March 21, 2015 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Letter to the Editor: Tick Tock clears air over theft case

Pervasive misinformation within the community, regarding a recent legal matter involving Tick Tock Early Learning Center, has become apparent. This misinformation has been detrimental to Tick Tock’s fundraising, and therefore the following statement is necessary to clarify an ongoing situation with a former employee, which will hopefully be resolved within the coming weeks.

On Feb. 20, the Chester County District Attorney’s office, representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, reached an agreement with a former employee of Tick Tock Early Learning Center which will resolve a criminal matter involving allegations of theft from Tick Tock by the former employee. The agreement requires the return of certain of the school’s science materials held by the former employee, and the return of a $500 donation made for the benefit of Tick Tock’s Capital Campaign still in the former employee’s possession. It also requires that former employee to sign a “Settlement Agreement and Release” which prohibits the making of disparaging statements and prohibits further costly legal action. Under the terms of the DA’s agreement with the former employee, the former employee has until April 17 to comply, or face felony charges in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

Tick Tock supports this process and is hopeful to see the end of this difficult situation. Shortly after the resignation of the management employee occurred, and it became apparent that a problem existed, Tick Tock reached out to attempt an amicable settlement with the former employee, unfortunately to no avail. The staff and board of Tick Tock then cooperated with law enforcement officials and the Office of the District Attorney to ensure that the interests of those we serve were protected. Tick Tock is grateful for the return of the school’s science materials through the efforts of the New Garden Police. Tick Tock looks forward to the return of the $500 donation as well.

Tick Tock Early Learning Center continues to provide high quality care and education to our children. As a respected community nonprofit, maintaining the integrity of the donation process is essential to sustaining Tick Tock’s mission.

The board of directors is appreciative of their valued friends, whose understanding, support and participation has sustained the excellent program and has allowed Tick Tock to continue to serve our community for more than 50 years!

The Board of Directors

Tick Tock Early Learning Center

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Longword’s organ film to make TV debut

Arts & Entertainment

organIMG_1186 — Ben Steen, who won the inaugural Longwood Gardens Organ Competition, is shown getting ready to perform.

On Sunday evening, winter-weary area residents can enjoy the beauty of Longwood Gardens without leaving the comfort of their homes as WHYY broadcasts the debut of a new documentary at 8 p.m. on March 22.

Filmmaker and producer Eric Schultz of PCK Media used Longwood’s inaugural organ competition for “Pulling Out All the Stops.” The film showcases Longwood as well as its custom-built Aeolian organ, an instrument so massive that Pierre S. du Pont had a ballroom constructed in 1929 to house it.

The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes view of the competition, including glimpses of the work from a group of distinguished judges, who sorted through audition tapes from hopefuls aged 18 to 30. After selecting 10 rising stars representing eight different countries, the film follows the competitors from their arrival at Longwood to the announcement of the top prize.

Given only five hours to master Longwood’s complex instrument, the contestants faced off against each other at Longwood before being winnowed to a field of five. The film includes footage of all five in their hometowns.

As the pressure mounts for the finalists as they battle for three cash prizes – first, $40,000; second, $15,000; and third, $5,000 – Schultz captures the drama and angst of the presentations. In the process, he also provides a history lesson on the organ, which once held a prominent place in American music.

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Utility offers weatherizing advice

Home and Leisure

Snow may have fallen on the first day of spring, but warmer weather is right around the corner. The change in season is the perfect reminder to weatherize your home to ensure it is as energy efficient as possible, saving energy and money, a PECO press release said.

Here are some easy steps customers can take to make a difference:

Keep it sealed: Inspect the caulking or weather stripping around windows, doors and any openings for utility services. A drafty house lets cool air escape and is much more costly to keep cool – especially during warmer weather.
Clear the air: Replacing your old central air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR®-qualified model can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 30 percent. Change your filter regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Upgrade your insulation: Insulating your home can significantly reduce your heating and cooling costs, while increasing the comfort of your home in both hot and cold weather.
Consider the benefits of yard work. Proper selection and placement of trees, shrubs, and vines adds attractiveness and also helps lower the heating and cooling needs of a home.

PECO encourages customers to always put safety first. Customers are reminded to dial 811 at least three days before digging to ensure the area is safe for planting.

Here are a few tips to help you stay cool when the summer heat is on:

Manage your thermostat: Keep thermostats set at a constant, comfortable level. Just by raising your thermostat from 72 to 78 degrees, you could save up to 6 percent off your cooling bills.
Stay shaded: If possible, keep your room air conditioner out of the sun. Room air conditioners work best when kept cool. Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the strong sunlight from heating your home.
Be a fan: Consider installing a ceiling fan. During warmer weather a ceiling fan will create a cool breeze and keep the air circulating in your home.
Cool the kitchen: Instead of using your oven or stove in warmer weather, which can generate more heat, fire up the outdoor grill for cooking. You also can use your microwave or other countertop appliances in place of the stove or oven.

Looking for even more ways to save energy and money? With PECO Smart House Call, we’ll send an energy advisor to your home, provide a personal energy assessment and offer energy-efficient upgrades on the spot. By identifying energy-efficiency opportunities around your home, you could save up to 20 percent on your monthly energy bill. Learn more at peco.com/smartideas or call 1-888-5PECO-SAVE.

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