviews, a popular and helpful feature to the very successful workshop will be conducted.
  The workshop will be held at PA CareerLink Delaware County, 701 Crosby Street, Suite B, Chester. Call 610-447-3350 for an appointment 8 to 4, weekdays.

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Free VBS At Media Church

  Faith Church, 110 State Road, Media will hold a free Vacation Bible School 9a.m. to noon, July 23 through 27.
  Bible lessons, crafts, games and snacks will be included for children in Kindergarten through fifth grades.
  To register or for more information, go to http://www.faithchurchpa.org/ or call 610-566-8959.
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Free Job Search Support At DCCC

   Are you unemployed, a single parent, separated, divorced, widowed, married, or a single person of modest income anxious to get back on track with your career, but don't know where to begin?  Need help with personal issues, such as, self-esteem, self-confidence, assertiveness, or time and money management? Delaware County Community College's New Choices program can help local residents gain the knowledge and skills you need to find a job and become self-supporting. 
  New Choices is a free program that helps individuals make career, educational and personal changes successfully. The program provides individual and group support, career planning workshops, employer contacts, networking opportunities, résumé writing, and interviewing techniques as well as basic computer skills. The goal is to assist participants in reaching economic independence by finding and retaining employment and/or training. Workshops are offered throughout the year.
   Applications are now being accepted for the session beginning in September.  For more information, interested individuals can call 610-359-5232 or visit www.dccc.edu/newchoices. Delaware County Community College is at 901 S. Media Line Road. 
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FREE H.E.L.P. Services Available

Ever wish you had a friend or relative to help you with some household or personal problem that you wish to solve?  Well, you might be able to find such a person through a new program that St. James United Church of Christ in Havertown has established:  H.E.L.P.  The acronym stands for Helping/Healing, Educating/Enriching, Learning/Listening, Planning/Problem solving, and the H.E.L.P. program is the brainchild of Rev. Lynn Lampman. 

Pastor Lynn has been at St. James Havertown for almost three years now, and among her many missions is for the members of the church to reach out and give to the community.  Since so many at St. James have useful skills and talents, Pastor Lynn thought that H.E.L.P. would be a great way for members to live their faith while addressing the real needs of our neighbors.  The H.E.L.P. program will connect community members with volunteers from St. James, and they will meet at mutually convenient times at the church’s lovely facilities at

135 Myrtle Avenue

in Havertown.  There is never a charge for using H.E.L.P. services.

If you want more information, please call St. James UCC Havertown at 610-446-3036.  Someone will answer your questions about the program and help to match you with a “talent sharer” who has volunteered to help in her/his area of expertise.  Our members have years of experience in their fields, whether it be organizing your personal finances, writing a new resume, finding the right college for yourself or your child, supporting you through a difficult patch, helping you find and develop a new and satisfying hobby, and many more.  In addition, the volunteers are especially enthusiastic.

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Stories And Safety Program At Aston Library

  Mr. Malcolm will entertain the kids with a “Cinderella” and “Peter Pan” double feature at the Aston Public Library 1p.m., Wednesday (July 18). The all-ages program will be held in the gym.
  To sign a child up for the Aston Public Library Summer Reading Program, go to www.tinyurl.com/AstonSRP12. For more information, go to http://www.astonlibrary.org/. The Library is at 3270 Concord Road, Aston.
  Following the Mr. Malcolm program, the Delaware County Highway Traffic Safety Project will present its Safety Program for kids. It focuses on the importance of using a seat belt, bicycle safety tips and proper helmet use, and pedestrian safety tips.
  Kids will also see a sample airbag, seat belt, stop light, bike helmet and there will be an educational bingo game with small prizes.
  The program is free and suitable for children ages 5 through 13 years old. Go to the above Web site to register.

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Star Wars Day at Ridley Township Public Library

  Star Wars fans are invited to "join the Dark Side" as  Ridley Township Public Library welcomes back members of Garrison Carida 501st Legion, 1-3 pm  Sat. (July 21) at Ridley Township Public Library, 100 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom.
  The two-hour program will give children and adults the opportunity to experience real live Star Wars characters. Garrison Carida will promote literacy and reading in today's youth while keeping the attendees fascinated with their movie quality costumes from the greatest movie saga ever told. 
  The free Star Wars event is open to all ages.  During the program, fans will answer movie trivia, collect trading cards, enjoy Star Wars themed refreshments, and meet Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, and many more.  All are welcome to come in costume.
  Garrison Carida is a group of community-minded volunteers serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia who, through portraying the Dark Side characters of the Star Wars films and other media, participate in, and spearhead public service initiatives, charity events, promotional appearances, and public gatherings to benefit the community.
  To register for this event, call Ridley Township Public Library at 610-583-0593.