The woman whose body was found on Memorial Day in East Coventry Township, tied to a cinder block in a swimming hole on Pigeon Creek, has been identified, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Investigators are hoping that anyone who had contact with Ryan Stevyn Benjamin over the Memorial Day weekend will contact them.
Ryan Stevyn Benjamin, 24, whose last address was the 400 block of Porters Mill Road in Pottstown, was a certified teacher who was employed as a pre-kindergarten teacher. She received her a bachelor of science degree in elementary and early childhood education, said a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.
Benjamin was identified through unique physical descriptors (distinctive tattoo, rings, physical features), pending formal notification of identification through DNA and dental records that will come from the Chester County Coroner’s Office, the release said.
“This is a very active investigation,” said Hogan in the release. “The victim was an outgoing and sociable young woman, with many friends in the West Chester area. Anybody who had contact with her over the Memorial Day weekend should contact the police immediately.”
Hogan added, “The person who dumped Ryan’s body in the water knows what they did, and knows that the police are closing in. Every moment that this person stays on the run makes it look worse. This individual should come in to authorities now.”
The Chester County Detectives and the East Coventry Police Department are investigating this case. Anybody with information should contact Chester County Detective Sgt. Tom Goggin at 610-344-6866.
Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will remain at the helm of the Philadelphia Orchestra for another decade – one expected to feature local, national and international milestones.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
By the time Nézet-Séguin completes his tenure through the 2025-26 season, he will have been music director for 14 years (2012-26), the third longest reign of musical leadership after legendary conductors Eugene Ormandy and Leopold Stokowski, said an orchestra press release announcing his commitment.
Nézet-Séguin’s vision for the future will include innovative programing for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s 125th anniversary in 2025 and citywide music-making for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. Uniquely compelling concepts are also in the works for the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth (2020). Nearer to hand are the scheduled 2017 performances of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, both in Philadelphia and Carnegie Hall, and projected performances of Puccini’s Tosca in 2018, plus a list of further diverse opera titles that feature rich orchestral scores, the release said.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s extraordinary leadership in place for the next decade,” said Allison Vulgamore, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s president and CEO, said in the release. “The Philadelphia Orchestra is flourishing under his direction, and this new extension reflects his fervent commitment to Philadelphia and all we have achieved together and will achieve in the future. His relationships with the musicians, our audiences, and throughout the community are bringing joy to us all, drawing in new listeners and building connections throughout the city.”
The maestro will divide his duties during part of that period with the Metropolitan Opera, which announced that Nézet-Séguin will also serve as its music director, effective with the start of the 2020-21 season.
“I never imagined that I could live the dream of having the legendary and magnificent Philadelphia Orchestra in my life, so it is with great joy that I extend my commitment to be present on Philadelphia’s podium for at least another 10 years,” Nézet-Séguin said in the release. “I have well over a decade’s worth of ideas to bring to the stage and into the community, and I look forward to growing even more connected to this extraordinarily musical city. Now, becoming music director of the premier and most extraordinary Metropolitan Opera is double the dream. To have the chance to make music with both these amazing institutions was irresistible to me. I am, without doubt, the luckiest music director in the world today.”
Named Musical America’s 2016 Artist of the Year, Nézet-Séguin has led the Philadelphia Orchestra on three international tours in the first four years of his music directorship, enhancing the global scope of the orchestra’s work, and with many other resounding artistic achievements in such a short time. Through his community engagement and successes, he is rooting himself ever more deeply into Philadelphia, and making vital, unique connections with audiences. Among the events marking his commitment to Philadelphia, a commission by Tod Machover, featuring different “voices” from the community, is planned within the next few seasons, the release said.
“The Philadelphia Orchestra could not be in better artistic hands. We are absolutely delighted with Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s leadership and his work in the community,” Chairman of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association Board of Directors Richard B. Worley said in the release.
David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, expressed similar sentiments. “Today I am full of excitement and gratitude at the announcement of Yannick’s far-reaching commitment to The Philadelphia Orchestra,” he said n the release. “With our partnership cemented deep into the future, we now joyfully continue our work together, thriving on the magic that so palpably lives within the musicians of the orchestra, our ardent audiences at home and around the world, and our beloved music director.”
The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors approved a new committee, provided an update on a drainage problem as well as the multi-municipal emergency services study, and issued decisions on four subdivisions, all in less than 30 minutes during its meeting on Wednesday, June 1.
Kennett Township Supervisor Whitney S. Hoffman (from left), Supervisors’ Chairman Scudder G. Stevens and Township Manager Lisa M. Moore share a moment of levity during Wednesday night’s supervisors’ meeting.
Supervisors’ Chairman Scudder G. Stevens, Supervisor Whitney Hoffman, and Supervisor Richard L. Leff, who participated through teleconference, all voted to approve the Barkingfield Park Committee, created to help set up the first township-owned park.
The township purchased the 45-acre tract in February, and while Anson B. Nixon and Pennock parks are in the township, Kennett does not own them. Known as Barkingfield Farm, the new park is adjacent to the township’s maintenance garage at Bayard and Hillendale roads
The board applauded the fact that many of the committee’s members are residents who are not presently serving as township volunteers. “It’s really getting people involved,” said Hoffman, adding that many of the new additions are neighbors of the park. “I think it’s a good thing.”
Members of the committee will include Township Manager Lisa M. Moore; Public Works Director Roger Lysle; Tom Comitta and Erin Gross, the township’s landscape architects; Carol Taylor of The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County; Suzanne Geouque, a liaison for the New Garden Parks and Recreation and the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation boards; and residents Kate Wise, Leigh Ann Kelleher, Joan Phillips, Diane McGovern, Lori Stewart, Jenni Brand, Mike Pia and Joe Duffy.
The supervisors heard an update from Moore on a failing drainage basin in the Granite Ridge subdivision, an ongoing issue that has generated frustration from township officials as well as The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County. The basin’s failure – and the developer’s failure to fix it – have adversely affected neighboring properties. The conservancy has easements on two of them.
A remediation proposal from the developer did not pass muster with the conservancy, Moore said, adding that she is waiting to hear the developer’s response to the conservancy’s concerns as well as get additional feedback from the township’s engineer. In the meantime, the supervisors are withholding about $350,000 in escrow funds for the first and second phase of the project.
Moore also reported on the regional Emergency Services Study, a collaborative analysis commissioned by six area municipalities. Kennett joined with East Marlborough, Newlin, Pennsbury, and Pocopson townships and Kennett Square Borough to hire consultants to study fire and ambulance services.
She said the process is nearing a conclusion. She said that the consultants are writing an overview of their findings and that once that has been prepared, the township will meet with the three fire companies to discuss the results before making them public. She said it is not yet clear whether all of the participating municipalities would sign off on the report’s recommendations. If they do, the supervisors would then have to vote on whether to approve them.
The supervisors voted to approve an extension until July 16 for Cannery Row Properties, which is seeking preliminary plan approval for a commercial, mixed-use development on the nearly six-acre site of the former Kennett Canning Company. About three quarters of the tract lies within the township; the remainder is in the borough.
An extension for the Lord Howe/Speakman property on Burnt Mill Road, which has received previous extensions that go back five years, was denied unanimously. The supervisors noted that they granted what they called their “last extension” three months ago.
The supervisors also unanimously rejected an extension for the Robinson property, located on Pleasant Bank Lane off of Kaolin Road, a plan that dates back to 2005, as well as the Leeds property at the corner of Hillendale and Kaolin roads, which goes back to 2006. Moore noted that neither of the property owners was interested in pursuing the plans.
LeRoy “Lee” Schuette, of Kennett Square, died peacefully after a long illness on May 25. A long time resident of West Chester, he was a Professor of Biology at W.C. University.
An avid golfer and consummate sports fan having coached little league baseball and basketball for many years.
He is survived by his wife Jan, four children: Kim (David), Kate (John), Michael, Kelli (Todd) and his sister Shirley (Gary). His legacy will continue to live through his family, five grandchildren and great granddaughter, who were a source of joy, pride, and love.
A memorial will be held for immediate family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018
Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square.
Chadds Ford Township supervisors had scheduled a hearing on a special events ordinance for their June 1 meeting, but that has been postponed. A future date was not set.
The reason for the delay was to give supervisors time to make changes to the draft ordinance, Supervisors Chairman Frank Murphy said.
While the hearing was off the table during the meeting, discussion on the ordinance was on.
There was no discussion of the changes, but talk did involve the current draft that calls for a $150 fee for an event — or a series of no more than 10 events of a similar nature — that draws at least 225 people. The proposed ordinance covers outdoor gatherings, including meetings, fairs, sporting events, festivals, carnivals, and other events.
Kendal Reynolds, board president of the Chadds Ford Historical Society, wanted to know whether traditional events, such as Chadds Ford Days and The Great Pumpkin Carve, were grandfathered.
The short answer from Murphy was no.
“This ordinance does not grandfather anything,” he said.
Murphy said the township has changed over the years, and that an event that drew 50 people 30 years ago might attract 500 now.
Solicitor Michael Maddren interjected, telling Reynolds there was no need to feel intimidated by the ordinance.
Donna Gormel from the Brandywine Conservancy & River Museum of Art asked if there was a blanket permit that would allow for year-round events.
Township Manager Amanda Serock reminded her the permit would be good for up to 10 events and Vice Chairman Samantha Reiner told Gormel that the fees were only required for outdoor events.
Some events are exempted from the need for permits. Those include state or federally sponsored parades or events, any special event sponsored by the township, funeral processions, and First Amendment activity on township streets that wouldn’t interfere with the township’s ability to respond to public safety emergencies.
Other business
• Also during the meeting, supervisors approved an application for a massage therapy business at 161 Baltimore Pike. Applicant Holly Fickes said after the meeting that it would be several weeks before she could open because work is needed on the building.
• Supervisors rescheduled their June workshop to June 22.
• The Chaddsford Winery will host a Harry Chapin Tribute Concert on Sunday, June 12, featuring a performance from Gregg Parker. Parker will feature
the music of the legendary folk-rock performer and composer to gain support for inducting Chapin into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The concert will also serve as a benefit and food drive for the Chester County Food Bank. The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. The event is free, but people are asked to bring food donations.
• Fair Acres, Delaware County’s skilled-care facility, invites friends and family to its main fundraiser of the year, the annual June Fair, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, on the campus in Middletown. Along with food, fun and raffles, the Fair Acres Office of Volunteer Services will hold an Attic Treasures sale to raise funds to support resident activities. The June Fair features water ice, strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, hamburgers, a bake table and a wide array of unique items that will be raffled off at the end of the day. Rain date for the June Fair is Thursday, June 9. For information, call Cheryl Everngham, Director of Volunteer Services, at 610-891-5770 or email evernghamc@fairacres.org.
• Chadds Ford Township resident and yoga instructor Disha Mattive will conduct her last Kids’ Yoga class on Thursday, June 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Transcend Yoga in the Barn Shoppes on Route 1. Mattive is moving to California later this month. Kids will be practicing their favorite poses outside (weather permitting) playing yoga games, finding some stillness with a mandala meditation, expressing their individuality with shimmer tattoos, monkeying around the aerial yoga hammocks, enjoying an aromatherapy relaxation. and some other special surprises. Space is limited to 10 yogis. Please pre-register to secure your spot by going here.
Visitors to the Brandywine River Museum of Art can help build and then launch a flat-bottom boat on June 11.
• The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art and artist Dylan Gauthier invite the community to join him on June 11 to construct a punt — a flat-bottomed riverboat — that he will use for a series of excursions on the Brandywine and nearby waterways over the course of his yearlong artist residency. Gauthier will lead his “crew” in reading boat plans and the basics of boatbuilding as the group assembles the custom-designed punt, scaled for two people, then launch the boat with a small celebratory ceremony at 5 pm. No prior boat building experience is required, just an avid curiosity and an interest in learning. To participate, please register by contacting Laura Westmoreland at lwestmoreland@brandywine.org or phone 610-388-8120. Please specify if you would like to join the morning or afternoon session (or both). There is no fee to participate.
• The first of four Household Hazardous Waste Collection events, offered by the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, at the Emergency Services Training Center, 1700 Calcon Hook Road in Sharon Hill (Darby Township). Electronic items and latex paint will not be accepted at this or any 2016 HHW Event. For information, including driving directions and recycling options, visit www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle or call the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority directly at 610-892-9627.
• With 11 attractions – ranging from the Brandywine River Museum of Art to the Delaware Museum of Art – for one low price, the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport offers a summer full of activity. The cost is $45 for an individual or $95 for a family of two adults and up to three children. It provides one-time admission to area attractions, which also include Mt. Cuba Center, Longwood Gardens, the Nemours Mansion and Gardens, and Winterthur Museum, Gardens and Library, through Sept. 5. Passports can be purchased at any of the participating locations or online here.
Jesse Cheyney, a member of the color guard, salutes U.S. military dead during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Brandywine Baptist Church.
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, June 6. Not ready to adopt? 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.
Butterscotch
BUTTERSCOTCH/BUDDY
Hello, I am the one and only Butterscotch, but my nickname is Buddy. I like that nickname because all I want is to be everyone’s best friend. I am 2 years old and have a whole lot of life to live. Every day I stare out the door window just to greet my friends here at the SPCA. I like to think I make their morning by saying hello (or in my language “Meowwww!”). My other kitty friends in here seem to really get along with me as well! Sometimes I find myself day dreaming of lounging around in a big comfy bed getting love from my forever family. I sure hope they have children because I love kids. They are always sure to provide me with all the attention a cat could ever ask for. I guess you can say I’m a family man. Stop in and say “Hello” and then you’ll really understand just what I mean.
CHINA
China
Hi, my name is China. If you are looking for a total sweetheart to round out your life, then I am your girl! I’ve been described as a gentle, tender soul who loves nothing more than being in the company of my people. I walk like a dream on a leash and follow commands like a pro. I enjoy ear scratches, long cuddles and afternoon naps. If my adorable doggie smile and cute freckles don’t win you over, my soft heart will. I can’t wait to meet you.
Dean
DEAN
Handsome Dean at your service. I’m one of the most popular dogs at the shelter, and one of the goofiest. My play bow brings smiles to everyone. I am always down for good times. I have been enjoying my morning playgroup time, interacting with several different dogs. My best human friend at the shelter has taken me home for sleepovers and I received a five-star rating on my behavior. While I love to play, I also love cuddles. Who says a big dog can’t be a lap dog too?
ALI
Ali
Hiya. My name is Ali. I’m a super sweet, petite, brown tabby mama who loves to engage and be engaged. I’m gentle, I love to be pet and held, I like people watching, and everyone here says that I have a lovely disposition. For a while I was in foster care with my kittens, but now my sweet babies have been adopted into loving homes and I’m looking for my forever best friend. I’d be a fantastic companion animal and would love to find someone who I can build an unbreakable bond with. Don’t be shy – come say hi to me! I’m waiting for you.
Klein
KLEIN
Hi folks. My name is Klein and I’m your typical black cat – mysterious and undeniably attractive. I’m a 2-year-old neutered male with gorgeous green eyes that will make you fall in love at first sight. My friends at the shelter describe me as shy at first, quiet and gentle, but once you stroke me, I definitely purr. I’m just a loving boy looking for a quiet home where I can be myself. Won’t you come visit and take me home with you?
• Michael Gomella, of Chadds Ford, has been named to the dean’s list for the spring 2016 semester at the University of Vermont. Gomella is a biological science major in the College of Arts and Sciences. To be named to the dean’s list, students must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better and rank in the top 20 percent of their class in their respective college or school.
• Chadds Ford resident Alexandra Lauren Lovrinic, has been named to the dean’s list at James Madison University for the spring 2016 semester. Students who earn dean’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of between 3.5 and 3.899. Lovrinic is scheduled to graduate in 2017 and is majoring in biology.
• On Wednesday, June 1, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced approximately 3,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities, winners selected from the National Merit finalists. Among the recipients was Eric Tyler Shao of Unionville High. Shao expects to study investment banking at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.
• The Technical College High School “Students of the Quarter,” cited for demonstrating good leadership, attitude, skills and knowledge, from Kennett High School for the fourth marking period of the 2015-2016 school year are Yoselin Baez Castaneda, automotive service technology; Berenis Jacome, cosmetology; Kaylee Carter, cosmetology; and Logan Cave, engine technology.
