Photo by Chesterbrook resident Gina Mazzulla
TOWNSHIP DIRECTORY
Township Staff
TOWNSHIP MANAGER
William F. Martin
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Joseph DiRocco, CPA
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ZONING
Erin McPherson
TOWNSHIP ENGINEER
Stephen Burgo, P.E.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Darin Fitzgerald
PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST
Gabrielle Ignarri
DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES
Mallory Hoffman
SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE
T. Michael Beaty
TOWNSHIP SOLICITOR
Gawthrop Greenwood, PC
Board of Supervisors
David Miller, Chair
Julie Gosse, Vice-chair
KS Bhaskar
Matt Holt
Sharon Humble
Carlotta Johnston-Pugh
Murph Wysocki
Volunteer Boards
Arts Commission
Environmental Advisory Council
Commission
Library Board of Trustees
Authority Parks & Recreation Board Pension Trustees
Planning Commission
Committee
Zoning Hearing Board
Newsletter Staff
Patricia Hoffman, Editorial Assistant
Edward Watton, Franklin Maps Sales & Graphics Manager The staff wishes to thank the many contributors for the content of each Tredyffrin Township newsletter.
Important Phone Numbers
Tredyffrin Township Building
Tredyffrin Township Police Department
Tredyffrin Township Public Works Department
Fire and Ambulance
Tredyffrin Township Libraries
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
PLEASE NOTE: th During your participation in and attendance at Township events and activities like the Summer Concert Series, 4 of July Celebration, or Community Day, you may be filmed, videotaped, and/or photographed by Township Staff. Your attendance serves as permission for use of your image by the Township (for example: in newsletters or on the Township website).
2025 REMAINING MEETING SCHEDULE & HOLIDAY CALENDAR
7 PM May 1
July 3
September 4
November 6
7 PM May 21*
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 6 & 20
November 5** & 17
December 1 & 15
COMMISSION BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
7 PM
May 27
June 24
August 26
September 23
October 28
December 2
COMMISSION
7 PM May 8
June 12
July 10
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11
7 PM
May 14
June 11
July 10
July 9
September 10
October 8
November 12
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE
7:30 AM
June 18
September 17
December 17
ZONING HEARING BOARD
7 PM
May 22
June 26
July 24
August 28
September 25
October 23
7 PM - Tredyffrin Public Library
May 22
June 26**
July 24
August 28
September 25
October 23
December 4
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
7 PM July 8
October 14
8 AM
May 14
August 13
November 12
7 PM
May 15
June 18*
July 17
August 21
September 18
October 16
November 20
December 18
November 19**
December 17**
2025 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
TOWNSHIP OFFICES CLOSED.
Memorial Day..................Mon. May 26
Juneteenth Independence Day ......................................Thurs. June 19
Independence Day ................Fri. July 4
Labor Day.........................Mon. Sept. 1
Columbus Day/ Indigenous Peoples Day.Mon. Oct. 13
Veterans' Day...................Tues. Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Day ...........Thurs. Nov. 27
Day after Thanksgiving .......Fri. Nov. 28
Christmas Day................Thurs. Dec. 25 Day after Christmas............Fri. Dec. 26
New Year’s Day 2026 ........Thurs. Jan. 1
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Permits
Stormwater and Grading Permits
· Reviews - 172
· Permits Issued - 67
Exemptions Requests
· Reviews - 124 Issued - 110 Denied - 14
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP)
rd3 Annual Report to PADEP for our 5-yr permit cycle (9/30/24).
Township started and completed construction on the following MS4 Projects:
1. Crabby Creek SW Infiltration Project (Laurel Lane/Williams Lane/Beechwood Road), and finished design and started construction on two additional SW Projects.
2. Bair Road Stormwater Retrofit Project, and 3. Strafford Park Parking Lot SW Improvement Project.
Capital Improvement Projects Stormwater Projects
Crabby Creek SW Infiltration/Improvement Project Completed '24
Design/Bidding for the project was completed in spring/summer 2024. Construction of stormwater improvements on Laurel Lane, Williams Lane, and Beechwood Road started in August and were completed in December 2024.
Inspections for SWG Permits/Waivers/Complaints: ·176
Continued coordination with our Public Works Department on scheduled street sweeping and inlet cleaning of the existing Township stormwater system.
Finally, in 2024,the Township sent Annual Inspection/Reporting Notices(three notices in total) to all property owners having stormwater permits (January through March). Overall,the Engineering Department saw aconsistent response for residential reporting and a slightly increased response for non-residential reporting from 2023. In 2024, residential responses were steady at 84% while nonresidential responses were 63%, versus 86% and 60% in 2023.
Project was funded by PADEP Growing Green, Chester County ARPA, and private grants obtained by the VCRP, as well as the Township.
Strafford Park Parking Lot SW Improvement Project Design Completed '24/Construction Started '24
Project installed a large underground stormwater bed beneath the Strafford Park parking lot along with a pervious pavement surface that will allow stormwater runoff to drain directly through the asphalt parking lot surface and into the underground stormwater bed.
Project also included new sidewalk between the parking lot and Upper Gulph Road and resurfacing the asphalt trail to the library parking lot.
Design and Bidding for the project was completed in spring/summer 2024.
Construction began in fall of 2024 and completed in spring 2025.
Project was funded by ARPA and Township funding.
Bair Road SW Infiltration/ Improvement Project
Design and Bidding for the project was completed in summer 2024.
Construction of stormwater
improvements began in December with completion expected in the summer of 2025.
Project is funded by two grants from Chester County and PADEP, as well as from the Township.
bed under the cul-de-sac on Gregory Lane (Phase 1) and then install a biofiltration stormwater swale system on the Jenkins Arboretum property below Gregory Lane.
Project survey was completed in 2024 and project design began and is expected to be completed summer 2025.
Willis/Woodcrest/Upper Weadley Road SW Improvement Project
Project design was ongoing in 2024 for stormwater infrastructure and flood reduction stormwater control measures.
Township acquired a landlocked parcel to install a future stormwater basin.
Phased construction planned to begin in summer 2025 and last through fall of 2026.
Township was awarded $1.88 M dollars in Commonwealth of PA grant funding from a 2022 DCED H2O PA Grant.
Project is funded by H20 PA (ARPA) grant and the Township.
Gregory Lane/Jenkins Arboretum SW Improvement Project (Phases 1 & 2)
The project will install an underground stormwater infiltration/flood reduction
Phased project construction is expected to begin in fall 2025 and last through fall of 2026.
The Project is funded by grants from a WRPP Grant from PA DCED, two County and State ARPA Grants, Jenkins Arboretum and the Township.
Before and During Construction
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Bridge Projects: *CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED — DECEMBER 2024*
Glenhardie Road Bridge Replacement Project Complete
Design/Easements/Bidding were completed in spring/summer of 2024.
Construction started in September 2024 and finished in December.
Bridge and roadway were reopened to traffic on December 23rd.
The Project was funded by the Township, GOB and ARPA funds.
Warner Spur Bridge Repair Project Complete
Design/Bidding were completed in spring/summer of 2024.
Construction started in September and was finished in December 2024.
Bridge and stream channel were fully repaired as of December 31st.
The Project was funded by FEMA/PEMA (TS Ida Recovery) funds.
$697,990.00 awarded for full original contract amount by FEMA.
$316,114.00+ - pending FEMA review/approval.
Roadway/Intersection Projects
Valley Forge Road ADA/Signals Improvement Project
Various traffic signal equipment and ADA ramp upgrades along multiple intersections of Valley Forge Road.
2024 Storm/Rainfall Summary
Rainfall in 2024 was 42.5 inches, which is average (43inches) even with the spring drought (April-June) and fall drought (September-November) experienced in our region. Of note in 2024:
1/1/24 4/28/24 20.35 inches above average rainfall for 1st 4months
5/1/24 - 12/31/24 22.17 inches well below normal rainfall for the next 8-months
October 2024 - NO rainfall for the entire month.
9/1/24 - 12/31/24 7.32 inches of rainfall well below normal rainfall for last 4 months of the year
FEMA Home Acquisition Project — Park Ridge Drive
Township signed Agreement with PEMA for $2.66M for acquisition and demolition of floodplain properties on Park Ridge Drive.
Township acquired property at 595 Park Ridge Drive with demolition to occur in 2025.
2024 Engineering Grant Highlights Stormwater Grants NEW SW GRANT AWARDS/REIMBURSEMENTS:
$2.2 Million Dollar Grant Award check presentation to the Township in April 2024 for a DCED H2O PA (ARPA) SW Grant.
$313,150 for Gregory Lane Phase 1 Project
$1.88 M+ - for Willis/Woodcrest/ Upper Weadley Stormwater Improvement Project
Bridge Grants
$2.93 Million Dollar Reimbursement from PADOT in April '24
In comparison with 2023 (51-inches), the Township saw lower rainfall amounts in 2024. Both years saw drier than average spring and fall rainfall, but 2024 saw those drier conditions persist throughout the fall and early winter. As we begin 2025, the region remains in moderate drought condition
Independently owned and operated. Terms and conditions apply. Cannot be combined with other offers. May not be available in all service areas. Offer expires 08/31/25. © 2025 Bumble Bee Blinds. All rights reserved.
KUDOS KORNER
Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) is looking for volunteers.
CVIM is a nonprofit in West Chester dedicated to providing free comprehensive healthcare to low-income, uninsured workers and their families. They offer primary and specialty medical services, dental services, free medications, behavioral health counseling, and health and nutrition education as well as a volunteer assisted ride program to nearly 5,000 patients per year. CVIM is completely funded by philanthropy and relies on volunteers to make these services possible.
CVIM urgently needs volunteers, especially primary care doctors, nurses, dentists, drivers, and more.
cvim.org
Check out for more information about CVIM and to inquire about volunteering, becoming a patient, or donating.
FLY - EAGLES - FLY
Supervisor Julie Gosse and her family built an Eagles sign for the Super Bowl designed by her daughter. It worked because The Birds won Super Bowl LIX!!
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
In March 2025, the Police Department held its annual awards ceremony for officers who received commendations and awards for outstanding services in 2024.
The Police Department recognized Officer Joseph Jonas as the 2024 Officer of the Year. Each year the TTPD Awards Committee accepts nominations for Officer of the Year for the previous calendar year An officer's work performance and attitude are considered when screening the nominees. The following are some of the attributes which are closely scrutinized by the selection committee.
Continuous professional performance of police duties.
Command presence and effectiveness.
Department awards and commendations. Courteous cooperation with the public and co-workers.
Evaluations.
Officer Jonas has demonstrated exceptional overall performance, professionalism and his work ethic is among the top officers in the police department. He is an active officer taking pride in his duties as a Police Officer Joe has a strong work ethic, positive attitude and is dependable during his daily duties. Officers who have worked with him have personally witnessed his professionalism and respect with the public and other officers since his first day with the Department in 2020. Officer Jonas had an outstanding year in 2024. He became a field training officer for new recruits and a member of the Chester County Regional Emergency Response Team. He is always willing to help out the department or any officer. Joe has covered additional shifts when needed and has volunteered for various community events such as our Shop-with-a-Cop along with various ERT public relation events for communities that the team serves. The nomination committee noted that Officer Jonas is a true team player
: 5 years
, - Cpl. Stephen Galletta, Cpl. Eric Meoli
- Capt. Tyler Moyer and Sgt. Scott Cos
Ofc. Samantha Acker, Sgt. Donald Molineux, Sgt. Scott Costa, and Cpl. Eric Meoli received a Life Saving Commendation for medical assistance.
Det. Dan, McFadden, Det. Mike Cermignano, Ofc. Sara Dougherty, Sgt. Thomas Spurlock, and Quartermaster Cheryl Dobson received a Unit Citation and Commendatory Letters for solving a mail theft/identify theft case.
Ofc. Samantha Acker and Ofc. Michael Birney received Commendatory Letters for medical assistance.
Ofc. Chris DeCarlo and Ofc. Matthew Garns received a Distinguished Unit Commendation for recovery of stolen merchandise & associated arrests for retail theft.
Det. Sgt. Stephanie Bills, Sgt. Scott, Costa, Det. Mike Cermignano, Cpl. Steve Galletta, Ofc. Justin Davis and Ofc. Jonathan Mundell received Commendations of Merit for services rendered on September 2 for a missing child who was found in the pond in Wilson Farm Park.
Capt. Tyler Moyer, Ofc. Matthew Garns, Sgt. Tom Spurlock, Ofc. Chris DeCarlo, Cpl. Mike Spirito, Det. Mike Cermignano, and Lt. Jim, Slavin, received a Unit Citation for solving a rape and felony gun possession case.
Ofc. Justin Davis, Sgt. Ryan Scott and Ofc. Matthew Garns received a Commendation of Merit for their handling of a suspect with an emotional disorder and de-escalating the situation in a peaceful, non-violent manner
Cpl. Eric Meoli. Ofc. Neil Jackson. Ofc. Jonathan Mundell and Ofc. Nathan Gathercole received a Commendation of Merit and Sgt. Costa, Ofc. Samantha Acker and Chaplain Dorsey received a Lifesaving Commendation for assistance provided during an industrial accident.
Citizen Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Gary Rendina and Mrs. Beth Rendina from Rendina Chiropractic for their support of the Police Department.
Citizen Recognition Award was presented to Peter Bottos and Family from Berwyn Pizza for their support of the Police Department.
Ofc. Neil Jackson received a Lifesaving Commendation for medical assistance.
Sgt. Donald Molineux and Ofc. Sara Dougherty received a Commendation of Merit; Det. Sgt. Stephanie Bills, Cpl. Mike Spirito, Cpl. Steve Galletta,Det. Mike Cermignano, Ofc. Sean Munro and Ofc. Neil Jackson received a Distinguished Unit Commendation; and Ofc. Drew Harhut, Ofc. Brittany Rosenfeld and Ofc. Tyler Glover received a Unit Citation for their handling of an assault with a dangerous weapon situation. (For photos above and below.)
Sgt. Molineux, Ofc. Mike Birney, Ofc. Chris DeCarlo, Ofc. Sean Munro and Ofc. Sara Dougherty received a Commendation of Merit for the safe apprehension of a suicidal subject.
Dear Residents, Dogs are now required to be on a leash at all times in Tredyffrin Township Parks. The only exception being dogs are permitted to be off leash in Teegarden Park with township issued registration tags and adherence to specific hours.
VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CODE ARE SUBJECT TO A FINE UP TO $1,000.OO
Dogs that are responsive to voice command and under control of its owner or handler are permitted to be off leash during the posted times below
• BETWEEN THE THIRD SUNDAY OF MARCH AND THE THIRD SUNDAY OF NOVEMBER
DOGS SHALL BE ALLOWED OFF LEASH BETWEEN THE HOURS OF: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAYDAWN AND 4:00 PM
SATURDAY - DAWN AND 8:30 AM SUNDAY - DAWN AND 11:30 AM
• BETWEEN THE THIRD MONDAY OF NOVEMBER AND THE THIRD SATURDAY OF MARCH
DOGS SHAL BE ALLOWED OFF LEASH DURING PARK HOURS OF DAWN TO DUSK
Usage of Township Off Leash Park REQUIRES an ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND VISIBLE REGISTRATION TAG
All dogs shall be leashed any time there is a recreation/athletic activity on the fields and shall remain out of all fenced areas.
Registration and tags are available for a fee. Please contact Parks and Recreation Coordinator Colleen Cappello (610) 408-3604 for more information.
Owners or Handlers are responsible for removing their animal’s waste.
VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS CODE ARE SUBJECT TO A FINE UP TO $1,000.00
LIBRARIES
Library Riddle: What do a laser level, video game controllers, a bird-watching kit, and an Ozobot robot have in common?
Answer: You can check them and much more out from the Library of Things at Tredyffrin Public Library and Paoli Library!
You've been hearing it for years now, and it's true: libraries are so much more than books. This is extraordinarily true at your libraries here in Tredyffrin. The Tredyffrin and Paoli libraries offer more than 40 items for check-out in their Library of Things in addition to thousands of programs for all ages: inviting and comfortable spaces for reading or meeting with others; access to reference materials, current periodicals, computers, printers, and more; and electronic and audiobooks, as well as thousands of physical books to check out.
The mission of the libraries is to cultivate a community of lifelong learners. The Library of Things is a new avenue for community members to learn a huge variety of skills. The Library of Things offers items for all ages, including many for families to enjoy together. Get creative with crafting
technology (e.g. Cricut accessories) or find some quiet time on a road trip with children's audio devices (e.g.Toniebox and Yoto Player). Take a peek at local birds using binoculars that can work for kids and adults, hunt for buried treasure with the metal detector, or make use of the portable document scanner to digitize family files and photos. No matter what you're looking for, the libraries are here to help with your next project. Find items in five main categories in the Library of Things: (1) Gaming & Sports; (2) Crafting; (3) Coding;
(4) Streaming &Audio; and (5) Tools.
When curating our Library of Things, our librarians sought to meet specific needs in our community. Librarians aimed to provide items that community members may like to try once before considering purchasing, such as Cricut tools or a pickleball set; items that neighbors may like to use at a specific time, such as hand and power tools, a popup green screen, or extra video controllers; and items that extend the learning provided at a library program, like a paper-quilling kit and coding robots.
You can see all the items available from the Library of Things at both libraries on our website. All items are available on a firstcome, first-serve basis and can be checked out for seven days. Paoli Library displays available items on shelves in front of the circulation desk and Tredyffrin Public Library displays available items on shelves near the DVDs and opposite the Reference Desk. So, make your plan to tackle a project and learn some new things using items from our Library of Things this summer. We look forward to seeing you and hearing what items from the Library of Things helped you achieve.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Spring Migration
Spring is rapidly approaching. This is a great time to go outdoors and enjoy watching and listening to birds. Even now we can begin to see changes in the birds in our backyards. The goldfinches that have been so dull during the winter are now beginning to show bright yellow spots as they molt into breeding plumage. Cardinals are beginning to sing as hormones start to kick in. In the midst of winter, male cardinals were comfortable hanging out in the same bush near one of our feeders. It was much too cold to waste energy worrying about who was sitting on the branch next door. But soon the imperative to perpetuate ones genes will cause these same cardinals to become very territorial and we will see them chasing one another around the yard in an attempt to demonstrate their fitness for procreation. We still might see large flocks of starlings, red-winged blackbirds and grackles but eventually these flocks will disperse as breeding pairs develop their nests and territories.
One of the advantages of being a resident bird, one that lives here year-round, is that these birds can start breeding earlier and finish raising chicks later. They don't have to waste time and energy migrating and that
Great Backyard Bird Count
On February 15, sixteen folks met in Wilson Farm Park for the Valley Forge Audubon Society Great Backyard Bird Count, with VFAS volunteer guides Connie Stevenson and Master Naturalist Lynn Sowden. While the weather was overcast, it was calm, the ground was clear, and the temperature hovered between 28-32 degrees. The outing was co-sponsored by Valley Forge Audubon Society and Tredyffrin Township Parks and Recreation. The one-mile walk lasted just over two hours and 29 species were observed including Canada geese, mallards, mourning doves, turkey vultures, woodpeckers, blue jays, crows, chickadees, tufted titmouse, golden-crowned kinglet, white breasted nuthatches, wrens, starlings, mockingbirds, bluebirds, robins, sparrows, house finches, goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, red-winged blackbirds, and cardinals. You can visit the Audubon Society website for more information and dates of future events.
could mean the ability to raise three clutches of chicks instead of one or two. That means a better chance of their genes surviving into the future. Of course, the disadvantage of remaining here all year means surviving the cold and finding enough food.
It won't be long before we see birds flying overhead like the Canada geese or songbirds stopping at our feeders for a day or two before moving on. These are birds that are migrating. They came from farther south where food was more plentiful. Some have come great distances from Central and South America and will fly even farther north into the boreal forest of Canada to breed. Migrating birds forego the advantage of staying put in favor of having plenty to eat. It isn't the cold that drives birds south; it's the availability of food that drives them. A lot of birds that migrate south primarily eat insects and those are in short supply here during winter. Aerial insectivores like chimney swifts and tree swallows need to have a lot of flying insects to survive. The disadvantage of migrating south are the risks of flying long distances, sometimes over water, risks from predators, and the risk of getting lost. If you're a bird who ge their north and south mixed up, you might
not survive. The toll on birds, especially for young birds migrating for the first time, is very high. Of course, migrating or staying put is not a choice made by an individual bird but rather an evolutionary choice made by a species that has developed over thousands of years.
But for those of us watching the birds at our feeders, we get a chance to see new birds passing through and new birds visiting for the summer. Some birds we've had just for the winter, like the dark-eye junco and the white-throated sparrow, will be leaving soon headed farther north to raise their families. But others who left to go south for the winter, like the Baltimore oriole, the gray catbird, and the house wren will set up housekeeping under our watchful eyes. And all the male birds will be wearing their breeding finest, lots of bright colors, colorful behaviors and beautiful songs to attract a suitable mate. Keep your eyes out for birds just passing through like the purple finch, the red-breasted grossbeak, or the magnolia warbler
Springtime can be a feast for our eyes and ears. So, get out there and watch the
welcome to participate, with one young birding enthusiast and her grandmother joining the group. Bird-counters brought binoculars and the leader kept a list of birds observed during the outing which was shared with attendees. The list is posted to the Valley Forge Audubon Society website (https://valleyforgeaudubon.org) where all participants will be able to access it.
No prior knowledge of birds or birding was necessary, in fact, this outing was best suited for beginning birdwatchers or those new to counting birds. Kids were also
Baltimore Oriolecoming to breed
Purple Finchpassing through Sparrow
Blue Jay
American Goldfinchresident bird
Photo credit: Dan Kirk @dankirkphotography on Instagram
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Walking Tours: The Historical Commission has been busy getting owners and friends out and into their neighborhoods with local walking tours. Washington's General's Quarters, The Baptist Church of the Great Valley, Mt. Zion AME Church, Treyburn, and the French Connection (Lafayette & Duportail). All were well received and attended. By publication date, there will have been another walk in May — this one in North Berwyn along Cassatt Avenue north of the Railroad Station. Commissioner Ernie Falcone heads up the Committee for the community walking tours. You can reach him through the Township website.
To showcase the hundreds of historic Tredyffrin properties, Township Planner Robert Emmanual applied his mapping skills to create an online interactive map of the Township. Properties researched for the Historic Resource Survey of 2003 can be found using your computer or smartphone.
America 250: Commission Chair Rob Williams has been working with Chester County leaders to coordinate activities to take place in the Township during America 250 — the Semiquincentennial of our Nation's founding in 1776. Events will also mark the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777-78 when the Continental and British armies swept into Tredyffrin. No battles were fought here but two devastating British raids were launched from our town. To commemorate, many of the Township boards and local nonprofits will create events for 2026 - 2028 that honor the challenges of Tredyffrin leaders and families of the past. If you would like to participate as a volunteer for America 250 Tredyffrin, contact Rob Williams through the Township email - tredyffrin@tredyffrin.org.
Get involved with local history: As an advisory group, the Historical Commission provides heritage education to residents and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on the appreciation and protection of significant historic places in the Township. If you are interested in serving on the Historical Commission, you must be a resident or conduct business in the Township. Or, you can also work on single projects as a nonvoting Associate Member. The Commission seeks volunteers who have an interest in history, archeology or historic preservation. All may apply, in particular with the following backgrounds:
• Registered architects, especially with preservation experience.
• Architectural historians.
• Planning & Zoning.
• Licensed realtors, especially with historic building experience.
• Historic home restoration and related trades.
• Researching history, historic homes and the people who lived in them.
Click on the QR code, navigate and zoom about, and tap on parcels across the Township to read short histories and view photos. The map tells the stories of more than 300 Tredyffrin farms, mills, mansions, schools, churches, and commerical buildings. Commissioner Janice Olsen leads work to update the records. Write us at the Historical Commission with ideas to improve the experience.
Sounds like something with which you might like to be involved? Send an email stating your interests and background to tredyffrin@tredyffrin.org. We welcome all those interested in commemorating and preserving Tredyffrin's heritage to monthly meetings and to join the Commission.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
T/E School Board Approves Bear Hill Elementary School
As Name of New School
The School District is excited to announce that, following an extensive public engagement process, the new school will be named Bear Hill Elementary School. The naming process included multiple opportunities for community input. The Ad Hoc Public Information Committee met in November to initiate discussions, followed by an online form that allowed community members to submit name suggestions. After reviewing submissions, a second Public Information Committee Meeting was held in January, and another online form allowed the public to provide feedback on the final four name choices. The process concluded with a final Committee meeting in March, before the School Board officially approved the name at its meeting on March 24. Throughout the process, the District was pleased to see such strong participation, with more than 1,300 instances of public input collected during key phases. The selection of Bear Hill Elementary School
reflects the community's voice and a shared vision for the new school. The District is also grateful to the representatives from the Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society, Tredyffrin Historic Preservation Trust, the Tredyffrin Township Historical Commission, and Mount Zion AME Church for their partnership throughout the naming process. Their insights and contributions were invaluable in ensuring the significance of the school's name. We also appreciate the input of local first responders who reviewed name options from an emergency response perspective.
The District has been working closely with Tredyffrin Township to obtain all necessary approvals for the new elementary school project, culminating in receipt of approval from the Planning Commission in February. February also marked the conclusion of the Selective Demolition project that began in November. During this period, most interior walls, flooring, ceilings, mechanicals, and plumbing were removed in preparation for the building's conversion to an elementary school. The building is currently gutted, with
Conestoga Boys Basketball Team Is District Champion For First Time In 38 Years
After 38 years of climbing, the Conestoga boys' basketball program is standing at the peak again, wearing the District 1 6A crown and looking back at all the giant steps it took to get there. It took an extra session to finish the job as the Pioneers made up for their lack of size by dominating at the foul line and from three-point range to vanquish a valiant Plymouth Whitemarsh squad, 54-50, in overtime at St. Joseph University's Hagan Arena on the last day of February. “I couldn't be more proud,” said Coach Sean Forcine. “We're the ultimate definition of a team. I'll take our undersized players because they've got heart, and they put in the work.” Conestoga returned to its home court on March 8 to defeat Mechanicsburg from District 3. The Pioneers, district champions for the first time in 38 years, finished the year with a 22-7 record. Coach Forcine's program, which has several key players returning, looks bright for the future.
T&E CARE
T&E Care Marks 20 Years Of Supporting Local Families
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, T/E resident Sandi Gorman and her husband, Kirk, were inspired to help. Along with others from the community, they supported three displaced families who relocated to our area — and from that effort, T&E Care was born. Since then, under Sandi's dedicated leadership, this all-volunteer nonprofit that relies entirely on local donations, has distributed over $5.5 million to neighbors facing hardship in Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships. Families and/or individuals referred by schools, faith communities, and neighbors receive support with rent, utilities, car repairs, medical expenses, mental health counseling, and more. T&E Care also funds school lunches, college assistance, and provides essentials like clothing, food, and computers. Seasonal programs include the Holiday Drive, the School Supply Drive, and Camp Assistance.
primarily steel and concrete remaining. Construction bid documents were released to interested contractors on Friday, March 28, and construction is expected to commence in August for both the existing building and the gym addition. Although the building may appear untouched from the outside, significant planning and interior demolition have already taken place, and the anticipated opening of the school remains on track for August 2027. As the project progresses, we encourage the community to stay engaged by visiting www.tesd.net/newelementaryschool for future updates and developments. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important decision?
This spring, after 20 years of service, Sandi Gorman is stepping down as President but will still be involved in T&E Care. And 20 years of T&E Care and Sandi's exceptional leadership will be honored at the 2025 Fall Fest on Saturday, September 20 at Waynesborough Country Club. Mark your calendar now because last year's event sold out! If you'd like to help with the event, email fallfest@tecare.org.
Also, their annual School Supply Drive is currently underway. Last year over 200 TESD students were provided fully stocked backpacks. Financial donations are especially appreciated so volunteers can buy quality supplies in bulk at a discount. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.tecare.org and earmark your donation for the School Supply Drive or email schoolsupplies@tecare.org. Finally, all are encouraged to join in the T&E Care organization at signup@tecare.org.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Sandi Gorman, T&E Care Founder and President of 20 years, and her husband, Kirk Gorman
Sandi Gorman, T&E Care Founder and President of 20 years
RECYCLING RESOURCES
Keep Lithium-Ion Batteries Out Of Trash & Recycling
It is extremely likely that you have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in your home to power a cell phone, laptop, or power tool, for example. Batteries are both ubiquitous and confusing, having various sizes and chemistries in multiple products. They also don't last forever. It is important to know how to properly dispose of them, ESPECIALLY those with lithium-ion (Li-ion). From button cells to embedded ones, batteries are smaller, lighter, cheaper, but more energy dense than ever before. Their power can make them dangerous to manage, even if you think they have lost their charge.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The two Chester County landfills that accept your trash must routinely manage potential fire conditions. Collectors of trash and recyclables must also be prepared for dangerous materials that may be hidden in residents' containers. You wouldn't want a “hot load” dumped in your neighborhood!
BASIC FACTS:
Batteries are either primary (one and done), or they are rechargeable.
RECHARGEABLES DO NOT go in your recycling bin OR your trash bin.
• Look for these symbols that mean lithium-ion in a battery: Li-ion, Li+, LiB, LIB, UN3480, and UB 3481 (If built into a product).
• Beware counterfeit Li-ion batteries; they are often made with lower quality
materials and less safety features. Look for misspelled words, forged certifications, cheap packaging and pricing, and suspicious third-party sellers online.
HOW YOU SHOULD HANDLE “DEAD” BATTERIES:
• A spent battery can still have a charge. Li-ion batteries are flammable if they are punctured. It is unsafe to remove a Li-ion battery. Before battery drop-off, tape the terminals, or put the same type of batteries (all NiCad, e.g.) in a plastic bag. View the CCSWA's safety video here.
• Retailers such as Staples, Home Depot, and Lowes often accept batteries. Check online or use Call2Recycle's zip code locator: www.call2recycle.org/locator/
• Register for a County Household Hazardous Waste event here.
• Bicycle batteries: the Call2Recycle product stewardship organization that recycles batteries has partnered with People for Bikes to collect bike batteries at retail bike shops.
• Small power equipment batteries: www.opei.org/battery-basics/
• Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc.) are the ONLY ones that can safely go in trash.
• For more battery types, visit www.chestercountyswa.org/373/ Disposing-of-Batteries
Batteries are getting recycled for their component metals, thereby reducing extraction needed from the earth. That is a good thing. Please be safe and responsible with your batteries.
