More than 200 people from the Kennett Square area rode buses, organized by the Kennett Area Democrats, to the Women’s March in Washington, DC, on Saturday, Jan. 21. They joined hundreds of thousands of people who had traveled far and wide, as well as millions more who were participating in similar marches all across the country and around the world, in a demonstration of unity and hope.
The following morning, Kellyanne Conway, President Trump’s close advisor and counselor, said that she “did not get the point.” Well, here’s the point: Millions of us in the United States and around the world are frightened. We fear for our country, our neighbors, ourselves and our future. Here are just a few of our concerns:
The void in our health care system that a repeal of the Affordable Health Care Act will create for millions of people.
The overzealous attack on Planned Parenthood, an organization that does so much good for so many women and their families.
The rise in climate change denial at a time when the scientific evidence is becoming more and more clear.
The degrading, demeaning and bullying that has taken hold in our country toward women, immigrants and people of color.
The embrace of Vladimir Putin, the saber rattling with China and the war of words with our NATO allies.
The list could go on. None of these fears bode well for the next four years. Those of us who marched in Washington were sending a message in a peaceful, elegant, beautiful—and most importantly—democratic way as we exercised our First Amendment rights of freedom of assembly and speech.
This was not a bitter or hateful gathering. The positive energy was palpable, the mutual respect throughout the huge crowd was uplifting and everyone’s determination to move forward, together, as one nation, was clear. Our message:
Don’t take us for granted.
All rights are human rights, irrespective of race, gender or nationality.
Everyone matters.
Hate destroys.
And, as one marcher’s sign said, “Sorry world, we’ll fix this.”
Now comes the important part, not just for Democrats but for all Americans who share our concerns, love our country and want a better future for our children and grandchildren. Democracy works best when a nation’s citizens are engaged. We encourage everyone to get involved. We must stay active. We must be vigilant, vocal and visible.
The march was a beginning not an end. Social media is buzzing with tips for contacting your representatives and senators. Go to http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/UTTD-115.pdf for a complete list of phone numbers. Go to www.VoteSpotter.com to track their voting records.
Become a “Rapid Responder.” Make phone calls, write letters and generally make sure your Senators, Congressman and State Legislators know you are watching, you care and you vote.
At an even higher level of commitment, you might also consider running for local office. The Kennett Area Democrats will provide training and support as needed. Contact us on Facebook, go to www.kennettareademocrats.com or email us at info@kennettareademocrats.com to learn more.
As the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy so eloquently said many years ago, “The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.”
Sally Braffman, Kennett Square Borough
Wayne Braffman, Kennett Square Borough
Bruce Koepcke, East Marlborough Township
Carol Catanese, Pennsbury Township
Victoria Wiedwald, Kennett Township
The formal process is underway to replace Michael Rock on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board. Rock resigned from the board earlier this month, citing a lack of diversity and tolerance toward minorities in the district.
Board members publicly interviewed four people during their Jan. 23 meeting. Those four included Scott Bosch, Robert Smith, Lisa Tascione and Tom Day. All live within Region B of the district. That region includes Birmingham, Pocopson, and Newlin townships.
Bosch is a social studies teacher at Upper Darby High School; Smith is an attorney, Tascione is an optometrist who was also the president of the CF Patton PTO, and Day is a finance executive who is also a Cub Scout leader and a Sunday school teacher.
The board will appoint Rock’s replacement during its Feb. 13 meeting.
Whoever is selected would serve through November of this year, when Rock’s term would have expired. All four told the board they would run for election so they could serve on the board for a full term.
The candidates were interviewed individually, with the others in a separate room, but all four were asked the same questions: could they support a board decision with which they disagreed, what were their thoughts on advocacy, where does the budget reflect too much or too little spending, are there any issues within the district they think warrants the board’s attention, how they network within their respective communities and whether they’ve watched any videos of the board’s meetings.
None of the candidates were critical of the board’s meetings or any of its policies. All said they could support board decisions, even if they disagreed, so long as those decisions did not violate core beliefs and ethics.
All said they were advocates of fiscal responsibility, but none went into specifics on the district’s current budget, except for Smith who said all budgets are collaborative and decided upon with compromise. He added that much of the debate seemed to center upon about 6 percent of spending.
When asked about advocacy, three said a school board director should be an advocate for the students, but Smith went beyond that.
“There are many different kinds of advocacy. There is advocacy for an individual student. If a board member were to advocate for an individual student, that may not be appropriate. If a board member were to advocate for a position, or a policy to be adopted, that’s different,” Smith said.
Smith was the only candidate to bring up the reason for open board seat. He said he was surprised at the reason for Rock’s resignation and that resigning might not have been the best move.
“I was concerned over the reasons why he resigned,” Smith said. “I was concerned because it wasn’t my experience, but we did have a personal experience of bullying.”
Smith went on to say there was a bullying incident involving his son at Pocopson Elementary, a situation that school personnel handled well.
“The response that the school took was not reflective of the comments that were discussed in the resignation,” he said. “It was quite the opposite.”
He said the teachers, school counselor and the principal got involved and agreed to his requests on how to handle things.
“It was so reflexive, the school’s response, that I was surprised at the reason for the resignation…If he felt strongly about it, maybe he should have stayed and tried to make an impact,” Smith said. “The resignation was out of place.”
Day said one of his primary concerns was the overall wellbeing of students, while Bosch and Tascione said they were very interested in learning more about the possibility of a later school start time.
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.
West Chester University’s John H. Baker Gallery will be celebrating a lifetime of encouraging the artistic spirit with the exhibition “Art Spirit and Beyond.” The exhibition will include works by artist Karl Kuerner and 50 other of his more than 500 students from over the past 30 years.
Portrait of artist Karl Kuerner by Lin Tan
“My goal is not to teach, but to let them paint.” Kuerner says that when he looks at a painting, he looks for the reason they painted it, not how they painted it, because it is all about “the passion.” That spirit of encouragement creates an exhilarating classroom experience that carries outside the classroom, lifts an artist’s daily life, and spills over to light the fire for others with an artistic spirit. “Enthusiasm in contagious!” Regarding the daily work of an artist, Karl said, “You are the chiropractor of a painting.. you adjust and adjust and adjust until it feel just right… maybe it never feels finished and that is okay too.”
Kuerner’s history in the Brandywine Valley is well known. His family estate, “The Kuerner Farm” was neighbor to NC Wyeth’s property, and he, his father, and grandfather all maintained close relationships with the Wyeth family.
The farm itself is featured in over 300 paintings by Andrew Wyeth, as well as many others. There is a strong tradition in American art, and in the Brandywine particularly, of artists mentoring and teaching others, of moving the creative passion forward to the next generation. Karl Kuerner was mentored, and encouraged by Carolyn Wyeth, daughter of NC Wyeth, to pursue his art.
I sat down with Karl Kuerner recently to discuss his upcoming exhibition at WCU. He said that the hardest part about pulling together this exhibition was choosing the artists. He feels a strong bond and friendship with most of his hundreds of students, and hated to leave anyone out. The 50 chosen artists have stories to tell, and share a common passion for creating.
He remarked, “We are all students. You will see 50 different teachers here because everyone learns from everyone else. We are always learning!” There is no commonality among his students except the desire to pursue their artist passion. Students come from all over the world, from every imaginable occupation, and every level of artistic expertise from novice to PAFA graduate. The show is called “The Art Spirit and Beyond” in homage to the famous Robert Henri book “Art Spirit” which Karl Kuerner often quotes from.
Karl Kuerner’s class instruction is the polar opposite of atelier classes which have defined methodology and concrete aesthetic goals. Karl’s classes light and stoke a fire, whereas other classes are more concerned with stacking the logs and kindling. In Karl’s classes there is no right or wrong, and he is quoted as saying “You can’t mess up! Ask questions… Don’t be intimidated! Give yourself a chance!” He says that artists go through a journey, “and who knows where it will take them!”
I asked him about selling art and becoming a famous artist, and he looked at me incredulously. “If you are painting just to sell – then good luck…Why would you want to sell something that you have put so much of yourself into?” Many artists, including many of the students in the art show, want to show and sell their work, so is he saying that this is not something to strive for? Karl answered “If you really follow your passion, doors will open for you in the most unorthodox ways.” In other words, it is the passion for creating, or expressing your story that is the goal, and if you are true to that passion, the rest falls into place.
The centerpiece of “Art Spirit and Beyond”, is a painting by Karl Kuerner entitled “Storyteller” which shows sweeping velvet curtains open to a broad smoke-filled stage with six masked actors to either side of the central, masked figure. This central figure has his arms stretched wide, welcoming you in. Karl explains the work simply, “It is Art, Artist.. we are all storytellers. Each has a different mask, with their own story to tell.” When you paint, he continues “you are on stage and you are a different person every time you paint, like the figures in this painting.”
One of his students, Stephen Marvin, explains “Karl’s classes let you explore, discover and enrich your own art identity. Trouble is, once you found it you want to continue to evolve.”
Another featured student, artist Sue Ciccone, is exhibiting “If Trees Could Talk”. Sue writes ” Although I consider myself to be self taught artist, I feel that Karl’s instruction, encouragement and knowledge was invaluable to me. One of the most profound things I learned from him was the importance of every artist painting their own life’s story.”
Her story behind this painting is that while she was driving one day “Suddenly I see this abandoned historical farm and this AMAZING massive, ancient oak tree with the sun shining on it like an ethereal object! I was so overcome I had to pull over. All that I could think about was – judging by the size of this tree and the proximity to the farm, which was now falling in disrepair, this tree had to have lived through so much history! Suddenly the title, “If Trees Could Talk” came to mind “and the story began to unfold from there. After she posted her painting on Facebook, she found that it had been the cherished spot for a wedding day back in the 80’s, and is “The Great Oak” believed to predate the founding of Pennsylvania. All of a sudden her vision, her painting, the tree itself were all connected to art, history and so many people. Each of the 50 paintings from the art students have such great stories to tell!
When you go to the exhibit, try to get in the mindset of Karl. Kuerner and Robert Henri and see the works as journeys of self-expression. Imagine what story the artists are trying to tell, and try not to get too hung up on the style or level the of expertise which is often clearly evidenced as well. This exhibition is a story about a lifetime of encouraging creative passion, in a gallery space dedicated to another brilliant art teacher who has also dedicated his life to encouraging the art spirit. Go from painting to painting, and you will feel the resounding applause throughout the gallery.
The exhibit opens January 23 in the West Chester University’s John H. Baker Gallery and runs through February 24 2017.
Both John Baker and Karl Kuerner will be my radio guest on Living History-Art Watch, Wednesday February 1st from 1-1:30 pm at WCHE AM 1520. Living History-Art Watch is scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 1:30 p.m. with Lele Galer.
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.
In his first day of office, President Trump began to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. As a citizen, a resident of southern Chester County, and a leader of a non-profit providing health care to the underserved, I must speak out.
I grew up in a hardworking family where my parents owned a small business. They were never able to afford health insurance for our family of 12. The mantra in our home was “never get sick.” A doctor’s visit was never in the family budget, and a hospitalization was the difference between solvency and bankruptcy. Health insurance is not a privilege — it’s a necessity for working class families to pull themselves out of poverty.
When people lack health coverage, disaster awaits. Medical bills are the top cause of bankruptcy nationally. Medical issues and health conditions, left untreated, worsen and leave people unable to work and support themselves and their families. When people lack insurance, they are forced to visit emergency rooms, causing overcrowding and a financial burden on hospitals.
People with insurance are healthier and more financially stable, and they are also able to contribute to the cost of their own care. Without reliable reimbursement from insurance providers, hospitals and doctor’s offices cannot afford to care for people. A strong foundation of affordable insurance for all is the backbone for a healthy nation and a healthy economy.
Federally Qualified Health Centers such as La Comunidad Hispana provide an important safety net so that uninsured and underinsured families have a place to go for primary health care that can prevent more serious problems. Many of our patients rely on the ACA for coverage, and that coverage enables them to access medication for diabetes and other serious health conditions. I hold out hope that our leaders understand the powerful importance of affordable coverage on our nation’s health.
Alisa M. Jones, President and CEO
La Comunidad Hispana
Kennett Square
RoseMarie Brizek, 85, of Lincoln University,died Sunday, Jan. 22, at her home surrounded by her family.
RoseMarie Brizek
Born Dec. 7, 1931 in Catasauqua, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Alice (Forner) Zernhelt. She and her family moved to West Hazelton in 1945, where she resided until 1949.
RoseMarie became a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, Reading, Pa. in 1952, and she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital for over 30 years. She also spent several years as a visiting nurse in Reading. She married the late John C. Brizek of Kenhorst in 1960. They were married for 20 years until his death in 1981.
She lived in Kenhorst, until 2006, when she moved to live with her eldest daughter and family in New London (Lincoln University).
RoseMarie appreciated the importance of family and friends, and she enjoyed simple pleasures such as lively conversations with her youngest daughter, bird watching and pruning her rose bushes. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren.
RoseMarie is survived by two daughters: Caroline Lyons (husband Jeffrey), and RoseAnne Horan (husband David), and five grandchildren: Margaret, James, Patrick, Jordan, and Jason.
She was predeceased by one sister, MaryAnn, and three brothers: Theodore Jr., Donald, and Francis.
You are invited to visit with RoseMarie’s family and friends from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 300 State Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately in Reading. Contributions in her memory may be made to Family Promise of Southern Chester County 105 West Evergreen St PO Box 326 West Grove, PA 19390. Arrangements are by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 610-444-4116 of Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com
Lois Hoopes Scott, 74, of Kennett Square, died Friday, Jan. 20, at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester. She was the wife of Theodore H. Scott, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.
Lois Hoopes Scott
Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Hoopes and the late Blanche (Rayner) Cooper and step daughter of the late Franklin M. Cooper.
Lois was a 1960 graduate of Kennett High School.
She was an office manager for Gawthrop Oil Co. in Kennett Square, retiring in 1995.
She was a member and Worthy Matron of the Easter Star of Kennett Square and Cochranville chapters.
She enjoyed trips to Europe, especially Italy. Most importantly she loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Survivors include in addition to her husband Ted, one son, Jeffrey W. Scott of Oxford; one daughter, Lori S. Neaves (James) of Port Orange, Fla.; a stepsister, Kay L. Cooper of Kennett Square and four grandchildren, James R. Neaves III, Brittany Taylor Scott, Nicole Marie Scott and Michael Jeffrey Scott. She was predeceased by a step-brother Robert Y. Cooper of Florida.
You are invited to visit with Lois’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan., 28 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) 250 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. A service celebrating her life will follow at 11. Interment will be in New Garden Friends Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Kennett Area Community Service or KACS PO Box 1025 Kennett Square PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com.
