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January 28, 2015

Alfred “Fred” J. Cocciolone of West Grove

Obituaries

Alfred “Fred” J. Cocciolone, 93, of West Grove, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Chester County Hospital. He was the husband of E. Ruth Bryan Cocciolone with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Fabio and the late Theresa (DiGiuseppe) Cocciolone. He graduated from Kennett High school in 1940.

He served our country during WWII in the Army Corp of Engineers. He was a member of the Kennett Square VFW Post 5467 and the American Legion.

He owned and operated Cocciolone Brothers Inc., a construction business, from 1955-1983. In recent years he was a partner with his wife and son in F&R Excavating Company in West Grove.

He was an avid participant in the local Democratic Party for many years. He loved tinkering and could fix just about anything. He loved cutting the grass and would do so several times a week when possible. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Survivors include in addition to his wife, one son Alfred J. Cocciolone Jr. (Katherine) of West Grove; two daughters, Donna Giuliani (Robert) of Kennett Square and Lisa Marie Holmes of Oxford; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Nicole, Michael and LeAnna and one great grandson, Romo.

He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters.

You are invited to visit with Fred’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc, (610-869-2685) 200 Rose Hill Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. A funeral service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be at St. Patrick Cemetery Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to either the Kennett VFW or American Legion. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

About CFLive Staff

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

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Concord First files against Donaghue

Local News

Members of Concord First, the citizens’ group that wants Concord Township to become a township of the first class, have filed a formal complaint against township solicitor Hugh Donaghue.

Concord First’s Colette Brown said several members have filed complaints with the state Supreme Court’s Disciplinary Review Board in connection with papers filed on behalf of Concord’s Government Study Commission before the commission was officially empaneled and without the knowledge of the seven commissioners.

“The complaint explains that Mr. Donaghue was highly motivated to interfere with Concord First’s efforts to change the government structure to a Township of the First Class because such a change would put his and the other supervisors’ jobs in jeopardy,” she said in an e-mail.

Concord First petitioned last summer to have a question on the November ballot that would have asked voters whether or not they wanted Concord to change from a township of the second class to township of the first class.

Despite getting more than the required number of signatures, the petition was challenged by the township supervisors and the Delaware County Board of Elections. It was ultimately denied by the Court of Common Pleas. Commonwealth Court upheld that ruling, so Concord First appealed to the state Supreme Court. The court has not yet ruled on the appeal.

The papers currently in question were filed on Nov. 17, the Supreme Court’s deadline for filings in the case. Attorney J. Michael Sheridan filed the papers at Donaghue’s request, but Supervisors’ Chairman Dominic Pileggi said on Jan. 5 that Donaghue and Sheridan were both acting on behalf of the supervisors.

While voters approved the Government Study Commission in the Nov. 4 election, the election wasn’t certified until Nov. 24 and the members were not sworn in until Nov. 25. In December, all seven members of the Study Commission said they had no prior knowledge of the papers’ being filed in their names.

Having a question on the ballot for the study commission was the idea of the Board of Supervisors. Pileggi said during a meeting last summer that the move was to head off Concord First’s petition drive.

Brown and her group are also alleging that public funds were wrongly used for Sheridan’s filing and have secured a copy of the invoice Sheridan submitted to the township. The bill is for $2,975, she said.

Among the papers Sheridan filed was a petition to intervene, a move that, according to Donaghue, would have given the study commission party status in the matter. However, the Supreme Court denied that petition to intervene.

Prior to that, however, Concord First filed an objection to the petition to intervene. That was denied because Sheridan’s petition was denied, but according to another member of Concord First, Dan Levin, the court itself opened the door to the complaint’s being filed against Donaghue.

Levin said in an email, “the [state] Supreme Court denied our application but wrote that it was doing so ‘without prejudice to the submission of any appropriate complaint to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.’… So this court order reads to us as a message from the court that they reviewed what we wrote, saw our point, and are directing us to file such a complaint as directed.”

When contacted for comment, Donaghue said, “I can’t comment on litigation.”

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.

Concord First files against Donaghue Read More »

Adopt-a-Pet: Biscayne

Home and Leisure
Biscayne

Biscayne is a 1-year-old terrier/American pit bull mix that arrived at the Chester County SPCA on Dec. 12. Don’t let Biscayne’s behavior at the kennel door fool you. He may be jumping and barking, it is only because I want to get your attention in the hope that you will ask to meet with him, and take him home.  Biscayne is a happy and lovable boy who just wants to go for a walk and play. He’s gentle, a quick learner, and loves attention. Biscayne and all the Pets of The Week are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Sunday.

 

About CFLive Staff

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

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Photo of the Week: Falls in Winter

Photo of the Week
Photo of the Week: Falls in Winter

A dusting of snow and the reddish brown of denuded trees frame a frigid looking falls and Newlin Grist Mill Park. Park Director Tony Shahan said all the repairs needed for the dam that feeds water to the falls and mill raceway have been completed and the dam is better than ever.  The dam was washed out in April’s heavy rain.

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.

Photo of the Week: Falls in Winter Read More »

Police Log Jan. 29: Death at gun range; retail theft; DUIs

Police

PSP Logo• State police and medic units were dispatched to the Southern Chester County Sportsmen’s & Farmers’ Association, a private shooting range located off of Route 926 in West Marlborough Township, for a shooting victim. County officials said the coroner was also called to the facility. Trooper Samantha Minnucci, a spokeswoman for Troop J,  Avondale barracks, said the death is under investigation, adding that “nothing appears suspicious.” She said further details would be released when the coroner completes his report.

• A 21-year-old Upper Chichester man faces theft charges in connection with an attempted retail theft at the Home Depot in Concord Township on Jan. 27. State police said Ryan Patrick Dougherty tried to steal $153 worth of merchandise from the store. When approached by loss prevention personnel, Dougherty tried to resist by punching one of the employees in the arm, police said.

• Noah A. Scott, 20, of Garnet Valley, was cited after his car slid off Temple Road and into a tree in Concord Township on Jan. 7, a police report said. According to police, the incident happened at 3:20 p.m. and there were no injuries reported.

• Police said Robert J. Farrington, 31, of Oxford, was cited for speed when he lost control of his car in Chadds Ford Township. According to a report, Farrington was turning into the U.S. Post Office parking lot when he lost control of his car on an icy road surface. No injuries were reported. The incident happened on Jan. 12.

• An unidentified 18-year-old from Chester was involved in a one-car accident on Summit Road in Concord Township in the early morning of Jan. 23. Police said the driver lost control of his vehicle due to heavy snow and hit a parked car at 2:38 a.m. No injuries were reported.

• Kareem M. Abu-Gharbia, 33, of Exton, was charged after police determined he was driving under the influence of a controlled substance, a report said. The report also said substance and paraphernalia were found. Abu-Gharbia was pulled over at a traffic stop on Route 202 at Dilworthtown Road at 2:29 a.m. on Jan. 11.

• Police released no names, but one person was cited for careless driving in connection with a three-car accident on Route 1 in East Marlborough Township on Jan. 22. The 7:25 a.m. accident happened when the cited driver struck one car that was stopped at a light at Orchard Ave. That vehicle then hit another car. No injuries were reported, police said.

• On Jan. 12, at 8:57 pm, New Garden Township Police observed a vehicle on West Cypress Street and Scarlett Road racing its engine and spinning its tires.  Police made contact with the driver, Robert Monson, 59, of Kennett Square, who said he attempted to make a left turn onto Scarlett Road and turned too soon into a grassy area, striking a concrete pole. Police said Monson showed signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests; he was taken into custody for suspected drunk driving.

• An Avondale man was cited for driving at an unsafe speed after a one-vehicle crash on Route 52 in Pocopson Township on Jan. 18 at 10:23 p.m. Police said Joseph C. Meola, 22, was traveling north on Route 52, just north of Denton Hollow Road, when he lost control of his 2001 Isuzu Rodeo on the icy roadway, striking a utility pole. Police said Meola, who was wearing a seatbelt, sustained minor injury.

• State police from the Avondale barracks are investigating two burglaries in Kennett Township. One occurred on Jan. 10 at 7:50 p.m., and the other happened sometime between 1:45 and 7:45 p.m. the same day. In both cases, jewelry was stolen, police said.

• A Havertown man was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia following a traffic stop at the intersection of Conservatory and Longwood Roads in East Marlborough Township on Jan. 2 at 8:41 p.m., state police said. A preliminary hearing for Daniel C. Roe, 19, is scheduled for March 17, court records said.

• State police cited an 84-year-old Kennett Square man after he lodged his 2008 Honda Civic on a rock in East Marlborough Township on Jan. 20 at 9:15 a.m. Police said Fred P. Fieni was traveling southbound on Route 1, south of Orchard Avenue, when he attempted to turn right into a parking lot. Police said Fieni struck a large rock on the side of the road as he made the right turn, and his vehicle came to rest on top of it. Fieni, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured, but the car had to be towed, police said.

About CFLive Staff

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

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Around Town Jan. 29

Along the Ford

• Elliot Bostwick Davis, John Moors Cabot Chair Art of the Americas at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and curator of the Jamie Wyeth exhibition now on display at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, will discuss the artist’s six decades of expansive work during a lecture on Feb. 4 beginning at 6 p.m. The museum will open at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation at 6 p.m. and a reception to follow. Tickets are $20; $15 Brandywine members and are available online or by calling 610-388-8326.

• The Delaware Center for Horticulture’s 2015 winter lecture series begins Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 7-8 p.m. Native plant expert Peggy Anne Montgomery of American Beauties leads a virtual tour of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal native plant winners, beneficial insects, and ornamental plant combinations. For more information and to register, visit http://www.thedch.org/content/winter-lecture-series

• Darlington Arts Center in Concord Township invites couples to a unique Valentine’s date night on Friday, Feb. 13 from 7 -10 p.m. Create side-by-side paintings with your sweetheart, and then learn how to move to the romantic styles of ballroom dance in a special “Brushes and Ballroom” workshop. The workshop is suitable for all skill levels, and beginners are welcome. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while painting and dancing the night away. BYOB – corkscrew and wine glasses provided. The cost is $95 per couple. Pre-registration is required due to space limitations. Register online at www.darlingtonarts.org or call 610-358-3632.

• The Concord Township Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for Feb. 17 has been rescheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23 and will be held at Garnet Valley Middle School. According to a notice from the township, the Planning Commission is expected to review and possibly issue a recommendation regarding the Vineyard Commons plan to develop 230 acres of Woodlawn Trustees property.

• Unionville High School will host an evening of sizzling jazz at the 17th annual Jazz Along the Brandywine festival on Friday, Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Student musicians showcase their talents with quality performances highlighting a variety of styles from soul to swing to samba in this Cavalcade of Bands adjudicated event. The Patton Middle School Jazz Band will give a special guest performance. The evening concludes with an exhibition by the UHS Jazz Band followed by an award ceremony. Tickets are $8 adults, $6 students and seniors, free for ages 5 and under.

• The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized Downtown West Chester as one of four Great Neighborhoods 2014 through its Great Places in Pennsylvania program when David Ward, Assistant Director of the Chester County Planning Commission and member of the PA-APA Chapter, presented the Great Places Certificate to the West Chester BID Board, Borough Mayor and Borough Council Wednesday evening. The new program, which also has a category for Public Spaces, recognizes outstanding neighborhoods throughout Pennsylvania and celebrates the community leaders, professionals, and residents who contribute to making the Great Neighborhoods an asset for the community.

• State Rep. Stephen E. Barrar, R-160, Chester/Delaware counties, has been assigned to serve on the House Consumer Affairs Committee during the 2015-16 legislative session. Barrar will also continue to serve as the chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

About CFLive Staff

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

Around Town Jan. 29 Read More »

Service academy nominations

School & Education

U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-7, announced the nomination of 27 area high school students for admission into one of the United States’ uniformed service academies.

Local students include Kathryn Hughes, from Unionville High School, who was nominated for the Air Force Academy and Graceanna Werner and Hannah Shiflet of Kennett High School who were nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Werner was also nominated for the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.

The nomination from Rep. Meehan does not guarantee admission to a service academy. The academies’ respective admissions boards decide who is offered appointment, and ultimately admitted. Some students were nominated to multiple academies based on their qualifications and desire to attend.

About CFLive Staff

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

Service academy nominations Read More »

Living History: A winter showcase of beauty

Along the Ford
Winter Barn by Jaclyn Beam

Art lovers know that many renowned painters like Monet, Cezanne and others took their brushes and easels outdoors into remote places to capture the beauty of a scene on canvas. The Chadds Ford Historical Society honors a long tradition this winter with the seventh annual plein air event on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 5-8 p.m.

Plein air is a French term denoting an outdoor activity. With artists, this allows them to portray natural light, shadow and perspective that bring life to each painting. Past plein air events with the society have enabled dozens of gifted local and regional artists to depict the natural majesty of the Brandywine Valley during two days of painting in and around the region.

This year will bring something truly special — the participation of painters from the “100 Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Artists” publication. Past years have produced superb renditions of the local landscape, with oils and watercolors showcasing the splendor of the area. The celebration allows guests to come in to the Chadds Ford Historical Society, meet and chat with the artists and purchase newly created paintings that literally came to life hours before.

The Plein Air 2015 Event will take place at the Barn Visitors’ Center at 1736 Creek Road (just up the road from Hank’s Place) in Chadds Ford. Artists are invited to paint on Saturday; those who can’t personally attend may submit a painting created in the plein air style.

Tickets for $50 admit two people, which allows entry to an exclusive preview party from 5-6 pm enabling guests to have the first look at these works of art while enjoying wine and hors d’oeurves and talking with the artists. Preview ticket holders will receive a $25 coupon good towards purchase of a painting.

Later, from 6-8 pm, for $10 general ticket holders can mix and mingle amongst the art and artists while enjoying the displays. Paintings are available for purchase.

Signed copies of a newly published book on “100 Plein Air Painters of the Mid-Atlantic” will be available for purchase also. Noted regional artist Gary Pendleton will be giving a lecture presentation on this topic on March 10, 2015 as part of the society’s Spring Lecture Series. For more information, contact the Chadds Ford Historical Society at 610-388-7376 or visit their website at www.chaddsfordhistory.org.

* Gene Pisasale is an author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the Chester County and Mid-Atlantic region. His latest book “American Revolution to Fine Art- Brandywine Valley Reflections” highlights dozens of historic and cultural sites around the region, including chapters on local artists painting in the Brandywine tradition. His books are available on www.Amazon.com and through his website at www.GenePisasale.com. Contact Gene via e-mail 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: A winter showcase of beauty Read More »

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