Fourth-graders from Shamona Creek Elementary School were so taken by a recent K-9 demonstration that decided to lend a hand.
Deputy Sheriff Dan Mccole, K-9 Nero, Deputy Sheriff Mike Sarro, Sheriff Carolyn ‘Bunny’ Welsh, Shamona Creek fourth-grade teacher Cathy Tomlinson, Shamona Creek Principal Norma Jean Welsh, Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Lawrence Mussoline, and Deputy Sheriff Harry McKinney gather for the check presentation.
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh and some of her K-9 deputies visited the school recently to receive a special gift from the students. More than $625 was raised by the children to purchase a Kevlar vest for the Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit.
“Sheriff Welsh and her deputies visited our fourth-grade classes last month, providing demonstrations of the K-9 Unit capabilities,” Shamona Creek Principal Norma Jean Welsh said in a press release from the Sheriff’s Office. “The students were so impressed by this experience that they decided to show their appreciation in a very special way, raising funds for the vest.”
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of K-9 teams in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. The unit now has six handlers and eight canines that specialize in explosives, narcotics, accelerants and cadaver. A recent addition to the team is a comfort canine used primarily in the Special Victims Unit.
“The deputies and I were thrilled to visit Shamona Creek, to demonstrate the work that the K-9 unit is called to do,” Welsh said in the release. “It is important for students to see these incredible animals close up, to understand and appreciate the way in which they support community safety.
“We were so pleased that the students wanted to show their appreciation for our visit in such a meaningful way,” Welsh continued. “The donations of funds for a Kevlar vest will help to protect our K-9s as they undertake law enforcement work.”
Virtually every high school graduation contains advice given to the soon-to-be grads. The June 8 graduation for Unionville High was no exception. This time the advice was “listen.”
Principal Jimmy Conley gave the charge to the class of 2016, invoking the imagery of movie superheroes saying, “Class of 2016, as you maneuver through the obstacles and triumphs that life throws your way, you are fully equipped to face this world — if you remember one piece of advice that will be your secret weapon and superpower and that is to listen.”
He explained they should listen with a desire to understand what would be thrown at them during college, while in the military, or on the job.
Clarisse Cofransesco recites a poen, “Open the Door,” that she wrote for the graduation.
“Listen with an ear that seeks truth and delves into the heart of the matter so that you can better understand; listen with the future in mind…”
Conley said listening has become a forgotten art and that no one is praised as a good listener. Rather, people are praised for being go-getters, not for their listening skills. However, he quoted Winston Churchill:
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
Superintendent of Schools John Sanville also offered his advice, telling the graduates to be wary of the advice on social media. Some of what can be found there can be valuable, while other opinions seem to be offered by people “whose sole intent is to wreak havoc in the lives of anyone who follows them.”
As examples of advice worth following, Sanville offered one comment found online quoting Margaret Thatcher, saying, “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.”
That’s “a timeless lesson in perseverance worth heading,” Sanville said.
Educator of the Year Joe Ahart reminds graduates that life is not always a direct, straight line.
He then referred to other quotes: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” by Dr. Seuss, and “Don’t be the same, be better,” anonymous, and “I haven’t failed, I just found 10,000 ways that don’t work,” from Thomas Edison.
Sanville evoked strong laughter when he said, “If your wife says she doesn’t want a birthday gift this year, don’t believe her — John Sanville.”
He closed by saying life is filled with the good and the bad, humor and adversity. You will cry and you will laugh. As young men and women setting out to navigate new places and meet new faces, you’ll be given lots of advice…I invite you to think not just of the advice you will follow, but what you can offer to others.”
He told the class members that everyone has a unique set of abilities and experiences that make them the only ones who have seen and done things from a specific perspective.
“As you go through life as newly minted graduates, you are sure to encounter someone starting something that you have finished. Make it a point to consider how your experiences can be useful to help someone else,” he said. “Save the things you’ve figured out, and pass them on. Remember when you were there and had to start over, and tell another how to avoid that. In this way, you will accrue wisdom.”
Also addressing the graduates were UHS Educator of the Year Joe Ahart and class members Elise Covert, Jacqueline Bridges and Clarisse Cofrancesco.
Ahart said that being undecided about their futures is nothing to be ashamed of.
“My life’s thesis was written on a whim, then drastically revised, then suddenly and inexplicably abandoned,” he said.
He then proceeded to tell the tale of his journey from a high school student who wanted to be a major league baseball player and who was told by an English teacher tell that she didn’t believe a word he wrote. He then went on to write for a college newspaper before becoming a professional journalist and then a teacher.
“My career [as a journalist] was soaring, but there was one nagging problem, I was bored…I had a tough decision to make. I could continue life according to plan, or I could start anew and rewrite my life’s thesis,” he said.
But Ahart continued to say he followed a piece of advice he received from a fictional character, Dwight K. Shrute: “‘Whenever I’m about to do something I think, would an idiot do that? And if they would, I did not do that thing.’”
The UHS Chorale, under the direction of Jason Thorn, performs.
Ahart, however, stayed on at the paper until he began taking classes at West Chester and earned his master’s degree in English, became a graduate assistant and wound up teaching.
It was the sum total of all his experiences, he said, that made him a better teacher.
“Even work that seems pointless at the time will have its value someday,” Ahart said, quoting his father.
Of the student speakers, Cofrancesco recited a poem she wrote, and Covert reminded her classmates of the value of the work they did over their four years at UHS:
“As we move on from Unionville High School to whatever life paths we’ve chosen, let us not forget the drive developed when a mountain of work stands before us, the value of accountability that all those group projects impressed upon us, the communication skills acquired as our adolescent years changed people and altered friendships, the time management abilities necessary when midterms and basketball season inevitably collided. Let us not erase the encouraging messages and words of advice from our teachers, the love and laughter of our friends, the inspiring pregame pep talks from our coaches.”
Bridge, too, made reference to the work and how it affected them, “Somewhere in all these moments, we became ourselves and shockingly enough, we grew up.”
The Class of 2016 was 321 strong with students earning more than 70 scholarships and awards.
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.
Donna L. Brown, 74, of Landenberg, died Monday, May 30, at the Christiana Hospital. She was the spouse of Virginia Noblit, with whom she shared two years of marriage, after 37 years together.
Born in York, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Dorothy Smith Brown.
Donna was an elementary music teacher for the Cecil County Board of Education, retiring in 2000, after 34 years of service. She was the secretary of the Board of Directors of Cecil County School Employees FCU for many years.
She was a member of St. Michael Lutheran Church, Delaware Mineralogical Society, a life member of the West Grove Fire Co., a cat breeder and a member of several cat clubs. She also played in several local community bands including the Newark Community Band.
In addition to her spouse, she is survived by three stepbrothers, Harry Conaway, Bill Conaway, Bill Swartz and their wives and children.
You are invited to visit with Donna’s family and friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 109 East Doe Run Road, Unionville. Her memorial service will follow at 11. Burial will be private.
A donation in Donna’s memory, may be made to the Winn Feline Foundation, 637 Wyckoff Avenue, Suite 336, Wyckoff, NJ 07481, or visit www.winnfelinefoundation.org
Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
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 13. 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.
Flex
FLEX
At BVSPCA straight Flexin’, What up dog? Hey, the name’s Flex, and quite honestly I’m perplexed how a great dog like me hasn’t found a home already. Walks excite me, I love being outside and playing in the grass, so when we first meet I may be a little shy, but as soon as you take me on a walk I will open up to you. You will not have to put in a lot of potty-training hours with me, and I like giving kisses. Take me for a walk and let’s get to know each other.
BOB
Bob
Hey. I’m Bob, a 3-year-old domestic short-haired mix. My fur is black and white and I have a cute little black spot on my nose. I have moss green eyes that will entrance you into giving me treats, which I love. Some people think that cats aren’t as loving as dogs, but I beg to differ. If you are in the same vicinity as me and have forgotten that I am in the room, I will let you know by nudging my head into your hand, climbing into your lap and making you want to pet me. I have no idea what personal space means with people or other cats so I need to go to a home that shares my same mentality. My ideal adopter would be someone who likes to cuddle and play and pet me all the time because I love attention. A family with kids would be perfect. I am a really awesome cat, visit me today and try to say otherwise!
Boson
BOSON
Hi, my name is Boson and if you are looking for a well-behaved pup then I am your man. I am a little timid in the shelter setting but I really open up when I get outside and light up when the tennis ball comes out. I am quite skilled at fetch if I do say so myself. I don’t really believe in the term personal space because one of my favorite things to do is to climb in the lap of my friends for pets and kisses. If you have other dogs I would love to meet them, and the sooner the better. I follow commands and am already housebroken. Let’s not waste any more time apart. Come meet me today.
DAFFODIL
Daffodil
My name is Daffodil, most likely because I am pretty like a flower, but my friends say I should be called Miss Wiggles because that is all I do, wiggle. I am just shaking what my Mama gave me. I’m happy day in and day out and I react to everything like it is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love to play fetch and gently relinquish the ball back to you so we can do it all over again. I know how to sit and I love to sit right next to you while you scratch my ears and rump. My energy and joy is contagious so if you are looking for a little sunshine in your life, I am your girl.
Billy
BILLY
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Billy. Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a great catch. I’m a strikingly handsome brown and black tabby with a huge personality and a ton of character. I’m very energetic and I love to play and engage with my human friends. One of my favorite things to do is to romp around the shelter’s playroom, so I know I’d love the extra space that a forever home would provide. Won’t you be my new best friend?
SHAYNA
Shayna
Hi there – my name is Shayna. I’m a stunning, spayed, 7-year-old Calico with gorgeous green eyes and a quiet personality. My markings are truly exquisite and I know you’ll just fall in love with them at first sight. I’m definitely a bit shy and low-energy, so I prefer a quiet, gentle approach. In fact, I’d do best in a quiet home without children. If you’re looking to spend your days with a gentle furry friend who has a shy-but-sweet disposition, I’m your girl.
• The topic of the Brandywine River Museum of Art Gallery Talk on Wednesday, June 15, will be The Plein Air Approach. Visitors will be able to explore varied artistic practices in landscape painting by artists whose work is featured in the Richard M. Scaife bequest, such as Albert Bierstadt, John Kensett, John La Farge, William Merritt Chase, and Julian Alden Weir, in a gallery talk led by Virginia O’Hara, curator of collections. Gallery Talk begins at 2 p.m. and is free with museum admission.
• Wednesday, June 22, is Delco Night at the Philadelphia Union, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a tailgate party from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Talent Energy Stadium. Pat’s Pizzeria and Sterling Pig Brewery will provide food and beer. Discounted tickets are available for $20. To register for a ticket for individuals and small groups, go here. http://www.delcochamber.org/events/Philadelphia-Union-Delco-Night–55758/details?utm_source=Delco+Night&utm_campaign=Delco+Night&utm_medium=email Groups of 10 or more should phone 610-497-9909 or email groups@philadelphiaunion.com
• Winterthur, Museum, Garden & Library announced a $35,000 Art Works grant recommendation from the National Endowment for the Arts to digitize 1,500 important works of art on paper. The project is part of a Winterthur initiative to document its entire collection, upgrade its cataloguing content, and provide broad access through museumcollection.winterthur.org. The project is part of Winterthur’s commitment to foster lifelong learning in the arts and humanities, educating and engaging the widest possible audiences through online collection access.
The Brandywine Ballet will perform at the Rose Tree Media Park on July 29.
• Brandywine Ballet will be performing on Friday, July 29, at 7 p.m. in the Delaware County Summer Festival (June 15-August 14), held at Rose Tree Park in Media. This is a free performance. Brandywine Ballet will be headlining the performance with resident choreographer Nancy Page’s “Never Ending Road.” This ballet is set to the music of Canadian-born, Celtic singer/songwriter Loreena McKennitt. The style of this work is contemporary ballet, a fusion of classical ballet and movement from other dance styles, which create a unique viewing experience for an audience member.
• As part of its plans to serve more elders in West Chester, The Hickman, a Quaker senior community, is scheduled to begin demolition of its existing Sharpless-Hall Building. In its place will be a new, larger building that will include a secure dementia program. This new program will be located on the first floor and the only one of its kind in West Chester. Demolition is scheduled to begin the week of June 13 with construction to follow this summer. The new building is slated to open in late 2017.
• The Maternal & Child Health Consortium will hold its first annual Father’s Fun Day – which translates to a mother’s night off – on Thursday, June 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Dads and their kids are invited to the Oasis Family Fun Center in Glen Mills. Tickets will be sold at the door, and half of the proceeds will benefit the consortium. RSVPs are requested at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ecnq1af72755450b&oseq=&c=8e12d0c0-1ef7-11e3-a59d-d4ae52844279&ch=8e7478c0-1ef7-11e3-a5be-d4ae52844279.
• Kennett Area Community Service, home of the Kennett Food Cupboard, is holding an open house to celebrate the grand opening of the new KACS Resource Center at 138 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square. It will be held on Wednesday, June 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It will showcase the newly renovated center with tours of the facility and light refreshments. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 6 p.m. The multi-use facility is focused on service delivery of the KACS programs and several partner social service agencies with the goal of helping individuals and families secure resources and end poverty in Southern Chester County. The KACS Resource Center will house the KACS Emergency Assistance program, new sustainability programs, bathing and laundry facilities for those experiencing homelessness, as well as administrative offices.
• The Delaware All State Theatre will present the five-time Tony Award-winning “Titanic the Musical” in the Laird Performing Arts Center at the Tatnall School for two weekends from June 18-26. Tickets range from $12-$20 and can be purchased at DASTonline.org. Group rates are available. “Titanic the Musical” is a historically accurate depiction of the maiden voyage of the ocean liner RMS Titanic, in all its spectacle and grandeur. The ship is packed from bow-to-stern with fascinating and memorable characters, each with a unique story and set of dreams. The DAST production will feature the same Tony Award-winning set that was used in the Broadway and touring productions of the show.
• For the past 25 years, patrons of the Pocopson Post Office have been greeted by Susan Kelly, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service. To celebrate that milestone, Kelly will be serving cake, cookies and snacks on Thursday, June 9, from 10 to 3 p.m.
Amanda Thomas, Steve Turner, and Matt Gorham from the Matt Gorham Group of Keller Williams Realty; Toren Peterson, Business Relationships Manager for United Way of Chester County; and Larry Welsch, Executive Director of the Chester County Food Bank.
• United Way of Chester County and the Chester County Food Bank held their second annual Community PB&J for United Way Drive last month. A friendly competition between local service organizations and businesses produced dozens of local drives, cumulatively collecting over 9,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly products for the cause. The drive originated as a call to action to help local food pantries keep their shelves stocked over the summer months, when donations are typically at their lowest. The Matt Gorham Group of Keller Williams (Pictured) reigned again this year as PB&J King and singlehandedly brought in 2,093 pounds of PB&J, nearly tripling their donation over last year. For more information on how you can help end the cycle of poverty and hunger visit www.liveunitedchestercounty.org or www.chestercountyfoodbank.org
