Cunius Martial Arts studio in The Olde Ridge Village Shoppes, is the holding area for supplies donated to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Shop owners at The Olde Ridge Village Shoppes in Chadds Ford are taking part in relief efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
James Cunius, of Cunius Martial Arts, sent out an email to other shop owners in the center on Wednesday asking for help in collecting needed supplies and that his studio would be the collection point.
Though Cunius was unavailable for later comment, Stephanie Rossino, owner of Giggy Bites, said the collection was going well.
“It’s been very good,” Rossino said. “People have gone out and bought items to bring us. James was the spark for all of this, and it was just through email and social media.”
The collection will continue through the remainder of Saturday September 2. Necessary items include non-perishable human food — cans with easy to open tops — dry food for both dogs and cats, bottled water, blankets, towels, basic first aid supplies, travel sized toiletries, diapers and cleaning. Gift cards are also welcome.
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.
Fire Police Captain Ron Giacinto holding bag with cash contributions poses with Sheriff Carolyn Welsh
The first truckload of food is on its way to San Patricio County Texas. The second truck is now being loaded in front of the Giant food store in Dilworthtown located located at 1393 Dilworthtown Road in West Chester. Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Welsh wanted to make sure the food that was collected went to those in need. She directly contacted Sheriff Leroy Moody of San Patricio County Texas to arrange the delivery of food. A local church in will warehouse the food until it is distributed.
San Patricio County is about 700 square miles with about 70,000 residents. It is just a little smaller than Chester County land wise but a lot fewer people live there explained Sheriff Welsh.
The first truck contained 20,000 pounds of donated food. Wayne Moving and Storage paid for the driver and gasoline to get the food to its destination. Funds are being collected to pay for the driver and gas for the second truck. The second truck arrived at the Giant this morning and is filling up. Volunteers are helping organize the contributions.
Welsh expressed amazement at the generosity of people. They do their own grocery shopping, then “bring another grocery cart of food to the truck.”
Items that will be accepted include non-perishable food, sports drinks, baby supplies (diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, car seats, pack and plays, strollers) pet supplies (dog or cat food), cat litter, batteries, Lysol or Clorox wipes, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, paper towels, razors, shave cream, tooth brushes/toothpaste, body wash/soap, deodorant, brushes, combs, shampoos, snack packs, adult diaper products (Depends), first aid products (bandages, Neosporin, etc.), adult and children’s Tylenol, large garbage bags, rubber gloves, pillows (NEW only), and gift cards (such as VISA, gas, and Walmart).
Organizers said they cannot accept clothing or toys since they lack the resources to process them.
The collection effort is a collaboration between the Chester County Commissioners, and the Sheriff’s Office along with some area first-responders to send donations to Texas residents devastated by Hurricane Harvey.
The collection will continue through Monday September 4 from approximately 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community.
Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi.
She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.
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.
Most of the horse trails are now overgrown with trees and brush or converted into paved macadam roadways. Many of the fields where men lay wounded have been replaced with houses, businesses and small farms. Yet the story of America’s struggle for independence endures around Chester County and some of its silent witnesses remain today.
George Washington’s headquarters
In the Fall of 1777, George Washington and his Continental Army faced an enormous challenge as they continued their fight against a larger, better trained and highly equipped British Army. It was on September 11th of that year when roughly 30,000 troops on both sides maneuvered around Chester County, fighting from Chadds Ford up to Dilworthtown. The day did not go well for the Americans, who retreated to Chester. After this embarrassment, Washington could have succumbed and given up in defeat. That he and the troops remained determined to fight on for years against long odds is part of the greatest story in American history.
The Battle of the Brandywine- although a defeat for Washington- is symbolic of the spirit that lived in revolutionary America. After many years of complaints regarding the edicts of King George III and the British Parliament, a movement, subtle at first, but inexorable, with growing intensity emerged as the defining force in the heritage of this country. Tens of thousands of men were willing to put their lives at risk for the idea that people could govern themselves. From a notion emerged… a new nation. That notion changed the trajectory of human relations as later generations in countries around the globe embraced representational government, republics that put the rights and best interests of common citizens on the same level as those guiding the wealthy aristocracy.
There are kids graduating from high school today who know very little about the Battle of the Brandywine, indeed about their own history in general. A few are hard
Revolutionary War re-enactment
pressed to state whether the Civil War occurred before or after the Revolutionary War. For many, the struggle for independence is a quaint idea, a chapter in a book they were forced to read in school many years ago.
It is by keeping important events in our history in focus, before the citizenry that historians, authors and scholars provide a vital service. When we think of the men and women who helped guide our nation through its many tumultuous periods, they come alive within us, helping us to understand what they lived through and endured. Their spirit breathes, their accomplishments take on new meaning and we gain fresh insights into what it means to be an American.
On September 16th and 17th , 2017 more than 800 soldiers will help us all to re-live this special moment in our history in and around Sandy Hollow Heritage Park in Birmingham Township. Washington will be there, as will a replica of his famous camp tent provided by the new Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. The young Marquis de Lafayette, who risked his life and considerable fortune at Brandywine, his very first battle, will also be there. This author will be in full Continental Army officer’s uniform as Colonel Alexander Hamilton, aide-de-camp to General Washington as part of the opening ceremonies and greeting visitors to talk about his role helping to guide our nation. There will be exhibits, food and beverages, guest speakers, authors showcasing their works on local history and much more. For additional information, visit www.Brandywine2017.org.
Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square, Pa. His eight books and historic lecture series focus on the history of the mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System, which delves into the life and many accomplishments of this important Founding Father who almost single-handedly transformed our nation from a bankrupt entity into the most successful country in the history of mankind. Gene’s books are available on www.Amazon.com. His website is www.GenePisasale.com; he can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.
