April 14, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Katherine E. Sedlak of West Grove

Katherine “Katie” E. Sedlak, 35, of West Grove, and formerly of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully at home with her family on April 5.

She was the beloved wife of Darren R. Sedlak, loving daughter of G. Raymond and Sandra Clark Cumbaa of Kennett Square, dear sister of Rachael Cumbaa, dear niece of Robert Clark, dear cousin of Kristen Clark Beatty and Matt Beatty. Katie was the cherished daughter-in-law of Josephine Sedlak and sister-in-law of Tracy Sedlak and Dena Sedlak Lientz, devoted aunt to Branden and McKenzie Lientz, and devoted “Momma” to her French Bulldog Shelby.

Katie was a 1998 graduate of Kennett High School. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2002 where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Legal Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. She was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program while attending the University of Delaware. Katie completed her Bachelor of Science degree with an internship at the City of Coatesville Police Department.

She was most recently employed at Exelon Generation Company, LLC. as a senior manager of Application Portfolio Management. She was formerly employed by Bank of America as an audit consultant and People’s Bank of Oxford (currently National Penn Bank) as an auditor/security specialist.

Katie was a longtime member of the Longwood Fire Company where she worked as a firefighter/emergency medical technician. She was formerly on the board of directors of the United Way of Southern Chester County and performed the duties of treasurer. She was a member of the Association of Certified Fraud examiners.

Katie really enjoyed competing in triathlon racing events where she even created an annual triathlon fundraising event entitled “Tri For The Cure.” This event supported “Unite for Her,” a nonprofit organization bridging the gap between medical and wellness treatments for breast cancer patients. She also enjoyed obstacle course racing, competitive swimming, skiing and any other physical fitness activity.

Katie and her husband are especially grateful to the following organizations for their continued support: West Goshen Township Police Department and Exelon Generation Company, LLC. During her five-year battle with breast cancer, both organizations supported Katie and Darren with enduring compassion and love.

Relatives and friends are invited to Katie’s Life Celebration Friday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 West Pleasant Grove Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. The family will receive visitors preceding the service, beginning at 9 a.m., at the church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Katie’s name can be made to Unite For Her, P.O. Box 351, Pocopson, PA 19366 and/or Adopt A Boxer Rescue, P.O. Box 270551 West Hartford, CT 06127 and/or United Way of Southern Chester County, 106 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

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Wonderland Farms not ready for hearing

Local News, Local News Birmingham, Local News Chadds Ford

The residential development proposed for Oakland Road is not yet ready for its hearing. The development is a PRD, or planned residential development, that calls for a total of 34 new homes covering both sides of Oakland Road near Brinton’s Bridge Road.

Because it’s a PRD, where homes are closer together than regular zoning allows, a special hearing is needed. The supervisors already authorized the advertising for such a hearing, and one could have been scheduled for May. However, Mike Dignazio, representing the applicant — Harrier LLC — told the Chadds Ford Planning Commission members last night that the applicant is not ready with a final plan. He said they’d return with the plan next month.

Even though the hearing couldn’t be scheduled, several new concepts were introduced for the development. One was a change in the proposed pedestrian crosswalk on Oakland so residents can cross safely between the two sections.

Marty Eustace of Eustace Engineering said the crosswalk now being considered is a “speed table,” a striped, elongated speed bump about eight feet long.

In addition, Eustace said there would be a walking trail from the homes on the west side of Oakland up to Brinton’s Bridge so residents can walk to restaurants at the five-points intersection.

A third change would be to remove material from the Brinton’s Bridge/Oakland Road portion of that five-point intersection to improve sightlines, Eustace said.

As part of the overall concept, 22 new homes would be built on the west side of Oakland on the former Goodman property. One home already exists there. There would also be 27.9 acres of dedicated open space.

On the east side of the street — on the site of the Lenz property — 12 townhomes would be built, but both sides would be considered one community.

When Harrier, a Joe Grace Family business entity, bought the properties, an additional area between the Lenz property and Route 202 was included. That section is zoned PBC, or planned business center. The idea was to sell that parcel and have the zoning changed to PBC-1 to allow for an auto dealership.

Jim Sipala wants to bring his Kia of West Chester dealership onto that site. Attorney Larry Strohm, representing the dealership, and several engineers went over a preliminary plan for the site, but Planning Commission Chairman Craig Huffman said the commission needs more information before it can recommend a zoning change to the board of supervisors.

One major issue came from township resident Susan Darrell, whose property is adjacent to the proposed dealership. She expressed strong concern that construction and an eventual on-site septic system for the dealership would foul the springs on her property that she needs for fresh water.

Darrell said she doesn’t object to the dealership coming in, but wants assurances that her water would not be polluted.

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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Library board working to finalize name

Local News, Local News Kennett, Local News Pennsbury, Local News Pocopson

What’s in a name? For a certain library in Kennett Square, plenty of angst and consternation.

The Kennett Public Library facade displays the facility's former name: The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library. — The Kennett Public Library facade displays the facility’s former name: The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library.

Now the facility – formerly known as the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library and presently called the Kennett Public Library – is revisiting its most recent moniker change, one that occurred a year ago.

At its Feb. 16 meeting, the Kennett Public Library Board of Trustees board hired Carl Francis, chief strategist for Envisian, a Malvern-based strategic advisory firm, to assist the library in determining where it wants to go in the future and how to get there. One of the board’s most ambitious long-term goals is to oversee the construction of a new facility, necessitated by growth that has rendered the present location in the 200 block of East State Street in Kennett Square inadequate.

A bust of Bayard Taylor is one of the few reminders of the Kennett Public Library's previous namesake. — A bust of Bayard Taylor is one of the few reminders of the Kennett Public Library’s previous namesake.

But before it can proceed with that initiative, the board has said it needs to reevaluate some past decisions. It acknowledged that however well-intentioned the last name change was, a previous board incurred substantial wrath when it failed to involve stakeholders in the decision. The library serves residents in East Marlborough, Newlin, New Garden, Kennett, Pennsbury, Pocopson and West Marlborough townships and Kennett Square Borough.

So one of Francis’s first tasks was to reassess the library’s name. To accomplish that, he said he began delving into the library’s history, which dates back to 1820. During its first 76 years of existence, the library had five different names.

In 1896, it was named the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library Company to honor one of the borough’s prominent citizens. In fact, Taylor’s mother organized the first library. And although company dropped off the name at some point, Bayard Taylor endured for nearly 120 years, until April 2015, Francis said.

Carl Francis explains the procedure in play to determine the best name for the Kennett library.

Francis shared his research with groups of library stakeholders during a series of meetings on Tuesday, April 12. He said the board wants to make sure that the public understands the thoroughness and the methodology being used.

He said when he first discussed the divide over the name – Bayard Taylor vs. Kennett Public – with Board President Tom Swett, he was told: “It’s tragic. We are all on the same side. We all love the library.”

Francis said that pleasing everyone was not possible, but involving everyone in the process was feasible. He said he reviewed all of the feedback the library received on the name change, from news articles to emails, and he concluded that sufficient input existed to create a name that is “inclusive, effective and fresh.”

Ultimately, that decision will rest with the board, he said, and numerous brainstorming meetings have occurred. “You need more than a name; you need a brand,” he explained, stressing the need to incorporate the library’s history into the process. “The job of a name is to get people’s attention and bring them in.”

Francis said that at one point, a list of 36 choices existed; it has since been reduced substantially. The leading contender is the Kennett Library, with the addition of homage to its former namesake, creating the Kennett Library at Bayard Taylor Commons.

Taylor, a trailblazing travel writer, remains a significant figure in the area’s history and should certainly remain an integral part of the library’s presence, Francis said.

Library Board President Tom Swett says he's eager to get everyone on same page. — Library Board President Tom Swett says he’s optimistic that passion for the library will get everyone on same page.

“It’s not a matter of keeping him alive,” Francis added. “He’s been allowed to disappear; it just happened.”

Francis said he could envision a Bayard Taylor Memorial Lecture Series, a reading room, or sculptures. He suggested that the image of a young Bayard Taylor at the library – long before he wrote 65 books – could offer inspiration to children, especially since Taylor began writing poems at age 7.

A Bayard and Friends Committee might be a good way to resurrect Bayard as well as some of the area’s other significant leaders, such as Indian Hannah, Francis suggested.

Because the response to the three presentations on Tuesday were so positive, Francis said two additional public sessions to present the branding plan would be held on Tuesday, May 3, at 3 and 6 p.m. at the Kennett Township Building. Registration will be available later this week via the library website, he said.

The library will also be preparing a written summary of the presentation that is expected to be available within 10 days and will also be accessible via the website. Francis said the board expects to vote on the first phase of the brand development process at its May meeting. The entire branding plan will be implemented in phases as the library begins work on planning and building a new library facility, likely over a three- to five-year period, Francis said.

Once the name change occurs, the board plans to issue its first-ever annual report and begin to focus on consistency. The building still bears Bayard Taylor’s moniker, and library records and documentation are all different.

In the meantime, Swett said that the growing use of the library makes the process of moving forward to expand the facility even more imperative. He said the 116,000 visits in 2015 represented a 13 percent increase over 2014.

“It’s wonderful to be part of such a dynamic and growing institution,” Swett said.

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Free conference to focus on Latino students

School & Education

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) will hold its second annual conference focused on Latinos and education titled, “Beyond Multiculturalism: Empowering Latino Students and the Community” from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Friday, April 15.

The free conference, which is open to the public, will be held in the Large Auditorium (Room 2225) on the college’s Marple Campus, 901 South Media Line Rd. in Media, according to a DCCC press release.

The conference will focus on Latino issues in education, including issues of immigration, representation, inclusion, equity and mentoring. The conference is coordinated by the college’s faculty-led Latino Initiatives and Outreach Network (LION) in collaboration with the college’s student-led Latin Flavor Club.

The luncheon keynote presentation, from 12:40 to 1:35 p.m., will be “A Conversation with Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera.” It will concentrate on the Latino immigrant population in college, educational policies, and their impact on students’ success.

In addition, a panel of experts, including Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, dean of Esperanza College, and Steven Larin, an immigration attorney and director of Legal Services & Immigration Policy at the Nationalities Services Center, will discuss the effects of an increasing Latino population in college; factors influencing the Latino achievement gap; the importance of mentoring; leadership; and institutional support at college campuses.

Another expert panel, including Hernan Guaracao, founder & CEO of AL DIA news media, and Iliana Pagan-Teitelbaum, professor of Spanish and Latin American film at West Chester University, will discuss issues regarding Latino representation in media and film, as well as the lack of Latino representation in higher education.

Finally, a panel of Delaware County Community College Latino student leaders will discuss their experiences at the College and the role of student involvement and leadership in their academic success.

Registration is not necessary, but is strongly encouraged. For more information and to register online, visit https://www.dccc.edu/latino-conference.

About Press Release

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Adopt-a-Pet April 14

Home and Leisure

Darcey--Horizontal — Adopt-a-Pet April 14

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, April 18. Not ready to adopt yet? 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!

Darcey

My name is Darcey and I’m an uptown lady that knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. Like all great feline lovers, I truly adore a good chin scratch and cuddle time on a comfy couch. I have been described as a very independent feline that will ask for attention when I’m good and ready for it. Hey, it’s not attitude when you are as adorable as I am. If you’re looking for a sassy copilot, look no further. Stop by the BVSPCA and don’t forget the name Darcey.

Shortie

My name is Shortie, but not because I’m short on love. I used to be a stray, which is why my ear tips have extra “pawsonality” due to my brief encounter with Mr. Frostbite. Don’t let my past fool you though, I am a dedicated lap cat with so, so much love to give. I like all different kinds of people and only really want a forever home where I can enjoy some good one on one time. Swing by the shelter today and ask for Shortie.

Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Pennsylvania Campus

Princess Leia

My friends at the shelter named me Princess Leia because I remind them of her with my funny ears and coloring, but I also possess a personality like hers: bold, smart and sassy. I am a very happy girl who loves hanging out with my two-legged friends and my excitement is contagious. I already know sit, shake and down, and am eager to learn more tricks. Take some time to come meet me, and may the force be with you

Pepper

I’m Pepper, and I am ready to add some spice into your life. I’m an adorable little girl with an adorable scrunched up nose and I know you won’t be able to resist me once you meet me! I’m a sweetie pie who loves everyone and loves to cuddle. I’m great with kids and truly enjoy being with them. I walk well on a leash, am very smart and know my commands. I’m always up for a spirited game of fetch and will also enjoy my quiet time lying close to you. Come and add some spring to your step with me by your side.

Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Pennsylvania Campus.

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Around Town April 14

Along the Ford

_1JF6984 — Author Sue Madway Levine, center, receives a gift basket from Chadds Ford Live owner and publisher Emily Myers at the Bryn Mawr Trust bank in Chadds Ford. Also shown is Bank branch manager Linda Darrach.

• Sue Madway Levine, a teacher and author of the children’s book series “Susie’s Shoesies” won a gift basket of wine and guest passes from The Chaddsford Winery courtesy of Chadds Ford Live. Levine won the basket in a drawing at the Bryn Mawr Trust bank in Chadds Ford in March when Chadds Ford Live was the bank’s Business of the Month. (See photo above.) Levine’s book series consists of eight books aimed at readers from 8 to12 years old. For more information on the series, go here.

• The Chadds Ford Gallery launches a new exhibit, My World – Chapter Three, featuring the works of watercolorist Ray Hendershot, on Friday, April 15, beginning at 5 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 1.

• State Rep. Stephen Barrar will host a Chester County Veterans ID event at the Kennett Area Senior Center on Wednesday, April 20, at 1 p.m. This program will provide photo identification cards to Chester County veterans that will allow them to receive local discounts and benefits at businesses throughout the county. Bring your DD214 or any other military discharge paper. Contact Rick Loughery at 610-344-6330 or on the website if you have any questions.

Project Fusion, a saxophone quartet, will perform at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m

• The Brandywine River Museum of Art presents Music on the Brandywine: Project Fusion, a saxophone quartet, on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. Project Fusion won the 2015 Astrals’ National Audition. Project Fusion actively takes part in outreach and arts advocacy programs throughout the country. The ensemble presents convocations, clinics, and workshops in numerous K-12 schools, as well as residencies and master classes at colleges and universities throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Project Fusion is also dedicated to public arts outreach, and has presented recitals and educational programs in retirement communities, libraries, churches and civic centers. Advance tickets cost $15 for non-members, $12 for members, and $8 for students through April 18. Prices then increase to $25, non-members; $20, members; and $10, students. Purchase tickets online here.

• Saturday, April 23, is the annual recycling day and spring read cleanup in Chadds Ford Township. Collections will begin at 9 a.m. and end promplty at 1 p.m. The township has hired vendors to collect the following: nonperishable food items, gently-used furniture and clothing, old documents for shredding, certain electronics and small hazardous-free appliances, light bulbs and batteries, propane tanks and used gas cans (without the gas). Roadside cleanup begins at 8 a.m. Meet at the township building for gloves, vests and trash bags.

• Chester County was chosen as one of 20 counties in Pennsylvania to implement a five-year pilot process whereby a portion of Human Services’ funding would be administered as a block grant. Chester County has drafted the fiscal year 2016-17 plan for the fifth-year implementation of the pilot process, which must be submitted to the Department of Public Welfare by June 2016. Two hearings will be held to solicit public comment on the draft: Monday, April 18, at 4:30 p.m., at the  Chester County Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Rd., Suite 170, in West Chester, and Tuesday, April 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Brandywine Health Center Conference Room, 744 E. Lincoln Highway, in Coatesville. Anyone interested in submitting comments should email the Department of Human Services at cchumanservices@chesco.org by April 22.

• The 12^th annual West Chester Film Festival will take place Friday, April 22, through Sunday, April 24. Filmgoers will enjoy a mix of comedy, drama, animation, art/experimental and documentary in each of the seven unique film screenings. Each two-hour screening is shown twice throughout the weekend, once at the Chester County Historic Courthouse at 2 N. High Street and again at the Chester County Historical Society at 225 N. High Street. The West Chester Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that relies on the financial support of its dedicated, local sponsors and the personal time and labor of volunteers for its success. To see the full lineup of films, workshops and other festival events for this year, visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com or send an email to info@westchesterfilmfestival.com

• The Young Friends of the Brandywine will host their 20th annual Brandywine River Cleanup on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event helps to ensure cleaner water for communities that rely on the Brandywine as a source for their drinking water a healthier habitat for wildlife, and a safer environment for recreational activities. More than 500,000 residents in Pennsylvania and Delaware rely on the Brandywine as the source of their drinking water. To volunteer for the cleanup, please contact Kathy Smith at ksmith@brandywine.org or 610-388-8315. Volunteers are asked to come to the Environmental Management Center at the Brandywine River Museum of Art at 9 a.m. to register and be divided into teams, which will clean sections of the riverbanks.

• Christiana Care Health System is offering a free program designed to reduce the risk of falls and increase physical activity among older adults. “A Matter of Balance” is an evidence-based program that uses volunteer coaches to teach participants how to overcome their fear of falling, increase their strength and balance and improve their environment. “A Matter of Balance” is a series of eight weekly classes, 1 to 3 p.m., May 4 until June 23, at the Christiana Hospital in Newark. For more information or to register for the free classes in New Castle or Kent counties, contact Susan Fox at (302) 255-9690 or susan.fox@state.de.us.

• Want to turn your yard into a beautiful landscape, but don’t know where to start? Let Mt. Cuba Center offer professional guidance through its new Home Landscaping Basics series. Participants will learn how to solve common landscaping problems, select plants that thrive in your location, and add design elements that make your space unique. Sign up for the session you need, or all three. The first session, Getting Started, will be held on Sunday, April 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. To register, go here.

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