June 10, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Chesco board gives boost to Food Bank

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

The Chester County Commissioners presented a check for $25,000 to representatives from the Chester County Food Bank earlier this week, at the Food Bank’s Uwchlan Township headquarters.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline (from left); Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell; Norm Horn, director of advancement for the Chester County Food Bank; Larry Welsh, executive director of the Chester County Food Bank; and County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone gather for the check presentation.

The funds are part of the county’s annual appropriations to nonprofits, and the check was presented in anticipation of the opening of the Food Bank’s Fresh2You Mobile Market later this month, according to a county press release.

Chester County government actively supports the work of the Chester County Food Bank, particularly its farm and garden programs. Programs to grow fruit and vegetables for the Food Bank exist at the county’s Springton Manor Farm, the Chester County Youth Center and Chester County Prison.

Close to $300,000 of state and federal funding channels through Chester County government for the Chester County Food Bank annually. In addition to the commissioners’ annual appropriation, county employees donate food and toiletry items to the Food Bank through the county’s monthly Dress-Down Day program, which involves an employee contribution in exchange for the privilege of wearing casual attire.

The Chester County Food Bank serves approximately 50,000 people a year through 36 food cupboards and 68 meal sites and social service agencies. Last year, 2.5 million pounds of food was distributed, including 850,000 pounds of fresh produce, the release said.

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Roadwork for week of June 11

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 June 11 through June 18. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.

Installation of an overhead message board will require closure of the right lane on Route 322 in Upper Chichester Township. Crews are scheduled to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, between the Route 452 and Highland Avenue ramps and on Wednesday, June 15, between the Cherry Tree Road and Route 452 ramp.

Message board installation will also occur on Monday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closing the right lane on southbound I-95 south between Packer Avenue and Broad Street in Philadelphia, and on Thursday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., I-76 west between Girard Avenue and Montgomery Avenue in Philadelphia, also requiring a right lane closure.

Painting of Smith’s Bridge over the Brandywine Creek will require the closure of Smith’s Bridge Road between Creek Road and Route 100. The weather-dependent work is scheduled to continue until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 27, according to DelDOT. Detours will be posted.

Green Valley Road in Newlin Township is closed and detoured between Powell and Brandywine Creek roads due to structural deficiencies at the Green Valley Road Bridge. No repair date has been scheduled.

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.

A slow-moving line-painting operation will slow traffic from Saturday, June 11, though Friday, June 17, on roads in West Goshen, East Goshen, Willistown, Easttown and Tredyffrin townships.

Shoulder work will necessitate lane restrictions on Route 202 in both directions in West Goshen Township from Monday, June 13, through Thursday, June 16. The work is scheduled between Route 3 and Route 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Westtown School will close Westtown Road between Oak Lane and Westtown Way for a bridge replacement from Monday, June 13, through Friday, July 22. Detours will be posted.

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. for the Mainline Health Care project between Brinton Lake Road and Applied Card Way.

Work will also 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 last month on scheduling the work.

Work is continuing 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. The completion date has been extended from Aug. 31 to Sept. 20.

Daylong lane closures will be in place on Route 100 in Uwchlan and West Whiteland townships from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the installation of aerial fiber optic lines from Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17. The work covers an area between Swedesford Road and Sheree Boulevard.

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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Fund’s executive director to step down

Local News

The executive director of the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls will step down from her position this month, according to a press release from the nonprofit.

Susan Mostek

Susan Mostek’s accomplishments will be recognized at the fund’s upcoming Grants Celebration on Tuesday, June 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gables restaurant in Chadds Ford.

“The fund has been better for having Susan,” Board Chair Mary Lou Sterge said in the release.

Mostek’s efforts have led the fund to build greater awareness, forge new collaborations and make a community-wide impact as to strengthen the physical well-being, safety and economic security of women, girls and their families in Chester County. A transition committee and search team made up of board members and community leaders is overseeing the selection of a new executive director, the release said.

During Mostek’s tenure, the fund initiated a three-year strategic plan that positions the fund to be bold and innovative and to have a voice regarding women’s issues in our community. The plan also led to a renewed mission to “lead and unite the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive.”

The fund’s grants policy changed with the strategic plan to not only support community need but to also be proactive in terms of addressing women’s issues in Chester County. The fund also commissioned the update to the Blueprint Report; which provides critical data across seven areas and also presents steps forward to leverage progress already made in these areas.

Under Mostek’s leadership, the fund was named the 2015 Mosteller Community Service Award Winner, an annual award presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce that recognizes organizations who have provided exemplary community service and who have made a positive impact and significant contributions to our communities. The Girls Advisory Board (GAB) received the Activating Leadership Grant for Women & Girls from clothing designer Eileen Fisher. GAB was awarded $10,000, which proved instrumental in providing the financial resources needed to ensure the 2015 class of GAB curriculum aligned with the fund’s strategic plan.

At Tuesday’s celebration, the fund will also spotlight the essential work of the 23 agencies that received $255,000 in fund grants this year who work every day to better the lives of women and girls in our communities will be honored. The event is open to all Chester County agencies and the public. To attend, contact Kate Zielsdorf at katherine@ccfwg.org.

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Bill takes aim at electronic billboards

Local News, Local News Birmingham, Local News Chadds Ford, Local News Concord, Local News Kennett, Local News Pennsbury, Local News Pocopson

Proposed legislation, introduced by state Sen. Andy Dinniman, seeks more thorough guidelines regarding the placement of large electronic and digital billboards alongside roadways and nearby local communities throughout Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1301 calls for local municipalities to conduct public hearings before approving such billboards. Under the legislation, the hearing should specifically address the following issues in relation to the placement of electronic or digital billboards:

The size, spacing, and lighting of the device.

The potential impact on current residents and future proposed developments.

Traffic and pedestrian safety concerns.

Open space issues, including aesthetic beauty and historic character, as well as state and nonprofit funds spent on their preservation.

The potential impact on development rights, as well as agricultural, conservation and other easements.

In addition, the bill changes and improves the permitting process so that applicants must meet with PennDOT representatives and local government leaders at the site designated for the proposed billboard prior to approval, said a press release from Diniman’s office

Dinniman said he drafted the bill in response to concerns from a number of constituents whose lives have been negatively impacted by the growing number of large digital billboards in our region.

“Some of the laws and regulations regarding billboards date back to the 1970s. Others are simply nonexistent because they have not kept up with technological developments and the age of digital and electronic advertising,” Dinniman said in the release. “It’s time that the impact of digital billboards on local residents is considered, that their concerns are heard, and that local leaders have all the information and tools they need to make the best decisions for their communities.”

Most recently, residents of the North Lake Drive community in Downingtown came before Downingtown Borough Council to discuss the impact the billboard is having on their lives, particularly in the evening hours when its lights shine into their homes.

In response, billboard company officials have offered to plant trees to obstruct residents’ views of the digital billboard, but have refused calls to turn off the westbound side of the sign, which seems to impact the most residents, during the evening hours.

In recent years, residents in both Phoenixville and Lower Oxford have also expressed concerns regarding the light pollution, traffic safety, and other issues associated with such billboards.

In 2012, the Phoenixville Zoning Board ruled against a challenge to its ordinances, which would have allowed such a sign to be constructed along Nutt Road. In Lower Oxford, residents and officials continue to debate the future of such a project. Meanwhile, large electronic billboards have been erected on Route 202, one in Glen Mills and one on the outskirts of West Chester.

“Chester County has invested millions of dollars in preserving our open spaces and scenic vistas. To let huge, digital billboards overrun the countryside would be contrary to all our efforts to protect our region’s rural charm, natural view sheds, and local communities,” Dinniman, who also serves on the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said in the release. “We are seeing these signs proposed near residential neighborhoods, as well as some of the last bastions of agricultural open space in the county.”

Senate Bill 1301 is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee. Dinniman said he expects the Senate Democratic Policy Committee to hold a public hearing on the bill in Chester County this summer. For more information, call Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112 or email acirucci@pasenate.com.

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BSTI removes 3,000,000 lbs. of Contaminants

Local News

Brownfield Science & Technology (BSTI), a local consulting and remediation firm, recently announced that they have eclipsed the three-million-pound mark in remediating industrial contaminants from the environment that could have otherwise ended up in soil and groundwater. Contaminants included unwelcome and unhealthy substances such as gasoline, dry cleaning chemicals, solvents and industrial wastes.

“All of us at BSTI grew up feeling a special connection to the natural environment. Here we are, years later, getting to do cool science for a living in a way that also makes the environment healthier for our families and provides special personal rewards for us. Even the efforts of a smaller firm like ours greatly reduce the levels of industrial chemicals contaminating our region,” says John Kollmeier, Vice President of BSTI.

The science behind environmental remediation is quite detailed, and those three million pounds don’t add up easily. Often, the BSTI scientists are working on a parts-per-billion level because some chemicals are harmful and can even cause cancer at very low concentrations.

Just five drops of benzene, a chemical in gasoline and other common substances, can contaminate enough drinking water to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

For BSTI, this is just the beginning; better corporate stewardship of the environment and governmental regulations have led to a significant increase in environmental cleanups in our region. “The remediation business for us is very satisfying, and we are seeing an influx of interest in our work from some of the area’s best companies,” says Kollmeier. BSTI is expanding their Pennsylvania and New Jersey offices to meet demand. “We have our sights set on the five-million-pound milestone.”

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The Human Resource: Become an empowered employee

Business

If you have ever wanted to grow or develop professionally and found disappointment in the support your organization provided you, this article is for you. While many employees would love to blame their supervisor or manager, or perhaps even their company for the lack of growth and development provided, there is a practical reality in recognizing your own responsibility in the process.

Did you know that most organizations expect the employee to take ownership and accountability for their career development? It is true, while the company may establish practices and programs for training and development or promotional opportunity, it is the employee who must take advantage of these programs and own their actions. Sounds easier said than done, and it is often a challenge to accomplish your goals if the organization hasn’t adopted or implemented effective organizational development practices. At the end of the day organizations train their supervisors to engage the workforce through establishing goals and expectations. Supervisors are expected to provide employees the tools, resources, and support to achieve success. However, if there is a lack of communication, trust, or ownership by the employee, the process may falter and you will stagnate, not to mention a lack of experience by the supervisor. There are steps you can take to position yourself for increased success in achieving professional development.

Take the goal setting and performance review process seriously. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, you only have control over your own career and can’t allow yourself to be distracted by others. When meeting with your supervisor, request the opportunity to modify or add additional goals that are directly related to the achievement of your professional development. This should include more than academic pursuits such as a degree or course work. Develop goals that involve projects at the organization that enable you to not only gain additional experience and competencies, but add value to the business. Be creative and innovative and solicit the input of your supervisor in identifying activities you can become involved in to position yourself for advancement in the business or in your industry.

An effective strategy to accomplish the goal setting process is to identify several higher-level positions in the company and document the essential functions as well as the minimum requirements of the role. Partner with your supervisor to determine what the current skill and experience gaps are and set goals that will mitigate those gaps. For example, if the position you are targeting next requires cross-functional experience in operations, and thus far you only work in a vertical area of the business limited to one function or department, establish a goal to participate in the next cross function project as a team member or subject matter expert.

A critical component of this process as noted earlier is to establish trust and effective communication with your supervisor. Here is where some of the empowerment comes into play. You want to establish mutual respect, mutual goals, and honest communication. This requires you to be vulnerable at times sharing your weaknesses and asking for help in achieving your goals. At the same time, ask your supervisor if they are also open to feedback and constructive criticism. When they say yes, which most will, do not provide any feedback at that time. Instead, at a future meeting remind the supervisor of their agreement to receive feedback and provide a point or two that you feel would help them be a better supervisor. In turn, ask them to continuously provide you feedback and guidance so that you too, can learn and grow professionally. This type of exchange will build trust, while at the same time establish the expectations you have for the supervisor placing you in a position of greater influence for your professional development.

At regular intervals you want to test your relationship with your supervisor by asking if they are committed to your success as much as you are committed to theirs. If you demonstrate a level of performance and communication that supports the success of the supervisor, you will be surprised at the level of reciprocation you can elicit just by asking for it.

Finally, if you embark on this process of self-empowerment to achieve your goals, recognize that not all feedback will be easy to take requiring you to remove your emotions from the process. Use each and every one-on-one meeting or performance discussion as an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to success while also setting your expectations for your supervisor to help you achieve your mutually agreed upon goals.

* 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 Warren Cook

Warren is the President and co-founder of SymbianceHR and provides strategic oversight for service delivery, business operations, and technical guidance on consulting engagements. He is a human resources subject matter expert with over 25 years of experience as a strategic human resources business partner, project manager, and people leader across private and public sectors organizations. Warren is responsible for the strategic planning of all client consulting engagements from initial needs assessment and compliance review through delivery of customized strategic solutions that meet the client’s business goals. He has a proven track record of providing executive coaching and guidance to business leaders and human resource professionals at all levels including the C-Suite of Fortune 100 companies. Warren is also the Chief Talent Officer and cofounder of SymbianceHiRe, a Symbiance company dedicated to providing direct placement talent acquisition services and temporary and contract staffing solutions to the business community. Warren holds a B.S. in Human Resource Management, an MBA in Project Management, and a M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Warren is the author of “Applicant Interview Preparation – Practical Coaching for Today.”

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