May 3, 2018

Letter: Voting for Spahr

I base my decision on who I’m going to vote for by getting answers to three simple things: 1) Does the candidate’s actions match his/her words? 2) Is the candidate qualified to make decisions that will benefit his/her constituents? 3) Is the candidate looking out for not only present-day constituents but for our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? I can answer yes to all those questions for Cathy Spahr, a candidate running to be the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania’s 160^thLegislative District.

She is an environmental scientist and understands that there is only one earth, and if we destroy it, we destroy the only place in which our grandchildren have to live. She is committed to commonsense regulation as well as fostering clean energy in the state of Pennsylvania. She knows that clean energy creates jobs. Currently, 66,000 Pennsylvanians work in the clean and energy business. As clean energy businesses grow in Pennsylvania, so will the need for more jobs.

She understands the importance of good education for all Pennsylvanians. If Pennsylvania has an educated workforce, that means Pennsylvania has the foundation of a good economy and a healthy middle class. We need educated engineers, scientists, writers, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, etc.

We live in a time in which our representatives have gerrymandered our districts to the point that our representatives select their constituents and not the constituents selecting their representatives, which fosters an environment of extreme positions. Our representatives need to work together for the common good of all citizens. Cathy supports Fair Districting, which is a step in the right direction.

These are some of the reasons that I’m voting for Cathy Spahr. Please don’t forget to vote in the upcoming primary on May 15.

Mary-Jo Tucker
Kennett Township

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Wonderland decision still pending

Local News, Local News Birmingham, Local News Chadds Ford

For those wondering when Chadds Ford Township supervisors will decide on whether to approve the proposed Wonderland Farms development, the clock is ticking. Supervisors have until May 16 to make that decision unless the applicant grants an extension.

The proposed planned residential development has been discussed in the township since 2016 and supervisors granted tentative approval in January 2017. The developer, Harrier LLC, challenged some of the conditions made at the time and a settlement was reached in March of last year. Final approval has been pending, but Harrier did not get final plans to the township until this spring.

Plans call for 23 single family homes on the west side of Oakland Road near Brintons Bridge Road, the site of a former horse farm, and 12 twin homes on the east side of Oakland.

Members of the Chadds Ford Historical Society receive a check and a plaque from Chadds Ford supervisors in honor of the society’s 50th anniversary. Members of the Chadds Ford Historical Society receive a check and a plaque from Chadds Ford supervisors in honor of the society’s 50th anniversary. From left are Mark Trozzi, Mike Connolly, Supervisors Samantha Reiner and Frank Murphy, and Peter Alois.

During a May 2 Board of Supervisors meeting, basics of the plan were reexamined. Mike Dignazio, the applicant’s attorney, said some of the conditions can’t be complied with because neither PennDOT nor Birmingham Township would grant approval.

Birmingham wouldn’t grant approval for a painted pedestrian crosswalk across Brintons Bridge Road in the area of The Blue Pear restaurant, and PennDOT said no to flashing lights for a raised crosswalk on Oakland between the two parts of the PRD. While the flashing lights are a no-go, there will be stop signs and the crosswalk will still be raised.

Some issues still need to be worked out, specifically a stormwater management plan and improvements to Oakland Road. Supervisors’ Chairman Frank Murphy said Dignazio, and township solicitor Mike Maddren need to discuss the issues to make sure both sides are on the same page.

The board scheduled another meeting for 5:30 p.m. on May 15.

Other business

Supervisors gave a donation of $2,500 to the Chadds Ford Historical Society in honor of its 50^th anniversary.

About Rich Schwartzman

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.

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CFBA tours Painters Folly

Business

_1JF5477-Hek=len-tour — Helen Sipala, far right, takes members of the Chadds Ford Business Association on a tour through Painters Folly.

Members of the Chadds Ford Business Association got a brief tour of Painters Folly as part of their May 3 breakfast meeting. The meeting was held at the municipal building, but with no supervisors in attendance.

Members of the Chadds Ford Business Association on the Widow’s Walk at Painters Folly.

Township Manager Matt DiFilippo gave a brief update on township matters and told the group that the township is looking to set up a steering committee to decide on what to do with Painters Folly. The township bought the property for a total cost of almost $640,000.

Following the breakfast, a group of the members took a tour of the property, led by the now-former owner, Helen Sipala. She and her husband George bought the property in the 1970s.

The property, on just less than 4 acres next to the Brandywine Battlefield Park, was built in 1857 by Samuel Painter. Howard Pyle later lived there. Andrew Wyeth became a frequent visitor to the home while the Sipalas lived there and several of his paintings — Widow’s Walk and The Marriage Bed — were painted there.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Adele A. Barakat, 95, Businesswoman, Philanthropist

Obituaries

Adele Barakat, 95, of Kennett Square, died peacefully at her home on April 29. Mrs. Barakat was the beloved matriarch of seven children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Family was everything to her.

Born Adele Anna Hykel in Ardmore, to Lebanese immigrant parents on Feb. 15, 1923, she was the third of four children. Her family started and still own Hykel’s, an Ardmore restaurant that was established in 1938.

A graduate of Haverford High School, Mrs. Barakat later attended business school and during WWII worked at the Signal Corps, which provides support for the combined command and control of the armed forces. She met her husband, Joseph, also a Lebanese immigrant, in 1945 and married in February 1946.

Together, Adele and her husband established several businesses, employing more than 250 people in the Delaware Valley. This included Joe’s Bar in Havertown, which she ran for 35 years while she raised her family. Later in life, the Barakats moved to Chester County, as her husband opened a manufacturing plant in Oxford.

Mrs. Barakat’s love of children and family led her to a life of philanthropy. As Lebanese Americans, the couple was approached by former actor Danny Thomas to spearhead a fundraising effort across the tri-state area to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and helped organize an appearance by the television celebrity at the Bazaar of All Nations in Delaware County.

Adele had a strong faith and a belief in the importance of church as a focal point for the Lebanese community. In 1980 she and her husband donated a 14-acre property to establish a Catholic church in the Philadelphia suburbs, so Lebanese Maronite Catholics would not have to travel to the city to celebrate their faith. The property was later sold and proceeds used to acquire a new site and begin building a church, St. Sharbel, in Newtown Square, which was completed with contributions from other local families. Today, more than 80 families from Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties gather to celebrate the Maronite service in both English and the traditional Aramaic language.

In 1983, in recognition of their support, Adele Barakat and her husband were honored by Pope John Paul II as a Papal Lady and a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Gregory, the highest honor the Catholic Church bestows to non-clericals.

Mrs. Barakat enjoyed gardening, spending time at her Bethany Beach home with family, cooking traditional Lebanese food and bird watching.

She was the beloved mother to Mary Ann Funk, Fred Barakat, Linda Letier (David), Nancy Barakat (Cary Kerrigan), Joseph Barakat (Nadia), John Barakat (Tracy) and Rachel Barakat. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jennifer Weiser (Bela), Brian Barakat (Michelle), Nicole (Mauricio Castillo) Michael and David Barakat (Linda), David Letier, Kristi and Lauren Kerrigan, Joseph and Katie Barakat, Andrew and Alexander Barakat and Alexa and Julia Meikle. She was also a loving great-grandmother to seven.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Sharbel Church, 3679 Providence Road, Newtown Square,. A funeral mass will follow immediately. Burial will be at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, 1600 S. Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Neighborhood Health of Chester County (https://www.chestercountyhospital.org/services-and-treatments/home-care-and-hospice-neighborhood-health/gift-giving.

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Around Town May 3

Along the Ford

_1JF5445-Group-1 — Celebrating Hank’s Place next Friday are, from left, Casey Kindig, Sissy Davis and Vicki Sylvester along with owners Katie (top left) and Anthony Young (far right).

• On Friday, May 11, Kate and Anthony Young will celebrate the first anniversary of their stewardship of Hank’s Place, the iconic Chadds Ford landmark restaurant. Everyone is welcome to enjoy complimentary cake and coffee during regular business hours, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Hank’s Place, at Route 1 and Creek Road, was established in 1950, and is where art, hand crafted food and history come together.

• State Sen. Tom Killion, R-9, will be hosting a Kids Fun Fair for local families this Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brandywine Youth Club Fieldhouse at 43 Thornton Road in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. This event is free and open to the public. The Kids Fun Fair will feature the Philadelphia Zoo, the Franklin Institute, a moon bounce and face painting. There will be dozens of state, county and local exhibits geared toward children and families. Snacks and drinks will be provided free of charge.

• The first of four Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events, offered by the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, at the Emergency Services Training Center at 1700 Calcon Hook Road in Sharon Hill. Electronic items, latex paint, smoke detectors, and BBQ sized propane tanks will not be accepted. For information including driving directions and recycling options, visit www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle or call the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority directly at 610-892-9627. The next event will be Saturday, June 9 at Rose Tree Park.

• The Chester County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 25th annual Sheriff’s Community Golf Classic on Monday, May 14 and the public is invited to get into the swing of this popular event. The tournament will take place at the Downingtown Country Club golf course from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event have helped to fund a variety of community programs. During the years, those programs have included D.A.R.E., Kids Safe, Deputy Phil, Bullying Hurts, Eddie Eagle Gun Safety, Safe Kids Car Seat program and the TRIAD program, which was created to protect senior citizens. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Brady Shea at kbradyshea@chesco.org or 610-344-6860.

• Brandywine Ballet will open its spring performance series, Sleeping Beauty May 18-20 at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the campus of West Chester University. Brandywine Ballet would like to invite school and senior groups to make a reservation at a discount for the performance on May 18 at 10am. Further, information for group reservations and individual ticket sales can be found at boxoffice@brandywineballet.org or by phoning 610-696-2711.

• The Brandywine River Museum of Art will host a watercolor demonstration from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. Members of the Philadelphia Watercolor Society will demonstrate watercolor media and techniques.

• The Chadds Ford Historical Society introduces a brand-new music festival this year – Music in the Meadow. Don’t miss out on joining us for this relaxed, community music fest right in the heart of Chadds Ford and the Brandywine Valley on Saturday, May 19, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music in the Meadow is held on the grounds of Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 N. Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA. Free parking is available adjacent to the festival grounds. Advance tickets are available for $15 for adults 18 and older and free for children 17 and under. CFHS members are free with membership card. Visit our website at www.chaddsfordhistory.org to purchase tickets and for additional information. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 20.

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Adopt-a-Pet May 3

Home and Leisure

The following animals are ready to be adopted from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.

Buddy

Buddy’s heart-shaped nose says it all. He’s large, lovable, and a great snuggler. This lovebug lost his home of 14 years and hopes someone will give him a soft lap landing for his golden years. Buddy wouldn’t mind living with another lowkey animal like him; he just asks for a quiet home with older children. Buddy can be adopted at a fee you name through Sunday, May 6.

Marvin

Marvin is a sweet 4-year old who arrived sick and underweight, but with lots of spirit as well. With some help from our medical team, Marvin has made a wonderful recovery and is now ready to find his forever home. This cutie loves people of all ages and would be a great snuggle buddy for kids. Marvin just asks for a home without cats and would like to meet any resident dogs to make sure they’re a good match with each other. Marvin can be adopted at a fee you name through Sunday, May 6.

For more information, go to www.bvspca.org or phone 610-692-6113.