November 9, 2016 – ChaddsFordLive.com

Virginia M. Scheetz of Landenberg

Virginia M. Scheetz, 84, of Landenberg, died Friday, Nov. 4, at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She was the wife of Wasson R. Scheetz, with whom she shared 59 glorious years of marriage. Wasson called Virginia his “Peach” and the great love of his life.

Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late James and the late Martha (Hullinger) Burns. Virginia was a devoted sister to her brothers Jimmy, Bobby, Jackie, and Ray and to her sisters, Dot, Boo, and Martha.

Virginia was a graduate of St. Patrick’s in Norristown, where she first learned with the help of IHM sisters, the importance of practicing the corporate works of mercy to every soul who crossed her path. A stranger did not remain a stranger to Virginia. She embraced everyone she met with unconditional love and acceptance. Virginia treated everyone equally whether it be a waitress at a local diner or a politician. Virginia made time for everyone she met. Virginia made everyone feel significant, supported, and most importantly, loved.

She also attended Los Angeles Harbor College, taking classes in business and Spanish when she lived there with her husband Wasson. She enjoyed a career as an executive secretary prior to becoming a full-time mother and homemaker. Virginia’s first job was at Scheidt Brewing Co. in Norristown. She was a mother to be proud of: room mom, pretzel momand hot dog mom. She was involved whether celebrating her children’s happiness or providing a listening ear during tough times. Virginia was known belovedly as “Ginger” to her family and “Gini” to her friends. She signed her art as “Gini.” She was very active and loved “being on the go.” She enjoyed dancing, traveling to Europe, art, movies and most importantly serving others. In her younger years, she was an active member of St. Teresa of Avila church and school in Betzwood, , Mother of Sorrows in Bridgeport, and finally St. Phillip the Apostle in Texas.

She enjoyed Port Indian Regattas, boating, hosting parties, garage sales, and celebrations for family and friends. She loved a good party. Her fondest memory of all time was trips with Wasson to New England to see the leaves change color.

Survivors include in addition to her husband, one son, Steven W. Scheetz of Langhorne,; one daughter, Beth Charnichko of Landenberg; one brother, Jack Burns of Norristown,; two granddaughters, Ginger Rose and Mary Katie; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved greatly.

Her final wish was to tell everyone that she will love them forever and to come to her Celebration of Life Party.

With this in mind, you are invited to visit with Virginia’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116), 250 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. A celebration of Love and Life will follow at 11 when Virginia’s “Life Story” will be shared.

Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of her grand circle of love. Her Mass of Christian burial will follow at noon at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 212 Meredith Street in Kennett Square.

During mass her granddaughters Ginger Rose and Mary Katie will play trumpet to honor their grandmother. Interment will be held privately. A reception will follow at La Verona Italian Restaurant in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 1020 19th St NW – Suite 475, Washington, DC 20036 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com.

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Paul Francis Winters of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Paul Francis Winters, 58, of Kennett Square, died Monday, Nov. 7, at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

He was the son of the late John F. and Gladys Tinnin Winters.

He was a self-employed auto body mechanic.

Paul enjoyed ice hockey, drag racing, football, all sports, restoring cars, and being with his family and friends.

He is survived by two brothers, Brian E. Winters and his wife Mildred of Philadelphia, and Gary A. Winters of Kennett Square; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Paul was predeceased by two brothers, Luther Tinnin and John F. Winters, Jr.

His Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at the New Garden Memorial UAME Church, 309 East Linden Street in Kennett Square.

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

Arrangements by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square.

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Chesco DA announces murder arrest

Police

A 22-year-old, unemployed Coatesville resident is in custody on murder charges for allegedly shooting a veteran who had recently been treated at the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan and Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer announced the arrest of Sheron “Ryda” Purnell for the murder of Kevin Jalbert, 36, in Coatesville on Oct. 3. Purnell was taken into custody last week, said a press release from the District Attorney’s Office.

“This homicide took place in a crowded residential area with children out playing in the street,” said Hogan in the release. “The death of the victim was senseless. The defendant is lucky he did not also gun down an innocent child.”

According to the criminal complaint, the Coatesville Police Department received a call for shots fired at Sixth Avenue and Belmont Street, on Oct. 3, at 6:39 p.m. Officers found Jalbert lying on the grass with multiple – and subsequently fatal – gunshot wounds.

Investigators said that Jalbert had been walking down the street when he came into contact with a group of kids and yelled at them. The juveniles walked away, but Purnell showed up and engaged in a confrontation with the victim that was initially verbal. Both men walked up White Alley, where Purnell, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm, pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun and shot the victim several times, the release said.

Police recovered eight .25 caliber shell casings from the area and spoke with multiple witnesses, four of whom identified Purnell as the shooter. An arrest warrant was issued on Oct. 31, but Purnell had fled; he was apprehended on Nov. 2.

“This case was solved by the courage of the witnesses who were willing to come forward and assist the authorities,” Hogan said in the release. “Combined with the hard work of the Coatesville Police Department and Chester County Detectives, this type of community cooperation is what Coatesville needs as the city looks to join other Chester County areas that have re-built themselves.”

According to court records, Purnell received a year’s probation in March 2014 after pleading guilty to carrying a firearm without a license.

Jalbert’s obituary said he was born in Waterbury, Ct, graduated from Wolcott High School, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Anybody with information should contact Chester County Detective Kristin Lund at 610-344-6866 or Coatesville Detective Ryan Wright at 610-384-2300.

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‘November Morning’

Chadds Chat

Chadds Ford Live reader Katherine Lombardo captures “November Morning,” a frost-kissed, scenic vista at the corner of Bullock and Creek roads in Chadds Ford Township.

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Incumbents score down ballot wins

Along the Ford

_1JF9794-B'ham-Friends — Voters stand in line at Birmingham Friends Meeting waiting to cast their ballots in Tuesday's general election.

While the presidential election drove voter turnout and resulted in what many are saying is a major upset, incumbents won local seats in yesterday’s election.

Republican Donald Trump scored a big win over Democrat Hillary Clinton in a race that most pollsters and pundits predicted would be close. Trump, who had never run for elective office before, won 289 electoral votes, 19 more than the 270 electoral votes needed for a win.

Voter turnout was strong throughout the region. Between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., eight polling places in Chadds Ford, Concord, Birmingham and Pennsbury townships were reporting voter turnout to be 65 percent or better. Voters were already waiting in long lines before the polls opened at 7 a.m.

For U.S. House of Representatives, incumbent Republican Pat Meehan defeated Mary Ellen Balchunis with 60 percent of the votes, taking 158,382 votes to 104,921 for Balchunis.

In the U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania, incumbent Republican Pat Toomey beat Democratic challenger Katie McGinty. Toomey garnered 48.96 percent of the vote to McGinty’s 47.19 percent.

In the 16th Congressional District, which covers parts of Chester and Lancaster counties, Republican Lloyd Smucker takes over from Joe Pitts who didn’t seek re-election. Smucker defeated Democrat Christina Hartman 157,307 to 108,900.

In a close race, state Sen. Tom Killion squeaked by Democrat challenger Marty Molloy by less than 4,000 votes to retain his 9^th District seat.

Killion received 68,916 to Molloy’s 65,198. However, Molloy won in Delaware County with 42,161 votes to Killion’s 40,648, but Killion took Chester County 28,268 to 23,037.

Killion took office this past spring after defeating Molloy in a special election after former state Sen. Dominic F. Pileggi won a Common Pleas Court judgeship last November.

The closest race of the day, however, was in the state’s 156^th Legislative District, which includes Birmingham Township. Incumbent Republican Dan Truitt narrowly defeated former West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta by 78 votes, 18,196 to 18,118

In the 19^th Senate District race, Democrat Andy Dinniman won re-election by defeating Jack London 75,162 to 58,304.

The runaway win went to state Rep. Stephen Barrar, who defeated independent challenger Dave Cleary 21,477 to 4,997, an 81 percent margin of victory.

In the 158^th Legislative District, Republican Eric Roe defeated Susan Rzucidlo in another close race, 17,617 to 15,509. Roe will take over from Chris Ross who, as with Pitts, chose not to seek re-election.

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Longwood Fire to make chief a paid position

Local News, Local News Kennett, Local News Pennsbury, Local News Pocopson

Longwood Open House 101815 009 — Longwood Fire Company Chief A.J. McCarthy (right) will join the company's paid staff before the end of the year. Photo courtesy of Longwood Fire Company

After nearly two decades of service, the Longwood Fire Company chief knows a few things about the dangers of burning the candle at both ends.

Chief A.J. McCarthy said the challenge of juggling a full-time job as a West Chester police officer with the responsibilities of being a volunteer fire chief and the father of two young children signaled a need for a change – one that was announced this week.

Longwood Fire Chief A.J. McCarthy is shown on the job. Photo courtesy of Longwood Fire Company — Longwood Fire Chief A.J. McCarthy is shown on the job. *Photo courtesy of Longwood Fire Company*

McCarthy said after several years of discussion and research, the Longwood Fire Company Board of Directors and membership unanimously approved his transition to a paid full-time chief sometime before the end of 2016. McCarthy started with the company in 1997 as a junior firefighter.

“I really have to thank the membership of the fire company for such a strong vote of confidence,” McCarthy said in a press release. “My father taught me that as a supervisor, your people always have to come first, and I like to think that I always have their best interest and safety at the forefront. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish as a team.”

McCarthy also expressed gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Marianne. “Without them, the last six years of my term as fire chief wouldn’t have happened,” McCarthy said in the release. “Marianne has always supported my firehouse participation, even when it meant canceling plans or leaving family events.

“To switch from a very secure civil service job to a career fire chief is risky, and she never once questioned it,” McCarthy added. “For that, I will always be grateful.”

Brad Bowman, president of the fire company’s board, said the complexity of Longwood’s operations – a mix of career and volunteer personnel providing basic and advanced fire, rescue and EMS skills to Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships – prompted the decision. He said even though the chief’s position is voluntary, it carries the requirements of a full-time job with 24/7 needs.

“The change to the full-time chief allows the organization to continue on our upward path, protecting the community without the change of direction that normally occurs when a volunteer position terms out,” Bowman said in the release. “We feel that this will allow us to provide continued and consistent guidance into the future as we have a lot of projects that we wish to accomplish.”

McCarthy said the genesis of the change stemmed from a 2011 study that the Longwood Fire Company commissioned to evaluate its services and efficiency as well as the realization that he couldn’t sustain the pace required by his dueling responsibilities. Bowman said in the past few years outside industry experts had recommended a full-time chief.

“People don’t understand how much work is involved in running a fire company,” McCarthy said. “You’re running a business as well as a public safety operation. It’s two businesses under one roof.”

He said another study, commissioned last year by officials in Kennett Square Borough and Kennett, Pocopson, Pennsbury, East Marlborough Township and Newlin townships – the areas served by Longwood, Kennett and Po-Mar-Lin Fire companies – occurred parallel to Longwood’s analysis of moving to a paid full-time chief.

Area officials said the collaborative study was prompted by statewide data that identified trends and reasons to consolidate, evaluate, and strategically plan for fire and emergency medical services, including a decrease in volunteers, rising costs, duplication of equipment and increased demands for services. Officials said they hoped a strategic multi-municipal approach to providing these services in a single business model would be more efficient.

McCarthy said the draft of the multi-municipal study, which has not yet been made public, is still being reviewed by all of the companies and municipalities. He said decisions about what to do about replacing the company’s inadequate firehouse would hinge on what comes out of that study.

He said the company has outgrown the building, due not only to population growth but also to an increase of traffic to Longwood Gardens, which now exceeds a million visitors a year, and on Route 1, which carries 100,000 cars a day. One possibility might be to establish a satellite station for some EMS vehicles, enabling them to access certain areas faster, he said.

Other than addressing building issues, McCarthy said he doesn’t anticipate making any substantive, operational changes. “I like to think that this new venture was so well-accepted because the membership didn’t want anything to change,” he said. “Our group is really the best around, I couldn’t ask for more dedicated people than we already have.”

McCarthy said Longwood has 32 other paid positions: 30 EMS workers, one career firefighter, and an office manager. He said the board made a decision not to disclose his salary, but he likened it to the low range for a police chief. “It’s not excessive. This isn’t about the money,” he said. “There’s better earning potential in police work because of the overtime.”

His primary motivation was to continue working with a great group of employees and volunteers, McCarthy said.

“We continuously evaluate our operation to see where we can improve. We have a few new administrative efficiencies we want to implement, such as a new cloud-based operating system to tie all of the firehouse operations into one process,” McCarthy said. “Our office manager Lori Kaluzny is great; she really runs things and is top notch at her job. I plan on working with her to see if there are any things we can do to make her job easier.”

McCarthy said he enjoyed his time as a police officer but has always felt a stronger connection to the fire company. He said he has not yet left his police job, but would do so within the next two months.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for almost 15 years. I’ve had a great career, but I have always enjoyed the fire service much more,” he said. “Since I’ve been fire chief, we have been able to make great strides to be the best around. We have a great group of employees and volunteers, and I want to make sure that we’re around for another 95 years.”

Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships since 1921. It provides fire and rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.longwoodfireco.com.

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Police Log Nov. 9: False report, fake bills, thefts

Police

• A 23-year-old man who claimed he was robbed at gunpoint was charged with filing a false report to police. Isaiah Phillips told police that a gun-wielding assailant who demanded cash approached him on Johnson Farm Lane and that he complied out of fear. However, police said that further investigation revealed the report was false and that Phillips confessed to reporting an incident that never happened.

• State police said an unknown suspect tried to buy groceries at the Concord Township Acme with a counterfeit $100 bill on Oct. 31 at 1:03 p.m. The bill was confiscated and turned over to police.

• Unknown suspects, a white man and woman, stole food from Wegmans in Concordville at 1:16 p.m. on Oct. 31.

• Carolyn Smith, 43, of Aston, was found drunk in public on Broom Court in Concord Township, a police report said. The incident occurred on Oct. 26 at 7:36 p.m.

State police from the Embreeville barracks observed a traffic violation on Friday, Oct. 21, at 11:39 p.m., in Thornbury Township, Chester County, on Route 202, just south of Route 926. Police said James Toussaint, 25, of Chester, failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for DUI.

• State police from the Avondale barracks recovered a damaged iPhone 6 from the middle of State Road at Guernsey Road in New Garden Township on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. Anyone with information on its owner should contact police at 610-268-2022.

• On Friday, Oct. 21, state police from the Avondale barracks initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Routes 1 and 82 in East Marlborough Township at 1:23 a.m. Police said the driver, Lisa M. Cave, 47, of Kennett Square, was subsequently arrested for DUI.

• State police are investigating an incident of identity theft. Police said someone obtained personal information by unknown means from a Pennsbury Township couple and used it to file a federal income tax return last month. Police said the IRS detected the fraud and prevented the return from being filed.

• A laptop computer was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 300 block of Manor Drive in East Marlborough Township, state police said. Police said the theft occurred on Saturday, Sept 24, while the residents were away.

• State police arrested a Kennett Square man on Tuesday, Nov. 1, for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license. Police said Jorge Villafuerte-Moreno, 36, was stopped at 12:05 p.m. on Hillendale Road at Newark Road in New Garden Township for emissions and inspection.

• On Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2:30 p.m., state police from the Avondale barracks responded to East Cypress Street in Kennett Township for a crash involving an SUV and a bicycle. Police said the bicyclist crossed East Cypress and was struck by the SUV as it swerved to avoid impact. The bicyclist fled the scene, leaving the bike behind. He was described as a white Hispanic male between 18 and 21 years old, who was wearing dark clothing and no protective gear. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 610-268-2022. Police said the bike’s owner should contact them to get the bike back.

• A two-vehicle crash occurred in Pennsbury Township on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 5:22 a.m. State police said Jimi S. Jollie, 20, of Lincoln University, was traveling eastbound on Route 926, just east of Tullamore Street, when he lost control of his 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier on wet roads and crossed into the westbound lane, causing disabling damage as he struck a 2009 Nissan Titan. Although both drivers were wearing seatbelts, they sustained multiple injuries of unknown severity, police said. Both vehicles required towing and Jollie was cited for driving at an unsafe speed, police said.

• A 22-year-old Avondale woman was involved in a one-vehicle crash on Route 926, west of Brintons Bridge Road, at 7:59 a.m. Police said Keiri P. Gonzalez-Moreno was traveling east, applied the brakes, and lost control of her 2005 Nissan Xterra, which crossed the westbound lane and struck a guiderail. Police said the roadway had oil on it from the previous crash. Gonzalez-Moreno was wearing a seatbelt and wasn’t injured, police said.

• On Sunday, Oct. 23, at 7:04 p.m., state police responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Route 1 and McFarlan Drive in Kennett Township. Police said Jesse L. Greenwalt, 26, of Oxford, was traveling eastbound on Route 1 in a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse and failed to slow down for the red light at the intersection, striking a 2008 Ford Expedition driven by Pascual Amado, 27, of Kennett Square, which was stopped. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and escaped injury, but Greenwalt was arrested for DUI and Amado was cited for driving without a license, police said.

• On Tuesday, Nov. 1, sometime between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., a burglary occurred in the 100 block of Ewart Road, said Kennett Township Police. The residence was entered via the front door, which appeared to be kicked in. Personal heirlooms and jewelry were stolen. The case is under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Amanda Wenrich at 610-388-2874 or Amanda.wenrich@kennett.pa.us.

• Kennett Township Police responded to the area of 400 Greenwood Road on Saturday, Nov. 5, for a report of criminal mischief. During the investigation, it was revealed that between the hours of midnight and 9 a.m. on Nov. 5, individuals had thrown multiple eggs at the residence. Police asked that if anyone else experienced a similar incident, they should call the department at 610-388-2874.

• New Garden Township Police arrested Michael Porter Jr., 40, of West Grove, on drug possession charges on Oct. 28, a police report said. Police received a call for an erratic driver on northbound Gap Newport Pike. Police located the vehicle, observed the reported behavior, and initiated a traffic stop in the 8700 block of Gap Newport Pike. However, police said Porter entered the driveway of the Avondale Fire Company and circled the parking lot before stopping. According to the report, Porter was visibly shaking and attempted to distract police from the suspected cocaine residue visible on the vehicle door handle. When Porter was exiting the vehicle, a clear plastic bag was observed stuffed between the fabric and plastic of the driver’s seat. The bag was retrieved and found to contain a white powder consistent with cocaine as well as a six-inch metal pipe. Porter was taken into custody for possession of illegal narcotics and paraphernalia, police said.

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