August 1, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Op/ed: School board needs more sunshine

In the last 16 months, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board has held at least three closed meetings — members call them retreats — to discuss items of district business. In response to my query about these meeting, both the superintendent and board president have written that no deliberation occurs and that therefore the Sunshine Act does not apply. The Superintendent cites an exception for meetings that are purely “informational.”

However, we know from statements of district officials and board minutes that at these “retreats,” the board made decisions about the district budget and budgeting process, discussed “the merits of going forward with the strategic planning process,” and planned to discuss and “brainstorm” 2016-2017 District goals.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has stated that deliberation occurs “where agency members weigh the ‘pros and cons’ of the various options involved or otherwise engage in comparisons of the different choices available to them…even if the decision is ultimately reached at a later point.” Using this definition, the weight of the evidence strongly suggests that the Board “deliberates” at these meetings.

In responding to a reporter’s inquiry, Board President Vic Dupuis declined to comment because, he said, it’s a “legal issue,” even though no litigation has been filed.

Perhaps some documents would shed light on these secret meetings, but the district has denied my Right-to-Know request for such records. Superintendent John Sanville said the records are exempt from disclosure, even though there is no such exemption in the Right to Know Law.

So where is the accountability? There is none. The school board has created a sort of super executive session, where the board can meet secretly at any time or place to discuss any subject they wish, without disclosing anything about the meeting. Even for executive sessions, the subject must be disclosed — and of course the topics of executive sessions are severely constrained by law.

These “retreats” make a mockery of the district’s oft-stated commitment to transparency, and set a very poor example by an agency that should be teaching good citizenship to our children. It is time for the board to change its behavior and adhere to the Sunshine Act and Right to Know Law in both letter and spirit. From whom are they retreating anyway, the public? Their constituents? The press?

It has been said that sunshine is the best disinfectant. A strong dose of sunshine is long overdue at U-CFSD, where officials consider secret meetings an institutional entitlement rather than an abrogation of public trust.

Mark Stookey
Chadds Ford Township

* 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

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Longwood Gardens Fellows Program opens

School & Education

Alumni of the Longwood Gardens Fellows Program the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public horticulture professionals.

Applications and nominations are now being accepted for the Longwood Fellows Program, a 13-month residential learning experience focused on building the leadership capacity of high-potential public horticulture professionals. Applications are due November 1.

The program is open to global professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree and possess a strong desire to lead in a public horticulture environment. Masters and doctoral candidates from domestic and international universities, and those who may be transitioning between careers are welcome to apply. The program begins June 2017.

Current public horticulture leaders are also encouraged to nominate individuals who have a commitment to professional excellence, have a deep intellectual curiosity, and have an interest in representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds for admission to the Program. Nominations should be submitted in writing to the Program’s director, Dr. Tamara Fleming, tfleming@longwoodgardens.org by October 1.

The Longwood Fellows Program focuses on grounding Fellows in leadership theory and practice through an immersive, flexible, concentrated program that draws on the experience and knowledge of multiple public horticultural organizations and academic thought leaders.

During the 13-month, fully funded, cohort-based residency at Longwood, Fellows delve into topical issues relevant to public horticulture today such as leadership, board relations and governance, communication skills, change management, innovation, Human resources and /talent management. A two-month international field placement provides a deeper understanding of these issues, equipping Fellows to lead organizations into a vibrant and sustainable future. Alumni of the Fellows Program join the prestigious Society of Fellows, a global network of public garden professionals.

“Since 1967, thousands of students from all over the world have participated in our education programs and have gone on to leadership roles in many of the world’s top horticultural institutions. This new Fellows Program carries with it the legacy of its beginnings, with a consciousness of the fast-growing demands on leaders in our industry” Paul B. Redman, Executive Director of Longwood Gardens

Fellows receive a stipend while enrolled in the tution-free program. Interested individuals should visit www.longwoodgardens.org/longwood-fellows for more information.

About Dr. Tamara C. Fleming
Dr. Tamara C. Fleming is the Director of the Longwood Fellows Program. Previously, Fleming served as Director of the Center for Leadership Excellence, which she helped to establish in 2012 at the University of Virginia. Prior to becoming Director, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the University where she was responsible for the staff leadership development programs. Fleming earned her Doctor of Education in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and her Master of Arts in English from George Mason University.

About Longwood Gardens
In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Throughout his life, Mr. du Pont indulged his passion for gardening, turning his farm into a magnificent horticultural showplace. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great gardens, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and a 4-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the arts, through programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by leading artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and cultural and community engagement. Details at www.longwoodgardens.org.

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Alan Sinton of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Alan Sinton, 88, of Kennett Square, died peacefully with his family by his side Friday, July 29, at the Pocopson Home, in West Chester. He was the husband of Mary Elizabeth (Willis) Sinton, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.

After his parents, the late Frederick William and the late Josephine (Williamson) Sinton emigrated to America from Northern Ireland, Alan was born in 1928 in Detroit, Mich. At the outset of the Great Depression they returned to the family homestead, County Armagh, Northern Ireland, where he lived his formative years, met and married his beautiful wife, Mary Elizabeth, and where their first four children were born.

After permanently moving back to the United States in 1954, four more children were born. Alan was an amateur ‘Ham Radio’ operator, spent some time boating and sailing at the Jersey Shore and on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies. However, his true love and passion was spending time with his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth, all his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends at his cherished summer home on the Sassafras River in Galena, Md. Many a day & night were spent there collecting beautiful memories.

He was a past member of Washington Memorial Pipe Band in Wayne; Masonic Lodge #475, and Kennett Square Golf & Country Club. Alan and Mary were also host parents of Ulster Project Delaware, an organization that fosters firm friendships and promotes tolerance, reconciliation and understanding between different groups in Northern Ireland. Alan and Mary, along with friends Bobby and Mary Lou Maucher, founded the Unicorn Restaurant & Pub (Half Moon today) in 1989.

One of his first jobs after moving back to the states was with the Sun Shipyard, Chester. This was followed by a position in the electronics division of the Paul Morrow Co., Wilmington, which had a major Department of Defense contract to contribute to the NASA X-15 project. He also directed the air conditioning division of a prominent heating and air conditioning company in Delaware. He then founded Alan Sinton, Mechanical & Electrical Contractors in 1971 in Mendenhall, and then incorporated in 1978 as Alan Sinton, Ltd. Today the business is owned and operated by his son, Bill Sinton, as Sinton Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc.

Alan was a pioneer in the HVAC industry. He was instrumental in helping develop a unique Air Conditioning system for the mushroom industry, the ‘WeatherKing’ Mushroom Climate Control Unit. He was an early adopter in the application of GeoThermal heating and cooling systems. He was also involved in designing & supplying large heating & air conditioning systems in New York City including the Empire State Building.

In addition to his wife, Alan is survived by three sons, Alan Fred Sinton, Robert Sinton (Anita), and Bill Sinton (Karen); five daughters, Hester O’Gara (Jim), Diana Zahner (Jim), June Scheffler, Carol Sinton-Shimpeno (Michael) and Christina Sinton Gorman (Martin); one sister, Gladys Richmond; dozens of nieces & nephews and 26 grandchildren: Sarah, Lizzie, Jessie, Annie, Kelly, Colleen, Alison, Rachel, Sean, Pat, Eddie, Bobby, Eric, Will, Alex, Sevan, Alena, Nina, Beau, Andrew, Drew, Matthew, Jamie, Mallory, Aodhán, and Rónán; (9) Great-Grandchildren: Hope, Dillon, Caeden, Brody, Drake, Maxwell, Tristan, Annabella, and Adrianna.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Sinton and John Sinton; and one sister, Hester McMurray.

You are invited to visit with Alan’s family and friends from 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc., 250 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610.444.4116. An additional visitation is offered from 9-10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 5 at Hamorton United Methodist Church, 1052 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348. His funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery, Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

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Nonprofit has designs on Centreville home

Arts & Entertainment

An extraordinary contemporary home in Centreville is expected to draw thousands of visitors next month as the setting for the Delaware Designer Showhouse.

A 1974 contemporary home in Centreville is poised to attract visitors to the Delaware Designer Shophouse, which begins Sept. 22.

The inspirational show house will feature the creativity and talents of nearly 20 local interior designers and landscapers, with proceeds benefitting its principal sponsor, the Junior League of Wilmington, as well as four other nonprofits. The show house will be open Thursdays through Sundays from Sept. 22 to Oct. 16, according to a Junior League press release.

Organizers, who hope area residents will mark their calendars, said the 4,400-square-foot custom home, located a short distance from Route 52, was built in 1974 on 3.5 woodland acres with two flow-through ponds, and was designed with entertaining in mind. When its current owners planned a facelift to prepare it for sale, a Designer Showhouse to benefit local organizations seemed like a natural fit, the release said.

Renovations to the home include a welcoming courtyard entrance with a new pergola, a stunning new kitchen, and entertaining and dining spaces, all with an eye toward bringing the woodland setting indoors. Visitors will also find inspiration in two new, spa-style bathrooms as well as a budget-conscious upgraded bath that feels completely fresh, the release said.

The homeowner’s unique contemporary art collection has served as a muse for designers throughout the home. Many local artists are featured, including Ed Loper, Vicki Vinton, Graham Dougherty, Ken Mabry, Jon Mort, and Caroline Chen.

Highlights of the show house include a contemporary custom natural cherry and honed black granite kitchen designed by Zoe Hewitt. The sumptuous bathroom in the master retreat, by Ellen Cheever and Giorgi Kitchens, features a sleek European design and includes a unique step-in shower with a beautiful free-standing black and gold quartz shower column floating in a glass wall, according to the release.

Five different bedrooms each present a unique look with designs by Megan Gorelick, Jeanne Buzby, Kerri Kelly, Nile Johnson, and one transformed to an artist studio by Lou Clayton. The custom master closet is outfitted by California Closets, and the basement media and game room are enhanced with pool table and games.

Outdoors, a refurbished deck invites summer entertaining. And as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, the property maintains its woodland spirit, and gardening is loosely defined, with wildlife conservation as the design priority. A new pergola and front courtyard are accented with colorful container gardens from Gateway Gardens for the front entry, deck, and patio areas, the release said. Real-estate information on the home will be available during the tour.

In addition to the Junior League, proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Delaware Nature Society from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25; the Delaware Contemporary museum from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2; the Delaware Fund for Women from Oct. 6 to Oct. 9; and the Oxford Art Alliance from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16.

Tickets are $25 in advance and are for sale online at www.DelawareShowhouse.com. Tickets purchased at the door will be $30. Parking will be available at a nearby parking lot close to the private location.

Founded in 1918, the Junior League of Wilmington Inc. is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers For more information, visit www.jlwilmington.org or call 302-652-0544.

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Luella R. McCoy of Lincoln University

Obituaries

Luella R. McCoy, 87, of Lincoln University, died peacefully on Friday, July 29, at Ruston residence of Jenner’s Pond. She was the wife of Lloyd H. McCoy who died in 1978, and with whom she shared 29 years of marriage.

Born in St. Louis, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Vesta (nee Loper) Sarason.

Mrs. McCoy was a member of the Union United Methodist Church and the Eastern Star.

She was a homemaker and a receptionist at several companies in St. Louis. Her interests included reading, traveling, music, playing cards, and being with her family and friends.

Mrs. McCoy is survived by a daughter, Jeannette R. Reid and her husband Craig of Lincoln University; two brothers, Raymond Sarason (Mary) of Oakland, Tenn. And Richard English of St. Louis; two grandchildren, Katherine Warner (Joshua) and Shannon Reid.

She was predeceased by her son, Scott W. McCoy, who deid in April 2016.

Her service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

Arrangements by the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home in West Grove.

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Marie B. Busillo of West Grove

Obituaries

Marie B. Busillo, 85, of West Grove, died Friday, July 29, at her residence. She was the wife of Matthew J. Busillo who died in 2002, and with whom she shared 49 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Duffy Hinkle.

Mrs. Busillo was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove, where she was very involved in numerous church activities.

She was a homemaker, who enjoyed playing Bingo, bus trips to the casinos, and being with her family and friends.

Mrs. Busillo, along with her daughter, Marie, volunteered for 30 years at both the Pottstown and Jennersville hospitals.

She is survived by two sons, Matthew J. Busillo and his wife Patty of Lincoln University, and John M. Busillo and his wife Amy of Upper Gwynedd; one daughter, Marie Busillo of West Grove; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Assumption BVM Church, 300 State Road in, West Grove. Her funeral mass will follow at 10:30. Burial will be St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Temple University Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 827651, Philadelphia, PA 19182-7651

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com

Arrangements by the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home in West Grove.