The Chester County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed a special cookie delivery with a reaction that proved this was no half-baked offering.
Lauren Bolt (front), executive pastry chef at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community, delivers freshly baked cookies to appreciative members of the Chester County Sheriff’s Department.
Lauren Bolt, executive pastry chef at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community, made the delicious drop-off as part of the nationwide “Cookies for a Cop” program. The purpose of the program is to ensure that those in law enforcement know that their service is appreciated and valued, a county press release said.
Chester County K-9 Deputy Luke gets a specially baked biscuit from his partner, Deputy Sheriff Mike Carlson.
The doggone sweet gesture even included Chester County’s K-9 deputies, who each received specially baked biscuits.
“We really appreciate Lauren’s desire to be a part of the ‘Cookies for a Cop’ program, using her talent to show appreciation for the deputies,” Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said in the release. “We’re also grateful that she considered the K-9 officers and their partners so that there was something good for everyone.”
“Cookies for a Cop” is a national program that is now in its third year. It has been responsible for hundreds of thousands of cookies that have been delivered to law enforcement departments, correctional centers, and dispatch centers in states across the nation, the release said.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association has awarded the Planning Excellence Award for Public Outreach to the Chester County Planning Commission for its Pipeline Information Center.
Carol Stauffer (from left), Chester County infrastructure and plan review director; Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone; and Carrie Conwell, Chester County senior environmental planner, display the award.
Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone and representatives from the Planning Commission accepted the award last month at the APA’s annual conference in Allentown. At the awards event, the APA noted Chester County’s efforts to provide a website for residents containing the latest information on active pipeline projects, said a county press release.
The Pipeline Information Center – the first if its kind in the state, if not the nation – allows pipeline operators, government agencies, municipalities and partners to share information on each other’s activities. It also includes a county map, searchable by address, to give specific information to homeowners, and has an experienced planner available to answer public questions, the release said.
The county commissioners announced the launch of the Pipeline Information Center website in April 2014. It can be found at www.chescoplanning.org. The creation of the Pipeline Information Center website was the result of nearly a year of research, data gathering, and stakeholder input gathered at public meetings. It was undertaken as part of the Pipeline Notification Protocol, led by the Pipeline Safety Coalition, with support from Chester County government and East Brandywine Township, the release said.
The Pipeline Notification Protocol was funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Technical Assistance Grant. For more information on the Chester County Planning Commission, go to www.chescoplanning.org.
A supervisors’ meeting on Halloween briefly provided some drama in Pocopson Township, ranging from the dedication of a Toll Brothers subdivision after four failed attempts to a comparison of the Barnard House to a scene from the movie “Godfather III.”
Pocopson Township Supervisors Alice Balsama (from left) and Elaine DiMonte follow along as Supervisors’ Chairwoman Ricki Stumpo reviews the township’s new cellphone policy.
On Monday, Oct. 31, the supervisors unanimously voted to accept the dedication of The Preserve at Chadds Ford, a 64-home Toll Brothers subdivision near the intersection of Corinne and Locust Grove roads. The board said the township’s engineer and landscape consultant had approved the improvements that had previously prevented acceptance, a process that dated back to March 2014.
Supervisors’ Chairwoman Stumpo said that the board still holds a bond for some minor, remaining work and that another inspection would be scheduled in 18 months.
The future of the Barnard House remains uncertain. The early 1800s building, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, was originally envisioned as the home of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center as well as the township’s offices. As renovation costs escalated, the supervisors backed off the latter option. Instead, they have focused on getting the building ready for KURC, a path that has seen problems ranging from delays in the installation of a security system to questions about a lease agreement as well as unpaid KURC financial commitments.
Supervisor Alice Balsama said she was reminded of an Al Pacino line in the “Godfather” series: “Just when I thought I was out … They pull me back in.”
The Pocopson Township supervisors say several issues must be resolved before the Kennett Underground Railroad Center can occupy the Barnard House.
Balsama said she has been reviewing leases in an effort to craft one that protects all parties. Stumpo said the board had not heard from the KURC since an Oct. 14 meeting, and she said a couple of the KURC’s financial obligations have not been met. “They’re waiting for us to get a contract [to them],” Balsama suggested.
In the meantime, Supervisor Elaine DiMonte said she is analyzing the draft request-for-proposal for a feasibility study. The board agreed last month that a study focusing on the possible use of the Barnard House for municipal offices would be helpful. To date, three consultants have suggested the building’s layout was not suitable; however, those opinions came during the pursuit of ancillary projects.
The Barnard House has repeatedly generated conflict since its purchase from the county for $1 in 2008. When it was sold, the county imposed restrictions on the building’s use, including a ban on most rentals. Earlier in October, the supervisors had an informational meeting with the county commissioners to elicit ideas for balancing the preservation of the historic building with avoiding an undue financial burden on residents. To date, approximately $900,000 has been spent on the project, most of it on the exterior.
The supervisors dispensed with another ongoing historic renovation project with far less controversy, unanimously approving $7,525 for the flooring in the Locust Grove Schoolhouse. Members of the township’s Historical Committee, which raised the money, said they hope to complete the project by next summer.
Committee member Randy Mims said the flooring would be picked up in a donated trailer and installed by volunteers. He said the committee would ask for authorization in the spring to spend $2,500, which has already been raised, to have the floor professionally refinished. No taxpayer funds have been used for the restoration.
Brad Peiper, one of the township’s representatives on the Kennett Library board, said he wanted to spread the word that the library is seeking input from residents as it moves toward the construction of a new facility. One way people can make their voices heard is by completing a survey.
Peiper said it only takes about five minutes and is available at the library or online. To access the survey, click here. Stumpo suggested that Peiper might want to set up a table with paper copies of the survey at the township’s polling place on Election Day.
In other business, the supervisors approved a cellphone policy that outlines the use and payment for phones to township employees required to be in close contact with the township on a regular basis, and they approved the purchase of a 2017 Peterbilt 348 truck at a cost of $145,250; it replaces a 16-year-old model.
The supervisors also voted unanimously to pay off $715,000 of a $1.8 million open-space loan now that the penalty phase has ended, and they voted to advertise the availability of the 2017 budget. Stumpo said township residents would be able to review the budget at the township building starting on Nov. 7. If no objections surface, it would likely be approved at the supervisors’ meeting on Monday, Nov. 28.
The next supervisors’ meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m.
'A Longwood Christmas,' which opens on Thursday, Nov. 24, will feature sparkling trees and fountain displays.
With Halloween upon us, area residents might not be ready for the next set of holidays. But tickets to “A Longwood Christmas” are now available, and those who want their preferred dates are advised to book them early.
More than 100 trees will beckon throughout the gardens during ‘A Longwood Christmas,’ which features a musical theme this year.
The annual extravaganza of lights and activities will ring in the holiday season with a musically-inspired display that starts on Thursday, Nov. 24, and ends on Sunday, Jan. 8. Indoors and out, the gardens are offering an array of sights and sounds designed to promote seasonal awe.
Inside Longwood’s four-acre heated conservatory, 16,000 seasonal plants, including poinsettias, cyclamen, and anthurium, will delight the eye. An elegantly designed 30-foot, floral tree takes center stage formed with poinsettias, euphorbias, and white phalaenopsis orchids. The Music Room décor will feature an 18-foot Fraser fir tree rotating in a wooden music box decorated with a garland of real musical instruments. Guests entering the conservatory will encounter a 22-foot tall Concolor fir nestled next to an antique baby grand piano with flowing lights traveling up the tree lavishly decorated with red and gold ornaments.
Trees light a pathway during the 2015 version of ‘A Longwood Christmas.’
Outside, more than 500,000 lights will adorn 124 trees, with the tallest tree topping over 90 feet. Outdoor favorites return, including the illuminated Italian Water Garden, and a 10-foot Concolor fir in the Hourglass Lake Pavilion ornamented with materials found in and around the Meadow Garden. The popular Wildlife Tree will entice furry friends to nibble on edible ornaments made from wheat, apples, and birdseed. The Gardener’s Tree will cleverly showcase Longwood gardeners’ creativity with handcrafted ornaments and garland made with angel vine and burlap draping the 26–foot Concolor Norway.
Created by Longwood craftsmen and local artisans, three fire pits will be placed throughout the gardens, allowing guests to warm up by the fire with loved ones. The fire pits will be available every night throughout the holiday season, weather permitting.
Longwood gardeners will work their magic inside as well as outdoors.
In the Open Air Theatre, fountains will dance day and night to holiday classics. Young and old will delight in Longwood’s outdoor train display located near the Birdhouse Treehouse as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks lit for the holiday season. In Longwood’s historic Chimes Tower, the 62–bell carillon will play holiday music every half hour.
Throughout the season, Longwood’s grand ballroom will feature free and ticketed holiday-inspired performances as well as daily holiday sing-alongs performed on Longwood’s grand 10,010-pipe organ. Traditional Christmas carols will ring throughout the Silver Garden and Palm House, adding to the holiday charm. A complete listing of performances is available online. Admission to the Christmas display is only by timed ticket, which are purchased in advance for a specific date and time. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at longwoodgardens.org.
Longwood Gardens dates back to 1906, when industrialist Pierre S. du Pont purchased a small farm near Kennett Square to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, it is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and 4.5-acre conservatory. Longwood is located on Route 1 near Kennett Square. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org or call 610-388-1000.
For this first week in November, there are fun First Friday art openings from Kennett Square to Wilmington, and thus the kickoff to the holiday season has officially begun. Before getting to those exciting events, we must cheer the talents and most recent award for local Chester County artist Randall Graham who won first prize at the famous Plein Air Brandywine Valley event hosted by Winterthur this past week, to benefit Children’s Beach House of Delaware.
This year hundreds of artists from all over the country descended on the Brandywine Valley to paint outdoors for a plein air contest that culminated in a fabulous show and sale at Winterthur. The judge for the awards was the renowned editor of Plein Air Magazine, Steve Doherty, and the winning painting was “October Roses” painted by Randall Graham at the Jamie Wyeth “Point Lookout” location.
If any of you have ever wanted to take the plunge into a fun plein air contest. this is an annual terrific week long painting adventure at gorgeous locations throughout our area. It is very well organized and they provide lunches and first class treatment of the art and the artists.
Randall’s work is exhibited often in many Chester County shows. He also teaches plein air painting at Chester County Art Association, The Creamery and many other places in the county. To check out his current show, which closes November 12th, head out to the new Gallery 222 in Malvern where you can also see the big award winner on display. Congratulations to Randall Graham! Couldn’t happen to a nicer person.
Check out two great museum art talks. Wednesday, November 2 at 2 p.m., Christine B. Podmaniczky, curator of the N.C. Wyeth collections at The Brandywine River Museum of Art, will give a free talk focused on the N.C Wyeth paintings included in their incredible new exhibition “Rural Modern.” At The Delaware Museum of Art, Friday November 4th at noon, their “Art is Tasty” series has local contemporary realist artist Robert Jackson speaking to “Enough with the Bubbles.” This lunch and talk starts at 12 p.m. with a 30 minute tour through their astounding “Behind the Easel” show of 19 major artists, with artist Robert Jackson chatting, then followed by a lunch at the museum. The lunch and tour are $12 for members and $14 for non-members.
First Friday openings are here again, starting in Kennett Square at Mala Galleria at 206 East State Street in Kennett Square, showcasing the sculptures and paintings of Karen Delaney in the front room from November 4th to 28th. In the back gallery shows the works of many local artists including Jill Beech, Rachel Romano, Jeff Schaller, Lele Galer and Margaret Saylor. Owner Stella Scott has a terrific eye for choosing varied, beautiful artworks that can be purchased at reasonable prices made by local and international artists.
Also in Kennett Square, at The Longwood Art Gallery, artist Sue Ciccone will exhibit paintings of brightly painted landscapes and farm animals for her November show “Serendipity” November 4th to 26th. The opening reception for the event is Friday November 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. with food, wine and live music.
In Chadds Ford, Chester County native and impressionist plein air painter Jacalyn Beam has a solo show entitled “Tricks and Treats” at Chadds Ford Gallery located at 1609 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford. The show kicked off with a Halloween themed opening reception on October 28 and continues the show through November 13.
Twelve by Margaret Bowland at the Somerville Manning Gallery
In Wilmington, The Delaware Museum of Art continues it blockbuster show “Truth and Vision: 21st Century Realism” through January 22, one of my favorite art exhibitions of all time. The concurrent show “Behind the Easel” with the same 19 artist’s work exhibited for sale at Somerville Manning Gallery in Greenville Delaware, continues through November 19. If you have never been to this small gem of a gallery, now is the time. Specializing in works by Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, the gallery also represents many of the other finest realist artist in America. This particular show is hung so perfectly, that every painting has its own “wow” moment.
Also in Wilmington, Blue Streak Gallery, at 1721-1723 Delaware Avenue in Wilmington, exhibits the
Citiscape by William Montgomery at the Blue Streak Gallery
work of community leader turned oil painter William Montgomery in “Painting The Town and All Around” November 4th to 29th, with opening reception November 4th from 5 to 8 p.m. Off Route 52, at 3922 Kennett Pike, The Station Gallery shows the plein air paintings of Michele Green “Over the Marsh- New Paintings” November 4-23. Friday November 4th, 5 to 8 p.m. is the artist’s opening for this show, with food, refreshments, a live bluegrass band and book signing.
In Phoenixville, The Phoenix Village Art Center is holding their Holiday Exhibit November 3rd through December 24th. This is a “cash and carry” exhibit designed to sell art for holiday gift giving. Artwork is constantly replenished as it sells, so keep coming back to The Phoenix Village Art Center for the next two months! Also remember to check out Diving Cat Studio Gallery across the street which is filled to the ceiling with fun, creative artisan works, clothes, jewelry, and ceramics. Two doors down from The Diving Cat Studio is the Artisans Gallery and Café which not only serves delicious coffee and bakery treats, but has a large, varied collection of local ceramic artist’s work for sale, including beautiful pieces by artist Susan Bankert. All great holiday gifts.
In Coatesville, Art Partner’s Studio is currently showing a portrait photography exhibit “I am Coatesville” at the Coatesville Savings Bank located at 185 East Lincoln Highway in Coatesville, November through December 29. “I Am Coatesville” was initiated by two professional photographers, Dave Eastburn and Krista Niles “to engage neighbors in a portrait art project to build community.” The artists mentored teen and adult photography students—introducing them to the work of eminent portrait photographers, discussing how to build a successful and dynamic relationship between sitter and photographer, and finally inviting them to create portraits of fellow Coatesville residents in a professionally equipped “pop-up” portrait studio at the Art Partners Studio under the portico of the former Benner School. Bravo to Art Partner’s Studio for giving voice to such a creative project that teaches, mentors, exhibits, and reflects back on the community that they are a part of.
I am Coatesville Portrait Project. at Art Partners Studio
In Villanova, Chester County painter Monique Sarkessian has a solo show “Garden of Miracles: Finding the Divine in Everyday Life” at the Villanova University Art Gallery through November28. The art gallery is located at 800 Lancaster Avenue, the Villanova campus. Monique’s paintings of landscapes, flowers and still life all have a signature style, full of vibrant jewel-tone colors, expressive brushstrokes and lush textures.
As well as the new shows opening this weekend for November, this is also the last weekend to see some other terrific local art shows, including the Philip Jamison “Works from Five Decades” fabulous and important watercolor exhibit at Church Street Gallery in West Chester, “Mirage” at The Art Trust in West Chester, “Intuition” at Chester County Art Association.
In Oxford at The Oxford Arts Alliance its fascinating local history inspired show “Art, Architecture and Archives – Celebrating Oxford” continues through November 11. This exhibit includes paintings by local artists, and historical collections and artifacts from the Oxford Area Historical Association archives – a wonderful history and art show for the whole family.
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.
For the second year in a row, the Chester County Intermediate Unit is about to turn off the lights to shed light on visual impairments.
On Nov. 14, the CCIU, partnering with Applebee’s Grill in Thorndale, will host the second annual Dining in the Dark dinner experience for Chester County students and their families who receive vision support services through the CCIU.
Dining in the Dark originated with Jorge Spielmann, a blind clergyman from Zurich, Switzerland. When guests ate dinner at Spielmann’s house, some would wear blindfolds during their meal to show solidarity with their host and to better understand his world. This unique dining concept then expanded to restaurants in major cities around the world such as Paris, Moscow, Berlin, and New York City, before spreading to suburban areas, said a CCIU press release.
“Dining in the Dark is a fun way for families to develop an awareness of a variety of visual impairments,” Jacalyn Auris, CCIU director of student services, said in the release. “It also provides a chance to meet other families who have children with a visual impairment and have them receive support they otherwise may struggle to find.”
The CCIU’s Itinerant Blind/Visually Impaired Support program provides specialized services and instruction for students ages 5 through 21 whose skills allow them to function within a regular education setting. The level of intervention is determined by student need.
Students participating in the event will be given a tour of the kitchen and will help serve the meal while their families experience the night while wearing blindfolds or vision simulators.
“I always look forward to opportunities that put me in the shoes of the kids we support at the CCIU,” Auris said in the release. “We advocate tirelessly for all of the children in our schools, but it’s different and exciting to be given the chance to experience some of the day-to-day realities for these students.”
For more information about this event or vision services offered by the CCIU, contact Carolyn Muller at 484-237-5107.
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.
