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June 7, 2026

Summer June 21

May 22, 2013

No surprises in primary, almost no voters

Local News
No surprises in primary, almost no voters

There were no surprises in the May 21 primary election, nor should there have been. None of the candidates seeking party nomination for supervisor or school board in the greater Chadds Ford region were challenged.

Voter turnout reflected the lack of competitive races. Polls were slow all day in Chadds Ford, Concord, Birmingham and Pennsbury townships. There were no lines at any polling location and in one Pennsbury precinct — with 627 registered voters — only 42 ballots were cast all day.

However, there will be some contested races come the general election in November.

In Chadds Ford Township, Republican Frank Murphy will face Democrat Rhona Klein for supervisor. Both were unchallenged in their primary bids.

In Concord Township, incumbent Republican Supervisors Dominic Cappelli and Elizabeth “Libby” Salvucci also ran without opponents, but Democrat Dan Foster will challenge Salvucci in November.

Salvucci was appointed to replace Colleen Morrone when the latter won a Delaware County Council race in 2011. There are still two years remaining in that term, but the Salvucci/Foster race will be for a six-year-term.

Cappelli, whose regular term expires this year, chose to file for the two-year term. He said he opted for two years because he’s been involved with township government for a long time and isn’t certain he wants to be on the board for six more years.  He added, however, that he could decide to seek another six-year term in 2015.

Birmingham and Pennsbury voters will have no options for supervisors in November. Scott Boorse, of Birmingham, and Charles “Scotty” Scottoline, of Pennsbury, both incumbent Republicans, secured their party nominations and have no Democratic Party challengers in the general election.

Also unchallenged are the four seats up for election in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. Incumbents Keith Knauss and Jeff Hellrung, of Region A, cross-filed and were unopposed in the primary, as were newcomers Michael Rock and Steven Simonson in Region B. All four are unopposed in November.

Rock and Simonson will replace Jeff Leiser and Holly Manzone who chose not to run for re-election.

For Delaware County Council, Democrats Bill Clinton and Patricia Worrell will face Mario Civera and David White in November.

There will be contested races for Common Pleas Court judges in Delaware County. Republicans Richard Cappelli and William Mackrides will go against Nancy Walker and Steve Chanenson.

For Common Pleas Court judge in Chester County, Democrats Anthony Verwey and Julia Malloy-Good will go up against Patrick Carmody and Jeffrey Sommer in the general election.

Photo: Frank Murphy, right, the Republican candidate for Chadds Ford Township supervisor, talks with current and future voters outside the polls on election day.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

No surprises in primary, almost no voters Read More »

Sunshine and smiles shine on May Fair

School & Education
Sunshine and smiles shine on May Fair

It’s been going on for 64 years and people still enjoy the annual May Fair at Chadds Ford Elementary School.

School mascot Chadds the Charger greets students as they come out for May Fair.
School mascot Chadd the Charger greets students as they come out for May Fair.

The field in the rear of the school was packed with parents and grandparents as students from each class performed a musical number and the third-grade girls performed the traditional Maypole Dance. All third-graders took part in the Parachute Party.

This year’s musical selections were, as Principal Mark Ranford said, were “All-American songs by American composers.”

First-graders want to go out to the ballgame.
First-graders want to go out to the ballgame.

 

 

 

 

 

The Parachute Party.
The Parachute Party.

 

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

Sunshine and smiles shine on May Fair Read More »

School board to vote twice on teachers’ contract

Local News
School board to vote twice on teachers’ contract

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District directors ratified a tentative teachers’ contract during their May 20 meeting — and will do so again on June 10. The 7-2 vote came four days after the teachers overwhelmingly approved the plan.

The reason for the second vote — to be held during the next work session — is because of a language change regarding the work schedule. Part of the agreement changes two half-days to full days of instruction. That change is not reflected in the current wording, according to Director Frank Murphy.

The school calendar must also be amended to reflect that change.

Voting against the contract were Directors Keith Knauss and Jeff Hellrung of Region A. They held fast to their previously reported opinion that while the contract is good, it isn’t good enough.

Knauss and Hellrung wrote a letter to the editor, published last week, saying their primary concern was over the elimination of an opt-out clause in the health plan in two years.

Teachers with families can now opt out of the health plan and go with a spouse’s plan. There are currently 43 teachers who do that and they receive an extra $3,200 to do so. However, if those teachers come back into the U-CF plan, it will cost the district another $600,000 per year because the plan costs the district $15,000 per family.

Other directors spoke favorably, especially over how smoothly the negotiations went.

“I want to congratulate everyone for a job well done,” said Director Holly Manzone. “I’m delighted with how well it all worked out.”

Teachers, too, were pleased with the deal.

Unionville-Chadds Ford Education Association President Pat Clark said union members voted “overwhelmingly” to ratify the contract. He said the reason for the overwhelming reactions reflects economic reality.

“I think our teachers have a spirit of cooperation and understand that while [the economy] isn’t as bad as it used to be, things aren’t where they should be yet,” he said. “So, we were willing to compromise and the board was willing to compromise and we got a deal done.”

That deal is for two years with no raises the first year. However, all teachers will get a $900 bonus in year one and higher tiered teachers will get another $1,100 bonus in the second year. Others will get a raise in the second year based the number of graduate credits they have and the number of years in the district.

Other business

• The May 20 meeting was the last regular meeting for Murphy who is stepping down effective June 17. He is running for supervisor in Chadds Ford Township. Fellow Director Kathy Do expressed appreciation for Murphy’s professionalism, despite their philosophical differences.

Do said: “While we might have significant philosophical differences…I have come to recognize that Frank cares deeply about the district and all its constituents, from taxpayers to the teachers to the children. I found him to be thoughtful, very easy to work with even when we disagree and an asset to this board.” (See photo.)

• The board voted to approve an advertising contract with Horizon Services on the new scoreboard at the football stadium. It’s a three-year deal that will pay for the scoreboard. It also leaves space for other advertisers.

“It’s a new stream of revenue,” said Vic Dupuis.

• Hillendale Elementary School Principal Steve Dissinger announced the receipt of a $5,000 grant to be applied to rectifying the stormwater runoff problem at the school.

• The board is scheduled to vote on a 2013-2014 budget during its next regular monthly meeting set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, in the LGI at Unionville High School.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

School board to vote twice on teachers’ contract Read More »

Around Town May 23

Along the Ford
Around Town May 23

• The fifth-graders at Chadds Ford Elementary School have completed their “Leave Behind Gift” for the school. The students ran a small business, selling Chadds Ford Elementary School stickers. They publicized the sale in classroom presentations and by writing scripts for the student-run CFE TV, sold stickers at several school events, sent home sale flyers, filled the orders and counted the money. They raised more than $500 and received a $300 donation from the PTO to purchase a handcrafted bench. All students sketched one of their favorite memories from their six years at CFES. A committee of fifth-grade moms coordinated the project with the students and art teacher Susan Smith served as the faculty advisor. (Photo: From left are Michael Walter-Dillon, Katelyn Kurkewicz, and Peter Kucharczuk. Photo courtesy of Mary Walter.)

• The annual Memorial Day Service at Brandywine Baptist Church will be held will be held Monday, May 27 at 8:30 a.m. in the church’s cemetery. The speaker is Ray Coe, scoutmaster of Troop 31, Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Following the long tradition, VFW Post 6835 will offer a 21-gun salute. Local Boy Scout troops will present the colors. Attendees will place flowers on the graves of veterans.

• Aetna has named JLI Associates, of Concord Township, a Premier Producer Firm for 2013. The Premier Producer designation is earned each year by only two percent of brokers selling Aetna Group products, according to a press release. JLI Associates, formed in 2001, is a boutique consulting firm specializing in benefits consulting for individuals and businesses. JLI’s director of business development is Dominic Cxappelli.

• State Sen. Dominic Pileggi, R-9, of Chester, will host a free Senior Expo on Thursday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Red Clay Room, 423 Dalmation Street in Kennett Square. The expo will feature nearly 60 exhibitors from state, county and local agencies offering information on programs of interest to seniors. Scheduled exhibitors include the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Veterans’ Affairs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

• The Brandywine River Museum hosts the annual bonsai (ornamental trees and shrubs whose growth is trained using an ancient Japanese craft) exhibit in the museum courtyard on June 1 and 2. Members of the Brandywine Bonsai Society will be present to demonstrate training techniques and answer questions regarding special care of these extraordinary trees.

• The New Garden Flying Field, 1235 Newark Road in Toughkenamon, will hold an open house and antique car gathering on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a free event and features planes, cars, airplane rides and live music. The rain date is June 2.

• The Concordville-Chadds Ford Rotary and Garnet Ford & Garnet Volkswagen present the third annual Twisted Vintner Homemade Wine Competition from 6-9:30 p.m., June 6 at Garnet Ford. For tickets and information, go to twistedvintner.org

• The Kennett Symphony will present Sound the Brass on Saturday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m (Rain date June 23) in the Open Air Theatre of the Longwood Gardens. The symphony’s full brass and percussion will present a musical extravaganza of diverse programming from the Renaissance to Ragtime. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Admission includes free parking and all-day admission to the gardens. For tickets or information, visit www.kennettsymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.

 

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Around Town May 23 Read More »

Living History: Historic wanderings around Landenberg

Along the Ford
Living History: Historic wanderings around Landenberg

The village of Landenberg has seen many enterprising characters settling in the region once inhabited by the Lenni-Lenape Indians. William Penn directed surveyor Henry Hollingsworth to lay out a plot of land for Penn’s children in 1699. From an original plan of 35,000 acres, William Penn Jr. received a patent for his land in May 1706. Approximately 8,913 acres of this plot became New Garden Township. A lovely area with abundant wildlife, it lies within the drainage of two watersheds — White Clay Creek and Red Clay Creek. The slope of the land led settlers to build dams and later mills along the creeks and smaller streams feeding into them.  White Clay Creek supported many sawmills, gristmills, a woolen mill, a cotton processing factory and many other establishments.

Martin Landberger
Martin Landberger

New Garden Township attracted many settlers from Europe. James McClurg emigrated from Scotland in the early 1700’s. His grandson was born at Hampton, Va. in 1746, graduated at the age of 16 from William and Mary College and later earned a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh. He was urged to move to London, but chose otherwise due to his strong sympathies for the American colonists. McClurg was appointed a member of the Federal convention meeting in Philadelphia to frame the Constitution. Sadly, he died before its final adoption, but his family received a grant of land for his services during the American Revolution. One of McClurg’s descendants — John Russell McClurg — graduated from Jefferson Medical College. He practiced medicine in Landenberg until 1858, then was commissioned in 1862 during the Civil War as a surgeon in the U.S. Volunteers.

A large white structure just off of Route 41 was once the residence of a craftsman who helped us mark time. A premier clock maker — Isaac Jackson — lived there for more than 40 years, making tall grandfather-style clocks. Born near West Grove in 1734, Jackson was apprenticed to the master clockmaker John Wood Sr. of Philadelphia. In 1762, Isaac’s father William deeded him 200 acres in New Garden Township. Isaac began producing elegant clocks which were sold throughout the region. A number of Jackson clocks are owned by Chester County families. After more than two hundred years, they continue to tell time. One is displayed at the Chester County Historical Society.

As merchants increasingly utilized the potential of the nearby streams, the area gained importance due to its large woolen mills, notably one owned by Martin Landenberger. Landenberger emigrated from Germany in 1832, settling in Philadelphia. Interested in the weaving industry, he later purchased the Chandlerville and Laurel Mills in 1864. He was quite successful, employing a total of 1,000 people among his mill sites in the region. Due to his significant influence, the town was named after him. Jim Lund followed in his tracks, coming to the United States in 1868. Lund became an expert weaver for Scheppers Brothers in Philadelphia. In 1878 he moved to Landenburg, taking employment in the woolen mills of Landenburg & Co. After the operation entered bankruptcy, Lund purchased the mills. Under his management, the Lund Woolen Mills became the most important manufacturing establishment in the area. Its worsted yarns were distributed in markets throughout the country.

Boyd’s Business Directory reported Landenberg’s population at 414 in 1882, growing to 1,000 by the year 1900 as the town thrived. Hiram Hall Storey was a merchant who also served as the town’s postmaster. His dry goods store had a sign hanging out front proudly proclaiming “This is the place- best goods, lowest prices.” The establishment was so successful that Storey opened a second one in Hockessin. He eventually turned that over to his son-in-law William from another prosperous family, the Mendenhalls. The Storey homestead was near the Landenberg Hotel, built for Ezra Lund in 1874. The hotel saw an assortment of wild characters come through the doors. Rumors hint that it operated as the town brothel and in one reincarnation was turned into a match factory. The hotel and the store still stand today; the hotel now houses private businesses.

People enjoyed living in and around Landenberg due to its peaceful solitude. Rustic structures built back then seemed to blend well with the bucolic countryside. A covered bridge was built over White Clay Creek in 1856, later replaced in 1871 by an arched iron structure. In 1898, a Pratt Pony Truss Bridge manufactured by the Phoenixville Iron Works was built over the creek. The new bridge included a unique cantilevered walkway, its 18-foot width allowing for teams of horses to pass, along with room for a newfound contraption- the automobile. The Landenberg Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, but in March 2010 the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission ruled that recent structural changes diminished its significance and removed it from the list.

You can still feel the rich heritage of the town as you walk the streets. Stop in the Landenberg General Store, where you can see many photographs from yesteryear. As you stand in front of the old hotel, with its weathered sign still clinging to the Victorian-era structure, you can almost hear the workers talking as they come from the mills, ready for a break after a long day in one of the most prosperous towns in the history of Chester County.

* Gene Pisasale is an author based in Kennett Square. He’s written five books and conducts a lecture series based on historical topics of local interest. “The Forgotten Star” is his latest work which focuses on the War of 1812 and true life mysteries surrounding an American icon- the Star-Spangled Banner. His Web site is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

About Gene Pisasale

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pa. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System, which delves into the life and many accomplishments of this important Founding Father who almost single-handedly transformed our nation from a bankrupt entity into the most successful country in the history of mankind. Gene’s books are available on www.Amazon.com. His website is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

Living History: Historic wanderings around Landenberg Read More »

Adopt-a-Pet: Bob

Along the Ford
Adopt-a-Pet: Bob

Bob the bunny rabbit is a 4-year-old male in search of a new family that will love and understand his unique personality. Bob came to CCSPCA in March when his owners decided that they could not provide the necessary care for a pet rabbit. Bob was not socialized in his previous home, so an experienced rabbit owner is best as Bob does not always feel comfortable being handled. If you are able to provide Bob or any of our other animals here at the shelter a home, visit the Chester County SPCA at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen or call 610-692-6113. Bob’s registration number is 96813386. To meet some of our other adoptable animals, visit the shelter or log onto www.ccspca.org.  Not quite ready to adopt?  Consider becoming a CCSPCA foster parent – Kitten season is around the corner and CCSPCA needs fosters to raise kittens and mother cats.  Additional information and applications are available online or at the shelter.

 

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Adopt-a-Pet: Bob Read More »

Police log May 23: Retail thefts, accident

Police

PSP Logo• 38-year-old Ida Jones, of Marcus Hook, was arrested for retail theft after she tried to leave the Marshalls Store at the Concordville Town Centre without paying for merchandise on May 17, according to police. A report said she took $356 worth of clothing to the store’s rear exit door.

• Ronald Pedrick, 41, who police said is from Chadds Ford, was arrested May 11 on charges of retail theft. State police said in a press release that Pedrick tried leaving the Naamans Creek Road Wawa without paying for $45 worth of merchandise.

• No injuries were reported, but one driver was cited for failing to yield to oncoming traffic following a two-car accident on Route 52 in Pocopson Township on May 15, police said. According to a report, Christopher Bopp, 25, of Downington, was driving north on Route 52 and tried to make a left turn onto Wawaset Road in front of an oncoming vehicle. Bopp tried to swerve, police said, but the front passenger side of the other car hit the rear passenger side of Bopp’s car.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Police log May 23: Retail thefts, accident Read More »

Free Your Space: Ten questions to help de-clutter

Home and Leisure

It can be difficult to look at things in our own spaces and view them objectively.  We can get so used to seeing our everyday environments that we actually become blind to what is actually in it.  Is there a sweater hanging on the back of a chair, stacks of completed project folders behind your desk, a roll of gift-wrap on the dining room table, a pile of papers next to your favorite chair?  For how long:  Days?  Months?  Years?

Clutter can creep up slowly and take us by surprise.  And, once it’s there, we can find ourselves wondering when did it all happen and, if we’re ever to reclaim control, where do we start?

This month I am going to share ten simple questions that you can ask yourself to help with the decision-making process.  Use these questions as criteria for what to and what not to keep.  They are tools that you can pull out and use when you are ready to set aside time to tackle clutter at home or at work.  If you are challenged by getting – and staying – organized, keep this list of handy.

1-Does it belong to me? – If the answer to this question is “no” then

• Return it to the owner

• Give the owner a time limit of how long it can stay

• Get rid of it

2- Is there a tax reason to keep it?

• If so, file it with the correct year’s tax documents

3- Is the information still current?

• Do you have a new, updated version of it?

• Do you have multiple copies?

4- If you saw it in a store today, would you buy it?

5- Does it make you happy to see it?

6- Is it as valuable to you as it used to be?

• You may have paid a lot of money for it 5 years ago, but it may not be worth hanging on to today.

• Does it save you money or make you money?

7- If you were moving, would you want to pay to have it packed and moved?9-

8-If you knew that there was someone who could benefit from it right now, would it be easier to let it go?

• If it’s “still perfectly good,” why not donate to someone who will actually put it to use?

9- Could you save the memory just by taking a picture of it and letting it go?

10- Is this the best place for it?

• Maybe you still want to keep it but is the place that you’re keeping it the place it needs to be?

Take this list and get started.  Leave a comment or send me an email to let me know about your progress!

* To contact Annette Reyman for organizing work, professional unpacking, productivity support, gift certificates or speaking engagements in the Greater Philadelphia area call (610) 213-9559 or email her at annette@allrightorganizing.com. Reyman is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO®) and President of its Greater Philadelphia Chapter.  Visit her website at www.allrightorganizing.com and follow All Right Organizing on Facebook.

About Annette Reyman

Free Your Space: Ten questions to help de-clutter Read More »

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