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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.
Photo of the Week: Bridge of Imagination Read More »
With winter weather expected to impact the entire state through Tuesday, Feb. 16, PennDOT is advising drivers to be prepared for snow, ice and rain conditions – and to postpone travel if possible.
“Exactly how much snow or ice any given region will see will vary through the storm, but it’s certain that the forecast could mean potentially hazardous travel through tomorrow,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said in a press release. “We expect that much of the state will see some sort of icing overnight – that, combined with nighttime visibility, means drivers should consider postponing any unnecessary trips.”
PennDOT crews treated roadways through the weekend and could face anything from up to a foot of snow to half an inch of ice with this storm. The department has more than 2,200 trucks, plows and salt spreaders operated by 4,800 department operators statewide who will operate continued shifts through the storm.
With each operator having an average of 40 miles to cover on a plow route, motorists are reminded that roads will not be free of ice and snow during the storm. On interstates and expressways during a low-accumulation storm, it can take two or more hours for a truck to return to the beginning of its route, the release said.
Since trucks are often moved from other roads to these priority highways, especially with higher accumulations or icy conditions, drivers should expect that lower-traffic roads would see a plow cycle every several hours.
Motorists are also urged to check www.511PA.com before making any travel decisions. 511PA is a free, around-the-clock service offering travel information such as incidents, any speed or vehicle restrictions, winter road conditions and more than 700 traffic cameras. The public can also track more than 700 department and contracted trucks on interstates and expressways statewide with the site’s “Plow Trucks” option.
With weather in flux, PennDOT urges caution Read More »
Mary Leo Hopkins, 87, of Avondale, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Ware Presbyterian Home in Oxford, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Robert J. Hopkins Sr., with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.
Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late Angeline (Ingelido) and Peter V. Leo. She was pre-deceased by her son Robert J. Hopkins Jr., her sister Rosemarie Leo and her brother Peter V. Leo, Jr. Along with her husband, she leaves behind 3 children, Christine Hopkins Rizzotte, Michael Hopkins and his wife Donna, and Gary Hopkins and his wife Elizabeth.
She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale and also received blessings while attending Mass and Rosary service while she lived at Ware.
A graduate of Kennett High School and Goldey-Beacom, she first worked as a secretary at DuPont Chemical Co.. She then followed in her parents’ footsteps by entering the mushroom industry, working for many years as bookkeeper for Frezzo Brothers and later at Greenhill Farms.
In her younger years she enjoyed rollerskating, tennis and growing up with her many cousins in Toughkenamon, where she met her husband. She was a dedicated wife and mother who enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, casino trips to Atlantic City, Saturday shopping with friends and always loved having a house full of company. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed decorating the house and celebrating the holidays with family and friends.
She loved and was loved by her eight grandchildren, Diane Rizzotte Bucklaw, Nicholas Rizzotte, Kyle Hopkins, Kellianne Eckman and her husband Phil, Michael Hopkins Jr. and his wife Kari, Jackie Hopkins, Gary Hopkins Jr., Bryan Hopkins, and four great grandchildren, Jeffrey Bird, Jr., Angela Bird, Jason Bucklaw and Zachary Eckman.
You are invited to visit with Mary’s family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 19, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. Her Memorial service will follow at 10:30. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82 in Kennett Square.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com
Mary Leo Hopkins of Avondale Read More »
James Arthur Davies, 85, of West Grove, died Saturday, Feb. 13, surrounded by his family, at Neighborhood Hospice. He was the husband of Carol Fry Davies, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage.
Born on Sept. 13, 1930 in Honesdale, he was the son of the late William J. and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Davies.
Jim was raised in Williamsport, where he learned his love for the outdoors and the simple beauty of nature. Hiking, fishing, and playing sports with his friends filled his youth. He graduated from South Williamsport High, where he played basketball.
He served his country in the US Navy Air Group, and was a proud veteran of the Korean War. Later in life he enjoyed his squadron reunions with this group.
After the Korean War, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carol Fry Davies and went on to graduate from his beloved Alma Mater, Penn State University with a business degree, and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He went to work with RCA shortly after graduating. Jim retired as the vice president of GE RCA Patent Licensing after a long and impressive career that took him all over the world. He was elected to Who’s Who in America in 1976 through his retirement.
Jim believed in serving his community and contributed in many ways. He was elected fire commissioner for Pocantico Hills Fire District, N.Y. in the 1970’s and later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Midway Fire and Rescue of Pawley’s Island, S.C. He also served as president of the Litchfield Plantation Home Owners Association in Pawley’s Island, SC. as well as the Waccamaw Council of Property Owners Associations in South Carolina.
He was a member of the Litchfield Country Club and was an avid golfer and tennis player for many years. He also was an amateur radio operator, making wireless contacts with more than 150 different countries. He received the honor of election to the DX Century Club from the American Radio Relay League, Inc.
As a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church, Jim served on numerous Church councils over the years.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Stephen Davies and his wife Elizabeth of Sandy Hook, Conn.; one daughter, Christina D. Sappey and her husband Jonathan of West Chester, and five grandchildren, Julia, Truman and Henry Sappey and Jennifer and James Davies.
He was predeceased by one brother, William Ronald Davies.
You are invited to visit with Jim’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, , at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 109 E. Doe Run Road (& Route 82) in Unionville. His Memorial service will follow at 11. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Michael Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 178, Unionville, PA 19375 or to Penn State University, 27 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802-1500 (giveto.psu.edu)
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com
Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
James Arthur Davies of West Grove Read More »
Longwood Gardens has announced its new director of Guest Services and Operations.
Christopher Benevento, a veteran of hospitality operations, began his new position last month. Benevento most recently served as regional vice president for Savor Food Service/SMG Management, where he was directly responsible for operational oversight of 42 stadiums, arenas, convention centers and performing arts venues throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, according to a Longwood Gardens press release.
“Our search for a director of Guest Services and Operations has been thorough and focused,” Longwood Gardens Executive Director Paul B. Redman said in the release. “We interviewed many talented professionals. Chris’s varied experience, successful track record, and innovative use of technology to better serve guests made him the perfect choice. We are excited to have Chris lead Longwood’s Guest Services and Operations into the future.”
Benevento will oversee Longwood’s ticketing, guest services associates, security, gardens shop, custodial, performing arts, Terrace Restaurant and special functions operations.
“I am honored to be chosen to lead the Guest Services and Operations of a world-class organization such as Longwood,” Benevento said in the release. “Longwood is well-known for offering its guests a truly extraordinary experience, and I look forward to working with its talented staff to further enhance the guest experience at the gardens.”
Benevento is a native of New York and received his bachelor of science degree in sports management from Salem University. He resides in Downingtown with his wife and three children.
Longwood welcomes guest services director Read More »
Nine tons of non-perishable food will arrive at the Chester County Food Bank on Thursday, Feb. 25, courtesy of Wegmans supermarkets in Downingtown and Malvern.
The delivery continues an annual outreach by the stores. Employees from both locations will also present a check for $120,367, according to a press release from the Food Bank.
“We are ever so grateful for the partnership that we have with Wegmans,” Larry Welsch, executive director of the Chester County Food Bank, said in the release. “I am truly amazed at the collaboration between Wegmans and their customers. The success of Check Out Hunger and donation of food strengthens each year, thereby allowing the Food Bank to serve more of our neighbors in need.”
When the truck arrives at the Food Bank’s warehouse in Uwchlan Township, Wegmans employees will help unload, sort, and organize 20 pallets of food, including canned soups, vegetables and fruit, peanut butter, canned tuna, cereal and juice. Chester County Food Bank board members, leadership, and staff will also be on hand for the check presentation and truck delivery.
The funds were raised during Wegmans’ Check Out Hunger campaign, which ran Oct. 19 through Dec. 20. During the campaign, customers and employees could contribute $1 to $5 or any other amount at checkout, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to each store’s local food bank. Regionally, the campaign raised $41,730, more than the previous year and the Downingtown and Malvern stores raised $28,327 more than the fall 2014 campaign, the release said.
“One of our values is making a difference in every community we serve, and we’re thankful for our customers and employees who so generously share that commitment,” Wegmans Pennsylvania Division Manager Blaine Forkell said in the release. “As we celebrate the milestone of 100 years as a family-owned company, we’re especially proud of the partnerships we build to support local food banks in feeding the hungry.”
The Chester County Food Bank is the county’s central hunger relief organization, serving as a distribution center for more than 120 partner agencies in Chester County. It distributes over 2.65 million pounds, with over 33 percent being fresh produce, through its network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters and other social service organizations.
Since its inception in 2009, the Food Bank takes a steadfast approach to provide food and build support in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among our community. Volunteers are always needed for a variety of jobs. For more information, visit www.chestercountyfoodbank.org, call 610-873-6000, or visit the Food Bank’s headquarters at 650 Pennsylvania Drive in Exton.
Wegmans continues outreach to Food Bank Read More »
Chester County 2020 will recognize the value of land use planning, and the service of our municipal volunteers and officials at the annual Citizen Planner reception – April 27, 2016, at the Chester Valley Golf Club. And help us honor two of our outstanding Citizen Planners – Molly Morrison, and Bob Hankin.
Morrison is an alumna of Ursinus College and Syracuse University. She reported to the Chester County Commissioners while overseeing the development of the County’s nationally-recognized Open Space Program. In 2000, She joined the Natural Lands Trust, where she currently serves as executive director. Morrison was named one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Women of Distinction” in 2012; she received the CRC Watersheds Award in 2013; she was honored with the Rebecca Lukens Award, also in 2013.
Bob Hankin is a graduate of Syracuse University and a registered professional engineer. He monitored real estate investments for AWI Construction Management, and served as senior vice president of planning, engineering and construction for the Sea Pines Company, before joining the Hankin Group. HIs leadership at Hankin has been characterized by innovation, a commitment to mixed-use plans that work, and sustainability.
The public is invited to attend this event and help us recognize our honorees, and all the Citizen Planners of Chester County, and, of course, join us for some fun.
Advance online registration is now open at www.cc2020.org – there’s a handy sign-up button on the home page.
Individual tickets are $88. For questions, email info@cc2020.org, or call 484-680-5570!
Morrison to be honored by Chesco 2020 Read More »
If you have the day off for Washington’s Birthday, count your blessings: Mother Nature is not planning an appropriately respectful forecast.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for the region from 6 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 15, through 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Snow is expected around 11 a.m. on Monday before turning to sleet around 4 p.n. The chance of precipitation is 80 percent with one to three inches of accumulation possible and a high temperature of 34, said the NWS.
By Monday night, the wintry mix should become all rain after 10 p.m. with a low around 33. The rain will continue on Tuesday, Feb. 16, becoming heavy at times. Between three quarters and one inch of rain is possible.
Snow showers could return on Tuesday night, but little or no accumulation is forecast. And if you’re craving sunshine, the best hope is Thursday although Wednesday may bring some partly sunny skies with a high near 44.
For Washington’s Birthday: wintry mix Read More »
The ground may be frozen solid, but spring is approaching; and with it comes the prospect of bountiful vegetable gardens and vibrant floral bouquets.
To improve those results for home gardeners, the Chester County Board of Commissioners, through the Chester County Solid Waste Authority, is hoping residents will dig this offering: free certified master composting classes.
The classes – attendance is required all three weeks to become certified – will be held at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, from 6:30 (sharp) to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 2, March 9, and March 16.
Trainees will learn how to compost, how to construct various compost bins, how to grass-cycle, leaf-cycle, and how to reduce food waste by vermi-composting. The Chester County Solid Waste Authority will provide training, materials, volunteer opportunities, and support. To register or for more information, call 484-796-4041.
Free composting classes: Can you dig it? Read More »
Desperate for a quirky, last-minute Valentine’s Day gift? How about tickets to see one of America’s most happily mismatched couples?
A married couple with divergent White House experience – James Carville and Mary Matalin – will bring their unique views of America to West Chester University, presenting “All’s Fair: Love, War, and Politics” on Friday, March 11, at 8 p.m. in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall in Philips Memorial Building.
James “The Ragin’ Cajun” Carville built his reputation for leading overlooked campaigns to victory in Pennsylvania, beginning in 1986, with successes that included Robert Casey and Richard Thornburgh, and in the South with Wallace Wilkinson, Zell Miller, then with Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election, according to a WCU press release.
In 1991, Carville and his consulting partner Paul Begala rose to national attention, leading appointed incumbent Pennsylvania Senator Harris Wofford back from a 40-point poll deficit over White House hand-picked candidate Dick Thornburgh. It was during Wofford’s campaign that the “it’s the economy, stupid” strategy used by Bill Clinton in 1992 was first implemented, the release said.
Matalin, one of the country’s most popular conservative voices, served under President Ronald Reagan, made her mark as President George H.W. Bush’s campaign director, was assistant to President George W. Bush, and was assistant and counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney, making her the first White House official to hold that double title.
Following George H.W. Bush’s 1988 presidential campaign, she was appointed chief of staff to then-Republican National Committee Chair Lee Atwater, whose declining health and eventual death essentially put her in charge of the RNC for nearly a year, the release said.
Together, Carville and Matalin have written two books: Love & War: 20 Years, Three Presidents, Two Daughters and One Louisiana Home and All’s Fair: Love, War, and Running for President. Matalin also penned Letters to My Daughters, advice for her own daughters, which made both The New York Times and the Washington Post best-seller lists. Carville co-authored with fellow Democratic strategist Stan Greenberg the New York Times bestseller It’s the Middle Class, Stupid!
Currently, Carville has turned to global politics, focusing on campaigns around the world. He is a columnist for The Hill newspaper, which publishes daily when Congress is in session, and serves as a professor of practice at Tulane University in New Orleans, the release said.
Matalin hosted the “Mary Matalin Show” on CBS Talk Radio Network and is now a commentator on the nationally syndicated radio program “Both Sides Now.” She has appeared frequently on “Meet the Press,” co-founded CNBC’s political talk show “Equal Time,” and hosted CNN’s “Crossfire.” She is a regular guest commentator on ABC, CNN, MSNBC and FOX News.
In addition, she serves on the boards of numerous institutions across the country, including Tulane University’s President’s Council, The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, the Water Institute of the Gulf and the Louisiana Nature Conservancy. Matalin recently accepted an appointment as a visiting distinguished lecturer in political science at Loyola University in New Orleans, according to the release.
Carville’s and Matalin’s visit is part of the university’s President’s Speaker Series, which brings to campus nationally known personalities from fields including science, athletics, politics and journalism. Guests deliver an address followed by pre-arranged questions asked by University President Greg Weisenstein.
For tickets, which are $25 for orchestra and $20 for balcony seating, visit https://wcupa.ticketleap.com/james-carville–mary-matalin/dates/Mar-11-2016_at_0800PM#/ or the box office in Sykes Student Union, ground floor, or call 610-436-2266.
Political odd couple coming to WCU Read More »
