Margaret Mary Steel, 97, of Kennett Square, died Monday, July 30, at her residence. She was the wife of Herbert A. Steel, who died in 2006, and with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.
Margaret Mary Steel
Born in Pottsville, she was the daughter of the late James King and the late Anna Canfield King.
Mrs. Steel was a licensed practical nurse, working at Chatham Acres for 30 years.
She enjoyed boating, going to the North East River and being with her family and friends.
Survivors include, one son, Herbert Steel and his wife Barbara of Kennett Square; two sister, Nancy Ann King of Pottsville, and Joan Selinko of Pottsville; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, , at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA. Her Memorial service will follow at 4. Burial will be private.
Chadds Ford Township supervisors ran through a series of topics during their Aug. 1 meeting and approved a request for upgrading a sewer plant and a massage parlor renewal. They also heard a request for a new traffic light on Route 202 and re-authorized an approval of a planned residential development on Oakland Road.
Supervisors Frank Murphy and Samantha gave the OK for The Henderson Group to upgrade the Knights Bridge Wastewater Treatment Plant on Brandywine Drive. The plant takes care of the sewage from Henderson’s property in Painters Crossing and nearby properties, and from the Chadds Ford Business Campus.
As previously reported, plans for the upgrade include doubling the plant’s capacity and covering the new facility to cut down on odors.
Harvey Lane resident Eric Gartner thanked Henderson’s General Counsel John Coyle for listening to his concerns about improving the quality of the stream that runs through his property, Gartner previously explained that the faults of the old plant killed off the stream leaving it lifeless.
Reiner said Henderson will be helping downstream at Painters Crossing Condominiums by removing the dam at the condo pond and that could help Gartner’s stream by keeping it free-flowing.
After getting the approval, Coyle said work on site would likely begin in the spring of 2019.
Andy Variale, owner of Keystone Plaza and Pescatore’s restaurant at the plaza on Route 202 wants a traffic signal in front of the property and was asking supervisors for their support. He said before the meeting that there are often rear-ender accidents in front of Keystone Plaza and that he has lost tenants because of the safety issue. The township needs to approve a traffic signal before PennDOT will act.
Traffic Engineer Al Federico told the board that he conducted a traffic count and the numbers meet PennDOT warrant requirements for a light. He also said that while he was conducting the traffic counts, he witnessed cars driving on the shoulder and along the left turn lanes to avoid traffic backups.
Township engineer Mike Schneider did not attend the meeting, but Murphy said Schneider is reviewing Variale’s request.
Supervisors also approved a request for a massage parlor permit renewal from Holly Ficus, owner of Brandywine Massage on Route 1 near Creek Road. They also reaffirmed approval of the Wonderland Farms PRD on Oakland Road. The reauthorization was needed because the plans have not yet been released by the applicant.
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.
Work by Ginny Lochman-Marsh on exhibit at the Blue Streak Gallery
Thunderstorms threaten our last First Friday of the summer, that’s to be expected yet not necessarily delivered upon. Also the Wilmington Art Loop is taking a summer hiatus but that isn’t stopping the Wilmington area from celebrating local art this Friday. Prevail, we will! Weather and summer slump be damned!
Stop by between 5 and 9 p.m. to check out myriad openings at Delaware Contemporary while taking advantage of the cash bar, food trucks, and live music. Featured opening receptions include some shows I’ve covered, and some I’ve not: Fusions (Allen C. Smith and Connie Zehr), The Future People (Cameron and Rachael Van Dyke). I wrote about this one early in the summer and look forward to seeing their artistic take on multimodal transportation! The Little Things (Neil Breton and Haley Lauw), On Madison: Showcasing Our Own (staff exhibition), The Creative Act (Michael Linderman Friends’ solo exhibition), and, Reenvision (Studio Artist Haley Kyong). While you’re there, enjoy some contemporary blue by Ed Dwornik with Stump Junction and a pop up exhibition in the main entrance by Matt Glick.
If you want some offbeat art events to nestle into your itinerary, stop by Spaceboyclothing and NextFab makers space. Spaceboyclothing will be featuring some Philly proto-punk, psychadelic rock, grunge 90’s, bands; Eyebawl, Gozer and The Bad Larrys. Eyebawl is on Spotify and I’m currently listening to the song, Prom Queen and all about those surf rock guitar sounds. Local art, comedy, and food trucks about in this downtown venue. Event begins at 7 p.m.
Next up is NextFab, a makers space which will be featuring art by local artists and makers as well as complimentary refreshments. This should have an interesting smattering of work as NextFab is a makerspace for digital and traditional fabrication.
Delaware College of Art and Design is presenting a new show curated by Terrance Vann and Alim Smith (aka “The Color Brothers”) entitled “Local & Famous: A Celebration of Homegrown Talent.” The exhibition will challenge the traditional form of art showcasing by presenting it more as a pop up festival. Works featured will all be local and will include the vibrant, the accessible, and street art as well. Featured artists include: Shanina Dionna, Iron Dahlia Tattoos, K.O. Simms, among other artists, and local galleries. The event will be featured in the Toni & Stewart B. Young Gallery at Delaware College of Art and Design through August 19. The event on Friday runs from 5 to 10 p.m.
Ellen Bartholomeus of Blue Streak Gallery just installed Ginny Lockmans’ photographs at The River Tower at Christiana Landing. Pop by and take a look at them this month.
“Trust The Process” exhibit at Gallery 222
Moving into Pennsylvania, Malvern, to be exact, Gallery 222 will be unveiling a new exhibition curated by Randall Graham entitled, “Trust The Process.” This exhibition opens August 8, and focuses on the stages of completion in art. The gallery, which is divided into three sections, will each separately focus on either more finished work, or sketches and works in progress (#wips to the Instagram crowd!) and small, affordable pieces! Featured artists include: Adam Vinson, Alexandra Tyng, Bo Bartlett, Erin Anderson, Evan Kitson, Jenn Warpole, Martin Campos, Neil Carlin, Patrick Lee, Randall Graham, Robert Welling, and Timothy Wilson. Tagline for this exhibition reads as follows, “Sketches…..studies…experiments…happy accidents…marks…influences- The Process”. I look forward to checking out this exhibition which will run through August 25. Reception will be held August 9 from 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Perfectly relevant, will be next weeks’ Art Watch episode (1520WCHE AM) when Lele Galer, painter and sculptor, interviews artists Randall Graham & Neil Carlin, regarding new group show at Gallery 222. Tune in next, and every, Wednesday from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Until next time!
The following animals are ready to be adopted from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.
Walker
Walker Sweet, playful, and snuggly — Walker’s got it all. This adorable 4-month-old has lots of spunk and enjoys romping around with the other puppies in the playpen. He’s also all about belly rubs and kisses. Walker is dog and kid friendly. Since he’s a puppy still learning how to behave, he’s hoping for an owner who can help show him the ropes. Walker can be adopted at a fee you name through Sunday, Aug. 5.
Thanos
Thanos Thanos is a super cute 6-month-old with expressive eyes and the sweetest personality. He loves to have his chin scratched, and he says thanks with lots of purrs and biscuit making. Thanos is open to living with other animals and children, so he’s a perfect family pet. This sweetheart can be adopted at a fee you name through Sunday, Aug. 5.
For more information, go to www.bvspca.org or phone 610-692-6113.
BHCU Relationship Manager Tom Halliday gives a presentation on BHCU’s commercial lending services at the July 31 Brandywine Business Network meeting and networking session. BHCU is a longtime member of the network, which meets each Tuesday at Shoo Mama’s Farm Fresh Café in West Chester. For more information about BNN, visit www.BrandywineBusinessNetwork.org
• The County of Delaware Office of Services for the Aging needs volunteers to lead evidence-based health and wellness programs. Volunteers work in teams of two delivering scripted programs for small groups throughout Delaware County. The upcoming certification course is scheduled for the week of Aug. 6 and held at 206 Eddystone Avenue, Eddystone, PA 19022. COSA covers the cost of training – a $1,500 value. Help individuals with chronic health conditions gain control over their illness and empower them to develop action plans to improve their health and quality of life. Programs are interactive and focus on skill building, sharing experiences, and support. Join COSA as a volunteer peer leader. Contact Ellen Williams, Health and Wellness Program Manager at 610-499-1937 or at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us.
• The Kennett Symphony of Chester County under the direction of Music Director, Michael Hall, presents Symphony Under The Stars – A Midsummer Night’s Concert. The concert will be held at Longwood Garden’s Open Air Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 7:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held inside at Unionville High School Auditorium. Longwood Gardens becomes a Shakespearean Fairy Land as we perform incidental music from Mendelssohn’s enchanted Midsummer Night’s Dream. Classics such as Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 mix with popular favorites from Disney and Harry Potter. Single ticket prices are $45 in advance, $50 on the day of the concert, students are $10. The price includes the concert, access to visit Longwood Gardens during the day on the day of the concert, the post-concert illuminated fountain performance in the new Main Fountain Garden, and free parking. For complete information visit www.KennettSymphony.org or call 610 444 6363.
• Citadel Country Spirit USA, a new, three-day country music festival featuring 20 artists on two stages, is Aug. 24-26 in Chester County’s Brandywine Valley at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, 5 Nantmeal Road in Glenmoore. Featured headliners include Alabama, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley. Single-day tickets are priced from $89. Three-Day passes are priced from $249. Purchase tickets online at www.countryspiritusa.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. A local ticket office has opened at the Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center, 300 Greenwood Road in Kennett Square, directly across from the entrance to Longwood Gardens, next to the Longwood Fire Station. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday. Credit cards only, no cash is accepted.
• La Comunidad Hispana is looking for volunteers for its evening education team to teach English as a Second Language classes in Kennett Square, West Grove and Oxford. Volunteers should be available one night per week, Monday through Thursday. Classes start in September after Labor Day and continue through Dec. 20. For more information, call Norma at 610-444-7550 X247, or send an email to ndiego-flores@lchps.org.
• The Chester County Art Association is offering classes for adults this month beginning Aug. 7. Tuesday classes include figure drawing and silkscreen printmaking. Other classes on other days include drawing from the beginning, expressionism and a Nuno felted silk scarves workshop. For more information call 610-696-5600.
