DCCC offers free virtual career development program
MARPLE » Returning to work or upgrading a career involves careful planning, especially during a pandemic. Those who are looking for assistance can be helped by New Choices, a free career development program now offered online through Delaware County Community College.
The college is offering a free, one-week, virtual synchronous program, in which an instructor will guide participants through topics including resume writing, interview communication, using LinkedIn and determining your career goals, all in a supportive environment.
In addition, a grant, awarded by the local philanthropic group Project W, will provide participants the opportunity to receive additional free training to upgrade competitive employment skills with train
ing options including Microsoft Office, Pharmacy Technician, Administrative Professional and more. A new laptop loan program will allow some participants to borrow laptops for their training and/or job search needs.
Classes are supplemented with one-on-one Zoom sessions with an instructor to help participants create an effective training plan or
job search strategy.
The following are upcoming Monday to Friday sessions: Jan. 11-15, Feb. 8-12 and March 8-12. Morning and evening sessions available, based on demand.
For more information, or to register, call 610-3595232 or email newchoices@ dccc.edu.
High school senior sworn in as new junior supervisor in Thornbury
Lily Seagraves, a senior at Bayard Rustin High School, was sworn in as a Thornbury Township Junior Supervisor by Judge Wendy Roberts on Monday, Jan. 4. Lily, who has Down syndrome, lives in Thornbury. She was recommended for the position by her high school teachers.
Thornbury began appointing junior supervisors nine years ago in an effort to introduce high school students to the processes of local government. Junior Supervisors serve six-month terms and participate in discussions that occur during the Board of Supervisors’ monthly meetings. Duties also include providing updates on activities and events that occur at Bayard Rustin High School.
Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program accepts applications
Penn State Extension Chester County is now accepting applications for the
2021 Penn State Master Watershed Steward program in Chester and Delaware Counties. The program trains volunteers to become citizen scientists who are enthusiastic about the conservation of water resources and gives them the information and skills necessary to share their experience and knowledge with others.
Weekly classes will be held Wednesday evenings from March through midJune with Saturday field trips and hands-on learning opportunities.
In exchange for 40 hours of instruction, candidates agree to volunteer 50 hours to Penn State Extension the first year, followed by 20 hours per year thereafter. Volunteer activities include organizing educational events, designing demonstration rain gardens, organizing stream cleanups, working with municipal officials to plant native trees and meadows, monitoring streams, collaborating with local watershed associations and much more.
There is a program fee of $125 to cover the cost of training materials and expenses. The local program can offer needs-based financial assistance if needed. Two online Open House sessions will be held on Jan.
13 and Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in each county to provide more information. Registration is https://extension. psu.edu/master-watershedsteward-open-house.
For more informa
tion, contact coordinator Meagan Hopkins-Doerr at mxh1135@psu.edu or 610-696-3500.
Author Jennifer Weiner speaks at Main Line Chamber event
Jennifer Weiner, the author of “In Her Shoes” will speak at a virtual program hosted by The Society of Professional Women, a program of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce, noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Weiner will be interviewed by CEO of i-g creative and host of This is it TV Cheldin Rumer. As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Weiner uses her social media platform to encourage women’s voices, self-esteem, and body positivity. Weiner’s books have spent over five years on the New York Times bestseller list with over 11 million copies in print in 36 countries.
The mission of The Society of Professional Women’s program is to accelerate the advancement and expand the inf luence of women leaders of all professions and generations, strengthen our business community, and support the region’s non-profit organizations. This event is open to the public.
Cost is $25-$35 and an RSVP is required.
For more information on receiving the Zoom link, contact Stacey Rymal at srymal@mlcc.org or 610687-6232 or visit the website at w w w.mlcc.org/ events/.
O’Mara introduces amendment to increase government transparency
State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-165 of Springfield, introduced a proposed change to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ operating rules which would allow Pennsylvanians to be more involved in the lawmaking process.
O’Mara’s amendment would increase transparency by giving the public more time — a full 24 hours — to provide input on legislation before it could pass the House. O’Mara said that under current House rules, elected representatives must only wait three hours before voting on a bill for final passage.
“The current three hours is not enough time for the people to dissect and seriously consider both sides to a bill,” O’Mara said. “What I’m proposing is more than a rules change, it’s a call for legislators to come together and bring their constituents’ specific input on legislation into the House chamber. We debate bills that could impact every resident of this commonwealth; their voices need to be heard.”
For more information on the “People Before Politics” plan, call O’Mara’s office at 610-544-9878.