The Chester County Health Department is processing the impact of the recent changes made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, moving those over the age of 65 and those 16-64 with certain medical conditions into Phase 1A. However, shortages in the number of vaccines remain.
While more people can be vaccinated sooner than originally planned, there are shortages of available vaccines.
This change adds 90,000-plus eligible people to Phase 1A, a large increase of eligible people for Phase 1A. On average, the Chester County Health Department has received 2,000 doses per week, and in total, the county has been averaging receipt of 6,000 doses of the vaccine each week, divided among all providers. Each vaccine requires two doses.
The change in Phase 1A eligibility has not brought additional vaccines to our county. The county has been told to expect vaccine shortages. As an example, this week Chester County requested 5,000 doses and only received 2,500. The shortage of vaccines is not an issue exclusive to Chester County. All other regions within Pennsylvania – and the nation – are affected by the lack of vaccine supply.
The Health Department opens appointments (and locations) based on the availability of vaccines to administer. We will be launching a system where those who work or live in Chester County can register their interest in receiving the vaccine, regardless of what phase they may be in. Regular communication will go out to all who register, with updates on progress, vaccine, and appointment availability. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Pennsylvania Vaccine Provider Map available at https://bit.ly/3p5FkqF for other possible locations of vaccine providers in the county.
Longwood Gardens today announced Winter Wonder, a new display that invites guests to experience the often-overlooked beauty and serenity of the winter landscape outside, as well as the colorful exuberance of the tropics inside Longwood’s Conservatory. In addition to the horticultural splendor, Winter Wonder features Voices in the Landscape: Deeply Rooted with Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, a new exhibit honoring the strength, resilience, and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story. Winter Wonder is on view January 23-March 21. Tickets and Member reservations must be made in advance and are available now at longwoodgardens.org.
Horticultural Highlights Winter is the time of year to appreciate the stark beauty of the outdoor gardens. Although plants lie dormant, some of their most interesting characteristics, such as ornamental fruit, seed pods, and bark become more evident. Guests can stroll throughout the winter gardens, appreciating the witch hazel, Cornelian-cherries, grasses, winter-aconite, and other plants that offer pops of color across the landscape, while exploring the Meadow Garden’s symphony of subtle copper and umber hues.
Indoors, a fragrant and colorful tropical oasis from ceiling to floor awaits. Jasmine, cape-primrose, and lipstick-plants are just some of the more than 50 hanging baskets throughout the Conservatory. Colorful cymbidiums, clivia, primulas, lilies, azaleas, African-violets and more fill the conservatory with vibrant color. 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.
Voices in the Landscape: Deeply Rooted with Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston A highlight of Winter Wonder is the new exhibit Voices in the Landscape: Deeply Rooted with Charlotte Blake Alston. The experience invites guests to journey through a series of 10 stops throughout the Gardens and experience Alston’s moving spoken words. Hear an ancient Zulu creation myth paired with one of the oldest plants on Earth in the Conservatory; make your way to the Lookout Loft Treehouse and discover the story of the significance and symbolism of woods and meadows; call out the name of an ancestor in remembrance at the Large Lake while a traditional spiritual soothes your soul; immerse yourself in the life and immeasurable impact of “The Plant Doctor” George Washington Carver, and much more.
“I am pleased to have been invited to partner with Longwood Gardens to remember, honor and celebrate the strength, resiliency and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture,” said Charlotte Blake Alston. “I believe in the power of words and the power of story to inform and transform.”
Charlotte Blake Alston is a nationally acclaimed storyteller, narrator, singer, and librettist. She has appeared at the Smithsonian Institution, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Museum for Women in the Arts, the National Storytelling Festival, and the National Festival of Black Storytelling. She was one of two storytellers selected to present at the historic weekend opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Alston has appeared as host and narrator on The Philadelphia Orchestra’s school and family concerts since 1991, and was the featured host, storyteller, and narrator on the Carnegie Hall Family and School Concert series from 1995 to 2016. She has received numerous honors and awards including a Pew Fellowship in the Arts, the Commonwealth of PA Artist of the Year Award, the National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence Award, and the Zora Neale Hurston Award, the highest award conferred by the National Association of Black Storytellers. In 2015, she received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the Alumni Association of the Friends Select School, where she taught prior to launching her artistic career. It is an honor she greatly cherishes.
When experiencing Voices in the Landscape in the Gardens, it is recommended to use headphones when listening to the audio files via your phone. The exhibit is also available online for those who are unable to visit in person at longwoodgardens.org/voices-landscape
Winter Wonder is on view January 23–March 21. 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. The Gardens are open 10 am -5 pm daily except for Tuesdays. 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 1,100 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. Longwood is one of more than 30 gardens in the Philadelphia region known as America’s Garden Capital. For more information, visit longwoodgardens.org.
Carol A. Holohan, of West Grove, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, at Christiana Hospital. Carol was the wife of the late Albert X. Holohan, who predeceased her in November of 2004.
Carol A. Holohan
Born in Philadelphia, Carol was the daughter of the late Charles Maggi, Sr. and the late Adelaide G. Gaynor.
Carol spent her childhood in the city before moving to the Philadelphia suburbs where she married and raised her family. There she remained a “South-Philadelphian” at heart sharing the traditions and memories of her youth with her children: Joe’s Water Ice, New Year’s Eve dimes on the windowsills and pots & pans celebrations, the Mummers, and American Bandstand to name only a few. All the while making new, treasured memories with her family: vacations at the Jersey Shore (fudgie wudgies, the log flume, Cozy Morely’s), the best Christmases any kids could have, homemade bean soup with dumplings, family dinners at Walbers on the Delaware and the Longhorn Ranch (the original in Glen Mills). She was the family cheerleader—swim meets, baseball/softball games, track meets and football. Sunday night trips to Bingo were her escape when her kids were small, but all got to participate in that magic with her at one point or another.
As her family grew with the additions of son and daughters-in-law so did Carol’s heart…almost bursting when grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived. She adored all of her grandpups too over the years and the “diaper-free” babysitting time spent with them. She was always exceedingly generous to her family. QVC will surely miss Carol’s patronage, but nothing will compare to the loss her family will feel day in and day out without her in their lives. The memories called out here and many, many more that remain in their hearts will eventually bring peace. May all of Carol’s friends over the years also find the same peace when remembering the time spent together.
Carol is survived by her two sons, Anthony Holohan and Kevin Holohan (Kathya); her daughter, Cindy Kunkel (Billy); four grandchildren; two great grandchildren.
Due to pandemic restrictions, a memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Once service details become available, our website will be updated accordingly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia via https://give2.chop.edu. The email carolholohan207@gmail.com can be used for acknowledgement.
Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.
Carmella R. Wright, 78, of Concord Township, died peacefully and surrounded by family on Monday, Jan. 18, at her daughter’s home in West Chester. Born and raised in Chester, Carmella lived in Concord, previously living in Ridley Township where she raised her family.
Carmella R. Wright
Affectionately known as “Mel” or “Mellie,” Carmella had a successful career as an executive assistant and HR professional at Astra Zeneca in Wilmington, for more than 20 years, retiring in 2003. She loved her job and was greatly admired by her co-workers for her loyalty and strength of character.
Devoted to her faith, she was a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church. Carmella loved the beach and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends at Brigantine Beach, N.J. She also enjoyed playing cards. Carmella was a fabulous cook. Her annual Christmas Eve dinner will be missed by all who attended over the years. Above all Carmella enjoyed spending time with her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She loved attending her grandchildren’s activities and sporting events and was proud of all of their life achievements. Her family’s happiness was her happiness.
In addition to her parents, Frank J. and Louise D. Citerone Broccoli, Carmella is preceded in death by her sister, Rose Ann Ariosto and her former late husband, James F. Wright Jr. Carmella is survived by her son, James (Michele) Wright III and daughter, Kelly (Sharon Mirakian) Wright, sister, Nancy (Kenneth) Olson, brother in law, Patrick Spinosa, loving companion, Joseph Gross, grandchildren, Nicole, Christopher and Andrew Wright, Lindsay and Carley Mirakian, cousin and best friend, Amy Apelian, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Thursday 6:30-8 p.m. at Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd., Garnet Valley, PA and Friday at St. Cornelius Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA from 9:30-10:15 a.m. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. Interment will remain private. Donations in her memory may be made to PESGSC (Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County), 33044 East Light Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.paganofuneralhome.com
Rose C. Miller (nee O’Reilly), 89, of West Grove, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 17. She was the wife of the late Francis A. Miller, who died in 2013 and with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.
Rose C. Miller
Born in Sharon Hill, she was the daughter of the late Francis J. O’Reilly and the late Frances Quinn O’Reilly.
She was a devout Catholic and was a member of Assumption BVM parish in West Grove.
Rose will always be remembered for her love for everyone. She treated everyone the same and warmed them with her wonderful smile. The family enjoyed hearing Rose’s childhood stories of how she was a tomboy and would scare her childhood friends — mainly the boys — with her antics. She remarked often, “I am not a sissy” and “God knew what he was doing when he gave me all boys so I never had to raise a teenage girl.”
Frank and Rose would often say, “not bad for a couple of concrete kids” at the conclusion of their stories. Rose’s three favorite words were “It’s all good”. We will miss her terribly but find comfort in knowing that she and Frank are together again.
The family would like to thank the staff of Willow Tree Hospice for their care and compassion in her final days.
She is survived by her 7 sons, Joseph of Phoenixville, Michael (Dale) of Parkesburg, John (Nancy) of Nottingham, Christopher (Dawn) of Gilbertsville, Stephen (Ella) of Newark, Paul (Lora) of Oxford and Robert of Avondale. In addition, she is survived by 18 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, a Memorial Mass and burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the charity of your choice.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements by the Foulk Funeral Home, West Grove.
Members of Delaware County Council, and other county officials, observe a moment of silence for the 1,061 county residents who have died from COVID-19.
Candles were lit, and church bells chimed. It was an evening for Delaware County to remember and mourn the county victims of COVID-19. More than 1,000 county residents have died from the virus since the pandemic hit here almost a year ago.
The county later announced additional categories for people eligible for vaccinations under the Phase 1A.
County Council President Brian Zidek and others gathered on the courthouse steps amid LED candles in collective mourning for the dead and hope for the families of the fallen. The ceremony was part of a national remembrance, Zidek said.
Each candle represents a life lost from COVID in Delaware County.
“Tragically, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the death of [more than] 400,000 Americans, and we have lost a total of 1,061beloved Delaware County residents to the virus,” Zidek said. “These are family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, members of our community. Each luminary represents a life lost. We mourn the loss of each member of our community and honor them here tonight.”
Adding to the sense of grief, he said, was that many family members could not be with their loved ones in their moments of personal loss to say good-bye because of restrictions.
“It’s important that we pause and reflect and remember each person we have lost. We hope this memorial will serve as a collective healing for our community,” Zidek said.
County Medical Examiner Dr. Frederic Hellman spoke of losing a friend last week and how he learned of his friend’s death when that friend wound up on the medical examiner’s examination table after taking his own life. Hellman acknowledged an increase in suicides during this almost year-long pandemic.
“As I stand before you today, sharing in the grief and feelings of guilt that many are experiencing as a consequence of this COVID-19 pandemic, know that to grieve is to be alive, that to experience loss is to know that you loved and that we are collectively as one in community as we struggle through the horrifying toll wrought by the Coronavirus pandemic,” Hellman said.
He added that the county is experiencing a surge in COVID cases as a new mutated form of the virus is coming into the country, but said there is hope through vaccination and the continued mitigation procedures of masking, social distancing, and handwashing.
Following the event on the courthouse steps, the county issued a press release saying Pennsylvania has made changes to who can get vaccinations as part of Phase 1A.
All individuals 65 and older — and those between 16 and 64 years of age with certain medical conditions as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus — are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. A list of those medical conditions may be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. For information about qualifying for a Phase 1A vaccination and to learn where to go, visit https://www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/#Step2FindaVaccineProvider
To date, 13,836 vaccinations have been given in Delaware County, the press release said.
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.
•State police said they cited Steve N. Goldberg, 35, of Philadelphia, for driving at an unsafe speed following a crash in Pocopson Township on Jan. 2. According to the police report, Goldberg was driving north on Route 52, just south of Pocopson Road, when he tried to negotiate a right-hand bend but was traveling too fast for conditions and lost control. He attempted to correct, the report said, but was unsuccessful in the attempt. His vehicle ran off the side of the road, struck a fence, a tree, and then a parked vehicle.
•Police are investigating a reported theft of almost $700 worth of merchandise from the Walmart in East Marlborough Township on Dec. 8.
•According to state police, David Rueda, 18, of Oxford, was arrested on retail theft charges. A report said Rueda pushed a shopping cart filled with almost $300 worth of merchandise through the automatic doors at the East Marlborough Walmart on Jan. 4. He returned when asked by a loss prevention officer to sign some papers and was subsequently arrested.
•Police are investigating the theft of a $138 bottle of cologne from Ulta Beauty on Route 1 in East Marlborough Township. The robbery reportedly happened during the afternoon of Jan. 8. According to the report, a male entered the shop, removed the cologne bottle from a security package, concealed the bottle Giorgio Armani Code Profumo Cologne, and left the store. The suspect, who was not described in the report, is believed involved with theft at Ulta in Newtown Square.
