PennDOT has announced the following road projects, which are weather-dependent and could affect residents in the greater Chadds Ford area during the week of May 24 through May 31. The department recommends that motorists allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.
Brintons Bridge Road in Birmingham Township will require lane restrictions for base repair between New Street and Creek Road. The work is scheduled from Tuesday, May 26, through Wednesday, May 27 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
On Route 202 in Concord and Chadds Ford townships, lane closures will be needed for roadwork in connection with the Wegmans shopping center between Applied Card Way and Route 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Oct. 1
On Route 1 in Concord Township, lane closures will be needed in both directions between Brinton Lake Road and Route 202 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Oct. 1. On southbound Route 1, 24-hour lane closures will be needed between Thornton and Conchester roads for work scheduled through July 7.
Motorists on Boot Road in West Goshen Township will experience lane restrictions between Clover Mill Road and National Road through July 31. Crews will be working on road-widening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Boot Road between Phoenixville Pike and North Chester Road, lane closures will be needed for paving through Wednesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Newark Road in Kennett Square between Route 1 and Route 926 will require lane closures for base repair through Friday, May 29. The work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Traffic signal installation in Kennett Square Borough will continue to require lane closures on Cypress Street at Mill Road, Meredith Street and South Broad Street; Union Street at South Street; and State Street at Broad Street, Union Street and Mill Road. Crews are scheduled to work from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, through Friday, May 29.
Burnt Mill Road in Kennett Township is closed and detoured between Norway and Spring Mill roads indefinitely while crews prepare for repairs to a bridge that collapsed on April 24.
Weekday lane closures are scheduled on eastbound Route 30 (Exton Bypass) between the Business Route 30 and Route 100 interchanges in West Whiteland Township, through May 31. The work, which includes patching and core borings to determine the extent of sinkhole activity, will be done from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Route 100 will continue to be restricted to one lane in both directions between Sunrise Drive and Route 113 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland townships, on Wednesday, May 27, through Friday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for road widening.
One lane will remain closed on Interstate 95 North at the Commodore Barry Bridge for construction through July 14.
If you want to report potholes and other roadway maintenance concerns on state roads, call 610-566-0972 in Delaware County or 484-340-3200 in Chester County, or visit www.dot.state.pa.us and click on “submit feedback.”.
Police and the business community in Collingdale are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in an early morning smash and grab theft at a gun shop on May 21, according to the Delaware County District Attorney’s office.
At least two men are being sought in connection with the theft of more than a dozen handguns from the Suburban Armory sporting goods store on MacDade Boulevard.
According to witnesses, one thin male was seen emerging from the store at about 4:13 a.m. The man entered a dark colored SUV, which then fled toward Darby Borough.
One of the vehicles seen in the vicinity was a maroon Pontic with a license plate having YZ as the first two letters.
The initial press release said a large 8-foot by 4-foot window was smashed, which enabled the perpetrators to enter the store and smash two gun cases. Storeowner Joseph Galiano said he thinks 15 to 20 handguns — revolvers and semi-automatic pistols — were taken. Collingdale police are saying the count is 19.
Rifles were also pulled from a display, but they had been chained together.
Two vehicles were seen in the area. Police are interested in what was later identified as a maroon Pontiac Montana with a license plate having YZ as the first two letters.
Security cameras from nearby McDowell Auto show also showed a gray or light colored four-door General Motors vehicle leaving from the front of the store. Two men were seen running back to the store, then back out. They could also be seen placing the large window on the side of the business before running across the street.
Collingdale police were initially dispatched after a report of shots fired.
Members of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division are assisting in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collingdale Police at 610-586-0502, ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS or the Delaware County CID at 610-891-4700.
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.
Members of the Keystone Valley Fire Department pose with Keith Johnson (right), president of the Chester County EMS Council after receiving the Distinguished Service Award.
Last year, 18 people in Chester County lost their pulses and would have lost their lives were it not for the intervention of first-responders, and two citizens in imminent danger of death were similarly saved by the county’s emergency services community.
Stephen S. Webb accepts the Margaret Hoover Brigham Award for his decades of stellar service to Chester County.
In addition, four babies decided to make their appearance into the world before their mothers arrived at the hospital, requiring the services of that same pool of emergency responders.
On Thursday, May 21, the Chester County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council, Inc. hosted the 11th Annual Awards Ceremony, an event timed to coincide with National EMS Week. The 2015 program, which was held at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square, pays tribute to the entire EMS community while also singling out more than 100 individuals for the kind of heroics often featured on TV dramas.
Approximately 250 people packed the dining room, punctuating the evening with hearty applause as their colleagues’ names were called. Emergency services providers dominated the audience, joined by a host of family members and government officials, including the county commissioners, who all addressed the crowd and presented an EMS Week Proclamation.
Hundreds of first responders and their supporters converged on the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square for the 11th Annual EMS Awards Ceremony.
Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell said this year’s theme – “EMS Strong – was appropriate given the excellent reputation of the county’s EMS services, which routinely generate the highest rankings from citizens during an annual county survey.
“You accomplish miracles despite the obstacles thrown your way,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. She said the county’s 1,500 EMS providers deserved to be recognized and applauded.
Commissioner Michelle H. Kichline praised the first-responders’ dedication, noting that the average of 108 emergency calls a day guarantees that the medics, firefighters, and police officers are often missing birthday parties and special events.
One of the evening’s most coveted awards received its name and inspiration from the late Margaret Hoover Brigham, a longtime Birmingham Township resident who was the granddaughter of President Herbert Hoover and founder and first president of the Chester County EMS Council.
Telecommunicator of the Year winner Steven Bacharach is flanked by Keith Johnson (left), president of the EMS Council, and John Applegate, the council’s vice president.
“Tonight we give it to someone who doesn’t want it,” said William Wohl, a member of West Grove Fire Company and a past president of the EMS Council.
He said Stephen S. Webb, who retired in December 2014 as deputy director for field services for the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, was never an award seeker but embodied the spirit of the honor during his 32 years of service.
“He really wanted to be a forest ranger,” Wohl said of Webb. “Luckily, he came to DES.”
Wohl said Webb was known as a staunch advocate for emergency services providers “who always pushed for what was best for Chester County” at state meetings. He also set the bar high for providers. “Boy, did he have a reputation as a tough inspector,” Wohl added.
Leo Scaccia, a past Brigham award winner, presented the Nicholas H.S. Campbell Meritorious Service Award for EMS Leadership to Catherine Rawlings of Medic 93. Campbell “laid the foundation” for EMS in Chester County, Scaccia said. He joked that Rawlings has “been by my side longer than my wife – and my wife appreciates it, too.” Scaccia called her a skilled practitioner, staunch patient advocate, and trusted friend.
EMS Council Vice-president John Applegate (left) and EMS Council President Keith Johnson (right) celebrate the awards of James Forwood (middle, from left), Sam Broomall, and Matthew Eick.
Robert Hotchkiss, also a past Brigham winner, congratulated the Keystone Valley Fire Department for earning the Distinguished Service Award, noting their “excellence, innovation and commitment to service.” The department handles about 1,000 calls a year, he said.
Hotchkiss pointed out that although the department is one of the newest service providers, it boasts an impressive history. In March 2013, the department was formed through the merger of the Pomeroy, Parkesburg and Atglen companies, creating an efficient consolidation that included veterans from all of the companies. Their successful effort to live up to their motto – “working regionally to survive locally” – has been used as a model for other companies.
Scott Thornton, who serves on the training committee of the EMS Council, presented the Telecommunicator of the Year Award to Steven Bacharach. Thornton said a call from an 8-year-old girl who said her mother was having trouble breathing typified the empathy, professionalism and demeanor Bacharach consistently brings to his role.
Thornton said the mother credited Bacharach with her recovery because Bacharach succeeded in keeping her daughter calm and focused until assistance arrived.
Other honorees included Ethan Healey, the Basic Life Support Provider of the Year; Alex Christ, the Advanced Life Support Provider of the Year; Muthuramanan Rameswaran, the EMS Educator of the Year; and Judith Kaplan, the Distinguished Provider Award.
Honored for assisting with the delivery of a baby in the field were Amy DeNight, Medic 91; Brandon Culbert and Paul Grothman, Goshen Fire Company; Christopher Plumley and Samuel Broomell, Kennett Fire company; Matthew Eick and James Forwood, Longwood Fire Company; James Buchanan and Hope Bernhardy, Washington Hose Fire Company; Scot Kreger, Brandywine Hospital Medic 93; Melody Kachel and Nicolette Madanat, Washington Hose Fire Company; and Hazel Stanton, Medic 93.
Life-saving Clinical Excellence Commendations went to Pamela Hoadley, John Ripple, and Tammy King-Whiteman, Southern Chester County EMS Medic 94; and Brian Casson, Timothy Greene, and Jack Wilkins of the Avondale Fire Company, who were all involved in saving the life of a patient showing imminent danger of death.
The following first-responders (followed by their station number) were recognized for their involvement in a pre-hospital clinical save of a patient without a pulse: Jaime Lee Wullenwaber, 46, Rebecca Scura, 46 Hannah Sandstrom, Matthew Bertrand, Kimberly Harvey, 94, Danielle Celii, 23, Matt Gialloreto, 23, Brian Franks (twice), 23, New Garden Township Officer John Gibson, Kyle O’Brien (thrice), 5, Stacy Catren, 5, Quintin Lotz, 5, Michael Whisler (twice), 4, Wayne Salat, 67, John Osborne Jr. (twice), 67, Matthew Eick, 25, James Forwood, 25, Kelly McLennan, 24, Mark Plumley, 24, Pamela Hoadley, 94, Michael Gerisch, 94, Dennis Bisson, 23, Stephanie Biondi, 23, Timothy Gates, 23, John Reilly, 54, Joseph Miles, 54, Emily Mallon, 91, Kerri Barrett, 91, Wilbur Emmons (thrice), 91, Darlene Mancaruso (twice), 55, Justin Robbins, 4, Jason Drinkwater, 4, Eric Fedor, 3, Timothy Wert (twice), 3, Jennifer Overholt, 46, Theresa Delp (twice), 46, Brad Cosgrove, 46, Jason Brooks, 46, Frank Ray, 46, Raymond Stackhouse, 38, Michael Edwards, 38, Heather Staley, 67, Lawrence Bengough, 67, East Pikeland Township Officer Pat Ehman, Christopher Totaro, 3, Andrew Conaway (twice), 3, Mark Scanlon, 4, Robert Zynn Jr., 49, Dane Edwards, 49, Kevin Pilotti, 49, Adam Saylor, 49, John Groff, 49, David Quigley, 49, Richard Savastana, 49, Catherine Rawlings, 49, Nicholas Proko, 49, Joseph Edwards, 49, Max Castoldi, 49, Collin Miller, 49, Bryan Sockel, 46, Stacy Crowding, 46, Richard Constantine, 46, Robert Guiney (twice), 91, Jerry Peters (twice), 91, Raymond Wilkinson, 54, Krystal Rose, 54, Robert Smith, 54, Matthew Poake, 55, Ethan Healey, 55, Adrianne Pohar, 91, Kevin Carr, 91, Ronald Immel, 55, Michael Coogan, 55, Brian Sporek, 55, Paul Brown, 55, Kevin McCarthy, 55, Earl McComsey, 55, John Haynes, 55, Kaitlyn Koutris, 55 and Scott Kramer, 91.
BPA members show their drivers licenses with organ donor designation
Members of the Business and Professional Association of Western Delaware County (BPA) climbed onboard a rented tour bus for a special dining experience this past week.
Four locations hosted one course of the annual Dine-Around event, which showcased the generosity of the business community in an unexpected way. The hosts all donated their course, serving it up to members as they arrived at their location.
Hors d’oeuvres served at Dinner A’fare
Hors d’oeuvres were served by Reggie McNeal, owner of the Dinner A’fare in the Olde Ridge Village shops. Many of the members had used the service, but for some the idea of a place to pre-prepare meals with all the ingredients at hand was a new concept.
Recipes are posted above each work station. All the necessary ingredients are made fresh daily and placed in the work area under the appropriate recipe. Once the ingredients are combined according to direction, they are packaged. The two sizes are small, which feed two to three people, and large packages, which serve four to six.
The packages can be taken home to be cooked the same evening or frozen. Ron Hudecheck said, “Boy, I wish I knew about this when I was a single dad.”
From left to right: Joell Alter, BPA President Lisa Dort, Jackie Spada
The next stop was Crozer Keystone Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake, where salad was served. Joell Alter, representing the Kidney Transplant Center, spoke about organ donation, turning what could have been an unappealing topic into one that generated much interest. “A person will never be considered too old to become an organ donor,” he said, explaining that approximately 123,000 people are on the organ transplant list.
Joe DiMarco of Excel Business Systems asked, “How many here are organ donors?” Most all of the group raised their hands. Since organ donors have a designation on their driver’s license, people got out their licenses for a group picture of the donors. Alter, an organ recipient himself, expressed appreciation of the organ donors’ generosity.
Then Jackie Spada addressed the subjects of home care and hospice. She described the comfort and care offered at the home and inpatient facilities available through the Crozer Keystone Health System. She sent the group along with a package of cookies with a card that said: “Life is too short, eat dessert first.”
From left to right Kim Chiapetta, Brian Bradley, and Jim Murphy
The next stop was the Chadds Ford Tavern, where owner Brian Bradley and hostess Kim Chiapetta greeted the group with a series of three entrees, fish and chips, short ribs, and shepherd’s pie.
Hudecheck collected money for a 50-50 raffle, and the winner, Don Culp, received $100. Culp, the chairman of Twisted Vintner, the upcoming Concordville-Chadds Ford Rotary event, encouraged people to attend. The event generates funds for many community projects such as the Rachel Kohl Library, the Brandywine Battlefield Park, Camp Bournalyf , the Brandywine Youth Club, as well as other Rotary programs.
Anton J. Dell’Orefice helps himself to the dessert buffet at Brandywine Prime
The last stop was back where the group started, Brandywine Prime. Owner Michael Majewski welcomed members with a buffet of desserts and coffee. Many BPA meetings throughout the year are held at Brandywine Prime.
While all agreed that the event was fun and delicious, the context was a generous community taking care of business.
The next BPA event will be held at Galer Estate Winery & Vineyard. For more information about BPA, visit http://bpaofwesterndelco.com/
Photographs are courtesy of Sofia Clinger of Hair Salon Countryside Coiffures.
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.
There is a basic truth for all nonprofit organizations that money is tight. A second truth is that the United Way of Southern Chester County is not exempt from the first one.
According to the group’s acting President Marie Olson, programs this past year were underfunded by $300,000 because the larger out of area corporations have changed the way they allow United Ways in to run campaigns.
Olson — who became president after the death of Bill Brower in December — made the remark during the group’s annual meeting on May 20. Prior to taking over for Brower, Olson spent her six years on the board in various roles, including vice president of allocations and vice president of campaign.
Martie Olson makes her last address as acting president of the United Way of Southern Chester County. She said the group is focusing on funding newer and more creative ways to raise money.
“We’re experiencing a big shift in where our campaign dollars are coming from. Our ability to fundraise on the corporate level is becoming increasingly more difficult as our out of area corporations are moving or having a lot of shakeups,” she said.
More creative ways of raising money are to focus on smaller and more local businesses as well as using a direct mail approach, Olson said.
John Moriarty, the incoming vice president of campaign for this fall and a retired DuPont manager, echoed Olson on the change in focus.
“There are challenges. But we’re optimistic about the opportunities we have in front of us with other corporations that do routinely support us…We have to reach out to all of our 1,800 donors and work with them to help them make more of a commitment to us and to find more donors,” Moriarty said.
Dave Salomaki, who was elected to replace Olson as president, said most of the work is done within the committees.
“I see my goal as trying to support the committees and make sure they have good goals, good directions and good measures for what they’re trying to achieve. I’ll try to enable them. I’m the director of committees where the real work is done,” Salomaki, a software engineer, said.
New officer s include President Dave Salomoki, left, and John Moriarty, the incoming vice president of campaign, right.
During her final address to the board as president, Olson reminded the audience that there remains a homelessness issue in the area. Yet, there is hope for improvement.
“To scare you a little bit in the 2013/14 school year a survey showed that just in our little area of Southern Chester County including Kennett, Unionville, Oxford, and Avon Grove school districts, there were almost 500 children impacted by homelessness. To make matters worse we have no shelters in our area to help these families” she said.
However, a plan by the UWSCC is in place to change that with the establishment of a new organization called Family Promise. That new group will work with churches to provide shelter for up to 13 families at a time.
During the meeting, seven new directors and eight officers — including Salomaki and Moriarty — were voted into office
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.
