January 26, 2021 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Guard charged with sexual assault

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer has charged L’Toray Hill, 35, a security guard with the Penn Wood School District, with institutional sexual assault and related charges resulting from conduct beginning when the victim was a third-grade student at Walnut Street Elementary School and culminating in a sexual relationship when she was 16 years old.

“This case provides a classic example of the grooming behavior that often accompanies child sexual assault,” said Stollsteimer. “The perpetrator used his position of authority to exploit the vulnerabilities of a young child. Over the years, he manipulated and abused this victim psychologically as well as physically. We deeply appreciate her willingness to step forward and share her story. In doing so, we hope that she has protected other potential victims from the actions of this defendant,” said Stollsteimer.

Sergeant Robin Clark and Detective Mark Bucci of the Child Abuse and Exploitation Task Force interviewed the victim in November 2020. The victim reported that she met the defendant when she was eight years old and a student at Walnut Street Elementary School, where the defendant was employed as a security guard. She stated that the defendant took a special interest in her and she thought of him as a father figure.

As the victim matured, the defendant’s comments became more frequent and more salacious. The defendant maintained contact with the victim as she went to middle school and when she was 14, he gave her an unsolicited kiss. The victim turned 16 in June 2017 and his behaviors became more aggressive and culminated in the initiation of a sexual relationship that continued until November 2018.

The victim reported that the liaisons occurred at a Penn Wood Elementary School multiple times, as well as at the defendant’s house. The victim also reported that the defendant sent sexually suggestive photographs of himself over the course of the sexual relationship.

The defendant was able to post bail, which was set at $75,000 (10 percent). A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3.

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Larry James Kilby of West Grove

Obituaries

Larry James Kilby, 70, of West Grove, died Sunday, Jan. 24, at Lancaster General Hospital with his family at his side. He was the devoted husband of Linda (Shelton) Kilby with whom he shared almost 46 years of marriage. Born on Oct. 10, 1950, in Wilmington, he was the son of the late Smith and Elsie (Gouge) Kilby.

Mr. Kilby was a graduate of Avon Grove High School in the class of 1968. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. Following his time in the military, he began a career working for Potts Welding and Boiler Repair in Wilmington and later for Bells Welding and Mechanical Repair in Avondale.

In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars and doing other projects with his brother Buster in his garage. He also could be found riding in his ‘38 Chevy Coupe. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people smile. His favorite thing in the world was spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Linda, Mr. Kilby is survived by his children, Amanda G. Blazek, and Michael J Kilby. His son in law John Blazek and daughter in law Adrienne Kilby. His grandchildren; Avery and Nathaniel Blazek and Jackson Kilby. His siblings; Sue Porter and Jerry Kilby. He will also be missed by his brothers-in-law Pete Shelton and Jack Shelton. In addition to his parents, Mr. Kilby is preceded in death by his brother Robert “Buster” Kilby.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. at Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square. Arrangements by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove; to visit his online memorial, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

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DelCo opens COVID-19 Call Center

Health

Delaware County opened a COVID-19 Call Center on Monday, Jan. 25, to answer COVID-19 related questions from individuals, organizations, and businesses.

The COVID-19 Call Center will be open Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Center will also respond to emailed inquiries.

While the Call Center staff will attempt to answer all COVID-19-related questions, the immediate mission will be to address questions related to the County’s updated COVID-19 vaccination plans and to provide assistance to individuals interesting in receiving a vaccination or test. The Call Center staff’s focus will be:

Working with residents to determine their vaccination phase
Assisting Phase 1A residents who have been unable to complete the Phase 1A Vaccine Interest Survey using the online registration
Helping residents locate convenient COVID-19 testing sites and, if needed, help them register to receive a test through a county-sponsored testing site
Answering general questions about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations

General questions about COVID-19 (quarantine guidelines, masks, restaurant seating capacity limits, etc.) should be directed to the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To contact the call center, phone 484-276-2100, or email Covid19Resources@co.delaware.pa.us

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Edward J. Madonna, formerly of Kennett Square

Obituaries

Edward J. Madonna, 78, of Philadelphia, and formerly of Kennett Square, died Friday, Jan. 22.

Eddie is survived by his life partner of 16 years, Robert J. Shannahan; his sister, Marlene (Madonna) McDonough; his Uncle Claude Madonna; numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Ella C. and Daniel P. Madonna, and his brother, Daniel P. Madonna, III.

Eddie was born Nov. 16, 1942. He attended Archbishop Ryan Academy for the Deaf in Philadelphia and then Kennett High School in Kennett Square. Eddie also received his certification as an IBM Machine Operator at Dorothy E. Kane School. He received numerous certifications related to computer operations throughout his career.

Eddie worked for several large companies such as DuPont, The US Postal Service, US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, and the IRS. His jobs took him from Pennsylvania to New York to California and back to Pennsylvania again. In addition, he was recognized frequently for his volunteer efforts at many local Deaf organizations.

Eddie was a colorful character. He loved his animals including fish, birds, and dogs. He loved Jerry Lewis movies, which may explain his prankster ways. He always strived to improve himself and be independent. He overcame many obstacles with a smile on his face. He especially loved his dogs and raising and breeding them with his life partner.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 450 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

In lieu of flowers, donations in Eddie’s name may be made to Deaf-Hearing Communication Center www.DHCC.org/donate or Action Wellness actionwellness.org/donate Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) condolences at www.griecofunerals.com

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Walter Larry Yates of New London

Obituaries

Walter Larry Yates, 84, of New London, died Wednesday, Jan. 20, at his home. He was the husband of Ethel Kay Thompson Yates, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Greensboro, N.C., he was a son of the late Walter Clearon Yates and the late Lovie Irene Draughon Yates.

Larry earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and remained a lifelong Lions fan. He retired from DuPont after 32 years of service. He then worked in sales for many years at his son’s business, Yates Mushroom Company, a produce wholesaler in West Grove. He was a longtime member of West Grove United Methodist Church, Railroad Rod and Gun Club, White Clay Flyfishers, Oxford Redman’s Club, Oxford Gun Club, and past master of the New London Masonic Lodge.

Larry loved spending time with his family and friends, working in his garden, fishing in a stream, or hunting in the woods. He was an avid outdoorsman and was delighted to pass that onto his children and grandchildren. He always had a story to tell, a nickname to give, or a unique turn of phrase. He whistled frequently, had a positive attitude and joyful heart. His exuberant personality will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, Kay, he is survived by his family who he adored, one son, Dale Yates and his wife Nancy of New London, PA; two daughters, Nancy Yates Narvell and her husband Todd of Wilmington, and Shelly Ciafre and her husband Rodney of New London; a brother, Curtis Yates and his wife Sandra of Oxford, 10 grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Kristine, Ashley, Amanda, Steven, Eric, Eleazar, Ezekiel and Lydia and 11 great-grandchildren, Hailey, Matthew, Jaime, Jack, John, Christopher, Sloane, MaKenzie, Travis, Eric James, and Benjamin.

You are invited to visit with Larry’s family and friends from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N Guernsey Rd, West Grove, PA 19390. Due to COVID-19, only 10 guests will be allowed into the building at a time and masks will be required. A private memorial service will follow. A small gathering for family and close friends will be held at the OTE Traven at the Octoraro Hotel, 2 South 3rd Street, Oxford, PA 19363 at 1:30 p.m.

Contributions in his memory may be made to either West Grove United Methodist Church at the aforementioned address or to the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, 1901 Rockland Rd. Wilmington, DE 19803. Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (484-734-8100) To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com

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Steven Jerome Goddard of West Grove

Obituaries

Steven Jerome Goddard, 81, of West Grove, died Jan. 2, at his home. He was the husband of Marna Mason Goddard, 82, who died Jan. 14. They shared 56 years of marriage.

Steve was born in Louisville, Ky., graduated from Rice University, and earned his doctorate from MIT. He worked for DuPont.

Marna was born in Hartford, Conn., graduated from Earlham College, and earned her master’s from Harvard.

Steve and his wife Marna were both music lovers and patrons of the arts, Steve hosted a radio show at WVUD for several years. Their love of nature, community, and conservancy was exemplified by their donation of land to London Grove Township which initiated what is now known as Goddard Park.

Steve and Marna were preceded in death by their son Chad Phillips Goddard and survived by their daughter Laura Pogue.

Services and interment will be held privately. Contributions in their memory may be made to London Grove Township/Goddard Park, 372 Rosehill Rd, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (484-734-8100) To view their online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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Art Live: Collaborative art

Arts & Entertainment

Whether we recognize it or not while viewing it, art has always been intertwined with politics. In a recent Widewalls Magazine article, writer Biljana Puric said this about the two, “Artistic production never solely replicated reality. Even during Realism it had its purpose of showing the brutality or beauty of everyday life to viewers.” And, Robert Rauschenberg once said, “The artist’s job is to be a witness to his time in history.”

The new exhibition, “Evident Truth”, at The Art Trust in West Chester, highlights four ceramic artists who are passionately engaged in social practice art – often described as collaborative and community driven work. They are Philadelphia artists Gerald A. Brown and Isaac Scott, Indiana based Justin Rothshank and Maryland based Andrew Snyder. Snyder, an associate professor of Art at West Chester University and curator of the show said, “When we consider the words of our U.S. Constitution, that all men are created equal, we question as Americans and as artists, through the work on display, whether we are upholding these most basic philosophies established by our founding fathers. It’s no secret that we are in a current climate of great political unrest.”

Collaborative Mug by Isaac Scott and Justin Rothshank at The Art Trust

Snyder created an installation titled “Soap Box” specifically for the show, first on view at West Chester University’s Knauer Gallery. He has a few other pieces displayed but he really lets Brown shine here. Brown is a member of the art collective Vox Populi in Center City and a teaching artist assistant with The Clay Studio’s Clay Mobile outreach program. She is also co-founder of the Clay Siblings’ Project, a non-profit initiative providing free ceramic workshops around the country. Her focus is on American constructs of black exceptionalism, womanhood and respectability. “I use ceramic objects, found objects, sound and wall signage to execute my goals. Fundamental to my practice has been creating the sculptural ceramic forms and using the materiality of clay to communicate complex ideas, challenging the viewer physically and conceptually.”

Rothshank’s ceramic work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Among his many accolades he was recognized by Ceramics Monthly Magazine as an Emerging Artist in 2007 and was named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40 in 2005. He is a prolific artist with works in over three dozen galleries and gift shops across the country.

Scott is an artist, curator, and photographer. His ceramic work has been exhibited around the country including The Clay Studio and at the 2019 National Conference for Education in the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) in Minneapolis. Scott’s photographs of the 2020 Uprising in Philadelphia were featured in the New Yorker magazine. Rothshank’s and Scott’s work in the show is a collaboration; through a variety of techniques, their series of mugs and cups tell the stories of activists fighting for change. The show opened January 21^st and will be on view through February 26^th. Check The Art Trust’s website for information on whether events will be live or virtual and see the show online here.

Gravity by Karen Hunter McLaughlin at CCA

In Montgomery County, a new show titled, “Apart:Together” opens on Sunday, February 7^th at Cheltenham Center for the Arts (CCA). This highly anticipated live/virtual show is a biennial spotlighting artists in the “Artessa Alliance” collective. The show’s focus is on how the diverse group of women artists explored their connections to each other, and strengthened ties via their shared community during the year 2020. A variety of art forms will be on view including new works in fiber, prints, and video.

We Have What We Need – Video Still – by Rebecca Schultz at CCA

Some of the artists in the show include Brenda Howell, Julia Way Rix, Rebecca Schultz and Karen Hunter-McLaughlin. McLaughlin, a lead member with the group said, “While we unexpectedly had a lot more solitary art experiences than usual in 2020, we also suffered withdrawal from friends, family and, for us, our artist communities. It created a lot of inertia. Despite that, Artessa Alliance members not only survived but thrived with lots of Zoom calls, texts and emails. In discussions about our work for this show we inadvertently found amazing connections to the art we were separately creating. Through Apart:Together we’re sharing our survival.” Watch here for a zoom link to the virtual reception on February 7^th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The gallery is open by appointment and Sundays. Visit here for details.

Whatever you do this week, support the arts!!

About Constance McBride

A native of Philadelphia, Constance McBride lived in Arizona for 16 years, where desert observations made a transformative impact on her work as a research based visual artist. Passionate about contemporary art, she was actively engaged in the local arts community. She served as a board member for several art organizations, managed an artist collective/gallery space, curated and juried several exhibitions and wrote for two arts publications in Phoenix. She taught ceramics at Shemer Art Center and Museum and exhibited her work both locally and nationally. McBride returned to Pennsylvania in 2018 and resides in Chester Springs with her husband and two dogs. In West Chester, she serves as a board member at The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank and teaches ceramics at Chester County Art Association. She also teaches at Clay on Main in Oley, PA. She is a member of American Craft Council, Philadelphia Sculptors, and Women’s Caucus for Art, Philadelphia Chapter.

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Longhorn is new UHS mascot

School & Education

Screen Shot 2021-01-26 at 05.52.31 — Longhorn is new UHS mascot

The mascot for Unionville High School is now the Longhorn steer. Students in grades 8-12 voted for the Longhorn over the Stampede —represented by a horse — by more than 69 percent. School board directors voted to approve the Longhorn by a 9-0 vote during their Jan. 25 meeting.

Prior to the reveal, Director Tom Day thanked the Mascot Selection Committee, comprising students, faculty, and members of the community, for their efforts in creating a new mascot that “embraces and celebrates the wonderful diversity and uniqueness of our community.”

Two student representatives presented the reveal to the board. There was a follow-up to the actual presentation by students Jenna Ahart and Olivia Kenyon, who were members of the committee.

Reading from their report, Kenyon said the choice is in honor of the King Ranch of Texas that bought the East Marlborough property — the Buck and Doe Run Valley Farms between Unionville and Coatesville — in the 1940s. But they added that it was about more than that history, Olivia Kenton said.

“…the Longhorn still strongly portrays the values of the community through its characteristics as a species. Because each Longhorn differs greatly in its size, color, horn length, and personality, the Longhorn embodies the community’s diversity. This innate versatility coupled with the Longhorn’s gender-neutral nature serves to create a universal mascot each and every community member can embrace and endorse,” Ahart said.

Their report continued: “The mascot was finally chosen because it is unique to those of surrounding schools in Southeastern Pennsylvania and aligns with an identifiable brand. With a distinct, recognizable logo of concrete imagery, the Longhorn establishes a solidified brand for the school and district… May the Longhorn embody the community’s honorable history and the student body’s diversity, leadership, and perseverance for years to come.”

The former mascot, the Indian, was officially retired in August. The high school will hold a clothing drive in the spring and are asking people who have any old UHS apparel with the former mascot to turn them back into the school.

The new Longhorn Store is open and selling apparel with the new logo, the students announced. The blue and yellow of the school’s color scheme will remain.

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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