William E. Swayne Jr., 82, of West Grove, died Wednesday, May 11, at Newport Meadows in Christiana.
William E. Swayne Jr.
Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late William E. Swayne Sr. and the late Jean Dempsey Swayne.
Mr. Swayne was a maintenance man at the Kennett High School for nine years, retiring in 2001.
He enjoyed watching TV, especially old cartoons, and old series like MASH, etc., reading his Bible, and being with his family and friends.
Mr. Swayne is survived by one daughter, Kimberly Alice Swayne of West Palm Beach, Fla., two brothers, Joseph R. Swayne, Sr. of Wilmington, and Thomas W. Swayne of Newark, and one sister, Deborah J. Reinike of Holtwood.
You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove, 200 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390. His funeral service will follow at 6. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Brandywine River Valley Home Health & Hospice, 125 Bell Tower Lane, Suite B, Oxford, PA 19363
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Chadds Ford Township Supervisors’ Chairman Samantha Reiner is reminding voters that the ballot drop-box at the township building will be accessible through 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17. The township can’t get the announcement out this morning because the Internet is down at the municipal building.
The following animals are ready to be adopted from the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester.
Jacinda
Jacinda
In addition to being a very pretty young girl, Jacinda is super sweet. She absolutely loves being petted and sitting in your lap. In the shelter dog playgroups, she most enjoys the easy-going dogs as her companions. Come meet this very good girl at the shelter. When you do, bring along all household members, including any other pups. You can name your fee for Jacinda through Sunday, May 22.
Misty
Misty
Misty is a beautiful girl who loves attention and affection. She is hoping for a second chance at a loving family. Misty is waiting for her new loving family and can’t wait to go home. You can name your fee for Misty through Sunday, May 22.
For more information, go to www.bvspca.org or phone 484-302-0865.
John Niemkiewicz, 91, of Media, died suddenly at home, on Tuesday, May 10. Loving father Andrea (the late Rick) Bukay, John (Renie), the late Mark (Marie), Mary (Eric) Silvers, and Evan (Margaret). He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Brother of Thomas (Marian) and the late Theresa, and Philomena. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral, Wednesday, May 18, at St. Cornelius Church, 160 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317. Viewing 9:30-10:45 a.m. His funeral mass is at 11 a.m. Internment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in John’s name. More can be information at www.danjolell.com
George L. Anderson, 86, of West Grove, died Tuesday, May 10, after a sudden three-week decline. George was the husband of Barbara Massey Anderson, who died in 2007, a few months after celebrating their 50th anniversary.
George L. Anderson
George was born in West Chester, the son of the late Lawrence Anderson and Frances Anderson Crossan. At age 6 he joined his older twin brothers at Girard College, a boarding school in Philadelphia for fatherless boys, and received his early education graduating in 1953. He then attended Goldey Beacom College and received a degree in business. In 1956, George went to work as an accountant at the DuPont Company in downtown Wilmington and retired after 36 years. He then worked locally for the US Post Office for a while followed by several years of driving a school van for the DuVall Bus Company. George fully retired when he was in his mid-70s.
Dad loved to travel with mom and play pinochle and dominoes. He read the newspaper daily, every word, from front to back. Dad was always up for a quick (sometimes not so quick) trip to a casino, with Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut being his favorite. The Phillies and Eagles have lost an avid fan.
George always lived in and loved the town of West Grove. He was a borough councilman for 12 years in the 70s and 80s. The family attended the West Grove Methodist Church where George served on various committees, but his true dedication and commitment were to the West Grove Volunteer Fire Co. He joined the fire company at age 17. He was an active firefighter and answered hundreds of ambulance calls with his wife Barbara. George served as president in 1974, 1975, 1985, vice president in 1981, and was the secretary from 1969 to 1973. He was the department treasurer for a total of 20 years in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Dad’s last service until just a few years ago was a daily visit to the station to drop off and sort the mail. He enjoyed every day of his fire company life.
George is survived by son Donald Anderson and Fred Phillips of Paradise, daughter Donna Shaub and husband Tim of West Grove, and daughter Sharon Camp and husband Trent of Hockessin. Pop Pop was very proud of and enjoyed time spent with grandchildren Jessica Shaub Jones, Rebecca, and Phil Miranda, Lauren and Bryce Gates, Anderson and Annabelle Camp, and great-grandchildren who made him very happy, Owen Massey Jones, Sloane Miranda, and newborn Paige Miranda who he did not get to meet in person but saw her in lots of pictures. Great-grandson Baby Boy Gates is due to arrive in July.
George’s twin sister Judy Peters (the late Jerry) lives in St Augustine FL, brother Robert and wife Carol The Woodlands TX, and sister-in-law Ruth Anderson Kennett Square Pa. He was Uncle George to three generations of nieces and nephews.
In addition to Barbara and his parents, George was predeceased by father and mother-in-law Sumner and Dorothy Massey, brother John on May 10, 2021, great-grandson Finn Miranda, and his “other son” Peter Grossweiler.
We love you Dad. You will be missed by your family, your fire company family, your many friends, and the community.
A memorial service for George Anderson will be held at Foulk Funeral Home at 200 Rosehill Road in West Grove on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. A time of visitation with the family will begin at 5 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made to West Grove Fire Company at P.O. Box 201, West Grove PA, 19390.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Thomas W. Nields, 65, of Wilmington, died Tuesday, May 10, at his residence.
Thomas W. Nields
Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Walter Nields and the late Elizabeth Vogel Nields.
He was a retired dump truck driver last working for Technivate in Avondale.
Thomas enjoyed landscaping, driving his dump truck, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and being with his family and friends.
He is survived by one daughter, Mallory J. Nields of Oxford; one brother, Edward O. Nields of Downingtown; one sister, Susan R. Hoopes pf Lancaster, S.C.; three grandchildren, and four nieces and two nephews.
He was predeceased by one sister, Joyce A. Kent.
His service will be held at a later date.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove, West Grove.
History lovers unveil the new sign at the Barns-Brinton House.
History lovers dedicated a new historical marker at the Barns-Brinton house in Pennsbury Township on Thursday afternoon. The building is owned and maintained by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.
CFHS President Randell Spackman said the interpretive signage is key to “getting history right.” He added that getting it right takes time.
Spackman also gave a brief history lesson on the battle, saying Knyphausen’s Feint at Chadds Ford set up the ultimate British victory in the Sept. 11, 1777 battle. It was the largest land battle of the War of Independence, involving 30,000 men in arms and taking place over 3,500 acres in 15 municipalities.
He went on to say the feint distracted Gen. George Washington’s forces to the point that they didn’t know the main British body was circling to the north and would attack in force from Birmingham Township in Chester County.
“This is our true history and that of our nation,” Spackman said. “It maintains a sense of place and gives people a sense of self-worth.”
Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary said the sign was the seventh erected so far. There would be another eight put up in the other municipalities where there had been fighting or troop movement.
Aaron McIntyre, supervisors’ chairman in Pennsbury Township, was also on hand for the brief ceremony.
The Barclay Rubicam painting depicts Hessian troops along the old Route 1, Baltimore Pike, during the start of the Battle of Brandywine. That was before the paved Route 1 was constructed to the rear of the house.
“Pennsbury Township has a strong commitment to history,” McIntyre said. “It grounds us, and we have a strong interest in preserving it.”
The sign was funded by the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution and its Color Guard. Peter Adams was the spokesman for that group.
“Our Society agreed to fund this project to educate the public about the Battle of the Brandywine,” Adams said. “By funding the cost of 15 historically accurate signs detailing events of the battle and distributing the signs in 15 municipalities sharing the battlefield’s footprint in Delaware and Chester counties, we believe our mission is well served.”
Adams thanked several people for their efforts and added, “This exciting and worthwhile endeavor is an excellent example of a successful public-private partnership. Nowhere have I found another example where two counties and their 15 municipalities have joined together in patriotic harmony united in such a successful partnership.”
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.
PennDOT has announced the following road projects, which are weather-dependent and could affect drivers in the greater Chadds Ford area during the week of May 14 through May 20. Motorists are urged to allow extra time if traveling through one of the construction zones. Work schedules are subject to change.
•Mechanized patching will cause alternating lane closures along Route 202 between State Farm Drive and the Delaware state line through May 20.
•Concrete patching will cause 247/7 lane closures on Route 1 between Pole Cat and Thornton roads in Concord Township through May 21.
•Milling, patching, and repaving will continue causing lane closures on Route 1 from Brandywine Creek to Route 202 in Chadds Ford Township.
•Utility restoration will continue to cause lane restrictions on Route 1 between Independence Way and Ponds Edge Drive in Pennsbury Township through May 20.
•Running through June 10, utility replacement will cause lane closures on Route 1 between Elmwood and Lenape roads in Kennett Township.
•The Embreeville Road Bridge over the West Branch over the Brandywine Creek in Newlin Township remains closed because of the Sept. 1 flooding. The closure remains listed as indefinite.
There is no better excuse to get out and explore the beauty of the Brandywine Valley than the Chester County Studio Tour. This weekend, Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the tour puts local artists in the spotlight on their own turf. With 68 studios and 165 artists participating, it is the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant art scene, find the perfect piece to add to your collection, and see what might be hiding in your own neighborhood.
New to the studio tour? You aren’t alone. Every year, new artists and patrons find out about this local event through social media, advertising, those fabulous guidebooks at local businesses, word of mouth, and yard signs. Jeff Schaller, founder and coordinator of the Chester County Studio Tour, noted how exciting it is to see the signs pointing to the spots on the Tour as you drive around the county in the days leading up to the event, when “everywhere I turned there was a studio tour sign. I had to pinch myself.” It has come a long way from 15 years ago when Schaller opened his own studio to the public for a weekend, then invited another to join, then twelve, and now 68.
by Maryanne Buschini,
As Maryanne Buschini, who is showing at Studio 11 in Malvern (all artists are referenced by their stop on the Studio Tour), notes that the best way to get started is to “Look through the catalog and see what art speaks to you—that way you can determine which studios to visit.”
Strategies for the most effective tour vary. “Start with a few of the studios closest to your home,” said Judy DeSimone, Studio 53. “It’s fun to realize what talent may be hidden in your neighborhood.”
This year, the tour introduced a tool to help people find studios close to their current location, whether you are starting from home or already out and about.
“Another, more relaxing way, is to just look for the road signs and banners this weekend, or use the handy Find 5 online tool to identify the closest studios to your location,” said Susan O’Hanlon, Studio 27.
If you are looking to explore farther away, “Maybe pick your top studios in northern Chester County for one of the days and your top picks for southern Chester County the other day,” suggested Monique Sarkessian, Studio 8. “For studios that are host studios, if you aren’t able to get there during the tour weekend, you may be able to make an appointment another day so save your guidebooks after the tour, they are golden!” Or “travel to the farthest studio and make your way back home,” as Schaller recommended.
by Judy Lupas
Plan to get started early if you are looking for specific pieces, especially the County Collector items. Each artist creates one piece that is priced at $75, especially for the tour, and these prized collector pieces go fast. You can get a sneak preview of these pieces in the guidebook or online. Mollie Allen, Studio 40, notes that this year has an exciting vibe. “What excites me about the current art scene in the Chester County/Brandywine Valley is the upbeat and positive energy I feel throughout this community of friendly, kind, helpful, and encouraging artists, mentors, and teachers.”
All styles of art will be on display on this year’s tour, from classic plein air and Brandywine tradition pieces to ceramics to mixed media to modern pieces. Theresa Groff (TAO), Studio 35, notes that “the current art scene is encouraging Chester County artists to push their creativity and expression.”
The tour gives visitors a chance to see that creativity in a person. “Art is on the rise and if you look at the quality of the work you will be astounded,” Sarkessian said. “I guarantee that those visiting the studios this year will feel very uplifted that they seem to be surrounded by great artists.”
Participating in the tour is invaluable to artists, as Judy Lupas, Studio 1, points out. “A wonderful aspect of being involved in CCST is the visibility it affords you as an artist who spends most of the time creating and not taking enough time to market.” It allows artists to connect directly with their fans and followers.
“The entire weekend is about sharing something I am passionate about with people who love art and pottery,” O’Hanlon said. “What’s not to love?”
by Jeff Schaller
Nilanjan Bhowmik, Studio 14, noted that artists make connections through the show, too. “The art scene here has always been vibrant with amazing artists, and it is getting stronger by the day,” he said. “I have come to know so many talented artists over the last few years either by being part of a show as an artist or by visiting one and am excited to be a part of this thriving creative community.” After visiting the tour for the past few years, this year they decided to participate from their own studio with three other artists.
The tour is also a rare opportunity to peek at not only the art on display but the vibrant artist studios. As Buschini notes, for her first time participating she had set up a tent outside to display her art. “I was happily surprised that many visitors asked to go in and see my studio, which was, as usual, a big working mess,” she says, but “They were excited to see where the artists work—and I love that.”
And many studios have other perks as well, such as a chance to explore hidden gems. DeSimone’s home is a popular spot for gardening enthusiasts: “My landscape architect husband has turned our yard into a garden magazine.” Sometimes, people come just for the garden, especially those who drive by and “had always wanted to look at the different plants.” They look at the art, but then ask, “Since they were here now, could they walk around and look at the gardens?”
“As an artist, it’s exciting to see more people putting this event on their calendar and viewing the art,” Schaller said. “Art can be very intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.” What better way to dive in than when the Studios are inviting you in just down the road? “Oh, and have a designated driver,” Groff added. Many spots on the tour offer treats and beverages to guests.
There are 68 studios on the Tour, spread throughout Chester County. Guidebooks are available at participating Studios and businesses throughout the area. Plan your trip and find out more at CountyStudioTour.com.
Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.
After months of investigation and conversation, the Chadds Ford Planning Commission has finished work on a marijuana grower/processor ordinance. However, the ordinance won’t go iunto effect until township supervisors vote on the matter after a hearing.
The commission has been developing the ordinance for more than a year, and it follows the development and final approval of a marijuana dispensary ordinance. Under current state law, medical marijuana dispensaries and grow facilities for medical cannabis are legal. As such, municipalities need to have zoning ordinances to limit where the facilities may be located. Otherwise, they could go almost anywhere and township officials would have little say in how they are regulated.
No date has been set for a hearing; that will come later. The Board of Supervisors must first authorize the township manager to advertise the hearing.
The grower/processor ordinance restricts facilities to the LI-1 Zoning District on parcels no smaller than five acres. The facilities must also maintain indoor air quality standards and ensure that odors do not escape.
Also during the May 11 meeting, commission members heard a new application for a convenience store — possibly a Wawa — along Route 202 at Hillman Derive, the William Bunch Auction House site. Peter Miller, the developer who built the Wegmans complex on the other side of Route 202, said his Wilmington Pike Group bought the property from Bunch several months ago. While Planning Commission members and supervisors have referenced Wawa, Miller said that is not necessarily the tenant.
The presentation was only a sketch plan, not something that’s been engineered, nor has it been submitted for approval.
But a convenience store with gasoline sales is planned for the site. There would also be a bank with drive-thru service.
Brian DiBiase, the traffic engineer on the project, said one of the plans is to widen Hillman Drive where it approaches 202. Currently, there are three lanes on Hillman at the intersection, one inbound from 202 and two outbound. Those outbound lanes include one dedicated left-turn lane and a shared lane for right turns and straight through traffic.
Under the new proposal, DiBiase said there would still be one inbound lane, but four outbound lanes: two dedicated left-turn lanes, one dedicated to through traffic, and a fifth lane dedicated for right turns onto southbound Route 202. There would also be a new driveway entrance for the Bunch property on the north side of Hillman and another driveway for the Goddard School on the south side. Those new driveways would be farther back from Route 202.
Hillman Drive’s possible widening has been a discussion topic for years. The Henderson Group owns the Chadds Ford Business Campus and Hillman Drive. Henderson has been working on widening that street and connecting it to Route 1 to finish the fourth and final leg of the loop road system around Routes 1 and 202, but that project was delayed.
According to Chadds Ford Township engineer Mike Schneider, “This is a much better plan than Henderson’s.”
While the proposal won’t complete the loop road, it makes for a wider approach to Route 202 with more lanes than Henderson could have built. The reason, Schneider said, is that Henderson didn’t control the buildings on either side of Hillman at 202. The current proposal calls for five lanes, while the older plan still only had four.
Commission Chairman Craig Huffman raised questions about traffic flow within the site and pedestrian traffic safety in the parking area because some of the parking spaces were on the other side of the gasoline aisles from the store. He was also concerned about vehicles making left turns onto Hillman from the convenience store or bank.
The applicant will be back with answers if he chooses to move forward with the project.
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.
