• Top photo: Unionville High School students are decked out in their finery before going to the prom at Springfield Country Club.
• The May 20 meeting for Walkable Chadds Ford has been rescheduled to 6 p.m., May 27, at the Chadds Ford Township building.
• The Chadds Ford Historical Society is opening a new exhibit in honor of 50 years of Chadds Ford Days. The exhibit will debut Friday, May 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the society’s Barn Visitors’ Center. The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 5, is free and will celebrate this birthday using objects and photographs from the 50-year history. It will mix one part history and one part nostalgia with some fun thrown in for good measure.
• The Sanderson Museum, Delaware Museum of Natural History and the Brandywine River Museum of Art are participating in the 2015 Blue Star Museum Program. This program offers free admission to military personnel and their families from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
The Dixie Demons prepare to perform at the Sanderson Museum on May 20 for the second annual tribute to Chris Sanderson and his band, The Pocopson Valley Boys.”
• On May 23, 24 and 25, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine will kick off summer by opening its outdoor pools for free to all members of the community. This event is designed to highlight the importance of swim lessons and water safety skills and gives families the opportunity to enjoy a day of outdoor fun at the pool.
• The Music at St. Michael Concert Series presents “Summer in the City” with the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. It’s an afternoon of summertime favorites that will transport you from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July, a baseball game, and all the way to Cape May. Enjoy selections like “Under the Boardwalk,” “Surfin’ USA,” “Summer Nights,” and more, along with selections from Randall Thompson’s “Testament of Freedom.” The suggested donation is $10 per adult, $5 per child under 12. St. Michael Lutheran Church is at 109 E. Doe Run Road in East Marlborough Township.
• Discover the legacy of African American soldiers and veterans of World War I in a lecture by noted scholar Chad L. Williams at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on Wednesday, June 3, at 6 p.m. Williams is associate professor and chair of the Department of African and Afro-American Studies at Brandeis University, and is an expert on African Americans and World War I and, more generally, African Americans and the military. The museum will open at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation at 6 p.m., followed by a reception. Tickets are available online or by calling 610-388-8326.
• The Kennett Area Senior Center Yard Sale is June 6 from 8 am to 3 p.m. Come check out a large variety of home goods, clothing, decorations and other treasures at our semi-annual yard sale.
• The Phoenixville Community Health Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to the Friends Association for Care & Protection of Children last month. The grant will be used by the Friends Association for resources specific to the organization’s newest program, Outreach to Homeless Families, which provides a designated social worker for all communities in Chester County. Last year, Friends Association served 84 homeless Chester County families with children.
• Top photo: Three members of the UHS Rowing Club recently signed to continue their rowing careers in college. Seated from left to right are Justin Best (Drexel), Sara Beth Johnson (Robert Morris) and Julia Pinamont (Loyola Marymount). Also in the photo from left to right are Paula Massanari (UHS Principal), Jeanne and Glenn Best, Janice, Steven and Katie Johnson and Bernadette and William Pinamont.
• Trisha Kumar of Chadds Ford, was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Kumar was initiated at University of Delaware.
• Alyssa Coombs, of Chadds Ford, graduated alongside 1,063 Millersville University of Pennsylvania students during the spring 2015 undergraduate commencement ceremony held on Saturday, May 9, in Millersville’s Biemesderfer Stadium at Chryst Field. Coombs earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety & environmental health.
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute has announced that Charles Frick of Chadds Ford, a junior majoring in electrical and computer engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the spring 2015 semester.
• Ashlie Pilotti, of Chadds Ford, was among eight Coastal Carolina University students who recently took first and second place honors in several categories at the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference in Charleston. Pilotti, from the College of Science, won first place in website design.
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.
Red is a 1-year-old hound/mix that came to the Chester County SPCA on March 21.
The best word to describe me would be charming. I’m so soulful I will just charm your pants off. Take one look into my amber eyes and you will be hooked. I’m just a young guy, about a year, who is energetic yet well behaved. I walk well on a leash and listen like a true gentleman should. Please come visit me and consider making me a part of your family. I know we will make a great team.
• The Avondale barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police will hold a child safety seat check up from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26. Checks are done by appointment. To schedule an appointment, phone 610-268-2102. The event is free and is in conjunction with Click it or Ticket It.
• The Pennsylvania State Police are advising people of a fraudulent e-mail scheme claiming to be from PennDOT. In a community awareness bulletin, police said the e-mail subject line indicates “Action required – Fine for Traffic Violations.” The body of the message says a vehicle registered in the person’s name was captured running a red light. The text mentions violation date, ticket number and the amount of a fine. It also provides links to view photos and pay the fine. The claims are false and the e-mails are sent to obtain personal information, police said.
• Aaron Lloyd Smith, 20, of Glen Mills, was charged with DUI after a traffic stop on Route 1 at Dougherty Boulevard shortly before 2 a.m. on May 17, according to a police report.
• A traffic stop at Smithbridge and Heyburn roads in Chadds Ford led to a DUI arrest. Police said Christian Cameron Harvey, 27, of Wilmington, was arrested on May 10 at 2:44 a.m.
• When 20-year-old Matthew George Brozak, of Garnet Valley, was stopped for traffic violations on Route 202 near Watkin Avenue, police found drugs, paraphernalia and a stolen purse. Brozak was arrested, police said, and an investigation was continuing. Police made the traffic stop at 1:14 a.m. on May 14.
• State police also filed drug possession charges against Kevin Gordon Smith, 59, of West Chester. Police said they found marijuana and paraphernalia after they stopped Smith for traffic violations shortly after 1 p.m. on May 12 along Cheyney Road at Governor Markham Drive in Concord Township.
• The Gap store in Glen Eagle Square reported the theft of $218 worth of baby clothes on May 11, according to a police report.
• No injuries were reported, but one driver was cited, following a May 1 two-vehicle crash on Naaman’s Creek Road in Concord Township. Police said Theand L. Gilbert, 35, of New Castle, was heading west after leaving the Wawa parking lot when a car turning into the lot struck her vehicle. Gilbert was cited for driving with a suspended license. The other driver was not cited, according to the report.
• Police from Troop K, of the state police Media barracks, reported another case of identity theft involving a fraudulent tax return. A Concord Township resident was the victim.
• Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Richard H. D’Ambrosio, who heads the Avondale barracks, advised residents to be wary of giving out personal information to anyone who can’t be verified as having a legitimate reason for requesting it. D’Ambrosio said he’s seen more cases involving fraudulent income-tax returns this year than in the past 10 years combined. D’Ambrosio attributed the spike to social media and the electronic footprint those avenues leave.
• Kennett Square Police said they cited Nicholas Ruiz, 23, and Alejandro Vega-Sosa, 39, both of Kennett Square, for violating the borough’s open-container ordinance after they were found with open containers of alcohol on the railroad tracks between South Walnut and South Broad streets on Thursday, April 30, at 3:38 p.m.
• Kennett Square Police said they arrested Anthony Butler, 39, of Kennett Square, for DUI following an accident in the 500 block of West State Street on Sunday, May 3, at 11:42 p.m.
• David Villafane, 38, of Kennett Square, faces charges that include fleeing from police and multiple motor-vehicle violations, Kennett Square Police said. Villafane was stopped on Thursday, May 7 at 11:58 p.m. following a pursuit that began at South Union and West Mulberry streets and ended in the 700 block of Mason Avenue, police said.
• Sometime between 6 and 8:42 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, a wallet containing $150, two debit cards and one credit card was stolen after the alleged victim accidentally left it at a business located in the 500 block of South Union Street, said Kennett Square Police, who are investigating the theft.
• Kennett Square Police said they detained Ian Twyman, 33, of Kennett Square, on an outstanding warrant following an altercation in the 100 block of East State Street on Saturday, May 9, at 11:49 p.m.
At the May 18 School Board meeting, Mr. Knauss stated that the Teachers’ Association is proposing an 4.6 percent increase in “payroll” each year, as compared to the 2.1 percent being offered by the board.
The documents given to me by the board negotiating team clearly state that the 4.6 percent includes increases in salaries plus other things the board calls “compensation.”
Will Mr. Knauss retract his statement publicly in this forum as well as to his constituents? We hope so. But the damage is done.
What damage?
The inaccuracies and missteps damage Mr. Knauss’s reputation.
The inaccuracies and missteps damage the transparency the board claims to value.
The inaccuracies and missteps damage labor relations and our progress toward a contract settlement.
The inaccuracies and missteps damage teacher morale.
The inaccuracies and missteps damage the community’s understanding of the situation, and therefore its ability to guide the board in its wishes.
UCFEA has asked the board repeatedly to speak in terms of salary and not “total compensation” to avoid just this kind of confusion.
Mr. Knauss’s misstatement is the ultimate proof that this concept leads to miscommunication. As chair of the board’s finance committee, as a “numbers guy,” as a bargaining team member, even Mr. Knauss got it wrong — in public — with his notes in front of him — when he knew he was going on record.
How often is this same mistake being perpetuated? How much misinformation is out there due to this confusion over “total compensation?” How many community members are trusting these numbers? How many board members are getting a skewed sampling of their constituents’ wishes?
So, what are the teachers asking for?
Using the board’s method of projecting costs, the association’s proposal asks for a 2.4 percent salary increase next year. The board is offering 0.02 percent in salaries. Let’s stick to straight talk.
Anita L. Quinn
Chief Negotiator, Unionville-Chadds Ford Education Association
Harry Andrew Haney, 85, of Cochranville, died Saturday, May 16, at his residence.
Born in Londonderry Township, he was the son of the late James C. and Hazel Fox Haney. He was a 1947 graduate of Avon Grove High School.
He was a machinist at CDS Analytical in Oxford, for 40 years, retiring in 2013.
Harry enjoyed gardening, bluegrass music, trips to Bell Bank Bridge and being with his family and friends.
He is survived by one son, H. James Haney of Bear, Del.; three daughters, Jean A. Casey of West Grove, Susan N. Haney of Cochranville, and Shelley A. Yarnall and her husband Earl of West Grove; two brothers, Frank E. Haney, of Oxford, and J. Latta Haney of Christiana; two sisters, Helen H. Tice of Cochranville, and Joyce H. Dorazio of West Grove; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by one sister, Lillian E. Groff, and four brothers, Coulson, George, Robert and Ralph Haney.
You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, at Manor Presbyterian Church, 505 Street Road in Cochranville. His Memorial service will follow at 11. Burial will be the Faggs Manor Cemetery.
It wasn’t your ordinary science class. It wasn’t your ordinary history class. It was science history, the science of electricity that is.
Elementary school students from two different schools lit up with excitement Tuesday when they learned about the early days of electric power generation at the Pennsbury hydroelectric mill.
The hydroelectric mill on Fairville Road was built in 1917 and it supplied power to the Danby residence until 1935.
Matt Ochs, of the Pennsbury Historic Commission, demonstrated mill operations to a group from West Chester Friends School during the afternoon. Students from Pocopson Elementary School went through in the morning.
He said the little power station was likely used to light the home — eliminating the need for kerosene lamps — and to drive a well pump for indoor plumbing throughout the house.
The kids described the mill as awesome and cool and thought it was neat that if you made the wheel go fast, lights would come on.
As one student understood it, the mill was needed before there was a modern electric grid because “There were no tall thingies that carry wires.”
The “tall thingies” are utility poles.
Ochs explained how the mill needs running stream water to run the wheels that crank out the energy.
In the early days, he said, private hydroelectric mills were the only way to have electricity in rural areas.
He explained how electricity was generated and how volts and amps create watts.
At slow speed, the Pennsbury mill supplied 10 watts of power by generating five volts at two amps. But when the mill wheels sped up — by pulling ropes to allow greater water flow — there were 60 volts at seven amps generating 420 watts. At that rate, lights in the mill house lit up. (See top photo.)
At other stations at the mill, students learned about solar and steam power as part of their science curriculum.
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.
Guests arrive at the former East Bradford Boarding Home for Boys, part of the Strode's Mill Historic District and the site of a fundraiser for the property across the street.
Steps from where George Washington’s troops procured grain from Strode’s Mill in East Bradford Township, an equally tenacious group procured funds on Friday, May 15, for a project to turn the deteriorating northeast corner of the crossroads into a source of community pride.
To the left of the Strode’s structure with the collapsing roof, an addition for the scrapple operation, is a historic English-style stone barn that will be saved. The addition is expected to be razed to uncover its historic foundation.
The Friends of Strode’s Mill held a country casual fundraiser at the East Bradford Boarding Home for Boys, a 1800s educational institution that is now a private residence. It sits across the street from the landmark Chester County site that is being rescued.
Organized by Linda Kaat, an area preservationist, the effort to rehabilitate the approximately seven-acre property at the intersection of Route 52 and Birmingham Road gained momentum back in February when Kaat, who had been interested in the site for some time, held the first gathering to drum up support for protecting it.
Since then, the property, which had been for sale for years, was put under agreement. Kaat said closing is expected within the next couple of weeks, at which point East Bradford Township will become the property’s owner, and the Friends of Strode’s Mill will work with the township on the needed renovations.
Kaat, who estimated that the project is a third of the way from being transformed from an eyesore to an asset, said she’s delighted with the response so far. More than 100 people attended Friday night’s event, raising almost $12,000. The number was almost uncanny, Kaat said, because she had just received an estimate to replace the barn roof that came in at $11,850.
Linda Kaat (right), an area preservationist, chats with Ken Lawson at the fundraiser for the Strode’s Mill property on the northeast corner of Birmingham Road and Route 52.
Many people contributed to the success of the fundraiser, Kaat said, singling out Bob and Anne Powers and their children for their generous hospitality and delicious food. In addition, Donna Dymek, who runs the Strode’s Mill Gallery across the street from the former sausage factory, solicited numerous works of art for the silent auction.
Among the guests were at least three generations of the Strode family, Kaat said. Speakers included Rep. Chris Ross (R-158), who expressed support for the project, and Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who reaffirmed the commissioners’ commitment to open space and preservation. A county grant helped make the purchase possible.
In addition, the audience heard from Jay Rowan, who, along with his brother, Michael Rowan, has been handling the estate of their sibling, Mark Rowan, who owned the property until his death in July 2013. Jay Rowan said he believed his brother would be pleased and proud of the plans for the property.
The crowd also got insight from Kaat, whose passion for history has spearheaded numerous preservation projects in the region, including the Glen Mills Train Station, Martin’s Tavern in Marshallton, and the Stargazers’ Stone in Newlin Township.
Although the property is probably best known for the faded letters that proclaim “Home of Strode’s Country Fresh Sausage, Scrapple” along the building, it has much greater historic importance, Kaat said.
While Revolutionary War troops purchased supplies from Strode’s Mill, Kaat said the British forces marched past the crossroads on their way to the Battle of the Brandywine. Over the years, in addition to the scrapple factory, the tiny village boasted a timber business, a farm, a pressed cider operation, and a blacksmith/wheelwright.
A rendering by architect Daniel T. Campbell shows a possible view of the restored barn and the exposed foundation of the scrapple factory addition. The building on the right is the Strode’s Mill Gallery.
The Strode’s Mill Historic District earned National Register distinction in 1989. The petition championed the area as a thriving “crossroads village, providing a variety of services for the surrounding community and for people traveling toward Kennett and Concord.”
On each corner of the crossroads sits a building significant to the village history, including the Strode’s Mill – longtime home of the Strode’s Mill Gallery – and the boarding school, now the Powers’ residence.
The corner that Mark Rowan owned includes a two-story English-style stone barn, which is structurally sound; and a linear barn addition used for the sausage operation, which has fallen into critical disrepair.
Kaat said the addition, with its collapsing roof, is not historically significant, and she envisions taking it down to its colonial-period foundation. The barn, which would be restored, could serve as a demonstration site for the early industry of Chester County.
Markers and signage could create an interpretive educational venue, which should also include the area’s Indian history, Kaat said. A parking area would enable visitors to tour the grounds and enjoy the watershed area, anchored by the gurgling Plum Run, or take advantage of opportunities for additional meandering.
The site is on the proposed Brandywine Trail Corridor, which would eventually allow bike and pedestrian pathways to the borough and possible linkups with other trail networks.
“If we don’t do this, all this wonderful history will be lost,” Kaat said. “We want everyone to realize how lucky they are to live in an area with such a rich heritage, to be more attuned with the sense of place that goes with it.”
Mandie Cantlin, assistant township manager in East Bradford, said the supervisors authorized the acquisition of the property last week, and a settlement date has not been set yet. She expects it to occur within the next six weeks.
Brian Wolf, a reenactor connected to the Brandywine Battlefield and the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, adds a touch of authenticity to the fundraiser.
Once the township officially owns the property, Cantlin said it would formalize an agreement with the Friends of Strode’s Mill, who will be raising the funds for the renovations, to divide the labors and proceed with the work.
The first construction phase will focus on stabilization and safety, and because the process will involve some demolition, permits and approvals will be needed, Cantlin said. “We have to go through that process just like anyone else would,” she explained.
Depending on the time frame, she said a temporary fence may be erected on the property. “The good news is that everything is continuing to move forward,” Cantlin said.
More positive news came through the environmental report that was just completed, Kaat said. Considering the numerous hazards and toxins that could have been found, Kaat said: “We were very lucky. One small pipe is wrapped with asbestos.”
Kaat said myriad ways exist to help with the project, which will be relying on volunteers. She said those who contribute $1,000 or more, either in cash or in services, will have their name – or the name of a loved one – added to a plaque that will be placed at the site when it is completed. She said the group is particularly looking for tradespeople who might want to donate their skills or offer a reduced rate.
“Whatever someone wants to contribute would be welcomed,” Kaat said. “There is so much that we’re going to need.”
Plans are already underway for another fundraiser, which will be held at a nearby historic property with a barn on Route 52. Kaat said she’s hoping to double the attendance.
Kaat said one of the benefits that has already surfaced is the “sense of community” the project has engendered. Kaat said neighbors who didn’t know one another have met, and people who once worked at the sausage plant, who maintain a strong allegiance to the Strode family, have called to see how they can assist.
“This is such a special place,” Kaat said. “It’s just going to be such an asset for everyone.”
While most of the primary election results occurred as anticipated, several last minute write-in campaigns in Chadds Ford and Concord townships could add names to the November ballot or redefine specific races.
Democrat Alan Horowitz was unopposed on the primary ballot for his party’s nomination to run for a six-year term as supervisor in Chadds Ford, but with a two-year term also open, township Democrats urged their voters to write in Horowitz’ name for that slot also.
According to Chadds Ford Democratic Party Chairman Jesse Sheppard, that write-in campaign was successful. The unofficial county results indicate a total of 55 write-ins for that two-year term, but Sheppard said in a late e-mail that 43 of those are for Horowitz. Another 11 were also for Horowitz, but the name written in was incomplete, using only the candidate’s last name, Sheppard said.
As for the significance of the write-ins, Horowitz said he now has a choice.
“The write-in vote allows me to decide who to oppose in November. The timing of my decision will be dictated by the election rules, of course,” Horowitz said.
According to Horowitz, only 10 votes would have been needed for him to have the option.
If Horowitz runs for the six-year term, he’ll face incumbent Republican Supervisor Samantha Reiner. If it’s the two-year term, he’ll face Noelle Barbone in the general election.
Reiner and Barbone both ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Reiner was appointed supervisor after Keith Klaver resigned in January. It was believed she would run for the remaining two years of that term, but local Republicans felt it would be better if she ran for the six-year term. If she wins that seat, she’ll replace George Thorpe.
Sheppard also said a write-in campaign worked to get Democrats Sharon Booker, Christine Reuther and Richard R. Womack on the ballot for Delaware County Council. No breakdown is given, but Delaware County’s unofficial results show more than 10,000 write-in votes were cast.
Democrats also ran a write-in campaign for Concord Township supervisor. There were no Democrats on the ballot, but the party asked people to write-in the names Dan Foster and John Wellington.
In an e-mail, Foster said those write-ins earned both a place on the ballot in November. He said he received 118 votes, while Wellington received 110.
Republicans running unopposed for supervisor in Concord were Gail Ryan and incumbent Kevin O’Donoghue. O’Donoghue is running for re-election while Ryan will run for the seat currently held by Dominic Cappelli, who is resigning from the board as of the end of May. His seat would have expired the end of this year. A replacement must be appointed until then.
The results in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board Region C race fell along party lines. The Democratic Party ticket of Kathy Do, Gregg Lindner and Beverly Brookes will face Republicans Carolyn Daniels, John Murphy and Lorraine Ramunno. Chadds Ford and Pennsbury Townships make up Region C.
In other Delaware County results, Republicans Colleen Morrone, John McBlain and Michael Culp ran unopposed in the primary and will be on the ballot for County Council.
Republican Party state Sen. Dominic F. Pileggi, along with Anthony Scanlon and Margaret Amoroso, will be on the November ballot seeking election to the Court of Common Pleas. Those three also cross-filed to run as Democrats in November.
Scanlon was also endorsed by the county Democratic Party. He’ll be joined on that ticket with Larry Abel and G. Lawrence Demarco.
Supervisor races in Birmingham and Pennsbury Townships in Chester County were unopposed. Incumbent Aaron McIntyre will be the Republican Party nominee in Pennsbury, and Michael Shiring will be on the GOP ballot in Birmingham. No Democrats were running for that party’s nomination in either township.
In Pocopson Township, Elaine DiMonte, an endorsed Republican seeking a six-year term as supervisor, ran unopposed, but a lively contest developed for an unexpired four-year supervisors’ term.
Following a court challenge, a second endorsed GOP candidate, Alice J. Balsama, had to wage a write-in campaign for the four-year term, which also being sought by Pocopson Supervisors’ Chairman Barney Leonard, and she appeared to prevail.
On the Republican side, unofficial results showed 133 write-ins and 114 votes for Leonard. On the Democratic side, 50 write-ins were cast.
With the exception of the prothonotary, candidates for Chester County row offices were unopposed in the primary. GOP Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline will face off in the fall against Commissioner Kathi Cozzone and Bill Scott. Democrats Tom Purl, Lani Frank, James Bell, and Hans Van Mol will attempt to unseat District Attorney Tom Hogan, Register of Wills Terri Clark, Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh, and Recorder of Deeds Rick Loughery respectively. The prothonotary’s race will pit Democrat Tisha Mae Brown against Republican Matt Holliday.
In a crowded race for a seat on the Chester County bench, the endorsed candidates prevailed: Democrat Julia Malloy-Good and Republican Allison Bell Royer.
Kathy Brady Shea provided content for this article.
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.
