February 26, 2018 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Animals seized in dog-fighting investigation

The Brandywine Valley SPCA took six dogs and four rabbits into its care on Wednesday, Feb. 21, following their seizure by Pennsylvania State Police at a residence in Coatesville. The dogs were seized as evidence in the case against a man now facing charges that include cruelty to animals and possession of dog fighting paraphernalia, including treadmills and medical supplies affiliated with training and treatment, as well as drug and weapons charges.

One of the dogs seized shows scars from fights.

The animals were immediately transferred to the BVSPCA West Chester Campus for evaluation and care. BVSPCA medical staff assessed the dogs to be in fair condition and the rabbits to be in poor condition related to inadequate housing and lack food and water. All ten animals will remain in the care of the BVSPCA as evidence as the case goes through the judicial process.

This case developed over several months following a traffic stop by State Police in Avondale on Nov. 12, when a dog with severe wounds was found in the car. The driver, now the suspect in this case, identified the dog as a stray, at which point the BVSPCA took possession of the dog.

The adult mixed breed dog had extensive and recent wounds on her face, legs and chest that BVSPCA veterinarians identified as consistent with bite wounds. The dog, now named Nibbles, required two months of medical care, including reconstructive surgeries for her jaw and several surgeries to treat her wounds. A BVSPCA surgery technician has been fostering Nibbles, and she is now available for adoption into a forever family.

“It is beyond comprehension that animals could be forced to suffer like this for entertainment,” said Adam Lamb. “We’re grateful for the diligence of the state Police in pursing this case, and we’ll support them in every way possible to find justice for these animals and prevent future suffering.”

The BVSPCA asks for the community’s help meeting the significant cost of medical care for Nibbles and what is likely to be a long period of care and rehabilitation for the other ten animals while the case works through the judicial process.

Donations can be made at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bvspca-crueltyvictims/ or by mail to: Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.

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Linda M. Spohn of Lincoln University

Obituaries

Linda M. Spohn, 68, of Lincoln University, died Friday, Feb. 23, at her residence. She was the wife of Thomas J. Spohn, with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

Born in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Emidio and Virginia Kirkwood Urbani.

Linda was an elementary school teacher, last teaching at the Avon Grove Charter School in West Grove, retiring in 2011.

She was a member of the Assumption BVM Church, West Grove. Linda enjoyed gardening and watching her grandchildren. Her family was her life.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Kristie Dougherty and her husband Erin of Ft. Myers, Fla.; four sons, Kyle Spohn and his wife Jamie of Owings, Md., Keith Spohn and his wife Krystal of West Chester, Kirk Spohn and his wife Jessica of Elkton, Md. and Kory Spohn of Lincoln University; one brother, George Urbani and his wife Jan of Georgetown, Del. and eight grandchildren, Terrick, Trey, Isabella, Michael, Jonathan, Liliana, Kaed and Ayla.

You are invited to visit with Linda’s family and friends from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, at Assumption BVM Church, 300 State Road, West Grove. Her funeral mass will follow at 10. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Compassus Hospice, 2 Campus Blvd., Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com

Arrangements by the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home, West Grove.

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Arthur G. Basmajian of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Arthur G. Basmajian, 87, of Kennett Square, formerly of Havertown, died Friday, Feb. 23, at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospital in Newark. He was the husband of Bernice A. Tichian Basmajian, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Artin and the late Beatrice (Misirian) Basmajian.

Art served our country during peacetime in the army. He was an engineer for the DuPont Co. for many years, retiring in 1993. He also worked for All State Engineering Company, BE&K Engineering company, Miller Brewing, and didn’t truly retire until the age of 78. During his career, he was fortunate to travel near and far to such places as Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, and Germany. He loved all types of music, gardening, fixing cars, antique car shows, Formula 1 racing, fine china birds, bargaining, and was known as a snappy dresser.

Art was a longtime member of Grace Chapel in Havertown, where he served as a trustee, fourth grade Sunday school teacher, chapel choir member and usher. He was also a founding board member of the Ranch Youth ministry where he served for many years. His true passion in life was giving to missions.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife Bernice, two daughters, Caryl Atmajian and her husband Donald of West Chester, and Vera Cobourn and her husband Charles of Kennett Square; one son, Arthur Basmajian Jr. of Pittsburgh; two sisters, Vera Panosian and her husband Howard of Bel Air, Calif. and Lillian Jamgochian of Fort Myers, Fla. and three grandchildren, Cara, Alexandra and Charles IV.

You are invited to visit with Arthur’s family and friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 3, at Grace Chapel, 1 W. Eagle Rd, Havertown, PA 19083. A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11:30. Interment will be held privately at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens in King of Prussia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Chapel Missions and mailed to the same address as the church. Arrangements are by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visitwww.griecocares.com

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Family Promise hires new case manager

Along the Ford

Family Promise of Southern Chester County, a volunteer-driven nonprofit committed to helping families experiencing homelessness, welcomes Omar Henriquez as its new case manager. Henriquez will guide families through their housing crisis by providing the tools and encouragement to regain their housing, employment and become fully and permanently self-sufficient.

Susan Minarchi, Family Promise executive director said, “Omar brings to Family Promise a diverse set of skills and expertise needed to help families struggling with homelessness find their path back to stability.” She added, “Family Promise is not just a job; it’s a calling. Omar will be instrumental in restoring a family’s hopes and dreams for a brighter future.”

Omar Henriquez is passionate about serving as a client advocate and change agent for Family Promise of Southern Chester County. His background in the nonprofit sector, specializing in group and individual counseling, will empower Family Promise to make a greater impact in the community by addressing the root problems of homelessness. Henriquez’s primary responsibilities are to help families experiencing homelessness reclaim their independence by providing support for families through a comprehensive assessment of a family’s needs, creating personalized stabilization plans and implementation. Cultivating and maintaining relationships with local agencies and community organizations is another key role he will play on a daily basis. Henriquez earned a master’s degree in human services with a concentration in counseling from Lincoln University and serves on the board of directors for Mental Health of America and Ambassador for Hope.

“Knowing there are children right here in our community that don’t have a place to call home keeps me up at night,” said Omar. “Every child deserves a home. I am honored to carry out Family Promise’s mission by providing families with the support and guidance needed to successfully regain permanent housing, employment, and maintain healthy independence.”

Family Promise of Southern Chester County is a leader in the fight against family homelessness, and part of a proven and successful nationwide program, that for over 20 years has effectively addressed the crisis of family homelessness in communities across the county. Since November 2015, FPSCC has helped 82 children and 44 adults by providing shelter, meals and comprehensive assistance in finding housing, employment and additional resources. Twenty-four families have secured permanent housing and 100 percent of those families remain in housing today.

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Carolyn Trimble

Obituaries

Carolyn Trimble died in Chester County Hospital on Feb. 20, due to surgical complications. She was 58.

Carolyn was born on Dec. 18, 1959, in Wilmington, to parents Jess and Evelyn Bewley. She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1977. She married Timothy Trimble in 1985 in West Grove. The Trimble’s moved into their first home in Landenberg in 1986. Carolyn started working at Hewlett-Packard when she was 16 and she later continued her career at Agilent Technologies, where she would work for 40 years, impacting the lives of many through her sincere relationships.

Early on, Carolyn enjoyed playing tennis, riding her bike, and taking care of her 1971 Mustang. Later, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and traveling to the beach every summer with her family. She had an infectious laugh and smile that would brighten every room she entered. She had a genuine love for life! Her selfless love, grace, and patience defined her as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, and co-worker.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband, Timothy; her sons, Jonathan and Andrew; her daughter, Christina; her brothers, Jay, Tom, and John; her sisters, Susan, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Jeanette; lastly, her wonderful mother, Evelyn. She was predeceased by her father, Jess.

You are invited to visit with Carolyn’s family and friends from 9 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 1, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West Grove. Her funeral mass will follow at 11. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Route 896, New London.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Carolyn’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com

Arrangements by the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home, West Grove.

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Adam Matthew Dilley, formerly of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Adam Matthew Dilley, 33 of Denver, Colo., formerly of Kennett Square, died suddenly Sunday, Feb. 18, in Denver. Born in Lima, Pa., he was the son of Joseph and Concetta (Connie) Tavoni Dilley of Kennett Square.

Matt, as he was known by friends and loved ones, worked in various customer service industries as he enjoyed working with people. He had a charisma that was infectious. Matt was a creative soul and a talented artist. He was passionate about skateboarding and had the opportunity to skate around the country and the world. His love of the outdoors brought him to Colorado where he had been living for the last four years. There, he enjoyed hiking in the mountains, camping and biking.

Survivors include in addition to his parents, his maternal grandfather Dominic Tavoni of Kennett Square; his brother Joseph Dilley Jr. of Bristol, RI.; his sister Allison Tuscano (Steven) of West Chester, and his beloved cousins Alexandria and Samantha Tavoni. He was preceded in death by his sister Adrianne Dilley.

You are invited to visit with Matt’s family and friends from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc, (610-444-4116) 250 West State St., Kennett Square, PA, 19348. A funeral service will follow at 11. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to the Anson B. Nixon Park. Checks can be made payable to Kennett Area Park Authority, P.O. Box 1121, Kennett Square, PA, 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.greicocares.com

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Brad William Giffin of Chadds Ford

Obituaries

Brad William Giffin, 26, of Chadds Ford, died at his home on Tuesday, Feb.20. He was born May 9, 1991 at Riddle Memorial Hospital in Media; the son of Robert William Giffin and Linda Louise (Buck) Giffin. He attended Kennett High School and graduated in 2010. Following high school, he studied at Kutztown University.

Brad was an avid fan of all things sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. He was always prepared to discuss his favorite teams and had all his favorite players stats ready to fire. He enjoyed watching and keeping up with his favorite sports teams, playing video games, outdoor activities, spending time with his friends, traveling, and his beloved pets growing up. He played on several sports teams, beginning with little league baseball, basketball and football. His friends, family, and those closest to him will remember his infectious smile and laugh, as well as his caring and gentle demeanor. He did his best to help friends when they needed it, and as such, has deeply impacted the lives of so many around him. He deeply loved and cared for his girlfriend Kristy McLaughlin, whom he always spoke of in the highest regard.

Brad is survived by his father, Robert William Giffin of Kennett Square; mother, Michele

Crowley Giffin of Kennett Square; brother, David Justin Giffin of Baltimore, Md.;

grandmother, Dorothy Jean Grande of Kennett Square; Aunt, Donna Jean Giffin of Brookhaven; half-sister Victoria Brandenstein of California; half-brother John Arnold of Florida; step-sister Nicole Barakat of South Carolina; step-brother Michael Barakat of Washington; and step-brother David Barakat (Linda) of Maryland. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Kristy McLaughlin of Landenberg, in addition to many cousins, close friends and family members. The family would also like to acknowledge Brad’s “second family” Joanne, Keith, Brad and Jamie Smith. Brad was predeceased by his mother, Linda Louise (Buck) Giffin and his Uncle, Steven Giffin.

You are invited to visit with Brad’s family and friends from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, March 2, at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) 250 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348. A service celebrating his life will follow at 12 Noon. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to KAU Little League 873 East Baltimore Pike, PMB 472 Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com

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Fentanyl misuse can be deadly

Health

Addiction to opioid drugs is a growing problem across the United States. Like other drugs associated with the crisis, fentanyl creates significant health risks for people who misuse and abuse it.

New research published in the International Journal of Drug Policy suggests that more than half of overdose deaths are linked to fentanyl.

While fentanyl on its own is a dangerous part of the opioid crisis, there is also a fear that “cutting” other drugs with this potentially lethal painkiller may place unsuspecting drug users — and law enforcement agents on the front lines of the fight against illegal drug use — at risk without them even knowing it. Fentanyl is increasingly found in heroin, cocaine and prescription painkillers sold on the street.

“Due to the high potency of fentanyl, there are serious warnings around misusing the drug to make sure it does not used by anyone who it is not intended for. There are high risks with being exposed to even a small amount of fentanyl,” says Kevin P. Caputo, MD, Chair, Psychiatry at Crozer-Keystone Health.

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic member of the opioid family. It is like morphine in that it affects the body’s opioid receptors, found in parts of the brain that control pain and emotions. It is commonly used to help patients manage pain following surgery or breakthrough pain while using another opioid drug.

“Fentanyl is given in time-release formulations that are able to provide stronger pain relief over time. It is also given in small, controlled doses through medicinal lollipops, patches or injections in a hospital setting,” says Dr. Caputo. “There is only a small difference between a therapeutic and deadly dose, which can make abuse of fentanyl very dangerous.”

Why It’s Dangerous

Fentanyl is one of the strongest opiates on the market. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. This makes fentanyl potentially lethal if misused.

“With such a high potency, people who abuse fentanyl can become dependent on the drug fairly quickly,” says Dr. Caputo. “A dose sufficient to produce a high one week will most likely not create that same high a few days later.”

Opioid receptors are also connected to areas of the brain that control the body’s breathing. High doses of opioids like fentanyl can completely stop breathing which can lead to death. This dangerous side effect can be made worse if fentanyl is combined with other drugs or alcohol.

This makes fentanyl especially dangerous when sold on the street. Fentanyl is abused because of its intense euphoric effects and it can sometimes be mixed with other drugs when sold on the street. The user may be unaware in this case if the fentanyl they are using is mixed with heroin or cocaine. A mix of these drugs amplifies the potency.

How It’s Used Properly

Since fentanyl has such a high potency, it is important that it is used for treatment correctly. Fentanyl is often administered in a hospital with proper dosage given by a doctor. Your vital signs, such as your heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, are closely monitored by hospital staff when the drug is administered.

Other forms of fentanyl, such as a patch or lozenge, should be taken as instructed. Your doctor will provide you with instructions and answers to any questions you may have about taking the drug.

“If you or someone you know overdoses on fentanyl seek medical attention immediately,” says Dr. Caputo. “Overdoses need to be treated with naloxone which is used to reverse an opioid overdose.”

About Crozer Keystone Staff

Crozer-Keystone Health System’s physicians, specialists and advanced practitioners are committed to improving the health of our community through patient-centered, quality care across a full continuum of health services. Crozer Brinton Lake is Crozer-Keystone’s comprehensive outpatient care facility in western Delaware County, offering primary care, specialty services, outpatient surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Contact us: 300 Evergreen Drive, Glen Mills, PA 19342 http://www.crozerkeystone.org/Brinton-Lake 1-855-254-7425

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