Starting at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, commuters got to enjoy the debut of 2.5 miles of Route 202, widened to six lanes.
PennDOT said crews worked Tuesday night, Aug. 2, into the morning to complete line-striping and other operations for opening the rebuilt highway between the Routes 401 and 30 interchanges in East Whiteland Township, according to a PennDOT press release.
The work substantially completes construction on a $63.3 million improvement project that began in April 2013. Crews will continue to work and close lanes at night periodically for the next several weeks to complete miscellaneous construction activities and cleanup operations in the work zone, the release said.
The opening capped several weeks of nighttime activities by the contractor to complete the installation of the concrete median barrier, removal of construction barriers, and repainting of traffic lines in the work zone.
For more information, visit www.us202-300.com. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.
I’ve never hidden my political leanings, quite the contrary.
When I started covering the Chadds Ford area 15 years ago next month, I was upfront. People were naturally curious about this new guy reporting on local government and politics, and I spelled it out in two simple sentences: “I’m a Libertarian. Republicans and Democrats are the same to me.”
Some people got it. Even if they didn’t like the fact I wasn’t one of them, they understood, and, I think, even appreciated the candor.
By not favoring either of those other factions, I can write a story without bias and I believe I’ve demonstrated that in my reporting. My stories on politics are straightforward, without any left or right bias. I’ve put my opinions on the opinion page, not the front page.
Other people, however, still can’t wrap their brains around anything dealing with government or politics that’s not part of the bipolar left/right political model.
That’s a shame, because so many of them don’t understand what government is or is supposed to be here in the United States. And they vote out of that ignorance.
Gary Johnson, Libertarian Party candidate for president, addresses a crowd of Libertarians, independents, disaffected Republicans and a few Bernie Sanders’ supporters at Chickie’s and Pete’s.
While I’ve always known that and take it as a matter of course, it was driven home again last week when I braved Philadelphia traffic and went to a Gary Johnson event.
Johnson is the Libertarian Party candidate for president. He was in the city for the Democratic Party convention — as he was a week earlier in Cleveland for the Republican convention.
His campaign people scheduled an event for him at Chickie’s and Pete’s on Packer Avenue. The word was that he would be there sometime between 4 and 6 p.m. However, a security jam-up at the Wells Fargo Center, where Johnson was scheduled to do an interview, delayed his arrival.
The crowd was about one-third Libertarian and one-third independents. The rest of those waiting were mostly Republicans who abhor Donald Trump, and a few Bernie Sanders people who were livid over how the DNC rigged the nomination for Hillary Clinton. Their anger came through during a question-and-answer session after Johnson’s opening comments, which included a profuse apology for his being late and a joke about the 2016 election:
“This is a crazy election,” Johnson said. “Do you want to know how crazy it is?”
About half the room responded in unison, “Because you could be the next president.”
Johnson spoke about the need to end the wars overseas that make us less safe because they open us up for terrorist attacks, and ending the war on drugs that also makes us less safe, especially for people of color who are arrested on drug charges far more than whites despite the fact that there’s virtually no difference in the numbers of users.
He stressed the need to balance the federal budget, and affirmed his commitment to the Libertarian “non-aggression principle,” which says no individual, group or government has any right to initiate an act of force.
Then the questions started. The one with rancor came from one of the Sanders’ supporters, who demanded to know what Johnson would do to make sure votes were counted properly.
He began answering by saying what he did as governor of New Mexico to make sure elections were legitimate, but the woman just got louder. What she really wanted to know was what Johnson would do as president to make sure the Democratic Party was fair in tabulating votes in the primary election.
At this point Johnson could only respond by saying that was something outside the purview of the presidency, that the issue was an internal party matter.
It’s bothersome to me (an understatement) when I hear people wanting something from government that a government can’t rightfully do. Ignorance of the law is no excuse in court and ignorance on the limits of government is no excuse when it comes to voting, as far as I’m concerned.
The candidate maintained his humor and down-to-earth “everyman” demeanor throughout the evening. (If a movie were to be made of the 2016 election, Johnson would have to be played by a Jimmy Stewart type.)
After spending the day campaigning, being interviewed by numerous media outlets, and being late to his own event, he was tired and hungry but stayed with the crowd, answering more questions and allowing himself to be included in selfie after selfie photograph. He even had time for a short story from me.
“Gary, I’ve identified as a Libertarian since 1969, two years before the party was founded, and when I lived in Delaware, I spent five years as the media coordinator and two years as the vice chairman of the Delaware LP.”
He paused, gave what I’ll describe as an understanding smile, and said, “Thank you for your work.”
That pat on the back doesn’t change how I feel about his candidacy. I see areas where he’s strong and areas where I wish he were stronger. I was going to vote for him before that day, and I’m still going to do that.
Between Trump and Clinton, Johnson is the only candidate who seems sane and honest. He’s certainly the only one that reflects a core principle. And, as a two-term governor of New Mexico, he’s the only one of the candidates who has actual experience governing.
I have no illusions. One of the other two will likely be elected the next president. But the political discourse in this country needs to be elevated to include discussions on peace, free-market solutions, and constitutional limits on government.
As things stand now, we are not a nation governed by laws, but a nation governed by political whim and expediency.
* 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
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.
Rising fifth-grader Kanya-Phipps shows off excerpts from the children's essays that formed part of Kennett Square's Sixth Annual National Night Out celebration.
Anyone waking from a nap in the 200 or 300 block of East Linden Street on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 2, might have rubbed their eyes in wonder at the crowded scene on the streets.
Kennett Square Police Officer Chris Gravina (from left) poses with Aalana Vasquez, Kennett Township Officer Johnathan Ortiz and Johnette Boddy during Kennett Square’s Sixth Annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2.
Police officers from Kennett Township, the borough, and Pennsylvania State Police appeared everywhere, joking with smiling children while parents kicked back and chatted amiably with local officials, such as Kennett Square Mayor Matthew Fetick, Kennett Square Borough Council President Danilo P. Maffei and recently retired Kennett Square Police Chief Edward A. Zunino.
The activity represented Kennett Square’s Sixth Annual National Night Out, part of a 32-year national program started by the National Association of Town Watches. The goal is to encourage friendly community policing, providing a perfect complement to the borough’s former Historic East Linden Project, now the Joseph & Sarah Carter Community Development Corporation.
The community-based nonprofit oversaw a steady and dramatic revitalization over the past 14 years in a neighborhood once plagued by drug-dealing, violence, and decay. Theresa Bass, who grew up in the historic, culturally diverse section of the borough, spearheaded the “take back our streets” initiative. One of the people she turned to for assistance was her longtime friend, Zunino.
Theresa Bass (left), president of the Carter CDC, poses with her daughter, LaToya Myers, the nonprofit’s executive director.
On Tuesday evening, Zunino and Bass, now president of the Carter CDC, expressed their mutual admiration and gratitude for the transformation. The CDC continues to promote positive change with a roster of programs that include free summer lunches and after-school programs for children and trips for the neighborhood residents.
“Instead of throwing young men in jail for breaking the law, he would sit down and talk with them,” Bass said, calling Zunino “the epitome of community policing.”
Reflecting on his more than four decades on the force, Zunino said, “Since 1975, I’ve seen a lot of changes in Kennett Square and all for the better.”
During a short program, police chiefs formally introduced their officers to the crowd. Kennett Square Police Officer Andrew Manko noted, “I just learned the kids have nicknames for all the officers, and none of them include expletives!”
Kennett Square Police Officer Jeremiah Boyer shared how much he has enjoyed getting to know the children of the area. Quoting Whitney Houston, he said, “I believe the children are our future. Teach them well, and let them lead the way.”
Manko agreed. “I love interacting with kids and their parents,” he said. “When I’m on duty, they always stop me and say, ‘hi.’ It’s good to put a face with a name.”
Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell said that Kennett’s community policing is talked about across Pennsylvania as a model for all communities.
Mayor Fetick complimented the police department and the efforts of Linden Street residents. “If all quadrants of Kennett Square were like Linden Street, Kennett Square would be unstoppable!” he said.
For their part, children of all ages lined up for their turn to read excerpts from essays they wrote to describe what they wanted to see for their neighborhood, what they hoped for from the police, and what they planned to contribute to their community.
The best was saved for last when little Kaleb Tynes shouted in the microphone, “You’re the best cops in the whole state!”
Thousands of communities in all U.S. states, territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide participate in National Night Out. The National Association of Town Watch promotes “involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and sending a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
Ethan Cramer, a member of the Carter CDC board as well as borough council, served as host for the evening. Following the speeches and tributes, everyone lingered to enjoy pizza and water ice. No one was in a hurry to leave a once-dangerous area of town as early evening turned to night.
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.
Thomas Mahoney was appointed to the Concord Township Board of Supervisors Tuesday night. Mahoney, a former constable in Concord, replaces Kevin O’Donoghue, who stepped down last month for business reasons.
Mahoney, one of seven applicants, has lived in the township for 15 years with his wife and two sons, spent seven years as a constable, and owns a construction and landscaping business. He’s a graduate of West Chester University and the Delaware County Police Academy. He said he wanted to be on the board to continue serving Concord’s residents.
“I did the people’s business with a gun. Now I want the chance to move up and do more,” he said after the Aug. 2 supervisors’ meeting.
O’Donoghue was re-elected for a six-year term in 2015, but Mahoney will have to run for election in his own name in 2017 for the remainder of O’Donoghue’s term. However, that term will likely be shorter because Concord will become a home rule township on Jan. 1, which will bring an end to those six-year terms.
Tom Mahoney takes the oath of office after being appointed supervisor in Concord Township. Judge Wendy Roberts administered the oath. Mahoney’s son Tom is standing next to him.
(As part of that transition, four people will be running for the position of township commissioner next year, with two of the four running for four-year-terms and two running for two-year terms until the election cycle stabilizes. After that time, there will be seven commissioners with three running during one election and four running for office two years later.
Now, however, “Tom Mahoney will have to run in the April 2017 primary for a four-year term under the rules of the new home rule charter,” according to Joshua Twersky, a member of the transition committee as well as the Government Study Commission, which wrote the charter. “There will be three four-year-term and two two-year-term council seats available for the November 2017 general election,”
In addition to Mahoney, incumbents Dominic Pileggi and John Gillespie would run next year if they wanted to continue as commissioners. Pileggi’s and Gillespie’s current terms expire the end of this year, regardless of the change to home rule.)
Mahoney was not the only appointee named during the meeting. Jamer R. Doughty was appointed to the Planning Commission for a term that expires on March 7, 2017, and Raymond J. Sharp was named to the Building Board Code of Appeals. That term expires in January.
Other business
• Pileggi announced that the township is buying four acres of vacant ground on Route 322 near the township sewer plant for $80,000. He said there is no need for the land now, but the price makes it a good idea.
Additionally, the township is buying 10 vacant lots on Walker Street at $96 per lot. Pileggi said the assessed value is $600 per lot. “We want to get them off the market because of the pressure to build modular homes,” he said.
• Township engineer Nate Cline said Concord has received a $1.6 million Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. The township will split the grant with the Garnet Valley School District to build left-turn lanes along Smithbridge Road at the high school and at Smithbridge’s intersection at Temple and Kirk roads.
He said the project is expected to cost slightly more than $2 million and that the township and district would share that cost. He thinks the project will start sometime in 2017 or 2018.
• Concord Township is also looking into changing its sewer rates. Currently, residential sewer customers pay a flat fee of $110 per quarter, while commercial customers pay $35 plus $6.40 for every 1,000 gallons. Cline said this puts an inequitable burden on low-capacity users. The township is looking for a pay structure that is use-based.
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.
This Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Mala Galleria at 206 East State Street will hold the opening reception for “New Leaf” paintings by local artist Joanne Mark. The exhibit debuts her recent exploration of new techniques to increase the textural complexity of her works as she turns over a new artistic leaf and incorporates metal leaf into her works.
Joanne explains, “Through the use of metallic leafing and textured colored grounds, I’ve created landscapes and florals that capture the luminosity and vividness of nature. This solo show is dedicated to the memory of my mother, Betty Geiger. Her light shines through these paintings.”
Joanne’s vibrant paintings have a lot of variation, but there is a consistent undercurrent of positive energy and joy, that is very like the artist herself. Paintings range in size from small 5″ x 7″ to 16″ x 40″ and are reasonably priced from $200 to $850 for the largest works. Come and meet this wonderful artist and see her 45 works displayed at Mala Galleria this August, with reception from 6 to 9 p.m. during Friday’s Art Stroll.
Saturday and Sunday, August 6th and 7th, Galer Estate Winery at 700 Folly Hill Road in Kennett Square will host “Medical History, Reimagined” with artworks painted by artist Sarah Bigham using pigments made from ground up medicines that she was prescribed during her medical battle through chronic pain. Sarah Bigham has taken her chronic pain history and turned it into a visual display that will be shown at the winery Saturday and Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. with a lecture by the artist on August 7 at 3 p.m.
The paintings are abstract, beautiful and evocative, and the artist is inspiring to anyone to has suffered through a debilitating illness. Art sales from the show will benefit two wonderful organizations, the Interstitial Cystitis Association and the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Association. Food and wine will be served during this inspirational show.
In West Chester, August 5th First Friday’s Gallery Walk includes a dramatic new show at The Art Trust at Meridian Bank, entitled “VISTA- Landscapes”, which offers three artistic interpretations of the urban landscape. Encaustic painter Erica Brown has five stunning photo-encaustic works, including “Mill” and “Trestle” that set stark industrial images in black and white against a waxy sky of fiery oranges. The compositions are very strong and the impact is very powerful. “Mill” is a show-stopper.
Blue Sky over Marshalton by David Katz
Also featured are Chester County painter David Katz and Wilmington art photographer Carlos Alejandro. David Katz has turned his artistic eye upward, as he paints portions of rooftops and structures amidst enormous expanses of sky. His work is accentuated by strong compositions and beautiful, vivid blues of his great skyscapes. David is also showing in the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts group show and The Lancaster Art Museum. He says, “Ever since moving to West Chester from Philadelphia all I noticed was how very big the sky is in the country. I try to find a conversation between the sky and its country surroundings and capture that dialogue on my canvas.”
Carlos Alejandro’s photographs offer intimate views of buildings and architectural details that emphasize powerful lines and perspectives. “VISTA” is a remarkable exhibition that leaves the viewer saying “wow” from one image to the next. The show runs through September 9th, with an opening reception Friday August 5th from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at their location at 16 West Market Street in West Chester.
Also in West Chester, visit the excellent Church Street Gallery group show at 12 South Church Street,that goes through the end of August. Nine artists exhibit a variety of styles and media, chosen for their quality rather than for any themed gathering. This group show is a wonderful opportunity to check out the new works of these fine artists, many of whom do not show often in Chester County.
Stan Smokler’s at his studio
This Sunday, August 7, metal sculptor Stan Smokler opens his beautiful Marshall Bridge studio in Kennett Square from 5 to 8 p.m. After two weeks of his famous metal sculpture workshops, his students and he will have an art show of their collected works from the sessions. It is always a lively party, and such an inspiring event. The event is a great way to congratulate the artists on their new works and enjoy art in a lovely setting with other artists and patrons. Every year Stan has two back to back workshops where he teaches a small group of people the fundamentals of steel art welding. The waiting list is long, so it is a good idea to sign up for next year’s class well in advance.
Farther afield, in Wilmington, Chester County abstract painter Su Horty will be exhibiting “Color Pops” August 5 to 26 at the Mezzanine Gallery at 820 N. French Street in Wilmington. The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. where you can meet this wonderful artist and se her latest dazzling color filled canvases.
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.
Chris Ramsey introducing last year's Murder Mystery (Photo courtesy of Historic Kennett Square)
The Kennett Square Murder Mystery Art Stroll is back Friday, August 5th starting at 6:45 p.m. Visitors will embark on a “Clue” like hunt through stores and galleries to try to solve this year’s Art Stroll Mystery. The Murder Mystery Art Stroll starts at the Genesis Walkway, where visitors are introduced to the detective on the case, played by a local celebrity.
Every participating Kennett store offers mystery clues, as well as exhibitions of local artwork, food and refreshments. This is a fun, interactive way to see art and shop throughout this charming, lovely town in Chester County. Visitors can pop in at any time during the evening, and prizes will be awarded at random.
This year’s Murder Mystery Art Stroll was put together by Chris Ramsay of KATS (Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society) and the folks at Historic Kennett Square. Chris and his colleagues have spent the last year organizing for this interactive event. He explains, “We have 21 actors that will be playing murder mystery suspects and spread throughout the shops… and ‘shady characters’ wandering around town offering to sell clues. They will be dressed in trench coats and fedora hats..” Hundreds of people showed up for last year’s Murder Art Stroll, and it takes years ahead, and dozens of creative minds to plan and create this delightful event.
Of course, every First Friday of the month, Kennett Square welcomes people to First Friday Art Stroll, where the town opens with local artists displaying pop up shows in most of the local shops and eateries. This year’s Murder Mystery plot concerns the “Mystery of the American Mushroom Party”, where the fictional Mushroom Party candidate has been found dead from a blow to the head. Local actors will be spread throughout town portraying aspiring political candidates, members of the press, campaign contributors and party delegates, all of whom are potential culprits. Sounds like good fun, and a great opportunity to check out the local stores, galleries and delicious spots to eat dinner, have some ice cream and enjoy a late coffee at Philter.
Amidst the Murder mystery detective work, remember to check out the Kennett Square art galleries and art studios that are all open for First Friday fun. Mala Galleria hosts the opening for “New Leaf” paintings by artist Joanne Mark. Two blocks from Mala is The Longwood Art Gallery, which is full to the brim with paintings, pottery, jewelry and stained glass from local Chester County artists. The owners ask visitors to “Please join us and enjoy great art, lively conversation wine and cheese while interrogating the Suspect in the gallery.” Remember that September 1st marks the first day of their big end of summer art sale, with art on sale throughout the gallery.
The Art studios of painters Peter Willard and Carol Lesher both have open studios on South Broad Street, and Charlie Metzger has his pottery studio at 107 South Union Street. Artworks & Metalworks gallery is across the street at 124 South Union, and offers a floor to ceiling variety of Chester County original art and prints as well as metal and ceramic sculptures. There is a lot to see on any day in Kennett Square, but this August’s First Friday you can also enjoy pop up art shows in many of the shops as well as a lively murder “Clue” mystery that will keep you hopping.
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.
• Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the disappearance of a 61-year-old Concord Township man. According to a report, Arthur McClaskey suffers from dementia. He was last seen at his home on Concord Road at approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 29. He is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds and has gray/brown eyes, is missing teeth and has a scar on his left knee. McClaskey was wearing a dark blue polo shirt, black shorts, black sneakers, a brown baseball cap and wears glasses. Anyone with information is asked to call the state police Media barracks at 480-840-1000.
• State police from the Media barracks said Anthony Cornelius Young, 43, of Chester, was charged with sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault after a 29-year-old woman complained that he forced her to have sex with him even after she pleaded that she did not want to. The incident happened at the Hampton Inn in Concord Township. Police said the victim came to the barracks to report the incident that happened on July 9. The victim had bruises on her arms and legs, the police report said. Young was arraigned, and bail was set at $350,000. He was committed to the Delaware County Prison pending a preliminary hearing.
• Police said Jorge Villagran-Nieto, 29, of West Chester, was found to be DUI during a traffic stop at Route 202 and Dilworthtown Road on July 17.
• A 19-year-old woman was cited for following too closely after an accident on Route 926 in East Marlborough Township on July 29. State police said Aundrea M. Cordone, of Downingtown, was driving east on 926 when she failed to see another vehicle that was stopped before making a left turn onto Northbrook Road, and struck the vehicle from behind. Police said the other driver is suspected of sustaining a minor injury, but there was no transport.
• An unknown driver crashed into the fence around the Ace hardware store on Pocopson Road overnight on July 16. The motorist left the scene of the accident, after causing an estimated $600 worth of damage to the fence.
• State police from the Avondale barracks said a New Jersey man was cited for careless driving after he struck the Lenape Bridge while making a right turn onto the bridge from Creek Road. Police identified the driver as Donald Doidge, 27, of Kendall Park, N.J.
• A Wilmington woman faces theft charges after she allegedly stole $356 worth of merchandise from the women’s apparel section of the Walmart in East Marlborough Township on July 23. Police identified the suspect as 43-year-old Cheryl A. Berry.
• An East Marlborough man was the victim of identity theft. Police said someone used the victim’s name to open a Verizon account in Michigan. The victim only learned of the incident after being contacted by a collection agency that was trying to recover funds.
• Luigi Sassano, 20, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI after a one-vehicle crash on Creek Road in Kennett Township, a police report said. The crash happened 11:15 p.m. on July 9.
• State police from the Avondale barracks said Miles Avery Beardon, 22, of Landenberg, was determined to be DUI following a traffic stop on Route 52 in Kennett Township. The incident happened at 3:05 a.m. on July 17.
• Police said Jeffrey W. Sargent, 41, of Oxford, was arrested for DUI after a traffic stop on East Baltimore Pike at Lenape Road in Kennett Township on July 23.
