August 25, 2015 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Earl D. Shaffer III of Chadds Ford

Earl D. Shaffer III of Chadds Ford passed away suddenly on Monday, Aug. 24.

Born in Upper Darby in 1961, he was predeceased by his parents, Earl D. Shaffer, Jr. and Lois K. Shaffer Zduniak.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer M. Shaffer, with whom he celebrated 30 wonderful years of marriage earlier this year.

Following graduation from Haverford High School, Earl went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science as well as a master’s degree in computer Science and applied mathematics, both from West Chester University.

He was a self-employed database administrator, and enjoyed the traveling that his career brought him.

He dedicated his life to being a loving husband and father. More than anything, he loved his sons, Blair and Christian. He considered them his greatest gifts in life, and nothing brought him greater joy than being their father and watching them grow and explore their own gifts.

Earl had a quick wit, and loved making people laugh. He was a music aficionado and a gifted musician and composer, playing both the guitar and keyboards.

Earl had a strong and abiding faith in God which deepened year by year as life and health challenges came his way.

He was a charter member of the Power Place Church in Kennett Square.

In addition to his wife, Jennifer, he is survived by sons Blair and Christian, both at home. He is also survived by two sisters, Alison Siano (Ralph) of Sewell, N.J., and Karen Bianchi (Richard) of Spartanburg, S.C., as well as brother and sister-in-law Jim McDonald (Victoria) of West Chester, and sister-in-law Judy McDonald of Spring City as well as many loving nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Utah.

A visitation/funeral service will be held at the Power Place Church, 576 Rosedale Rd., Kennett Square, on Friday, Aug. 28, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, and if friends should so desire, the family would gratefully accept contributions for Blair and Christian’s college educations: The Shaffer Family, P.O. Box 169, Chadds Ford, 19317.

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

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Fatal shooting closes Chesco Justice Center

Local News

Rebecca Brain (right), a Chester County spokeswoman, stands outside the Chester County Justice Center after Tuesday morning's fatal shooting.

Updated at 5:30 p.m.

A Coatesville man who reportedly jumped over a White House fence in March attacked a deputy sheriff at the Chester County Justice Center on Tuesday, Aug. 25, and was fatally shot by another deputy, said Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.

Deputy sheriffs stand guard outside the main entrance of the Chester County Justice Center to prevent people from entering the building. Behind the entrance, detectives were collecting evidence as they investigate Tuesday morning's fatal shooting. — Deputy sheriffs stand guard outside the main entrance of the Chester County Justice Center to prevent people from entering the building. Behind the entrance, detectives were collecting evidence as they investigate Tuesday morning’s fatal shooting.

Hogan said about 11 a.m. Curtis Smith, 34, pulled a knife on a deputy sheriff working at the security checkpoint in the courthouse lobby. Another deputy pulled out his firearm and shot Smith. Hogan said Smith received first aid at the scene and was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he subsequently died.

The deputy sheriff who was attacked by Smith was taken to Chester County Hospital for injuries to his arm and hand, Hogan said. He was then flown to a trauma unit, where he is listed in stable condition, Hogan said.

The deputy who fired the shots was being interviewed by Chester County Detectives, who are conducting an investigation, Hogan said.

“Unfortunately, because of incidents like this across the nation, we have learned how to deal with an attack at a courthouse,” said Hogan. “No one else was injured. The sheriffs did their job, and the lockdown went perfectly.

Some county employees outside the building did not agree. They expressed confusion and frustration about whether they were supposed to try and get back inside.

County spokeswoman Rebecca Brain said business at the Justice Center continued for people who were already in the building when the shooting occurred. However, no new people were being admitted, she said.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan discusses details of Tuesday morning's fatal shooting at the Chester County Justice Center. — Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan discusses details of Tuesday morning’s fatal shooting at the Chester County Justice Center.

Deputy sheriffs were stationed outside the main door of the center to make sure no one entered the building. Not everyone took the news well.

“I just traveled three hours to get here,” one man yelled, explaining that he had an appointment with someone in the probation department. “I don’t live in this county, and I can’t come back.”

Hogan said more details would be released after authorities have contacted the family members of those who were involved in Tuesday’s shooting.

In the meantime, Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline released a statement: “Today’s incident at the Justice Center gave evidence to the need for tight security measures in buildings such as this. For Chester County, these measures include a well-trained team of deputy sheriffs who monitor the security stations that are located in the lobby entrance of the building. We commend the deputy sheriffs who took quick action in order to protect all visitors and employees. These actions limited the severity of the attack. Our thoughts are with the injured deputy sheriff and his family.”

According to published news reports, Secret Service agents arrested Smith on March 1 after he climbed an outer stone wall near the White House. Pennsylvania court records show that Smith was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 7 in district court for an assault and burglary case.

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Op/Ed: Learning about the emergency and veteran communities

Opinion

I spend a lot of my time learning about the needs of the Commonwealth’s emergency responders, veterans and their families. By always remaining informed, I can best represent these groups as the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee majority chairman. Maintaining a close working relationship allows me to serve both groups of individuals when I complete the many tasks of a state representative.

Connecting with people in their own environment, where they can show me the needs they’re experiencing and the successes they’re having, is particularly helpful. That approach provides the fullest understanding of how the committee and I can help.

I recently toured the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown. In addition to providing training onsite, the academy offers offsite training. To mitigate the hardship of traveling and enable more people to become firefighter-certified, the instructors take the academy on the road to fire companies across the state.

This year, the academy is celebrating its 60th anniversary. While it is well maintained, it does have financial needs — especially related to equipment maintenance. For recruiting and retention purposes, cutting the costs borne by our firefighters for training where possible is a great help. To assist in this regard and provide the training opportunities for our firefighters, the academy is looking to expand. The academy is exploring ways to add dormitories near the academy so people who are being trained can stay on campus rather than having to rent a hotel room.

In addition to the fire academy tour, the committee joined me when I met with Penn State President Dr. Eric Barron and other representatives from the university. In addition to the typical programs that many colleges and universities have for veterans and service members, Penn State has a wonderful initiative to serve the needs of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

Penn State’s initiative includes a veterans and service members legal clinic that seeks to influence and develop state and federal legislation which affects veterans and service members including policies addressing military voting issues, creation of Veterans’ Courts, issues arising under the Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act and regulations to improve the lives of those sexually assaulted during military service.

With the university promoting such forward-thinking veteran and service member-related programs, it’s no surprise that Barron is also a proponent of Act 11, which is the law I drafted to provide out-of-state tuition rates at Pennsylvania colleges and universities to all veterans, regardless of their residency status. The law both protects and enhances our veterans’ GI Bill education benefits.

In fact, Dr. Barron championed similar pro-veteran initiatives during his tenure as president at Florida State University. Barron recognizes not only how important education benefits are to veterans, service members and their families, but also the tremendous asset these individuals are to our higher education system; he is an incredible ally.

As I continue to advocate for our veterans, service members and their families, it is reassuring to know that there are people like Dr. Barron also fighting for them. To have the greatest and most lasting impact, we must collaborate. Then the veterans of the Commonwealth and our nation will receive the benefits they have earned.

State Rep. Steve Barrar
* State Rep. Stephen Barrar, is in his 10^th term in the Pennsylvania Houser of Representatives, serving the 160^th Legislative District, which includes Concord, Chadds Ford, Pocopson and Kennett Townships, as well as Kennett Square.

The opinions expressed were those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of Chadds Ford Live. We welcome opposing viewpoints. Readers may comment in the comments section or they may submit a Letter to the Editor to: editor@chaddsfordlive.com

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Acclaimed pianist returning to her roots

Arts & Entertainment

Darlington Arts Center is excited to welcome back award-winning pianist Jennifer Campbell as a teaching artist this fall.

The accomplished Glen Mills resident began her journey of creative exploration at Darlington at just 8 years old in a drama class and went on to study violin, art, and piano, a Darlington press release said. She is joining a team of over 50 teaching artists in music, art, dance and drama.

“It’s very meaningful to be back at Darlington now as a faculty member,” she said in the release. “Engaging young minds so often brings new insight to my own practicing and performing. Each student presents a new challenge and responsibility.”

Campbell, who obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Peabody Conservatory, has performed at many notable halls, including Lincoln Center in New York, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, the Grand Opera House in Delaware, and the Musikhauset Aarhus in Denmark. She has appeared on U.S. and Danish television and radio, and was featured in a PBS documentary about the 5th Julia Crane International Piano Competition.

Also an avid composer, Campbell’s music has been performed by numerous prominent artists, including the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has won prizes in many competitions, including the 1000 Islands International Chopin Piano Competition, Baltimore Music Club Piano Competition, the 2nd Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Competition, MTNA competitions in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, the West Chester University Piano Competition, the Marian Garcia Piano Competition and the Newark Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.

Her recently released album, “Perceptions of Shadows,” includes Darlington teacher David Auldon Brown’s “Sonata No.1.” Brown revised the composition especially for Campbell during her study at Darlington. “Perceptions of Shadows” is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.

Darlington, located at 977 Shavertown Rd. in Garnet Valley, is dedicated to providing artistic opportunities for all community members. Classes in music, art, dance, and drama are available for all ages and skill levels. To book private music lessons with Jennifer Campbell or any of Darlington’s professional teaching artists, email register@darlingtonarts.org or call (610) 358-3632. For information on artists’ backgrounds, group classes, and more, visit www.darlingtonarts.org.

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Catherine Carey Ruoss of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Catherine Carey Ruoss, 85, of Kennett Square, died Sunday, Aug. 23, at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. She was the wife of the late Vernon C. Ruoss who died in 1988 and with whom she shared 40 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Richard C. and the late Rebecca (Gibson) Carey.

Catherine was a longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square.

She and her husband were once members of the Kennett Optimist Club. She loved traveling in their RV and going to Sea Isle City, N.J. She worked at Tommy’s Sub shop for several years while her girls were attending high school.

Survivors include three daughters, Kathleen Borrell (Thomas) of Cochranville, Karen Ruoss of West Chester, and Frances Scholl (William) of Kennett Square; two sons: Richard V. Ruoss (Linda) of Kennett Square and Michael Ruoss (Cheryl) of Kennett Square; 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son Glen and her brother Richard.

You are invited to visit with Catherine’s family and friends from 9-10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N Union St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Church of the Advent 201 Crestline Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348 or to Neighborhood Hospice 795 E. Marshall St. Suite 204 West Chester PA 19380. Arrangements are by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (610-444-4116) To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com

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