As anticipated, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board voted unanimously to spend on several facility upgrades during their Jan. 20 meeting.
The first vote was for construction bids for the HVAC renovations at Unionville-Elementary School for a total, $1,364,000 which went to Gaudelli Brothers, Inc. for the HVAC contract, while $433,000 went to SB Conrad for the GC contract, 210,000 to Guy M Cooper for the plumbing contract, and $306,000 goes to Schipsi Electrical.
Also involved in the HVAC proposal was another $293,000 for Tri-M Group for the building management system controls.
The board also voted to install a rooftop solar array at the high school. The total cost of the project is $935,870, which went to TerraSol Energies located in Chadds Ford. Part of the cost is partially offset by a $300,000 award for the project that the district received last spring.
Also approved during the meeting was the awarding of a bid of $699,494 as listed for the outdoor learning classrooms at Unionville and Chadds Ford Elementary schools for outdoor learning classrooms.
That bidding went to G&B Construction for $676,942 for the GC contract, and $22,552 to Schipsi Electrical LLC for the electrical portion.
Lastly, the board voted to approve a cost proposal to furnish and install a new large-format projector at Pocopson Elementary’s gym/stage. That contact went to Visual Sound for $30,992.
Other business
The board voted to approve an Act 1 Index resolution. The approval, according to school board member Brian Schartz, constrains the board to stay within the Act 1 index for the upcoming budget.
The resolution reads in part: “The applicable index for the next fiscal year is 3.5 percent, and the School Board will not for the next fiscal year increase the rate of its real estate tax, or any other tax for the support of public education, by an amount that exceeds the applicable index.”
Image courtesy of Kennett Winterfest / Kennett Collaborative
Kennett Winterfest 2026 Brings a Winter Brew Celebration to Kennett Square
Kennett Winterfest returns on Saturday, February 28, 2026, bringing craft beer lovers, food fans, music enthusiasts, and community supporters together for one of the region’s most anticipated winter events. Presented by Kennett Collaborative, the annual festival transforms South Broad Street in Kennett Square into a lively outdoor gathering that celebrates local flavor, creativity, and community spirit during the heart of winter.
The festival runs from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with activities centered at 600 S. Broad Street in Kennett Square. Winterfest is open to guests ages 21 and older and has become a seasonal tradition for those willing to bundle up and enjoy a winter afternoon filled with tastings, music, and connection.
Several ticket options are available, offering flexibility for different preferences. DefCon admission and NA DefCon admission, which include early entry at 11:30 a.m., exclusive tastings, and a catered lunch experience, are currently sold out. However, there is still time to purchase regular admission and NA admission tickets. Regular admission includes unlimited tastings from participating breweries along with a souvenir tasting mug. NA admission provides access to non alcoholic tastings and mocktail options, ensuring Winterfest remains welcoming to a wide range of attendees.
Winterfest is best known for its impressive beverage lineup, featuring more than 60 craft breweries and beverage makers from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and surrounding states. In addition to beer, guests can sample cider, mead, and non alcoholic options, ensuring there is something for every taste. The variety and regional focus make the festival appealing to both seasoned craft beverage fans and those looking to discover new favorites.
Live music adds to the festival atmosphere throughout the afternoon. The Tisburys headline the event with their high energy indie rock and power pop sound. Blank Pages bring a blend of blues rock and pop rock, while Delco Donny adds playful, crowd engaging moments that encourage sing along participation. Together, the performances help turn Winterfest into a full scale winter celebration.
Beyond tastings and music, Winterfest offers interactive experiences that have become part of its tradition. One of the most popular is the Best Snacklace contest, where attendees showcase creative, wearable snacks designed for easy pairing with craft beverages. Guests can also take part in the Best Dressed contest, browse local artisan vendors, enjoy food truck fare, watch homebrew demonstrations, and capture photos throughout the event.
Proceeds from Kennett Winterfest benefit Kennett Collaborative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community programs and placemaking initiatives throughout Kennett Square. The festival plays an important role in funding year round efforts that strengthen the local community.
As Winterfest approaches, organizers encourage attendees to plan ahead by arranging a designated driver or ride share. With craft beverages, live music, and a festive outdoor setting, Kennett Winterfest offers a lively and welcoming way to turn a cold winter day into a memorable community experience.
Latest Police Reports & Blotter
Chadds Ford • Kennett Township • Chester County • PA State Police
Pennsylvania State Police
Media Barracks
•Ryan M. Liddy, 19, of Garnet Valley, was injured in a one-car crash on Bethel Road on Jan. 19, according to police. The report said Liddy was driving north on Bethel when he hit a patch of slush. The car veered to the right, then left the roadway. The car then veered left, hit a wooden fence, and then a tree.
•Police said they cited Lucas S. Rowley, 21, of Media following a two-car crash on Naamans Creek Road near the Wawa. According to the police report, Rowley was driving south on Naamans Creek Road while the other car was in the Wawa parking lot waiting to make a left turn. That second car, seeing the intersection was clear, began to make a left turn onto Naamans Creek Road. At that time, police said, Rowley left the single lane of traffic and began driving on the double yellow line, then struck the other car.
•Police are investigating a hit-and-run accident on Route 202 in Chadds Ford Township on Nov. 20. The accident happened when the unknown driver attempted to pass another car, but struck that other when merging back into the right lane.
•Matthew G. Bressler, 22, of Columbus, N.J., was cited following a three-car crash on Route 202 south of State Farm Drive in Chadds Ford on Dec. 6, police said. According to the report, Bressler was driving south in the left lane behind two other vehicles that had to slow down because of traffic. Bressler was unable to stop in time and struck the second car, which in turn struck the third car.
•Police are investigating a Dec. 24 robbery at the Vape Express on Route 202 in Chadds Ford Township. The report said the suspect, unknown at this time, used a card to buy kratom alkaloid tablets, but the card was declined. The suspect then grabbed the tablets from the clerk and fled the store. The tablets are valued at $45.
Avondale Barracks
•Police said Destinie D. Bivins, 22, of Coatesville, was cited following a two-car accident on Newark Road near W. Street Road in West Marlborough Township on Jan. 16. According to the report, Bivins was driving north on Newark Road when she tried to avoid a deer that had entered the roadway. In her attempt to avoid the deer, she swerved into the southbound lane and struck another car.
•Meredith L. Lambert, 42, of West Grove, was cited following a one-car accident in Kennett Township on Jan. 10, according to police. The report said Lambert was driving too fast on North Walnut Road near the Kennett Oxford Bypass and began to hydroplane. She then struck a concrete wall and flipped over onto the passenger side.
•A 51-year-old woman from Kennett Square, not identified, was arrested for shoplifting at the East Marlborough Township Walmart on Jan. 2. No other details were released.
•A 34-year-old woman from Princess Anne, Md., was arrested for shoplifting at the Walmart in East Marlborough Township on Jan. 9. Police identified the suspect as Waleaka Jones. She was arrested on theft charges for stealing $278 worth of children’s clothing.
•Police said a 35-year-old man from Kennett Square, not identified in the report, was arrested for DUI following a single-car, Jan. 7, crash in Pocopson Township. The accident happened on Lenape Road just south of Parkerville Road.
•There was a two-car hit-and-run crash on Route 1 in Pennsbury Township on Dec. 16. Police said two cars were traveling north on Route 1 near Old Baltimore Pike when the lead car suddenly stopped at a gap in the median. The driver was unable to stop before striking the other vehicle, which made a U-turn and fled the scene.
•Police said Jalen J. Greenidge, 22, of Richmond, Va., was cited following a two-car crash on Route 1 near School House Road in East Marlborough Township on Dec. 31. According to the report, both cars were traveling north on Route 1 when the second car stopped because of traffic back at a construction site. Greenidge was unable to stop in time before striking the lead car.
•A 31-year-old man from Lancaster, not identified, was arrested for DUI on Dec. 7 in Kennett Township. Police said they were investigating a vehicle stopped on a bridge and found the driver asleep at the wheel. He was determined to be impaired
Also involved in the HVAC proposal was another $293,000 for Tri-M Group for the building management system controls.
