Even the students – who had a perfect record as election prognosticators – got it wrong this time.
St. Agnes School students gather at the historic courthouse in West Chester to kick off the 2016 Chester County Kids Voting USA project.
Since its inception in 1996, students in Chester County who participated in Kids Voting USA have accurately predicted the presidential winners. That winning streak ended this year, however, with students aligning their presidential picks with the voters of Chester County and selecting Hillary Clinton, a choice that did not reflect the national outcome, according to a press release from the Chester County Intermediate Unit, which runs the initiative locally.
The votes have all been tallied and, for the first time in six elections, Chester County students from 41 schools have inaccurately predicted the next president. Fifty-six percent of the student vote went to Hillary Clinton. Thirty-two percent of students cast their ballot for Donald Trump; and Libertarian Gary Johnson and Green Party candidate Jill Stein received six percent and five percent of the student vote, respectively, the release said.
According to Jennifer Shealy, Chester County Intermediate (CCIU) special events coordinator, as part of the project, students studied the candidates and issues of the campaign leading up to Election Day.
“In addition to classroom preparation, parents were encouraged to spend time with their children discussing candidates and issues, as well as gather information from media outlets,” said Shealy in the release. “After the research portion of the project was complete, students took part in a voting experience using a ballot that mirrors that of the actual election ballot with the same candidates and issues.”
Each of the participating schools had the ability to take varying approaches to integrating the Kids Voting project into their school.
Chester County students were invited to vote online for their federal, state and local candidates from Nov. 1 through Nov. 8. The purpose of this “practice” voting is to dispel the mysteries of the voting process and reinforce the knowledge and skills gained through Kids Voting classroom activities.
“Kids Voting provides students the opportunity to be involved with and understand the voting process a bit more,” said Shealy in the release. “Some parents take their children to the voting booth with them, which is a wonderful way to model citizenship. Having the opportunity to vote in school provides the experience for all children.”
Kids Voting USA is a national network of community-based affiliates that partner with schools and election officials to offer students in kindergarten through grade 12 a wide range of opportunities for civic learning, including classroom instruction, and an authentic voting experience.
An environmental advocacy group is inviting the public to join a discussion on the impact of the 2016 state and national elections on Pennsylvania’s environment at a special forum on Thursday, Nov. 17.
The President-elect, as well as new leadership at the state and national levels, will have far-reaching impacts on policies that affect climate change, natural gas drilling, drinking water, and public lands, said a press release from PennFutures.
The Harrisburg-based organization believes that established state and federal environmental protections are imperiled and that Pennsylvania needs to reassess its capacity to uphold citizens’ rights to a clean and safe environment.
PennFuture’s Post-Election Forum will offer an important opportunity to hear from and engage with top state and national environmental leaders and policymakers as they review the results of this historic election as well as the challenges and opportunities that emerged from it.
The speakers will include Sen. Robert Casey Jr., former Pennsylvania Secretary of Planning and Policy John Hanger, former Pennsylvania DEP Secretary John Quigley, president of the League of Conservation Voters Gene Karpinski, State Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky, former state DEP Secretary Jim Seif, and former EPA Region 3 Administrator Donald Welsh.
The event is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested; to do so, click here.
The forum will be held at the headquarters of WHYY, Independence Mall West, 150 N. Sixth Street in Philadelphia, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
U.S. military veterans salute the colors during the annual Veterans’ Day ceremony in Concord Township, on Sunday, Nov. 6. During the ceremony, retired Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan Van Wyk said all who serve in the military make a difference in the world.
• The Kennett Area Senior Center offers Medicare counseling on Thursdays. For the annual open enrollment period, KASC is offering assistance on Nov. 10 and Dec. 1.
Music on the Brandywine, Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• The Brandywine River Museum of Art is offering Music on the Brandywine, Thursday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Romie de Guise–Langlois, clarinet, and Andrea Lam, piano, are both extremely accomplished artists and former winners of Astral’s National Auditions. Praised as “extraordinary” and “a formidable clarinetist” by The New York Times, de Guise-Langlois has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician on major concert stages throughout the world. She won Astral Artists’ 2011 National Auditions and was awarded first prize in the 2009 Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Competition. Pronounced a “real talent” by the Wall Street Journal, Lam is earning consistent acclaim as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician for her “great style and thrilling virtuosity” at the piano. Reserve tickets now online or by calling 610-388-8112. Prices are $20 for members, $25 for non members and $10 for students. The museum and galleries will open at 6 p.m. Cash bar and small plates will be available for purchase.
Lucie Dionne and Cass Ledyard star as Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko in Upland’s production of Grease this week.
• It’s time to rock, roll and shake. Upland Country Day School presents the 50’s rock and roll musical “Grease,” this Thursday and Friday, Nov. 10 and 11 with a curtain time of 7 p.m. The cast and crew are ready to take you back in time to the ‘50s with the T-birds, Pink Ladies and the rest of the crew from Rydell High. This is a school version so it’s a family fun show. Tickets are available at the door for $5. It’s sure to be a greased-lightening good time.The Upland Theater is located at 420 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 610-444-3035, www.uplandcds.org
• The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open. LIHEAP can assist low-income families with paying their heating bills by sending a cash grant directly to the utility company. A crisis grant exists for households in immediate danger of being without heat. To apply online, visit https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/public/cmphome. Residents can also download an application for LIHEAP benefits and return it to the Chester County Assistance Office at 100 James Buchanan Drive in Thorndale . Anyone with questions should call the office at 610-466-1000.
• Because not all job seekers have the same needs or face the same barriers, Chester County is utilizing Platform to Employment to assist the long-term unemployed. The foundation of Platform to Employment, a national model, is a five-week preparatory program for job seekers which includes skills assessments, career readiness workshops, employee assistance programs and more. Upon completion, P2E helps participants find open positions at local companies and offers a trial work experience. For more information, visit http://www.platformtoemployment.com.
Brandywine River Museum of Art Associate Curator Amanda C. Burdan will discuss landscape painting in the exhibition, “Rural Modern: American Art Beyond the City” on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
• Associate Curator Amanda C. Burdan will discuss landscape painting in the exhibition, “Rural Modern: American Art Beyond the City” at the Brandywine River Museum of Art on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The exhibit, which runs through Jan. 22, explores the adaptation of modernist styles to subject matter associated with the American countryside. The talk, which is free with museum admission, will be held from 2 to 3 p.m.
• The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving on Tuesday, Nov. 29, that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Donations support CCFWG’s award winning program that provides high-school girls living in Chester County with the opportunity to learn about the deep and varied needs in their communities while engaging in strategic grant-making. Anyone interested in joining the Chester County Fund for Women and Girl’s #GivingTuesday initiative can email katherine@ccfwg.org or visit https://www.facebook.com/ChescoFundForWomenAndGirls.
• Cradles to Crayons®, a nonprofit organization that provides children, from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive, is pleased to announce it is joining forces with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Fox & Roach and The Trident Group. The real estate brokerage franchise network will support Cradles to Crayons’ effort to help children keep warm this winter. Cradles to Crayons and BHHS Fox & Roach/Trident are teaming up for Cradles to Crayons’ Gear Up For Winter initiative, the nonprofit’s winter program which aims to deliver the essentials to children in need to keep them safe and warm during the year’s harshest season. To do so, all 65 of (BHHS) Fox & Roach/Trident offices across the Tri-State area will be collecting new and gently used items now through Dec. 1. Items to be collected include children’s winter clothes (sizes infant- 14/16, adult smalls), winter coats (sizes infant- 14/16, adult smalls), new socks and underwear, shoes and winter boots (sizes infant- adult 9.5), and hats and gloves.
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, Nov. 14. 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.
Craig
CRAIG
Hi, my name is Craig and I am a handsome, distinguished terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m a kind, friendly dog who loves the attention of people. I walk well on a leash so I am all ready to go on daily walks with you. I’m also a good listener; I mean, come on, look at my ears. I’m dog friendly too, so bring your pooch in to meet me. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I’m ready to meet you and find my new family, so come on in.
Diamond
DIAMOND
Hi, my name is Diamond. I am a 3-year-old terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray over the summer. Let me tell you, I am one awesome, smart dog! I already know sit, down and rollover, and am working on shake and crawl. I can be the entertainment at your holiday party. I love kids and dogs, so bring yours in to meet me. I am spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Remember, they said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and that is certainly true for me.
Sherri
SHERRI
Hi, my name is Sherri and I am a 3-year-old terrier mix who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I’m a friendly girl with a unique look that will make everyone take a second glance. I hope on that second look you decide you just have to meet me. From there, I will charm you with my sweet personality and good manners. I am spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I can’t wait to find a family of my own, so please come meet me.
Daisy
DAISY
Hello there! My name is Daisy, and I am a beautiful 6-year-old grey dilute tortie who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray. I came in after being hit by a car, and my left hind leg was broken and I needed several surgeries and now I am on the mend and have adapted to walking on three legs quite well. I am looking for a home where my family allows me time, patience and understanding as I adjust to my disability. Though my road hasn’t been an easy one, I continue to have a gentle nature. A quiet home would be ideal, with plenty of TLC. I’m spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations and am just waiting for that special adopter to walk in and fall in love.
Dana
DANA
Hi, Dana here. I’m a 2-year-old mackerel tabby with gorgeous green eyes who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray in September. I went into foster care with my kittens, where I was absolutely adored by my foster family. I’m a lap cat who loves to be petted and groomed. I’m very affectionate, thrive on attention and would be a wonderful family pet. So what are you waiting for? I’m spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations and ready to go home.
Damien
DAMIEN
Hi. My name is Damien, and I am a striking male tabby who arrived at the Brandywine Valley SPCA as a stray in September. I’m a strong willed and independent guy who loves attention. I am neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. I’m looking for my forever home, so please come meet me.
