February 15, 2017

Leon R. Spencer, Jr. named Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Leon Spencer crop — Leon R. Spencer, Jr. (center) is the SCCCC’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Spencer poses with past recipients David Haradon (left) and Joan Holliday (right) at the Technical College High School in West Grove where Spencer is the School to Careers Specialist.

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has named Leon R. Spencer, Jr. its 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will honor Spencer at its 50th Annual Dinner on Friday, March 24, at Longwood Gardens at 6:30 pm. In the picturesque setting of Longwood’s Conservatory, the annual dinner attracts business and community leaders for an evening of live entertainment, dinner, dancing and silent auction. Tickets are $175, with sponsorship opportunities available. To purchase tickets and to learn more, visit www.scccc.com.

A highlight of the Annual Dinner is the presentation of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award recognizes individuals who unselfishly contribute to the community’s quality of life and display exemplary volunteer efforts demonstrating vision, leadership, and citizenship that positively impact the Southern Chester County community. This year, the Chamber will honor Leon R. Spencer, Jr. as its 2016 Citizen of the Year for his decades of service to the community.

“I am surrounded by so many incredibly wonderful people! Service to them is the greatest way I can honor the One who made me. Thanks be to God,” Spencer shared on the day he was told of his selection for the prestigious award.

“Leon Spencer, Jr. is an exemplary example of community service,” said Cheryl Kuhn, President of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. “His tireless work in our community and his ability and desire to bring people together to work toward a common goal is truly outstanding. We are proud to select him as this year’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year award recipient and look forward to honoring him at our 50th Annual Dinner.”

Leon Spencer, Jr. is a graduate of Kennett High School. He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Muskingum College (University) in New Concord, Ohio and attended Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey for graduate coursework in choral conducting, Renaissance music, and vocal pedagogy. He was a public school music teacher and church music director in central Ohio and served on the boards for the Council of Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and Kiwanis Club, all in Licking County.

Spencer returned to Chester County in 1991 and soon became a member of the board for the Kennett Consolidated School District where he served as vice president and was president of the board for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. He was supervisor for the Chester County Head Start program. He was also the mayor of the Borough of Kennett Square from 1999 to 2010, served as Vice President of the Borough Council, and served as vice president of the Chester County School Authority (CSSA) and served on the boards for the Chester County Regional Educational Service (CCRES), the Kennett Boys Choir and Kendal/Crosslands Communities.

Currently, Spencer is the School To Careers Specialist for the Technical College High School, Pennock’s Bridge campus, in West Grove. A co-founder of Pro Musica Studio (1995), he is a vocal instructor and an active performing musician. In addition to being a solo performer, he is bassist/vocalist for the ensemble known as SydeTwo and is lead vocalist for the R&B band Goodfoot.

The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award has been presented annually since 1968. Past recipients of this prestigious award include: 2005 Kathleen Lafferty, 2006 Doris Haley, 2007 Eva Verplanck, 2008 James T. Horn, 2009 Michael R. Walker, 2010 Janice Taylor, 2011 Terence Farrell, 2012 Stacie A. Kucera, 2013 Ken Goddu; 2014 Joan Holliday; and 2015 David Haradon.

About Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, the region’s leading business member organization, is dedicated to the growth and development of its members by providing opportunities to connect businesses and support sustainable economic development. Founded in 1929 in Kennett Square, PA, the Chamber’s nearly 400 member businesses consist of influential business leaders and professionals, not-for-profits, institutions, legislative leaders, and more. The Chamber hosts more than 70 events and programs each year in the Southern Chester County region. To join or learn more about the Chamber, visit www.scccc.com.

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Op/Ed: After the Bell growing stronger

Opinion

5000th Student Group — Op/Ed: After the Bell growing stronger

It was a wonderful week at After-The-Bell as we celebrated welcoming our 5,000^th student into our unique after-school program. In honor of the mission of our founders, no child or family has ever had to pay for the structured and meaningful activities we offer.

When John and Denise Wood and Marshall Newton created the Kennett After-School Association back in 1998, they envisioned a program where adolescents would have a safe place to go after school. As members of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, they had reviewed the results of a Church-sponsored study that indicated that adolescents, who were often home alone after school, were particularly vulnerable to exploitation and the consequences of risk behaviors.

With the strong support of the Kennett Consolidated School District, KASA established a vibrant after-school program to be made available to all middle-school aged children residing in the school district, at no cost to families or taxpayers. The use of Kennett Middle School for the program was provided as an in kind donation from the district. Through the years, After-the-Bell — so named by one of the program’s first students—has provided thousands of adolescents with an extraordinary array of opportunities that have included activities in science, reading, writing, music, art, sports, cooking, and community service.

All funding for the program comes from generous area foundations, organizations, businesses and individuals. And all activities are facilitated by up to 200 dedicated and caring volunteers each year. The program has experienced an unprecedented 25 percent increase in its student population, beginning last year. So far in 2016-17, 334 students have enrolled in the program.

In a ceremony, appropriately held on Valentine’s Day, we expressed our love and appreciation for all of the amazing organizations and individuals that made this possible. Each student currently enrolled in After-The-Bell received a t-shirt commemorating this milestone. We are grateful to the Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania for sponsoring this event and supplying our students with the t-shirts.

And we look forward to welcoming the next 5,000 students.

Kathleen Meehan Do, Executive Director
Kennett After-School Association/After-The-Bell

** The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of Chadds Ford Live. We welcome opposing viewpoints. Readers may comment in the comments section or they may submit a Letter to the Editor to: editor@chaddsfordlive.com

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Richard Wayne Bunch of Avondale

Obituaries

Richard Wayne Bunch, 74, of Avondale, died Monday, Feb. 13, at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove. He was the husband of Helen Taraborelli, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage.

Born in Hickman County, Ky., he was the son of the late Aubrey and the late Rosa Belle Bunch. “Wayne” served our country during the Vietnam War in the Navy aboard the USS Shangri-La.

He was a field engineer for IBM and later, Kodak Company. In recent years he worked for Gourmet Delights Mushroom Co. in Avondale.

He volunteered at Assumption BVM Parish and School and Meals on Wheels.

Survivors include in addition to his wife Helen, five daughters, Laura Chambers (Michael), Linda Bunch (Tim), Lisa Koza (Steve), Leslie Edwards (John) Lenora Sturtevant (Doug); one sister, Hattie Emrich; Four brothers, Dennis Bunch, Wade Bunch, Clyde Bunch and Jerry Bunch and nine grandchildren, Ethan, Noah, Madison, Ben, Aidan, Caleb, Emily, Zachary and Michael.

He was predeceased by three brothers, George, Meredith and Billy.

You are invited to visit with Wayne’s family and friends from 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Kuzo and Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) 250 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348 and from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.mn. on Friday, Feb. 17, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church 300 State Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. His Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:45 p.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to: The Heart and Vascular Institute, Attn: Adrienne Rose, 600 N Wolfe Street, Blalock Building, 536 Baltimore MD 21287. In the memo list “To support the work of Dr. Zakaria in Cardiology at Johns Hopkins. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family please visit www.griecocares.com

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Mildred E. Lane Brackin of Landenberg

Obituaries

Mildred E. Lane Brackin, 92, of Landenberg, died Monday, Feb. 13, at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She was the wife of the late Robert Edwin Brackin who died in 2010 and with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in New London, she was a daughter of the late Tyra and the late Carrie Carson Lane.

She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1942 and attended Goldey Beacom Business School in Wilmington. She loved antiquing, and was a member of the New London Antique Club. She was a member of the Kemblesville PTA and the Ladies Auxiliary for the old West Grove Hospital.

Survivors include two daughters, Eloise Russell of Phoenixville, and Nancy K. Waugh (Dennis) of New London; two sons, Richard L. Brackin (Linda) of Landenberg, and David J. Brackin (Joan) of New London; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, Robert and Ray; four brothers and one sister.

You are invited to visit with Mildred’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the New London Presbyterian Church (Route 896), 1986 Newark Rd, Lincoln University, PA 19352. A funeral service celebrating her life will follow at 11. Interment will be in the adjoining Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to West Grove Fire Company, PO Box 201 West Grove, PA 19390 or to the Christian Life Center 125 Saginaw Rd, New London Township, PA 19352. Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-869-2685) of West Grove. To view her online tribute, please visit www.griecocares.com

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Elizabeth Christie of Coatesville

Obituaries

Elizabeth Christie, 87, of Coatesville, died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at the Friends Home. She was the wife of John “Jock” Christie who died in 2007, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.

Born in Brechin, Scotland, she was the daughter of the late Alexander McNicoll Ritchie and the lateElizabeth Cuthill Ritchie.

She was a domestic, working for Sir John Thouron for many years.

Mrs. Christie was a long time member of Manor Presbyterian Church, and the Fernwood Grange.

She enjoyed baking, sewing and being with her family and friends. She was an accomplished knitter and as a member of the Grange, she donated many knit items such as sweaters and baby caps for the needy.

She is survived by two sons, John A. Christie and his wife Cathy of Coatesville, and Alan D. Christie and his wife Cheryl of Westville, N.J.; five grandchildren, Sara, Margaret, Ryan, Nicole and Stephanie and three great grandchildren, Sophia, Emily and Oliver.

She was predeceased by one brother, Alexander “Sandy” Ritchie.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, at Manor Presbyterian Church, 505 Street Road (Route 926) in Cochranville. Her Funeral service will follow at 11. Burial will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery, Route 926 in Cochranville.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Canine Partners for Life, P.O. Box 170, Cochranville, PA 19330, or to the Octorara Food Cupboard, P.O. Box 424, Parkesburg, PA 19365

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

Arrangements by the Foulk Grieco Funeral Home, West Grove.

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UHS Sports Shorts Feb. 15

School & Education

• The UHS junior varsity boys ice hockey team won their first playoff game on Sunday night defeating Springfield 5 to 3. Philip Doucette started the scoring and Tait Mott and Ben Brucker added two goals each. Assists were made by Ben Brucker, Jake Petrillo and Philip Doucette.

• The UHS girls varsity ice hockey team shutout Garnet Valley on Friday night with a final score of 10-0. Defense kept their opponent out of the scoring zone while offense controlled the puck at the net. Claire Donovan, Madison Doucette, Sierra Dycio, Jordan Hower and Madison Miles scored for the team. Assists came from Madison Miles, Jordan Hower, Allie Ward, Madison Doucette, Nina Impagliazzo, Anna Nolan and Claire Donavan. The team has a short break before they play their final regular season game and then begin playoffs. Senior players Sierra Dycio, Mackenzie Myers and Allie Ward will be recognized on Friday, Feb. 24 when the team takes on Lansdale Catholic at 6:45 p.m. at the Barn.

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Upland Country, Finland celebrate cultural exchange

School & Education

Finland and Chadds Ford will reinforce an ever-growing bond next week as a group of Finnish students, coaches and administrators visit Upland Country Day School to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a cultural exchange program between Upland and Turku, Finland.

The celebration marks a sharing of two passions that transcend language: ice hockey and dance. More than 75 Finns will cross the Atlantic to celebrate.

The group hails from Turku, a medium-sized Finnish city about 4,200 miles away. The boys’ hockey team is a group of all-star players from TPS Turku. Former Flyer Kimmo Timonen began his career with TPS Turku.

TPS will play with teams from Chester County to Connecticut beginning with a game with Upland’s Varsity Hockey team on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the John M. Cleveland Rink. The game is open to the community.

The girls’ dance group from Lahjan Tytot will perform the show they compete with across Europe – a dance interpretation of Disney’s “Frozen.” They will perform at Upland and at venues across Chester County. The Upland performance is Wednesday, February 22 at 2:15 p.m. in The Barn Theater at Upland. It is open to the public and there no is charge.

The group also will spend the week traveling the area, staying with Upland families and celebrating 40 years of friendship, learning, cultural exchange and goodwill.

What began with an ice hockey tournament in 1977 has developed into a long-standing relationship. Each year, two to four Finns spend their ninth grade year at Upland, living with host families and attending classes. Each spring a group of Upland students travel to Finland.

Turku is quite different from Upland’s hometown of Kennett Square and coming to the United States is not without culture shock for the Finnish students. They discover American houses are a lot bigger than those in their homeland, but that most have no sauna. Instead of hopping on a bus to get around, they must be driven everywhere by parents. Their new school is not in a bustling city but surrounded by cornfields and acres of open land with grazing horses.

The Finnish students also are expected to do what all Upland ninth graders do, develop into leaders. In addition to academics, they play sports all three seasons, perform in a play and lead a school assembly. In such a small school setting, each student has a role and can make a difference.

“We believe that ours is the first middle school exchange of its type, dating back 40 years now,” said Andy Morris, Upland’s director of athletic and international program. “It has been a transformative experience for everyone involved.”

The program began with ice hockey as a vehicle for youth from Kennett/Unionville and Finland to establish friendship and experience another culture where language is a barrier.

Since the program began, more than 90 Finnish students have spent their ninth grade year at Upland Country Day School and more than 600 Upland students have traveled to Finland to participate in sports and experience culture near the Arctic Circle. In March, Upland’s eighth- and ninth-grade boys will be traveling to Finland and Germany in March.

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Yvonne M. Kucera of West Chester

Obituaries

Yvonne M. Kucera (nee Marcia), 80, of West Chester, died of pneumonia on Feb. 12.

Born on Oct. 20 in 1936 in Birmingham, Ala., she was the daughter of the late Hubert and Iva Lee Marcia.

She was the beloved wife of Daniel R. Kucera; loving mother of Kathleen Husband (Richard), Laura Kang (Thomas) and Gregory Kucera (Janet); loving grandmother of Linda Kang, Melissa Kang and Anastasia Kucera; dear sister of Carolyn Krhovjak and Kay Ellis.

When Yvonne was in her teens, her family moved to Ennis, Texas where she met her future husband Dan. They attended St John Catholic High School together. Yvonne attended the University of Dallas and proceeded to get her masters in psychology from St Louis University. She and Dan married on Dec. 28, 1963. Yvonne was a psychology analyst in Abilene, Texas and later used her education skills to tutor at various elementary schools.

Yvonne was a faithful member of St Agnes Church in West Chester. She was an avid mystery reader, Star Trek fan, and crossword puzzle expert. She loved the beach and was known for her luck on the slot machines. She loved to watch the birds and other animals that visited their backyard during all seasons. She was devoted to her family and very supportive of all their endeavors. She especially loved Christmas and made it a special time of year for everyone around her. She was known for her beautiful smile, and was beloved by all who knew her, a role model in strength and kindness.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay Street in West Chester, followed by her funeral mass at 10. Interment Washington Crossing Cemetery in Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to The Salvation Army, 101 East Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382 or to a Charity of the Donor’s Choice.

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Police Log Feb. 15: DUIs, drug possession

Police

• According to state police, a 20-year-old man from Garnet Valley was arrested for drug possession on Feb. 10. A report said Ian Frank Murphy was arrested at 11:57 p.m. when police investigated the report of a suspicious vehicle in a rear parking lot on Braxton Way in Concord Township. The report said Murphy was in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

• Police are investigating the theft of liquor from the Wine and Spirits shop on Route 202 in Chadds Ford Township. Police said the unknown suspect took a $28 bottle of Crown Royal Apple

• Donald Swadey, 57, of Claymont, was involved in what police are calling a one-car DUI accident. A report from Troop K, media barracks, said police responded to the accident on Route 202 near Springwater plaza shortly after 6 p.m. on Feb. 12. Swadey had lost control of his vehicle and struck a telephone pole, police said.

• State police from the Media barracks said Andre Dacar Grant, 21, of Philadelphia, faces several charges ranging from DUI to marijuana possession with the intent to distribute. A report said Grant was stopped for traffic violations on Conchester Highway in Concord Township at 10:51 a.m. on Jan. 16. A search of the vehicle revealed the marijuana and that Grant’s driver’s license was suspended.

• Tyler Christian Tarlecki, of Chadds Ford, was arrested for drug possession after a traffic stop on Brinton’s Bridge Road near Faucett Drive in Chadds Ford, police said. The arrest was made at 1:01 a.m. on Jan. 24.

• State police from the Avondale barracks said Kim L. Gordy, 57, of Newark, was driving under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances when the vehicle he was driving struck a bridge on Marshall Bridge Road in Kennett Township at 3:17 a.m. on Jan. 29. Gordy was not injured, according to the report, but does face criminal charges.

• Daniel M. Sutton, 37, of West Chester, was cited following a 5:51 a.m. accident in Pocopson Township on Dec. 29, according to state police. A report said Sutton crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck an elevated portion of metal train track on Wawaset Road near Bridge Road. The vehicle, a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, became inoperable. Sutton left it in the middle of the road, failed to notify police of the crash and fled the scene after getting alternative transportation, the police report said.

• An unidentified motorist fled the scene of an accident on Baltimore Pike in New Garden Township on Dec. 23. State police said the driver struck another vehicle from behind near Chambers Road, had a brief interaction with the other driver, and then drove away. The accident happened at 1:35 p.m.

• Elizabeth Lamotte Clark, 64, of West Grove, was charged with DUI according to a state police report. Police said Clark was involved in a one-vehicle crash on Street Road near Stroud Lane in West Marlborough at 10:52 a.m. on Dec. 23.

• Southern Chester County Regional Police said Robert Eller, 36, of Avondale, was arrested on a variety of charges including simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. According to a report, an argument ensued between Eller and an unidentified woman at Eller’s home. He allegedly grabbed the victim by her neck throwing her over the hood of her vehicle. While on the ground Eller kicked the victim several times in the chest and leg area while spitting on her, police said. When the victim threatened to call the police, Eller became angry and broke herb phone. Eller then fled the scene, but was found. The incident happened 1 a.m. on Jan. 30. Judge Seavey of Magisterial District Court set bail at 10 percent of $7,500, which Eller was able to post.