March 18, 2026

Panaro named Citizen of the Year

The Chadds Ford Township Residents Association has named Jen Panaro its 2025 Citizen of the Year, recognizing her long-standing volunteer service and community leadership in the township.

The annual Citizen of the Year Award honors a Chadds Ford Township resident who has made significant volunteer contributions over time. The association said the award recognizes individuals whose efforts strengthen the community and help preserve the area’s character.

Jean Panaro, center, is the 2025 Chadds Ford Township Residents Association Citizen of the Year. Ashe is flanked by CFRTS officers Susan Worteck and Jodie Allen.

Panaro was cited for her work with the Rachel Kohl Community Library, her launch of the community-focused publication Connect Chadds Ford, and her involvement with several local nonprofit organizations.

Panaro has served on the Rachel Kohl Community Library Board of Trustees for nearly a decade and acts as the board’s liaison to Chadds Ford Township’s municipal government. She became treasurer early in her tenure and used her professional accounting and auditing experience to help stabilize the library’s finances, the association said.

She also led initiatives aimed at improving the library’s long-term sustainability, including the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, securing grant funding for a new roof, adding rooftop solar panels, and upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Panaro helped facilitate the launch of the library’s Seed Library and currently serves as president of the board.

In 2025, Panaro launched Connect Chadds Ford, a locally focused publication designed to build community connections and increase civic engagement in and around Chadds Ford. The publication highlights local businesses, provides information about municipal organizations, and encourages participation in grassroots community efforts.

Panaro is also active in several other community organizations, including the Chadds Ford Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Wellness Council, and Kennett Area Community Services, where she serves on the capital campaign committee. She recently helped launch the Chadds Ford Walking Club in partnership with the residents’ association.

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Thrift n Save Marks One Year with New Space and Growing Community Following

Thrift n Save owner Carmen Bedolla celebrates the shop’s one year anniversary and expansion into a new, larger space in Kennett Square. Photo courtesy of Thrift n Save.

One Year Marked by New Space and Growing Community Following at Thrift n Save

A year after opening its doors, Thrift n Save is celebrating a milestone that reflects both business growth and strong community support, with a recent move into a larger location in Kennett Square.

The locally owned thrift shop has relocated from its original storefront at 1005 W. Baltimore Pike to a new, expanded space at 313 W. Cypress Street. The move comes as the shop continues to build a loyal following drawn to its curated secondhand finds and welcoming atmosphere.

The anniversary and expansion were celebrated on March 14 with a grand opening event that brought customers, families, and supporters together for a morning of shopping and community connection. Guests were welcomed with complimentary coffee and bread for early arrivals, specialty drinks from El Cafecito, and children’s activities that added to the festive feel.

For owner Carmen Bedolla, the shop’s beginnings were deeply personal. “The idea for Thrift n Save came from my passion for thrifting,” she said. “At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom of two young boys and going through a period of depression. One day, I went to a thrift store and found so much joy in simply browsing through the aisles and discovering unique items. It quickly became my little escape from the daily routine of motherhood, and from that moment on, I never stopped.”

That personal spark quickly grew into a business fueled by community encouragement. “From the very first day I shared my idea, I received so much love and encouragement, far more than I ever expected,” Bedolla said. “Seeing people support and believe in my business, even without knowing me personally, truly shows how special and uplifting this community is.”

Over the past year, thrift culture has continued to gain momentum as more shoppers look for sustainable and affordable ways to refresh their wardrobes and homes. Shops like Thrift n Save have become more than retail spaces, they serve as gathering places where people can connect, explore, and discover one-of-a-kind items while supporting environmentally conscious habits.

The move to a larger location reflects that growth and allows the business to expand its vision. “Moving to our new location at 313 W. Cypress Street has allowed us to grow in ways that weren’t possible before,” Bedolla said. “We now have the space to bring my ideas to life and create a better shopping experience for our customers.”

She added that the goal for the new space goes beyond shopping. “Our goal is for people to walk through our doors and feel like they’re entering more than just a thrift store, we want it to feel welcoming, inspiring, and like a place they can enjoy and spend time in. Most importantly, we want our customers to know that they are a big part of what makes Thrift n Save possible.”

As Thrift n Save enters its second year, the focus remains on creating a space rooted in community, creativity, and connections – one that continues to grow alongside the people who support it.

For more information, visit https://thriftnsavestore.wixsite.com/thriftnsave-store

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Police Log March 18: Thefts, drugs, DUIs

Pennsylvania State Police

Media Barracks

Police said Vincent Kneipp, 50, of Wilmington, was arrested for shoplifting at Target in Concord Township. He is accused of trying to steal a $376 storage device. The incident happened on March 12.

Police are investigating the reported theft of a credit card valued at $100 from a residence on Franklin Drive in Concord Township.

An unidentified driver was stopped by police for vehicle violations on March 2 in Concord Township. Police said they found that there were warrants out for the driver and that he was in possession of a controlled substance.

Jenneifer Moffett, 43, of Blue Bell, was arrested on assault charges in Concord Township, according to a police report. The incident happened on March 7. Police said they were trying to get the woman to leave the Residence Inn Hotel. She failed to comply and bit a trooper who was trying to take her into custody.

Avondale Barracks

Speed was the reason given for a one-car accident in West Marlborough Township on March 3. State police said Mitchel Orihuela Suarez, 23, of Coatesville, was driving south on Route 82 near Wilson Road when he lost control of his car, struck a utility pole, overturned, and came to rest on its roof.

Kennett Square Police Department

Roman Nochebuena-Urcid, 27, of Hockessin, was arrested and charged with DUI after police received a call of an erratic driver believed to be intoxicated. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the red Toyota in the 400 Block of E. Maple Street on March 12, at 7:59 p.m. Upon making contact with Nochebuena-Urcid, a strong odor of alcoholic beverage was detected, and field sobriety tests showed impairment. He was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and submitted to a chemical test of his breath, resulting in a 0.153 percent blood alcohol level. He was processed and later released pending issuance of a summons.

Sarah Brady, 28, of Wilmington, was arrested and charged with DUI and related traffic offenses after the 2018 Toyota she was operating was stopped for an expired registration. The incident occurred on March 6, at approximately 9:35 p.m. in the 400 block of N. Union Street. Upon making contact with Brady, police observed indicators suggesting intoxication, and field sobriety tests showed impairment. She was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and submitted to a chemical test of her breath, resulting in a 0.203 percent blood alcohol level. She was processed and later released to a family member pending the issuance of a summons.

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