A two-vehicle accident on southbound Route 202 in Westtown Township on Wednesday, Sept. 14, resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.
Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police said the driver of a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, Dorian A. Dumas, Jr., 31, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the 2013 Ford Fusion, Jalmeel Conway, 25, of Trenton, N.J., was released from Paoli Hospital and is cooperating with investigators, a police press release said.
Officers from the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department responded a little after 9 a.m. to the 1000 block of Wilmington Pike. Police determined that prior to the crash the vehicles were both traveling southbound on Route 202. For an undetermined reason, the front bumper of the Ford struck the motorcycle, causing Dumas to be thrown from the motorcycle onto the center median.
Police said the investigation remains active and no additional information will be released at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to call police at 610-692-5100.
Chester County has been selected as one of 50 members of the national HealthyCommunity50 in the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge.
With the recognition comes a $10,000 community seed award to undertake projects highlighted within the application process, and by participating in the challenge, the county is in the running to receive further prize awards, up to $500,000, that will support its proposed program, WalkWorks ChesCo, a county press release said.
The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge, a partnership between the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association, and the National Association of Counties, will award $1.5 million overall in prizes to small and mid-sized cities, counties and federally-recognized tribes that are able to show measurable health improvements over several years, based on each proposed program.
“Our proposed program, WalkWorks ChesCo, is designed to promote, educate and empower residents to adopt a healthier lifestyle,” Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell said in the release. “We’re asking individuals throughout the county to make the decision to walk, and we will make that decision easier by creating programs and environments that favor walking.”
Hundreds of city governments, local municipalities, health departments, educational institutions and other public/private entities applied to be a part of the challenge. The HealthyCommunity50 members, which include Allentown and York County in Pennsylvania, were chosen based on plans to improve the health of their communities in at least one of five domains: healthy behaviors; community safety; built environment; social/economic factors and environmental exposures.
“By many measures Chester County is healthy, and we’re even acknowledged as the healthiest county in the state,” County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said in the release. “WalkWorks ChesCo will be available to people of all demographic backgrounds, and the program will focus on those areas where residents are experiencing higher rates of poverty and chronic disease, and lower rates of physical activity.”
Commissioner Michelle Kichline added that while WalkWorks Chesco is a county-led program, partners would include a wide group of community organizations throughout the county including municipalities, YMCAs, foundations and non-profits, hospitals and primary healthcare centers. “And as the program grows, so too will the number of partners involved, including chambers of commerce, private sector companies and schools,” Kichline said in the release.
Kim Liao, the chronic disease and injury prevention coordinator for the Chester County Health Department, said the initiative, which will run for two years, would have three main strategies: establishing routes for citizens to walk, encouraging walking groups to form or expand, and creating events and challenges that will motivate people to walk. She said the Health Department would be reaching out to organizations that already promote walking – or might be inspired to do so – as well as companies and faith-based groups.
All selected HealthyCommunity50 members will be visited by an expert judge panel to answer questions, understand the community’s approach to the project first-hand and speak with the members of the team. At the conclusion of the challenge, the programs most able to show measurable change will be eligible for prize awards from $25,000 – $500,000. Participants will be judged on their own progress and will not be competing against each other. For more information, visit www.healthiestcities.org, the release said.
“At the Aetna Foundation, we’re seeking to reward innovation for communities implementing new ways to improve health outcomes,” Garth Graham, the Aetna Foundation president, said in the release. “We want the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge to serve as a catalyst for collaboration in local communities around the country working to move the needle in combating health disparities.”
If Karen Rivera gets her way, every child in the judicial system will have an advocate. When parents cannot or will not take care of their children, CASA or Court-Appointed Special Advocate is an organization that fills the void.
CASA provides advocates for thousands of abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester counties. Judges in family courts assign a CASA volunteer to a youth in need. The volunteer will advocate for that individual until he or she reaches the age of 21, according to CASA’s website.
Often, those in need can’t afford a lawyer. The advocate is trained to present the child’s need to court and make sure that they are treated properly until they find a safe, nurturing home. The numbers of youth needing help are increasing with as the prevalence of drug abuse increase.
Rivera has served on the board of CASA for two years. She was persuaded by a former judge and current board member Robert Keller, Esq. to join. “All of the board members are passionate,” Rivera said.
Rivera’s other hat is controller of Garnet Ford. Seeking a way to raise awareness and funds for CASA in western Delaware County, Rivera approached the dealership owners, the Hendrixson family. They agreed to host a fundraiser at Garnet Ford to benefit CASA on Friday, Sept. 23, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Rivera said “We are honored to be hosting such a fun event at our dealership for a great cause. I cannot think of a more deserving organization.” She said the public could assist CASA by attending the event or volunteering to become an advocate.
A buffet dinner will be provided by Pescatores with wine and beer included. Guests will dine and dance to the theme “Rhythm and Blues.” Jerry Jones, guitarist, will lead his band. Brad Hendrixson had heard Jones play at an event and suggested they play for the CASA event. When Jones was asked, he said he would provide the music free of charge.
“We can’t wait to partake in this wonderful evening, and we are so grateful for the support of Garnet Ford,” Anne Shenberger, executive director of CASA Youth Advocates, said in a press release. “Because they are funding the entire event, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to CASA.”
CASA also expressed gratitude to the event’s many sponsors, which include Delco Alarm, Hudechek Roofing, Pagano Funeral Home, John’s Appliances, Boeing Helicopter Credit Union, Concord Auto Body, Paul McHenry & Co Auto Parts, B & I Auto Parts Specialists, Stocker Glass, The Stables and The Coffee Station. The Rotary Club of Concordville Chadds Ford will be presenting a check for $5,000 – money raised during its popular Twisted Vintner event in June.
For more information about CASA, visit www.delcocasa.org. To learn more about Garnet Ford, located at 1610 Wilmington Pike in West Chester, go to http://www.garnetford.com.
Brandywine Ballet opens its 2016-2017 season in October.
• Brandywine Ballet’s 2016-2017 season steps off with the fall production of “Colour Brillanté” in October, continues with “The Nutcracker” in December, and concludes with “Beauty & the Beast” in May of 2017. Brandywine Ballet continues its performance residency on the historic campus of West Chester University at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on 700 S. High Street in West Chester. Season subscriptions are available online at www.brandywineballet.org or by calling the box office at 610-696-2711. Purchase a season subscription and receive 25 percent off the purchase price. Single ticket purchases are available Sept. 16.
• State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, will host a free Kids Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Brandywine Youth Club Field House, located on 43 Thornton Road in Concord Township. Killion said the event would feature a wide variety of exhibitors offering information on state and local programs of interest to children and parents. It will also offer entertainment, including the Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Zoo, a moon bounce, face painting and refreshments.
• The third of four Household Hazardous Waste collection events offered by the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Penn State University’s Brandywine Campus, Route 352, in Middletown Township. Electronic items and latex paint will not be accepted at this or any 2016 HHW Event. Electronic waste such as TVs, computers or anything with a cord will also not be accepted. Residents who have electronic or e-waste to dispose of should contact their municipality to see if they are hosting an e-waste event, permanent drop-off, or curbside collection.
• The Kennett Library will present a SCORE workshop entitled “How to Market Your Business on the Internet” on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Presenter Cary Baskin, who has an MBA from Pace University and is managing partner of the Marketing Department in Malvern, will explore how social communities, directories, media channels, and search engines can promote your brand, prospect for new business, and generate new leads. For more information, click here.
• State Rep. Dan Truitt, R-156, will once again host a Senior Expo on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Chester East High School, located at 450 Ellis Lane in West Chester. The expo will feature flu vaccines, an opportunity to receive a SEPTA transit card and more, including many organizations with information and programs for seniors. While this event is certainly aimed at the 55-plus community, anyone is welcome to attend. The event will include light lunch and snacks so an RSVP is requested by emailing Eric Smith at eric.smith@pahousegop.com or calling Truitt’s office at 610-6969-4990.
Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art offers a free program on bat ecology on Thursday, Sept. 29.
• Join the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art for a free program on bat ecology and conservation on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Entitled “Bat Conservation – Why It Matters and What You Can Do,” it will feature bat expert Sarah Bouboulis, who will demonstrate echolocation, as well as discuss the effects of deadly white-nose syndrome and other threats to the bat population. To register, go here.
• Delaware Nature Society will hold its annual Harvest Moon Festival at Coverdale Farm Preserve, Oct. 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members of all ages get in for free; admission for non-members ages 5 and up is $7. Non-members will have the opportunity to become members at the admissions table. The festival features plenty of seasonal fun for the whole family, from pony rides and hayrides to a straw bale maze to live music and a raffle. A farmers market and various food trucks will offer plenty of delicious treats from snacks to desserts. There will also be a Dogfish Head beer tent for the adults. While adults are enjoying artisan demonstrations, children can take turns holding a chick, getting their faces painted, watching a live raptor show, exploring the antique tractors, meeting the resident the farm animals, discovering the insect, reptile, wild animal and bird exhibits, making candles out of beeswax, and much more. Many of the activities are offered at no extra charge.
• State Street in Kennett Square will be closed from Broad to Center Streets so visitors can enjoy the last Third Thursday of the season on Thursday, Sept. 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. It will include outdoor dining, extended shopping hours, live music, strolling entertainers and children’s activities.
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, Sept. 19. 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.
Pumpkin & Turkey
Well, what a treat it is to introduce you to Turkey and Pumpkin, a bonded pair of brothers surrendered to the Brandywine Valley SPCA in August. They are neutered males with different personalities but definitely are a matched set. Pumpkin is outgoing, gregarious, friendly and social. He wants to be the Star of the Show. Turkey is his brother’s understudy. A little shy and reserved, but very nice and friendly; he just prefers to let his brother take the leading role. Turkey and Pumpkin perfect compliments to each other and would be perfect compliments to your family. They are double the pleasure and double the fun, so please stop by the shelter to meet them!
Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Pennsylvania Campus
Julius
Julius
Hi, my name is Julius and I arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m a very friendly fellow who would love to find a home of my own. I’m a bit shy at first but quickly respond to a friendly voice and soft pet. I’m a little skinny so I am looking forward to a safe home with regular meals. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations, so if you are looking for a handsome fellow to come home to each day, pick me.
Click HERE to learn about all of our cats at our Delaware Campus.
Bells
Bells
Hi, my name is Bells, and I am a 4-year-old female terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA with my family as part of a humane investigation. Eleven long months later, the case has been won and I am free to be adopted. I am one of two adult females that came in with the group of 12 and although my body may show some scarring, I haven’t let those abuses affect my sweet, affectionate nature. I’m a lower energy girl who walks well in an E-Z Walk harness. I am also super smart. I’ve learned sit, down, stay and I can even roll over. My best quality though is my sheer love for my human friends. I’ll climb in your lap and give you kisses if you will let me. I’m hoping for the first time in my four years to find a loving home and family, and maybe, just maybe, that is you.
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Pennsylvania Campus.
Bolo
Bolo
Hello! My name is Bolo and I am a 4-year-old terrier mix. I arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA when my family had to move and couldn’t take me. I know they were very sad to bring me here but everyone says I have been very sweet and everyone has been taking great care of me. I have lived with two children, one who has special needs, and I and am very friendly and affectionate with everyone. They say I behaved better then anyone in the house. I enjoy playing fetch and know sit, down and stay. There is nothing I love better than belly rubs and when you pet me I will immediately roll over for that rub. I am gentle, kind and loving. What more could you want? Please come meet me today, and you’ll see why everyone has fallen head over heals for me!
Rosco
Rosco
Hi, my name is Rosco and I am a strikingly handsome 3-year-old terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I love treats and will “work for food,” which means I will be easier to train. I have a super strong sniffer that I enjoy exploring with on walks. Don’t be fooled by my serious expression; I am a fun and friendly guy who is deserving of a loving family and home. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Come on down and meet me!
Click HERE to learn about all of our dogs at our Delaware Campus.
Kathryn Meloni and Frangelica, far right, are taking part in a pilot program of using therapy dogs in the waiting areas of Juvenile Court and Juvenile Dependency Court.
The team of Kathryn and Frangelica Meloni are part of a new therapy program at the Delaware County Courthouse. But this is not your typical sister or mother/daughter team.
While Kathryn Meloni is a well-known attorney and former judge of elections in the township, Frangelica has four legs. She’s a certified therapy dog. The two are members of a new pilot program aimed at calming children and families who have to go to family court.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Media on Wednesday.
The idea is part of the PAWS for People program. “PAWS” is an acronym for Pet-Assisted Volunteer Visitation Services – the group uses overlapping V’s to make the W.
PAWS for People matches therapy dogs for use in schools, hospital, libraries and other places where the animals can help relieve stress and anxiety, according to Associate Director Stephanie Barry.
Barry said Frangelica, who has been used in other areas, is also suited for the courthouse project because of her adaptable temperament.
“Different dogs have different personalities,” Barry said. “The dogs who are going to be better-suited to work in a court environment have to be able to adapt to different types of people, different ages, and adapt to a lot of distractions and noise,” she said.
Frangelica Meloni, a Yorkshire terrier/Maltese/Cairn terrier mix, always wears a dress when she goes to work, according to Kathryn Meloni.
Barry added that dogs used in the court setting need to mingle with people instead of being more sedentary.
Meloni said Frangelica was a rescue who was “super friendly, loved people, calm enough and well-behaved once we started obedience training.”
Before that basic training, Frangelica, according to Meloni, “was a little terror.”
“Her name, Frangelica, is a hazelnut Italian liqueur. She was nuts. That’s how she got her name, though that doesn’t make a lot of sense now because she’s so good. Once she started the obedience training, she flourished. As a result of that, I thought serving as a therapy dog would be a good thing for her,” Meloni said.
Two and a half years ago, Meloni decided to get involved with PAWS for People, and Frangelica passed the advanced level training immediately.
In those two-plus years, the team has visited nursing homes, hospice, elementary schools and libraries. Meloni believes she made the right decision.
“It’s been so rewarding that I can’t stop. We actually go to six different sites now,” Meloni said.
She added that Frangelica, a 5-year-old mixed breed, is well received by people.
“They love her. You have a child that you’re proud of, whether it has fur or not. It’s so nice to have other people love her. No matter where we go, people light up and relax,” she said.
As an example of the dog’s calming influence, Meloni told the story of a time when they went to a nursing home where a patient was highly agitated, fighting with a nurse, acting angrily, and miserable.
“She spotted Frangelica and stopped, smiled, calmed down and started to pet her. It was miraculous to watch…And [Frangelica] loves it. She eats it up,” said Meloni, a Chadds Ford resident. “She knows it’s her job.”
That job will now include spending time in the waiting areas outside Juvenile Court and Juvenile Dependency Court to calm people, adults as well as kids, and even for the attorneys, Meloni explained.
“We’re there for anyone who happens to be there, who might be a little stressed out. Anyone can come and pet her,” she added.
According to Barry, PAWS for People was founded in 2005. Its court program began several years ago in Cecil County, Md. and expanded to include Harford County. Delaware County is the first county in Pennsylvania where the group will assign therapy dogs.
“Interaction with a dog has been proven to decrease stress,” Barry said. “This is a great way top help people out in these situations.”
Delaware County Council approved the program in July, entering into a $1,000, 12-month contract with PAWS for People.
During the press conference, County Councilman John McBlain said court proceedings could be scary for many people, especially children.
“It is our goal to ease the fears and anxieties of children and their families who must come to court by having a trained therapy dog ready to provide some comfort … It’s our hope that the PAWS for People teams will calm children, their families and others who might be nervous while waiting for their cases to be heard.”
The program will start on Sept. 20 with a total of nine therapy teams that will operate on rotating schedules.
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.
