April 2016 - Page 10 of 19 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Chester County Sheriff announces promotions

Six Chester County deputy sheriffs received promotions this week as a result of an office reorganization undertaken by Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh.

Sheriff's department 041516 — Celebrating the promotions are Chester County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy George March (from left), Sgt. Janis Pickell, Cpl. Wayne Johnson, Sheriff Carolyn ‘Bunny’ Welsh, Cpl. Brad DeSando, Capt. Jason Suydam, Lt. Adam Sibley and Cpl. Robert Buckley.

“With the retirement of Capt. Joseph Carbo, we had an opportunity to reorganize the agency and strengthen the leadership,” Welsh said in a press release. “Each one of these individuals has done an extraordinary job in serving the citizens of Chester County in their previous roles, and their promotions are well-deserved.”

Former Lt. Jason Suydam has been appointed to the role of captain, administrative operations for the Sheriff’s Office. Adam Sibley moves from sergeant to lieutenant of operations. Janis Pickell, previously corporal, is now sergeant of training, and Deputies Robert Burkley, Brad DeSando and Wayne Johnson are promoted to corporals of training, security and courtroom security respectively.

The Sheriff’s Office reorganization has also resulted in the promotion of Nicole Barron from real estate administrator to civil office manager/supervisor.

About Press Release

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2 Delco men face federal child porn charges

Local News

An indictment was unsealed on Friday, April 15, charging two Delaware County men with numerous child exploitation charges, U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger announced in a press release.

Daniel Mattson, 34, of Springfield, and Anthony Lembo, 33, of Newtown Square, were arrested Friday morning by FBI agents. Following an initial court appearance, they were ordered held pending a formal detention hearing on April 20, the release said.

According to the indictment, on various dates between 2009 and April 2015, Mattson and Lembo distributed, received, and maintained a collection of thousands of images and videos of children being sexually abused and in sexually explicit positions. It is further alleged that Lembo received the same type of sexually explicit images of children that he downloaded from the Internet and received from other users on the Internet.

If convicted of all charges, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison with a maximum sentence, per count, of 20 years in prison, a possible fine, a period of supervised release, and a special assessment.

The case, which was investigated by Delaware County Detectives and the FBI, was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Boost Your Business: You shouldn’t have to hurry

Business

Does every day seem to be a mad rush from the moment you get out of bed in the morning to when you fall back in bed at night? You’re not alone. Many people say they are always in a hurry throughout their day.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could rush a little less? It seems the world operates at a frantic pace, and that it is only getting faster.

More communication. More technology. More to do. More to see. Always more, more, more.

Almost everyone I talk to says the same thing, “I am always in a rush. If only I could slow down during my day. There is not enough time to do everything I need to do.”

So how do you stop rushing from this to that? You need to make some intentional choices about your time, and have the discipline to limit the activities during the day. After all, there is always the same amount of time in the day. You can’t infinitely add to your obligations and expect to get to all of it. Rushing through your day is a choice. You can’t endlessly fit things into your schedule. Try to practice some of these ideas and you’ll feel less rushed.

Don’t Schedule Back-to-Back Meetings – When you schedule appointments or meetings back-to-back, you are scheduling your own stress. There is no way you can instantly teleport from one event to the next. Always leave gaps for adequate transition from one obligation to the next, both physically and mentally.

Allow Extra Time for that “To-do “– That task that you think will only take you 30 minutes may end up needing an hour and half. Don’t underestimate the amount of time required for even simple tasks. When scheduling time for your work, always allocate a bit more than you think will be necessary.

Block Your Time – Before you start your day, you should schedule your entire day. This is not about creating some rigid military itinerary. Rather, it keeps your day from all flowing together. Lay out your day intentionally. Reclaim time that would have otherwise gone unused, even if it is blocked for rest or relaxation.

Get Out of the House on Time – Leaving on time makes sure you don’t start the day behind schedule. Plan ahead, even prepare the night before, but start your workday on time. (By the way, when you leave late, you are now in competition with all of the other late people who are also rushing.)

Delete Things from Your List – You can’t do it all. Lessen your work load by deleting tasks that are lower priority or don’t need to be done. Just because you put it on your list doesn’t mean you must do it. If it is something you can delegate, that may be the answer.

Eliminate Meetings – The majority of corporate meetings are a waste of time. Cancel or decline meetings that don’t have a clear agenda, purpose, or action.

Say “No” – Saying No is one of the most important skills to keep you on task. Make sure you are putting your priorities first before taking on additional tasks.

Time Shift to Save Time – Shift the time you do things in order to avoid the rush. Shifting your commute, lunch, or even errands can save substantial time in your day.

Get Some Peace – To get away from the rush, take a break. Literally. Spend some time in meditation, reading, or just a few minutes of peace.

Bulk your tasks – When performing similar tasks, group them together. Bulk process your email, phone calls, and more. You will be more likely to get them done and not spend multiple sessions in your day doing the same task.

Avoid Errands – Running around town is the definition of rushing around. Avoid the trips, travel, and stress. Many errands can be performed online, via phone, or avoided altogether.

Do Important Things First – Instead of spending your entire day stressing about “when” you are going to do your most important task, do it FIRST. Get it completed before the rush of the day can disrupt your plans.

Do It the Night Before – Even better than doing things first thing in the morning is to do them the night before. Pack for your trip, pick your clothes, and prepare for the next day before you go to bed.

Don’t Skip Meals – Some people think they will “make up” time in their day by skipping meals. Then they have an energy crisis and lose all momentum and productivity.

Take Advantage of In-between Time – Don’t let the small times slip by. Even 5 minutes between events can be enough to get several small to-do’s done.

Don’t Answer Your Phone – Your phone is there for your convenience, not the other person’s. Don’t let it be a nuisance and interruption to your day. Only answer your phone when it makes sense for you.

Stay Out of Your Inbox – A common trap is to constantly check your email. Yet, most email can wait. Stay out of your inbox and instead spend your time doing intentional work.

Choose Your Attitude – Your attitude determines the majority of your day. Choose a positive one. Don’t let small setbacks derail your entire day.

Life Shouldn’t be a Rush

It doesn’t have to be. Choose your activities intentionally, and remember you don’t have to do it all.

* 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

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Roadwork for week of April 16

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 April 16 through April 23. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.

Route 1 in Concord Township will be the site of utility installation through Sept. 1. Lane shifts will be needed on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Brinton Lake Road and Applied Card Way.

Lane restrictions will continue to be needed on Gay Street in West Chester Borough between North Worthington and Montgomery Street for sidewalk installation. Crews are now scheduled to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Monday, May 2.

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.

Also on Route 202, crews will be working on the shoulder between Paoli Pike and Route 3 in West Goshen Township. The work, which will require lane restrictions, will be done on Tuesday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Work will 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 between Norway and Spring Mill roads while advance work continues on repairs to the Burnt Mill Bridge, which was closed on April 24, 2014. PennDOT reported progress this work on scheduling the work.

Work will continue on the Birmingham Road Bridge in Birmingham Township, which closed in September due to structural damage. Posted 24-hour detours will be in effect between Lambourne Road and Stoney Run Drive through Aug. 31.

Daylong lane closures will be in place on Route 100 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland townships for the installation of aerial fiber optic lines. The project is scheduled to finish on Friday, April 29. The northbound right lane will be closed from Ship Road to Sheree Boulevard, and the southbound right lane will be closed from Marchwood Road to Sunrise Drive. An additional lane closure also may occur, if needed, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

I-95 South between Routes 291 and 420 in Tinicum Township will require lane closures for bridge joint repairs. Crews will be working from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, April 22.

More than 114,000 gallons of yellow and white traffic line paint are scheduled to be applied next week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19, the slow-moving, line-painting operation is scheduled on northbound and southbound I-476 between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-95 in Montgomery and Delaware counties. On Wednesday, April 20, through Friday, April 22, crews will restripe eastbound and westbound I-76 between Route 202 and the Walt Whitman Bridge in Montgomery County and Philadelphia, and on Friday, April 22, crews will shift to eastbound and westbound I-676 between I-95 and I-76 in Philadelphia.

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.”

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Renée Merion named co-chair of JPN

Police

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that Deputy District Attorney Renée Merion has been named co-chair of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association’s Juvenile Prosecutor’s Network (“JPN”).

JPN is a state-wide forum for juvenile prosecutors from throughout Pennsylvania to meet and discuss cases, receive the latest updates on legislation and case law, and provide training in the juvenile justice system. Merion will share this position with Michael Stackow, Juvenile Unit Chief of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

Renée Merion named co-chair of Juvenile Prosecutor’s Network

Merion has been a member of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office for 22 years. She is the deputy district attorney in charge of the Juvenile Unit. She received her undergraduate degree from Sweet Briar College and her law degree from Widener University School of Law.
“I am honored to be named co-chair of the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Network,” Merion said in a press release from the District Attorney’s Office. “I look forward to working with Mike Stackow and all the members of the JPN. They are a truly dedicated group of prosecutors who work hard every day to ensure integrity in the juvenile justice system.”

Hogan said Merion is recognized across Pennsylvania as an expert in juvenile law and a fair-minded prosecutor. “It is a privilege for Chester County to be recognized as serving in a leadership role across the Commonwealth,” he said in the release.

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Selling home rule to Concord voters

Local News, Local News Chadds Ford, Local News Concord

_1JF6996-Josh — Josh Twersky, a member of the Concord Township Government Study Commission, reviews the GSC's proposed home rule charter to Concord residents at the Rachel Kohl Library.

Members of the Concord Township Government Study Commission finished their official task when they voted on a final report in February. That report included a final draft of a proposed home rule charter that all registered voters in Concord will be able to vote on — for or against — in the April 26 primary.

But the official task has been followed up by the unofficial task of explaining the concept to voters, or “selling” the idea to voters as Commission member Josh Twersky told some residents during an informal information meeting at the Rachel Kohl Library on April 14.

That meeting was the third of four such meetings at the library. The fourth is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, April 18. Other informational sessions were held at Maris Grove and Riviera.

GSC member Bob Tribit, seated, center, answers questions about the proposal for residents.

Twersky gave a basic overview of the process and the final product. He and fellow Commissioner Bob Tribit then answered questions asked by a few of the nine people who attended.

Pennsylvania’s Second Class Charter currently controls how Concord and other townships of the second class operate. But a home rule charter would override that, basically becoming a constitution for the township, Twersky said. He called the code a “boiler plate” method of governance, while the charter would be specific for Concord.

He said that’s an advantage. The charter, if approved, can be amended by voters, if need be. Not so with the state code. That would have to happen at the state level through the Pennsylvania General Assembly and affect all townships of the second class.

Another advantage of the proposal, Twersky said, is that terms of office for township council members are shortened. Currently, Concord has a five-member Board of Supervisors whose members serve for six-year terms. Under the charter, that body would become seven members, their title changed from supervisors to council members, and they would serve for four years, not six.

(The only deviation from that would come in November of 2017 when two people would run for two-year terms and two for four-year terms. After that, all terms would be for four years.)

Twersky said the advantage is that every other election cycle, voters would be voting on a majority number — four —of council members. Two years later they would vote for three, then vote for four in another two years.

As with the current five-member board, the seven members of the township council would be elected and serve at-large. There would be no ward representation.

Twersky said the Government Study Commission debated ward representation for weeks and came to the conclusion that it wouldn’t work well. He added that at-large representation gives every voter a chance to vote for every council member, and not just the one from their ward.

Other changes under the proposed charter include limiting the amount of a township property tax hike. A township of the second class may raise township property taxes up to 14 mills without court approval. Under the charter, should it pass, council would be prevented raising taxes more than 5 percent, unless a supermajority, five members, voted to do so. (Concord’s current millage rate is 0.944 mills.)

Voters will give a yea or nay on the home run charter proposal during the April 26 election. While a primary, all registered voters in Concord may vote on the issue, even if not affiliated with either the Republican or Democratic Party.

Additionally, a new ordinance could not be proposed and passed during the same meeting. Under the code, supervisors may do just that.

Another restriction of the charter prohibits council members from being township employees and they must wait at least one year after leaving office before a vendor that does business with the township can employ them.

If voters approve the charter, it will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017, and there could be no petition or ballot question to change the form of government for five years, Twersky said.

He told the audience that he hopes voters approve the charter.

“We think it’s good for Concord Township,” he said.

If it fails, however, Concord would remain a township of the second class, but there could be a push to change the township into some other form of government.

The Government Study Commission came into existence as a reaction to the citizen group Concord First gathering signatures for a 2014 petition to change Concord to a township of the first class.

While Concord First gathered more signatures than needed, those signatures were challenged and the petition denied. Concord First appealed the decision up through the state Supreme Court. That court remanded the case to Common Pleas, but it was denied there a second time.

In reaction to the Concord First’s petition drive, supervisors voted to have their own question placed on the November 2014 ballot, whether or not to have a commission that would explore possible changes to the township’s government.

That measure passed and the commissioners spent 14 months exploring options and then developing the proposed charter.

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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‘Run for Conservation’ to protect area vistas

Local News

TLC 2 Edited — The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County is hosting its annual 'Run for Conservation' on Saturday, May 14. Proceeds benefits TLC's preservation programs.

Participants in the “Run for Conservation” will get an up-close look at the land that has been preserved.

Join The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) on Saturday, May 14, for this annual event. The Run for Conservation course begins and ends at TLC’s Stateline Woods Nature Preserve, 814 Merrybell Lane, Kennett Square.

Runners during the 215 race enjoy a stream crossing and beautiful views during the 'Race for Conservation.' — Runners enjoy a stream crossing and beautiful views during TLC’s 2015 ‘Race for Conservation.’

The race starts at 10 a.m. and offers 5K and 10K options. The 10K race features the “Pipeline Challenge,” an impressive climb, with a gift certificate to Trail Creek Outfitters for the first runner to conquer it.

The Run for Conservation is race No. 4 of the Trail Creek Outfitters’ Trail Race Series. This event is family-friendly, boasting a free, supervised Kids Activity Corner during the race and a Kids 1-mile Fun Run (for children 12 & under) upon completion of the 10K.

Stick around after the race for the debut of the limited-edition Victory Brewing Company “Crimson Honey Wheat Ale,” made for TLC using local honey. Runners 21 and older will be provided with a free drink ticket for the kickoff celebration.

To find out more, visit TLCforSCC.org/2016race or call 610-347-0347, ext. 103. Register online at runreg.com/run4conservation. All proceeds from this event benefit TLC and its mission to protect the irreplaceable. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 610-347-0347. Unable to join us for the race? Sponsorship opportunities available and donations gladly accepted at tlcforscc.org/donate.

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Chesco reaching out to longtime unemployed

Local News

Chester County is looking for longtime job-seekers to participate in a promising program that debuted last summer.

The Chester County Commissioners and the Chester County Workforce Development Board have opened up registration for county residents interested in participating in the county’s second Platform to Employment (P2E) program, according to a county press release.

The recruitment follows the completion of Chester County’s pilot P2E program, introduced last July. P2E provides job readiness training, personal support services, finance counseling and paid work experience with the intent to secure jobs for individuals who have experienced long-term unemployment – 27 weeks or more – in Chester County, the release said.

P2E is a five-week preparatory program, created by Connecticut-based “The Work Place,” to address the need for the long-term unemployed to return to work and the employers’ need to recruit skilled workers. Chester County’s commitment to this program was the first in Pennsylvania.

“I am excited that Chester County continues to be a leader in helping the long-term unemployed return to work,” Joe Carbone, the Work Place’s president and CEO, said in the release.

Carbone said the continuation of the program expands hope and opportunity for workers in the region. “Our inaugural program, launched last year, is on track to place 80 percent of participants, mirroring the P2E experience across the country,” he said in the release. “The partnerships we have established in the region, especially with the Chester County Workforce Development Board, are a model of effective collaboration.”

Chester County residents who have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more are invited to complete an online application for entry into the next P2E program. Details of eligibility, the requirements for acceptance into Chester County’s P2E program, and the application can be found at www.platformtoemployment.com (click on the “apply here” button, then the Chester County, Pa., button). Space is limited to 25 people, all of whom will be subject to a selection process.

In addition to intensive career readiness workshops, P2E incorporates financial stability counseling and mental health counseling to help address the inevitable stress factors that long-term unemployment status places upon people. Family Service of Chester County and Open Hearth, key participants in the CareerLink – Financial Stability Center partnership, will be providing those counseling services along with services provided by Joseph’s People and the Chester County Economic Development Council, the release said.

The application process for P2E participants is open now and will continue until Friday, April 29; the program is set to begin on Monday, May 9, the release said.

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Creek cleanup a boost for drinking water

Local News

A high-energy expedition to ensure clean water is on tap for the 23th Annual Brandywine River Cleanup.

Volunteers will meet — Cleanup volunteers will meet at the Environmental Management Center at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on April 23.

Sponsored by the Young Friends of the Brandywine, it will take place on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event benefits the more than 500,000 residents in Pennsylvania and Delaware who rely on the Brandywine as the source of their drinking water, according to a press release from the Brandywine Conservancy.

In addition, the cleanup helps provide a healthier habitat for wildlife and a safer environment for recreational activities.

Since the event’s inception, the Young Friends have removed more than 30 tons of trash from the banks of the Brandywine between Lenape and the Delaware state line. Items plucked from its banks have included picnic tables, hundreds of tires, lawn chairs, countless cans and even a huge stuffed purple gorilla, the release said.

Volunteers are advised to wear hats, long pants, heavy shoes or boots, and sunscreen. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, and lunch will be served. The event is acceptable for children over the age of 5.

To volunteer for the cleanup, 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 be assigned sections of the creek.

The Young Friends of the Brandywine is a group dedicated to furthering the goals of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. It strives to interest and involve young professionals in supporting the organization’s art and environmental programs through their attendance at events, financial support, and service in volunteer leadership positions. The Young Friends’ focus is both “friend-raising and fundraising.” For more information, visit

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Katherine E. Sedlak of West Grove

Obituaries

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.