What is happening in Pyeongtaek this month? On August 3rd the Baedari Eco Park blasted the “creepy heat” away at their monthly Social Market. Everyone was invited to fight monsters with their water guns. If you didn’t have one, you could buy one from a local booth. The next upcoming social market is set for August 25th, September 29th, and October 27th. Address: 800, Jukbaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do Save the Date -Pyeongtaek Port 2019 Marathon is taking place October 13, 2019 at 08:30 am. Go to the website for more information: http://ptmarathon.com/ Don’t forget to check out our Community Calendar to make the most of your time in Pyeongtaek! That’s it for this week. If something is happening in your neck of the woods that you think the community should know about, leave us a comment below! Christi ClineChristi Cline holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Korean American. She proudly served in the US Marines and worked as a police officer before moving into social media and online content. As a Cultural Liason and Content Creator with South of Seoul, Ms. Cline reported on Pyeongtaek news and helped to coordinate youth camps with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center. After leaving her volunteer position with South of Seoul, Christi moved to the United States and joined a global communications technology company.

The post The News: August 21, 2019 appeared first on South of Seoul.

What is happening in Pyeongtaek this month? Pyeongtaek Dream Start Pyeongtaek Summer Dream Start program launched for 43 elementary school students who met every Friday from July 26 to August 9.  The Pyeongtaek DreamStart program hosts a variety of year-round programs, like the dream constellation camp. The primary focus of the program is to support the healthy development of children who come from single parent homes. It also focuses on school age children who are looking to experience a variety of activities during their spare time. One of the popular programs is the Dream Family Bowling Class, which celebrated its seventh year this year. Children who attend the program like it because it is more than learning about rules- it focuses on having the right attitude. 2019 Fine Dust Citizens Education Project Pyeongtaek announced that it won the competition to undertake the 2019 Fine Dust Citizens Education Project. Non-profit private organizations or corporations registered with the city are invited to apply to the City Environmental Policy Division. The committee will select the most feasible and creative idea, which will then be put into action. Hepatitis A Outbreak Pyeongtaek City confirmed that a male in his 30s, who had hepatitis A, used the water tank at Seotan-dong Songtan Neighborhood Park. On July 10th, city health officials closed 26 civil defense (emergency) water supply facilities and retested the surrounding area on August 2. As a precaution the city also has vaccinated 351 residents near the Songtan Neighborhood Park to prevent the spread of hepatitis A and specifically tested 45 of them. As of the end of July, hepatitis A cases confirmed 2675 people in Gyeonggi-do and 126 people in Pyeongtaek. Thankfully the water supply tests came back virus-free. Dementia Peace Park  In an effort to address the stigma of dementia a new park was created to encourage a friendly environment where all residents can participate. The park promotes physical activity and healthy living habits. In addition to the new park, the Songtan Dementia Assurance Center is providing signs with information about dementia prevention methods to bus depots and taxi stands.  For more information on dementia relief villages, contact the Songtan Dementia Security Center (031-8024-7304) or the Pyeongtaek Dementia Security Center (031-8024-4406). Save the Date –Pyeongtaek’s 9th National Band Contest has confirmed 203 teams initially were accepted for this year’s contest. The 10 teams who have advanced to the finals will hold their final competion performance at the special stage of Ichong Fountain Park outdoor performance venue at 1 pm. You can attend the performance free of charge. In case of inclement weather it will be held at the Leechongsil Gymnasium. Date: August 18th, 1pm –PIEF is hosting the Hyanggyo Cultural Festival where Pyeongtaek Citizens and Foreign Families can enjoy traditional performances and cultural experiences. Date: August 24, from Noon to 6 pmContact: 031-667-2353 -The 16th Korea-US Friendship Cultural Hanmadang Festival is a representative festival held every year to promote friendship and friendship between the US 7th Air Force and citizens located in Songtan, Pyeongtaek.  Date: September 7, 2019 (Sat) ~ 9. 8. (Sun), 2 days  Address: Xinjiang Neighborhood Park, K-55 Main Gate Contact: 031-8024-5324 Don’t forget to check out our Community Calendar to make the most of your time in Pyeongtaek! That’s it for this week. If something is happening in your neck of the woods that you think the community should know about, leave us a comment below! Christi ClineChristi Cline holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Korean American. She proudly served in the US Marines and worked as a police officer before moving into social media and online content. As a Cultural Liason and Content Creator with South of Seoul, Ms. Cline reported on Pyeongtaek news and helped to coordinate youth camps with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center. After leaving her volunteer position with South of Seoul, Christi moved to the United States and joined a global communications technology company.

The post The News: August 14, 2019 appeared first on South of Seoul.

What’s happening in Pyeongtaek this week? Early Detection of Dementia The Chi Mae Anshim Center in Songtan was established as an elderly support facility for dementia and Alzheimer and recently hosted a ‘Woori Village Dementia Day’ to encourage elderly residents to come out and receive a health screening. Both a neuropsychological test and a medical specialist was on hand for the examination. A guide to the Dementia Center for Alzheimer’s Disease said, “It is very important to find out and treat dementia at an early stage. We will provide a variety of dementia-related services so that many citizens will receive early screening and improve the quality of life for the elderly and their families.” The center believes it can accomplish this by screening for a variety of issues the elderly citizens struggle with, to include hypertension and diabetes. This event was a collaboration of 10 Community Welfare centers operating in Songtan. Services were offered free of charge to anyone over the age of 60 and anyone who wanted to be screened for dementia. The day was also used to help residents understand the best way to handle issues like vertigo and various stages of confusion. If you are interested in additional prevention programs, the ‘Dementia College for Alzheimer’ and other programs are available for interested groups. For more information, contact Pyeongtaek Dementia Relief Center (031-8024-4403). Pyeongtaek Reaches out to those in Need Pyeongtaek’s Social Security Council Private Chairperson Byeong-jae, Chairman Kim Dae-sik (Pyeongtaek Transportation Union), Po Seung-eup Community Social security Council, and the Gyeonggi Chamber of Commerce Industry worked together to provide 500,000 won worth of ramen to distribute to those in need in the coming months. “We will do our best to minimize the welfare blindness in the region”, said the Director of Community Services. The local Social Security Council of Po Seung-eup has provided many services for local welfare such as the rice cake soup event in January, the cool summer summer fire support project in June, and the monthly subsidy support project. Pyeongtaek City’s Jinyeong-myeon Association for the Protection of the National History Association and the Summer Kimchi for the welfare worked together to help vulnerable citizens and homes in crisis. In addition to providing the much needed kimchi, welfare staff provided counseling services, integrated case management, assistance to public and private welfare resources. Kwon and Moon, chairman of the committee, said, “Even though it is a crisis situation, the community security council of Jinwi-geon is doing its best to make sure there are no neighbors who can not receive welfare services because they do not know information and methods.” Gusan-dong Library Village Story The 2nd Pyeongtaek City Cooperative Academy presents the Gusan-dong Library Village Story. In 2006 Gusan-dong residents wanted a library in their neighborhood. They petitioned and won the right to build one but later construction funds dried up and they had to fight to find another solution. In 2013 the residents supported the construction efforts by forming the Eunpyeong-gu Library Village Cooperative Association, whose primary goal is to connect the town library with local community activities that embodied the spirit of the ‘Village Community Team’ and the ‘Resident Librarian’. Construction began in 2014 and the story of the residents’ efforts is now a case study for urban regeneration projects. the citizens of Pyeongtaek are invited to learn more about the project on July 25th from 19:00 -20:30. Where: Pyeongtaek City Hall ConferenceRSVP: https://forms.gle/79978obopjWyKWBp7For more information contact: 031-8024-2234 Pyeongtaek Volunteer University Pyeongtaek citizens are reminded to sign up for the next volunteer training course. There are two sessions each year and some of the offerings include basic, advanced, and professional leadership courses. Applications are available for July – August in preparation for the next training period that will take place September – November. Training will take place through the online program available on the Pyeongtaek Volunteer Center website. Website: https://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr/pt1365/contents.do?mId=0201000000 Volunteer University Contact: 031-8024-2677 Nutrition Training for pregnant women In an effort to address an unbalanced nutrition among pregnant woman, the Anjung Health Branch initiated a ‘Making a fairy tale dish using supplementary food’ training program. Ahn Jung-bae, a local health official, said “The food habits of infants and young children will not only determine the current nutritional status, but will also affect their health in the long run. which means a diverse dietary education is essential to their well-being.” The program focuses on providing complementary meals and promoting better eating habits for pregnant women, and mothers with children under the age of 3, who are at nutritional risks due to a lower income. So far 53 pregnant women and 35 infants and young children have participated in the program. Various children books that featured vegetables and dairy products were used to help children make a healthy connection with their meals. The event included a reading of “Tomatoes Never Bite”. Which was followed by making and eating healthy bun dumplings, pizzas, and several fresh fruits. For more information, contact the Citizen Center: 031-8024-8634 20th Seokyo-dong Commission’s ‘Love Blood Donation Campaign’ a success The Segyo-dong committee warmly welcomes neighboring neighbors every year to participate in their blood drive. The primary focus of the campaign is to encourage potential blood donors to help secure a stable blood supply for the summer. In support of the campaign 20 members of the committee participated in the blood dive. ” To help our neighbors, volunteers for social welfare facilities will continue to carry out diverse and meaningful social contribution activities, including precious life-sharing activities like this one,” said Chairman Hyung-sun. That’s it for this week. If something is happening in your neck of the woods that you think the community should know about, leave us a comment below! Don’t forget to check out our Community Calendar to make the most of your time in Pyeongtaek! Christi ClineChristi Cline holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Korean American. She proudly served in the US Marines and worked as a police officer before moving into social media and online content. As a Cultural Liason and Content Creator with South of Seoul, Ms. Cline reported on Pyeongtaek news and helped to coordinate youth camps with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center. After leaving her volunteer position with South of Seoul, Christi moved to the United States and joined a global communications technology company.

The post The News July 17 2019 appeared first on South of Seoul.

Here is the latest and greatest that’s happening in the area, straight from city hall. Pyeongtaek’s Annual City Cleanup Pyeongtaek citizens care about their city and organize several cleanups throughout the year. One particular citizen, Oh Sung-myeon, has made these cleanups his mission and so far he has collected about 3 tons of garbage around Ohseong-myeon. This year is no different and the annual cleanup scheduled at the end of August will mark the rainy season and the city’s renewed commitment. Every year the city sets up a budget for collecting and disposing of coastal garbage and scrapped fish to improve the eco-friendly fishing grounds. In the past the Mayor of Pyeongtaek and 30 local fishermen from the Pyeongtaek Province organized groups to collect scraps, abandoned items and household garbage from Pyeongtaek Lake. The waste collected is turned over to a special processing company. In addition community leaders like the city’s head council, Oseong Nonghyup, and Happiness Hall participate in an annual citywide deep clean where local citizens are asked to help with abandoned advertisements and household garbage. Hygiene Training at Local Markets As the heat of summer starts to increase, so does the chances for food contamination. It can happen in as little as 30 minutes and sometimes it can take up to 6 hours. While the symptoms are unpleasant (diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting) most people recover within 1-3 days, it can discourage customers from returning and directly impacts the local economy. What most of us probably knows is that improper handling can infect eggs and milk with salmonella. And bacteria grows really well in meat, milk, cheese, ice cream, and mayonnaise. But did you know the most common food poisoning via staphylococcus aureus is the result of a food preparer transferring it to the food they are working around? Yes, this could even mean YOU if you prepare your meal at home. This is pretty common for dairy and room temperature products like deli meats, especially because the staph toxin is resistant to heat and often cannot be boiled. Which is why Pyeongtaek City’s Market President recently gave its citizens the opportunity to practice personal hygiene and preventive measures. An official said, “The most common way to deal with waterborne disease infections is to follow personal hygiene regulations and get adequate rest. Wash your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds or more. Try not to eat raw food. If the food has been improperly handled or exposed to room temperature for too long, throw it away. Boil water from unregulated sources before drinking it.” Note: People with cirrhosis should be aware that the fresh catch of the day (oysters, octopus, etc.) is often treated with a solution made up of a high salt concentration. Searching for Hidden Cameras Concerned about the issue of hidden cameras, Pyeongtaek City’s Administrative Welfare Center in Chungbuk province decided to check all of their public restrooms and toilets. The chief of the Women’s Welfare Office and the chairperson of the Cheongbuk Euphon Committee joined them in their endeavors. No cameras were found. Chungcheongbuk police said, ” To create a safe public toilet environment the Provincial Administrative and the Welfare Center is operating an inspection team at all times to prevent illegal hidden camera crimes. We also offer equipment free of charge for private companies such as in-house companies, restaurants, and lodging businesses.” Anjung-eup Delivers Cooling Blankets to the Elderly On June 26th Joint Chairman Kim Tae-ok , and a local social security council member of Pyeongtaek City, Cho Sung-gyu, in support of the Samsung Sharing Walking Welfare Fund, delivered 20 cooling summer blankets to 20 families living alone in the city. “I want all residents to enjoy a healthy and pleasant summer,” Chairman Kim Tae-ok said, “so I am glad that we can help families deal with the heat.” The members of the social security of Anjung-eup wanted to let the residents know they are working hard to solve welfare issues in the community and an official said, “we will continue to actively cooperate in the towns and villages for Anjung-eup, where everyone lives more and more.” Urban Renewal College On July 5th, Pyeongtaek celebrated it’s 5th Urban Renewal College Completion Ceremony. 88 fifth graders participated in a program designed to increase the student’s understanding of urban needs and encourage them as future residents to initiate urban regeneration projects. Some of the local customized education courses included a small residential housing readjustment project, where residents shared their opinions and drew up a plan. At the completion ceremony, the school produced 68 graduates. Pyeongtaek Mayor Jeong Jang-seon hopes that this style of college will help continue to educate and impower local residents to come up with and actively pursue urban regeneration projects. Gender Equality Week Chairman Kim Min-seo of the Women Association Congress hosted the 24th Gender Equality Week in Pyeongtaek, The event was attended by more than 800 citizens and members of various women’s organizations. Chairman Kim Min-seo said, “We have launched a volunteer drive to build a safe and family-friendly Pyeongtaek, and we will continue to work to ensure a real gender equality society through the harmonious development of men and women with one mind.” To that end, citizens were presented with 28 Confucian scholars who have supported women’s rights and regional development. A family love talk concert was held by singer Lee Sang-woo under the theme “All-Korea Love” to remember the meaning of family love, laughing and singing with Si Min, and making a harmonious family. Pyeongtaek Mayor Jeong Jang-seon thanked the members of the women’s organization for addressing the socially disadvantaged as equals in Pyeongtaek City. He also indicated that a women’s Smart Coaching College for female leaders and managers should be ready to launch in the second half of this year. “So we ask for a lot of attention and participation.” That’s it for this week. If something is happening in your neck of the woods that you think the community should know about, leave us a comment below! Christi ClineChristi Cline holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Korean American. She proudly served in the US Marines and worked as a police officer before moving into social media and online content. As a Cultural Liason and Content Creator with South of Seoul, Ms. Cline reported on Pyeongtaek news and helped to coordinate youth camps with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center. After leaving her volunteer position with South of Seoul, Christi moved to the United States and joined a global communications technology company.

The post The News July 10 2019 appeared first on South of Seoul.