November 25, 2015 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Ex-Delco constable facing theft charges

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan announced in a press release that a former Delaware County constable is facing felony charges for submitting false payment sheets for services that were never performed, for more than 600 Delaware County cases totaling $22,996.70.

Peter A. Innaurato, 60, of the 500 block of Achille Road in Havertown, is charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition, receiving stolen property, forgery, and theft by deception, all felonies of the third degree and other related offenses, including tampering with public records, the release said.

The arrest comes at the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the affiant, Det. John A. Hoffner of the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Economic Crime Unit.

An investigation was launched after the Administrative Office of the Magisterial District Judges filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Division regarding Innaurato, a Delaware County constable. Through a random spot check conducted by the Administrator Office, it was discovered that many of Innaurato’s submitted payment sheets were either missing paperwork or were not authorized for payment by Delaware County.

As a constable, Innaurato’s duties included serving criminal warrants, as well as summary warrants for traffic and non-traffic violations. In return for serving warrants, Innaurato would receive payment once a defendant entered a plea of not guilty. Once a constable successfully serves a warrant, it must be submitted with a payment sheet to the clerk of the district court that issued the warrant, which then gets processed and submitted to the Magistrate for approval and signature.

Once approved, the constable submits the signed payment sheet to the Delaware County Park Police Constable’s Office for payment by Delaware County. Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered that out of the 886 payment sheets for cases submitted from September 2014 through May 2015, a total of 642 payment requests were cases falsely created by Innaurato, who forged signatures of magisterial district judges so he could receive payment from the county.

“Mr. Innaurato knowingly and fraudulently stole from the taxpayers of Delaware County, who he was appointed to serve, taking advantage of his position of authority,” Whelan said in the release. “I want to commend Det. John A. Hoffner for his exemplary work on this complicated case along with CID Det. Larry Patterson and Det. David Tyler, who assisted with the investigation.”

Innaurato surrendered Wednesday morning, Nov. 25, at the Criminal Investigation Unit. Following arraignment, he was released on $25,000 unsecured bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7. Assistant District Attorney Brian Doherty, lead prosecutor for the Economic Crime Unit, will handle the case, the release said.

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Bob R. Gentry of West Grove

Obituaries

Bob R. Gentry, 81, of West Grove, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Jennersville Regional Hospital. He was the husband of Constance McDonald Gentry, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Virginia, he was the son of the late Isaac Gentry Sr., and Grace Lovins Gentry.

Bob was a laborer for many years at Kavanaugh Excavating in West Grove.

He served his country in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader.

He was a member of the Italian American Club and a lifetime member of the Kennett Square VFW.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Terry Gentry (Judy) of West Grove, and Barry Gentry of Coatesville; four brothers, John Gentry, his twin brother, Bill Gentry, Isaac Gentry, JR. and Roy Gentry; three sisters, Annie Harp, Beulah Johnson and Josephine Meade; one grandchild and three great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by one brother, George Gentry and two sisters, Lois Roark and Dottie Billings.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow. Burial will be in the Oxford Cemetery, Route 10 in Oxford.

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

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Donaghue stepping down as CF solicitor

Local News, Local News Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford Township solicitor Hugh Donaghue will be stepping down from that position as of the first of the year. He announced his intention at the conclusion of the Nov. 24 supervisors’ workshop.

“Please be advised that I do not wish to be considered for solicitor in 2016, as I do not desire to serve in that capacity,” he said, reading from a two-page statement.

No other reason was given.

Former township Supervisor Deborah Love said Donaghue’s knowledge of municipal government led the township through many changes, and she sees his resignation as a serious loss, demonstrating that “strong, knowledgeable leadership by elected officials and appointees is crumbling…

“His resignation symbolizes to me that the current board was unable, or chose not to follow his legal guidance, hence rendering him ineffective and subjected him, and possibly the township, to legal actions in the not-too-distant future. I hope the silent, concerned majority takes note of this and begins to voice concern to the vocal minority who has put our current board in office,” Love said.

With the exception of Samantha Reiner, Donaghue thanked, by name, each of the supervisors with whom he’s worked during his 12 years as solicitor. He called them leaders who “acted in the best interests of the Chadds Ford community.”

Donoghue said he is proud to have worked with officials in “prosecuting and/or defending all legal matters without any adverse results” to the taxpayers.

He said he would miss his daily exchanges with the township manager and township secretary, and referred to Supervisor George Thorpe as “a great American.”

Donaghue, who is also the solicitor in Concord Township, was first retained in 2004 when Thorpe, Love and Jim Shipley were Chadds Ford supervisors.

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.

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Victory Brewing Company co-founders Bill Covaleski (left) and Ron Barchet deliver turkeys to the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. The outreach, similar to one by the Pennsylvania State Police, helps ease the burden on the Chester County Food Bank, which is working to provide holiday meals to those in the county without them.

Appetite for outreach aids food cupboards

Local News

People who are struggling financially often like to stay below the radar, but officials at the Chester County Food Bank are grateful that organizations such as the Pennsylvania State Police and Victory Brewing Company recognize that hunger is a persistent problem, despite Chester County’s affluence.

Trooper Pascal DiJoseph unloads donations from the Avondale barracks at the Chester County Food Bank. — Trooper Pascal DiJoseph (left) from the Avondale barracks assists workers at the Chester County Food Bank with the donations that were collected.

One in 14 residents don’t know if or when their next meal will materialize, said Rev. Phoebe Kitson-Davis, the Chester County Food Bank’s agency and community partnership manager. She said those individuals are often forced to choose between food and other necessities, like rent, mortgage or car payments.

“This holiday season has been a greater challenge for us to support our local agencies due to the lack of a state budget in Pennsylvania,” Kitson-Davis said, explaining that the food bank has been unable to use State Food Purchase Program grants to help fund the distribution of much-needed food. “We support over 120 agencies throughout Chester County and are grateful to donors large and small for supporting the neighbors in their community. Every gift makes a difference in the life of a hungry person.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, on behalf of the Avondale barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troopers Pascal DiJoseph and Samantha L. Minnucci helped address that need. They crammed one of the patrol vehicles with 380 pounds of food amassed during the past three weeks and headed to the food bank, which acts as a clearinghouse for area food cupboards.

Minnucci, the community service officer for the Avondale barracks, said troopers and other state police personnel collected most of the food although a couple donations came from residents. “We will continue to collect food at the station for another delivery for Christmas,” she said, inviting the public to participate.

“We’d love to get the public more involved,” she added, explaining that the troopers’ desire to help is heightened by their firsthand observations of some residents’ struggles. “Maybe we could get an even bigger donation together for Christmas.”

Troopers at the Avondale barracks load 380 pounds of food into one of the patrol SUVs. The barracks hopes to amass even more donations for a delivery at Christmas.

She said items in need over the holidays include stuffing, canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, whole grain cereal, canned fish or meat, peanut butter and jelly.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, Victory Brewing Company, which just opened its third Chester County brewpub in Parkesburg, continued its commitment to community service, partnering with food distributor Sysco to donate 350 turkeys to the Parkesburg community through the Octorara Area Food Cupboard. According to the food bank, more than 1,000 residents living within the Octorara Area School District go to the food cupboard for emergency food support each month.

Victory Brewmasters Bill Covaleski and Rob Barchet worked along with volunteers and board members of the Octorara Area Food Cupboard in Parkesburg to distribute turkeys and side dishes.

“Thanksgiving is a time to look around and appreciate your good fortune, no matter how large or small,” Bill Covaleski said in a press release. “At Victory, we feel fortunate to be a part of this dynamic, growing community. We hope this turkey donation will make 350 families in the Octorara area have fuller hearts and satisfied appetites this Thanksgiving.”

More than 2,000 turkeys were needed by the Chester County Food Bank to fulfill Thanksgiving requests from partner organizations such as cupboards and shelters. Anne Shuniak, community engagement and marketing manager for the Chester County Food Bank, said having partners like Victory Brewing Company, the Pennsylvania State Police, Kimberton Whole Foods, Wegmans, schools, and others has helped bridge the gap.

“The more turkeys that are donated, the more agencies we are able to serve for Thanksgiving and the holidays … It has been heartwarming to see the response from every corner of the county,” said Shuniak. “In addition to the holidays, we must also focus on collecting food to get people through the winter.”

Minnucci said she hoped Tuesday’s delivery would inspire others to contribute, a sentiment shared by Larry Welsch, executive director of the Chester County Food Bank.

“Holiday food donations channel the spirit of giving but hopefully everyone is aware that hunger knows no season,” Welsch said. “We are committed to supporting our community by providing healthy nutritious foods to our neighbors in need throughout the year.”

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Sweet business added to Kennett’s downtown

Business

Sweets — Sweet business added to Kennett’s downtown

Shoppers who head into the Market at Liberty Place on Nov. 28 — Small Business Saturday — can follow the smells of Sweet Magnolia to discover what one of Kennett Square’s newest small businesses has to offer.

Small Business Saturday is a promotion by American Express that encourages shoppers to patronize small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Sweet Magnolia Bakery opened during the annual Mushroom Festival in September and has been tempting visitors to the Market ever since with the smells of freshly baked cheesecakes, cakes and confections.

Sweet Magnolia Bakery owner Diane Simmonsis bucking the age trend. She's started a business at an age when most people think about retiring. — Sweet Magnolia Bakery owner Diane Simmonsis bucking the age trend. She’s started a business at an age when most people think about retiring.

“I’ve always wanted a bakery,” said Sweet Magnolia owner Diane Simmons, 60, who has started her dream business at a time when many of her friends are thinking about retirement.

“My father keeps saying, ‘Why are you starting a business at 60?’” the longtime baker said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Larry Bosley, president and founder of LGB Properties, which owns and manages the Market at Liberty Place, said Simmons’ bakery was the perfect addition to the eight other businesses in the marketplace.

“I’m really excited to have Diane here,” he said. “The community has accepted her, and her business has grown tremendously.”

The addition of a bakery is another step toward making the Market at Liberty Place more than just a food court.

“We are a market place and a gathering place,” Bosley said.

On a recent Wednesday, Simmons pulled from the oven a pan of bacon chocolate-chip cheesecake bars, a new creation, and she walked it over to a table where three customers were waiting. The great thing about having her own business, she explained, is that she can experiment with different tastes and flavors.

The result, she hopes, is happiness in each bite.

“I’ve been amazed at the people who come and the people who come back,” she said.

While she doesn’t sell whole cakes and cheesecakes at the shop, customers can order them in advance. Otherwise, those who come to Sweet Magnolia can buy the cakes and cheesecakes by the slice.

Her creations include cheesecakes featuring Nutella, peanut butter chocolate chip, pecan pie, red velvet, malted milk balls, blueberries, and more. She also makes homemade malted milk ball fudge, among other kinds; a chocolate chip cheeseball; and rolled baklava, a Greek dessert.

Everything about Sweet Magnolia Bakery has meaning to Simmons. The name, for instance, refers to the large magnolia tree that grows between her parents and her aunt and uncle’s house in Charleston, S.C. Her son-in-law, Josh Knowland, added the “sweet” moniker because of the sweet nature of Simmons’ business.

The coconut cake Simmons makes is from her mother’s recipe, and the baklava represents her grandfather’s Greek heritage.

Her family also steps in to help at Sweet Magnolia. Her husband, Jim, can often be found there when he is not traveling to Iowa for the DuPont Co. Her two daughters who live in North Carolina with their families, and her son and his family in Utah, offer support and help when they visit.

“The kids are very happy about it and very supportive,” Simmons said.

Growing up, and in the many places she has lived with her husband and family, Simmons was known for her Christmas dessert parties and her confectionary creations. At Sweet Magnolia in Kennett, the bakery is her public showcase.

“This is just my little corner of the world,” she said. “Kennett has just been wonderful to us.”

Sweet Magnolia is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.

For more information, go online at www.sweetmagnoliabakerypa.com.

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Photo of the Week: Cattails

Photo of the Week

Cattails stand tall in what will be part of the Harvey Run Trail in Chadds Ford Township.

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Adopt-a-Pet: Sonny

Home and Leisure

Adopt-a-Pet: Sonny

Hi guys, Sonny here. You may have seen my handsome mug before, but guess what? Since being in my foster home I have put on about 20 pounds and now I am up for adoption! I love people, dogs, and cats (I think). I also love to snuggle, every hour of everyday. I am great walking with the assistance of an E-Z Walk harness, but if I see a squirrel hang tight. I respond to “Let’s go” (walking forward), “This Way” (changing direction), and I’m housebroken. Did I mention I’m super smart, at least that’s what my foster mama says. Since I’ve been with her I have learned sit, stay, down, shake, and up. I love to play fetch, tennis balls are magical, and anything else you throw is my new favorite thing. I am super polite when it comes to dinner, I will wait until you tell me to eat. My pals here tell me that someone special perfect will come for me really soon. If you would like to meet me, give the shelter at the CCSPCA a call and my foster mom will bring me right over to meet you.

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Around Town Nov. 24

Along the Ford

• Rose Tree Park will once again be decked out for the holiday season when the 39th annual Festival of Lights kicks off Friday, Dec. 4, and runs through Jan. 3. The Festival of Lights is a local tradition that began in 1976 as part of festivities planned to celebrate the nation’s Bicentennial. The festival has grown from 50 lighted trees (one for each municipality and one large one to represent the county) to 75 decorated trees strung with 100,000 holiday lights, and dozens of hand-painted wooden figures, including toy soldiers, a snowman family and a replica of the Delaware County Courthouse. The opening celebration features a mini holiday concert by the Springton Lake Middle School Select Choir under the direction of Joseph Fisher, cocoa and cookies courtesy of Acme Markets, and a visit from Santa Claus. The Festival of Lights runs 5:30-9:30 p.m. nightly.

• The Brandywine Battlefield State Park in Chadds Ford Township celebrates Patriot’s Day on Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Program highlights include visits from Gen. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, along with lectures by authors Bruce Mowday and Daniel Grimes. There will also be historical demonstrations and tours of Washington’s Headquarters. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children aged 5-17.

• The Delaware County Symphony will present the second symphonic concert of the 2015-2016 season on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. in the Meagher Theatre of the Thomas A. Bruder Jr. Life Center at Neumann University. Carl Cranmer, pianist, is the featured guest soloist who will perform the emotionally moving and technically challenging “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor” by Frederick Chopin. There will be a free pre-concert presentation by Dr. Michael Kelly from 2-2:30 p.m. in the McNichol Room. Concert tickets are $18 or $15 for seniors/students. Neumann University students with ID are free and children under 12 (one child per paying adult) are free. There is ample free parking adjacent to the theatre and the center is handicapped accessible. For information call 610-879-7059 or visit www.dcsmusic.org

• The Kennett Area Senior Center’s Walnut Street Café Community Breakfast will be offered on Monday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 9 a.m. Please join us for a fabulous meal, including scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy & biscuits, and omelets made to order. All breakfasts include juice, fruit, coffee, tea & milk. The price of this menu is $5.75/member and $6.75/non-member.

• Catherine Faia of Chadds Ford will dance in the upcoming performances of “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by the Academy of International Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the Hobson Wagner Theater at Conestoga High School in Berwyn. Catherine began her study of ballet at AIB at the age of 6. Her first major role was Clara in the “Nutcracker.” In this performance, she’ll be performing the roles of Columbine, Russian, Marleton, Snow and Waltz. Catherine has been accepted into various summer intensive programs such as the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Joffrey Ballet. Catherine is an honor student and enjoys playing the piano. Reserved seating tickets are available in advance by visiting academyballetru.com or at the door on the day of the show if available.

• Season’s inspirations and magical moments await at “Yuletide at Winterthur,” the annual exhibition celebrating the holiday traditions of Henry Francis du Pont and his family at Winterthur, with a special tribute to the 30th anniversary of the beloved Dried Flower Tree. Concerts, caroling, jazz, and wine events are scheduled along with Winterthur’s special Yuletide programming. Winterthur is open daily (including Mondays) during Yuletide, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Jan. 3; the last Yuletide Tour tickets are sold at 3:15 p.m. For more information, visit http://winterthur.org.

• The Longwood Fire Company kicked off its annual ambulance subscription campaign last week. Those taking part in the subscription campaign receive the added benefit of knowing that if they need ambulance service and their insurance company does not cover the full cost, the remaining balance will be discounted or waived by the fire company. “Running the ambulance service is very expensive. … Donations offset costs for the operation of our 24-hour a day service for those in need,” said Longwood Fire Chief A. J. McCarthy.

• As part of an ongoing “Igniting Innovation” series, Penn State Great Valley and the Chester County Economic Development Council present “Igniting Innovation and Wearable Technology,” a forum focused on the economic impact of this burgeoning industry on local companies. The event will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9, in Room 209 of the Conference Center at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford, Road in Malvern. Speaker Stephen Spivak, a Philadelphia-based entrepreneur who has just opened his online TheWearablesStore.com for business, will discuss aspects of the wearable technology industry. For more information, visit www.gv.psu.edu.

• Kennett Township invites the public to attend “Organic Land Care? A New Approach to Sustainable Landscapes” with Nancy Gaspari, a master gardener. The seminar will be held in the township buildings meeting room on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. No registration is required. Gaspari will focus on the fact that 11 states in the U.S. are now enacting restrictive or prohibitive fertilizer laws for residential use, a trend that is expected to expand and is prompting homeowners to seek organic alternatives.

• The Delaware Nature Society and the Association of Nature Center Administrators are co-sponsoring the 2016 Professional Leadership Institute, held at Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin from Jan. 12-16; the deadline to sign up is Dec. 11. Scholarships are available, and requests must be sent in by Dec. 4. Lodging is available at the Ashland Nature Center Lodge. The Professional Leadership Institute is geared toward professionals who are looking to grow their institution, network with colleagues, prepare for challenges and focus their vision. The full schedule and registration form, including all speakers and topics, can be found at www.DelNature.org/PLI.

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Police Log Nov. 26

Police

• Now through Sunday, Nov. 29, state police from Troop K, Media barracks, will be taking part in Operation Yellow Jacket in which troopers will be using PennDOT vehicles as platforms for radar monitoring of traffic, a press release said. The idea is to watch for violations that are associated with aggressive driving behavior. Objectives of Operation Yellow Jacket include establishing a police presence through the use of nonconventional vehicles and improving safety for PennDOT workers.

• State police cited a 24-year-old woman in connection with a three-vehicle accident on Route 82 in East Marlborough Township on Nov. 10 at 7:46 a.m. A report said Jennifer M. Passante, of Kennett Square, was unable to stop before rear-ending another vehicle that had stopped behind another car waiting to make a left-hand turn. The impact forced the second vehicle into the car waiting to turn.

• Charges are pending against David Wayne Forrester, 54, of Kennett Square. A state police report said Forrester displayed a stolen license plate n the vehicle he was operating. Charges include theft of property, receiving stolen property and related traffic offenses. The incident happened at 11:31 p.m. on Nov. 14.

• Thomas C. Gilpin, 39, of Parkside, was cited after the Dodge Caravan he was driving crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic, continued off the shoulder, sideswiped a utility pole and then overturned. Gilpin, the report said, told police he was uninjured and declined medical attention. The incident happened at midnight on Nov. 12 on Route 82 in East Marlborough Township.

• On Monday, Nov. 9, at 4:42 p.m., New Garden Township Police said they responded a harassment complaint. During the subsequent investigation, police determined that Alvaro Juarez, 48, of Toughkenamon, had sent sexually explicit text messages to the victim. Criminal charges, including stalking and harassment, were filed against Juarez, police said.

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Creek Road Bridge is focus of meeting

Local News, Local News Chadds Ford, Local News Pennsbury

PennDOT will host a public meeting to inform citizens and receive feedback on the plan to replace the Creek Road Bridge over Brandywine Creek and Octoraro Railroad in Pennsbury and Chadds Ford townships, a press release said.

The meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m in the Pennsbury Township Municipal Building at 702 Baltimore Pike.

PennDOT’s design team will be there to provide a project design update and address questions and present project plans illustrating the bridge reconstruction alignment alternatives.

The improvement project will replace the existing reinforced concrete arch bridge, which was built in 1927. The six span, structurally-deficient structure is 482 feet long and 22 feet wide. The bridge is a contributing element to the rural historic district, which is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places

The project is currently in preliminary engineering design. The project is expected to go to bid for construction in the spring of 2019, the release said.

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