New Garden Board opposes application to construct ‘Citizen’ cell tower
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
In the words of Yogi Berra, it was deja vu all over again.
Less than two months after New Garden Township’s Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) opposed a zoning application to construct a cellular tower in the township, a follow-up proposal to create a similar tower on May 20 was soundly rejected by the township’s Board of Supervisors.
By a vote of 4-0, the board opposed the zoning application of Citizen Towers, LLC, to construct a cellular phone tower at 1515 Yeatmans Station Road in Landenberg, on a 4.3-acre property owned by Arthur J. Santoro. The vote came after a nearly hour-long
“Yea” and “Nay” comment session by 31 residents who expressed their opinions in favor of – and in opposition to – the proposed tower.
Citizen Towers, LLC submitted their application for the tower to the ZHB on April 22, proposing the installation of a tower-based Wireless Communications (WCF) at the property “for the use and benefit” of up to four service providers. The tower, they proposed, would consist of a single steel monopole antenna support structure that would be 125 feet tall. The tower, the application stated, would be available for the installation of four antenna array platforms that would be capable of supporting up to 12 panel-style
Incumbents have strong showing in Avon Grove School Board races
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
A few of the most highly contested races in the area in 2019 are for seats on the Avon Grove School Board. In the Primary Election on May 21, there were nine candidates vying for five seats.
Now, heading into the general election in November, there are eight candidates who’ve earned spots on the ballot vying for those five seats on the school board. But the results of the Primary Election could be more consequential than it first appears.
The candidates are sharply divided on the new high school project, and at
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Motorists who were driving on the Route 1 Bypass between Oxford and West Grove on Friday afternoon of Memorial Day Weekend saw an unusual sight—if they were sharpeyed enough to see what was happening. Yes, that was State Representative John Lawrence cutting the overgrown grass in the Route 1 median strip.
For several weeks, Lawrence’s District Office had fielded complaints from residents in the 13th Legislative District about how the grass in the median wasn’t being mowed. Lawrence went through the proper channels to try to find out why the private contractor wasn’t doing the job the state had hired it to do.
least two candidates made halting the project the centerpiece of their campaigns to unseat incumbents. However, the Primary Election results suggest that those candidates supporting the high school project are in strong positions for the general election in November—though the May 21 results could hardly be called decisive.
In Avon Grove’s Region II, where two seats are up for election, incumbents Tracy Lisi and Jeffrey Billig were being challenged in the Primary Election by Mark Stewart, Jr. and Carmela Ciliberti.
Billig and Lisi earned the nominations on the
Perfect weather and high spirits for the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade
Day Parade knew a few other people there. Spirits were high because folks knew this was traditionally the borough’s biggest and most spectacular parade.
Many of the visitors even arrived an hour before the 10 a.m. starting time, and a good number brought folding chairs.
Annual parade marches through West Grove
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
As the 21st annual Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony began to gather in proper file in the parking lot of Avon Grove High School early on May 25, the long line of participants who climbed into vehicles, floats or fell into line had very little idea of the crowds that awaited their arrival, but after the parade began at 9 a.m., those participating soon knew.
Before hundreds of local residents, friends and family members who lined the parade route along State Road and Prospect Avenue, the annual West Grove Borough tradition was a generous Who’s Who of
“It’s almost June and we can’t get the grass mowed? That’s not acceptable,” Lawrence said. “Constituents have called in and said that it looks like Jurassic Park.”
By Chris Barber Correspondent
In the past year, 29 people in Chester County were essentially brought back from the brink of death thanks to the skill and dedication of local EMS providers.
instances of crews performing “clinical saves.” Those awards were presented to members of the emergency services who were involved in pre-hospital saves of people who were pulseless and not breathing.
On May 23, the 15th Chester County Emergency Medical Services Council Awards Ceremony at the Kennett Fire Company Red Clay Room recognized those countywide responders. The room was filled to the brim with about 300 responders, guests and recovered victims.
“They’ve been hired to do a job,” Lawrence said. “Pennsylvania taxpayers are paying them to do this job. It’s very frustrating.”
So last Friday afternoon at about 3 o’clock, Lawrence decided to take action. He took a weed wacker and started cutting some of the grass himself. He said that he would continue to cut the grass, a little at a time, until the contractor does the job that they are contractually obligated to do.
As the succession of heroes stepped up to the podium and were named, they collected their plaques and were photographed.
The council lauded 23
Among recipients was the team that saved local dentist Dr. Amit Dua, who lives in New Garden and has a dentistry practice in Hockessin at Lantana Square. He suffered cardiac arrest on Aug. 19, 2018 and was almost immediately given CPR by arriving Southern Chester County Regional Police officers Jeremy O’Neill and Mario Raimato. In a short time, members of the advanced life support Medic 94 team arrived and administered lifesaving aid. The members of that team were
By Chris Barber Correspondent
As in most small towns, practically everyone at the Kennett Square Memorial
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The 21st annual Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on May 25 featured several scout groups.
community rallies around a cherished
Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation gets $100,000 donation from Waltman family...4A
State Rep. John Lawrence gets to work on May 24.
Photo by Chris Barber
Local flag display honors those who died at Pearl Harbor
Boulet, a resident of Kennett Township, didn’t want his family to forget the real meaning of Memorial Day. So,
three years ago, he had an idea: He wanted to set up a flag display to remember events where Americans lost their lives for their country. Boulet, a pastor, at the Sycamore Hill Church, said that his family always hosts
antennas.
In its application, Citizen Towers, LLC stated that the proposed tower would “remedy a significant gap in wireless coverage which exists for wireless providers operating in the township – including T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, AT &T Mobility and Sprint Spectrum.”
As one of the 11 residents who spoke in favor of constructing the tower, Tara DiGiacomo of London Britain Township echoed her fellow supporters in saying that a tower built on the location would make the community safer.
“If you’re driving down Good Hope Road and there is an accident, you can’t reach anyone,” she said. “If there is anyone here from the police department, the EMT or paramedics, I would love to hear a statement from you, supporting that. I do understand your opposition as homeowners and the beautiful homes you have, but if you think that this cell tower is impacting your home’s value, you’re never going to get someone to pay for your house.
“A millennial with a young family coming in to purchase your home is not going to buy it,” she added. “They are immediate. They are wired. They want it now and they want it hot. We need a cell tower. I hope that we can all come to an agreement that we need one.”
A few of those in favor of the cell tower focused their arguments on the severe limitation of cell phone access in the White Clay Creek Preserve where, in the event of an accident, it would be difficult for a cell phone user to get a response.
Of the 20 residents who encouraged the board to reject the application, the general focus of their disapproval centered on the potential impact a tower of this kind would have on the rural and historic character of the community, as well as the resale value of their homes. Some called the application a waste of the township’s time and resources.
Several in opposition called upon the supervisors to again honor the township’s existing ordinances regarding the use of telecommunications facilities in the township, laws that formed the basis of a March 24 vote by the township’s Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) that rejected an application by Eco-Site, Inc. and its coapplicant T-Mobile Northeast, LLC to build a tower at 1511 Yeatmans Station Road.
Over the course of the last two years and at several public hearings held before the ZHB, Eco-Sites, Inc. and T-Mobile Northeast, LLC attempted to prove that the township’s laws regarding the use and function of wireless communications facilities in the township are invalid and unconstitutional.
At the time of the March 24 vote, the ZHB said that the application violated Section 200-119 of the township’s
zoning ordinance, which establishes uniform standards for the siting, design, permitting, maintenance, and use of wireless communications facilities in the township.
In denying the March application, the ZHB made reference to a township ordinance that states “while the township recognizes the importance of wireless communications facilities in providing high-quality communications service to its residents and businesses, the township also recognizes that it has an obligation to protect the public safety and to minimize the adverse visual effects of such facilities through the standards set forth” in several dozen provisions.
Opposing the application, board chairman Steve Allaband said it not only violated township ordinances, those in favor of the tower focused most of their concerns for safety on property that isn’t even in the township.
“I think the majority of concerns for safety were related to the [White Clay Creek] Preserve or the White Clay State Park,” he said. “Does anyone know how much of that is in New Garden Township? I do. That would be zero percent. None.”
The board agreed with Allaband, and also agreed to send township solicitor Vince Pompo to the ZHB to formally oppose the application.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com.
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Democratic side, where they were the only candidates on the ballot. On the Republican side, the results were very close. Lisi led the way again, earning 575 votes. Stewart Jr. received 570 votes, while Ciliberti tallied 566 votes. Even though just four votes separated Stewart and Ciliberti, Billig managed to fall right in between them, earning 567 votes. If those results stand, Lisi and Stewart would have their names on the ballot on the Republican side in the November election.
In Avon Grove’s Region I, incumbent Charles Beatty earned the Republican nomination while challenger Dorothy Linn emerged with the nomination on the Democratic side.
In Region III, two longtime school board members are seeking reelection. Bonnie Wolff and Herman Engel have more than 25 years of school board experience between them. Wolff and Engel were the only candidates on the ballot on the Democratic side and emerged with the nominations.
On the Republican side, Wolff received 390 votes to lead the way, securing her name on the ballot on both the Democratic and Republican side. Firsttime candidate Christina Fanning secured 384 votes, six more than Engel, who received 378 votes on the Republican side. That means that Fanning’s name will appear on the ballot in November.
With Wolff and Lisi winning both the Republican and Democratic nominations, they are positioned well for the general election in November. While the margin was razor thin in Region II, they were significant. Ciliberti did not finish in the top two on the Republican side, and as a result did not lock up a spot on the November ballot.
Lisi expressed cautious optimism about the results of the Primary Election.
“While my running mate, Jeff Billig, and I, are pleased with the results from Tuesday, it is important to keep a few things in mind,” she said. “First, the results are still unofficial. The official results will be available in a few weeks. Also, this election was just the primary. The results of this primary now ensure that the names our will both be on the ballot again in November.”
The high school project may have been a reason that voter turnout was higher in Avon Grove than in other places.
Lisi said, “I believe the results of the primary send a strong signal that our community supports the current direction of the school district. Our opponents were running on a single issue— to stop the construction of a new high school and to stop the renovation of the current high school into a middle school. This facility project underwent years of intensive study and evaluation to determine the most costeffective plan to serve the needs of our students and provide a generational solution. We are now more than a year into the design phase, and over a million dollars in taxpayer money has been spent. Millions more will be committed prior to the election in November. Our
opponents offered no new ideas, and demonstrated that they have little grasp of the budget details or any other aspect of the project. The fact that many Republican voters and hundreds more Democratic voters supported us on Tuesday would seem to indicate that voters in the community want to see the construction project through to completion and recognize the foolishness of wasting millions of dollars to re-valuate plans that were already thoroughly assessed and rejected as inadequate.
Jeff and I stand by our fact-based campaign and firmly believe that public education is an investment, not an expense. I would stress again, however, that this was only the primary and I ask every voter, Republicans, Democrats and Independents, who cares about the future of our schools, our children and the fate of our community to come out and make their voices heard again in November.”
Here’s a look at some of the other school board races in the area:
There are six seats on the Oxford School Board that are up for election this year—an unusually high number because the school district made changes to how the seats are apportioned and because of one resignation since the last election. Voters will have a lot of choices to make in November.
There are two at-large seats that are up for election this time around. The Democratic nominees are Sherri Matis-Mitchell and Denita Wright Watson. Incumbent school board member Mark Patterson has locked up one of the nominations on the Republican side. A large number of write-in votes came in for Republican candidates in the at-large races, opening up the possibility that a candidate will earn the nomination and be on the ballot in November.
There were also a significant number of write-in votes for candidates who are seeking the two-year unexpired term on the board. When those results are available, there could be one or two nominees for that seat.
In Region II, with one seat up for election, MaryLaura Buchner-Hulse won the Democratic nomination over Jen Harrison, but on the Republican side it was Harrison who won the nomination over BuchnerHulse. The two candidates will be vying for the seat in November.
In the Region 1 race, incumbent Howard Robinson cross-filed and won the nominations of both parties so he has a clear path to election in November. The same is true of incumbent school board president Joseph Tighe in Region III.
Like Oxford, there are six seats up for election on the Kennett School Board, and there will likely be some new faces when the reorganization meeting takes place in December.
In Region A, Maribel Garcia and Ann Parry were the top two vote-getters in a field of five candidates on the Democratic side. On the Republican side, Dominic Perigo and Steve Ciprani earned the nominations.
For the unexpired twoyear term in Region A, Ryan Bowers earned the Democratic nomination, while 36 write-in votes were
Primary Election results
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The races for various school board, borough council, supervisor, and county-wide positions have now been clarified following the Primary Election on May 21.
Turnout was low, as expected during an offyear Primary Election. But turnout was higher in places with compelling races or issues that are of high importance to voters.
Republicans still hold an edge in the number of registered voters across the county, 148,629 to 138,281, but the margin has been narrowing in recent years. In 2018, Democrats made historic gains, winning all the county row offices that were on the ballot that year.
Will this be the year that Democrats win two of the seats on the three-person Chester County Board of Commissioners? The Primary Election results suggest that it’s at least possible. According to the election data, more Democrats went to the polls last Tuesday than Republicans. There were 30,070 ballots cast on the Democratic side, while Republicans cast 26,272 ballots. Total voter turnout was at 19.60 percent. Democrats turned out at 21.75 percent, while Republicans turned out at 17.68 percent. In November, many of the races throughout Chester County could be decided based on get-out-the-vote efforts.
Here’s a look at some of the results from last Tuesday:
County races
In the race for three seats on the Chester County Board of Commissioners, incumbents Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline emerged as the nominees on the Republican side— they were unopposed in the Primary Election. On the Democratic side, Josh Maxwell (17,952 votes) and Marian Moskowitz (13,689) earned the nominations over Kathi Cozzone and Ginny Kerslake. This means that there will be at least one new county commissioner at the start of 2020 as Cozzone is the incumbent Democrat on the board.
In the Chester County
cast on the Republican side.
In Region B, with two seats up for election, David Kronenberg earned the Democratic nomination. There were also significant write-in votes cast on the Democratic and Republican side.
In Region C, incumbent Michael Finnegan earned both the Democratic and Republican nominations.
In the Unionville-Chadds
District Attorney race, incumbent Republican Tom Hogan will be challenged in November by Democrat Deb Ryan. Both candidates were unopposed in the Primary Election.
In the Chester County Sheriff race, where the incumbent, Carolyn Welsh, is retiring, Republicans backed Jim Fitzgerald, while Democrats selected Fredda Maddox by a wide margin from among four candidates.
The Chester County Prothonotary race will be between incumbent Matt Holliday, who earned the Republican nomination, and Democrat Debbie Bookman, who won by a wide margin in the Primary.
The Register of Wills contest will be between Republican incumbent Terri Clark and Michele Vaughn, who earned the Democratic nomination over Lisa Longo. Amber Little-Turner earned the Republican nomination for the position of Recorder of Deeds, and will face Democrat Chris Pielli in the November election.
Chester County residents will be electing two judges to serve on the Court of Common Pleas. Republicans nominated Charles Gaza and Andrea Cardamone, while Democrats selected Analisa Sondergaard and Brett Binder.
Borough council races Voters will have a lot of choices to make in some of the borough council races in the area. With three seats up for election in Kennett Square Borough, Mayra Zavala (336 votes), Doug Doerfler (312 votes), Rosa Garza Moore (232 votes) were the top three vote-getters to earn the Democratic nominations. Doerfler is the borough council president and the only one of three incumbents who are seeking reelection this time around.
On the Republican side, 358 write-in votes were cast. The Republican nominees will have an uphill battle to win seats on council in November as Democrats in Kennett Square have been effective in get-out-the-vote efforts.
One similarity between the Kennett Square Borough Council race and the Oxford Borough Council race is that there are three seats up for election. Another similarity is that there is just one incumbent seeking reelection. In Oxford Borough, that incumbent is Peggy Ann Russell, and she was the top vote-getter on the Democratic side.
Ford School District, Rashi Akki cross-filed and earned the Democratic and Republican nomination in Region A, while Victoria Baratta locked up the nominations of both parties in Region B.
In Region C, with three seats up for election, one candidate, John Murphy, earned the nominations on the Republican and Democratic side. Erin
Free Estimates
Also winning Democratic nominations were Marybeth Rizzo Moore and Kathryn Goodley Cloyd. On the Republican side, Philip Harris, Mary Lou Baily and Michele Rich-Ianieri won nominations to move to the November election.
There are eight candidates vying for four seats on West Grove Borough Council: Elizabeth Garduno, Karen Beltran, Kristin Proto, and Fred Boyce earned the Democratic nominations, while Mark Johnson, Charles Donovan, Michael Ranieri and Clyde Jacobs, II won the Republican nominations.
Supervisor races Kennett Township, London Grove Township, and Franklin Township are a few of the municipalities that will have contested races for seats on the board of supervisors in November, while in many other municipalities the longtime incumbents have a clear path to reelection.
In Kennett Township, incumbent Richard Leff earned the Democratic nomination, while the Republican nomination was won by Hunter Tower.
Franklin Township has two supervisor seats up for election this year. David Gerstenhaber and Mary McVeigh emerged with the Democratic nominations, while on the Republican side it was Brent Van Lith and incumbent David Snyder who earned nominations.
In London Grove Township, where two seats are up for election, Christine Allison and Dina Manceva won the Democratic nominations, while the Republican nominees are Kevin Runey and Richard Scott-Harper. Scott-Harper is an incumbent. Eric Matuszk and Robert Jerger are the Democratic nominees in East Marlborough Township, while the Republican nominees are incumbent John Sarro and Shelley May Mincer.
There is also an unexpired two-year term up for election in East Marlborough Township. Significant writein votes were cast on the Democratic side, while Bruce Jameson was the Republican nominee for the two-year term.
Republican incumbents
Randy Geouque and Richard Ayotte are seeking reelection to the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors. On the Democratic side, David Unger locked up the nomina-
tion. A significant number of write-in votes were cast on the Democratic side as well.
In Penn Township, there will be three candidates vying for two seats on the Penn Township Board of Supervisors. Longtime incumbent Victor Mantegna earned the Democratic nomination, while on the Republican side, Laura Sperratore and Ken Bryson earned the nominations.
In New London Township, Mary Anne Steel earned the Democratic nomination.
In West Nottingham Township, Antonio Pedulla earned the Democratic nomination in the Primary Election, while incumbent William Winand locked up the Republican nomination.
In East Nottingham Township, Republican P. David Smoker locked up the nomination for one seat on the board. For an unexpired two yearterm, write-in candidates received votes on the Democratic side, while on the Republican side it was William Weaver who received the nomination. Then, for an unexpired four-year term, Philip Brenner, Jr. is the Democratic nominee, while John Wallace was the nominee among Republicans. Brenner and Wallace will be vying for the seat in November.
In Elk Township, Republican nominee Milt Rudy is seeking election to the board of supervisors.
In London Britain Township, Russell McKinnon earned the Republican nomination, while Brian Samuel Sachs earned the Democratic nomination.
Upper Oxford Township supervisor Scott Rugen is seeking reelection and locked up the Republican nomination. The same can be said of Joel Brown in Lower Oxford Township. All Primary Election results were still unofficial at the time this was written. For a full list of results from the Primary Election, visit the Chester County government website and follow the link from the Voter Services page.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@Chestercounty. com.
Talbert and Jen Brown earned the nominations on the Democratic side, while Jon Trigg and Steve Jones earned the Republican nominations.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation receives $100,000 donation from the Waltman family
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Larry Waltman recently presented a check for $100,000 to the Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation on behalf of his parents, the late Lawrence and Hazel Waltman.
The funds will be used for an annual scholarship award for two Avon Grove High School seniors.
According to Carol Maguire, the president of the Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation, this is the second-largest donation to the foundation since it was established about 36 years ago.
The Waltman family has been a longtime supporter of the Avon Grove community. Lawrence Waltman passed away on Oct. 29, 2018, at the age of 100, and requested in his will that $100,000 be donated to the Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation. Scholarships will be distributed annually as a $2,000 agricultural award and a $1,000 music award. The Waltmans were extremely passionate about music and agriculture.
“They wanted to encourage kids to continue their education and keep learning,” Larry Waltman said about his parents’ donation. With this endowment, Larry Waltman and his siblings hope to enrich young minds and continue the
legacy of their parents for generations to come.
Lawrence Waltman was raised on a 100-acre dairy farm in Jennersville and farmed his whole life. In 1939, Lawrence’s father had an idea that would bring the community together.
Lawrence and his father built Sunset Park, which became a well-known amphitheater for country music, attracting many top performers, including some of the biggest country and bluegrass stars.
Entertainers like Roy Acuff, George Jones, Hank Williams Sr., and Patsy Cline, and in later years
Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Randy Travis, Charlie Pride, and George Strait all performed to large audiences at Sunset Park.
The open-air venue featured a baseball field, a stage, bench seating, a dance floor and a concession stand. Each Sunday throughout the summertime, the Waltmans hosted a celebration of family-friendly entertainment at Sunset Park.
Hazel Waltman, the youngest of 19 children, sang and played country music. Hazel met Lawrence while performing at Sunset Park. They married in 1943, and together they ran the shows and multiple farms for over half a century. Later in life, the Waltmans sold their three farms. One is now the
Jenner’s Pond Community, another is a Giant shopping center and most of the third is owned by Avon Grove School District for future expansion.
Lawrence and Hazel Waltmans had three children—Anita Carr, Larry Waltman and Donald Waltman—who attended school in Avon Grove School District. Anita and Larry still reside in the district.
In 2015, Hazel Waltman passed away at the age of 94 on her and Lawrence’s 72nd wedding anniversary. Around that time, Lawrence Waltman informed Carol Maguire that he would be
GRAND
providing a donation upon his passing to provide financial assistance to Avon Grove students who are studying music or agriculture.
The latest donation will help the Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation with its mission. The Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation was founded as a charitable organization to raise money for a trust fund. Income from this fund is distributed annually for scholarships that are offered to seniors at Avon Grove High School.
Avon Grove High School guidance counselor Jennifer Lubins will work
with the Foundation to select the recipients of the awards that are funded by the donation by the Waltmans.
The community can play a vital role in supporting the students in the Avon Grove School District. The annual earnings of the fund determine the number of scholarships awarded each year. The Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation will be able to maintain or increase the number of annual scholarships by increasing the principal. By supporting the Scholarship Foundation in any of the following ways, you can help “Fund a Future”:
~ Gifts of cash, securities, land, bequests, or life insurance policies are gladly accepted.
~ A gift of $36,000 enables the contributor to name a yearly scholarship.
~ A gift of $18,000 enables the contributor to name a scholarship to be given every other year.
~ Donations of any size are welcome. Donations can be sent to: Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation
P.O. Box 266 West Grove, PA 19390
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo
Larry Waltman presented a check for $100,000 to the Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation. Pictured from left are Avon Grove superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese, Avon Grove Scholarship Foundation president Carol Maguire, the benefactor Larry Waltman, high school guidance counselor Jennifer Lubins, and high school principal Scott DeShong.
Kennett
They were well rewarded for their diligence.
As the crowd grew, the streets were lined two and three deep from the start to the end of the procession -- from the high school, through town and out North Union Street for a memorial service in the cemetery.
The marchers appeared at 10 a.m. sharp. From the beginning to the end, the participants appeared well organized and well
turned-out. The mood, appropriately for the holiday, was upbeat and yet respectful. Many traditions from the past years remained.
The Boy Scouts issued tiny flags to the children watching shortly before the beginning.
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh and her friends sang oldies as the Andrews Sisters from the World War II era. Likewise, the color guard, composed of local veterans, led the marchers.
People were happy to see the Mummers Ferko String
Band, and they clapped along while the group marched by, playing their banjoes, guitars and saxophones. The Kennett and Unionville high school bands likewise were wellreceived, and their band fronts waved banners that caught the mild breezes of the day.
There was a host of antique cars as well as Scout groups and Little Leaguers. Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick greeted the crowd from an antique convertible, as did the grand marshals, Al DiNorscia and Harry Collins.
Several martial arts groups came by, led by dragons that swooped down, faceto-face, with viewers. Bringing up the end of the parade were fire company vehicles from Kennett, Avondale, Po-Mar-Lin, Hockessin and West Grove, as well as the Blittersdorf giant tow vehicles.
The hour-and-a-half parade concluded with a memorial ceremony in the Union Hill Cemetery.
As in past years, the parade and ceremony were organized by hometown veteran and businessman, Bill Taylor.
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Kimberly Harvey, Norman Madison, George Hedrick and Cindy Thompson.
Dua was there at the banquet Thursday, grateful and smiling as he and his wife joined the guests for dinner.
Another six clinical saves were featured and deemed worthy of “excellence commendations.” These were instances where the patient had suffered overwhelming injuries in addition to breathing and cardiac arrest -- like brain trauma, multiple broken bones, organ damage and impalement -- and was showing imminent signs of being close to death. Advanced and/or basic life support personnel
rendered interventions, and the patients were later discharged from the hospital. Additionally, three teams gathered praise and plaques for delivering babies before the mothers made it to the hospital.
Later, individuals were singled out for special awards, such as citizen acts, public official contribution, telecommunication, educator, ALS and basic life support providers and distinguished service. Those who earned recognition from southern Chester County were the following: Michael Porter of Longwood Fire Company received the plaque for ALS excellence and longevity. He was also among the team
Harry Collins, Korean War veteran.
Photos by Chris Barber
Reenactors fire muskets along the parade route.
Billy the horse pulls a cart through the parade route.
The Unionville High School Band Front waves red and white banners.
Aztec dancers thrill the crowd.
Photos by Chris Barber
Amit Dua (center), who was revived after a cardiac arrest last August, is flanked by two of his rescuers: Medic 94 medics Norman Madison on the left and Cindy Thomson on the right. At the end on the left is EMS Council President Gary Vinnacombe; on the right is EMS Council Vice President Charles Brogan.
Kourtney Kluczynski with the Avondale Fire Company receives the Basic Life Support Award flanked by Charles Brogan on the left and Gary Vinnacombe on the right.
Chester County Regional Police Department, and several antique vehicles.
local departments and organizations – all heightened in spirit by the Avon Grove High School Marching Band.
Among the participants in this year’s parade were several Cub Scout, Girl Scout and Boy Scout groups, players and coaches from the Avon Grove Little League, the West Grove Rotary Club, the Avon Grove Lions Club, the Greater Pennsylvania Historical Society, students from Assumption BVM, a fleet of vehicles from the West Grove and Avondale fire departments, representatives from the Southern
State Sen. Andrew Dinniman, Pa. Rep. John Lawrence and New Garden Township Supervisor Steve Allaband also participated. At the conclusion of the parade, a memorial service took place at the Avon Grove Veterans Memorial Park on East Evergreen Street, which included welcome remarks by Lt. Col. Hank Detering (USMC -Ret.), the National Anthem by the Avon Grove High School Marching Band; and an invocation by Rev. Charles Gross of West Grove Presbyterian Church.
Lawrence Davidson, a U.S. Army veteran and the
Director of Veterans Affairs for Chester County, served as guest speaker of the event, which was followed by Davidson and parade organizer John Ruffini laying a wreath at the memorial. The service ended with a benediction by Rev. Jim Mundell of the West Grove United Methodist Church, and a performance of “Amazing Grace” by Pipe Major Andrew McIntyre.
Following the service, guests were invited to the West Grove Presbyterian Church to enjoy complimentary hot dogs and drinks provided by the West Grove Auxiliary, and music by Green Eggs & Jam.
“My father Domenico Ruffini began this parade 21
years ago, and I’ve helped him ever since,” said parade organizer John Ruffini.
“Every year I will head up to Avon Grove High School to make sure everything is going smoothly, but it’s not really necessary, because everyone knows what to do by now.
“This annual parade provides an opportunity for a close-knit town to get together, and it’s also an opportunity for our younger generations to know why we have these parades, to appreciate those who have given their lives for our freedom.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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that made a “pre-hospital delivery.”
Kourtney Kluczynski of Avondale Fire Company received the BLS excellence award.
London Grove Township Supervisor David Connors received the award for leadership in establishing an EMS council in southern Chester County.
The Margaret Hoover Brigham Award – the highest presented -- was given to Robert Kagel, who took over as director of Chester County Emergency Services following the death of Ed Atkins in 2014. He left the EMS Council in 2018 to become the Chester County Administrator, replacing Mark Rupsis, who retired.
Margaret Hoover Brigham was the founder of the Chester County EMS Council.
Other guests who spoke were Chester County EMS director Michael Murphy; Pennsylvania Department of Health of Director of Emergency Medical Services Dylan Ferguson;
EMS Council member Leo Scaccia; and County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Kathi Cozzone. Ferguson and Murphy both talked about dealing with the increased volume of work that EMS members are facing and how they must adapt. Murphy said he is working on a new strategic plan for the county. Ferguson said that with 40,000 calls a year in Chester County, continuing education and visibility for the members is important.
Kichline and Cozzone issued the declaration of EMS Week and presented the written proclamation from the state.
Medic 94 CEO Bob Hotchkiss, whose team was vital in many of the clinical saves, said much of the credit for the success goes to the increasing popularity of the public learning CPR. Medic 94, among other agencies, offers these classes. Medic 94 is headquartered at Jennersville Hospital.
The awards and plaques were presented by EMS Council President Gary Vinnacombe and Vice President Charles Brogan.
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State Sen. Andrew Dinniman, right, was on hand at the parade and ceremony.
These young ballplayers hopped aboard the Avon Grove Little League’s parade float.
The Avon Grove High School Marching Band performed at the parade and ceremony.
Several period farm tractors paraded down Prospect Avenue.
Photo by Chris Barber Longwood Fire Company Medic Michael Porter (second from left) receives the Advanced Life Support and Longevity Award from Longwood Fire Company EMS
Captain Matt Eick (right). On the far left is Charles Brogan; on the far right is Gary Vinnacombe.
A travesty of mistrust
On May 15 at about 7 p.m., sitting at the front of the meeting room at the Kennett Township Building, township supervisors Scudder Stevens, Dr. Richard Leff and Whitney Hoffman each held the twin look of sadness and resignation in their eyes, as if they had just emerged from a fallout shelter and surveyed the scorched-earth destruction of what they had attempted to build, now in pieces all around them.
Inconveniently, the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors meeting happened to fall on an evening just days after the release of a statement, issued to all township residents on May 10, that said the township had begun exploring suspicious transactions in its bank accounts. For the next hour, Stevens responded with a prepared statement and promptly fielded questions from residents. While his two colleagues remained silent during the exchange, Stevens responded with clarity and with well-chosen words that reflected a delicate combination of confusion, anger and sadness. Stevens provided no specifics; he was not allowed to for fear of spinning his thoughts into speculation and potentially interfering with the investigation.
Nearly a dozen times, Stevens reached into his satchel of rhetoric, and conjured up that old chestnut of a word that he used to tell township residents what he wanted from government, back in 2011 when he first ran for the board. He used the word that helped get him elected –and re-elected – a word used to describe an alternative to what he called the back-room politics of the previous administration.
He used the word that his colleagues also used when they ran successfully for the board a few years later. On May 15, Stevens used the word that he has used – or at the very least, implied – in nearly every interview he has given to this newspaper in the last eight years.
During the hour Stevens and his colleagues spent attempting to explain how in the name of sound government something like this could ever happen in the richest township in the State of Pennsylvania – the word “Transparency” never rang so hollow, nor meant as little.
Two days later, after new information was discovered and brought before them, the supervisors dismissed township manager Lisa Moore, who had been on paid administrative leave as the investigation began to unfold in late April.
Separate findings by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Marcum, an accounting firm hired by the township to conduct a forensic auditing of the township’s books, are not expected to be completed until fall.
As we wait to find the details of this sordid mess – how much was stolen, how long this fraud has been happening and how it was conducted without suspicion under the supposed eyes of an administration that preaches accountability – we are right to cast aspersion and to have serious doubt toward a township that has led its residents down the pathway of controversy too many times before.
In the last ten years alone, there has been the suspected misuse of the township’s credit card; the alleged fabrication of the township’s 2008 and 2009 audit reports, supposedly conducted by an accountant named Ed Johnson who was never identified, either by the township or after an exhaustive research by this newspaper; the swirling controversy surrounding the aftermath and possible cover-up of two automobile crashes by the township’s former police chief – a case that is still in litigation; and the latest, a 3-0 vote last December that approved a 475 percent local tax increase to residents in order to pay for a new emergency services fund, a tax that residents called “bloated,” “unsustainable” and “gigantic.”
During this decade, this newspaper has come to look at the governance of Kennett Township the way a teacher does a student who is both brilliant and reckless, noting that each great accomplishment is met with an equal degree of foolishness. For every report of a soaring total asset ledger, there has been a matching storm of controversy. Every wise investment and every acre saved for conservation is quickly followed by a shell game cover-up done in the shadows, or a severe lapse in judgment, or an incident that festers for years like an open wound – and all of it, every success and every failure, is done right before the eyes of the residents of Kennett Township.
And yet, it is this latest bout of disturbing news – and the former township manager’s possible role in it – that threatens to bring this township’s entire foundation of trust tumbling down like house of cards, unlike any other Chester County municipality in recent memory.
While this editorial does not bring down the gauntlet of guilt upon everyone associated with the governing of Kennett Township – past or present – it excoriates the many who have wrongly manipulated it for their own gain; who have used it to patch up their reputation or twisted its power in an effort to help them save face before their constituency. In the wake of this corruption and these misappropriations, they have convened to repurpose Kennett Township not as a shining light of high ground but as a laundromat with a hefty bank account.
“If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists -- to protect them and to promote their common welfare -- all else is lost,” said Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
How Stevens, Leff and Hoffman navigate the township through the ugly revelations that are likely to be revealed by the fall is anyone’s guess, but as the most prominent elected officials in this township, the burden falls on them, but it also falls on the residents and taxpayers of Kennett Township to choose between acceptance or a demand for accountability….because when trust has been entirely evaporated, what else is there?
Climate change poses grave threats to Pennsylvania
Letter to the Editor:
In April, as local residents celebrated Earth Day, 2019, we used it as a crucial opportunity to put a bright and necessary spotlight on one of the most critical issues affecting Pennsylvania, our country, and our world – climate change.
Let us be frank: Climate change is happening. The effects will be disastrous. And it’s caused by human activity, but this recognition cannot be reserved to one day a year. We need to be acting every day from here on out to combat climate change and reverse the negative impacts it has had on our world and will continue to have if we don’t take aggressive action quickly.
Exhaustive scientific research has provided us with hard data about the culprits of climate change: predominantly fossil fuels like gas, coal, and oil.
Yet here we are in 2019, where, incredible, some are still debating climate change. Science is not partisan. The fact that climate change threatens our economy, national security, health care, and, of course, environment is not partisan. At home in Pennsylvania, we can expect to see things like increased downpours,
elevated levels of insectborne diseases like Lyme disease, and worsening air pollution if we don’t start taking bold action now.
The small but urgent silver lining in all of this is that we have achievable solutions. It’s time for our elected bodies in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg to catch up to the science and the public’s desire to start implementing these solutions. This means putting policies in place that will directly address the threats posed by climate change and will disincentive the activities that are triggering climate change.
The most important step we must take is a transition to clean, renewable energy.
At the federal level, we’re working together to aggressively support the Climate Solutions Act. If passed into law, this legislation would require that 100 percent of our electricity come from renewable resources by 2035.
At the state level, Pennsylvania has recently joined the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 states dedicated to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Accord. Additionally, Governor Wolf has announced an ambitious but achievable goal for our Commonwealth: cutting carbon dioxide and other
heat-trapping emissions 26 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050, using 2005 as a baseline.
Locally, we are also taking giant leaps. Thanks to Ready for 100, the Sierra Club program that helps municipalities and townships focus on transitioning to renewables, seven Chester County boroughs and townships have passed resolutions committing to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
Seven more are currently discussing passing such measures.
We’re also proud that the majority of our Commonwealth senators and representatives whose districts are found in the Sixth Congressional District support tackling climate change. Eleven of our Chester County legislators are currently cosponsoring legislation in the Commonwealth’s General Assembly that would also require Pennsylvania to transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
What’s more is that we as Pennsylvanians are on the side of science, data, and truth. Recent polls show that more than 7-out-of-10 voters in the Pennsylvania would support a switch to clean, renewable sources of power.
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents in Pennsylvania understand that, if we do not take initiative, our Commonwealth, country, and world will suffer.
It’s important to note that not only is this transition good for our environment and will help us combat climate change, but it’s also good for our nation’s and Pennsylvania’s economy. A recent study by E2 demonstrates that jobs in the clean energy and energy efficiency sectors far outnumber fossil fuel jobs both here at home and around the country.
We’re proud to be working hard every day to advance smart and effective legislation to stop climate change. We owe this to our community, our planet, and our future generations. Pennsylvania cannot wait. The United States cannot wait. Our planet cannot wait.
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th Dist. Chrissy Houlahan represents Chester County, southern Berks County and the City of Reading in Congress. PennEnvironment is a statewide, citizen-based non-profit environmental advocacy organization.
Cancer patients and survivors traveled to Harrisburg to urge legislators to prioritize cancer treatment
Volunteers meet with Pennsylvania lawmakers to ask for maintaining funding for tobacco control programs, streamlining prior authorization, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act who gathered at the Capitol called on Pennsylvania’s lawmakers to change this by taking steps to make the fight against cancer a priority. The visit was part of the annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Day at the Capitol event.
Nearly 100 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, including high school students, from across the state recently traveled to the State Capitol in Harrisburg to meet with Pennsylvania’s lawmakers about the need to maintain funding for Tobacco Control Programs; streamlining prior authorization; and strengthening Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.
In Pennsylvania, 80,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 22,000 will die from the disease. Those
Correction
A story on the Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery that appears in the Spring/Summer issue of West Chester & Chadds Ford Life Magazine did not mention that former gallery partner Jacqueline Winter still operates the Chadds Ford Gallery in Florida (www. awyethgallery.com, 610-388-2412).
“We met with our elected leaders today as representatives of each one of the 80,000, who are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer this year in Pennsylvania,” said Posvar. “Even in this tough economic climate, Pennsylvania’s legislature must commit to ensuring all Pennsylvania residents can breathe smoke-free air and maintain funding for our Tobacco Control Programs so we can reduce suffering and death from this disease.”
“As a cancer survivor, I let my lawmakers know if we’re going to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in Pennsylvania, this goal must be top of mind for our legislature,” said Marina Posvar. “By making cancer issues a priority, we could ensure progress continues to reduce suffering and death from this disease.”
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www. fightcancer.org.
A community rallies around a cherished boutique
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
When Deanna Johnson first opened the doors to Marche, her lifestyle boutique on State Street in Kennett Square, it was the weekend of the 2016 Mushroom Festival, and revelers festooned in various stages of fungi fashion welcomed her to town.
Within weeks of its opening, the long and skinny shop became the big sister’s closet of Kennett Square, a funky kind of place that was filled with furniture, linens, home decor, women’s clothing, accessories sourced from around the globe, and artwork from some of the leading artists in Chester County.
Word had gotten out that Marche’s First Friday
Art Strolls had become one of the town’s coolest hangs, where a guest intent on a mere drive-by would instead linger for an hour over a cocktail and conversation.
On the morning of March 5, Johnson was applying her talents as an interior designer at the new Bentley Homes’ Stonegate development on South Union Street when she got a call from a Marche employee. “Deanna, there’s water coming from the bathroom floor, the ceiling and everywhere else,” the employee told Johnson. “I’m dragging rugs and
pillows out of the back room.”
Johnson immediately contacted her landlord, then the building’s owner, and then adjacent businesses.
She also called her friend Nicole Contro-Pieri, the owner of Flood Support, a Kennett Square-based damage restoration business. Within a few days, the company had entirely cleaned the store.
Marche, like so many shops along State Street, stores items in basements with an intricate but failing system of pipes and plumbing. That’s where the problems were happening, and the effectiveness of Flood Support’s mitigation could not hold back the inevitable. On March 20, additional pipes began to fail, causing a second flood on March 22.
Johnson began to survey the damage, both real and anticipated. She had lost tens of thousands of dollars in high-end merchandise, a small portion of which was covered through insurance, but the worst of it was that the flood had occurred during the early spring season, when her customers regularly visit the store to consult with Johnson about sprucing up their homes.
Marche had to close its doors.
For the next several weeks, Johnson’s life was attempting to reach contractors, her new property manager, and as of April 25, the residual
damage of the flood that had occurred 51 days before had not yet been fully repaired. She began the necessary litigation process, and the revenue that she had anticipated had all but vanished.
Very few in Johnson’s life even knew.
“I never talked about it to anyone, so no one knew the gravity of the problem,” she said. “In the first 30 days after the flood, I kept telling myself that everything was going to be OK, but slowly, I kept feeling more and more out of control. I didn’t want to cause problems or be dramatic. I work hard, I pay my bills, so I didn’t want to have to ask for any help.”
One evening in April, Johnson shared her story with Shannon Blake, the owner of Penny Lane Emporium. Soon after, she began to hear from friends, customers, shopkeepers, local officials and business leaders, all of whom offered creative ideas and support. Local artist Ellen Catanzaro, whose paintings, wallpaper and pillows are sold at Marche, reached out to her. Bove Jewelers offered spaces in their store. Sheila Sanford, a customer, offered to plant flowers and spruce up the exterior of the store. Artist Katee Boyle decorated the store’s front windows, which now document the two-month journey Johnson and her staff have been on in an effort to
reopen Marche.
“One thing I think that Deanna was doing was suffering by herself,” Blake said. “She was very reluctant to share any of this with anyone, so when she shared her story with me, I told her, ‘No one can help you if nobody knows.’”
Working with Blake and other Kennett Square businesses, Clean Slate Goods owner Kari Matthews created “Let’s Reopen Marche’s Doors,” a Go Fund Me campaign.
“Many of you have asked, ‘How can I help?” the site reads. “So we (fellow merchants of the Kennett Borough) wanted to create this campaign as a way for you to get involved – a tangible way to alleviate some of the financial stress Deanna and her business are currently facing; a way
to help keep Marche afloat during this time of crisis.”
As of last week, the campaign had raised close to $2,000 toward a $6,000 goal.
“I tried to put myself in Deanna’s shoes and thought that if I was on the brink of losing my business, who would I turn to and what would I do?” Blake said. “As soon as we put Deanna’s story out, everyone rushed to help. In a very prominent, female-owned business community, and we’re all helping each other out.”
Johnson said that while she works with the sales agent to get the flood damage repairs done –which she said is about two to three weeks away from completion – she and her staff are eyeing a reopening of the store in early June,
which she said would very likely include a party to thank the many people who have helped her.
“This experience has taught me that I need to let people help me,” Johnson said. “I tend to go with my gut and put my head down and move forward, so it’s been hard for me to tell others that I need help with this, but now, thanks to the many people who have reached out to me, I have a renewed sense of strength that will get me to get to the other side.”
“I recently told Deanna, ‘You are positioning for a comeback,’” Blake said, “and it’s going to be big.” Visit www.gofundme. com/marche-kennett.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com
Winterthur shows its midcentury modern side
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library has a secret: Scattered throughout its lounges, libraries, laboratories, and offices are stashes of modern furniture that have as much of a story to tell about American design as the early American furniture the museum is famous for.
The pieces are on display July 28 in “Unity by Design: Midcentury Modernism at Winterthur.”
The exhibition looks at midcentury modern furniture to better understand it as an extension of Winterthur’s collection and mission -to explore what it means when traditional meets modern. Midcentury modernism refers to the post‒World War II design movement that sprung from a desire for a new way of living. The mission was to depart from the past in order
‘Unity by Design’ explores the style’s broad influence
to foster a better-lived experience for the future.
Although Henry Francis du Pont’s desire to promote and preserve American antiques may seem to be at odds with the aesthetic, his interest in style and design was broad reaching and he was as enamored of the new American style as anyone.
When du Pont opened Winterthur Museum in 1951, his intention was to expand the interest in, and interpretation of, early American decorative arts. Yet, over 18 years, he worked with architects and designers on the construction of several auxiliary buildings on the estate -- an office wing and auditorium, a research library, conservation labs, and a visitor pavilion where the interior design presented a radically different look. From fixtures to
furnishings, each of these spaces was designed in the midcentury modern style. Those furnishings -- more than 170 pieces -- are still in use at
Winterthur.
“For many years, the midcentury buildings and furnishings at Winterthur were not understood, often moved to storage buildings, and considered an anomaly. People sometimes commented that H. F. du Pont would have hated this stuff. As ‘Unity by Design’ reveals, he not only appreciated it, but helped pay for it,” said Jeff Groff, estate historian at Winterthur.
The exhibit features pieces by famous midcentury designers Ray and Charles Eames, Florence and Hans Knoll, and Eero Saarinen. Their designs for Knoll Associates and the Herman Miller Furniture Company set a
new standard for modern living. It was the design choice for corporations, businesses and homes.
“Unity by Design” was curated by Carrie Greif, who will graduate from the Winterthur Program in American Material Culture in May 2019, as part of her graduate thesis work. In addition to creating this exhibit, Greif catalogued the midcentury modern furniture on the Winterthur estate.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the philosophy, construction, and branding of midcentury modern furniture by taking a seat and browsing catalogues that were available to consumers in the 1950s and 1960s, and by
exploring photographs of Winterthur spaces furnished in midcentury style and sketches by the famous designers themselves.
“Unity by Design: Midcentury Modernism” at Winterthur is on display through July 28, 2019, in the Society of Winterthur Fellows Gallery.
Winterthur, located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Del., is closed on Mondays.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and $6 for ages 2 to 11. Call 800448-3883 or visit www. winterthur.org.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Marche owner Deanna Johnson.
1960s chairs reflecting a new design sense are featured in the exhibition.
Winterthur’s holdings of midcentury furniture are spotlighted in a new exhibit.
GERALD E. PARSONS
Gerald “Jerry” E. Parsons, of West Grove, entered into God’s arms on May 22 at home, with his loving family by his side.
Born in 1930 to James and Erma Parsons, Jerry was a native son of West Grove, and a graduate of Avon Grove High School, which is also where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary this year. His other lifelong passions included being a proud member of the West Grove Presbyterian Church, as well as an AASR Scottish Rite Valley Mason of Wilmington’s 32nd Degree, belonging to the New London Lodge No. 545. Jerry spent 20 years in military service, nine with the U.S. Navy, and 11 with the U.S. Air Force. In civilian life, he drove charter buses for Readers & Greggs, later switching from private to public transportation and school buses. Once he parked his last bus, he found yet another job working in the security department for Longwood Gardens. After finally retiring, Jerry continued his service to the community by joining a band of volunteers at Jennersville Hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, Denise Parsons of West Grove, and Dianne Mehn of Leesburg, Fla., and son-in-law Karl Mehn, also of Leesburg, Fla. He’s also survived by his loving granddaughter, Michelle Valdez and her husband Chris; a grandson; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his little brother, Floyd Parsons of Avondale; and three nieces. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Loukie” Parsons.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. May 29 at West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 10:45 a.m. A Masonic service will be held at 10:45 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be in New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to West Grove Presbyterian Church or Brandywine River Valley Hospice (121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363). Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT B. STEWART
Robert Burchill Stewart, 86, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on May 17 after nine months of fighting brain cancer. He was an artist, outdoorsman and a proud father of four girls, but above all a gentleman with a sense of humor and dogged work ethic. Born in Sewickley, Pa., in 1932, Bob grew up with mother, Eileen Burchill and father, John Alexander Stewart and his two siblings, his older brother, John, and his younger sister, Eileen. He went to Princeton High School and met his wife, Carol Theresa Scasserra of Kingston, N.J., and afterward attended the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, where he learned graphic design and taught painting and drawing. Bob served in the U.S. Navy for eight years and piloted a landing craft for troops in the Korean War. Once Bob and Carol got married they moved to New York City, where he worked in various advertising agencies. When Bob and Carol started a family, they settled back in New Jersey. Bob and Carol retired to Kennett Square.
He was an avid sportsman and belonged to both Black Rock Gun Club and Nassau Gun Club. He traveled all over the world to hunt and fish.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters Karen, Celia, Alison and Emily; his 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Burial was on May 25 at the Highland Cemetery in Hopewell, N.J. In lieu of flowers , a donations in Robert Burchill Stewart’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
JOY U. GARBER
Joy U. Garber 93, of Oxford, passed away on May 17 at home. She was the wife of the late Richard I. Garber. Born in Williamsport, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Ellis and Laura Greene Updegraff. Joy received her degree as a Registered Nurse from Episcopal Hospital, Philadelphia in 1947. She was in the U.S. Cadet Nursing Corps during World War II. She was a member of the Oxford Senior Center. She attended Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford. Joy loved playing the piano, knitting, swimming, gardening and reading cowboy stories. She had such a contagious laugh. She is survived by her niece, Laura Linda Lewis, and nephew, William Lewis, with whom she lived; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Jane McMaster; and a brother, Pete Updegraff. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. June 1 at Bethany Presbyterian Church (2483 Baltimore Pike, Oxford). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Obituary submissions
ELIZABETH LOUISE REYNOLDS WITMAN
Elizabeth Louise Reynolds Witman entered this world during a winter snowstorm and left it to return to God on a warm spring morning. She was born in 1922 to the late John J. and Mabel (Whiteman) Reynolds in Sylmar, Pa. At age 7, she moved with her parents to the farm near Nottingham overlooking “The Barrens” (now Nottingham County Park), where she spent the rest of her life and raised her own family.
She graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1940, and attended classes at West Chester Teachers College until her father died and it became necessary for her to support her mother and sister. Louise worked in the office of Conard-Pyle in West Grove until her marriage in 1944 to Horace W. Witman. Later, when her children were in school, she returned to work as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service, Nottingham branch, retiring in 1992.
She became a member of Nottingham (Greenstone) Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school and was active in the Women’s Association. Louise was the second woman ordained as a Ruling Elder in the United Presbyterian Church by the congregation at Nottingham. For several years she volunteered as an election official in West Nottingham Township, when elections were held in Fremont Grange Hall. She loved music, playing the piano and singing. Skilled at sewing and needlework, for many years she made her young daughters matching hand-smocked dresses.
Louise is survived by one daughter, Elaine Pennell (Dale); one son, John William; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild; two stepchildren; one sister, Ann R. Wilcher of Charlotte, N.C.; and an “honorary” daughter, Vildiz Onay Ediger of Ankara, Turkey, an American Field Service exchange student who lived with the Witman family for the 1963-1964 school year; and Louise’s precious cat, Molly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace; and daughter, Hope Ann Kirk.
A funeral was held May 28. Interment will be in Brookview Cemetery in Rising Sun, Md., alongside Horace and Hope. In lieu of flowers, donations in Louise’s memory may be made to Calvert Manor Nursing Home, 1881 Telegraph Rd., Rising Sun, MD 21911. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
KAYLA M. BROWN
Kayla M. Brown, 28, of Holtwood, and formerly of Delaware, passed away on April 30.
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The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting. They also are posted on www.chestercounty.
com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Born in 1990 in Jennersville to Thomas V. Brown, Sr., husband of Rebecca of Holtwood, and Sandra (Boothe) Brown of Delaware. She was preceded in death by her son, Nathan Leppo; and her sister, Heather Brown, both of Delaware. Kayla is survived by her siblings, Timmy Brown of Holtwood, Thomas Brown Jr., Kyle Brown, both of Delaware, Brandy and Manny; her grandparents, Ruth Taylor of Pennsylvania, Harold Brown of North Carolina, and Joanna and Donald Boothe; and may aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Kayla enjoyed dyeing her hair, doing her nails, and loved to draw and color. She lives on, for she was an organ donor and saved four lives. Kayla will be missed by so many. To send the family a condolence, visit Kayla’s memorial page, www. CremationPA.com.
York Regional Office, 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10118-0110. In order to be considered by the FDIC, comments must be submitted not later than fifteen (15) business days after the date of publication of this notice. The non-confidential portions of the application will be on file at the FDIC’s Regional Office and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the nonconfidential portion of the application file will be made available upon request. 5p-22-2t
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary in the Estate of H. Raymond Chandler, Deceased, late of Pennsbury Township, Chester County, PA, have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims or demands against the said Estate to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment immediately, without delay to Executor: Edward J. Arena, C/O Attorney: David B. Myers, Esquire, 148 West
State Street, Suite 102, Kennett Square, PA 19348
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INCORPORATION
NOTICE
BRILLIANT LIFE SUPPORT, INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. 5p-29-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Donald C. Myers, aka Donnie Myers. Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted letters, testamentary or of administration to the person named. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to make known the same to them and all persons indebted to said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to the administrator named below. Donald C. Myers, aka Donnie Myers, Deceased, Late of West Caln Township , Pennsylvania. Elvin E. Hillard and Vivian M. Hillard, Co-Executors, C/O Attorney: Neal A. Rice, Esq., Legacy Law, PLLC, 25N. Spruce ST. , Lititz, PA 17543. 5p-29-3t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
The Penn Township Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on Wed., June 5, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA. Please refer any questions or requests to Caitlin Ianni, Township Secretary at 610-869-9620.
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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
ELK TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, INTENDS TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE 2015 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE, REGULATING AND GOVERNING THE CONDITIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES; BY PROVIDING THE STANDARDS FOR SUPPLIED UTILITIES AND FACILITIES AND OTHER PHYSICAL THINGS AND CONDITIONS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT STRUCTURES ARE SAFE, SANITARY AND FIT FOR OCCUPATION AND USE; AND THE CONDEMNATION OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES UNFIT FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY AND USE, AND THE DEMOLITION OF SUCH EXISTING STRUCTURES IN ELK TOWNSHIP; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND COLLECTION OF FEES THEREFOR; REPEALING ALL OTHER ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF LAWS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH, AT A MEETING ON JUNE 10, 2019 AT 7:00 PM AT THE ELK TOWNSHIP BUILDING, 952 CHESTERVILLE ROAD, LEWISVILLE, PA. A copy of the Ordinance in full is available at this newspaper and for inspection at no charge, and copies may be obtained for a charge not greater than the cost thereof, at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, Pennsylvania, during their normal business hours. Any person with a disability requiring special accommodation to attend this meeting should notify Elk Township at 610-255-0634. R Samuel McMichael, Esquire, Solicitor for Elk Township 5p-29-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, June 20th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 22nd, 2019. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 19-6-295 Writ of Execution No. 2017-07351 DEBT $35,086.51
ALL THAT CERTAIN messuage, tenement and tract of land situate on the east side of South Fifth Street, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, in the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated December 8, 2010 and recorded December l 13, 2010 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County, Pennsylvania, in Book 8071, Page 122. AN undivided 1/2 interest in the said premises, and the remaining 1/2 interest therein subject to conditions stated in the full legal description, which can be obtained from the Plaintiff’s attorney.
TAX Parcel No. 6-5-230
PLAINTIFF: Nikkole Puckett VS DEFENDANT: MATTHEW JOHNSON and AMANDA STRAUSS
SALE ADDRESS: 21 South 5th Street, Oxford, Pa. 19363
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: JEFFREY P. BRYMAN, ESQ., 610-444-4848
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff
May 31
Backyard Bash
The Delaware Art Museum’s annual outdoor food and music festival, the Backyard Bash, returns on May 31 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in its Copeland Sculpture Garden. The event features local musicians, food trucks, family-friendly art activities, face painting, arts vendors, lawn games, and bar service. Tickets are $10 for adult members and $15 for non-members. Entrance is free for youth members, and $5 for youth non-members.
This year’s performers include the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, local musician Missy Belgre, sister duo Nalani and Sarina, and recent “The Voice” contender Nadjah Nicole. Visit www. delart.org.
June 5 to Aug. 28
Bike & Hike & Brews
Visitors are invited to stroll or roll into Hagley Museum (200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington, Del.) this summer for the 21st annual Bike & Hike & Brews series beginning on June 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. Every Wednesday evening from June through August, participants can bike, hike, jog, or walk a three-mile path and finish the evening with the purchase of one of Dogfish Head’s three craft beer offerings (two favorites and a new addition). Woodside Farm Creamery sweet treats are also sold during every Bike & Hike & Brews. Participants are invited to explore parts of the 235-acre property not usually open to visitors on a path from Hagley’s Visitor Center to the first du Pont home and back.
Visitors can bring a picnic meal or purchase food from Hagley’s Belin House Cafe. The last Wednesday of the month will be Dog Days of Summer. Bring your leashed canine companion on June 26, July 31, and Aug. 28. Admission to all Bike & Hikes & Brews is $3 (Hagley members and children under 5 free). Visit www.hagley.org/ bike for more information June 8
Upland School reunion
Upland Country Day School in Kennett Square is hosting an all-school reunion on Saturday,
June 8. There will be an evening gala with dinner and dancing under a tent beginning at 6 p.m. The entire Upland community is invited -- alumni, parents, former parents, and faculty. For more information, call 610-444-8114 or visit www.uplandcds.org.
June 9
Polo Cup
The Chester County Hospital Polo Cup will be held at the Brandywine Polo Club (260 Polo Club Rd., Toughkenamon) on June 9. Guests will enjoy a Sunday afternoon of tailgating with family and friends while taking in the sport of polo. Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., with a 3 p.m. racing start. The family-friendly event includes Kids Korner, best hat contests, raffle baskets, a silent auction, food trucks (On The Roll and Kona Ice) and stomping of the divots. General admission is $30 ($100 for tented VIP area with catering), Ages 16 and younger free. Tickets will be available on the day of the event for a higher price. Proceeds benefit programs at the Chester County Hospital. Visit www. chestercountyhospital.org.
June 22 to 30
‘Day Out With Thomas’
Children can spend a day with their friend Thomas the Tank Engine at the Strasburg Railroad from June 22 to 30.
Families can take a ride with Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, controller of the railway, and enjoy a day of Thomasthemed activities including toy play, photo ops, and more. Thomas trains depart every 30 minutes. Percy rides run between Thomas trains. Tickets are available at Ticketweb (866-468-7630), or by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. Tickets are $21 for Thomas, and $27 for the Percy Package, for ages 2 and older. For more information, visit www. strasburgrailroad.com or call 866-725-9666.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
A night of virtuoso guitar at the Kennett Flash
Guitar virtuoso
Muriel Anderson will perform at the Kennett Flash on June 8, with guests Tim Farrell and Dave Feder.
A composer, guitarist, and harp guitarist, Anderson has composed music since about age 5. She fell in love with the guitar at an early age and learned every style available to her, beginning with folk, bluegrass and jazz. She received a degree in music from DePaul University and went on to study with classical virtuoso Christopher Parkening and with Nashville legend Chet Atkins.
Her current CD, “Nightlight Daylight,” has won 11 awards, including Global Music Award’s Best Instrumental Composition for “A
Bakers Dozen.”
“It started as a gift for my best friend’s first baby, and turned into one CD to awaken to, one to go to sleep to, with the first-ever interactive lighted CD cover,” Anderson said. “I had so much fun recording these tunes with my friends, including Mark Kibble (Take 6), Victor Wooten, Phil Keaggy, Stanley Jordan, Earl Klugh, Howard Levy, Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Coffin, Futureman, Danny Gottlieb, and members of the Nashville Symphony.”
Books of her original music include “New Classics for Guitar and Cello” and her works have been performed by the Nashville Chamber Orchestra and Chicago’s Vox Caelestis among others. She is founder
of the Music for Life Alliance charity and the Muriel Anderson’s All Star Guitar Night.
“Just for this year, I’m contributing a percentage of all my concerts to the Music for Life Alliance, which in turn supports the fundraisers I do for nonprofits that supply instruments and lessons to kids who so need music in their lives,” Anderson said. One of the world’s foremost fingerstyle guitarists and harpguitarists, Anderson’s facility across the genres of folk, classical, bluegrass, popular and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide. Her unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then
a Japanese koto, then a bluegrass band, one minute launching into a Beatles tune and the next, a Spanish classic. In addition, her new program is highlighted by a backdrop of stunning visuals by celebrated photo-artist Bryan Allen. In addition to her music and instructional books, Anderson has published articles in Guitar Player, Acoustic Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar, Classical Guitar and Frets magazines, and is currently a regular columnist for Acoustic Guitar Japan magazine.
The concert will be at the Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) on June 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit www. kennettflash.org for tickets.
Avon Grove Library slates June programs for all ages
Children and their families are invited to celebrate “A Universe of Stories!” following the theme of Avon Grove Library’s 2019 Summer Reading Program. The library will be hosting a free Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 15 beginning at 10 a.m. Throughout the summer, Avon Grove Library in West Grove will offer many opportunities for both learning and enjoyment. The website www.avongrovelibrary.org and the Avon Grove Library Facebook page will have updates and additions.
Children’s and Family Programs (unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and require no registration):
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers, along with their caregivers, can attend storytimes held every weekday at the library. Most are themed for certain age groups, but older and younger siblings are welcome.
Toddler Storytimes are held every Tuesday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
Preschool Storytimes are held every Monday at 10 a.m., Wednesday at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. Cruise Into Kindergarten will be held every Monday at 11 a.m. starting on June 17. Attendees participate in activities such as circle time, stories, learning activities and art projects that prepare 4- and 5-year-olds for kindergarten.
Bilingual Storytime is held Thursdays at 10 a.m. Participants will have the opportunity to hear stories and songs in both English and Spanish. The session also includes a craft and open playtime. This storytime is open to all ages and no previous experience with Spanish or English is necessary.
Avon Grove Library partners with Starbucks in Jennersville to offer a weekly Storytime at Starbucks, held every Thursday at 1 p.m.
Pets and Friends Storytime, a partnership with the Pets and Friends store in Jennersville, is held the first and third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the store.
Storytime at Treetops Kitty Café is held the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., and includes stories, crafts and playtime fun with the cats that are up for adoption. Treetops Kitty Café is at 305 State St., Kennett Square. Registration and a fee are required. To register and for more information, visit www. treetopskittycafe.com.
Big Yellow Mug Storytime will be held in the coffeehouse at the Christian Life Center located at 125 Saginaw Rd, Lincoln University, the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Lunch and Stories: Teddy Bear Picnic is held every Wednesday at noon at Penn Township Park beginning June
19. Preschool age children are invited to come listen to stories, make a craft and play outdoor games. Participants may provide their own lunch or snack. This storytime is weather permitting.
On the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, slots are available for a 10-minute session reading aloud to Cooper or Wesley, Paws for Reading canine partners. All ages are welcome. Registration is necessary for this free program.
On the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m., visitors can build setups with tracks, buildings and accessories using the library’s collection of GeoTrax Trains. Children of all ages are welcome.
Lego Club is held the first and third Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Lego Block Party is held the fourth Saturday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. Legos, Duplos and/or MegaBlocks are provided.
Bilingual Family Night will be held the first Friday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy an evening of themed games, crafts and snacks. No previous experience with Spanish or English is necessary.
Cliffhangers Club for 6to 9-year-olds meets every Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. A librarian will read aloud from a chapter book over a series of weeks, start to finish,
with plenty of “cliffhangers” in between. At the finish of each book, there will be an activity themed to the book.
Families are invited to join Avon Grove Library at Penn Township Park this summer for an Outdoor Movies series. The first showing will be the Disney animated classic “The Little Mermaid” on Friday, June 14 at 7 p.m. Ice cream and food trucks will be available.
Families can build their creativity at Messy Mondays starting June 17 at 2 p.m. The library will open all the craft cupboards and allow participants to create whatever they desire to make.
Up to the Challenge will return on Fridays at 1 p.m. beginning June 28. Second through fifth grade students are invited to think, build and succeed to complete a new challenge each week.
Beginning Wednesday June 19 at 1 p.m., children in second grade and older are invited to Camp Crafts, where they can come learn to make crafts any camper would know.
Science Club will return on Thursdays at 2 p.m. beginning June 20. First through fifth graders are invited to come and learn about a new aspect of science each week. Demonstrations, activities and crafts are included.
Children of all ages are invited to bring their American Girl or another doll to enjoy pampering, crafts and snacks at
Avon Grove Girl Summer Spa on Saturday June 8 at 10 a.m. Registration is required for this free program.
The first meeting of the Dungeons & Dragons Club will be held at 5 p.m. on June 27. More details will be posted on www.avongrovelibrary.org as they become available.
Teen Programs (unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and require no registration):
Students in grades 6 to 12 are invited to hang out at Avon Grove Library on Teen Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. starting June 18. Activities may involve playing Wii, getting crafty, eating snacks, and making new friends.
Adult Programs (unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and require no registration): Avon Grove Library’s Book Club for Adults meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Participants vote on the titles to read and gather monthly for lively conversation. A list of monthly titles can be found at www.avongrovelibrary.org.
Craft and Create for Adults meets the first Thursday of this month at 6:30 p.m. Participants bring their own favorite project (painting, sewing, scrapbooking, etc.) and enjoy the company of other adults while crafting.
The Young Adult Book Club for Adults meets the second
Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Patrons 18 and older read a book from the YA genre and discuss it with their fellow Young Adults at heart. This month’s title is “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews.
Sit and Knit is held on the first and third Monday of each month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Participants of any experience level should bring a project they are working on to learn tips and share ideas with other knitters. This program is also intended for crochet and embroidery crafters. All adults and children accompanied by an adult are welcome.
Résumé Prep will be held on Friday June 21 at 6 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to learn how to write a great résumé, cover letter, and thank-you letter from an expert.
Interviewing Skills will be held on Friday June 28 at 6 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to learn skills to ace any interview.
Patrons are invited to the Veterinary Acupuncture program on Saturday June 29 at 4 p.m. Veterinarian Elizabeth McKinstry will teach about traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, which includes acupuncture, herbs, Tui-na and food therapy.
Area residents can learn more about storytimes, classes and programs at www. avongrovelibrary.org.
Muriel Anderson brings her genre-crossing music to the Kennett Flash on June 8.
Anson B. Nixon Park concert series returns Series
In its 13th season, the Summer Concert Series returns to Anson B. Nixon Park in June. All concerts are free, and are scheduled for eight consecutive Wednesdays, June 19 through Aug. 7.
Concerts are rain or shine events, and are only canceled in the event of severe weather. Shows start promptly at 7 p.m., and run until 9 p.m., with a brief intermission. Dinner is available for purchase from area restaurants at all performances, with desserts offered by La Michoacana Ice Cream and Sweet Magnolia Bakery.
The series kicks off June 19 with Western Centuries, from Seattle, performing original country music. Kennett Brewing Company will offer dinner.
On June 26, the series continues with All Good People: A Tribute to Yes The Philadelphia-based tribute band performs the music of the progressive rock band. El Rinconsito will offer dinner.
On July 3, Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber plays the music of David Bowie and Prince, as well as original works that are described as jazzrock and orchestrated improvisations. M&M Barbecue will offer dinner.
On July 10, the 30-piece Chesapeake Brass Band performs marches, orchestra transcriptions,
jazz, blues, show tunes and contemporary concert and brass band pieces. Kennett Brewing Company will offer dinner.
On July 17, it’s The Lowdown Brass Band from Chicago. The On the Roll food truck will offer dinner.
On July 24, Mighty Joe Castro and the Gravamen plays its own brand of rockabilly and ‘50s rock and roll, with a modern lyrical approach. Mary Pat’s Provisions will offer dinner.
On July 31, the series welcomes Andrew Lipke with a full band. The multi-instrumentalist and composer blends alternative, singersongwriter, folk and classical styles. Verbena BYOB will offer dinner.
The series closes on Aug. 7 when The Sin City Band celebrates 45 years of music with a concert of Americana, folk, rock and more. Porabellos will offer dinner.
The series is presented thanks to grants and donations from area businesses and charitable organizations, including The Chester County Community Foundation, Hadley, The Neil Joines Foundation Fund, The Jean and Aaron Martin Fund, Dansko, The Hutton Family Help Fund, The Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania, The
runs from June 19 to Aug. 7
Mushroom Festival, Just in Time Communications, Century 21 Pierce & Bair, Inc., Tri-M, Kennett Center For Advanced Dentistry, Wild Birds Unlimited, Melton Architects, Dorset Connects, H.A. Thomson Risk Management Services, Maffei Landscape Design LLC, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, and Historic Kennett Square.
The concerts are a collaboration between The Kennett Area Park Authority and The Kennett Flash. Anson B. Nixon Park is at 405 N. Walnut Street in Kennett Square. Visit www. ansonbnixonpark.org. More information on the concerts and performers, and The Kennett Flash can be found at www. kennettflash.org.
Dave Mason performs in West Chester Aug. 27
Uptown! Knauer
Performing Arts Center in West Chester will host Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright Tour on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available to members in a one-day presale May 30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. May 31. Tickets are at www. UptownWestChester.org and www.Ticketmaster. com.
Mason has been performing live shows for more than 50 years. He often says, “There are no old songs, only good songs.” The tour
will feature all the classic songs fans love, such as “Only You Know And I Know,” “We Just Disagree,” “Every Woman,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Rock N
Roll Stew,” and “Feelin’ Alright.”
In addition, audiences will hear songs that have inspired Mason, as well as personal stories about rock music. Mason will be joined by his band, Johnne Sambataro (guitar and vocals), Alvino Bennett (drums), Anthony Patler (bass, keyboards and vocals), and Gretchen Rhodes (vocals).
Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as a founding member of the group Traffic, and continues performing as a solo artist with sold-out
shows. His career spans several rock eras, and encompasses his work as a producer, performer, songwriter and guitarist. Mason has collaborated with numerous members of the music elite, including Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Eric Clapton, among many others.
Uptown! Knauer
Performing Arts Center is at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Visit www. UptownWestChester. org, or call 610-356-2787.
Love Seed Mama Jump performed recently at Anson B. Nixon Park.
Leo Club holds induction and awards ceremony
On May 22, the Avon Grove Charter School Leo Club, sponsored by The Avon Grove Lions, held their induction ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Lions District
14P-District Governor Elect Marlyn Wagner. In addition to the induction ceremony, the Leos received appreciation awards for their work in the club. The club received the Spotlight on
Children Banner Patch for their work at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware. The Leo Club presented checks to Southern Chester County Family Promise and Canine Partners for Life.
Local Scouts get self-defense lessons
More than 100 local Girl Scouts from the Brandywine Valley Service Unit, serving Kennett and Unionville school districts, recently participated in five selfdefense badge-earning programs at the Legacy Martial Arts studio in Kennett Square. The Scouts engaged in activities that included lessons on self-protection, avoiding uncomfortable situations, and strategies for getting help. The Girls Scouts came away with some helpful life skills. For information on local Girl Scouting opportunities, visit www.GSEP.org.
Area farmer supports education with gift to Oxford Educational Foundation
Chester County farmer Pam Mason has directed $2,500 to the Oxford Educational Foundation through America’s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer. The Oxford Educational Foundation will use the funds to enhance the quality of education in the Oxford Area School District by providing mentors, tutors and classroom volunteers
to the students.
America’s Farmers Grow Communities partners with farmers to support nonprofit organizations strengthening rural communities. The program offers farmers
the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit of their choice. It has awarded more than $33 million to over 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.
“A better life is Bayer’s goal. Farmers are invested
in their communities, they root for their neighbors, and they know when and where there is a need,” said Al Mitchell, vice president of corporate engagement for Bayer. “Farmers are one of America’s best resources, which is why Grow Communities partners with them to direct donations to the organizations they are passionate about and that make a positive impact and a better life in communities.”
Tonya Guy from Canine Partners for Life, Leo Club advisers Lauren Shlossman and Bethanne Lindembaum, and Susan Minarchi from Southern Chester County Family Promise.
Friends Home in Kennett and Rendever announce virtual reality for seniors
Friends Home in Kennett announced that they have partnered with Rendever to provide virtual reality experiences for their residents. Rendever, a virtual reality technology company, has been testing VR in senior communities and has seen overwhelming success in addressing loneliness and depression.
After learning about the work of the Rendever team at a recent Leading Age Conference in Philadelphia, Christine McDonald, the Friends Home of Kennett executive director, reached out to schedule a meeting.
“The timing was perfect,” McDonald said. “I had been considering ways to significantly improve our residents’ daily lives. One key requirement was that the experience had to be as meaningful and enjoyable for our residents in a group session, without the worry of high-tech training or learning difficulty. After testing Rendever with our residents, the overwhelming response made this an easy decision.”
Betsey Bryant, the director of community life for the Friends Home in Kennett, added, “The experiences Rendever provides allow residents to visit almost anywhere. It’s an opportunity to complete their bucket list by visiting Paris or China, sailing on a boat, or visiting the home where they grew up. The fact that anyone on our staff can use the Rendever tablet, tap on a picture and residents are
immediately transported where they want to go is exciting for everyone.”
The following dates have been scheduled to present the program to residents, staff, families and anyone interested in learning how Friends Home will use the Rendever Program to enhance the resident’s daily lives: Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Kyle Rand, the CEO and cofounder of Rendever, said, “Newer technology can be difficult to navigate, especially when it’s not designed with seniors in mind, and can oftentimes be frustrating. Rendever’s immersive experiences are totally interfacefree for seniors, because the majority of controls are managed by a staff via their Rendever tablet, allowing residents to focus on the joy of the experiences.
“We’re excited to have Friends Home of Kennett join the Rendever family, and we look forward to working with them to improve their entire community experience.”
Rendever (www.rendever. com) is a senior community and healthcare leader in enhancing senior lives via virtual reality and associated technologies for both seniors and their family members. Its technology is already being used in communities in most states in the U.S., along with Canada and Australia.
A great day for the Radnor Hunt Races
Sunshine and a gathering of around 25,000 spectators kicked off the 89th Radnor Hunt Races on May 18.
Supporting the open space and clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy, the annual steeplechase event brought in the finest thoroughbred horses, riders and trainers from across the country to compete in six jump races for their chance at $170,000 in purse money. The day also featured themedtailgate parties, hats and fashion, as well as the parade of foxhounds and antique carriages.
“The Radnor Hunt Races are a time-honored and beloved tradition in our region, spanning multiple generations of families and friends returning year after year,” said Kathy Freney Smith, Radnor Hunt Races coordinator. “This year we could not have asked for a better race day --including the weather.”
For the past 40 years, the Brandywine Conservancy has been the sole beneficiary of the races, with more than $5 million raised to date to for its clean water and open space programs. With the help of the races and many like-minded partners, the Conservancy has protected more than 64,500 acres of open space, including the Radnor Hunt race course itself and surrounding lands. The Conservancy continues to improve and safeguard water quality, land protection, outdoor recreation and historic preservation in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Chester County’s Department of Open Space Preservation, one of the most comprehensive preservation programs in the country. Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and
Terence Farrell joined the festivities and were presented with a resolution from the Brandywine Conservancy honoring the Commissioners’ successes and support of open space initiatives, as well as their continued partnership with the Brandywine.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chester County Commissioners for their long and esteemed history of supporting natural resource conservation, watershed protection, outdoor recreation and farmland
preservation in Chester County,” said Ellen Ferretti, director of the Brandywine Conservancy. “Over the years, the Brandywine Conservancy and other non-profit conservation organizations and municipalities have collaborated with the County in its efforts. As a result, nearly 30 percent of land in Chester County is now permanently preserved for current and future generations to enjoy.”
For more information, visit www.radnorhuntraces.org.
Jennersville YMCA holds open house for before and after school care
The Jennersville YMCA, at 880 West Baltimore Pike, is offering a before and after school care program at its branch for children enrolled in the Early Learning Center at Kemblesville (kindergarten-third grade) and the Avon Grove Charter School (fourth-eighth grades) beginning with the 2019-20 school year.
The Jennersville YMCA is holding an open house for the program on June 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. which
is open to the community as well as current students and their families. Students currently enrolled in the after school care program at the two sites will take a field trip to the Y after their half-day of school. Parents can pick up their children at the Jennersville YMCA that day, so both students and their parents can see firsthand what the Y’s program has to offer.
The program offers:
Care beginning at 6:30 a.m.; pickup as late as 6
p.m. (Children will be bused to school at the start of the day and back to the Y at the end of the school day.)
Care available on most days that school is closed.
Daily activities include homework assistance, academic, cultural enrichment and/or STEM activities, art projects, fitness activities and more.
Weekly swim session in the Y’s indoor pool.
A 10 percent discount on Y programs such as theater
classes, dance, swim lessons, sports classes and more. Students will be escorted to activities they are enrolled in during the afterschool program by YMCA staff.
Sibling discounts available.
Financial assistance is available.
Registration can be done in person at the Jennersville YMCA. For more information, call 610-8699622, ext. 2543, or email kdolinger@ymcagbw.org.
Ideal weather drew a big crowd to the 89th Radnor Hunt Races on May 18.
