Once again, Chester County has been ranked overall as the healthiest county in Pennsylvania, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The study placed Chester County at the top of the Health Outcomes category, relating to length and quality of life, and number two in Health Factors which include health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment, according to the study.
The report is designed to allow counties to determine where they are doing well and where they need to improve. According to the study, Delaware County ranked 35th out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties for Health Outcomes and 15th for Health Factors.
The rankings compare counties within each state on more than 30 factors that impact health, including such social determinants as education, jobs, housing, exercise, commuting times and more. Now in its seventh year, counties can get a snapshot of how healthy their residents are by comparing their overall health and the factors that influence their health, with other counties in their state.
“This recognition demonstrates that Chester County is a community ahead of the curve,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell in a county press release. “The leadership of our Health Department, the network of hospitals, healthcare providers, health clinics, social service-related nonprofit organizations, and our environmental stewardship and recreational resources, all add up to a recognition as number one when it comes to a healthy quality of life.”
Commissioner Kathi Cozzone added that the county recognizes the importance of all the conditions that impact the well-being of residents – from treatment and education on health issues, to the impact of jobs, housing, schooling, transportation, and exercise.
“Our top ranking indicates that we’re doing many things right, but we will continue to address those areas where we know we can improve,” Cozzone said in the release.
Commissioner Michelle Kichline agreed, noting that Chester County’s strategic plan includes a priority on Health, Human Services and the Environment, with goals that address the health factors identified in the County Health Rankings study.
“In addition, our RoadMAPP to Health – a county-wide collaborative effort to assess our residents’ health and identify and address health-related social service needs – is currently engaged in a long-term community health improvement plan,” Kichline said in the release.
Details of the 2016 County Health Rankings Report are posted on the Chester County Health Department website, www.chesco.org/healthycounty. For several years, Chester County has ranked first or second.
Kennett Township supervisors celebrated an award, updated a handful of ordinances, approved a passel of development plans, and discussed a problematic intersection during their nearly three-hour meeting on Wednesday, March 16.
The five-point intersection of South Union Street, Old Kennett Road, and Hallandale Road is being studied for possible improvements before new developments make it worse.
The latter topic occupied the most time as representatives from Remington, Vernick and Beach Engineers presented a study that focused on the five-point intersection of South Union Street, Old Kennett Road, and Hillendale Road. The township requested the analysis to evaluate potential improvements to the congested corridor before more construction occurs.
“The idea of adding more volume to ‘Five Points’ is something that gives me the willies,” acknowledged Supervisor Whitney S. Hoffman.
The study offered three options. The first and least expensive plan relied on adjustments to timing of the existing traffic signal. The second – and most costly – option would widen South Union Street to accommodate left-turn lanes, and the third approach, which received the engineers’ recommendation, would realign Old Kennett Road, creating a new stop-sign controlled ‘T’-intersection with South Union Street.
A handful of the approximately 30 residents in attendance expressed concerns about all three of the engineers’ options. Criticism ranged from the study’s reliance on posted speed limits rather than the actual velocity of vehicles to its failure to address the turning distance needed for the large trucks that use the intersection. Several residents also questioned the absence of options for bikers and pedestrians.
Kennett Township Supervisors Whitney S. Hoffman (from left) and Richard L. Leff listen as Scudder G. Stevens reads a proclamation from the state Senate lauding the township’s greenway.
Echoing the sentiments of other residents, Drew Anderson suggested that the study did not take into account the realities of the intersection now – problems that would only intensify with triple or quadruple the homes in the area. “Why are we paying for this?” he asked.
Township Manager Lisa M. Moore explained that the township is trying to be proactive and that two of the developers who are expected to increase the traffic’s volume agreed to fund the study.
Supervisors’ Chairman Scudder G. Stevens thanked the residents for their comments. “We all bring richness to the discussion,” he said, pointing out that the study was intended to be a starting point for a work in progress. “I think it has done what we wanted it to do.”
On a more positive note, Stevens read a proclamation from the state Senate that the township received in conjunction with the Growing Greener Communities Award from Natural Lands Trust and the Chester County Association of Township Officials. The township received recognition for the development of the Kennett Greenway, a 12-mile, multi-use trail, on Thursday, March 10, at the CCATO spring conference in Great Valley.
The board heard an update from Moore on the regional Emergency Services Study, a collaborative analysis commissioned by six area municipalities. Kennett joined with East Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, and Pocopson townships and Kennett Square Borough to hire consultants to study fire and ambulance services. Moore said that the consultants are presently meeting with assisted-living communities and that she expected to have more information at the supervisors’ April 20 meeting.
Moore urged residents to take part in a survey, which is part of another study, this one a collaborative endeavor focusing on economic development with the Borough of Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens, and others. The survey can be accessed here. The next public meeting on the study is scheduled for Thursday, April 7, at 7 pm. at the American Legion building in Kennett Square
In other business, the supervisors unanimously approved six ordinances, most of which involved minor amendments or additions to existing regulations, changes designed to reduce legal challenges.
The supervisors also unanimously approved final development plans for four projects. Longwood Gardens got a go-ahead to construct a permanent parking lot on three acres on Route 1 at Route 52, a tract that has been used as an overflow lot; Pat’s Pizza received approval for a commercial building with a pizza restaurant and commercial units on 1.8 acres on West Baltimore Pike; the Kennett Business Park on West South and West Cypress streets was granted a lot-line change to increase its acreage to 25.2; and Kennett Square Specialties can begin building 38 mushroom houses on a 15.5-acre tract on Ways Lane.
The mushroom project generated discussion since the township had agreed to waive a $150,000 fee in lieu of open space in exchange for improvements to Ways Lane that were not spelled out in the plan. Moore explained that the township lacks authority to impose that condition because the township doesn’t own the road.
Following some questions by township solicitor David J. Sander, property owner Louis Caputo agreed to have his engineer submit a narrative outlining his plans for improving Ways Lane, and the final development plan was approved with the condition that a proposal would be added.
“This is my road. As time goes on, it will improve each and every year,” Caputo said, explaining that he is working with other property owners in hopes of expanding the improvements the full length of the roadway.
Moore reminded residents that Kennett Township will host an annual roadway cleanup along with the Red Clay Valley Clean up on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 8 a.m. All necessary supplies (trash bags, gloves, reflective vests, etc.) will be provided. She said groups interested in a particular area should contact Roadmaster Roger Lysle at 610-444-5130 or roger.lysle@kennett.pa.us.
Moore also informed residents that PennDOT is holding two public meetings on major road projects expected to impact the region. The long-awaited replacement of the Route 926 Bridge will be the subject of an open house and presentation on Wednesday, March 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Pocopson Elementary School. A meeting on April 4 at 7 p.m. at the East Marlborough Township building will focus on widening a stretch of Route 1 to three lanes, she said.
Lenny Rivera, the Republican who wants to replace Chris Ross as state representative for the 158th Legislative District, will not be on the April 26 primary ballot, but he still wants the nomination.
Meanwhile, Democratic Party hopeful Susan Rzucidlo hopes the GOP will nominate someone who isn’t as “ethically challenged.”
Lenny Rivera
Rivera withdrew his name from the primary ballot after three people formally challenged signatures on his nominating petition. A hearing on the matter was scheduled for March 16, but Rivera withdrew his name. However, he said in a telephone interview that he would still run for the GOP nomination through a write-in campaign.
“If I get 300 or more write-in votes, then my name will appear on the ballot in November,” he said. “I’m looking forward to taking my experience to Harrisburg and representing the 158th with a lot of enthusiasm.”
State law requires that a would-be nominee receive 300 signatures to get on a primary ballot. Rivera said he gathered more than 600. However, for some of those signatures, he was not the person in front of the signer holding the clipboard. He was in the area — within 100 yards — but not in front of some of the petition-signers.
“The law now is that I have to be holding the petition when they sign. It’s no longer valid that I’m in the vicinity,” Rivera said.
Rivera speculated that the challenges to the signatures came from Rzucidlo’s supporters and that it was strictly a political move to eliminate him from competing against her for the position.
“I take my character and integrity very seriously. This is political posturing by my opponent who doesn’t really want to address the issues of how Gov. Wolf wants to force down the throats of Chester County residents the largest tax increase in the history of the commonwealth. She wants to get to Harrisburg just to help him do that, and I’m not going to allow that to happen,” Rivera said.
Rzucidlo readily acknowledged that the challengers — while registered Republicans — are her friends and supporters, who share her belief that “the political system must be done ethically and legally. You can’t break the law and think you can be a public servant.”
Susan Rzucidlo
Speaking to Rivera’s comment about political posturing, the four-time Democratic Party candidate said she has always been about issues and ethics.
“I’m running because I want to serve the people. I believe so passionately that we first have to start from a place of ethics, and we have to clean up government…When you stand on a place of ethics, you can sit down and work on issues. I have never walked away from discussing issues…I have not seen any issue statements from him at all. All I’ve seen from him is false swearing,” she said.
“I would hope there is someone who is not ethically challenged who would be interested and inclined to run at this point,’ she added.
Rivera, along with Perry Bentley and Eric Roe, had been seeking the GOP nomination to replace Ross, but the party endorsed Rivera in January.
Ross is calling it quits on his state political career. He wanted to retire from the House two years ago, but was pressed back into running when Republican Cuyler Walker abruptly withdrew his candidacy.
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.
Come meet all the wonderful animals available now for adoption at the Brandywine Valley SPCA. All featured pets are “Name Your Price” adoption fee until Monday, March 21. Not ready to adopt? Then sponsor a pet and provide a safe place for our companions to rest until they find their forever homes. Help us give them a second chance at a fresh start!
Alley
Alley
Hi world, Alley here. I’m a 5-year-old female domestic short hair, with beautiful steel grey fur and golden eyes. As you can see I’m not camera shy and like to wonder around, exploring all parts of my space. I love when my humans friends give me lovin’ and let me have dibs on a comfy chair. I can be a bit particular about other felines, so a home where I am the only kitty of your life would be best. Do you have a place in your heart from a cutie like me? Come meet me at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, I’ll be waiting with my bags packed.
Lenny
Lenny
Hello my name is Lenny. I’m a little shy at first but once I’ve gotten a little closer and you show me some love, I’m a total love bug. My pals here say that I’m super sweet (naturally) and love to snuggle. I enjoy long naps and curling up with my human friends. As you can see by my awesome photo I am curious and you could say I’m photogenic. Sorry, selfie nation, I am a bit of a camera hog. What can I say? I love attention. I am currently looking for my forever home and hope to be able to share a spot light with someone special. Is that person you? Come pay me a visit and lets find out.
Abe
Abe
I may just seem like a simple dog, with a simple name, Abe. I really am so much more than that. I’m an awesome, handsome brindle mix who is just waiting for my family to walk through the door to make me their newest member. Could that family possibly be you? I know sit, stay and I pose wonderfully for photographs. I’m an easy walker and would love to stroll around the neighborhood with you as spring arrives. I love playing outside, with observers saying I leap around like a gazelle *winks. After we exercise, just throw me a blanket and watch me curl up in it. Cute doesn’t even cover it. Word on the street is that I might be able to live with a cat too, so if you have one, please consider me. I can’t wait to meet you, and if you have kids, well we will get along just fine.
Brian
Brian
My name is Brian, and I am a complete and total snuggle buddy. If you are looking for someone to cuddle with for Netflix marathons, I am definitely your guy. I absolutely love people, walk well on a leash, take treats gently, and my sit is on point. I love to go for walks, and pal around with my friends. I revel in a good petting session. During playgroup fun time with my fellow four legged pals, I am very playful and I am what is known as a “helper dog.” FYI, that means I am a rock star, who can pretty much get along with every dog. Come on down to the BVSPCA and let’s get this party started, right?
Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Pennsylvania Campus.
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Pennsylvania Campus
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Delaware Campus
• The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting opens this weekend at the Brandywine River Museum of Art and runs through June 12. Included are masterworks by Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, John F. Kensett, William T. Richards, William L. Sonntag, and other giants of the Hudson River School of ARt. The Hudson River School is considered the first art movement in America and one that celebrated the country’s natural beauty. This exhibition, organized by the New York Historical Society, features more than 40 paintings created between 1818 and 1886 by more than 25 celebrated American artists.
• On March 22, the final presentation in Chadds Ford Historical Society’s lecture series will take place with local author and historian Gene Pisasale as Col. Alexander Hamilton. The program is entitled “Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System.” The lecture costs $10 for non-members and free for Chadds Ford Historical Society members.
• Made in the Americas: The New World Discovers Asia, opens at Winterthur on March 26 and runs through Jan. 8. The exhibit examines the influence of Asia on the arts of the colonial Americas. This seminal exhibition explores how craftsmen across North, Central, and South America adapted Asian styles in furniture, silverwork, textiles, ceramics, and painting. Included are folding screens made in Mexico to imitate Japanese and Chinese screens, blue and white Talavera ceramics copied from Chinese porcelains, and luxuriously woven textiles made to replicate fine silks and cottons imported from China and India, among the exhibition’s many marvels.
• PennDOT will hold an open house public meeting on Wednesday, March 30, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for the upcoming project to replace the Route 926 bridge over the Brandywine Creek in Birmingham and Pocopson townships, Chester County. The public meeting will be held at the Pocopson Elementary School, which is located at 1105 Pocopson Road in Pocopson Township. The meeting will feature an open house plans display, a presentation at 6:30 p.m., and a question-and-answer session at 7. PennDOT project team members will be available to discuss the plans with interested citizens.
• The Kennett Area Senior Center’s Walnut Street Café Community Breakfast will be offered on Monday, April 4 from 7 to 9 a.m. The meal will feature a variety of choices, including scrambled eggs, home fries, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy and biscuits, and omelets made to order. All breakfasts include juice, fruit, coffee, tea and milk. Tickets are $5.75 for members and $6.75 for non-members.
• Unionville’s MiniTHON – Stamp out Cancer is set for April 9. The minithon will raise money for Four Diamonds, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the financial burden that many families with cancer patients face. Four Diamonds also collaborates with hospitals and research centers around the world in search of a cure for pediatric cancer. This year’s goal is to raise $8,000. Click here to donate to Unionville High School’s UThon: http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1317.
• Unionville High Band Director Scott Litzenberg and Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Superintendent John Sanville have extended congratulations to two students selected for the 2016 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Band. Dana Dirnberger, a senior who plays the flute, and Michael Dirnberger, a sophomore clarinetist, received the honor last week at a festival hosted by Sun Valley High School. They will move on to the state festival, which will be held from March 30 to April 2 in Hershey.
• The fourth annual Chester County Single Mothers’ Conference will take place on Saturday, April 9, at B. Reed Henderson High School, 400 Montgomery Avenue, West Chester. The Chester County Community Collaborative, in partnership with the Chester County Women’s Commission, is hosting the event, and invites any and every single mother to attend free of charge. The day will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include breakfast and lunch, free childcare, panel discussions and clinics on relationships, finances, and legal matters, and – most importantly – a chance to learn from other single mothers and their experiences. See the conference Facebook page for details and a registration link at www.facebook.com/SingleMothersCC or call 484-876-1582 for more information.
