Victoria Corrado Peirson, 72, of West Grove, died Monday, Oct. 10, at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in West Grove. She was the wife of Rondel G. Peirson, with whom she shared 19 years of marriage.
Victoria Peirson
Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Joseph S. Corrado and the late Muffy Manfredi Corrado.
Victoria graduated from Kennett High School in 1967 and earned her accounting degree from Hartford Institute of Accounting.
Victoria previously owned interior design and accounting services businesses. \Before starting her businesses, she operated Heavy Haulers, a subsidiary company to Corrado American, in New Castle, Del. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, entertaining and was known for her culinary skills. In addition, she loved Christmas and spending time with her family and close friends.
She will be remembered for her engaging personality and loyalty to all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband Rondel, she is survived by her son Christopher J. Schult and his wife Kimberly, of Mount Airy, Md.; two brothers, Joseph J. Corrado and Frank L. Corrado, both of Kennett Square; and three grandchildren, Alexandra Schult, Allison Schult, and Maxwell Schult; and her beloved cat Buttons. She was preceded in death by her first husband, David Henry Schult, from Elizabeth, N.J.
We invite you to visit with Victoria’s family and friends from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Mendenhall Inn, 323 Kennett Pike, Mendenhall, PA 19317. Her Life Celebration Service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a reception from noon-3 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Associationhttps://www.alz.org/?form.
Arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.
To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com
James Robert Pierson (Bob), 82, of Landenberg, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 21. He was the loving husband of Betty R. Pierson, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
James Pierson
He was the son of the late James and Margaret (Brandenberger) Pierson of Landenberg. He spent the majority of his life on the family farm in Landenberg, where he was raised, and inherited from his grandmother Brandenberger at a young age. He had a sense of pride knowing he could pass the farm along to his son, grandson, and great grandsons.
After graduating from Kennett High School in 1958, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1963, where he maintained F-105 Thunderchief Fighter Bombers. He often spoke fondly of his service and being stationed near Las Vegas.
After leaving the Air Force, Bob obtained a position in Avondale, at F&M Scientific, which later became part of Hewlett-Packard Co in 1965. He married his dedicated wife, Betty, at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square in 1965, where they faithfully attended weekly, and are still members.
Bob soon realized that he would rather work for himself than a large company, so in 1969, he started J. Robert Pierson Inc., his own excavating and septic service business. He was owner/operator for 50-plus years, with his son, Mark, working diligently by his side from an early age onward. Bob expertly operated the dozer, while Mark flawlessly ran the backhoe on jobs.
In his pastime, Bob once enjoyed going on annual deer hunting trips to Potter County, attending Masonic Lodge meetings, and collecting tractors/equipment, which some would refer to as junk, but were future restoration projects to him. Always wanting to expand his knowledge in the wastewater industry, he looked forward to attending annual state and national conventions/trade shows with Mark, including the Pumper Show, in various US cities such as Nashville, Louisville, and Indianapolis. In his later years, Bob mostly enjoyed his evenings and weekends at home with Betty, their Yorkies, and rescued cats, watching the Eagles and their favorite TV shows. He was proudly a member of the New London Masonic Lodge, where he was a past master, the Kennett Masonic Lodge, the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, and Delaware Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association.
He is survived by his wife, Betty of Landenberg; his children, Mark D. Pierson (Lenna) of Landenberg, and Lesa R. Simpson (Kirk) of Oxford; his grandchildren (who lovingly called him Poppop), Heather Murphy (Sean) and M. David Pierson II (Monica), all of Oxford; his great grandchildren (who always brought an added sparkle to his eyes when they visited over the last 15 months), Malcolm and Marcus Pierson and Hope Murphy. He is also survived by his brother, William F. Pierson (Patricia) of Mechanicsburg, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their warm and heartfelt appreciation to the staff, skilled caregivers, and nurses at the healthcare facility where Bob resided for the past 15 months. The compassionate care and comfort you gave our Dad is valued beyond measure.
A viewing/visitation will be held on Nov. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. with the funeral service starting at 2 at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S Broad St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Interment with Masonic and Air Force honors will immediately follow the service at New Garden Friends Cemetery, 875 Newark Rd, New Garden, PA 19350.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square (PCKS), 213 S Broad St, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Checks can be made payable to PCKS with ‘In Memory of Bob Pierson’ in the memo section.
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 Wet Grove, West Grove.
Good energy oozes from every brick and stone at Aston Mill Arts. It could come from the space itself, full of large windows, bright light, and ceilings high enough for those giant skeletons currently taking over lawns to stretch tall in. It could come from the decades of art that has been made there, ever since it was originally partially converted into artist studios in the 1990s. But it definitely comes from the artists themselves, who can’t help crowing about all the wonders of AMA. They will showcase their creations together on November 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th at the annual communal Fine Art Show.
The distinctive nature of Aston Mill Arts itself is the cornerstone of its appeal. “I feel a kinship in ‘handmade’ through the decades gone by,” says Mary Gordon, one of the three founders of Heron Studios, the first group to create artist studios in the space in 1997. Originally a textile mill, the building has seen many changes over the centuries. AMA introduces a new spin (pun intended) on the history. “The sociology of this area is full of women and men ‘making’ or producing products and living in close proximity to their homes,” Gordon notes.
Studio Space Aston Mill Art
After Heron Studios had been in the building for a decade, they were joined by Heron Crest Studios, which took over another floor in 2007. Through various circumstances, pandemic-related restructuring, and creative organizing, the two studios have evolved into Aston Mill Arts. Veronica Batter stepped in as President in late 2021 “with the intent to continue and expand the tradition of fine arts in this historic textile mill building.”
Gallery at Aston Mill Art
Many artists have not only made AMA their artistic home, they have also chosen locations nearby for their own homes. “To demonstrate what a special place Aston Mill Arts is, I actually concentrated my home search within the surrounding area so that I could rent a studio there,” says Lee Muslin. Mary Gordon moved nearby as well: “I can walk the same road as a female mill worker did when it was unpaved at the turn of the century.”
As I Fall Rise by Sarah Fry
Creating not just community, but an art destination, is at the heart of AMA’s mission. “The diversity of artists and mediums, the ability to see so much art under one roof is what makes Aston Mills very special,” says Jane Porter. “It’s like its own little world here,” Sara Fry agrees. “There’s nowhere quite like it.”
“For me, Aston Mills is the local art scene,” says Linda Povey, who just moved into her studio this week. “It has energy, it has grit, and it has a fresh attitude.” AMA, along with the Rockdale Art Center just minutes away, is at the heart of the new “arts district” of Delaware County. “We want Aston Mills to gain a reputation as an Art destination which is all inclusive,” explains Christine Sirko.
Open to Chance, Lee Muslin
Working collaboratively and in a supportive environment is a large part of the appeal of AMA. “The community offers me many chances to grow as an artist,” says Heidi Hammel. “I ask other artists what they think of the many artistic decisions and business-of-art decisions that occur during the life of an artist: What do you think of this design? Have you tried this show? What are you thinking of doing next?” Plus some that are more immediate: “Has anyone seen my glasses? Want to eat lunch now?”
“Getting to work around other artists helps keep me motivated and inspired,” Kelly Murray says. “The location of AMA is a key to its magic for me,” Caroline St. George adds. “When I go there, I feel I have escaped the suburbs and I’m somewhere deep in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont or Appalachian mountains of Tennessee.”
When asked about the other artists in the building, the enthusiasm extends beyond words. “Choosing just one? Like trying to stop after one chip,” says Sally Richards. Batter starts listing favorite pieces from a wide variety of the studio artists, then concludes, “it would take more time than we have to share them all!”
Crossing the Great Island, Linda Povey
“I relate to our mill studios like the heart of the system,” Richards explains. It is “a destination, a place where art is happening and where full self-expression is occurring every minute.” Hammel agrees: “It is a wonderful center of creativity, housing many flourishing professional artists, encouraging many emerging artists, and creating a safe venue for creative growth.”
AMA couldn’t have a more enthusiastic advocate than Batter. “I think it’s very much a hidden gem!” she says. “People don’t realize we now have thirty artist studios here with a range of high quality art. I think it’s waiting to step into the spotlight.” At the Fine Art Show, AMA and its artists will be center stage.
The Fine Art Show at Aston Mill Arts will be held on November 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th. Artwork by AMA artists will be on display both in their studios and in communal galleries through the building. Aston Mill Arts is located at 3100 Mount Road, Aston, PA 19014. More information about both the show and the studios can be found at AstonMillArts.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.
Mary R. McMillan of Kennett Square died peacefully at the age of 94. She was the eldest daughter of Maurice P. Richardson and Mary Cooper Richardson.
Mary R. McMillan
Mary graduated from Kennett High School and attended Goldey Beacom and work at the NVF Company, as an executive secretary to many officers of the company, until retiring at the age of 70.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim, her daughter Mary Jane and her sister, Margaret LePore.
She is survived by her brother, Monte Richardson (Marge); sister, Lydia (Bill) and sister Linda Rector-Hilyard (Jack) and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and great great nieces and nephews.
In honoring Mary’s final wishes, a private graveside service was held to include her immediate family members.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.
Former MLB players at the 2007 Delco League dinner are, from left. Robin Roberts, Lew Krouse Jr., Bob “Rapid Robert” Feller, and Mickey Vernon.
I’m a Phillies fan; have been since I was about five years old. But my sports fan claim-to-fame is that the only time I ever had a season seat for anything was the year the Flyers won their first Stanley Cup. It was an awesome year, from the opening night win over the Toronto Maple Leafs to the 1-0 win over the Bruins that clinched the cup. Fans were so excited that those close enough stormed the ice and prevented Bobbie Clarke from doing the traditional skate-around with Lord Stanley’s trophy.
But being a Philadelphia sports fan hasn’t always been that joyful. Now that the incredible and 2022 baseball season is coming to its final chapter, I find myself being incredibly emotional and reflecting on seasons past, two seasons in particular that typify what some of us have had to deal with and will never forget.
I became a Phillies fan when Richie Ashburn was still playing centerfield at Connie Mack Stadium. He was my boyhood idol, and when I started playing Cub Scout softball, I had to play centerfield. Robin Roberts was on the mound in those years. He was one of the best yet most tough-luck pitchers going. He once gave up a lead-off homerun, then got the next 27 batters out and lost 1-0.
For my 11th birthday, my parents asked what I wanted. I told them I wanted to go to a doubleheader. Well, there wasn’t one scheduled (yes, they really did have scheduled doubleheaders in those days) until August. It was a twinighter against the Pirates. The flag in centerfield hung limp all night —the hottest night of the year — and the concessions ran out of ice by the seventh inning of the first game. For those who recall going to games at Connie Mack, you know how the stands smelled. The heat and humidity that night intensified the smell. And, yeah, they lost both games.
But there were two seasons in the 1960s that demonstrate what it means to be a long-suffering Phillies fan.
In 1961, the Phillies lost 23 straight games. Oh, the agony of being a young baseball fan. On July 29 they lost to the Giants 4-3. And they kept on losing until Aug. 20 when John Buzhardt beat the then Milwaukee Braves 7-4 in the second game of a doubleheader.
But it was three years later when they broke my heart big time. Most have heard the story. With 12 games left in the 1964 season, the Phils were in first place with a 6-1/2-game lead. And then disaster.
There’s an old comedy routine with the trigger line “Niagara Falls.” A guy hears that and goes crazy because it was at Niagara Falls where some other guy stole his girlfriend. Well, some of us can be triggered by the name Chico Ruiz.
It was the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Ruiz, a Punch-and-Judy hitter, singled off Art Mahaffey and went to third on a single by Vada Pinson. Up to the plate comes future Hall-of-Famer Frank Robinson, one of the best players in his era. What happened? Ruiz stole home, and the Reds wound up beating the Phils 1-0. The “Fightins” lost another nine, lost first place, and poof, the season was over. I still have a permanent scar on my heart.
There was one bright spot before the season ended in ignominious defeat. Jim Bunning, a future U.S. senator, pitched a perfect game against the Mets in New York on Fathers’ Day. I was so excited that I shot a BB up my nose.
A few of the families on the street were having a barbecue when someone said Bunning was throwing a perfect game. It was either the sixth or seventh inning. I wanted to watch it. Somewhere along the line though, I got hold of a spring-loaded BB gun of sorts. It didn’t shoot BBs, but rather a ball bearing slightly smaller than a half-inch in diameter. I took it into my room and turned on the little black and white TV I had.
I watched the game and fiddled with the gun. I wanted to see how the bearing came out and was trying to figure out how to do that without shooting myself in the eye. Somehow, my thumb found its way into the trigger guard, and I must have been twisting the gun when the game ended. My thumb came down on the trigger, and the next thing I knew, I was trying to get a ball bearing out of my right nostril. Fortunately, I succeeded and didn’t have to tell my parents. But I did eventually get to tell Bunning.
The senator was in Chadds Ford in 2006, stumping for former U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon at Frolic Weymouth’s home. I was there reporting on the event. As Bunning walked past me, I blurted, “Senator, I was so excited when you threw that perfect game that I shot a BB up my nose.”
The man came skidding to a dead stop. You could almost hear tires squeal. He turned, gave me a look of incredulity, and said, “Even I wasn’t that excited.”
So, I met Jim Bunning. While I never got to meet my idol Richie Ashburn, I did meet Robin Roberts in 2007 during a Delco League dinner. He was class. We in the press were told not to ask for autographs so as Roberts was walking past me, I called out, “Mr. Roberts, my Aunt Ruth still loves you to death.”
Roberts stopped short, turned, smiled, and said, “Thank Aunt Ruth for me.”
Then he asked for an address where he could mail an autographed photo to her. He came through and my aunt was thrilled.
We need more class acts like that. We also need more championships for Philly teams. To borrow from Phillies radio broadcast Scott Franzke, we need some more “bedlam at the Bank.” Let’s go Phils.
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.
Enjoy a free Criterions Jazz Ensemble concert at West Chester University on Nov. 4.
•West Chester University’s Wells School of Music faculty, staff, students, and alumni will come together to pay tribute to one of its most illustrious alumni: arranger, composer, educator, and publisher Robert Harry “Bob” Curnow ’63. A week-long celebration in honor of Curnow will culminate in a free public concert of the Criterions Jazz Ensemble, conducted by Curnow, on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 817 S. High St., West Chester. Tickets must be reserved here.
•Chadds Ford Township will hold its annual recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon at the township building. During the event, the Open Space Committee will be handing out 100 free trees to residents (proof of residency required). The Chadds Ford Residents Association will also be holding its fall Road Cleanup. Meet up at the township building at 8 p.m.
Enjoy Le. Cirque at Chester County Historical Center’s Halloween Ball this Saturday.
•Chester County Historical Center’s Halloween Ball is this Saturday, Oct. 29 at 225 N. High Street in West Chester. Tickets are $125 and available here. Enjoy signature cocktails and fine circus-themed fare by Spence Café, dance to live music, participate in our fabulous Silent Auction, and raise your paddle in support of our mission and programs surrounded by a visual feast of circus performances by Le Cirque. The center will also have a sports lounge with TV so attendees can follow the Phillies in game two of the World Series.
•For the first time since 2019, Creative Aging is returning to Darlington Arts Center. Creative Aging is a way for adults 55 years or older to develop a new artistic skill while socializing with their peers. The monthly workshops resume Nov. 7 with Holiday Clay Ornaments Workshop, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Learn the process of creating holiday ornaments with clay. No experience is necessary — just bring your creativity. For more information, contact Emily Moylan, community engagement manager, at engage@darlingtonarts.org or call our center at 610-358-3632.
•On Friday, Nov. 11, the Kennett Area Senior Center will host a Veteran’s Day event to honor former U.S. military members for their service. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to.1 p.m. A special lunch follows the presentation. So that KASC may plan for lunch, guests are required to register by Monday, Oct. 31 if they plan to attend. Register by phoning 610-444-4819.
Learn to recognize winter birds at Longwood Gardens. (Image from Longwood Gardens’ website.)
As part of its continuing education program, Longwood Gardens is offering a two-day workshop, Discovering Winter Resident Birds. Join Delaware Nature Society’s Joe Sebastiani and learn how to recognize regional winter resident bird species, discuss native plant species with which these birds associate, and explore how to better support them. Begin your experience with an online orientation and then join us here in the Gardens for a guided bird discovery walk through Pierce’s Park, the Meadow Garden, and Forest Walk to see these beauties in the landscape. There’s an online orientation on Monday, Nov. 14, from 6-7:15 p.m., and an onsite walk from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. The inclement weather date is Thursday, Nov. 17. The cost is $49. Go here to register.
The Brandywine Railroad is returning to the BRM on Nov. 19. (File photo)
•All aboard for a holiday favorite. The Brandywine River Museum of Art is gearing up to please everyone’s inner Choo-Choo Charlie. The Brandywine Railroad is pulling into the museum’s station on Nov. 19 through Jan. 8. the Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater, and even a carnival. The train display is included in the cost of general admission.
•Dance to the hits of the 1970s/80s/90s at a Concord Adult Social & Dance Party on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 7-10 p.m. at the BYC Gymnasium – 41 S. Thornton Road. This is a free event with food and drink available for purchase. Socialize and enjoy food from Fast Eddie’s Jag Stop, wine from Penns Woods Winery, and more. Let us know you will attend by emailing parksandrec@concordtownship.org.
Spero is seen in photo with his parents Ann & Pete) while accepting a citation from state Rep. Craig Williams, R-160.
•Spero Demetri Ferentinos was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout during a Court of Honor ceremony on Oct. 17. Spero’s Eagle Scout service project was completed at the Kennett Square YMCA. There, he raised funds, designed, constructed, and filled with soil, five garden beds to be used by the Montessori school for organic gardening. Spero is a senior in the class of 2023 at Unionville High School.
