March 18, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Dealership sues sheriff over vehicle transfer

A Newtown Square car dealership has sued the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, alleging breach of contract.

In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, March 15, Videon Chrysler Dodge is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 plus attorneys’ fees. The suit, filed by Kennett Square attorney Thomas K. Schindler, claims that the Sheriff’s Office entered into an oral contract to purchase a 2014 Dodge Durango police K-9 vehicle in March 2014 at a cost of $30,588, took possession of the vehicle, but never paid for it.

The suit also alleges that the Sheriff’s Office failed to pay for servicing of other vehicles. It says that the dealership’s owner, Steve Videon, met with Deputy Sheriff Harry McKinney, who was authorized by Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh to represent the office, in January 2015 to discuss the bills.

McKinney advised Videon that Michael McVeigh, Videon’s former sales manager, told McKinney that the Durango, as well as servicing costs, represented a donation from the dealership, the suit said, adding that McVeigh resigned several months prior to Videon’s meeting with McKinney.

The suit claims that Videon informed McKinney “that Mr. McVeigh was not authorized nor had he ever been authorized to make charitable donations” for the dealership. Included in the suit is a follow-up letter from Videon to McKinney in which Videon wrote that his discussion with McKinney marked the first time he had heard about the donation.

“Please understand that this was done without my knowledge or consent,” Videon wrote. “Therefore, I cannot donate the vehicle. Please contact me so we can set up a payment plan with Chester County.”

The suit alleges that the Sheriff’s Office did not respond to Videon’s requests for payment.

Asked about the suit, Schindler said Videon has always been “a friend of law enforcement” and was recently named Person of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Police in Delaware County.

“Our case together against the Sheriff’s Office should be resolved; the dealership’s records reflect that the Dodge Durango was not a donation, but rather a sale for which full payment is required,” he said. “I think that both sides in this case are reasonable, and I remain hopeful for a prompt resolution.”

Contacted on Friday, Welsh said she had not yet been served with the suit and deferred comment to Dawson “Rich” Muth, solicitor for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Muth said he had been out of the office this week. “I have not seen the lawsuit so I cannot comment on it at this time,” he said.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Dealership sues sheriff over vehicle transfer Read More »

Schools get software grant worth $6.3 million

School & Education

The Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS) campuses recently received an in-kind software grant from Siemens PLM Software, with a commercial value of over $6.3 million, according to a press release from the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).

Technical College High School teachers participate in a training session led by Siemens to learn how to use the Solid Edge software.

The Solid Edge software provides students enrolled in the TCHS programs access to the same technology that companies around the world depend on every day to develop innovative products in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, machinery, shipbuilding, high-tech electronics, and many more, the release said.

The in-kind grant was provided by the Siemens PLM Software’s academic program that delivers PLM software for schools at every academic level. TCHS is the only technical high school in Eastern Pennsylvania using Solid Edge in the classroom. The only other school in this region utilizing this software is Penn State Great Valley in its engineering program.

“It is a very exciting opportunity to have our students utilize the same technology that is currently used in advanced manufacturing settings in Chester County and across the Commonwealth,” Kirk Williard, director of CCIU’s Career and Technical Education division, said in the release. “Siemens is an international company. Many of these software packages are utilized on a global perspective for the design and development of products.”

Bonnie Wolf (left), CCIU Board president and Kirk Williard (right), director of the CCIU’s Career and Technical Education division, thank Ryan Theeck, a Siemens representative, during CCIU’s board meeting.

Siemens PLM Software is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services. The Solid Edge software is an intuitive product development platform for accelerating all aspects of product creation, including 3D design, simulation, visualization, manufacturing and design management, the release said.

Students in the TCHS Brandywine electronics and robotics program are currently using the Solid Edge sketching tools to do extrusions, revolves, cuts and holes. Other students are designing Picatinny Rail Adaptors for the criminal justice and police science program. “Students are gaining experience in product design and practical applications,” electronics and robotics instructor John Cilladi said in the release.

Siemens was recognized at CCIU’s Board of Directors meeting last month for their donation, which included training on the program for TCHS instructors.

“We have a vested interest in using our technology, so we can help students better prepare for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” Howard West, Siemens Digital Factory Division, said in the release.

Operated by the CCIU, the Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS) is a public high school specializing in career and technical education with three campuses: TCHS Brandywine Campus in Downingtown, TCHS Pickering Campus in Phoenixville and TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus in West Grove, which serves which serves students from the Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated, Octorara Area, Oxford Area, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts.

About Press Release

Schools get software grant worth $6.3 million Read More »

Roadwork for week of March 19

Along the Ford

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 March 19 through March 26. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.

Utility installation will necessitate lane closures on Route 926 in East Marlborough Township. The work is scheduled between West Clay Creek Lane and River Birch Circle from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Wednesday, March 23.

Patching crews will be out on Wedensday, March 23, on southbound I-95 between the state of Delaware and the Philadelphia County line. The northbound section will be done on Thursday, March 24. Crews are scheduled to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lane closures will be needed.

Drivers on southbound I-476 in Concord, Bethel and Upper Chichester townships between Baltimore Pike and I-95 will also experience lane closures for patching crews, which are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22.

Route 202 in both directions in Birmingham, East Goshen, West Goshen, Westtown and West Whiteland townships between Boot Road and Route 926 will also be the site of patching crews. Lane restrictions will be needed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Monday, March 21, through Thursday, March 24.

Work is continuing on the project to widen Route 202, which is scheduled for completion in August 2016. Motorists should expect delays for traffic pattern shifts in Tredyffrin and East Whiteland townships.

Work will also continue on the Speakman Covered Bridge in East Fallowfield and West Marlborough townships. Frog Hollow Road between Concord Bridge and Strasburg roads will be closed and detoured until the estimated completion date of Sept. 20.

Burnt Mill Road in Kennett Township remains closed and detoured indefinitely between Norway and Spring Mill roads while advance work continues on repairs to the Burnt Mill Bridge, which was closed on April 24, 2014.

The Birmingham Road Bridge in Birmingham Township is also closed indefinitely to repair structural damage discovered in September. Posted detours will be in effect between Lambourne Road and Stoney Run Drive.

Traffic signal work on Route 100 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland townships will require lane closures from Monday, March 21, through Friday, March 25. Crews will be working in both directions between Swedesford Road and Sheree Boulevard from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Overnight lane restrictions are scheduled on the Route 30 Bypass between Bondsville Road and North First Avenue in Caln Township on Friday, March 18, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for concrete median barrier placement. The bypass will also be the site of patching crews, who will be working from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Routes 82 and 100 from Monday, March 21, through Thursday, March 24.

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.”

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Roadwork for week of March 19 Read More »

Sofia Elliott of Upper Chichester

Obituaries

Sofia Elliott, 95, of Upper Chichester, died peacefully on March 15, at the Friends Home in Kennett Square, with her family by her side.

Sofia “Aunt Sof” was the co-owner of Elliott Machine Co, that she and her husband started in 1950.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herman”Buss”Elliott; parents Anastasia and Theodore Nychypor; siblings John Nychypor Sr and Eva Schrass.

Aunt Sof is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, and especially her beloved greyhound “Heidi” which brought her great joy and companionship.

Services and burial will be private.

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

Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square, PA.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Sofia Elliott of Upper Chichester Read More »

As spring beckons, snow threatens

Local News, Local News Birmingham, Local News Chadds Ford, Local News Concord, Local News Kennett, Local News Pennsbury, Local News Pocopson

Updated at 5 p.m. with decrease in expected snowfall

Mother Nature is threatening to blanket those emerging crocuses and daffodils with a reminder that winter isn’t over, according to the National Weather Service.

Winterthur's colorful March Bank could receive a blanket of snow this weekend. Bob Leitch photo courtesy of Winterthur, — Winterthur’s colorful March Bank display could receive a significant coating of snow this weekend. Bob Leitch photo courtesy of Winterthur

A Nor’easter could impact the region Saturday night, March 19, into Sunday, March 20, with a potential for accumulating, heavy wet snow over portions of the region. Saturday night’s low temperature is predicted to hit 31.

Uncertainty remains as to where the axis of heaviest snowfall will occur, weather officials said, adding that no watches or warnings have been issued yet, officials said.

But area residents might want to wait before exchanging their snow shovels for trowels. Officials say a 50 percent chance exists that snow will begin Saturday night with a potential for high wind gusts and totals of two to four inches of the white stuff before the storm subsides on Sunday morning.

Snow is expected to be heavy and wet, likely sticking to power lines and trees and creating a potential for localized power outages.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

As spring beckons, snow threatens Read More »

Darlington to honor two arts educators

Arts & Entertainment

Two longtime educators have encouraged creativity and instilled confidence in countless students in the community through the arts, said a press release from the Darlington Arts Center.

On April 17, Diana Stevenson and Hattie Weselyk, well known to families of creative children throughout Garnet Valley, will be honored at the annual Arts Salute to Spring fundraiser. Stevenson will receive the Arts Service Award and Weselyk will receive the Teaching Artist Excellence Award.

Stevenson has taught visual arts at Garnet Valley High School for many years. During her time she has taught thousands of students the fundamental skills of an artist while channeling the arts in a positive way, the release said.

“Diana has the perfect mix of passion for both art and her students. She is a tireless advocate, instructor, and mentor who exemplifies the very best in art education. She is the best!” Garnet Valley School District Superintendent Marc Bertrando in the release.

In addition to teaching, she is co-liaison of the Garnet Valley Art Department, contributes to the statewide-recognized art curriculum, and is a sponsor of the murals club.

“All who know Diana are inspired by her passion for the arts and the dedication that goes into bringing that joy to others” Claudia Eckel, a fellow visual arts teacher at GVHS, said in the release.

Hattie Weselyk has been teaching Garnet Valley dancers at Darlington for over 15 years, before the center moved to Shavertown Road in 2002. She has instructed students of every age and skill level – from the littlest ballerinas in Tiny Tutus all the way up to the most senior dancers in Advanced Ballet/Pointe and beyond. She is well-loved for her creative and innovative, yet traditionally disciplined, approach to her classes and Darlington Dance Company, which she led for over five years, the release said.

“Hattie’s passion for dance shines through each one of her students. Dancers finish her classes with great artistic and personal growth. We are so lucky to have her!” Susan Nicodemus Quinn, Darlington’s executive director, said in the release.

Weselyk has studied at the School of American Ballet, at the Juilliard School of Performing Arts, and was formerly the principal dancer with the Brandywine Ballet Company, the release said.

Arts Salute to Spring is Darlington Arts Center’s only fundraiser of the year and it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the arts, network with other Garnet Valley families, and honor the great educators in the community. The event will be held on Sunday, April 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Penn Oaks Golf Club. In addition to highlighting the honorees, the event will feature a performance by Brandywine Jazz and R&B, wine and hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, performances by Darlington students and much more.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation in honor of Stevenson and Weselyk, visit www.darlingtonarts.org/ASTS.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Darlington to honor two arts educators Read More »

Boost Your Business: Website audit reporting

Business

Imagine this: one day you’re on page 1 of Google. The next day you do not appear until page 14. You don’t even know what hit you but it hit you hard. This scenario happens in real life, and in most cases, business owners are left confused and wondering what happened. That’s why a Website Audit Report is a must.

What is a website audit?

A website audit allows you to get a professional review and analysis of your website, including its content and inbound links. This covers Web Design and Web Structure Analysis, Page and Link Errors, Page Title and Meta Description Issues, Backlinks Analysis, URL Architecting, Duplicate Content Analysis, Comprehensive Target Keyword Analysis, and much more!

I recommend this service before you start any optimization campaign for your website. When you want to invest in an online marketing campaign, particularly SEO, it is important to have a deep analysis of your website.

Why Do You Need a Website Audit Report?

Your website is the core of your online marketing strategy. SEO, PPC, social media optimization — all these direct traffic back to your site. A faulty website can flush all your efforts down the drain. An audit followed by an appropriate action, on the other hand, prevents that from happening. An audit is needed to find faults in your site so they can be corrected.

An audit is also the first step in recovering from Google updates. With the search engine rolling out between 500 and 600 algorithm changes every year, it’s crucial to get a “checkup” for your website annually.

Google Algorithm Updates

In addition to being better prepared to run an SEO campaign, getting a website audit will also protect your website from Google’s algorithm changes. Google is continuously tweaking their algorithms to provide users with search engine results of ever improving quality and relevance.

Online Reputation Management

Almost everyone is Googling themselves these days because they know that they are also being Googled. So do you Google yourself and don’t like what you see? Well, what you see is what your prospects and customers see. You may have the patience not to act on negative comments about you or your business but your prospects and customers may not be as forgiving. Fact: 80 percent of people surveyed had changed a purchase decision due to a bad review they saw online. And with competition tighter than ever, businesses are seeing that Online Reputation Management is now a necessity.

What is Online Reputation Management?

Your online reputation is important. With the huge and ever-growing population searching online to evaluate businesses, bad comments and reviews about your business can gravely affect your target market’s purchasing decision. This is why it is critical to monitor your online reputation and take a plan of action to counter any negative material and proactively act to produce positive material about you, your brand, your business, and your products/services.

Why Monitor Your Online Reputation

According to studies, 78 percent of Internet users conduct product research online and 80 percent of potential buyers changed their purchase decision after seeing a negative review online. Your business can be at the mercy of online commentaries – or you can use these to your advantage! Online reputation management allows you to respond to negative comments the moment they appear on the Internet. Proactive ORM also allows you to optimize positive reviews about your business so that favorable reviews dominate search results, pushing down negative ones in the process.

Also, 44 percent of online adults have searched for information about someone whose services or advice they seek in a professional capacity, like a doctor, lawyer, or plumber. You can use ORM to give these searchers a great “first impression” online.

Get an online Reputation Management consultation now to protect your business and to NOT allow detractors to slow you down!

* Maria L. Novak Dugan is president of Marketing Solutions & Business Development, a firm in West Chester, PA, offering creative marketing services and goal implementation for small & medium sized businesses. For more information, contact Maria at 610-405-0633 or MariaNovak001@yahoo.com or visit www.Maria-L-Novak.com

** The opinions expressed are 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

About Maria Novak Dugan

Maria L. Novak Dugan is president of Marketing Solutions & Business Development, a firm serving Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, offering creative marketing services and goal implementation for small businesses. She has more than 30 years’ experience in the Marketing & Sales Industry ... 13 of those as the sole sales representative for a Pennsylvania payroll company growing their client base by over 500%. Maria Novak Dugan is also the former Managing Director of the Delaware Chapter of eWomenNetwork. Creating, developing, and conducting this division of a national organization strengthened her knowledge of networking, event planning, fundraising, and small-business development. For more information, contact Maria at 610-405-0633 or Maria@Maria-L-Novak.com or visit www.Maria-L-Novak.com

Boost Your Business: Website audit reporting Read More »