May 17, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Art Watch: Artist and studio tour de force

Sculptor Jeff Bell at Stan Smokler's Studio

No art show this year matches the excitement and breadth of this year’s Chester County Studio Tour this weekend May 21 and May 22. With 127 artists showing and selling their work at 53 art studios spread across Chester County, this is the largest Studio Tour to date.

The Studio Tour offers a thrilling opportunity to meet artists in their studio, ask questions face to face, and enjoy a broad selection of an artist’s work to choose from. Unlike most galleries, here the artists are free to show whatever they want to show, old or new work, drafts or sketches, experimental pieces or very large works that can’t fit into small galleries.

Some artists exhibit at their own studio, while others show at an artist friend’s studio, which makes for an entertaining weekend for the artists, and provides more choices for the visitor. Food and drinks are offered throughout the days at most locations, as well as Tour maps and guidebooks in case you get lost.

Several studio locations have as many as 5 artists showing at one

"O Warhol" by Jeff Schaller, founder of the Chester County Studio Tour, Downingtown — “O Warhol” by Jeff Schaller, founder of the Chester County Studio Tour, Downingtown

location, including Teresa Haag’s studio in Phoenixville, Stan Smokler’s sculpture studio in Kennett Square, and Studio Tour founder Jeff Schaller’s studio in Downingtown. Jeff Schaller is thrilled about this year’s huge art event, “I am very excited about this year’s tour because we have truly made it county-wide! We have 53 studios that spread north, south, east and west showing that creativity and the arts are alive in well in Chester County.”

An added exciting element to the Chester County Studio Tour is “The County Collectors Club” where every artist has created one special artwork 10″ x 10″ at a cost of $75 each. One artist last year had customers lined up for over four hours to buy his Collectors Club piece! This is a great opportunity to own a work of art from an artist who normally sells at a much higher price point. Check-out the County Collectors photo gallery at the Studio Tour website, created by photographer Timlyn Vaughn, choose which one you would like, and try to get to that studio location as soon as it opens on May 21. They all sell out very quickly.

Oxford art studios and The Oxford Arts Alliance are new to the tour this year, and there are two studios with single art medium shows.

Painting by Pam McKee, Downingtown Studio

At Pam McKee’s studio location in Hoffman Circle in Downingtown, each of the 5 exhibiting artists are renown watercolor artists, which is unusual as most studios present artists who work in all different mediums.

Also, at Stan Smokler’s sculpture studio on Marshall Bridge Road in Kennett Square, each of the five artists are well known sculpture artists, including Helen Mason who has sculptural jewelry pieces made from rubber tire.

Sculpture by Stan Smokler, studio location Kennett Square exhibits all sculpture artists

At the Roach-Bailey Studio location on Peaceful Lane in West Chester, there are three artists all from the same Bailey family, exhibiting in painting, sculpture and paper weaving.

For those of you who have taken art classes at The Willowdale Art Academy in Kennett Square, on May 21 and 22 it will be the studio location for teacher and artist Karen D’Allaird. Hand crafted fine wood furniture is also on the trail, with Doug Mooberry’s Kinloch studio location in Unionville, and Larry Crosson’s studio in Lyndell.

Stopping by Erica Brown’s encaustic studio in West Chester is a must-see. Erica’s artwork is mesmerizing, and so is her studio covered with thick encaustic wax drippings.

Every art studio is an experience, whether it is meeting the artist, being moved by art, inspired to create, buying that perfect art piece for your home, or just enjoying the adventure. It is no wonder that The Chester County Studio Tour bring tens of thousands of art lovers to Chester County every year for these two days!

For a preview, sneak peek to many of the Studio Tour artists, go to The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank, 16 West Market Street in West Chester and check out “VIEW”. It is a wonderful small show that that will be in the gallery through July 8th

Each of the artists on the tour have been hand-selected by the event jurors, so visitors to the studio tour should expect professional quality at every studio. The entirety of Chester County is quite vast, so the managers of the tour have created extremely helpful maps of the Southern and Northern Chester County Studio locations that you can download off the website (www.countystudiotour.com).

You can also pick up a tour map at any of the site locations May 21 and 22, while supplies last. Maps also include local galleries along the route, and have maps that are arranged by artistic medium. So, if you want to just buy sculpture, you can download a sculpture map, or do the same for a painting or ceramic map.

It is recommended that you keep to one half of Chester County for each day (Southern or Northern Chester County) and perhaps check out some of the restaurant tour sponsors for lunch or dinner, or one of the local wineries for a break.

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.

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More drama than a mother, son should bear

Local News

A Chadds Ford mother ended a cellphone conversation with a friend very loudly and dramatically the night of Monday, May 17.

A black bear is shown in Zelik Wooten's video. — A black bear is shown in Zelik Wooten’s video, footage that was taken near the high-traffic intersection of Routes 1 and 202 in Chadds Ford.

Rosa Crane said she had pulled into the parking lot of the Texas Roadhouse restaurant on Route 1 in Concord Township to pick up her 17-year-old son who works there part-time when a bear darted in front of her vehicle.

“I must have screamed her ears out,” Crane said, recalling the abrupt way in which she shrieked the reason for ending the call. She said the animal was so close that there was no risk of misidentification. “It was definitely a bear,” she said.

Crane had good reason to fear the encounter. She had picked up her son, Zelik Wooten, just the night before and marveled at how great he smelled when he got into the car. After spending several hours surrounded by filet mignons and ribeyes, he had exuded exactly the kind of steak-like scent likely to attract a ravenous beast.

The animal had just come from the spot where the teen, a junior at Garnet Valley High, had been standing the previous night. “That’s what made me freak out even more,” she said.

Crane said she breathed a sigh of relief when her son walked outside unscathed – and wondered what had his mother in such a frenzy. So Crane decided to explain the situation by tracking down the beast, steering the car in the direction the bear had headed.

She also called 911, and an empathetic dispatcher immediately connected her to a trooper from the state police barracks in Media. She said she heard someone say in the background: “There’s been another bear sighting.”

And within minutes, she found the bear again, this time roaming around the State Farm parking lot at Routes 1 and 202. By now, the drama had captivated her son, a member of the football team, and he was eager to share the experience by shooting video. He started to roll down the window, which caused his mother another bout of panic.

She said she convinced him that keeping the window wide open wasn’t such a great idea, and he proceeded to capture several minutes of bear footage from a smaller opening. He sent the clip to Channel 6, where it quickly caught a lot of attention.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” said Crane. “Of course, it’s not every day that you see a bear.”

Once the bear lumbered out of the parking lot, Crane said they caught their breath and headed home.

As for the bear, it had turned in the opposite direction “It started going toward West Chester,” Crane said.

For tips on what to do if you spot the bear, go to https://chaddsfordlive.com/2016/05/17/going-bear-foot-in-chadds-ford-area/.

About CFLive Staff

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Borough honors historic preservation efforts

Local News, Local News Kennett

In recognition of May as Historic Preservation Month, Kennett Square Borough Council recognized home and business owners who have made outstanding efforts to restore, renovate or preserve structures in the borough’s National Register Historic District at the council’s meeting on Monday, May 16.

Borough Council President Danilo Maffei (left) and Mayor Matt Fetick (right) pose with award recipients Pat and Silvia Mahon and their children.

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month works with local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country to instill national and community pride, promote heritage tourism, and show the social and economic benefits of historic preservation, according to its website.

Council President Danilo Maffei stated that “preservation efforts not only improve and enhance buildings, but also contribute to the character and integrity of the immediate neighborhood and the entire historic district.”

The following people received honors at the meeting:

Pat and Silvia Mahon of 231 S. Union Street demolished and rebuilt two additions at the rear of their home after the sections collapsed, choosing construction materials that maintained the historic character of the house.

Attorney Anita D'Amico (second from right) is joined by her husband and daughter as well as Borough Council President Danilo Maffei (left) and Mayor Matt Fetick (right). — Attorney Anita D’Amico (second from right) displays her award. She is joined by her husband and daughter as well as Borough Council President Danilo Maffei (left) and Mayor Matt Fetick (right).

Anita D’Amico was praised for selecting materials, colors and finishes to retain and enhance the simple features of the 1840s “Old Kennett Village” house when she upgraded the exterior of her law office building at 204 N. Union Street.

Restoring and repurposing a carriage house on Church Alley won praise for Andy and Susan Froning. The carriage house is now a quaint and comfortable living space.

Bob and Debbie Norris were recognized for their extensive renovations to a carriage house on Sycamore Alley and additions to the main house at 221 S. Union Street. The challenging undertaking upgraded both historic buildings, ensuring continued use and enjoyment.

Moving on to other Borough Council business, the council unanimously approved a resolution to establish an Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. In his introduction of the resolution, Councilman Ethan Cramer shared that the resolution’s language followed the wording in the governor’s Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs. Since the borough is more than 50 percent Latino, it seemed timely for the borough to include its Latino residents in the body politic of the community.

Andy Froning shows off his award with Council President Danilo Maffei (left) and Mayor Matt Fetick (right).

“We’ll be a healthier community with their official participation,” said Cramer. The Advisory Commission will advise the Borough Council on matters that impact the borough’s Latino community.

Not all of those in attendance at the meeting were enthusiastic about the new commission. Resident John Thomas expressed his dismay that no such commission exists for the elderly or the poor of the borough.

Maffei responded that “we fully support addressing the needs of all segments of our population.” And Councilman Doug Doerfler added that this is a proactive step to get over our biggest barriers – language and culture – to help a large segment of residents.

Mayor Matt Fetick also pointed out that “just because we talk about one issue or one segment of the population tonight” doesn’t mean the borough doesn’t care about other issues or residents. “It’s just the topic of the night,” Fetick explained.

Borough resident and immigration attorney Lindsey Sweet also supported the commission. Sweet has represented more than 800 clients in the past two years, many of them Kennett Square Borough residents. She sees the commission as a way to disseminate information about rules and regulations in a way that is understood by Spanish-speaking residents of all educational levels. It also offers a great way to encourage political engagement of Latino residents, she said.

Councilman Wayne Braffman summed up the discussion by quoting the opening words of the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, “We the people.”

Bob Norris (right) receives congratulations from Borough Council President Danilo Maffei for his historic preservation award.

“America is at its best when we act as one body. The Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs is a shining example of this concept put into action. I am proud to support this resolution,” Braffman said. Those wishing to be considered for the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs should send a letter of intent by June 15.

The council revisited the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) temporary use permit for 401 Birch, LLC. The company is renovating a 1.84-acre property in the area of Birch Street, formerly the site of a creamery, to become an outdoor beer garden.

Sandra Mulry, project manager, explained changes in the original plans and satisfactorily addressed council’s questions and concerns. Mulry also assured the Borough Council that her company would comply with all borough codes.

“I am completely in support of any project that would restore and repurpose unused properties in the borough,” Maffei stated.

Mulry said the company hopes to open the beer garden in a few weeks. “Our intention is to move forward with something that is wonderful for the community,” she said. “Our project is about creating a social meeting place for the community where currently there is none.”

In other business, the council heard from Laundromat owner James Dovidio, who objected to the parking lot near his business being changed from a metered lot to a permit lot. His customers currently have to park and walks several blocks to use his business. This is not convenient for his typical customers, mothers with small children, and he brought a petition opposing the change that was signed by 500 customers.

Fetick promised that he and the council would take Dovidio’s complaint under consideration.

About Lora B. Englehart

Lora has a passion for art, gardening, yoga, music and dancing. She continues to research the life of locally born abolitionist and 1998 National Women's Hall of Fame inductee Mary Ann Shadd Cary. She is a dedicated community volunteer, working with the American Association of University Women, Wilmington, DE branch (programs chair), Chadds Ford Historical Society (former board member) and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. Lora lives in Birmingham Township with her husband Bill and son Brad. Daughter Erika lives in Pittsburgh with husband Bob and baby Wilhelmina. She is a former French, Spanish and ESL teacher, bilingual life insurance underwriter and public relations coordinator for Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.

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DA: Twins used college break for bomb spree

Police

Home from college for Christmas break, twin brothers from Chester County occupied themselves by building and exploding bombs, authorities said.

On Tuesday, May 17, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced the arrest of Daniel and Caleb Tate, 22, of Cochranville, for setting off improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in five separate locations in Chester and Lancaster counties, said a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.

“We live in a world where the thought of bombs exploding around us is a very real fear,” said Hogan in the release. “These defendants brought that fear to our region during a two-week crime spree where they detonated multiple IEDs. The Pennsylvania State Police and ATF did an outstanding job investigating this case and discovering who was responsible.”

In December, Daniel Tate, a graduate of Pepperdine University in California, and Caleb Tate, a student at Belmont University in Tennessee, constructed bombs out of various materials, including metal pipes, fuel containers, propane canisters, propane torch tips, and other items, the criminal complaint said.

The complaint said the twins started by blowing up a mailbox in the 200 block of South Friends Meetinghouse Road in Highland Township on Dec. 20. Two days later, they allegedly detonated an IED in a wooded area in the 1800 block of Faggs Manor Road in Londonderry Township before switching to buildings.

On Dec. 30, the brothers exploded a pipe bomb in an Amish phone shed, an enclosed building containing a phone that is used by multiple families who aren’t permitted to have a phone in their homes. The complaint said the shed in the 300 block of Bartville Road, Colerain Township, Lancaster County, was badly damaged.

The following day, New Year’s Eve, the brothers’ target was an Amish produce shed in the 900 block of May Post Office Road, Strasburg Township, Lancaster County. The shed was damaged in the explosion. They later exploded another bomb in a well pump shed at in the 900 block of Ross Fording Road in West Fallowfield Township. The building was destroyed, the complaint said.

Hogan said fortunately no people were in any of the buildings when the explosions took place, generally in the early morning hours.

ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi stated, “Improvised explosive devices are not harmless firecrackers,” ATF Special Agent in Charge Sam Rabadi said in the release. They are dangerous, destructive, and can be very deadly. “

The Pennsylvania State Police and ATF investigated the bombings, which took place in a 12-mile radius. Investigators discovered video of the defendants shoplifting the materials for the IEDs from local stores. In addition, investigators were able to match Daniel Tate’s fingerprint from electrical tape recovered at one of the explosion scenes, the complaint said.

During separate interviews in California on Feb. 18, both brothers admitted their involvement in the alleged crimes to an ATF agent, adding that their younger brother provided some assistance but “had very limited involvement” with the crimes, the complaint said.

The Tates face charges that include arson by explosion, arson by possession of explosive devices, conspiracy, theft, and related offenses. They were arraigned on Monday, May 16, and released on $25,000 unsecured bail to await a preliminary hearing on June 9, court records said.

Pennsylvania State Police Capt. Maurice Tomlinson said police would continue to ensure the safety of citizens. “Working together, we will make sure persons willing to commit these acts get prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said in the release. “We thank everyone involved in the investigation to date and greatly appreciate the collaborative efforts all agencies involved in this case.”

Hogan said the case was assigned to Deputy District Attorney Tom Ost-Prisco. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Jerry Harper of the Troop J Fire Marshal Unit at 717-299-7650.

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Compromise tax increase proposed for U-CF

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

A new proposed final budget for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is on the table. There’s still a tax increase, but not quite as much as had been considered earlier.

School board directors voted 6-3 during their May 16 meeting to have a proposed final budget with a tax increase of 2.77 percent, weighted between Chester and Delaware counties. As recently as last week, directors were talking about a weighted increase of 2.88 percent based on the recommendation from the administration.

According to district Business Manager Bob Cochran, Chester County property owners would pay 27.72 mills — an increase of 2.70 percent — while those in Chadds Ford would pay 23.59 percent — an increase of 3.06 percent. (A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.)

Anticipated expenses remain $82.5 million.

Settling on the 2.77 percent increase came after a proposal that was even lower, 2.47 percent.

Superintendent John Sanville said that was possible by finding other areas of revenue — an increase in state funding through the basic education funding formula — and savings. Those savings occurred through additional retirements, a reduction in the funding of a strategic plan, and the use of the $193,000 reserve in the district’s fund balance.

“Now you have a discussion wrapped around what to do with those found funds,” Sanville told the board.

However, after discussion, during which several directors expressed reluctance to use the fund balance, Board President Vic Dupuis said there were three options for the board to consider.

One was to keep to the original proposal, which called for the 2.88 percent increase and would add money to the fund balance. A second option would be to use the fund balance and drop the tax increase to 2.47 percent. A third option was to increase taxes by 2.77 percent and not take or add to the fund balance.

Director Gregg Lindner proposed the third option, which passed. The numbers could change again before the board votes to approve the final budget. That vote is scheduled for the June 20 meeting.

In other money matters, the board approved spending $53,000 to remove carpeting from Hillendale, Pocopson and Unionville Elementary schools and to spend almost $125,000 for supplies for the 2016-2017 school year.

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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Going bear-foot in Chadds Ford area

Along the Ford

North American Black Bear — A black bear has been sighted in Concord and Thornbury townships.

No lions or tigers, but there have been some bear sightings in the greater Chadds Ford area.

Television station 6ABC reported that a black bear was seen in the area of Texas Roadhouse on Route 1 in Concord Township last night. State police have not confirmed that sighting, but did confirm getting a call that a bear was seen near the Penn Oaks Country Club on Monday, May 16.

On Friday, May 13, a black bear was seen in the Wissahickon Valley State Park in Philadelphia.

Cheryl Trewella of the Pennsylvania Game Commission confirmed the Philadelphia sighting, but not the other two.

Trewlla said when she started with the commission 10 years ago, bears were not seen roaming here in the southeast part of the state. Now, however, she thinks that’s about to change.

She explained that Pennsylvania’s black bear population is “high,” about 20,000 in rural areas, and that high population forces some to move, looking for food and territory. That’s especially true when it comes to the younger males.

“This will bring them into contact with people,” she said.

In addition to the Pennsylvania population, bears are in New Jersey as well, and Trewella said some come into the state by swimming across the Delaware.

According to the Game Commission and other websites, black bears are fast and powerful. They can run up to 35 mph. They are wild, so do not approach one if you see it. While bear attacks are rare, stay calm if you see one.

The website has several pieces of information:

• If the bear sees you first, it will likely keep its distance. If you see the bear first, calmly leave the area, but talk so the bear will be aware of you.

• If there’s a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear, but avoid eye contact.

• Don’t climb or run.

• When safe, simply phone police or the Game Commission’s Southeast Office at 610-926-3136.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Race gives nature a run for its money

Arts & Entertainment

Awards ceremony and 'swag toss' — Nearly 250 excited participants in The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County’s (TLC) Eighth Annual Run for Conservation on Saturday, May 14, gather for the awards ceremony. Photos by Rob Keller

It was shrewd of Mother Nature to provide some race-worthy weather on Saturday, May 14: After all, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County’s (TLC) Eighth Annual Run for Conservation got its inspiration from her pastoral vistas.

These runners are inclined to persevere during The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County’s (TLC) Eighth Annual Run for Conservation.

Organizers said the 5K/10K trail race, part of the Trail Creek Outfitters Trail Run Series, attracted 244 runners and raised more than $15,000 – funds that will go toward land conservation projects in southern Chester County.

“All of the races in the Trail Run Series benefit a different nonprofit,” said Ed Camelli, co-founder of Trail Creek Outfitters and a TLC board member. “However, the Stateline Race is particularly gratifying because it runs over land protected by the The Land Conservancy. The Stateline Preserve would have been a housing development without TLC. It is through the work of dedicated, passionate volunteers and generous sponsors that that work continues.”

Participants were treated to scenic course options at Stateline Woods Preserve in Kennett Square. For the more adventurous, the 10K race featured the “Pipeline Challenge,” an impressive climb, while the 5K appealed to those inclined to be less strenuous. The race also catered to families with a Kids 1-mile Fun Run.

After the race, participants who were 21 and older were treated to the debut of the limited-edition Victory Brewing Company “Crimson Honey Wheat Ale,” made for TLC using local honey.

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Pocopson supervisors deem resident’s pygmy goat a pet

Local News, Local News Pocopson

PT_6246 — Pocopson Township Supervisors Alice Balsama (from left), Elaine DiMonte and Ricki Stumpo listen to comments about the need for Founders Day volunteers at their meeting on Monday, May 16.

A crowd-pleasing, pygmy goat named Penelope cleared another hurdle on Monday, May 16, at the Pocopson Township Board of Supervisors meeting.

Penelope the goat is pictured making herself at home at the Colella residence.

The supervisors viewed photos presented by attorney James S. Tupitza, who appeared on behalf of Justin Colella, a resident of Bragg Hill Road. “This is a pet; it’s like a dog,” said Tupitza, pointing out that one of the pictures showed the goat on a chair in the house.

The board voted unanimously to follow the recommendation of the township’s planning commission that Penelope be viewed as a pet, not livestock. Next, Colella will have to convince the zoning hearing board to follow suit at its next meeting on May 26.

The supervisors also agreed with the planning commission’s view that Ny Seniuk, who lives on Corinne Road, should receive a variance for setbacks to add a garage on his property as long as his neighbors have been contacted. Seniuk explained that the only level portion of the property, most of which abuts the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, lacks the needed clearance. He, too, will need to appear before the zoning board.

Resident Ny Seniuk shows the supervisors the placement of a proposed garage on his Corinne Road property.

Public Works Director Mark Knightly had some unwelcome financial news to report. He said termites have started doing damage at the historic Locust Grove Schoolhouse. The supervisors voted to authorize him to spend up to $995 to fix the problem. Knightly also needed a vote on the addition of a $2,380 lock for the Barnard House, which the supervisors approved.

On a more positive note, Supervisors’ Chairman Ricki Stumpo said the township was pleased to announce the addition of a new public works employee, Jim Knightly, who had just returned to the U.S. after serving the military in Dubai. After the meeting, Stumpo said that she sat in on all the interviews and that Knightly, who is Mark Knightly’s brother, was definitely the most qualified candidate.

The board had expected to vote on the Barnard House security system, but lingering questions made that impossible, explained Supervisor Alice Balsama. She said she found some of the language in the proposed contract with the Protection Bureau archaic and is working with the township solicitor and the company to resolve the concerns. The supervisors said they hoped to vote at their next meeting on Monday, June 16.

The historic building, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, was originally envisioned as the home of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC) as well as the township’s offices; however, the building’s layout and renovation costs put the municipal option on a back burner for now. The supervisors have focused their attention on installing a security system – the last step needed to enable the KURC to occupy the building – and seeking input from the county commissioners.

Pocopson Township Supervisor Alice Balsama cuts her birthday cake after the meeting.

Supervisor Elaine DiMonte said discussions are underway with the county regarding possible uses for the remainder of the building. When the county sold the property to the township for $1 in 2008, it imposed restrictions on its use. The supervisors said they needed to know their options so that they could make a decision on window repairs before a Keystone grant deadline expired.

“Hopefully at the next meeting we’ll have some answers,” said Balsama.

The supervisors are also hoping to generate some volunteers after hearing a report from Colleen McKinney, who’s chairing the Founders Day Committee. McKinney said plans are progressing for what might be the 10^{th _} and final – Founders Day. She said she is facing the usual problem of getting help for jobs ranging from parking to prize donations.

Last year’s event drew an enthusiastic crowd of about 1,000 for myriad activities that ranged from hayrides to games. “It’s harder and harder to do this project,” said Stumpo. “It’s a shame.” She said anyone interested in offering assistance should contact her at the township office.

A slightly different dilemma surfaced for the Pocopson Township Historic Committee, a group that is holding a garage sale on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Locust Grove Schoolhouse, at 525 Locust Grove Road, near Corinne Road. Proceeds from the sale will help fund the building’s restoration.

Committee member Sarah Mims said the committee has had to turn down offers from residents who wanted to donate items. “We’re going to have plenty of stuff,” she said, adding that perhaps if the sale goes well, they will do another one and solicit donations.

Her husband, Randy Mims, who’s also on the committee, said the sale would feature an impressive assortment of merchandise. He said it would be held inside so it’s a rain-or-shine event.

In other business, the supervisors approved the fourth dedication request from Toll Brothers for the Preserve at Chadds Ford subdivision. Stumpo said township consultants would conduct inspections and make recommendations.

Santhosh Kanjula, a board member of the Preserve’s homeowners’ association, questioned the vote. “They [Toll Brothers] haven’t done anything,” he said. “Why waste your time?”

Stumpo explained that they have to follow the procedure set up by the municipal code. Kanjula asked whether there’s a limit to the number of times a developer can request dedication, and the supervisors said they didn’t think so. However, developers are typically motivated to resolve issues so that they can rid themselves of the responsibility for road maintenance, they said.

Shifting gears, the supervisors adjourned the meeting and invited those in attendance to celebrate Balsama’s birthday with cake.

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Kennett Symphony plans jazzy celebration

Arts & Entertainment

KSOfull — Kennett Symphony Orchestra celebrates 75 years of making music in Chester County

The Kennett Symphony announces its 75^th anniversary gala will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at The Stone Barn in Kennett Square.

The evening of memories, music, and dancing will celebrate the Kennett Symphony’s 75 years of musical performances in Chester County. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. There will be a toast to the Kennett Symphony followed by dancing with music from The Gin Canaries.

The Gin Canaries are eclectic collection of musicians who love of the jazz era. Their website states “From the 20’s to the 40’s, some of the greatest music was made, and these birds aim to bring it back to life so it’s never forgotten.”

When: Saturday, June 11, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: The Stone Barn,
550 Upland Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

Tickets: $100 per person
(A portion of ticket price represents a tax-deductible contribution)

The Kennett Symphony is celebrating its 75^th anniversary season. Founded in 1940, the Kennett Symphony is Chester County’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, and serves the residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey, along with thousands of tourists who attend the Kennett Symphony’s popular summer concerts at Longwood Gardens. The Symphony’s mission is to serve the community by enriching lives through music. In addition to presenting varied and entertaining orchestral concerts, the Kennett Symphony encourages young musicians through annual Young Artist Competitions and its affiliation with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit kennettsymphony.org or call the Kennett Symphony at 610.444.6363

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109 municipalities to get traffic-signal funds

Local News

Updated at 10 a.m. with program recipients

PennDOT’s “Green Light-Go” program got a boost on Monday, May 16, as Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 109 municipalities would receive $12 million to underwrite the costs of upgrading traffic signals.

Made possible by Act 89, the state’s transportation funding plan, the program establishes partnership agreements between municipalities and PennDOT through which municipalities request up to 50 percent of the funding for traffic-signal projects, said a PennDOT press release.

“State and local partnerships like this are critical to improving traffic flow and safety across the state, and this program helps us meet that goal,” said Wolf in the release. “Through this investment, communities across the state will benefit from upgraded signals and intersections.”

During this fiscal year, grants can be used for installing light-emitting diode (LED) technology, performing regional operations such as re-timing, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies, the release said.

The area recipients include East Goshen Township, which received $514,167 to install an adaptive traffic signal system that adjusts signal timing based on traffic conditions on Route 3 at 10 intersections from East Strasburg Rd to Route 352; Kennett Township, which will get $65,050 f to improve the traffic signals at the intersections of Route 82 and Hillendale Road, Route 1 and Exelon Way, Route 1 and McFarlan Road, and Route 1 and Kendal Drive; and West Whiteland Township, which will receive $18,300 to install generator hook-ups and install uninterrupted power supplies at the intersections of Route 30 and Springdale Drive, Route 30 and East Mall Entrance, Route 30 and West Mall Entrance/Iron Lake Boulevard, Route 30 and Whiteland Towne Center, Route 30 and Campbell Boulevard, and Route 30 and Oaklands Boulevard as well as $22,000 to improve maintenance at 27 signalized intersections throughout the township, according to a press release from state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19.

Under the Green Light-Go program, projects on corridors with fewer than 10,000 vehicles per day will be managed by the municipality, and PennDOT will manage any project with signals on corridors that have greater than 10,000 vehicles per day. Both types of projects will require a 50 percent match from the municipality.

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