Margaret “Peggy” Lytle, 88, of New London, died Sunday, Jan. 13, at her residence. She was the wife of Donald F. Lytle, with whom she shared 67 years
Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late George Reburn and the late Minnie Wilson Reburn.
Margaret “Peggy” Lytle
Peggy was a member of the New London Methodist Church.
She met her husband Donald at a square dance and after marriage, she traveled with him to Texas and Alaska during his time in the military.
She was a homemaker but had previously worked at Continental Fiber in Newark, and later became a farmer’s wife working with her husband
She enjoyed singing in her church choir, reading, flower gardening, bird watching, growing pumpkins and strawberries and delivering eggs to customers. She also enjoyed being with her family and friend, especially her grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one daughter, Donna Triboletti of Colora, Md.; two sons, William “Billy” Lytle and his significant other Maryellen McCarthy of Peoria, Ariz. and David Lytle and his wife Barbara of New London; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by one brother, James Reburn.
You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, at the old New London Presbyterian Church, 1986 Newark Road (Route 896), New London. Her funeral service will follow at 11. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecocares.com
Arrangements by the Foulk Funeral Home, West Grove.
West Chester University’s Wells School of Music announced today that the Incomparable Golden Marching Band is the recipient of the distinguished 2019 Sudler Trophy.
Presented by the John Philip Sousa Foundation, the Sudler Trophy is known as the “Heisman Trophy of the collegiate band world.” It is awarded every other year to a college or university marching band which has demonstrated the highest musical standards and innovative marching routines, and which has made important contributions to the advancement of the performance standards of college marching bands over a number of years.
Adam Gumble, West Chester’s newly appointed Director of Athletic Bands says, “We have long known that our marching band is one of the finest in the country, but this recognition from the Sousa Foundation is truly special. We want to thank our students, alumni, faculty, staff and fans for their unyielding support of our program.”
Since the award’s inception in 1982, West Chester’s marching band is the first from a Division II school to be named as a recipient. The Incomparable Golden Rams now join the ranks of esteemed marching bands from top Division I schools including Ohio State University, Penn State University, University of Notre Dame and many others. In all, 32 recipients have been honored with the Sudler Trophy, which was awarded annually from 1982 – 2007.
Last fall, the Incomparable Golden Rams were chosen to perform in exhibition at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, where they performed in Lucas Oil Stadium in front of tens of thousands of spectators.
Christopher Hanning, Dean of West Chester’s Wells School of Music adds, “It has been a big year for the Incomparable Golden Rams. Adam’s appointment as our new Director of Athletic Bands, the band’s appearance at the BOA Grand Nationals, and now the Sudler Trophy, have all made this a year of widespread recognition for this remarkable program. We are very proud.”
Representatives from the Sousa Foundation and the Sudler Committee will travel to West Chester to present the Trophy on Sept. 21, during a halftime presentation at a WCU home football game.
Conservancy gets $1.5 million for 569 acres in ChesCo
The Brandywine Conservancy has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to be used towards the acquisition of a 569-acre natural area along the Octoraro Creek in Lower Oxford and West Nottingham Townships, Chester County. This area is a portion of the 952-acre Glenroy Farm property that spans Chester and Lancaster Counties. The Conservancy’s ultimate goal is to work with the landowner to permanently protect the entire property through purchase and agricultural easements. The $1.5 million from DCNR will be used to match an already approved $3 million multi-year grant from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program.
Eventually, the 569-acre natural area will be transferred to and managed by the Oxford Area Foundation. OAF will manage it as a passive preserve with five miles of trails mostly along the Octoraro Creek.
“When completed, this project will help create 6,739 acres of contiguous preserved lands in the Octoraro watershed,” said conservancy Director Ellen Ferretti. “This exceptional land, which is predominately forested, will not only offer 2.1 miles of protected frontage along the Octoraro Creek—a tributary of the Susquehanna River—and vital habitat to woodland flora and fauna but will also provide public recreational opportunities in a magnificent setting for the community. We are grateful to all of our partners and to the property owners whose goal was to find a way to keep the land as it is today, forever.”
The Brandywine Conservancy also assisted the landowner in applying for and securing agricultural preservation funding to preserve the 220 acres of farmland on the property. “We are always pleased to see farms of this caliber enter our program,” said Geoff Shellington, interim director of the Chester County Open Space Preservation Program.
The Brandywine Conservancy is seeking additional funds to meet the acquisition price with the desired completion by 2021 for the remaining lands in Chester County and an additional 156 acres of farmland along the Octoraro Creek in Lancaster County.
Experience the peaceful beauty of winter during Orchid Extravaganza January 19–March 24. Photo Courtesy Longwood Gardens.
Escape to a balmy oasis filled with nearly 5,000 blooming orchids during Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens January 19 through March 24. Longwood’s heated 4-acre Conservatory provides an escape from winter’s chill, featuring thousands of colorful orchid blooms displayed in extraordinary ways. In addition to the one-of-a-kind horticultural display, Orchid Extravaganza features activities and programs for the entire family, including concerts, talks, tours, OrKid Days, and more. The Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests will be amazed as orchid blooms cascade down walls, spill from containers, and hang from the ceiling– featuring Cattleya, Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Oncidium, among others. In the Main Conservatory, a canopy of twelve pink and purple Orchid Orbs welcome you to a lush sanctuary of vibrant, artfully presented orchids. In the East Conservatory, Cymbidium Edith McDade arrangements with Tillandsia chains accentuate the Oval Basin, while three large Cymbidium Edith McDade baskets hang from above.
New this year, six 8-foot tall color blocked panels filled with Phalaenopsis create an awe-inspiring display in the Patio of Oranges. In the Acacia Passage, delicate cascading branches of cinnamon wattle beckons with fragrant blooms, while 18 urns filled with yellow and white Oncidium and Phalaenopsis line this picturesque passageway.
Additional indoor highlights include the Mediterranean Garden featuring a riot of vibrant color January through April with Australian purple coral-pea (Hardenbergia) vines blooming like miniature wisteria. In the Estate Fruit House, nectarines, melons, and other fruits and vegetables flourish in the midst of winter.
In early March, Longwood’s famed blue poppy (Meconopsis ‘Lingholm’) returns to the Conservatory. These spectacular flowers—which are native to the high elevations of the Himalayan Mountains— are grown using a special technique to force the blue-poppies to flower in March. The substantial petals are a mesmerizing sky-blue color, and are a must see.
OrKID Days are filled with wonder and fun for families. Discover the colors, patterns, and beauty of orchids through art activities and storytelling. OrKID Days are January 21, February 18, and March 9 from 11 am–2 pm. Free with Gardens Admission.
On Saturday, January 19 at 8 pm, Producer and Musical Director Damien Sneed brings the North American Tour of We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to the Longwood stage. Inspired by the words and action of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., We Shall Overcome showcases repertoire from across the African American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches.
Regarded around the world as one of today’s finest concert organists and the head judge for the 2019 Longwood Gardens International Organ Competition, Todd Wilson will perform thrilling transcriptions by Edwin H. Lemare and Edwin Arthur Kraft, as well as the towering Sonata on the 94th Psalm by Julius Reubke on Saturday, February 9 at 8 pm.
On Thursday, March 14 at 8 pm, Sō Percussion showcases its innovative multi-genre original productions in its Longwood debut. Sō Percussion’s inventive repertoire and instrumentation spans everything from snare drums to flower pots.
On Friday, March 22 at 8 pm, David Briggs improvises organ accompaniment to the full-length classic American romantic silent film The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923). Currently artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, Briggs is praised for his musicality, virtuosity, and ability to excite and engage audiences of all ages.
Special tickets are required for the performances and can be purchased online at longwoodgardens.org.
Orchid Extravaganza runs January 19–March 24. Admission is $23 for adults; $20 for seniors (age 62+); $13 for students (ages 5–18 or with valid student ID) and free ages 4 and under. Group rates available. For more details, visit longwoodgardens.org.
About Longwood Gardens In 1906, industrialist Pierre du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,083 acres of dazzling gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ and 4.5-acre conservatory. Longwood continues the mission set forth by Mr. du Pont to inspire people through excellence in garden design, horticulture, education and the performing arts, through programming that includes exhibitions, musical performances by leading artists, renowned horticulture education programs, horticulture research, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The following animals are ready to be adopted from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.
Sandy
Sandy
Sandy is the somewhat rare female orange tabby. This gorgeous girl lost the only home she knew for all of her five years when her owner’s health failed, so she’s a bit overwhelmed. With patience and kindness in a quiet home, Sandy can be a wonderful companion pet. She just asks to be the only kitty love in your life. Sandy can be adopted for a fee you name through Sunday, Jan. 20.
Elsey
Elsey
Elsey is a tall drink of very cool water. Not only is she a stunning long-legged beauty, but she’s also sweet and silly at the same time. This 4-year-old enjoys meeting people, and she has a lot of fun with other playful dogs in dog playgroups at the shelter. Elsey can be adopted for a fee you name through Sunday, Jan. 20.
For more information, go to www.bvspca.orgor phone 484-302-0865.
