August 17, 2023 - ChaddsFordLive.com

Vanya James Eastman of Landenberg

Vanya James Eastman, of Landenberg, died Friday, Aug. 11. Vanya was born on July 2, 1992, in Bryansk, Russia, to Anna Alexandrovna Pushenkova and Viktor Vladimirovich Pushenkov.

In 2001 Vanya spent his first summer in America with his soon-to-be adoptive family. On March 1, 2002, he was adopted by his loving parents, Mark and Majella Eastman. Vanya grew up first in West Chester and then in Landenberg, with his brother, Mark James Eastman Jr. Vanya was a graduate of Kennett High School, and a proficient CNC machinist employed by 3D Fabrication, in Newark.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, making his loved ones laugh, sketching, and spending time in nature, and he had a deep love of all animals.

He is survived by his mother, Majella; his father, Mark; his brother, Mark, Jr.; his grandmother, Susan (Donald Massey) Kintz McGiver; his uncle, John (Denise) Bardino; his uncle, Charles (Debbie) Bardino, III; his aunt, Amber McGiver; and his uncle, Justin (Jamie) McGiver. Vanya was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles, Jr. and Sally Bardino.

Vanya was a light who touched all who knew him. His family and friends meant everything to him, and he would do anything for any one of them. His contagious smile, kind heart, and quick wit will be remembered by all who knew him. His loving spirit will live in our hearts forever.

You are invited to visit with Vanya’s family and friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at First Baptist Church, 415 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. His Life Celebration Service will follow at 11. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers please donate to Brandywine Valley SPCA https://bvspca.org/donate/donation-form in honor of our beloved Vanya. Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100) Condolences may be shared at www.griecofunerals.com

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Vanya James Eastman of Landenberg Read More »

Hillendale amends zoning request

School & Education, Local News, Local News Pennsbury

Hillendale Elementary School is returning to the Pennsbury Township Zoning Hearing Board for an application that was already approved in May. The reason is to avoid litigation.

The hearing board approved a special request application for an outdoor pavilion/classroom for the school on May 31 (see story here) but one neighboring resident — Kathleen Carmody — who was a party to that proceeding opposed the application and was going to appeal the May decision.

School district Director of Facilities James Whitesell said in a telephone interview that it would have cost the district more money to fight the appeal, and that would be on top of the costs related to the approval that was received.

“Some of those conditions the zoning board put on were costly. It would probably cost the school district another $35,000 to meet those conditions,” he said.

As reported at the time, those conditions included complying with all screening requirements, having a security camera running 24/7, that the pavilion not be equipped with. a public address system, all lighting should be angled downward and shielded, and the district shall have a policy of cleaning up the area and removing all trash before mowing.

Whitesell said he and Carmody walked the school property together and came up with a different location that she could support.

During the Aug. 16 Board of Supervisors meeting, attorney Loren Szczesny, representing the school district, confirmed Whitesell’s comments about the desire to avoid litigation.

Under the revised application, the school is requesting variances for the relocation of the proposed outdoor classroom. The proposed site is now located in front of the school along Hickory Hill Road and the size is larger than the limit of 600 square feet in a residential district. Variances are requested for placement in the front yard as well as the size of the building.

Szczesny said the new location needs a variance because, while farther north on the property, it’s closer to both Hillendale and Hickory Hill roads. By the township ordinance, he said, the new proposed location has two front yards which is otherwise prohibited.

Supervisors took a neutral stance on the application but said, if the ZHB grants the variance, there must be screening along the Hillendale and Hickory Hill sides of the structure, and that the screening must be approved by the township landscaping consultant.

The new zoning hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 17.

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.

Hillendale amends zoning request Read More »

Around Town Aug 17

Along the Ford

• The Mt. Cuba Center is offering a class on growing pawpaw trees that bear the, largest edible fruit native to the United States, a fruit that’s creamy texture and banana-meets-mango flavor is gaining popularity with people interested in growing their own food. Join plant breeder Rodney Dever of Peterson Pawpaws as he recounts the fascinating lore and natural history of pawpaws, discusses how to grow them in your yard, and reviews various products made from the fruit. Sample this uniquely flavored delicacy and leave with a new appreciation of the “Susquehanna Banana.” This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. The cost is $55. Register here.

Who’s buried at Oakland Cemetery in West Chester? Some of the names are familiar: Darlington, Butler, Everhart. Learn more on Sept. 3 and 17.

• The Chester County History Center is hosting a walking tour of Oakland Cemetery on two Sundays in September, Sept. 3 and 17, from 1-2:30 p.m. As you walk the streets of West Chester, you’ll see names like Darlington, Butler, and Everhart. But do you know the history behind the names? Many of West Chester’s leading citizens are buried at Oaklands Cemetery (founded 1854), but there are many stories that remain untold. Join the education staff of the Chester County History Center to learn true tales of the soldiers, statesmen, lawyers, doctors, musicians, athletes, artists, and more that found their final rest at this garden cemetery outside of West Chester, Pennsylvania. This event is a partnership between Chester County History Center and Oaklands Cemetery; funds raised will support CCHC’s ongoing programming and Oakland’s Perpetual Care Fund. The cost is $20 per person. Get tickets here.

• The Oxford Arts Alliance will host an outdoor food and art market on Sept. 23 at the Glenroy Preserve from 3-7 p.m. The Artisan Market is a way to get a chance to try some of the best culinary experiences that Southern Chester County has to offer all in one place. Attendees can sample jams and jellies made from locally sourced ingredients, custom charcuterie boards and grazing tables, local wine, and more. Amidst the food and drink, local artists will have custom prints and works available. To get your tickets and support local arts and culture, go here.

The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform at Longwood Gardens on Sept. 27.

• The Philadelphia Orchestra is coming to Longwood Gardens in September. The recently named BBC Music Magazine’s Orchestra of the Year — presents an evening of Bach, Mendelssohn, and more in the Open Air Theatre on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The program includes Bach — Concerto for Two Violins, and Mendelssohn — Symphony No. 4. Reserved seating ranges from $54 to $84. Go here for tickets.

Australian sisters, Dozzi, will perform at Penn Oaks as part of a fundraiser for the United Way of Chester County.

• United Way of Chester County has announced the highly anticipated return of their Live United in Music event on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Penn Oaks Golf Club, featuring Australian sisters, Dozzi. This event will benefit the United Way of Chester County’s Community Impact & Innovation Fund. Tickets are $200 per person and include a cocktail reception with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and performance, and 100 percent of each ticket sold will benefit the UWCC’s Community Impact & Innovation Fund. ($175 of the cost is tax deductible). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the power of community, the joy of music, and the satisfaction of making a difference. Limited corporate sponsorships are still available. To purchase tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LiveUnitedinMusic.com or call 610-429-9400.

About CFLive Staff

See Contributors Page https://chaddsfordlive.com/writers/

Around Town Aug 17 Read More »