July 9, 2019 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Sewer obstruction in Birmingham

A sewer line along Route 202 in Birmingham Township is partly obstructed and supervisors want to fix it as soon as possible. To that end, supervisors voted 3-0 Monday night to spend up to $64,000 for the repair project.

Former Supervisor Bill Kirkpatrick, who’s now on the sewer authority, said the obstruction is between two manholes between the Acura dealership on Route 202 and the one behind Freddy’s at Old Wilmington Pike. They’re about 306 feet apart.

The liquid in the pipes is acidic, rated at a pH of 2, he told the supervisors. [A pH — percent hydrogen — of 2 is about equivalent to the acidity of lemon juice.] One of the reasons for the low pH is because no air is getting into the system, creating an anaerobic environment. That acidity has eroded a lot of the original pipes that were installed 35-40 years ago, and sediment settled into the damaged line.

“This is an emergency,” Kirkpatrick said.

While there is still flow through the lines, the lines are obstructed and could get worse causing a full blockage. Kirkpatrick said the obstruction is severe enough that they can’t get a camera in to inspect the line.

The current plan to solve the situation is to excavate near the manhole by Freddy’s and run some high-pressure cleaning equipment up the line to clear out the debris. If that works, damaged pipes can be replaced and they can then be sealed with a liner.

If that fails, more work would be needed with a cost estimate of $100,000. That extra work could involve installing a bypass line and possibly require the removal of a three-foot diameter tree, he said.

Because of the emergency nature, the township might not need to go through the traditional bidding process.

Supervisor Michael Shiring made the motion to authorize spending no more than $64,000 for the initial emergency repairs. That figure, he said, is based on the estimate from the township’s sewer engineer project consultant.

Shiring also said he would check with the township solicitor to make sure the lining would also qualify as an emergency so that there would be no need to go through a bidding process for that.

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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Sidewalk sale celebrates “independents”

Arts & Entertainment

The sidewalk sale is a great American summer tradition. At the annual sidewalk sale on July 12^th and 13^th, Kennett Square shops are celebrating our nation’s independence as well as their own independence as locally owned small businesses. These “independents” will offer some of the best sales of the season on accessories, apparel, gifts, books, kids’ toys and clothes, home décor, sustainable, ecofriendly, and fairly traded merchandise, and much more. Bargain hunters will be rewarded with unique and discounted finds—and they’ll also discover that Kennett Square is the perfect day-trip or staycation destination.

“Our town-wide sidewalk sale is the place to find great deals on so many beautiful items,” says Lisa Baldwin, owner of Chantilly Blue. Fabulous finds throughout town during the sidewalk sale will include super sale-priced tops, dresses, jackets, and, of course, denim, at Chantilly Blue, and Marché Lifestyle Boutique is celebrating Christmas in July. Trail Creek Outfitters is putting together a selection of “last call” items—all that’s left of popular styles that won’t be coming back in this year—for 25% off. All regularly priced merchandise at Green Eyed Lady, including Toms and Rainbow Sandals, will be 20% off during the sidewalk sale, and shoppers will find two racks of clothes for $25 or less as well. “The sidewalk sale is one of the biggest shopping days of the year in Kennett Square,” says Colleen Cottrell, owner of Green Eyed Lady.

“The sidewalk sale is a win-win—an opportunity for shoppers to get great deals and to support small local businesses at the same time,” says Lee Mikles, owner of Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen and co-chair of Historic Kennett Square’s Marketing Committee. “We also want to encourage people to explore what makes Kennett Square such a great place to spend the day.”

Downtown Kennett Square, with its diverse shops, coffee shops, and restaurants, offers something for everyone. Tired shoppers can rest and rejuvenate with hot or iced coffee or tea and fresh-baked treats at Philter, Mary Pat’s Provisions, or Talula’s, and relax over lunch or dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants. From fine dining to family-friendly meals, al fresco or rooftop, Asian, Italian, Mexican, or Mediterranean, Kennett Square’s eateries cater to every palate. Nomadic Pies and Kennett Square’s newest restaurant, Café de Thai, offer quick and delicious take-out options for dinner as well. The town is also home to the Kennett Flash and a vibrant live music scene.

Kennett Square’s newest neighborhoods are fun to explore, too. In Cannery Row, find Textile, a vintage and contemporary clothing boutique, along with Evergreen Café, Bakery & Juicery, featuring Colombian coffee and pastries. The Birch Street neighborhood features WorKS, with artisan, designer, handcrafted, vintage, and one-of-a-kind goods, as well as outdoor beer gardens at Braeloch Brewing and The Creamery.

Kennett Square’s independent merchants welcome all independent-minded shoppers to shop small and support local. The sidewalk sale runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 12^th and 13^th.

For more information click here.

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Warren H. Houston of West Chester

Obituaries

Warren H. Houston, 64, of West Chester died Sunday, June 30.

He is survived by his children Jenna C. Houston and John K. Houston of West Chester, Angela (Angie) Harris Kitch (Ray) of Marietta, and sister Nancy H. Canterbury (Jerry) of Cary, NC. Fondly remembered by Laura Gergen Houston and Barbara Mayes Pollock.

He was predeceased by parents John C. and Jeanne M. Houston, brother James C. (Jimmy), and aunt Isabel Houston Perry.

Warren was born in Beaver Falls, graduated from Unionville High School, then went to Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. He received his master’s degree in engineering from MIT, Cambridge, Mass.

Warren loved his children, his house and garden, and music, including the Grateful Dead. He had the ability to pick up and play any musical instrument with ease. He loved his antiques, especially inherited family items.

Celebration of Life will be held at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 N. Church Street, West Chester, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. We will tell stories about Warren, please feel free to bring pictures to share.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to The Brandywine Conservancy, P.O. Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, or to the charity of your choice.

About CFLive Staff

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NASA ambassador helps WCU celebrate Apollo 11

School & Education

news-060118f-lg — NASA ambassador helps WCU celebrate Apollo 11

Let your children explore an imaginary lunar surface after they make space helmets (or bring them already dressed as astronauts) at West Chester University’s free Apollo 50th anniversary celebration. On Saturday, July 13, the University will host a family-friendly recognition of the milestone anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with events that begin at 5 p.m.

Planetarium Director Karen Schwarz, associate professor of Earth & Space Sciences, has devised some creative ways to engage children’s imagination as the nation celebrates the day – July 20, 1969 – when Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the moon. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will be simultaneous activities for all ages next to the planetarium and on the Academic Quad (weather permitting).

First comes a 5 p.m. visit and talk with an engineer who worked in the space program. NASA Solar System Ambassador John Conrad has the first-hand story of what it took to land on the moon. From his perspective as an active space program participant, he’ll highlight the Apollo 11 mission and share personal insights and stories, ending with a brief look ahead to what’s next. Meet Conrad in Main Hall 168 (auditorium) at 5 p.m.

Conrad followed his childhood interest in space and spaceflight – just before the dawn of the Space Age – earning his astronautical engineering degrees from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Purdue University and going straight into the leadership of space programs for the Air Force, NASA, and the aerospace industry. Upon retirement, he was selected by NASA/JPL as a NASA Solar System Ambassador, a prestigious role in which he delivers both historical and forward-looking perspectives about NASA’s programs and achievements.

When Conrad wraps up his Q&A with his audience, guests can head to the Mather Planetarium, where free timed tickets will be given out for the full-dome movie Apollo 11: Man’s First Steps on the Moon. Showings will run every half hour starting at 6 p.m. The planetarium is in the Schmucker Science Center Link on South Church Street.

Activities for youth begin at 6 p.m. including creating a pocket-sized solar system, making stomp rockets (paper rockets that launch with air by stomping on a two-liter plastic bottle), and improvising an astronaut’s space helmet from a paper bag. Children who want to pretend to be astronauts can play in an environment Schwarz has created for them to imagine themselves walking on the uneven lunar surface. In addition, members of the Chester County Astronomical Society will have their telescopes out on the Academic Quad for viewing the moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and other astronomical objects (weather dependent). The moon will rise at 5:49 p.m. on July 13 and 90 percent of it will be visible since the full moon will be on July 16.

Activities will wind down by 10 p.m.

For additional information, visit the Mather Planetarium website.