April 12, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Art Watch: Chroma and Contrast

This Saturday, April 16th “Chroma and Contrast” opens at Beauty Gallery in Newtown Square, featuring brightly colored juried art selections from members of the Delaware Valley Art League (DVAL). Beauty Gallery is located at 3857 Providence Road in Newtown Square and offers an ever-changing permanent gallery as well as an exhibition space for a hand full of themed exhibitions every year. Swing by Beauty Gallery anytime through May 19th, or come for the opening reception this Saturday from 4-8 p.m. and vote on your favorite piece from the show for the “People’s Choice Award.”.

Juried art awards include the Juror’s Award for Excellence to “Under the Surface” by Cheryl Schlenker, and DVAL’s Leo Weisz Memorial Award for “Far and Away” by Laurie Lamont Murray. There are so many beautiful, reasonably priced paintings at this show that it will be hard to choose which one that you like the most. Be sure to look at the award winning abstract work by Denise Sedor, and the whimsical, soft charcoal scenes of outgoing DVAL President Jeanne Gunther.

Trudy Campbell’s abstract painting entitled “Tuna, Sardines, Gulls and Gannets” offers mad dashes and splashes of gorgeous Spring color, guaranteed to make you forget this past week’s grey mixture of snow and rain.

Tuna, Sardines, Gulls and Gannets by Trudy Campbell

If you are an artist, and you are looking for an interesting art group to join, you should consider Delaware Valley Art League. I joined DVAL two years ago to take advantage of their long list of monthly art show venues, but they offer so much more than that to their members! The Delaware Valley Art League has been around since 1947, and currently has almost 300 members.

They meet monthly at the spacious Paoli Presbyterian Church in Paoli. The members come from Chester County, Delaware Valley and Montgomery Counties for the most part, and are in the above 55 age range. At every monthly meeting, members have an opportunity to submit artwork for a juried show, attend a short meeting, witness an art demonstration and sign up for an art workshop. Meetings are very well attended, and the atmosphere is always very friendly and welcoming.

This past week, the art demonstration was lead by the enthusiastic and delightful abstract painter Jane Miluski. She showed the DVAL artists her technique to pull water color in broad washes to create abstract vistas. Her dialogue was so charming and unaffected, and her brushwork so intuitive, I am sure that she encouraged everyone in the room to try out her style!

I had an opportunity to interview the outgoing DVAL President, and artist, Jeanne Gunther, who has been president for 4 years. I asked her what she felt was most unique about DVAL, and she said ” Of course I always like to focus on the talent of this group which, despite its diversity, is huge. DVAL offers its members opportunities not only to exhibit and sell their work throughout the year but to share ideas, methods with other professional artists through its monthly meetings and workshops. Friendships develop which is very special considering that most artists spend a great deal of their time alone in their studios.”

Gunther has been working primarily in charcoal for the past years, but her degree from Tyler School of Art was in painting. The new DVAL President will be artist Jeanne Marston, and they have a lot planned for the year ahead. Gunther adds, “More and more of our members are getting involved with plein air painting and so our new special exhibitions chair, Bruce Poulterer is lining up appropriate events.

DVAL is also bringing back its annual art sale. Details are still being worked out but we hope to be ready by this Fall.” For more information about DVAL and DVAL membership, go to www.delawarevalleyartleague.com.

Many DVAL artists entered the “Drawn From Nature” show at the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, which is open to public viewing through April 24th. This show is the 10th annual juried art show for the Audubon Center, offering more than $2000 in award money for the artists and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the way nature can inspire artistic creativity. Go to www.valleyforgeaudubon.org events for more information on this lovely exhibition. What a perfect place to spend a leisurely weekend with your family.

“The Trashy Women” will be showing at the Art Gallery at Wilson Vineyard this Saturday from 12 to 6p.m. Their up-cycled, recycled, re-imagined artworks illustrate “how one person’s trash can be another person’s art!” Have a glass of wine, enjoy some charming company and see some wonderful art! The Wilson Gallery is located at 4374 Forge Road in Notttingham

Up-cycled art and artifacts are also showing all month long with artist Marc Buckwalter at Ten Gallon Hat Winery in Chadds Ford and artist Jen Harley at Kreutz Creek Vineyards in West Chester and West Grove. Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square hosts artist friends Abigail Patterson and Margaret Hershey for a pop up show on Sunday April 17th from 3 to 7 p.m. Spring, sunshine, wine and art combine to make a great April weekend!

About Lele Galer

Lele Galer is an artist who has chaired numerous art shows, taught art history and studio art, public art and has chaired, written and taught the Art in Action Art Appreciation series for the UCFD schools for the past 12 years. She worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and wrote for the Associated Press in Rome. She has been dedicated to Art History and art education for most of her adult life. Lele and her husband Brad own Galer Estate Winery in Kennett Square.

Art Watch: Chroma and Contrast Read More »

Mary Ann Fenner of West Grove

Obituaries

Mary Ann Fenner, 71, of West Grove, died Saturday, April 9, at the Jennersville Regional Hospital. She was the wife of Kenneth E. Fenner Sr., who died in 2001 and with whom she shared 35 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Beatrice Polito Santoro.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed watching old movies and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one daughter, Nicole Boyle and her husband Jim of Woodstown, N.J.; two sons, Kenneth E. Fenner Jr. of Pennsylvania and Gregory Fenner of Glenolden; one sister, Felice Kloss of Broomall, and three grandchildren.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. Her memorial service will follow ant 11. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield.

In memory of Mary Ann, a contribution may be made to the American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Road, Suite 415, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

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

About CFLive Staff

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

Mary Ann Fenner of West Grove Read More »

It’s budget talk season for U-CF

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

School budget talks are ramping up, but it will be May before Unionville-Chadds Ford district residents know the details of the 2016-2017 academic year budget.

Bob Cochran, the district’s business manager, told members of the school board during the April 11 work session that full details will be available to the public beginning with the May 2 budget hearing.

There had been a right to know request filed for information, but that request was denied, he said.

What is known, as has been previously reported, is that there will be a property tax increase for district property owners. Those taxes will go up 2.8 percent in Chester County and 3.15 percent for property owners in Delaware County — Chadds Ford Township. That amounts to a 2.88 percent weighted average increase.

Those figures could change by the time the board adopts the final budget in June.

Those increases exceed the state’s Act 1 limits of 2.4 percent, but the district will be using exception dollars — $284,000 — for special education and pension fund so that there will be no need for a referendum on the tax increase. (Act 1 allows for some expenditures to be exempt from the tax increase limit.)

Cochran and the school administration did go over some of the details.

“The budget, on an overall basis, both in revenues and expenditures, has taken out part of the conservative nature we have traditionally had,” Cochran said.

He said there are areas where traditional cushions have been trimmed, but there is a budgetary reserve of $150,000 specifically for special education. The full reserve is $588,000.

Cochran added that the budget includes technology incentives and teacher training.

Superintendent of Schools John Sanville said the proposed budget “maintains our high level of program and service to our students and are proud to provide…Initiatives in this budget go directly to the classroom.”

One of those initiatives will bring Chrome Books to the middle school, others expand the use of the district’s learning management system and make staffing adjustments that reduce class sizes, he added.

“This is a budget that invests in our children in a very real way, while also appreciating the investment made by our community,” Sanville said.

Some known expenses involve improving buildings and grounds.

Rick Hostetler, the director of buildings and grounds, said the district would be spending $42,000 on custodial supplies next year, $10,000 on trash bags, and more than $48,000 on carpeting at Hillendale, Pocopson and Unionville elementary schools.

The district will also pick up another $10,000 from PennDOT. The transportation department is planning to take some property for a right of way in front of Pocopson Elementary School through eminent domain. PennDOT wants to put in a right turn lane at the intersection of Pocopson Road and Route 926.

Hostetler said the land acquisition and installation of the right turn lane are in conjunction with the Route 926 Bridge project. However, the district will meet with Pocopson Township officials next week to make sure easements and rights of way were not already granted to the township when the school was built.

“We don’t anticipate any issues, but we’re covering our bases,’ Hostetler said.

The district also stands to get back as much as 75 percent of what it spent on plowing and other storm related costs from the blizzard in January. That reimbursement will come through FEMA, Hostetler said.

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.

It’s budget talk season for U-CF Read More »

Letter: Start 2017-18 school budget now

Opinion

In 2003-04 the UCF student body numbered 3901 and the budget was $49.5 million. Over the next ten years the student body increased 4.7% and educational inflation grew 24.0%. One would the 2013-14 budget to be $49.5 X 4.7% X 24.0% or $64.5 million.
But in fact the budget was $79.99 million or 24.4% higher that one would expect.. If I had current data, I expect the 2016-17 budget being discussed to be much higher than necessary and continuing to grow at an unacceptable rate.
Past and current school boards and administrations have done nothing to control the budget growth in the UCF District.

It is time they start with the 2017-18 budget!!!

Bruce B. Yelton
Pocopson Township

About CFLive Staff

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

Letter: Start 2017-18 school budget now Read More »

Visitors from China enjoy Chesco wine, roses

Business

A delegation from China visited Chester County recently as part of a growing relationship between the two regions.

Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell and Susan Hamley — Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell (seventh from left) andChester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Hamley (fourth from right) pose with the Chinese visitors at Longwood Gardens.

Hosted by Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell and the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Hamley, the trip last month was facilitated by James Zhang, president of the Sino-America Business & Travel Association, according to a bureau press release.

Farrell, who visited China in 2014, said he enjoyed welcoming a group from Yangzhou that included ZhiJian Wang, deputy mayor of Yangzhou, representatives from high profile gardens, and tourism officials.

“We have had four delegations from China visit Chester County in the past six months,” Farrell said in the release. “This was the first delegation from Yangzhou, however, which borders the provincial capital of Nanjing on China’s East Coast.”

A group from China, gets a tour of Galer — A group from Yangzhou, China, enjoys the ambiance of Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery.

Previous delegations have focused on business and investment opportunities in Chester County, but this delegation was most interested in tourism. The 10 visitors were enchanted by Longwood Gardens’ beauty, particularly the unique garden designs, and they were also intrigued by a tour of the Galer Estate Vineyard & Winery, led by owners Brad and Lele Galer, and a tasting of Galer’s award-winning wines, made with locally grown grapes, the release said.

Hamley believes China offers great potential for tourism. “Nearly 2.2 million Chinese visitors traveled to the U.S. in 2014, which is a 21 percent increase over 2013,” Hamley said in the release. “It is anticipated that by 2019, China will become the third largest inbound market to the United States. China is already No. 2 in Chester County, and we can expect further growth with the new 10-year visa.”

The Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, created in 1963, is a nonprofit, independent organization that serves as the official tourism promotion agency for Chester County. Responsible for marketing Chester County and the Brandywine Valley to travelers and for events, the bureau maintains the Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center at 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square. The center welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About CFLive Staff

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

Visitors from China enjoy Chesco wine, roses Read More »

In Pocopson, daycare center concerns persist

Home and Leisure

For the second time in less than a month, disagreement over a proposed daycare center dominated the Pocopson Township supervisors’ meeting on Monday, April 11.

Pocopson Township Supervisors Allice Balsama (from left), Elaine DiMonte, and Ricki Stumpo listen to comments during Monday night's meeting. — Pocopson Township Supervisors Alice Balsama (from left), Elaine DiMonte, and Ricki Stumpo listen to comments during Monday night’s meeting.

Ultimately, the supervisors agreed that they wanted more time to confer with the township solicitor before voting to approve the preliminary land development plan for the facility, which would be located in the Riverside at Chadds Ford community.

The supervisors heard from engineer Victor Kelly and attorney John Jaros, both of whom represent the Riverside Daycare Partnership, and Jody Thompson, who would run the Ducklings Early Learning Center on Winston Lane. Thompson said the 10,000-square-foot center would operate with about 128 children and 15 teachers and would be open five days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Adam G. Marcus, an attorney representing the Riverside homeowners’ association, said his group strongly opposes the plan, which he doesn’t believe complies with township zoning. Echoing the views of others in the audience, Marcus questioned the adequacy of the parking, especially for special events. “What happens when 260 cars show up?” he asked.

Thompson said she would be willing to ask parents to car-pool, and Jaros said the application meets the township code. “We essentially didn’t find any merit in the claims by the HOA,” he said.

The supervisors have until the end of May to make a decision; however, they suggested that it could occur as early as the next meeting on Monday, April 25.

Jack Stefferud from Natural Lands Trust uses maps to explain an effort to protect land at Castle Rock Farm, 16 acres of which lie within Pocopson Township.

In other business, the supervisors heard a presentation from Jack Stefferud, senior director for Natural Lands Trust, regarding efforts to get an easement on part of Castle Rock Farm, which is owned by Peter Giangiulio. Although the property on Northbrook Road lies mostly in West Bradford Township, Stefferud said 16 acres are in Pocopson.

Stefferud said the trust, which is seeking grant money, was looking for a letter of support as well as a financial contribution from the township. “Even $5,000 or $10,000 would be a help,” he said.

Supervisors’ Chair Ricki Stumpo explained that the township had exhausted its open-space fund; however, the supervisors all agreed to submit a letter of support for the initiative.

Brittany Hackman from McCormick Taylor, the township’s engineer, reported that about 80 township residents were affected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s floodplain update, either by being added or deleted from the map. In response to the supervisors’ suggestions, Hackman said she would submit a draft of a letter to the supervisors that would go to the affected property owners, explaining the change and asking the residents to contact the township if they wanted more information.

In his report, Public Works Director Mark Knightly said work began last week on the $50,000 project to stabilize the embankment on West Creek Road. He estimated it should be completed by the end of May.

Knightly also said the township has received a certificate of occupancy for the section of the Barnard House that will house the Kennett Underground Railroad Center. However, the building can’t be used until a security system is in place. The supervisors asked Knightly to do more research so they could make a decision on that purchase at the next meeting.

The historic building, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, was originally envisioned as the home of KURC as well as the township’s offices; however, the building’s layout and renovation costs have derailed the municipal option for now. The county sold the building to the township for $1 in 2008, a purchase that came with restrictions on its use.

After the meeting, Supervisor Elaine DiMonte said the board is hoping to meet with the county solicitor next week to determine what other uses might be permitted.

About CFLive Staff

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

In Pocopson, daycare center concerns persist Read More »

9th District Senate hopefuls will debate

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

The League of Women Voters is holding a debate between the two candidates vying for the 9th District Senate vacancy.

Marty Molloy

The forum will be held in the auditorium of Riddle Village on Baltimore Pike, across from the Granite Run Mall, on Sunday, April 17, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. The candidates are Democrat Marty Molloy, a nonprofit executive, and state Rep. Tom Killion, R-168, former chairman of Delaware County Council.

The special election to fill the seat vacated by former state Sen. Dominic Pileggi, who won a judgeship on the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas in November, takes place the same day as the primary, April 26; however, it is not a primary. Whoever wins the contest will take office.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association, the largest education employee organization in the state, has endorsed Molloy while Killion has earned the backing of the board of directors of Delaware County United for Sensible Gun Policy.

The 9th Senatorial District is comprised of the Delaware County boroughs and townships of Aston, Bethel, Brookhaven, Chadds Ford, Chester, Chester Heights, Lower Chichester, Upper Chichester, Concord, Eddystone, Edgemont, Marcus Hook, Middletown, Nether Providence, Parkside, Rose Valley, Thornbury, Trainer, Upland, and the City of Chester, as well as the Chester County boroughs and townships of Birmingham, East Goshen, West Goshen, Kennett, Kennett Square, East Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, Pocopson, Thornbury, and Westtown.

Approximately 65 percent of the district voters reside in Delaware County. The remaining 35 percent live in Chester County.

About CFLive Staff

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

9th District Senate hopefuls will debate Read More »

Photo of the Week: April Showers

Photo of the Week

The old rhyme says “April showers bring May flowers,” but the shower last Saturday, April 9, was a snow shower that brought almost white out conditions that came close to obscuring the early spring colors that had begun to bloom.

About Rich Schwartzman

Photo of the Week: April Showers Read More »