August 17, 2016

The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC), a nonprofit conservation organization, announced that it has achieved renewed accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that TLC’s lands will be protected forever, said a TLC press release.

Almost 15 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities – an area about the size of the state of West Virginia – are permanently conserved by accredited land trusts across the country.

“Renewal demonstrates TLC’s commitment to permanent land conservation in Southern Chester County,” Gwen Lacy, TLC’s executive director, said in the release. “We’re a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process and this strength will help ensure that TLC will not only continue to preserve our precious natural resources, but will also advocate for that certain quality of life indicative of Southern Chester County, that we’ve all come to know and love.”

TLC has conserved more than 850 acres of land in Southern Chester County in four townships. TLC’s forte is protecting threatened properties by leveraging funding to purchase the development rights. Currently TLC owns five nature preserves and is working diligently to preserve Barnard’s Orchard, a fourth-generation family farm in Newlin Township, the release said.

The four tenants of TLC’s mission are land conservation, historic preservation, environmental education, and stewardship.

TLC was among 38 land trusts across the U.S. to achieve accreditation or to have accreditation renewed in August. TLC joins the more than 350 accredited land trusts, out of 1,700 land trusts operating in the country today, that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation, helping to maintain the public’s trust in their work.

“It is exciting to recognize TLC with this distinction,” Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, said in the release. “Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership and lasting stewardship of conservation land.”

Each accredited land trust must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can better help landowners and communities achieve their goals.

The commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization. The commission recognizes conservation excellence by awarding the accreditation seal. More information about land trust accreditation can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

For more information about projects, upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, visit www.tlcforscc.org or contact 610-347-0347.

 

From a therapy dog’s stress-busting skills to a drug dog’s crime-busting expertise, the K-9 Unit of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office has grown from two teams to 10 over the past decade.

On Friday, Aug. 19, the public will have an opportunity to see the K-9 program in action at the Chester County Sheriff’s Office’s Fifth Annual Cruise Night, which is being held at West Chester University’s Farrell Stadium from 6 to 9 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said she and her deputies have organized the event to raise awareness about the K-9 teams, which provide services to law-enforcement agencies in the five-county region. The dogs are trained in skills that include sniffing out narcotics or explosives, locating cadavers or accelerants, and providing comfort to crime victims. They are also used for patrol, tracking, search, and tactical operations, Welsh said.

“These smart and talented dogs are sworn deputies in the Sheriff’s Office,” said Welsh. “While I appreciate all the deputies that I have the privilege of working with, I have to admit, the four-legged deputies are some of my favorites.”

Welsh explained that the basic cost of a dog, including training, is more than $15,000. Once certified, both dogs and handlers require continued training and re-certification. An experienced K-9 team is valued at more than $30,000, she said. Proceeds from Friday night’s event will help subsidize training and equipment.

Admission to the event, which includes a display of antique, classic, custom and hot rod cars and motorcycles, is free. Welsh said sponsors provide the bulk of the fundraising, although donations are also accepted. She said the evening would also feature a 50/50 drawing and some shirts would be available for sale.

“We appreciate the many sponsorships for this event,” Welsh said. “Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group of Downingtown is our primary sponsor this year.  Jeff D’Ambrosio is a great friend of the Sheriff’s Office.”

Welsh said a K-9 demonstration would take place at 7 p.m. and an array of antique, classic, custom and hot rod cars and motorcycles would be on display.

“The citizens really love the dogs and their handlers,” Welsh said. “We do many appearances and demonstrations in schools and various events throughout the county.

“The law-enforcement community in the county and region consider the Sheriff’s Office K-9s a very valuable resource,” Welsh added.

For more information, contact Capt. Jason W. Suydam at 610-344-4432 or jsuydam@chesco.org. Farrell Stadium is located at 855 South New Street in West Chester at the university’s South Campus.

 

There are few things in this life as physically and emotionally devastating to a family or business as a fire. Knowing what to do after a fire can help reduce the damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

It is important to understand that even though the fire is out, there are still health and safety risks. Dirty water and soot may contain contaminants and chemicals that can make you sick. Trying to clean up the damage yourself may make things worse and cost you more in the long run.

These tips will assist you in taking the proper action to reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

• Never enter a damaged building unless the fire department says that it is safe to go in. Understand that if the building has been severely damaged you might not be permitted to enter at all.

• Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. They can make recommendations about who to call to address the immediate needs of your home such as pumping out water or boarding up doors and windows.

• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the Red Cross. They will help you find a place to stay, food, medicines and other important things.

• Call family members to assure them that you are ok and, if needed, where you will be staying while your residence is uninhabitable.

• If your home is uninhabitable, contact the local police department to let them know that the site will be vacant.

• The fire department will confirm that the utilities are safe to use and if not, will shut them off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on yourself.

• Don’t try to remove soot from walls or painted surfaces. Don’t shampoo carpets or upholstered furniture or dry clean garments. Improper cleaning may set in the smoke odor forcing you to discard the items.

• Discard all food and beverages that may have been close to the fire, heat or water. If they are contaminated consuming them will make you sick.

• Never assume that a clean up company was sent by the insurance company and don’t sign anything with out speaking with your insurance agent.

SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford is a family owned franchise that specializes in cleanup and restoration from fire and water damage making it “Like it never even happened.” Our track record of results has earned us the trust of the insurance industry, countless homeowners, the Red Cross, and in one unforgettable instance, even the Pentagon.

Vanessa Ross, Marketing Manager

SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford