September 24, 2014 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Celebrations dominate Unionville Fair pageant

10704786_10203811293220672_1145041122_n — Unionville Fair Queen alternate Ellan Dunbar (from left), 17, poses with Queen Carly Rechenberg, 17, Fair Princess Shannon White, 16, and Princess alternate Sarah Taylor, 16.

Unabashed enthusiasm and community spirit pervaded the 2014 Unionville Community Fair Queen and Princess Pageant on Tuesday night at Unionville Elementary School.

Participants had many reasons to celebrate. In addition to the selection of Queen Carly Rechenberg, 17, and Princess Shannon White, 16, the fair, now in its 90^th year, received commemorative citations from state Rep. Chris Ross and Connie Windsor, a representative of state Sen. Dominic F. Pileggi.

Longtime Unionville Fair board member Bonnie Musser (right) congratulates Berta Rains, who was honored for her longtime dedication to the fair.

Ross pointed out that the fair has effectively withstood the test of time. “This is a wonderful event,” he said. Even as housing density has changed the area “dramatically,” the fair continues to showcase the community’s agricultural heritage, Ross said.

The program, once again emceed by Kennett Square Borough Council President Leon R. Spencer Jr., also included a tribute to Berta Rains, a board member and 25-year volunteer. Fellow board member Bonnie Musser explained that each year the fair is dedicated to a volunteer who goes “above and beyond” as Rains has done, serving in myriad posts.

Musser said one of the highlights of their collective service to the fair occurred when former fair president Jayne Shea decided to raise chickens. Two of the birds got named “Berta and Bonnie,” said Musser, joking that it was fitting recognition for “a couple of old hens.”

The fair honoree always receives artwork so selecting a painting for Rains that featured chickens was a natural, Musser said. “This is such an honor,” Rains said as she held up the painting. “The fair is my family.”

The themes of family, community, and the area’s agricultural roots recurred throughout the program. Ellan Dunbar, 17, who tied with Rechenberg for Miss Congeniality and will serve as the alternate Queen, spoke about her early memories of the fair, which included assisting as a 5^th-grader at Farmer for a Day, a popular booth for young children run by Dave Lichter, a 5^th-grade teacher at Pocopson Elementary.

Dunbar said when she got older, the fair helped boost her self-confidence. She said she successfully overcame the initial terror of selling cow pie Bingo tickets and was thrilled to receive some blue ribbons in the photo competitions.

Calling the fair “close to my heart,” Rechenberg referenced the incredible artistry that

Unionville Fair Queen Carly Rechenberg poses with her proud siblings: Kyle, 11, and Riley, 5.

gets displayed and the importance of knowing “where our food comes from.” She urged people in the community to take advantage of the entertaining lessons in history, nutrition, and neighborhood connections that the fair offers.

Expanding on the array of talent, Spencer complimented student Eva Sheppard, who opened the program with the National Anthem. Spencer also paid tribute to Andy Joseph, a 2012 Unionville High graduate who died on Aug. 29 in New Orleans of complications from epilepsy. Joseph, 20, was a sophomore pursuing a business degree at Tulane University.

During the fair’s intermission, a slide show reminded the audience of Joseph’s contributions to the school and community. In addition to being lead singer of the musical group Windoview, a popular local band that performed frequently in the Kennett, West Chester, and Wilmington areas, Joseph played on the high school soccer team.

The slide show was accompanied by Windoview music, and Spencer, a co-founder of the Pro Musica Studio, recalled serving for a time as a vocal instructor for Joseph. He said one day Joseph wanted to introduce Spencer to two musical groups he had probably never experienced. “He was right,” Spencer acknowledged with a laugh, adding that he quickly became a fan. “His music will be a lasting tribute to this community,” Spencer said of Joseph.

In another segment spotlighting technology, Catherine Stookey, last year’s Unionville Fair Queen, addressed the audience from Minnesota, where she is attending college. Although Stookey was unable to be present, her image loomed large on a screen in the auditorium as she detailed the host of treasured memories her reign as queen provided.

Andy Joseph, a 2011 Unionville graduate, is shown on the screen during a tribute.

Spencer credited longtime Unionville teacher Scott Duggan for the technical parts of the program, calling him the “technology overlord,” and he thanked the judges – Olen Grimes, Karen Manzone, and Michelle Thomas – for their work in selecting the pageant winners, who serve as young ambassadors. He also urged the audience to get the word out about how truly special the fair is.

Danielle Chamberlain, the fair president, said this year’s event features a number of new offerings, such as a homemade wine and beer competition, recycling, and a mobile agricultural science lab. It will also mark the return of the popular lip-synching contest. “I am committed to making the best even better,” she said.

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Photo of the Week: Golden Dawn

Photo of the Week

A rising sun graces the surf and sand.

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.

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Adopt-a-Pet Minnie

Home and Leisure

Hi, my name is Minnie and I can’t wait to meet you. I’m a spayed female American Staffordshire terrier mix. I was transferred in May from another local shelter with the hope that I’ll have a better chance of adoption here at the Chester County SPCA. I don’t understand why I keep being overlooked because I’m a very sweet girl and all I want is for a family to love me unconditionally. I’m an affectionate girl and I love spending every moment with my human friends! Hey, do you like to play? I know I sure do. Aside from being affectionate, I’m also playful with my human friends and I would love to join an active family who will take me on many fun adventures. I love people so much that I’d rather keep your love all to myself so I would like to be your only pet. Because of my energy, I will do best in a home with older children. I can be found at the Chester County SPCA located at 1212 Phoenixville Pike in West Goshen. The phone number is 610-692-6113 and the web site is www.ccspca.org.

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Police Log Sept. 25: Teacher arrested for statutory sexual assault; burglaries in Chadds Ford

Police

***UPDATE*** According to Lt. Tony Sivo, of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop K, Media barracks, there has been a break in the investigation into several burglaries in Western Delaware County, including Chadds Ford Township. Sivo said he was unable to go into detail at this time, but said there could be more information coming. He advised people to maintain proper precautions by keeping their doors, windows, garages and cars locked. ***End UPDATE***

• Pennsylvania State Police, Troop K, Media barracks, made an arrest in connection with a statutory sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl that occurred at the Garnet Valley Middle School on Sept. 12. William A. Barber, of Glen Mills, was arrested Sept. 23 and charged with Statutory Sexual Assault, Unlawful Contact with Minor, Institutional Sexual Assault, Corruption of Minors and Indecent Assault, according to police. Barber — a teacher and sports coach at the school — was arraigned in district court where Judge Walter A. Strohl set bail at 10 percent of $250,000. Barber was then remanded to the Delaware County prison.

• Someone entered an unlocked home on Tally Ho Drive in Chadds Ford and stole Wedgewood pattern silverware on Sept. 23. Police said the incident happened between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 484-840-1000.

• State police said someone stole a safe from a home on Mountain View Trail in Chadds Ford Township. The break-in and theft happened sometime between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 23. Police said the incident is believed to be part of a crime pattern.

• There was a burglary on Annesley Drive in Concord Township on Sept. 19, police said. Someone entered the victim’s home and stole a silver iPad, a wallet with Social Security and credit cards, and an Xbox 360. No time of day was included in the report, but police are asking anyone with information to phone 484-840-1000.

• State police from Troop J, Avondale barracks, are investigating a burglary in Pocopson Township. On Sept. 23, sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., someone entered a home on Brinton’s Bridge Road and removed jewelry, a jewelry box and a bed spread, police said.

• On Sunday, Sept. 13, state police conducted a traffic stop on southbound Route 1 at Ring Road in Chadds Ford Township at 1:59 a.m. Police said Jonathan Perry, 24, of West Chester, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance. Troopers also found him in possession of about 15 grams of marijuana, a glass pipe, and a metal grinder.

• State police from Troop J, Avondale barracks, arrested Nicholas Joseph Bartley, 18, of Chester, in Pennsbury Township on Sept. 13. A report said Bartley was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop on Cosart Road at 9:53 p.m.

• Troopers from the Avondale barracks are looking for a man identified as Carlos Caraballo, 26, in connection with an Aug. 3 burglary on Jonathan Court in East Marlborough Township. A police report said the two female victims knew the suspect who entered the house sometime between 4:45 and 5:15 a.m. Caraballo entered the home through an open window, walked up the stairs into the victim’s rooms. The two women woke up and chased the suspect. Caraballo then fled in an unknown direction, the report said. The suspect has no known address. Anyone knowing his whereabouts is asked to call state police at 610-268-2022.

• No injuries were reported following a one-car accident in Pennsbury Township on Sept. 20. A police report said the 23-year-old motorist was driving north on Pocopson Road when, for unknown reasons, he crossed into the southbound lane and striking an embankment.

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Around Town Sept. 25

Along the Ford

• The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that the right lane would be closed on the U.S. Route 322 (Downingtown Pike) Bridge over the east branch of the Brandywine Creek in East Bradford and West Bradford Townships, Chester County, on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25-26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a bridge inspection. Motorists are advised to allow more time for travel during the bridge inspections because slowdowns will occur.

• Monday, Oct. 6 is the last day to register or change party affiliation for the general election in November.

• Now through Feb. 8, the Brandywine River Museum of Art is featuring “Andrew Wyeth: Lines of Thought,” an exhibit of Wyeth’s drawings that provide a glimpse into the artist’s creative process. Each drawing is part of the process Wyeth used to work out his vision for his paintings. Many were sketched outdoors and reveal Wyeth’s immediate response to figures or objects in a composition. The exhibition includes 23 drawings and three paintings.

• The Chester County Art Association (CCAA) is holding a fund-raising mixer on Sept. 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event includes an evening of wine tasting by Galer Estate Winery with cheese and breads at The Hickman, followed by music, drinks, desserts and a fresh show of great art at CCAA. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple. To buy tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-caring-place-home-neighborhood-town-tickets-12423756791 or phone 610-696-5600 ext. 13.

• Darlington Arts Center in Concord Township invites the community to a free Back to School Arts Party on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 6-8 p.m. The party celebrates music, art, dance, and drama and will include exciting performances and exhibits from Darlington’s professional teaching artists, plus a collaborative community art project. Free refreshments will also be provided. The party kicks off with a Teaching Artist Recital, featuring a variety of classical and contemporary pieces that range from a Brahms waltz to variations on a theme from Disney’s Frozen.

• The Chester County Health Department is reminding people to spread the word, not the flu and get their flu shots. Flu vaccine is available by appointment for adults and children over the age of 6 months on the following days: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Costs for the vaccine range from $25 to $45 depending on the age of the person. To make an appointment, go to https://www.bdhclinics.com/?clinicorgid=28

• The Brandywine River Museum of Art will hold a violin concert featuring Nikki Chooi, who will play on the 1700 “Taft” Stradivari violin, accompanied by pianist Henry Kramer. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. Tickets are $12, $10 for museum members, and $6 for students through Sept. 29. After that date, tickets are $25, $20 and $10 respectively. Tickets may be purchased by phoning 610-388-8326 or visiting http://www.brandywinemuseumshop.org/Events.aspx

• Registrations are being accepted for the Kennett Area Park and Recreation Jr. Basketball League. Boys and girls in grades 3 through 8 are invited to play in this fun and competitive league. Any child who would like to play is welcome and will make a team. Evaluations will be held in November. Practices will begin in December, and the league will run through mid-March. All games and practices are played in local Kennett schools. Anyone with questions can call 610-444-6314 or email kaprb@verizon.net. To register, visit www.bluedemonssports.org.

• Local author and Unionville High School English teacher Jodi E. Byrne will hold a book signing at the Iron Hill Brewery in West Chester. Jodi has written a trilogy about the lives of survivors of an apocalyptic event. Beginning in Chester County the story takes the survivors on a journey that challenges everything they know. The book “Dead Land” is the first in the series and Jodi will be on hand to sign your copy. The second book “Hollow Land” will be released in late November and there will be a release party on Dec. 5 at the Galer Estate from 5-8 pm. More details to come.

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Mind Matters: Domestic violence revisited

Health

Perhaps, for once, some good has arisen from certain violent, abusive acts that, because of the celebrities involved, captured headlines and sound bites.

That is, of course, the story of football player Ray Rice punching his fiancé into unconsciousness in an elevator and later another football player castigated for beating his 4-year-old with a switch.

We err greatly if we think football players have a monopoly on domestic violence, however.

The American Psychological Association reports that those who perpetrate family violence are a heterogeneous group. The common denominator among all socio-economic classes and ethnicities that leads to emotional and physical abuse of both children and partners is the power differential. That is, the perpetrator (or “batterer”) misuses power and authority to the disrespect and disregard of the other. The “relationship” is about domination and control. So partner violence occurs across age, ethnic, religious, gender, and economic lines, and among the disabled, the heterosexual, and LGBT communities, as well.

While men can be battered, as well as women, the statistics show that women, by and large, suffer the effects of partner violence to a far greater degree than men.

The APA notes that one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. Furthermore, interpersonal violence is the leading cause of female homicides and injury-related deaths during pregnancy.

If you want more scary statistics reported by the APA, nearly half the women in the US home experienced some kind of psychological aggression by an intimate partner. Every day, on average, three women are murdered by a husband or boyfriend.

Whether it is called battering, abuse or domestic violence, the bottom line is that such aggressive acts can be emotional or physical. In emotional abuse, the abuser demeans and humiliates the partner (or child!). This includes verbal insults, threats, social isolation, and economic hardship and more. Physical abuse takes the violence into the realm of bodily harm.

The Domestic Violence Roundtable of Massachusetts uses psychologist Lenore Walker’s cycle of domestic violence to describe the dynamics of violent relationships. Note that the cycle may happen in a day or may arc over weeks or even months. First is the tension-building stage. As tension rises over common concerns such as money, children, jobs, verbal abuse begins. The victim may attempt to placate or appease the abuser by avoidance or giving in. The second stage is when the tension reaches a level where physical violence starts. Some external event or the abuser’s own emotionally reactive state, or a combination thereof sets off the physical violence. Next, is the honeymoon stage where the abuser may express shame and remorse, or tries to minimize the abuse or blames the whole event on the partner. This might be the roses and diamonds stage where the abuser is loving and helpful and generous. There are even attempts to convince the partner that it will never happen again. The bond between the partners is (temporarily) repaired and the victim yet again feels no need to leave the relationship.

According to the Domestic Violence Roundtable, “This cycle continues over and over, and may help explain why victims stay in abusive relationships. The abuser may be terrible, but the promises and generosity of the honeymoon phase give the victim the false belief that everything will be all right.”

And yes, communities of affluence and privilege have their share of domestic violence. It may be even more difficult to seek help when the victims and abusers in such places are the “pillars” of such communities.

Perhaps now that domestic violence has hit the headlines, we will all see that it is not an issue to be kept hidden behind closed doors—elevator, or otherwise. Let us trust for the day that “domestic violence” becomes the oxymoron that it should be.

Resources:
• Domestic Violence Roundtable, Sudbury, Massachusetts (www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org)
• American Psychological Association (APA.org)
• Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN), (888) 399-6111

About Kayta Gajdos

Dr. Kathleen Curzie Gajdos ("Kayta") is a licensed psychologist (Pennsylvania and Delaware) who has worked with individuals, couples, and families with a spectrum of problems. She has experience and training in the fields of alcohol and drug addictions, hypnosis, family therapy, Jungian theory, Gestalt therapy, EMDR, and bereavement. Dr. Gajdos developed a private practice in the Pittsburgh area, and was affiliated with the Family Therapy Institute of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, having written numerous articles for the Family Therapy Newsletter there. She has published in the American Psychological Association Bulletin, the Family Psychologist, and in the Swedenborgian publications, Chrysalis and The Messenger. Dr. Gajdos has taught at the college level, most recently for West Chester University and Wilmington College, and has served as field faculty for Vermont College of Norwich University the Union Institute's Center for Distance Learning, Cincinnati, Ohio. She has also served as consulting psychologist to the Irene Stacy Community MH/MR Center in Western Pennsylvania where she supervised psychologists in training. Currently active in disaster relief, Dr. Gajdos serves with the American Red Cross and participated in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts as a member of teams from the Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Now living in Chadds Ford, in the Brandywine Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Gajdos combines her private practice working with individuals, couples and families, with leading workshops on such topics as grief and healing, the impact of multigenerational grief and trauma shame, the shadow and self, Women Who Run with the Wolves, motherless daughters, and mediation and relaxation. Each year at Temenos Retreat Center in West Chester, PA she leads a griefs of birthing ritual for those who have suffered losses of procreation (abortions, miscarriages, infertility, etc.); she also holds yearly A Day of Re-Collection at Temenos.Dr. Gajdos holds Master's degrees in both philosophy and clinical psychology and received her Ph.D. in counseling at the University of Pittsburgh. Among her professional affiliations, she includes having been a founding member and board member of the C.G. Jung Educational Center of Pittsburgh, as well as being listed in Who's Who of American Women. Currently, she is a member of the American Psychological Association, The Pennsylvania Psychological Association, the Delaware Psychological Association, the American Family Therapy Academy, The Association for Death Education and Counseling, and the Delaware County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Board. Woven into her professional career are Dr. Gajdos' pursuits of dancing, singing, and writing poetry.

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Free Your Space: Home inventories

Home and Leisure

The word “inventory” traditionally has brought to mind long, boring checklists of warehouse supplies waiting to be identified, counted and reordered. Inventory season can be a dreaded time of year by those in retail who would prefer time working with customers to late nights spent checking off columns on lists in stock rooms. In recent years, inventories have begun wandering out of the confinement of their business realms into home and family lives. And, they have taken on more colorful and interactive formats that make creating them somewhat enjoyable.

Enjoyable? Really? Well, in a way. Due to improvements in technology, inventorying your belongings can range from making quick and easy online photo albums to having very detailed, itemized lists.

There are many good reasons for creating a home inventory: disaster preparedness (fire, flood, tornado, etc.), move management, divorce and estate planning are a few. Circumstances that call for home inventories are often situations that can already carry a significant amount of stress. Your mind and emotions may make recollections blurry. Therefore, a home inventory is best created when you don’t actually need it. There currently exist multiple inventory creation tools and options, as well as people like professional organizers who can be hired specifically to get this done for you. No matter what the motivation, the best time to start is now.

To begin with this, make a decision about how and where you would like to store your inventory. Do you want to print it out and keep with your vital documents? Do you want it on an external hard drive that you can store in a safe deposit box or give to a family member? Do you want it in some kind of safe cloud storage so that is online, easily updatable and accessible? Or, perhaps you would like a combination of these. Some options I recommend for creation of your home inventory are HomeZada.com, SafelyFiled.com or KnowYourStuff.org. You can also try just keeping a photo journal in an online photo account such as Flickr or Shutterfly. A homemade video or spreadsheet can be kept in a DropBox or Evernote account.

Next decide what exactly you are going to inventory. Do you merely want documentation of big-ticket items – jewelry, electronics, furniture, etc.? Or do you need your home inventory to be more comprehensive? If you’re not up to detailing everything, you may decide that you want to begin by capturing the big things first and filling in with the smaller details at a later date.

You’ve chosen your method of cataloging and items you want to track. Now you can get started.

First: List the location/s of your belongings. For instance: home interior; home exterior (cars, sheds and outdoor furnishings); storage units; second homes.

Second: Choose what level of detail you want to record. Do you want photos/lists of everything you can see when you traverse your home or do you want photos of ALL items i.e. interiors of drawers, closets and cabinets? Will a narrated video be sufficient? Or do you want to get it all documented entirely and set up detailed records of purchase dates, receipts, serial numbers, manufacturers and warranties?

Finally: Set a date to get it started. Are you recording your inventory prior to a move? Are you going to do it yourself? Make sure, if you are using photos or video, that your camera is charged and you have set up a photo account by your selected date. Are you hiring someone to do it for you? Let them know the level of detail you want recorded and the deadline you are aiming for. The amount of detail will affect the amount of time needed to get the job done.

Maintenance: The effort you put into setting up a home inventory can last you a lifetime if you keep up with simple maintenance. Maintenance can be done monthly, quarterly or even annually. The key is that it is done. Put a date or dates on your calendar that you will revisit your inventory to make updates.

Then sit back and smile, knowing that you’re ready…for anything.

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

About Annette Reyman

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Jimmy Crossan of Landenberg

Obituaries

Jimmy Crossan, 79, of Landenberg, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the Jennersville Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends. He was the husband of Marie Cannon Crossan, with whom he shared 25 years of marriage.

Born in Landenberg, he was the son of the late David B. and Catherine Lucas Crossan.

Jimmy was a spray painter at Hewlett-Packard/Agilent Technologies, retiring in 1997, after 32 years of service.

He was a member of the New Castle, Del. Moose Lodge. He served his country in the U.S. Navy.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, tinkering with cars, going to the Landenberg store every morning from 6 to 8 a.m. for the coffee club. He looked forward to going to the annual Chic-Nic weekend, and he especially enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Linda DaBundo and her husband Dominic of Landenberg, Debbie Johnston and her husband Duke of Landenberg, Cathy Antes of Landenberg, and Patty Kelly and her husband Billy of Phoenixville; two step daughters, Wanda Loughrey of Middletown, Del. and Trina McCloskey of Felton, Del.; one brother, Charles Crossan of Landenberg; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by one brother, David Crossan.

You are invited to visit with Jimmy’s family and friends from 9 to 11 a.m. on Monday morning, Sept. 29, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square (Phone: 610-444-4116). His funeral service will follow at 11. Burial will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery, Cochranville.

In memory of Jimmy, a contribution may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Eastern PA Chapter, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshocken, PA 19428

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

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Bill aimed to prevent drug overdoses passes

Local News

The Senate unanimously approved legislation to help save lives in the case of drug overdoses, a bill expected to be signed by Gov. Tom Corbett.

During a speech last week before the Business and Professional Association of Western Delaware County, state Sen. Majority Leader Dominic F. Pileggi, R-9, predicted that the bill would mark one of the positive achievements of the legislative session.

Senate Bill 1164, which was introduced by Pileggi, establishes Good Samaritan immunity from prosecution for certain drug crimes to individuals who seek help when a friend or companion overdoses on drugs.

“Every area of Pennsylvania has seen the tragic impact of the heroin crisis,” said Pileggi in a press release. “It’s happening in Chester and Delaware Counties – my district – and it’s happening in every Senate district. Over the past five years, nearly 3,000 heroin-related overdose deaths have been identified in Pennsylvania.

Pileggi said he was first approached to introduce this legislation by Lynne Massi, a Chester County resident whose nephew, David J. Massi II of Upper Chichester, died of a multiple drug intoxication in January 2013, as well as Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan. He said that when Senate Bill 1164 is signed into law, it will be known as “David’s Law.”

The bill was amended in the House to add provisions allowing police and firefighters to be trained to carry naloxone, an anti-overdose drug also known as Narcan. The House amendments also expand access to naloxone for people at risk of overdosing, a family member, friend or other person in a position to assist a person at risk. Those who administer naloxone under the provisions of this law are also extended civil, criminal and professional immunity, the release said.

“The Good Samaritan/Narcan bill is an outstanding example of the legislature and law enforcement working together to help save lives,” said Hogan. “This law will encourage the friends of an overdose victim to stay with the victim and call for medical help. This law also will put Narcan in the hands of first responders in the critical first minutes of an overdose.”

Doug Hill, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, concurred. “This bill provides two critical tools that will save lives – first responder access to naloxone, and Good Samaritan immunity for someone who seeks assistance for another experiencing an overdose,” he said.

The bill affords immunity from certain drug crimes when law enforcement officers become aware of a person’s crime because that person reports or transports someone experiencing a drug overdose to a law enforcement agency, a campus security office, or a healthcare facility.

About Press Release

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Charity event takes aim against breast cancer

Along the Ford

The Concord Country Club is hosting multiple activities on Sunday, Sept. 28, that will benefit two charities devoted to the fight against breast cancer.

A morning golf outing and afternoon tennis round robin will be followed by cocktails, dinner, raffles and a live and silent auction on the patio. The proceeds will benefit Play for P.I.N.K., an organization that funds breast cancer research, and Cuddle My Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to serving as an in-home resource for parents battling the disease.

Marcy Lynch said she and fellow club member Pat Laird, both breast-cancer survivors, began the Concord Charity Event four years ago as a “way to give back” by supporting Play for P.I.N.K, which funds the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

This year, the club’s events committee took over, “kicking it up a notch,” Lynch said. In addition to adding a second beneficiary, Lynch said a live auction will complement the event and will include some spectacular items, including an $8,000 sofa and vacations.

The tennis round robin is named in memory of Mimi Murray, a longtime member of the club. Murray worked as a dietitian, a profession that took her to places such as Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, where she often donned her signature carrot slippers and fruit and vegetable-adorned jewelry to counsel students about good nutrition. Murray died of breast cancer in 2011.

The event is open only to members; however, they are encouraged to bring guests. Reservations are required for the golf, tennis or dinner component – or any combination of the three. Email Andi Diorio at adiorio@concordclub.org or call 610-459-2200, ext. 137. The club is located at 1601 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, 19382.

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