September 30, 2016 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Roadwork for week of Oct. 1

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 Oct. 1 through Oct. 8. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if they are traveling through one of the construction zones.

PennDOT says drivers should expect delays in construction areas.

Utility installation will require weeklong lane closures on Raintree Road in Pennsbury Township. The work is scheduled at Paddock Lane weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting on Wednesday, Oct. 5, and ending on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

The shoulder of I-476 in both directions will be closed between I-76 and I-95 for fiber optic cable installation through Sunday, Oct. 2; crews will be working from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bridge-cleaning operations are expected to slow overnight traffic on southbound I-476 from Sunday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 7.

Work recently began to replace the Burnt Mill Road bridge in Kennett Township, which was closed in April 2014, after a bridge inspection determined it was unsafe. Detours are posted between Norway and Spring Mill roads; the project is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Utility installation on East Market Street in West Chester Borough will require lane restrictions at Franklin Street. The work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday through Oct. 7.

Work is continuing 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, which has been extended to Oct. 21.

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.

Route 100 in West Whiteland Township at Waterloo and Swedesford roads, Town Center Mall, and the Exton Mall entrance will be the site of lane restrictions for curb replacement. Crews are scheduled to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday, Oct. 3, through Saturday, Oct. 8.

Philadelphia Police said a number of streets will be closed over the weekend due to special events. The Mid-Town Village Festival will require closures from 3 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 1, in the 1200 blocks of Chestnut and Sansom streets, the 100 block of 13^th Street, and the 1300 blocks of Drury and Chancellor streets. Also on Saturday, the Dragon Boat Festival will require Kelly Drive to be closed from the Strawberry Mansion Bridge to Fountain Green Drive from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold its annual “Out of the Darkness Community 5K Walk.” The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Eakins Oval westbound to Spring Garden Street Bridge and into the city from southbound Kelly Drive, and southbound Kelly Drive from Fairmount Avenue to Eakins Oval. Also on Sunday, Oct. 2, the Pulaski Day Parade will be held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which will be closed from 16^th to 23^rd streets. Delays should be expected all around that area, police said.

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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Police seeking help to locate teen runaway

Police

Update: Police located the girl late Friday, Sept. 30; she was safe and has been reunited with her family.

The New Garden Township Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance to locate a teenage runaway.

Screen Shot 2016-09-30 at 2.44.34 PM — Daniela Hetzel Rojas-Bergara

Police said they responded on Friday, Sept. 30, at 12:52 a.m. to a residence in the 500 block of Church Road in New Garden Township. The parents of the 15-year-old girl, Daniela Hetzel Rojas-Bergara, said that their daughter never returned home from Kennett High School on Thursday, Sept. 29, according to a police press release.

Rojas-Bergara was last seen in the company of friends, wearing black Van sneakers, blue jeans, and a black raincoat; she was carrying a pink backpack. Rojas-Bergara has long brown hair and a thin build. During this time, Rojas-Bergara has communicated on social media that she is OK, but her whereabouts are unknown. It is believed she in the Kennett Square or Avon Grove area, the release said.

Investigators are actively attempting to locate the girl and request that anyone with information about her whereabouts contact police at 610-268-3171 or Detective Sgt. Keith Cowdright at 610-268-2907, ext. 102, or kcowdright@ngpd.org.

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Forecasters say rain not ready to go away

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

Those eager to see the sun will probably have to wait until Tuesday, says the National Weather Service.

Emergency officials urge motorists to exercise caution in flood-prone areas as the rain continues for the next several days. — Emergency officials urge motorists to exercise caution in flood-prone areas as rainfall is expected to continue for the next several days.

In the meantime, forecasters urge area motorists to exercise caution: Because several inches of rain have fallen during the past 36 hours, low-lying areas are susceptible to flooding, particularly because more precipitation is expected.

Scattered showers are predicted on Friday, Sept. 30, with a high temperature near 63 and northeast winds around 14 mph. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent with new amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch.

The showers will continue overnight, mainly after 3 a.m., and the mercury will dip into the high 50s. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent with more accumulation between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the pattern continues with showers likely, mainly before 2 p.m. and a high temperature of 71. Northeast winds will subside to 8 to 10 mph, but the chance of precipitation is expected to remain at 60 percent with new rainfall between a tenth and quarter of an inch during the day and more of the same on Saturday night, according to the NWS.

The forecast for Sunday, Oct. 2, also includes a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy skies are expected with a high near 74 and winds diminishing to 6 mph. The chance of precipitation also declines, dipping to 40 percent during the day and 20 percent at night, when the temperature will likely drop a bit below 60.

On Monday, Oct. 3, expect more of the same: a high near 73 and a 30 percent chance of rain. However, the sun is predicted to return on Tuesday, Oct. 4, with a high near 71, the NWS said.

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Fear not: ‘Tavern Talks’ to celebrate spirits

Arts & Entertainment, Local News Concord

IMG_6997-2 — The Chadds Ford Historical Society's popular 'Tavern Talks' series is held at the Barns-Brinton House.

Fears, superstitions, lore and haunted tales from the Colonial era are about to take center stage.

‘Tavern Talks’ will focus on Colonial hauntings, lore on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Anyone interesting in tapping into the spirits of the season will want to attend the Chadds Ford Historical Society’s “Tavern Talks” on Thursday, Oct. 13. It will be held at the society’s Barns-Brinton House tavern – a 300-year-old potentially haunted tavern.

A sampling of activities for the evening include performances by Colonial magician “Levram the Great,” fortune-telling, ghost stories, and other ghoulish surprises that will be unearthed at the event. Additionally, special guests from The Prana House, a wellness center in West Chester, will discuss female healers and witches.

“Tavern Talks,” billed as a monthly experience – not a lecture – is aimed exclusively for adults 21 and older and focuses on unexplored aspects of early American history and culture. The program, which includes hands-on activities, food and drink tastings, demonstrations, and more, takes place at the 1714 tavern, which is located at 630 Baltimore Pike.

Admission is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Since space is limited, tickets must be purchased in advance, either over the phone, in person, or online. For more information on the CFHS or to purchase tickets, call 610-388-7376, email info@chaddsfordhistory.org, or visit www.chaddsfordhistory.org.

The final “Tavern Talks” offering for 2016 will be held on Nov. 10 when the presenters will bite into “All Things Apple.”

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Children’s arts to come alive at museum

Arts & Entertainment

a4c80aee-b2c0-43a3-9a42-e3908be32726 — Families can explore creativity at PNC's First Families. Photo courtesy of the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

Two opportunities offered by the Brandywine River Museum of Art are nearing a close, but available to visitors this weekend.

On Sunday, Oct. 2, the penultimate PNC Arts Alive First Sundays for Families will take place; the initiative, which offers free admission to visitors all day, ends next month on Sunday, Nov. 6.

First Sundays for Families features special hands-on creative art activities, and this Sunday’s event will focus on “Get the Picture! Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration.” The exhibit, which closes on Oct. 9, spotlights a selection of contemporary paintings and drawings by eight of the most renowned artists currently working in the field: Sophie Blackall, Bryan Collier, Raúl Colón, Marla Frazee, Jon Klassen, Melissa Sweet, David Wiesner and Mo Willems.

The works reveal the artists’ broad spectrum of working methods and subject matter, as well as the ever-increasing inclusiveness in the field of children’s book illustration. On Sunday, participants can develop an original cartoon and create art inspired by the exhibit’s illustrations.

In addition, visitors can exercise mind and body and explore the world of imagination as dancer Lisa Oster brings classic tales to life, followed by a performance by the Academy of International Ballet, including excerpts from the “Nutcracker.“ And don’t forget to take a selfie with the “Elephant” and “Piggie” characters from Mo Willems’ popular books.

First Sundays for Families is funded by PNC Arts Alive, a multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative of the PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The goal of PNC Arts Alive is to help area residents gain access to the arts and to help arts organizations expand and engage audiences.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill building with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, the museum is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org.

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Kenneth E. Barber, formerly of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Kenneth E. Barber, 80, of New Holland, formerly of Kennett Square, died peacefully on Sept. 27, at his home with his wife Janice by his side and surrounded by his loving family.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Ruth and Roland Barber.

He assumed ownership of Barber’s Florist of Kennett Square when his father retired. Ken continued to grow the business and create beautiful floral designs for more than 40 years until retiring in 2004. Ken and Roland’s legacy is carried on today by their family.

Kenny graduated from Kennett High School in 1954 upon which he entered the United States Army. After serving three years he was honorably discharged. He was a member of Hamorton Methodist Church, Kennett Fire Co. #1, and the Masonic Lodge of Kennett Square.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Janice, children, Michael Barber and wife Dawn of Mt. City, Tenn., Cindy & husband Tom of Wilmington, and Brian Barber of Kennett Square; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Wayne Barber and Ralph Barber: and two sisters, Grace Groves & Fern Mackey.

Ken enjoyed visiting the flower shop, gardening, morning coffee with his buddies, driving neighbors and friends to appointments and the airport, and simply spending time with his family and friends. Ken was known for his outgoing personality, sense of humor and most of all his kindness and generosity. He touched so many and is loved by so many more.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10 a.m. until noon on Monday Oct. 3, at Kuzo Grieco Funeral Home, Inc., (610-444-4116), 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow at noon

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

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PennDOT: Smoother travel down the road

Local News

PennDOT has announced the beginning of construction on a $3.4 million project to repair and resurface over 13 miles of state highway in Chester County, including portions of Routes 202 and 926.

Crews will begin work in October to resurface Route 401 between French Bridge and Iron Stone Lane in West Nantmeal Township. The resurfacing of Route 401 is expected to take one week to complete, said PennDOT press release.

The additional state highways to be repaired and resurfaced under this contract include:

Route 202 between Route 322 and Dilworthtown Road in West Goshen, Westtown, Thornbury, and Birmingham townships;
Route 842 (Creek Road) between Brandywine Creek and Brandwine Street in East Bradford Township;
West Miner Street between Brandywine Street and South High Street in West Chester Borough;
Route 926 between Cheyney Road and Route 3 (West Chester Pike) in Willistown, Westtown, and Thornbury townships;
Route 30 ramps at the of Route 82 Interchange in Valley Township; and
Route 30 ramps at the Reeceville Road Interchange in Caln Township.

Under this improvement project, PennDOT will mill off the existing roadway surface and repave the two state highways with new asphalt. The new pavement will seal the roadways and provide motorists with a smoother riding surface. All work on the project is expected to be completed in July 2017, the release said.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras.

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