December 8, 2014 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Chesco budget passes, seat up for grabs

The Chester County Commissioners unanimously approved the 2015 budget on Monday, Dec. 8, a spending plan that resulted in no tax increase for county residents.

The 2015 balanced budget calls for $432,499,283 in operating expenses and $89,531,813 for its capital budget. It includes a marginal increase in federal and state funding; approximately 41 percent of its operating revenues come from federal and state grants, which are budgeted to increase by $.06 million, less than one percent from 2014.

Monday’s commissioners’ meeting marked the last time Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello would preside. Costello, who won the Sixth District congressional race, is scheduled to become a member of the U.S. House when he is sworn in on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C.

Six Republicans vying to fill the vacancy will be interviewed by Chester County Court judges on Tuesday, Dec. 9, starting at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom One of the Chester County Justice Center. The candidates are Michelle Kichline, John Primus, Leon R. Spencer Jr., Maureen Snook, Ann Duke, and Hudson Voltz.

The candidate who is selected – and who must come from the same party as Costello – will join Terence Farrell, the other Republican on the board, and Democrat Kathi Cozzone. The seat will come up for election in November.

“Serving as your county commissioner has been a humbling and rewarding experience,” Costello said. He said the eight years he spent in county government – four as recorder of deeds and four as commissioner – went by quickly.

Farrell and Cozzone both thanked him for his service and wished him well. “I have appreciated the way we all worked together,” Cozzone said.

Costello recused himself on a vote to lease an office in the historic courthouse to the U.S. House of Representatives, quipping that he promised he would not be an unruly tenant.

“We’re glad that you’re right down the street if we need some help,” Farrell added.

In other business, the commissioners voted to transfer ownership of the Chandler Mill Bridge to Kennett Township. The county-owned, two-way, one lane span has generated controversy about its future long before it was closed several years ago.

The county and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) had argued that the bridge, situated at the juncture of Chandler Mill and Bucktoe Roads, was unsafe and needed to be rebuilt and widened – a plan at odds with some residents who feared modernizing the bridge would mar the area’s bucolic setting. They sought an “in-kind” replacement.

Last month, Kennett Township voted to take ownership of the 1910 bridge, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. A decision on the bridge’s fate, which could include rehabbing it or designating it for pedestrian-only access, will now rest with the township.

“Here we are at last,” said Costello of the transfer. “We should put a bow on it.”

The approved Chester County 2015 budget will be posted at www.chesco.org by Friday, December 12, 2014.

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Weather officials issue flood watch

Local News

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area, including Delaware and Chester Counties, from morning until late on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Low pressure is forecast to develop off the southeastern U.S. coast tonight then move northward toward the Delaware and New Jersey coasts into Tuesday. The low pressure will bring up some high winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding; gale warnings are in effect for Tuesday on the ocean and in the lower Delaware Bay.

Heavy rain is predicted with totals near or above two inches in Chester and Delaware Counties throughout Tuesday. Since the region received significant rain on Saturday, wet ground conditions are conducive to flooding, and those in flood-prone areas are urged to take precautions.

The rain is also expected to lead to rises in creeks and rivers, and forecasters are urging those who live in a flood-prone area to take precautions. Snowfall totals of up to nine inches are possible in the Poconos.

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Chesco names new Emergency Services head

Local News

In May, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services became the first county in Pennsylvania — and one of only 50 programs nationwide — to be granted full accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program, one of many honors the department has received in recent years.

Less than a month later, the department’s 17-year director, Ed Atkins, died, leaving a vacancy that the Chester County Commissioners announced on Monday, Dec. 8, had finally been filled. In naming Robert Kagel, formerly the department’s deputy director for emergency management, as Atkins’ replacement, the commissioners cited his history with the department.

Robert Kagel will head Chester County’s Department of Emergency Services.

“You were right there with him [Atkins],” said Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello. “The safety of Chester County residents is one of our top priorities and this is an extremely important position in county government. We are fortunate to have someone with Bobby’s experience and professionalism take on the directorship role.”

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said the county had received many “unsolicited recommendations” for Kagel. “Your reputation in the first-responder community is already a great one,” she said.

Commissioner Terence Farrell agreed, citing Kagel’s experience. “County residents deserve assurance that, in the event of an emergency, there is someone in leadership that can make the right decisions quickly,” Farrell said.

As deputy director for emergency management, Kagel was responsible for implementing the county’s comprehensive emergency management program. That involved coordinating with 73 municipal emergency managers, 45 police departments, 52 fire departments, 23 emergency medical service organizations, and numerous local, county, regional and state agencies on emergency management issues.

In addition, Kagel oversaw the county’s Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Department’s Exercise Development Team.

Before becoming deputy director, Kagel served as the assistant director for quality, where he was responsible for providing an objective review of all areas of the department, with specific focus on the 911 Operations Center.

Kagel, a nationally registered emergency medical technician and a volunteer firefighter, has experience in several Presidential disaster declarations. He responded to theWest Nickel Mines Amish School Shooting in Lancaster in October 2006 as well as the Coatesville arson spree.

In May 2003, Kagel was awarded the title of master exercise practitioner from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and in 2009, he earned the title of certified emergency manager from the International Association of Emergency Managers. Earlier this year, Kagel received the Harry Robidoux Memorial Award for Excellence in Emergency Management, presented by the Keystone Emergency Management Association.

Kagel graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in legal studies from the California University of Pennsylvania. He also holds an associate degree of applied science in Technical Studies: Emergency Management and Planning.

The commissioners expressed gratitude to John Haynes, the deputy director of 911 operations, who served as interim director for the past six months.

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Thomas C. Rosazza of Avondale

Obituaries

Thomas C. Rosazza, 80, of Avondale, died Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Twin Pines Health Care Center. He was the husband of Shirley Swisher Rosazza, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Born in Avondale, he was the son of the late Clarence O. and Fay Sluder Rosazza.

Tom was a farmer at heart, and was a retired owner and operator of the family business, Glen Willow Orchards, in Avondale.

He was a member of the Avondale Presbyterian Church, where he had served on the Board of Trustees, He was also a member and past president of the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club, was a Paul Harris Fellow, a member and past president of the Chester Delaware County Fruit Growers Association, where he organized workers at the Farm Show, a member of the Pennsylvania State Horticultural Board, where he served on the peach and nectarine research committee, and a lifetime member of the Avondale Fire Company.

Tom had served many years of the London Grove Township Planning Commission, and an assistant scout leader of Troop 191 in Avondale. He was an avid boater and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen R. Rosazza and his wife Brenda of Avondale; one daughter, Janice F. Ramberger and her husband Chip of Avondale; two brothers, Ralph O. Rosazza and Richard P. Rosazza, both of Avondale; one sister, Shirley Ann Raimato of Kennett Square; three grandsons, Andrew Thomas Rosazza, Ryan Joseph Ramberger and Justin Thomas Ramberger, and several nieces and nephews.

You are invited to Tom’s memorial service at noon, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Avondale Presbyterian Church, 420 Pennsylvania Avenue in Avondale. A visitation and luncheon will be held after the service. His viewing and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Tom’s memory may be made to the Avondale Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 446, Avondale, PA 19311

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

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Package thieves in Western DelCo

Police

Concord Township sent out the following release to alert residents of thieves possibly being in the area.

Residents are requested to be on the alert for two suspects portraying themselves as Verizon employees and stealing UPS packages from neighborhoods in Thornbury Township.

The suspects have been soliciting for Fios service prior to stealing the packages and canvassing the neighborhoods.

The suspect vehicle is black in color sedan, possibly a Nissan or Saturn.

Both suspects are described as black males in their early 20s with thin builds. One was also described as having unkempt hair — possibly dreadlocks — with a beard and wearing a green and white argyle sweater.

The second suspect is clean-shaven and wearing a Verizon jacket.

Any resident with information should contact the Pennsylvania State Police immediately at 911.

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Rudolph a no-show, but music a delight

Arts & Entertainment

Surprises punctuated the performance of the Kennett Symphony Orchestra Saturday night. For many area residents, the December concert held at Kennett High School starts the holiday season. The program read as one might expect as the holidays approach with seasonal medleys, “Nutcracker Suite,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Skater’s Waltz,” and so on.

The audience sat back to enjoy. The first orchestral piece was followed by a choral arrangement of “Hansel and Gretel,” sung by the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. Flowing in from both sides, the singers filled the stage. They ranged from kindergarten to 12th grade. Some looked as though they were up past their bedtimes, but all faithfully performed.

The concert then proceeded to selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Suddenly, when the Arabian Dance began, a dancer appeared on stage. Dressed as a genie, Lauren Frere mimed the sinewy motion of the music.

The next selection was the Russian Dance, “Trepak,” with Cossacks on stage with their acrobatic dance performed by Alex Buckner and John Brewer. They were joined by the Sugar Plum Princess danced by Emily Shenaut. The dancers are from First State Ballet. Their full performance of the “Nutcracker” will be held Saturday December 21 and 22. For more information go to http://www.firststateballet.com/

In the audience was Tom Hoey, a professional musician and conductor from West Chester. He commented that the “’Nutcracker’ selections were so perfectly played, with every nuance in place. Tchaikovsky himself could have been on the podium! ‘Skaters Waltz’ was impeccably rendered. The use of harmonics in the violin section was absolutely perfect. Rhythmic syncopation of the ensemble was flawless. This was an audience favorite!”

Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus performs at intermission — Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus performs at intermission

During intermission the Children’s Chorus sang in the lobby of the school. The area was buzzing with activity with the food collection for the Kennett Area Food Cupboard.

After intermission the program began, or was supposed to begin, with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed-Reindeer.” To Hall’s chagrin, Rudolph didn’t show up for the performance. Fortunately, Rudolph left his hoof-shaped tap shoes on the stage, allowing Hall to put his fingers into the shoes and tap out the performance.

Younger members of the audience and chorus were glad they stayed around because Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus made an appearance at the end of the show. They led the audience in a carol sing and then gave out candy canes.

According to Executive Director Monica Buffington, ticket sales were up 20 percent from last year. “Michael Hall’s energy and enthusiasm for the Kennett Symphony is boundless,” she said.

Hoey agreed. “The Kennett Symphony Holiday Concert was awesome! Just the right blend of classical and popular Christmas music pleased everyone,” Hoey said. “Michael Hall and the orchestra received a well-deserved, extended standing ovation. Bravo and Merry Christmas!”

Q & A with Ann Fontenella (violinist), Eileen Keller (Choral Director) Michael Hall (Conductor) and Malcom McDuffee (Trumpet)

After the concert, Hall was joined by Ann Fontenella (violinist), Eileen Keller (Choral Director) and Malcom McDuffee (Trumpet) for a question-and-answer session. Dozens of concert-goers headed toward the stage as the rest of the audience left for their cars.

“How do you get the bows to all go the same way? Is it written down?” Yes, the direction of the bows is orchestrated. The conductor and Concertmaster Eliezer Gutman decide on how the phrasing should go for each phrase in each piece, specifying which notes are stroked up and which down.

“Where does the chorus practice?” The chorus is in residence at West Chester University under the direction of Eileen Keller. Singers selected by audition practice once a week.

“What is on Santa’s wish list for the Kennett Symphony?” All weighed in on the future of Kennett Symphony. Most of the musicians expressed interest in expanding the variety of offerings in the musical programming. Fontenella thinks the resources at Curtis Institute might contribute to the orchestra.

Hall clearly wants to encourage community participation shown by the carol sing and the Q & A. “The groundswell of support from the community and the dedication of the board, staff and musicians has gone beyond my expectations.” he said.

The Q&As will continue as Hall leads the KSO into a new era. For information about upcoming concerts, go to http://www.kennettsymphony.org/

Rudolph was a no-show, but delight showed up throughout the evening.

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.

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