As the sun began to set on Ramsey’s Farm on Saturday, March 4, the organizers of the bonfire for Beaver Valley gathered atop the hill and worried as the thermometer began its descent to a low of 20 degrees in Wilmington and 16 degrees in Chadds Ford with a stiff wind from the west. Promptly at 5:00 p.m., however, a steady stream of cars began turning into the Ramsey’s Farm Lane and ascending the hill. By the end of the evening 420 supporters came out, not counting children under six who were free and numerous, raising over $10,000 to save Beaver Valley from development.
“Those who want to save Beaver Valley are nothing if not passionate and numerous,” said Jason Hoover, one of the founders of Save the Valley. “With the contributions received at the bonfire, we have now received contributions from over 900 individuals in the first seven weeks of our campaign putting us within sight of our first goal of 1,000 contributors,” Hoover continued. “They’ve been through a lot,” he added; “cold and wind won’t stop them.”
People gather to “Save the Valley” from development
The bonfire was held at Ramsey’s Farm, 500 Ramsey Road, Wilmington, Delaware. It is one of a number of events scheduled to help in the fundraising efforts, led by the Brandywine Conservancy, to purchase 240 acres of Beaver Valley land that lies in Concord Township along the northeast border of the National Historical Park. To date almost $2.5m has been raised toward the $8m goal to complete the purchase later this spring. This includes close to $100,000 in direct donations from over 500 members of the community. Significant discussions with key donors are in progress to help meet the total goal. In addition to the Brandywine Conservancy, Mt. Cuba Center, Concord Township, The Conservation Fund, and Delaware County, PA, are among the institutions supporting the effort.
Another bonfire event, which will include hayrides, is being planned for the spring at Ramsey’s Farm. Further details to be announced in the coming weeks. The sponsors promise warmer weather. As Hoover put it, “if you survived the winter version, you’ll thrive on the spring one!”
Kim E. Osborne Thompson, 53, of Downingtown, died Monday, March 6, at her home.
Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of James J. and Ann E. (Millard) Osborne.
Kim was a 1981 graduate of Kennett High School. She was a licensed practical nurse specializing in disabled pediatrics. She was a diehard Eagles fan and never missed watching a game. She loved her family and friends and her dog Katie.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her beloved son Matthew J. Osborne of Downingtown; one brother, James Osborne and his wife Shirley of Lewes Del.; one sister, Sandi Seiler and her husband Bill of Garnet Valley, and four grandchildren, Dominic, Devin, Dylan and Dawson.
You are invited to visit with Kim’s family and friends from 10-11 a.m.Saturday March 11, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) 250 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at 11. Interment will be held privately. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visitwww.griecocares.com
Rock out to music, excitement and artistry as 22 of the finest indoor percussion ensembles from three states compete at the Mid-Atlantic Percussion Society Competition at Unionville High School on Saturday, March 11, from 3 to 10 p.m.
Unionville High School Drum Line
Performing groups will use a broad array of percussion instruments including drums, cymbals, marimbas and sophisticated electronic effects to present their dramatic shows. They are judged on marching and concert criteria with judges evaluating each group’s creativity, expression, performance quality and technical excellence.
The event is hosted by Unionville High School, whose Indoor Drum Line and Indoor Color Guard will perform their award-winning 2017 shows, “The Drought” and “The Lair.” The United Percussion of Voorhees, N.J., an indoor percussion ensemble that has been a Winter Guard International World Finalist for the past 14 years, will also perform.
The units facing off in competition will be from the following high schools and independent guard groups: Rustin, Highland, Methacton, North Penn, Hempfield, Abington, Coatesville, Williamstown, Owen J. Roberts, Ridley, Southern Regional, Bayonne, Bensalem, Downingtown, Hopewell Valley, Upper Moreland, Upper Darby, Cab Calloway, Old Bridge, Spring-Ford and Pennsauken.
Tickets are $10 at the door and an extensive food menu will be available. More information regarding the schedule can be found at www.mapsdrumlines.org
Artist Alyce Grunt paints her impression of the swamp area behind Hank’s Place. Grunt took part in the Chadds Ford Historical Society's Plein Air fundraiser.
Radley Run’s annual art show opens this Friday, March 10.
• On Friday, March 10, and Saturday, March 11, Radley Run will hold its eighth annual art show. This year the show will benefit Community Volunteers in Medicine and the Chester County Art Association. On Friday evening, Radley Run is donating the use of the space and will provide complimentary hor’s d’ oeuvres and there will be a cash bar available. The event will begin Friday at 6 p.m. and run through 10 p.m. with live music. On Saturday, the event will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with a silent auction of donated artwork which will end at 1:30 p.m. Thirty percent of all sales, excepting the silent auction, will be donated to the two charities, less any expenses. One hundred percent of the silent auction will go to the charities..m.
• Brandywine Battlefield Park celebrates Charter Day on Sunday, March 12, from noon to 4 p.m. The free event features the reopening of the Gideon Gilpin House, a lecture by Alexander Hamilton, portrayed by Gene Pisasale, continental soldiers from 1st Delaware Regiment and 9th PA Light Infantry, historical demonstrations by period interpreters, self-guided tours of Washington’s Headquarters and hourly guided tours of the Gideon Gilpin House.
• Unionville High School presents “Mary Poppins,” with performances on March 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. Mary Poppins takes children on many magical and memorable adventures, but even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.” Go to www.showtix4u.com for tickets at $12. Tickets at the door are $14 adults/$12 students and senior citizen.
• The Penn State Extension Chester County Master Gardeners will be hosting a spring a workshop on how to successfully cultivate an abundance of herbs, tomatoes and figs. Attendees will learn strategies on selecting and growing varieties of these popular crops that can deal with our shifting growing season parameters. The workshop will take place Sunday, March 19, from 1 – 3:30 p.m. at the East Bradford Township Building 666 Copeland Road, West Chester PA 19380. Cost is $10.00 per attendee. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged. To register please send an email with your name to exa108@psu.edu with the subject line: Fun, Fantastic and Fruitful Workshop.
• The annual Art Sale and Show at Chadds Ford Elementary School is Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25. Friday night’s opening reception is for adults only and runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, which is family-friendly, runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s featured artist is Len Garon, and the donating artist is Jacalyn Beam. Special events on Saturday include art tours, children’s art workshops and a conversation with local artist Karl J Kuerner.
• Tick Tock Early Learning Center will host a wine tasting tour featuring four of Southern Chester County’s premier wineries on Saturday April 1 from 1 to 6 p.m. The tour will include Paradocx Vineyard and Patone Cellars of Landenberg, and Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in Kennett Square. The event begins with tastings from Flickerwood Wine Cellars at 1 p.m. at the Atrium in Genesis in the heart of Kennett Square. Free parking is available in the parking garage located at East Linden Street. For a $75.00 ticket, guests will also be transported to three venues to sample locally crafted wines and gourmet snacks. Buses will return to Genesis for guests to enjoy coffee, something sweet, and an opportunity to participate in a silent auction. For tickets, go to the events tab at TickTockELC.org. RSVP by March 18th, as seating is limited.
• State Rep. Stephen Barrar is hosting a shredding event at his Route 202 and Naaman’s Creek Road office in Concord Township on Saturday, April 1. The event, featuring an industrial-sized paper shredder, runs from 9 a.m. until noon. Households in the 160th Legislative District will have the opportunity to shred up to three packing boxes. Only paper will be accepted.
• The 75th annual Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point is scheduled for Sunday, April 2 at the Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842. Gates open at 11 a.m. with the children’s pony races kicking off the action at 12:30 p.m. Admission is by the carload, ranging from just $20 to $150 for premium spots. Sponsorships are available starting at just $350. See www.brandywineredclay.org or call 610-793-1090 for more information or to purchase parking passes and/or raffle tickets in advance.
• Chadds Ford Community Emergency Response Team invites you to two important presentations the evening of April 4 in the Chadds Ford Township Building. The first presentation, “Opiate Abuse Prevention” will be given by Raychel Kernicky, a certified recovery specialist, at Crozer’s Recovery Department. The second presentation, “Active Shooter Emergency Preparedness” will be given by Tim Boyce, director, Delaware County Emergency Services. To reserve your free seat, please email CERT at chaddsfordcert@gmail.com.
• Tickets are now available for the Chester County Antiques Show. In its 35th year, the show is CCHS’s largest community fundraising event. The show will be held on April 8 and 9 with a preview party on April 7, at the Phelps School in Malvern. Early admission for the preview party is $200 per person. The 6 p.m. regular admission price is $140 per person. Admission on Saturday and Sunday is $15. For tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/35th-annual-chester-county-antiques-show-tickets-31523514681
• Chadds Ford-based and owned East Hill Property Management was selected as the business of the month by The Bryn Mawr Trust Company. East Hill Property Management is a full-service property management and maintenance company serving homeowner associations, multi and single family rentals, and commercial management. They serve the New Jersey shore, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. They are known for their innovative use of technology including real-time online accounting, online owner portal, community websites (featuring emergency calls, texts, and emails) and the ability to report dues to the credit bureau. Add to that their signature personal service and proactive hands-on approach, it is no wonder that East Hill Property Management was selected as Bryn Mawr Trust’s business of the month.
• The Chadds Ford Historical Society held its annual Plein Air event, “Paint-Out Chadds Ford,” last Saturday. Two-dozen artists took part in the event that’s cosponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters’ Association. The artwork is on display and for sale during the next few weeks. Contact CFHS at 610-388-7376 for hours to visit.
Firefighters put out a brush fire in a field off of Creek Road in Chadds Ford Township Monday. Photo courtesy of Andy Bell.
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, March 13. 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.
Twinkie
TWINKIE
Greetings. I’m Twinkie and I’m a 6-year-old neutered male who was surrendered on Jan.18 due to allergies. I’m a brown tabby with white trim. I’m a bit timid and shy and can frighten easily, but can also be very lovable and affectionate when I feel comfortable. Being scratched behind my ears is my favorite. I love lounging in my teepee (it keeps me calm) and enjoying treats and catnip. My best features are my saucer-size eyes. Aren’t I handsome? I respond better to a quieter approach with little background noise and will require an experienced cat owner with no small children or dogs. I’m looking for a forever home with someone who will be patient with me as I learn to trust again and build my confidence. Will you be the one?
Bailey
BAILEY
Hello, I’m Bailey, a 3-year-old neutered male with an orange and white medium-haired coat. I was surrendered on Feb. 18 with my sisters and brothers because my owner could no longer care for us. I’m a slim guy, and a little on the shy side when you first meet me, but then watch me warm up. I like attention and belly rubs. I am cat-friendly and like to explore. Come and meet me today and see why everyone loves me.
Cali
CALI
These eyes are definitely the windows into my beautiful soul. And I’m as sweet as I am beautiful. A kind person found me wandering lost and alone. I’m just a year old and looking forward to spending many years wrapped in the love and safety of a forever family. Could it be yours?
Buster
BUSTER
Hi there! My name’s Buster and I’m an 8-year-old shepherd mix who came to the shelter after being found tied up outside with a note. Who could ever leave this face? I’ve been very shy and scared since then because I can’t seem to figure out what I did wrong, so I’m going to need someone that’s willing to be patient with me and wants to show me what true love really is. I had a kennel mate who I grew very fond of, so I would really love to be with another dog. I’m housebroken and walk well on a leash. I hope you’ll come in and meet me soon and show me what it’s like to have a real family.
Rex
REX
Hello! Rex here, the big guy with the heart of gold. I am a 4-year-old mastiff who loves belly and ear rubs. I would love to be your one and only pet and show you my silly boy side. At 145 pounds, I may take up a little of that extra space next to you but it is nothing compared to all the room in your heart I will fill. Come meet me soon and let’s get this soul mate thing started. Yours truly, Rex.
Onix
ONIX
They named me Onix because I am indeed a gem. I’m a sweet, easygoing guy who gets along with pretty much everyone I meet, two or four-legged. In fact, I’ve been co-housed with one of the dogs here who came from a cruelty case because he’s super scared and I have such a calming effect. I’m 8 years old and looking to make my golden years the best ones of my life. Have room in your heart and home for a gentle giant like me?
