Spring/Summer 2015
Landenberg Today
Magazine
YEAR ANNIVERSARY www.landenbergtoday.com
A Chester County Press Publication
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19350: Landenberg Today is for you T
en years ago, we embarked on a new endeavor to create a publication that focuses exclusively on Landenberg. It would be a lifestyle magazine where all stories and photos would be about the people, places, history and ideas centered on the 19350 zip code. Twice a year, we would bring these stories to your mailbox and we hoped they would be read. Landenberg Today first arrived in your mailbox in the spring of 2005, and it was an instant success. We’ve heard of people who collected and saved each edition. We’ve been told that many read each edition cover to cover. The magazines have traveled in many briefcases to be enjoyed on the daily train commute to Philadelphia or Washington D.C. Editions of Landenberg Today have been mailed around the world to be shared with family and former residents. Our magazine helps keep people connected to this place they once called home. Over the years, we’ve met artists, musicians, collectors, scholars, writers, and athletes. We’ve met many people who work hard to make a difference in our community. We’ve talked to many people who lived in Landenberg their whole lives and have witnessed the changes from within. At times, we’ve delved through historical resources to highlight the Landenberg of long ago. Our photographers have scoured the region and captured the area’s natural resources in all its glorious seasons. This issue of Landenberg Today is no exception. On the following pages you will find a story about Brenda Kingham, a Landenberg pottery artist, and a story about walking the White Clay Creek Watershed. Athlete Julie Collins, who was born and raised in Landenberg, shares her story as she embarks on a new soccer coaching business, and check out the business profile of Wyndwood Tyme. You will also learn about Landenberg resident Judy Rice, who is a pigeon rescuer and Barbara Underwood, New Garden’s Parks and Recreation Director. As we celebrate Continued on Page 99
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Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Landenberg Today • Spring /Summer 2015 Cover design: JoAnn Bissinger
8 p. 8
p. 36
p. 91
Looking back at 10 years of Landenberg Today
18
The roots of a shoe donation charity
28
June event celebrates National Trails Day
36
A helping hand for birds in need
46
Landenberg Then & Now
58
Q&A: Tony Scheivert, New Garden Township Manager
62
An artist shares her love of pottery
66 Coach helps players grow as people
p. 80
70
Education and Camp Guide
80
Getting lost in Landenberg
91
Making timepieces tick again
100 p. 46
A history of the West Grove Fire Station
——|Landenberg Today Photo Essay|——
Throwback Thursday LANDENBERG TODAY STYLE By Carla Lucas Correspondent An anniversary is a time for reflection. As Landenberg Today celebrates its tenth year, I looked through the thousands of photos I’ve snapped of living in Landenberg and shared a few of my favorites from past issues, then added a few more never used before for good luck. Think of this as Throwback Thursday – Landenberg Today style!
Favorite tree: Trees-- with all their colors, lines, and textures – were captured over and over again and featured many times through the years. This fall scene with the sun shining through golden leaves highlights my fascination with trees.
Favorite Home: Our readers have invited us into their homes and lives for many stories. Most included photos of their homes. The whimsical, warm and inviting Welches’ front entrance was featured on the cover of Fall/ Winter 2008, which included a photo essay about outdoor living spaces in Landenberg.
Favorite still life: Summer’s blooms along the driveway of a home on Indiantown are backed with an old stone wall. It was featured in the Fall/Winter 2009 photo essay “Stoned!”
Photos by Carla Lucas
Favorite Cover: Spring/Summer For the story, “Playing Bee, Creating Beauty” I visited Norman Hughes’ farm to learn his hobby of hybridizing day lilies. It was a beautiful sunny day and the light was making the flowers pop against the barn’s neutral colors.
Favorite portrait: Cyril Caster When Cyril and I sat down in Nichol Park to talk about his music, I had no idea of the twists and turns his life’s story had taken. We skipped around topics with many tangents and sidebars and after filling many pages with notes it was time for the visual. I pulled out my camera. Cyril pulled out his trumpet.
Favorite Subject: White Clay Creek The many branches of the White Clay Creek flow in and out and around Landenberg; it is hard to ignore. Having spent many hours with camera in hand, hiking, biking, and driving around White Clay Creek many, many images were recorded at all times of the year.
This late afternoon winter scene was shot along the Penn Del Trail, looking toward the Delaware border.
One of my favorite summer places in White Clay Creek Preserve is the bridge on Sharpless Road, near the Ranger Station. It is a spot along the creek where the water lazily flows under a shady tree canopy. Birds are the most prevalent wildlife to capture with a camera around the White Clay Creek. The best shot captured in the last 10 years was of this swift used in the first edition. It was incorrectly identified as a starling and quite a few bird enthusiasts immediately set the record straight.
On the opening day of trout season White Clay Creek is filled with hopeful fisherman. The photo essay Trout Season in Landenberg told the story of stocking the creek with trout and showed the results. Here volunteers form a line to pass trout from the truck to the creek near Good Hope Road.
This photo was featured on the cover of the Spring 2006 Landenberg Today as the White Clay Creek begins to spring back to life after the winter’s freeze along Good Hope Road.
Continued on Page 10
Throwback Thursday... Continued from Page 9 As Landenberg is a rural agricultural community, shots of fields, barns and farms are abundant throughout the various magazines. Many were shared throughout the last 10 years.
Favorite Barn: This photo of the Symanski farm (Franklin Township), taken for the first issue, captures the area’s rural atmosphere.
Favorite Farm Photo: Ford Farm Late summer at the Ford Farm (taken from Walker Road).
Y
Favorite Field: This field of sorghum shows the rolling meadows with tree breaks so prevalent throughout the region.
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Favorite Backyard Garden: Taken as part of the photo essay on Landenberg animals. Favorite animal: The favorite animal photo was from the Spring 2006 edition of the long horned cattle in Kemblesville, but the shot is missing from the files. Therefore, the second favorite photo is from a story on Landenberg’s oldest horse.
Favorite farm close-up: Sunflowers can be seen around the region in backyard gardens. Continuned on Page 12
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Throwback Thursday... Continued from Page 11 Favorite Photo Essay: “View from the Road,” Fall/Winter 2007. You do a lot of driving down country roads when you live in Landenberg. The photo essay “View from the Road” featured the views and the vistas we all experience as we go about our daily lives.
Framed by the shrubs along London Tract Road, the golden late summer rolling fields of Landenberg glow.
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Along Stricklersville Road remain jumps used for fox hunting in Fair Hill and around the area.
The boathouse at Somerset Lake.
The cover featured a winter’s day on South Bank Road with the sense of quiet from a fresh blanket of snow. Continuned on Page 14
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Throwback Thursday... Favorite Photo Essay Continued from Page 13
A fence meanders through a field on Church Hill Road.
Fall leaves in bloom along South Bank Road.
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The Photos that Got Away
For many of the issues I would give the Art Department at least three photos to mock-up for the cover and occasionally the photos not chosen would never be used in any publication. Other times there were just too many photos to choose from for a story. Highlighted below are a few of these photos that “got away” and were never featured in Landenberg Today.
There wasn’t enough room to show all the successes of trout fishing on Opening Day. This is a great shot not used for the Spring/Summer 2011 photo essay.
Always wanted to do a photo essay on yard art. This photo was taken for that purpose, but I haven’t done that photo essay; at least not yet. It was taken on London Tract Road, not far from Peltier Road. Continuned on Page 16
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Throwback Thursday...... Continued from Page 15
Shot in the fall of 2014 for the “Where in Landenberg” photo essay. Never took a close-up to go with it, so I couldn’t use it. The field is on Strickersville Road, near the intersection with Appleton Road.
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Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
Barn from the Playing Bees story. This peaceful photo wasn’t used because it didn’t go with the story I was doing about day lilies.
Shot in December 2013. I thought I wanted to do a photo essay called, Landenberg Deep Freeze. But then, it got too cold in January and February and I didn’t go out to take enough other photos for a full photo essay. This was taken on Elbow Lane.
This fall scene of the White Clay Creek was shot for a cover, but never used because we’d featured the creek in too many other issues.
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The power of social media leads
Courtesy Photos (2)
Britnee Cole, Michelle’s niece, has helped out as well.
Photo by Nancy Johnson
Todd, Michelle, and Kaylea were lucky to find a rare spot in the room not covered with shoes.
Michelle has spent many hours transporting shoes from donors to her Landenberg home.
By Nancy Johnson Correspondent
hers who were trying to raise money to adopt a child from Eastern Europe. Vicky was immediately struck by their unusual fundraising method – collecting shoes. Ashton and Tony McBride had discovered an organization, Angel Bins, which helps charities and those with a specific fundraising need by donating to their
It all started when Michelle Jorgensen’s best friend, Vicky Carr, asked for her help. Vicky’s sister had relayed a story about neighbors of
to hugely successful fundraiser
cause in exchange for sizable donacontributed a lot of time to sorting tions of shoes or clothing. In the and packing shoes. case of the McBrides, we are talking “We’ve gotten all kinds of shoes – about 10,000 pairs of shoes! kids’, men’s, women’s, some dance “When Vicky called me, she said shoes, some dressy ones, and even she knew I’d be good for at least some with tags still on them. I think a half a dozen pairs of flip-flops,” people bought them just to donate,” Michelle said with a chuckle, Michelle said. explaining that her collection of Several local groups have flip-flops has become a standing contributed large numbers of joke between the two of them. “Last shoes. Willow Tree Hospice in year she told me I was a candidate Kennett Square, where Michelle is for a flip-flop intervention.” a certified nursing assistant, spread Michelle, willingly parted with “all the word of Michelle’s endeavor but three pairs” of her beloved to all its employees and readily flip-flops, but she also went a step agreed to give her a Friday and further. “I posted on the West Grove Monday off to make the journey Message Board that I was collectto North Carolina on April 10. A ing shoes for this cause. People Helping Hand, a cleaning service in just kept sharing it on Facebook Nottingham, enlisted the help of its and it went crazy!” the Landenberg customer base, KX Athletics in West resident explained as she gestures at Courtesy Photo) Grove also collected a lot of shoes. two huge piles of shoes packaged in Ashton and Tony McBride are eternally grateful Westtown Children’s Academy for all the shoe donations that will make their large trash bags. made a friendly competition out of dream of adopting Blake a reality. “This room was supposed to be it, with the three branches in West my ‘man cave’ – just look at it,” said Michelle’s hus- Chester, Kennett Square, and Chadds Ford trying to band Todd with a grin. outdo each other in number of pairs donated. Michelle admits that at first, Todd thought her interOriginally, Michelle planned to ship the shoes to the est in the project was silly. But when he saw how McBrides, but with her collection approaching 4,000 many donations were coming in, he came around pairs, she is renting a truck, driving to Maryland to quickly and has been a huge help in picking up pick up Vicky, who has another 786 pairs to add to donations. Daughter Kaylea Dugger, 15, has also Continued on Page 20
KX Athletics in West Grove got the word out and brought in a sizeable number of donations.
Power of Social Media... Continued from Page 19
the collection, then the women will drive to North Carolina to meet the McBrides and deliver the shoes. “I know several people, including my dad, in the trucking business, and they could help us out, but Vicky and I really want to do this ourselves and meet Continued on Page 24
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Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
Courtesy Photos (2)
Pryson, Vicky’s grandson, surrounded by part of the shoe collection.
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Power of Social Media... Continued from Page 20
Ashton and Tony.” Michelle estimates that the cost for the two of them to travel, with all the shoes, to North Carolina and back will be several thousand dollars. Her friend, Karen Versuk recently set up a “Go Fund Me” account to help defray some of the out-of-pocket costs. Michelle was thrilled that in just four days, $400 had been pledged. “If we get more money than we need for the truck rental, fuel and hotel, we’ll just add it to our donation to the McBrides,” she explained. While the deadline to donate shoes has passed, you can still help the McBrides by going to www.gofundme.com/bringinghomeblake and make a donation. Since getting involved in the shoe fundraising project just over a month ago, Michelle communicates regularly with Ashton. “One time she burst out crying in emotion on the phone saying, ‘I can’t believe this! These people don’t even know me and they’ve donated all those shoes!’ She is so thankful for Continued on Page 26
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Courtesy Photo
Another of the family’s fundraising efforts, these pretty tie blankets, are available on their website in a variety of designs and sizes.
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Shoes have literally taken over the Jorgensen’s home.
Power of Social Media... Continued from Page 24
everyone’s help.” While the fundraising through Angel Bins will go a long way to help the McBrides adopt the adorable four-year-old special needs child whom they fell in
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About Angel Bins A unique concept, Angel Bins is a for-profit recycling company based in California that helps schools and other charitable organizations raise money through the recycling of everyday items. Most items collected are packed and sent abroad to developing nations, including Chile, Peru, Congo, Malawi, Zambia, and the Philippines, among others. Quality clothing and shoes are in great demand as they
are less expensive than buying new. Any items received that are stained, or damaged are recycled to make yarn, wiping rags, and insulation. Angel Bins fundraising not only benefits individual charities by giving them an avenue in which to raise needed funds, but the ripple expands, to provide a source of quality clothing and shoes for others, re-use and recycling to reduce waste, and creating multiple jobs in the US and abroad. See http://angelbins.com/ for more information.
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—————|Landenberg Trails|————— Jump... Continued from Page 28
Editorial
Much of the work on the trail was completed by volunteers.
Courtesy photos (3)
June 6 event celebrates National Trails Day, completion of trail that leads to the Tri-State Trail Marker By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The Friends of the White Clay Creek Preserve and the Wilmington Trail Club are organizing a big celebration for Saturday, June 6. Not only is that 28
Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
National Trails Day, they are also celebrating the completion of the northern segment of a trail that leads to the Mason-Dixon Tri-State Trail Marker. “We’re really excited about this,” said Gary Schroeder, the chairman of the Friends of the White Clay Creek Preserve (PA). Schroeder explained that
Editorial
It took more than a year of work to complete the northern section of the trail.
Courtesy photos (2)
there is an historical significance to the June 6 date— Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon set that marker in its place on June 6, 1765, as part of their effort to survey the boundaries between Pennsylvania and Maryland (and later Delaware). “Here we are, 250 years later, and we’re finally getting access to that spot,” Schroeder explained. The Friends of the White Clay Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania was formed three years ago with the mission of promoting and protecting what is now a 2,072-acre preserve. In 2012, Pennsylvania purchased a small piece of ground that opened up access for the public to visit the Tri-State Marker. Those two events set the stage for the development of the trail that will now lead to the marker. Schroeder explained that shortly after the group’s formation, the Friends of the White Clay Creek was looking for a project to take on. It was decided that they would construct a trail that would eventually span from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Schroeder said that the Pennsylvania State Park System provided considerable assistance, with Paula DeVore, a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources park manager and program specialist, Continued on Page 30
Dozens of people were involved in the effort to complete the trail. www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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Trail Marker... Continued from Page 29
Courtesy photo
The location of the Tri-State Marker was originally established by noted surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon.
guiding them through the process. It took between 18 months and two years to get the necessary approvals for the trail from the state and federal level. Forty-seven volunteers dedicated more than 1,600 hours of work constructing the trail. Three Eagle Scouts were also involved. Volunteers from the Wilmington Trail Club were responsible for a significant amount of work. “It was a big community effort,� Schroeder explained. Wendel Cassel, a retired engineer from Dupont, Continued on Page 32 30
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Five Signs Your Child Needs Tutoring It’s easy to tell that a child needs tutoring when he or she continues to receive one poor report card after the next, but there are a number of other less obvious signs that parents shouldn’t ignore. Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center says that parents can look for clues in a number of places. “Stressful study sessions and bad grades are the tangible evidence of a child’s school struggles, but there are several other indicators to watch for,” says Huntington. “The sooner you recognize school problems, the faster you can help your child overcome any issues and boost his or her confidence.” Huntington shares these five warning signs that your child may need tutoring help—and questions to answer about your child’s behavior: Difficulty getting started: Does your child seem unexcited and unmotivated about anything to do with school—especially working on assignments? Does he or she put off homework time every night and frequently spin his or her wheels when working? Sloppy homework and overall disorganization: Is your child disorganized in most areas of his or her life? Does your child consistently hand in unfinished or messy homework? Does it seem that your child used to care about doing quality work and does not anymore? Personality change: Have you noticed a dramatic change in your child’s disposition in recent months? Is your child more angry or volatile than ever before? Does he or she seem unhappy—about school and other areas of his or her life such as friends? Diminished self-esteem: Does your child get down on him or herself easily during homework? Is your child pessimistic about school, his or her abilities, and more? On a day to day basis, does your child appear frustrated with him or herself? Lack of interest in learning: Is your child totally apathetic about school and anything associated with school? Was your child interested in learning previously and now is not? Does that indifference translate to other areas, such as socializing or being involved in extracurricular activities? “School can be a bumpy road for students who are struggling, so it is important to take action if you notice your child showing any of these signs,” Huntington says. “Experience has showed us that early tutoring intervention is key to getting students back to where they need to be as quickly as possible.”
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Trail Marker...
historical marker at 11 a.m. “It’s really about hiking the trail—it’s an incredContinued from Page 30 ible environment,” Schroeder said. was instrumental The Wilmington in moving the projTrail Club will ect forward. lead four hikes. “He really took Nine-mile and on the leadfour-mile hikes ership of this will leave from project,” Schroeder the pavilion at explained. “I can’t the Carpenter say enough about Recreation Area his work on this.” in Delaware. A Scott Crowder, ten-mile hike a member of the will leave from Friends of the the Appleton White Clay Creek Road parking (PA) group, helped area of the Fair lead the fundraisHill Natural This map shows the Tri-State Marker Trail ing campaign, and Resources Area more than $20,000 was raised to help pay for the costs. in Maryland. A 15-mile hike will leave from the On June 6, hikes of various lengths, ranging from London Tract Meeting House in Pennsylvania. 3.5 miles to 15 miles, will leave from convenient There will be a Tri-State Trail discovery hike, a selflocations in all three states and will converge at the Continued on Page 34
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Courtesy photo
The Tri-State Marker Trail after bridge construction work.
Trail Marker... Continued from Page 32
guided 1.7-mile hike of the new trail with stations to explore. Schroeder said that the education stations include information about the Mason Dixon survey, children’s activities, native and non-native plant identification, and more. The displays will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The highlight of the day will be the dedication ceremony for the northern segment of the trail to the Tri-State Marker and a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the setting of the marker point. Schroeder said that the stone that Mason and Dixon originally used to mark the boundary between states disappeared in the 1840s, but the replacement stone that was installed is still in place today. The June 6 event is open to the community, and Schroeder said that everyone involved hopes for a big turnout. “We think it will be a wonderful day,” he said. “The day is really about hiking the trail in this incredible environment.” The dedication ceremony is a rain-or-shine event. 34
Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
Courtesy photos (2) Bridges have been installed along the trails.
Directions: Take Route 896 to Chambers Rock Road. Travel three-quarters of a mile and make a right onto Arc Corner Road.
The new trail during the summer.
For more information, visit the Friends of the White Clay Creek Preserve website at www.friendsofpawccp.org. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com. www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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Helping hand... Continued from Page 37
By John Chambless Staff Writer Walking into her dining room -- or what would be her dining room if it wasn’t a home for pigeons -- Judy Rice was surrounded by four of her most ardent admirers. Three pigeons in large cages, and one in a converted playpen, were loudly cooing and bobbing their heads as Rice approached. “All of the birds are in a nesting mood right now,” she said, smiling. “There are four females in this room, but one thinks she’s a male pigeon -- too much testosterone -- and two others think they’re male humans because they’re imprinted. All three have chosen me for their lifelong mate, and although they exhibit male characteristics, they still have female instincts. They don’t give it any thought. It’s just the way things are.” Since last fall, Rice, 59, has been accepting pigeons for rehabilitation in her Landenberg home. Veterinary support is provided by Rob Teti, DVM, who runs Chenoa
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All photos by John Chambless
Judy Rice with a pigeon she has taken into her home.
Manor, an animal rescue in Avondale. Rice used to work for Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, in Newark, Del., but Tri-State no longer rehabilitates pigeons. Rice grew up with an assortment of animals, including horses, ducks, and chickens, on a small farm in northern Chester County. After returning to the family farm in 1983, she began raising chickens. “My idea was to run a commercial egg farm, but to be successful, you don’t keep birds that are sick, injured, or non-productive,” she said. “I didn’t have the heart to cull the flocks, so I learned how to rehab them. I have a ‘protect and serve’ gene, inherited from a long line of Philly cops. That need to protect saved the lives of a lot of chickens.“ Rice had previously worked in medical laboratories and clinics for people, but then became a math teacher. Throughout that 27-year teaching career -- 20 of them at Villanova University -- Rice gained more rehabbing skills through hands-on experience, reading, and vet tech coursework. In 1998, Rice joined Tri-State Bird Rescue. Besides doing bird care, transporting birds, front desk duties, and writing, she also took home ducks, geese, and chickens to live on the farm. These birds made several trips back to Tri-State, where Rice used them to train new volun-
teers in bird handling. Years later, she was asked to raise the baby pigeons that were brought to the center. Rice initially thought of pigeons only as “those birds in city parks that demand food and poop on statues. Now I know them as loyal, loving creatures who demand food and poop on everything! They’re not the smartest birds,“ she admitted with a smile, “but they have endearing qualities. Mates share duties equally, building the nest together and taking turns sitting on the eggs and feeding the young.” They are affectionate with each other, “kissing” with their beaks and giving each other sticks, feathers, or torn bits of newspaper as tokens. The birds are let out twice a day to fly around her house, but they are happy to return to their cages. “They adapt beautifully to captivity,” Rice said. In the wild, pigeons nest in cavities, out of sight. Their natural diet consists of seeds, vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts, but they’ll try anything. Like all wild birds, they should never be fed bread or any other substance that can expand or clump. These foods can lead to potentially fatal digestive disorders in birds. Pigeons live about two years in the wild, falling prey to hawks, cats, cars, Continued on Page 40
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Helping hand... Continued from Page 39
collisions with buildings, or disease. In captivity, healthy pigeons can be expected to live about 25 years. Up close, the birds have iridescent plumage around their necks that seems to change from green to purple as they move. They regard visitors warily, but will allow themselves to be picked up by Rice and stroked. If frightened or confronted, they can punch with their wings, inflicting a smack that stings. Rice names all of her resident birds. One who recently died, Ada, is seen in many of her photos. Ada recognized the shapes of animals in pictures and figurines and would confront them as if they were real. He was also dedicated to picking up and tossing a wind-up chicken toy. On the lower level of Rice’s house are several more cages. In one sits Floyd, a white pigeon whose feathers were alarmingly pink. Rice thinks he was dyed to be released as part of some sort of ceremony, but ended up getting lost. The pink coloring has faded as Floyd has molted, but he’s still an unusual flamingo color. His mate, a former racing pigeon, doesn’t seem to mind, and they happily take turns sitting on two fake eggs in a nest
Ptery has been bred to tumble through the air in exhibitions.
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box as Rice visits with them. “They’re always snuggling,” she said of the pair. Rice has learned about the high-stakes world of racing pigeons, where birds are bred and raised to compete in homing contests. Most pigeons have powerful homing instincts. They are also monogamous and extremely devoted to their mates. You can take a pigeon hundreds of miles away from home, and they’ll try to get back to their loved ones. But racing is a commercial enterprise, with thousands of dollars at stake, and all but the fastest birds face being culled. Pointing out a lean brown-and-white bird in a cage by itself, Rice said, “Ptery is a Long-Faced Tumbler, bred for exhibition. Tumblers have a neurological disorder that causes them to somersault when flying high. Essentially, they’re having a mini-seizure. They don’t always pull out of it before reaching the ground. “Rollers” have a similar brain disorder, but their seizures take the form of rolling on the ground. Show pigeons are bred in a dizzying variety of types, including breeds with feathers on their feet that make it difficult for them to fly. Some have beaks too small for them to eat normal-sized food or to feed their young. Continued on Page 42
Floyd was found after someone had dyed his feathers pink.
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Helping hand... Continued from Page 41
Years ago, when she started raising baby pigeons for Tri-State, Rice released them from her house. In her yard is a screened gazebo that serves as a transition station for these wild birds. “But one day,” she recalled, “I released a brother and sister in the morning. They went up in the air, circled the yard three times, and took off. I thought, ‘Great, they found a place to go!’ Later that day, I heard a knocking on the screen door, but saw no one there. Then a little head peeked around the corner. The female was clinging to the side of the house and knocking on the screen with her wrist. She flew right back in. I spent weeks trying to release her, but she came back every time. That bird, named Chubby Checker, is now a permanent resident. Since then, the birds have been released at Rob Teti’s Chenoa Manor in Avondale. Teti also has pens for non-releasable pigeons. Upstairs in her living room, Rice is keeping Euston, a European starling that’s regarded as a nuisance bird that nests in dryer vents, eaves or overhangs. “Starlings Continued on Page 44
Rice keeps scrapbooks featuring her favorite birds.
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deals with the consequences of other diseases, including MS, Type 1 diabetes, and arthritis. Continued from Page 42 “I thrive on challenges. Like my ‘patients,‘ I’m adaptare mimics,� Rice said. “They’re related to the myna able, and I don’t let handicaps stop me,� she said. “I bird. Euston imitates whistles and speech. Right now, have a full supply of meds, and can treat pigeons for he has a 15-word parasites, fungal, vocabulary, includviral, and bacterial ing his name, ‘Hi infections, wounds, gorgeous,’ and and broken bones. ‘mealworms -- oh Birds requiring boy!’ He ‘talks’ more serious care, when listening to such as surgery, are the radio, TV, or taken to Dr. Teti. me. He’s joining There are back-up the conversation rehabbers available with the only words if the caseload gets he knows.� too large, so no It’s clear that bird will suffer or something about go untreated. the trust of these “All creatures injured creatures have a right to life,� strikes a chord she said. “While in her. A cancer this is rewarding survivor, Rice also Floyd and his mate are very affectionate, Rice said, taking turns sitting on the nest. for me in so many
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Rice has built several walk-in enclosures for the birds.
Helmut is a pigeon in Rice’s care.
ways, ultimately, it’s about their survival.” Judy Rice treats all wild pigeons and lost domestic pigeons. She can be reached at 610-268-2732 between
7 a.m. and 7 p.m. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty.com.
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Landenberg By Carla Lucas The original ten stories in the first issue of Landenberg Today captured life in this rural residential community. Below, these stories are contrasted to life in Landenberg today. Cover It was the spring of 2005 when the premiere issue of Landenberg Today reached the mailboxes of residents in the 19350 zip code. The cover featured a smattering of new homes overlooking Nivindel Farm at the corner of Good Hope and Broad Run roads. (See page 48) It represented what Landenberg is -- a rural residential community. Except for the growth of the trees, the view taken in March 2015 remains the same. Since 2005, the two historic properties seen in the photo were placed under conservation easements. Lovely Landenberg: From boomtown to quiet town The premier issue of Landenberg Today featured a story highlighting the history of the village. Ten years ago, road-closed signs over the historic Landenberg Bridge greeted visitors to this now quiet town. In the past ten years, the Pratt pony truss bridge was restored and reopened to traffic. The quaint village of Landenberg remains a quiet town. (See page 49) Above art: The village was the subject of one of Kathy Ruck’s Landenberg-inspired pieces. Page 47 art: Landenberg’s rural heritage is reflected in Kathy Ruck’s Chester Hills Farm painting.
Then and Now The Demographics The 2000 Census was used to give readers insight into the demographics of the zip code 19350. The table below highlights the minor changes that occurred in Landenberg by the 2010 Census. Demographics of Landenberg: 19350 2000 Census 2010 Census Total population: 9,829 10,921 Males: 5,056 or 51.4 percent 5,582 or 51.1 percent Females: 4,773 or 48.6 percent 5,339 or 48.9 percent Median age: 37.2 42.8 Median household income: $91,619 $126,621 Median family income: $96,283 $137,917 Per capita income: $34,192 $53,743 Average household size: 3.06 2.92 Average family size: 3.32 3.17 In labor force: 4,786 6,436 Commuting alone to work: 3,643 4,859 Work at home: 347 594 Mean travel time to work: 29.4 minutes 29.7 minutes Continued on Page 48
For that moment when time stands still The original 2005 image used on the cover of the premiere issue of Landenberg Today.
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Ten years later, not much has changed. The trees have gotten a little taller.
Then and Now... Continued from Page 47
Two local artists: Putting Landenberg on the map The first issue of Landenberg Today featured two local artists, Karen O’Lone Hahn and Kathy Ruck. “The beauty of Landenberg is still an influence in my artwork to this day,” says Ruck. “I continue to find inspiration in the
The Landenberg Bridge in 2005.
Landenberg Bridge, winter 2010.
old buildings, farms, and landscapes of the area. The first painting of the Landenberg Store and Hotel I did back in 1999, which I had made into a limited edition reproduction, sold out. I have since then created another painting of the Landenberg Historic Village which also includes the bridge. Meadowset Farm has several times been the subject of my paintings, as has the White Clay Creek.
How fortunate I am to live in an area where I only need to walk out my front door to find painting inspiration!” Four generations: Harold S. Hill & Son Auctioneers Jim and Jill Hill continue to run auctions from their premises at the corner of Route 896 and Flint Hill Road. According to Jill, there are still plenty of people coming Continued on Page 50
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Then and Now.. Continued from Page 49
to the auctions, and plenty of antiques and merchandise to put up for auction. Since the economic downturn, the prices being paid for items have dropped. The Kemblesville Methodist Church Lunch Counter, famous for their delicious pies, is still going strong. Local legacy: Local family preserves farmland Life on High Point Acre Farms, a dairy farm in New Garden Township, was the featured agricultural piece in the first issue of Landenberg Today. Seven generations of the Hoopes family farmed this land for the last 125 years. As the current steward, Barclay Hoopes placed the farm under an agricultural conservation easement, preserving the land from development in perpetuity. The distinctive blue silos can still be seen from the road, and the land continues to be farmed. The “I Live in Landenberg” Effect If you lived in Landenberg in 2005, there was a good chance you were wondering what the place would look like within the next decade, as large numbers
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of families were eager to move to this community. Developers were purchasing the area’s larger plots of land, mostly farmland, and planning large subdivisions of new homes and even a couple of major shopping centers. It was predicted the population would increase by more than 10,000 people, creating 30,000 more car trips per day on the area’s roads. The economic downturn and housing market crash starting in 2007 and 2008 stopped much of the planned development. If you were happy with Landenberg’s rural character in 2005, you are probably still happy with it now. White Clay Creek Celebrates 30 years Ten years later, White Clay Creek Preserve and White Clay Creek State Park celebrated its 30th anniversary. Not too much has changed in the Pennsylvania Preserve. The creek continues on its meandering path. A few new tracts of land have enlarged the preserve’s total size. Volunteers have added a few new trails. A pedestrian bridge was built across the White Clay Creek to connect the east and west sides of the preserve. Most recently, Friends of White Clay Creek formed to promote and protect the preserve’s resources.
The ninth Chester County Balloon Festival takes flight this June By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The Chester County Balloon Festival is moving to a new venue, the New Garden Flying Field, in 2015. The ninth annual event will take flight on June 19, 20, and 21. The festival features more than 20 colorful balloons in the sky. The balloons will be launched on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings, weather permitting. Tethered and untethered balloon rides will be available during the three-day event. The Chester County Balloon Festival is the only balloon festival in the area and always attracts thousands of spectators, including many travelers. There will be many family-friendly activities throughout the balloon festival,
and the move to the New Garden Flying Field offers unique events. For example, balloon festival attendees can enjoy biplane and helicopter rides and introductory flight lessons. Each day of the festival has its own lineup of activities, and there will be dozens of vendors, ranging from local favorites to national ones, including a variety of clothing and jewelry merchants, crafters, and non-profit organizations with information booths. Victory Brewing Company will be setting up a beer garden. Another highlight of this year’s event will be a Saturday morning community pancake breakfast sponsored by the local Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association. The popular fireworks display is also returning this year, and is set for 9 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to the festival is $10 for adults and $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Children under the age of six enter for free. For more information, visit www.CCBalloonFest.com.
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|Landenberg Q & A|
Tony Scheivert, township manager, New Garden Township On Dec. 15 of last year, Tony Scheivert was officially named as the new township manager for New Garden Township. He began work on Jan. 5 of this year, and now, four months later, Landenberg Today met with him to talk about his new job, his career in township management, and the busy life he leads as the father of three young girls. Q: You came to New Garden Township from your previous position as the assistant township manager for Caln Township. Talk about how the two positions are similar, and how they are different.
Scheivert: Caln Township and New Garden Township are about the same size in population. The key difference is that when I was the assistant manager for Caln Township, I would bring the needs of the citizens to the township manager. Now, I’m the main guy, which I’ve enjoyed, because there’s a great staff here. I’m very impressed with how many people are so dedicated to volunteerism in New Garden.
Q: Your career has been one involved in township management. What led you to pursue
a degree in recreation management, and then a Master’s in public administration, both of which dovetail when it comes to the management of townships?
Scheivert: When you’re a kid outside playing with your friends, no one ever says, “I want to grow up and become township manager.” I love the outdoors. I thought I would become a park ranger and work at a national park. I was offered a job with the Borough of West Chester Recreation Department, then worked in Bucks County, and then onto Caln Township for nine
Just come in and tell us you’re willing to do something. If you have a particular interest, we may be able to help fit you with a position within the framework of your interest. There are several opportunities for everyone. ~ Tony Scheivert years. I found that I liked serving people, and decided I wanted to pursue my Master’s degree in public administration. I really wanted to become a township manager. New Garden Township just felt like a good fit for me.
Q: What is it about New Garden Township that makes it a good fit for you?
Scheivert with New Garden Township Finance Director, Lew Gay. 58
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Scheivert: I like the mix between open space and commercial development. I see that there is a lot of emphasis on trails and nature, but I also see a good chance for smart growth, as well.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Tony Scheivert on Dec. 15, 2014 at the township building, when he was formally announced as the new township manager for New Garden Township. He is pictured with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters, Alison, Emma and Katie.
Q: Where did you grow up, and how did your community provide a positive impact on you?
Scheivert: I grew up in Aston in Delaware County, and was very active in sports. I felt a good sense of community there. My dad was a coach. My mom was always working the snack bar. My sister was a cheerleader. Sports were a key part of my growing up. I went from one sport to another – football, basketball, and baseball – non-stop. One of my first interactions with my township was when it ran sewers through our neighborhood and we had to tap in. At that time, we had a septic tank in the front of our house, so my dad was thrilled to be able to tie into the municipality’s system.
Q: Volunteers are such an important part of the New Garden Township community. How do residents become a part of that volunteer corps?
Scheivert: Getting involved is as simple as coming down to the township building on Starr Road and filling out a volunteer application. We have several vacancies
on a few of our boards. Just come in and tell us you’re willing to do something. If you have a particular interest, we may be able to help fit you with a position within the framework of your interest. There are several opportunities for everyone.
Q: You’re now a part of the New Garden family, but let’s talk about your family at home: your wife, Erin, and your daughters, Alison, Emma and Katie. It’s got to be a busy place these days. Take me into the Scheivert home on a typical weekday.
Scheivert: My wife gets the family up at about a quarter to six in the morning. We get the lunches all made and packed, and then get our little one Katie ready for daycare, and Alison and Emma dressed for Caln Elementary School. It’s nice that they wear uniforms, so it eliminates the option of choosing clothes. Alison and Emma are in the Girl Scouts, so there’s a likely chance they will be at a meeting at night. We always try to eat dinner together, and one of the things my wife started a while www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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ago is something called “High and Low,” so that when we’re eating, everyone has to share one high moment of the day and one low moment of the day. On the weekends, we’re very active in our church. I cook breakfast at the church on Saturdays, and my wife teaches Sunday school.
Q: Do you have a favorite spot in Landenberg?
Scheivert: I’m intrigued by all of the mushroom houses in the township, and the many agricultural roots that have long been established here. Over 50 percent of the mushrooms grown in the United States are grown in Chester County, and of that figure, probably 30 percent are grown right here in the township. Our mushroom industry runs an incredible business.
Q: Who would you enjoy having over for a dinner party, living or not?
Scheivert: I never met my dad’s father, so I’d like to have him here. I’d also like to have my wife’s grandfather around the table. I never met him, but I’ve heard so many great things about him.
Q: What food is always in the Scheivert family refrigerator?
Tony Scheivert, township manager for New Garden Township.
Scheivert: We have three girls who all love Gogurt, so it’s always in our refrigerator, and so are apples. - Richard L. Gaw
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A raku vessel by Kingham.
Photos (3) by John Chambless
Brenda Kingham, of New London, with some of her work
The birds are Kingham’s best-known pieces, but her range is much broader.
A New London artist shares her love of pottery with the community By John Chambless Staff Writer
A
s a young girl, Brenda Kingham had the many advantages of art schools and plenty of books, but her love of working with clay perhaps began at the beach, where the sand could be molded into almost anything she imagined. “Mostly I did painting and drawing, but I guess my working with clay came from my many years at the beach,” she said. “You build sand castles, and dig down to the wet sand, let it dribble, and build all these marvelous things. Later, I would watch people work with clay and think, ‘Sometime I’m going to do that.’ But I never got to do it until I was in my 40s.” Kingham grew up in the Philadelphia area, but now she lives in New London, where she has a small pottery studio. She spends most of her time sharing her skills with students of all ages in classes held in Delaware. Giving a tour of the large pottery classroom at the Absalom Jones Art Studio in Wilmington, where she has taught for 20 years, Kingham showed several examples of her work. “I do a lot of these that people recognize,” she said, taking out two unglazed vessels that incorporate graceful geese into their designs. “I used to go hunting with my husband,” she said. “I wouldn’t shoot a gun, but I would watch these beautiful birds fly in. They’re so graceful, and I thought, ‘I could do that in art.’”
Kingham’s style is much broader, however, and includes ancient-looking raku vessels and large stoneware pots that have a distinctive, earthy surface texture. Kingham teaches with a small group of other artists, including Ray Lewis, who has worked with her for the past two decades. “We have all ages. We have people who are 15, up to a couple of 92-year-olds,” Kingham said. When people learn to work with clay on a wheel, the process involves relaxation and concentration in equal measures. “If you’re a type A personality, it might be intimidating,” Kingham said. “It is a learning process. It’s muscle-nerve response. You have to relax a little. You can’t think of anything else except the clay. You can’t think about the report you have to get in or anything else. You have to pay attention to your hands on the clay. Otherwise, you’ll rip the clay right off.” At the studio, Kingham enjoys working with other creative people who learn from each other. Not everyone is a beginner, and established artists have taken classes to stretch their boundaries. Kingham will demonstrate thowing pottery on the wheel so that students can see where they might be going wrong. “There’s a lot of creative energy in here,” she said. “You share, and they share. It’s like getting a pottery book where you see all different types of pottery. Just sitting at the
T L
One of Kingham’s richly textured bowls.
tables here when it’s really busy, you learn from each other.” Adding to the magic of working with clay is the fact that the glazes don’t resemble how they will end up after the pieces are fired. Taking the lid off of a bucket of brown liquid, Kingham said, “This will be a blue glaze after it’s fired. That’s part of the surprise of it. But you learn.” Artists who want to achieve a specific color, or interplay of colors, have to know what the glazes will eventually look like. In the case of raku pottery, the pieces are heated until red hot, then put into cans with combustible material so that Continued on Page 64
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Love of pottery... Continued from Page 63
the smoke makes unique patterns on each piece. The artist doesn’t know what they’ve got until the lid is lifted. It’s the same kind of mystery with the kiln, Kingham said. “It’s like Christmas every week,” she said. “I love loading a kiln to fit in as many pieces as I can. Then I just love to take the kiln door off and see what’s inside.” It can take a day to heat a kiln to the proper temperature, and another day for it to cool down enough to see what the results are inside. Sometimes, things go wrong, but it’s all part of the learning process. Kingham, who was widowed some 25 years ago, said pottery “has taken over my life, in a good way. Thank heaven it was there. I’ve expanded my family with all the potters and other artists. I don’t think of it as work. It’s something I love, and there’s something different every day.” Kingham said her work is in a few galleries in North and South Carolina, Connecticut and New Jersey, but she doesn’t keep very strict tabs on what’s out there. “I’ll do a few shows here and there,” she said. “I’m around if they ask.” She doesn’t have a presence on the internet, and it just fine with that. Her low-key approach, working one-onone with students or relying on personal contacts to sell her work, fits with the firmly rooted nature of her work. Asked to describe how the style of her work has evolved, she thought for a moment and said, “I started out simply, and I guess you’re influenced by everybody around you, your style of living. A lot of potters have been told that they have to have a recognizable style. My birds are my recognizable style, but for the rest of my pottery, I try to keep stretching.” She keeps very few of her own pieces as favorites in her home, but does collect pieces by her students that she enjoys. “My own pieces come and go,” she said. “I love them for a while, but I want to keep moving on.” After all the years – 30 of them spent working at the Art Studio -- Kingham is still struck by the magic of working in clay. “The marvelous thing about clay is that you just take a lump and you can make magnificent things,” she said. “If you have enough patience.” Kingham teaches on weekdays at The Art Studio (310 Kiamensi Rd., Wilmington, Del.). Classes are held in a variety of pottery techniques, and the studio also offers classes in other mediums. For more information, or to register, call 302-995-7661 or visit www.nccde.org/ artstudio. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty.com. 64
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———|Landenberg Sports & Fitness|——
Local coach helps youngsters grow as soccer players and as people
Courtesy photo
Collins was an outside midfielder for a state championship high school soccer team at Lancaster Mennonite High School before playing at the collegiate level for Geneva College.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer For Julie Collins, the best part about coaching soccer to youngsters is not only seeing them improve their skills in the sport, it is seeing the children gain confidence and grow as individuals. “My goal is to make each child’s experience a positive one by creating a safe, fun environment where they can grow both athletically and socially,” explained Collins, a Landenberg native. “I am the first coach that a lot of these 66
Landenberg Today | Spring/Summer 2015 | www.landenbergtoday.com
kids will have so if, at the end of the season, they want to continue playing, I will have succeeded.” Collins is currently affiliated with CoachUp, a program that matches individuals with soccer coaches who provide personalized instruction. An accomplished high school and collegiate soccer player, Collins has seamlessly transitioned into the world of coaching. Starting in 2012, Collins worked as an assistant coach of a junior high school girls’ soccer team in Lancaster, Pa. Next, she started working with CoachUp. She explained how she works with new clients.
“I break down specific skills, such as shooting, passing, spacing on the field, and trapping,” she explained. “The first session involves talking to determine what the client wants to improve and watching the client perform those skills so I can see what our plan of action should be. Then, we will begin to tackle each skill so the client can become a more well-rounded player.” During her playing career, Collins was an outside midfielder for a state championship high school soccer team at Lancaster Mennonite High School and played at the collegiate level for Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. Her love for the sport goes all the way back to kindergarten. “My dad had a big part in my love of soccer,” Collins explained. “He drove me to practices and worked with me in the yard and gave me the push I needed to improve my skills. I remember when he taught my brother and me how to juggle a soccer ball. He taught me the importance of practicing often in order to keep up with my competitors.” She enjoyed many rewarding experiences playing soccer, and one reason that she enjoys coaching is because she wants others to have similar experiences. Continued on Page 68
Courtesy photo
Collins teaches youngsters many basic soccer skills when she is working with them.
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Jennersville Family Dentistry NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
Julia Collins...
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Continued from Page 67
Dr. Matthew Milano | Dr. Natalie Nash
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“My high school soccer team won the district championship in 2005 and the state championship in 2008,” Collins explained. “My senior year of high school soccer (in 2008) was one of the most rewarding. A focus on performing as a team and excellence in practice propelled us forward to win the state championship.” Her accomplishments at Lancaster Mennonite High School gave her the opportunity to play soccer at the next level. “Playing soccer in college was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Collins explained. “It provided not only the perfect outlet for me to handle the stress of my schoolwork, but I also met a great group of friends.” She said that one of her favorite memories while at Geneva College is traveling to Rochester, New York for a November playoff game that was held on an icy field. When her playing days were over, Collins turned to coaching, first as an assistant coach at the junior high school level and then at the YMCA. “My hope as a coach,” said Collins, “is to introduce the basics of soccer in a fun way that will inspire a love of the game. I take the time to display how skills are properly executed and stress the importance of repetition when practicing.” She also works with children as a personal soccer coach through CoachUp. Collins explained that CoachUp is an online resource where an athlete can search for a personal coach to work with in order to further his or her game. “Clients can view coaches’ profiles and book sessions online,” Collins explained. Anytime Collins is working with youngsters, she makes sure to include an underlying theme to each sessions—respect.
“Although the skills are important, treating others how Collins said that the most rewarding part of coachyou want to be treated can be applied in all areas of life, ing is seeing youngsters grow and develop not only as not just on the soccer field,” she explained. soccer players, but as people. According to Collins, she “One of my favorite has developed her own things about coaching unique way of coaching is seeing a shy child go youngsters. from being reluctant and “As an introvert, I am reserved to joining in able to listen and have a with the other kids and quiet but effective coachlearning the proper skills ing style,” she explained. that will further them “I allow the kids to have as a player. One boy in fun but in a controlled particular was very nerway. When someone vous and required a lot starts acting out, I quiof encouragement and etly pull them off to the patience, but by the end side, speak to them for a Courtesy photo of the season he would moment, and then allow Collins said that the decision to play college soccer was one of run over to me at the start best things that she could have done. She really enjoyed the them to join the game the of practice and particiexperience and made many friends. again. Part of the fun of pate in every game.” coaching is playing alongside the kids because that To view Collins’ profile on CoachUp, visit www. makes them get into the game even more. When coachup.com/searches/coaches/juliec-2. coaching kids, you have to forget about feeling To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ embarrassed and jump right into the game.” chestercounty.com.
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—|Education & Camp Guide|—
Summer camps offer fun and learning The Arc of Chester County 900 Lawrence Dr., West Chester Paradise Farms in Downingtown is the location for week-long day camps this summer. Camp Safari and Teen Camp offer children and teens a camp experience regardless of disability. Teen Camp is slated for Aug. 10-14. Camp Safari is scheduled for June 15-19 and Aug. 24-28. Call 610-696-8090, ext. 240, or visit www.arcofchestercounty.org. Camp Arrowhead Summer camps are offered in five sessions for grades 2 to 11 from June 22 to Aug. 9 at a wooded site on the Rehoboth Bay. Call 302-945-0610 or visit www.camparrowhead.net. Cecil College Summer camps are offered this summer for ages 6 to 8, 9 to 12, and 13 to 17, with outdoor activities and exploration of career pathways. Call 410-392-3366, ext. 628, or visit www.cecil.edu/ youth. Centreville Layton School Summer Program 6201 Kennett Pike, Centreville, Del. A summer program is offered for youngsters from June 22 to July 24. Call 302-571-0230 or visit www.centrevillelayton.org. The Chester County Intermediate Unit 70
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Students entering fifth through ninth grade can explore careers such as animal science, game design, and culinary arts in July. There are locations in Phoenixville, West Grove and Downingtown. Call 484-237-5525 or visit www.cciu.org/ summer. Delaware Aerospace Academy Children in grades 1 to 10 can take summer camps focusing on science and technology, engineering, mathematics and space exploration, with a variety of packages available at Newark or Smyrna, Del., locations. The Day Academy takes place June 22 to 26 and the Overnight Academy runs July 5 to 10. There is also an Ocean and Dinosaur Exploration Camp from June 29 to July 3. Call 302-834-1978 or visit www.dasef.org. Delaware County Community College 901 S. Media Line Rd., Media Camps in cooking, karate, arts, sciences, languages and more are available from June 22 to Aug. 6. Visit www.dccc.edu. Delaware Museum of Natural History 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Del. Thirty two summer camps are offered for ages 2 to 13, exploring the natural world. Call 302-658-9111 or visit www.delmnh.org. Fairwinds Farm
—|Education & Camp Guide|—
41 Tailwinds Ln., North East, Md. Horse Camp to learn the basic skills of horsemanship is offered on weekdays this summer. Call 410-658-8187 or visit www. fairwindsstables.com. Neumann University 1 Neumann Dr., Aston Online summer classes are available for the public, running from May 18 to Aug. 19. Visit www.neumann.edu/summer. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Three resident camps and three day camps are open to girls entering grades 1 to 12 this summer, focusing on a wide range of outdoor skills and interests. Visit www.gsep.org/camps. Hockessin Athletic Club 100 Fitness Way, Hockessin, Del. Summer camps are offered for ages 3 to 12, with swimming, crafts, sports, games and volunteering. Call 302-239-6688 or visit www.hachealthclub.com. New Garden Flying Field Future Aviators Summer Camp is offered for ages 7 to 15 from July 6 to 10, and from Aug. 10 to 14. Call 610-268-2619 or visit www.newgardenflyingfield.com. Saginaw Day Camp 740 Saginaw Rd., Oxford Camps are available from June 29 to Aug. 21 for first to 11th graders. There is an open house on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1
p.m. Call 888-477-CAMP or visit www.saginawdaycamp.com. Sanford School 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, Del. The school offers day camps for ages 3 to 14, with sports and arts camps for ages 8 to 14, and specialty camps in tennis (June 8 to 12, June 15 to 19, June 22 to 26) and basketball (June 22 to 26). Visit www.sanfordschoo.org. Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Rd., Wilmington, Del. Summer camps are offered from June 15 to Aug. 21 for ages 3 through 12th grade. There are sports camps, an on-site pool, music classes, science and technology classes, dance camps and more. Bus trips to local attractions are available. Call 302-8924347 or visit www.tatnall.org/summer. University of Delaware Community Music School University of Delaware campus, Newark, Del. Summer camps are offered for children under 5 up to 12th graders in composition, musical theater, jazz, choral music and more. Call 302-831-1548 or visit www.music.udel.edu/cms. West Chester Parks and Recreation Summer Camps Summer Day Camp for ages 5 to 10 is offered from June 22 to Aug. 14, with a variety of bus trips and other options. Camp Big for ages 11 to 14 is offered June 22 to July 17, and July 20 to Aug. 14, with a variety of bus trips and other options. Registration deadline is June 12. Call 610-436-9010 or visit www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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—|Education & Camp Guide|— Summer camps... Continued from Page 71
www.west-chester.com. West Chester Studio for the Performing Arts Classes are offered at the Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High St., West Chester. One-week summer theater camps are offered for ages 4 to 7 from June 15 to Aug. 7. Call 484-995-2915 or visit www.westchesterstudio.com. Wilmington Friends School Summer camps are offered from June 15 to Aug. 21. A Lower School Camp is for children ages 2 to 11, with weekly themes and activities. A Middle School Camp is for ages 11 to 14, with activities and themes. Call 302-576-2998 or visit www.wilmingtonfriends.org/summercamp. Wilmington Youth Rowing Association 500 E. Front St., Wilmington, Del. Two camps are offered: “Row For It!” from June 29 to July 16; and “Rowing 101” from June 22 to 26 and Aug. 10 to 14. Call 302-777-4533 or visit www.wyra.org. YMCA Camp Tockwogh An overnight camp on the Chesapeake Bay offers summer camps for ages 5 to 16 from June 17 to Aug. 23. Camp tours are available on May 17. Visit www.ymcacamptockwogh.org..
DELAWARE PRIVATE SCHOOLS Archmere Academy 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 798-6632, archmereacademy.com Caravel Academy 2801 Del Laws Road, Bear, 834-8938, caravel.org Hockessin Montessori 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 302-234-1240, thehms.org Independence School 1300 Paper Mill Rd., Newark, 302-239-0332, theindependenceschool.org Layton Preparatory School 6201 Kennett Pike, Centreville, 655-3280, laytonprep.org The New School 812 Elkton Road, Newark, 456-9838, thenewschool.com Red Lion Christian Academy 1390 Red Lion Road, Bear, 834-2526, redlionca.org Salesianum School 1801 N. Broom St., Wilmington, 654-2495, salesianum.org Sanford School 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-5263, sanfordschool.org St. Andrew’s School 350 Noxontown Road, Middletown, 378-9511, standrews-de. org
Ivy League. Any League.
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We go there.
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Schools... Continued from Page 72
Summer and Fall Registration Now Open Choose from day, evening and online options.
Summer I Classes May 26 – July1
Summer II Classes July 7 – August 13
PowerUp! Online Classes June 15 – August 17
Fall Classes August 31 – December 13
APPLY TODAY Call 1-877-912-DCCC (1-877-912-3222) or visit dccc.edu/register and click on the semester you’re interested in.
Pennocks Bridge Campus Technical College High School 280 Pennocks Bridge Road West Grove, PA 19390-9456
Serving Delaware and Chester Counties
Find yourself here. Delaware County Community College is an equal opportunity institution.
The Tatnall School 1501 Barley Mill Road, Wilmington, 998-2292, tatnall.org Tower Hill School 2813 W. 17th St., Wilmington, 575-0550, towerhill.org Ursuline Academy 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, 658-7158, ursuline.org Wilmington Christian School 825 Loveville Road, Hockessin, 239-2121, wilmingtonchristian.org Wilmington Friends School 101 School Road, Wilmington, 576-2900, wilmingtonfriends. org DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON Padua Academy 905 N. Broom St., Wilmington, 421-3739, paduaacademy.org St. Elizabeth High School 1500 Cedar St., Wilmington, 656-3369, sehs.org St. Mark’s High School 2501 Pike Creek Road, Wilmington, 738-3300, stmarkshs.net COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Delaware College of Art and Design 600 N. Market St., Wilmington, 622-8000, dcad.edu Delaware State University 3931 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, 254-5340, desu.edu Delaware Technical Community College 400 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, 454-3900; 333 Shipley St., Wilmington, 571-5300, dtcc.edu Goldey-Beacom College 4701 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 998-8814, gbc.edu Springfield College 1007 Orange St., Wilmington, 658-5720, springfieldcollege. edu University of Delaware Main Campus in Newark; Wilmington Campus, 831-2792, udel.edu Widener University School of Law 4601 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-2100, law.widener.edu Wilmington University 320 Dupont Hwy., New Castle, 356-4636; 31 Reads Way, New Castle, 655-5400; 3411 Silverside Road, Wilmington, (877) 967-5464; 651 N. Broad St., Middletown, (877) 967-5464; PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOLS Avon Grove School District 375 South Jennersville Road West Grove, PA 19390 610-869-2441 Avon Grove High School (610-869-2446) 257 East State Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Fred S. Engle Middle School (610-869-3022) Continued on Page 76
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107 Schoolhouse Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Avon Grove Intermediate School (610-869-2010) 395 South Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Penn London Elementary School (610-869-9803) 383 South Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Kennett Consolidated School District 300 East South Street Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444-6600 Kennett High School (610-444-6620) 100 East South Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Kennett Middle School (610-268-5800) 195 Sunny Dell Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 Bancroft Elementary School (610-925-5711) 181 Bancroft Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Greenwood Elementary School (610-388-5990) 420 Greenwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center (610-444-6260) 409 Center Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 New Garden Elementary School (610-268-6900) 265 New Garden Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374 Oxford Area School District 125 Bell Tower Lane
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Oxford, PA 19363 610-932-6600 Oxford Area High School (610-932-6640) 705 Waterway Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Pennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grove Middle School (610-932-6615) 301 South Fifth Street, Oxford, PA 19363 Hopewell Elementary School (484-365-6151) 602 Garfield Street, Oxford, PA 19363 Elk Ridge School (610-932-6670) 200 Wickersham Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Jordan Bank School (610-932-6625) 536 Hodgson Street, Oxford, PA 19363 Nottingham School (610-932-6632) 736 Garfield Street, Oxford, PA 19363 Unionville-Chadds Ford School District 740 Unionville Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-347-0970 Unionville High School (610-347-1600) 750 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Charles F. Patton Middle School (610-347-2000) 760 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Chadds Ford Elementary School (610-388-1112) 3 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Hillendale Elementary School (610-388-1439) 1850 Hillendale Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Pocopson Elementary School (610-793-9241) 1105 Pocopson Road, West Chester, PA 19382 Unionville Elementary School (610-347-1700) 1775 West Doe Run Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Chester County Intermediate Unit Educational Service Center 455 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 Telephone: (484) 237-5000 Chester County Technical College High School Brandywine Campus 484-593-5100 443 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 www.tchsbrandywine.org Chester County Technical College High School Pennock’s Bridge Campus 610-345-1800 280 Pennock’s Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390 www.tchspennocks.org Chester County Technical College High School Pickering Campus 610-933-8877 1580 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460-2371 www.tchspickering.org NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS Assumption B.V.M. School (610-869-9576) 290 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390
Bethany Christian School (610-998-0877) 1137 Shadyside Road, Oxford, PA 19363 CFS, The School at Church Farm (610-363-7500) 1001 East Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341-2818 Episcopal Day School (610-644-6181) Church of the Good Samaritan 212 West Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301 www.goodsamdayschool.org George Fox Friends School (610-593-7122) 2009 Gap-Newport Pike, Cochranville, PA 19330 www.gffs.org Kimberton Waldorf School (610-933-3635) 410 W. Seven Stars Rd., P. O. Box 350, Kimberton, PA 19442 Landenberg Christian Academy (610-255-5512) P.O. Box 397, Kemblesville, PA 19347 www.lca-pa.com London Grove Friends Kindergarten (610-268-8466) 500 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Malvern Preparatory School (484-595-1131) 418 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355 Sacred Heart School (610-932-3633) 205 Church Road, Oxford, PA 19363 Upland Country Day School (610-444-3035) 420 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Villa Maria Academy Lower School (610-644-4864) Continued on Page 78
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1140 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345-0600 West Chester Christian School (610-692-3700) 1237 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 West Chester Friends School (610-696-2962) 415 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 Westtown School (610-399-0123) 975 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA 19382 White Clay Learning Center (610-880-0114) 250 New Garden Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374 whiteclaylearning.org CHESTER COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOLS Avon Grove Charter School (Early Learning Center) (610-255-5325) 1769 New London Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 www.agcharter.org Avon Grove Charter School (West Grove Campus) (484-667-5000) 110 East State Road, West Grove, PA 19390 www.agcharter.org AREA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES Cheyney University of PA (610-399-2220) 1837 University Circle, P. O. Box 200, Cheyney, PA 19319-0200 Delaware County Community College (Marple Campus) (610-359-5000) 901 South Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063-1094 Delaware County Community College (Brandywine Campus) (610-723-1100) 455 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 Delaware County Community College (Brandywine Campus) (610-723-1100) 455 Boot Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 Delaware County Community College (Exton Campus) (610-450-6500) 912 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341 Delaware County Community College (Pennock’s Bridge Campus) (610-869-5100) 280 Pennock’s Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390 Immaculata University (610-647-4400) 1145 King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345 The Lincoln University (484-365-8000) 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University, PA 19352 Penn State Great Valley (610-648-3200) (School of Graduate Professional Studies) 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355 Valley Forge Christian College (610-935-0450) 1401 Charlestown Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 West Chester University of Pennsylvania (610-436-1000) University and High Streets, West Chester, PA 19383
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Photo by Richard Gaw
A prime example of the old growth trees on the Laurel Woods Trail.
For nearly 20 years, the author has called Landenberg his home, but until he explored the New Garden Township Trail System recently, the town’s rural beauty had been a distant stranger to him
Getting lost in my hometown By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
In the summer of 1997, I moved with my wife from the Forty Acres community in the City of Wilmington to the end of a private road in Landenberg, for the primary reason that we wanted to live our lives surrounded by the tamed wild of nature. In the nearly 18 years we have called Landenberg our home, we have observed the flap-flap-soar of a coopers hawk dipping and ascending, enjoyed the confident hop of a lone fox in meadows, and held the sight of a hushed flock of deer at sunset, practically in awe. And yet, sadly, it’s all been done from a safe distance – from our back decks, or from a car on our way to an appointment, a meeting – always, seemingly, headed to a destination known as Somewhere Else. In retrospect, I have admired the natural beauty of Landenberg like a visitor to a museum, and the only benefit of living here is that I don’t have to pay admission to feel its presence. I have seen it, but I have never touched it. I do not remember the exact moment the thought of this magazine assignment first entered my mind. It’s likely that it has asked to be written for the last 18 years; a nagging tug that would force me into the woods and turn by appreciative detachment of nature into a tactile experience. I did not know where I was headed, but I knew who I wanted to experience it with. Even the most sporadic visitor to the goings-on in New Garden Township is keen enough to recognize that the hard work of the township is done by volunteers, and it could easily be said that the Friends of the New Garden Trails are among the hardest working of these volunteer efforts. At the monthly New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meetings I began to cover for the Chester County Press, I noticed three men serve as the collective voices of the Friends group: Bernie McKay, Don Peters and Chris Robinson. Their energy was infectious; they spoke passionately about building bridges, and clearing brush, and creating trails that connect one part of Landenberg to another, as well as history to the present. As I began to plan my assignment, I knew that I wanted to explore these trails with these men. To my delight, all three committed to doing so. * * * After spending several years excavating and foraging their way through a nearly one-mile-long thicket of wooded hillside of the White Clay Creek Valley, a group of dedicated volunteers known as the Friends of the New Garden Trails officially opened the Laurel Woods Trail in 2009. Two years later, after similar sweat equity, the Friends officially cut the ribbon on the Mill Race Trail, a 1.2-mile path of inclines and valleys on the now abandoned Pomeroy & Newark Railroad bed. Now, nearly six years after the trails were first opened to visitors, they have served to illuminate the natural surroundings of Landenberg. To date, thousands of residents have admired rare patches of Mountain Laurel in Laurel Woods, and gazed down from an observation platform that overlooks the abandoned railroad that once scissored its way through a rock formation. They have fished for trout along the White Clay Creek, or been stilled and silenced so they can watch a busy beaver refashion a tree stump. Those who have traversed these woods have allowed themselves the rare opportunity in a furiously accelerated world to move from action to reaction, to morph from doer to observer, to turn off the rattle of their head space and quietly, simply – if only for an hour or so – live the lives they imagined. “This trail system actually started with a request by the residents to create more open space,” McKay said. “I was the chairman
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of the 2005 comprehensive plan for the township. There was survey done of more than 1,000 residents, asking them what they wanted, and the number one response was open space and trails. That led to an informational meeting that invited some Brandywine Conservancy people, some Chester County Planning Commission people, and from that, we got the ball rolling.” As an off-shoot to the comprehensive plan, a greenways plan was then developed, on which was formed a massive dream to create a 15-mile trail system that would eventually scissor through four Pennsylvania townships – London Britain, New Garden, Franklin and London Grove townships. The journey to achieving that dream has already begun; in addition to the Mill Race and Laurel Woods trails, the Friends have completed the first leg of the Landenberg Junction Trail, located directly opposite the White Clay Creek from the Landenberg Hotel & Store. Formerly the Hendrickson property, the trail provides a visitor with a walk through the town’s history, when Landenberg was primarily known as a mill town. I met Robinson, McKay and Peters at the New Garden Township Building on the overcast morning of March 19. Soon after arriving, two misconceptions -- some would call them ‘gross inaccuracies’ -- were quickly dispelled. One, there are no bears in Landenberg. Two, the trails are exceedingly safe;
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Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Three members of the Friends of the New Garden Trails: from left, Bernie McKay, Don Peters and Chris Robinson.
there has never been any reported incident involving assault or person-to-person attack. In fact, on any given day, visitors are likely to see their neighbors out for a morning hike, or fishermen casting their lines out on the White Clay Creek for trout. With these myths properly put to rest and my hiking boots laced up, it was time to finally lose myself in my hometown. * * * What immediately struck me about the Mill Race Trail was how closely it binds the wilderness and the residential together in partnership. From a small parking lot on Lavender Lane, the entrance to the trail gives the impression of a skinny escape portal that leads the visitor from Suburbia to Nature. At a little
more than a mile long, the trail follows the old Pomeroy and Newark Railroad bed, which allows for many wide pathways to walk on. Less than one-half mile into the trail, the outside world -- the one with houses and cars and the chatter of conversation -- had largely disappeared from sight and sound, and although the early spring season had not yet turned the foliage from ashen brown to green, it was good enough. I was lost, and it felt incredible to be so. At about 6:10 p.m. on the evening of Friday, Jan. 22, 1904, a locomotive on the Newark and Pomeroy collapsed while crossing Bridge 42 over the White Clay Creek. As the train struck the trestle, the supporting timbers began to give way, and a passenger car carrying one dozen persons, went down in the stream. No one was killed, though several were seriously injured. I saw the concrete remnants of the bridge, as well as what was left of an 18th-Century dam that once powered a mill. On any given excursion, visitors to the Mill Race Trail can see mallard ducks, wood ducks, herons and Bald Eagles. Less than a half-mile into the Mill Race Trail, it became obvious to me that Dave Rickerman of the Rickerman Tree Service has been a godsend to the Friends of the New Garden Trails. At nearly every stretch and bend, McKay, Robinson and Peters pointed to where Rickerman used the tools of his business to remove a stump, level a pathway or transport materials. “Over the years, there have been more than 100 people who
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The entrance to the Mill Race Trail.
Continued on Page 85
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Hometown... Continued from Page 83
have helped out, and of that, about two dozen who have put in a lot of hours, and less than ten who’ve put in extraordinary hours. Dave has been one of those people,” Peters said. “Dave has truly left his mark on these trails.” “Dave operates his machinery like it’s an extension of his body,” Robinson said. “It’s safe to say that without his dedication to the trails, we would not have been able to come this far.” After we left the Mill Race Trail, Peters took me to Auburn Road and pointed to the thickness of woods ahead. As part of the vision that will hopefully see the opening of the 15-mile contiguous trail, the Friends are making plans that will connect both trails by way of forging a new trail along the abandoned railroad on the northern side of Penn Green Road, which will require the building of a bridge across the White Clay Creek. As Peters sketched out plans, I began to think about what the natural world once meant to me. When I was a boy growing up in New York State, the ten-acre woods that separated houses and roads in our neighborhood served as a sanctuary for my boyhood friends and me. Thick with old growth trees, a stream, a pond, and rock ledges, “back in the woods” was a place we could be Native Indians walking softly so as not to harm the earth, and little Lewis
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The author was even given a small job while exploring the trails.
and Clarks trudging through streams, and archeologists and scientists and tree climbers. There were no clocks, no orchestrated play date time periods, just the limitless capacity of a half dozen grubby boys to invent their very own universes. Often, we were so far gone into our own worlds that the only other humans we heard were our mothers, calling us in for dinner. We never wanted the days to end. Today, more than 40 years after I last left those woods, my memories remain intact. I am still ten years old, my friends have not aged, at a time when even the notion that this would all come to an end -- that our adventures in the woods would eventually be erased through age and responsibility -- was unthinkable. Somewhere along the way, I had mistaken exploration for obligation. Somewhere along the way, the idea of being Continued on Page 86
Southern Chester County's Premier Outdoor Farmer's Market
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Over 20 vendors selling ALL local fruits and vegetables, naturally raised chicken and beef, eggs, cheese, honey, baked goods, flowers, hand-made crafts and so much more!
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For directions and information: www.NewGardenGrowers.com www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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lost was looked at as a sign of failure, not as the equivalent of being handed a key that opens a door. * * * The Laurel Woods Trail is a series of natural and man-made stairs and bridges, offset by stunning vistas that place the visitor high above the White Clay Creek Valley. As part of the work the Friends have done on the trail, there is an observation platform that overlooks one of the key landmarks of Landenberg -- the narrow “cut” between a large rock formation that once enabled the Pomeroy & Newark Railroad to weave its way through the wilderness. The clear-cut evidence of the painstaking work the Friends have done in order to level out the paths that make up the trail are in plain view, and as I navigated the moderate difficulty of slopes and valleys, I gained a full appreciation for what the Friends have done to carve their gentle legacy into these woods. I was nearing the end of an incredible walk with these gentlemen, and I wanted to know more about them. McKay worked 38 years for duPont. Peters is a retired professor of human development and family studies at the University of Delaware, and Robinson is a mapping consultant and a long-time fixture on the New Garden Township scene. All three have earned Volunteer of the Year awards from the township. Their work -- and the work of other volunteers just like them -- serve as the defining backbone of what makes living in Landenberg so unique.
With the trails that they have developed, they have permitted us to abandon the cacophony of noise that forms our modern lives and choose instead to disappear into thickets of possibility, so that we may become closer to ourselves. When Henry David Thoreau looked to understand his place in the universe, he vanished into a patch of woods known as Walden Pond in Massachusetts. Photo by Richard Gaw There, he lived simply, existing largely Many of the trees have in a meditative state illuminated by the been identified. natural beauty of forests, streams and wildlife. Eventually, he re-emerged and wrote a book that many experts consider an essential primer on how to live the lives we have imagined. In “Walden,” Thoreau wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” Leaving the Laurel Woods Trail, I thought about something else Thoreau wrote. “Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves.” If you would like to become a volunteer with the Friends of the New Garden Tails, send an e-mail to: FriendOfTheTrail@ aol.com . For more information about the New Garden Township Trail system, visit www.FriendsoftheNewGardenTrails.org .
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—————|Landenberg Adventure|————— A photographer/writer finds herself in a music video filmed in Landenberg. The rest is her story to tell...
The ‘White Deer’ music video was filmed at the home of filmmaker/ musician Chris Malinowski.
Photos (2) by Alessandra Nicole
The video was filmed in Landenberg, over the course of one day.
By Alessandra Nicole Contributing Writer Three chili peppers, some rocks, a honeybun and three cigars. Four white plates containing these objects were lined up on the hardwood floor in front of a fireplace in a cozy Landenberg apartment – all awaiting their screen debut and their sacrificial destiny -- on the strikingly cold and misty Saturday morning when I performed in a music video, on assignment from Landenberg Today. I was greeted at the door by the broad Cheshire Cat smile of writer/film director/musician /Renaissance man Chris Malinowski, who was creating a music video titled “White Deer” that would soon serve as part of the soundtrack for his latest film, “Yes, Your Tide is Cold and Dark, Sir,” which has been screened at several festivals around the nation and is now available through Amazon on DVD. I stepped through the doorway of his cottage, and although I didn’t realize it at the time, that simple step forward 88
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was as good as signing my name on the dotted line of a contract issued by a distant and unknowable Supreme Creator. Stay with me here. After returning Malinowski’s smile, I very shyly offered my own to a small group of five other women, all strangers. Gathered to one side of the virtually empty living room, they were completely clad in black just like myself, as Malinowski’s email a week prior had requested. On the room’s other side, a man with a camera adjusted a rig, holding it belted firmly around his waist. In the rain, still others were positioning a large light just outside of a bank of windows that led into the living room. A flick of a switch and Ahh: Instantly the cold, misty Saturday morning was transformed into the fantastical mind trickery that was a perfectly realistic sunny afternoon. The “sun” streamed luxuriously across the floor of the room and the women flocked toward it, smiling. I knew little about Malinowski, beyond his unapologetically gregarious and dramatic stage performances (at times in full makeup) at the Deer Park Tavern in Newark, with his band, The Collingwood. As frontman and lead guitarist, he seemed to be a man possessed. His eyes would roll back into his head in an inner-lighted bliss. A well-known fun fact about Malinowski is that his favorite place on earth to visit is New Orleans, and that not only does he bask in the well-known undercurrent of “voodoo” central to the core of the city, he channels it, often, in his creative work. For me, it wasn’t the most absurd thing to agree to show up to the set of a music video. Years ago, I was an art student at a college in Savannah, Ga. There, I found myself participating in courageous filmmaking and acting projects, convening with my fellow students in basement coffeeshops until the small hours, fleshing out their visions. We all worked tirelessly on film shoots, propelled forward by the natural electricity of inspired artistic discourse and execution. After college, I was a production designer on several short and lengthy projects, grim horror stories, highconcept dramas and dark comedies. I lost hours and days without realizing it while in production. In Landenberg, I was totally in my element. The six of us sat cross-legged on the floor around the white plates. We held hands. Malinowski sat in a wooden chair in a corner of the room with one more statuesque and masked woman standing at his shoulder. We fumbled with our ill-fitting masks, offering one another rolled bits of paper to keep the masks from chafing our faces. Someone pressed ‘Play’ on a boombox that sat on the
Photo by Alessandra Nicole
Filmmaker Chris Malinowski (back), directing one of his actors.
floor by the door, and suddenly, the room was filled with the haunting, melodic sound of Malinowski’s guitar on the track “White Deer.” It was the first time I heard the tone of the song, and the first time I would get a real feel for what our director was looking to achieve. The song was played with saturating volume, the tempo slow, and it cast a spell over us. I am a hyper-aware introvert and holding hands with a stranger of the same sex was a hyper-real experience on its own, but I barely noticed the camera hovering around us. At first, we were to sit as still as possible. Several takes were made. In between, we smiled, and fixed one another’s hair and masks. I was in the company of extraordinary women; it was as if the setting and the music had peeled off our earthly bodies and we were these radiant young souls. The more vulnerable and transparent one of us became about a wrinkle or an illplaced strand of hair, the stronger we became, and the greater we were as a formed circle. When I stole looks across the plated offerings at our knees to the ladies facing me through the ill-aligned holes in my Zorro mask, I saw our manufactured golden sunshine creating angelic halos around their heads. Something quite special was happening to us. Soon, we were on our feet, dancing in slow motion, hands waving around. Malinowski coached us in that the footage was going to be slowed down so that we would appear to be in slow motion, but I felt that it was already happening, in that way you feel when you are aware that you’re going from merely buzzed to full-blown drunk. Although we were all clearly sober, time was slowing in the most peculiar and special way. There was one part to the shoot left. Alhough it was Contiued on Page 90 www.landenbergtoday.com | Spring/Summer 2015 | Landenberg Today
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raining, Malinowski asked if we would be willing to go outside and dance in the elements. I looked to the other women, and it was a universal understanding that this was the perfect evolution of the day -- to ground our collective heightened spiritual experience by dancing in the rain in the cold Landenberg afternoon. A few of us removed our shoes and decided to dance barefoot. We ran outside and gathered at a tree behind the cottage, and without any external music guiding as at all, we danced together, slowly, beneath an overcast sky while rooted to the earth beneath our tender feet. The more I trampled the frozen world beneath me, the more I felt vested by the women around me, and existence itself, to stay vibrant, new, open. I left the set of Malinowski’s music video feeling transformed. His cottage and his song provided the backdrop to such a special synergy that I won’t easily forget. It’s wondrous when you’re open to brand new experiences to begin with. My own reaction to life prior to this had been one of isolation, but to meet creative women who are all on the same stage, was like seeing
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Photo by Alessandra Nicole
Actresses wait for the cameras to roll.
the glow of a lighthouse after having been at sea for too long, and getting to dance with that beam of light. I want to live in that light, to bask in that light. Alessandra Nicole is a writer and photographer. Her essay, “Like a Ballerina in the Air,” appeared in the Fall 2014 edition of Landenberg Today. To learn more about her, visit www.alessandranicole.com. To view the “White Deer” video, visit: The Collingwood: “White Deer” Official Music Video, on YouTube.
Clock by clock, timepiece by timepiece, John Riabov of Landenberg gets to repair some of our most treasured possessions
Tyme at Wyndwood
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In John Riabov’s work studio, connected to the Landenberg home he shares with his wife, Darelle, there is a continuing timbre of sounds that call to mind childhood visits to a grandmother’s home, when chimes rang every 15 minutes, as if celebrating the passage of time. These are the sounds of Riabov’s profession, and some would say, his passion. Since 2010, when he began Wyndwood Tyme, an heirloom watch and clock repair company, he has spent his time embracing the
nuance of precision -- the intricacy of getting measured machines of time to work again. He is booked solid these days -- the number of repairs he has on his plate right now will keep him busy for the next four months -- but to see Riabov in the quiet of his welllighted studio, with the sweeping landscape of Landenberg outside his windows, is to see an individual consumed by the quiet efficiency of getting things done. “I’ve always been analytical, a problem solver, and when it comes to problem solving, I am patient,” Riabov said. “I have good eye-hand coordination, I’m very disciplined, and I love small details. It was almost as though I was meant to do this.” Lest you believe that Riabov was born into the profession of clock Continued on Page 94
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Many of the timepieces Riabov restores were made as far back as two centuries ago.
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Tyme at Wyndwood... Continued from Page 93
and watch repair by way of some weird osmosis, or some mystical connection to the elements of time, nothing could be further from the truth. He spent most of his professional career in the agricultural field for several leading companies, and then entered the advertising business, where his clients were mostly his colleagues in agriculture. For several years, Riabov was the executive director for a non-profit organization that helped organizations improve their business manContinued on Page 95
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Tyme at Wyndwood... Continued from Page 94
agement and operations. When the economy began to tank in 2008, the grant money to the organization began to dry up, and for the first time in his adult life, Riabov found himself without a job. So he took a test. “I decided that I had something else I wanted to do with my life, so I took a career interest profile and found that I had a lot of technical acumen that I never pursued,” he said. “Included among the professions that were suggested in the profile were cabinet making, working as an elec-
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Due to the intracy of the timepieces, it sometimes take Riabov several months to fully restore a clock or watch.
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trician, and yes, clock and watch repair. So I talked about it with Darelle, and I made a decision that has ultimately changed my life.” In 2008, Riabov entered the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors [NAWCC] School of Horology in Columbia, Pa., and over the next 18 months, he studied the science of horology five days a week, logging 2,000 hours of instruction and as an apprentice. During that time, he and his wife had a commuter marriage; he rented a room near the school. He was not alone, however; among his classmates were a retired orthopedic surgeon, a retired fighter jet pilot, a retired chemical engineer, a motorcycle mechanic, and a tech school graduate. “We were all linked by our innate ability to understand the technical aspects of the job and the intricacies of parts,” Riabov said. “Even though I worked in environments that involved teams in the past, surprisingly in my profile, I have a personality that works best by myself. I’m passionate about doing things right, not being pressured, with the idea that I want it to be fixed so that it doesn’t have to come back to me.” During Riabov’s 18 months at the school, Darelle made several visits while school was in session. She recalled an intense, workshop atmosphere. “On one visit, I saw a total of seven students, all with projects going, and all kinds of clocks were chiming and ticking as they worked,” she said. “I brought along my laptop to get some work done while they were head-down into their clocks and watches, but there was so much noise that I couldn’t concentrate. I looked up, and there they were, working away as though the room was perfectly silent. “That’s when I knew that this would be more than just a hobby for John, that he was truly committed to his work, and that it would give him so much happiness.” “I saw a need for this,” Riabov said. “By the time I got finished with school, I thought that the economy would become better, and allow people to have a little more discretionary money to fix the grandmother’s clock that they had just inherited.” In the world of clock and watch repair, the uniqueness of the profession often avails itself to great discovery. Riabov said that he looks at his job as more than just dusting off old things in order to get them to work again; he’s part historian and detective, appointed to uncover long-held truths and solve mysteries, often in collaboration with others. Such was the case of a seven-foot-tall clock, made somewhere between 1780 and 1790, that found its way into
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Tyme at Wyndwood... Continued from Page 97
Riabov’s studio in 2010. It had been in storage for nearly 40 years at the University of Pennsylvania, and after receiving it from the Robert Treat Hogg Cabinet Shoppe, Riabov began cleaning the clock in his studio. Enter antiquarian horologist M. Gregg Perry, a former classmate of Riabov’s, who worked with Riabov and the Robert Treat Hogg Cabinet Shoppe to restore the clock to its original condition, including the restoration of a moon dial. The original dial on it had been painted over, the moon dial was in poor condition, but what made the clock a hidden treasure was not only defined by its age, but by what Riabov saw inside - a hand-inscribed signature: Isc. Jackson Newgar. with three tiny letters “den” written above the “Newgar” due to lack of space. Riabov pored through the internet, looking for the name Isaac Jackson. Who is this guy, and what about the peculiar “Newgar” tacked on the end of his signature? In Jackson’s career, Riabov read, he lived in New Garden Township, and in fact, the clock may have been made less than two miles from where Riabov lives.
“I thought, ‘This is unbelievable,” Riabov said. “’This is meant to be.’” Jackson had made 27 known clocks, Riabov discovered, but the one he was helping to restore was not among those on record, nor did it resemble any of those he saw in books. Riabov went to the Chester County Historical Commission. He saw photos of some of Jackson’s clocks. There wasn’t a moon dial among them. So why did this clock have one? After months of research – time that he spent as part clock repairman, historian and sleuth – Riabov speculated that the moon dial was installed at the request of Jackson’s customer. “It was probably a commissioned clock,” Riabov said. “Someone may have come to Isaac and said, ‘Isaac, I want you to build me a clock, and I want a moon dial.’” The clock, now fully restored and working, is in a private home in Villanova, Pa. It’s Riabov’s responsibility, he said, to tell owners about the history behind these timepieces. “It’s part of the clock, part of the history that families need to know,” he said. We live in a throw-away culture, the proof of which is never more evident than what we wear on our wrists. Once, the watches we wore helped define us; often, they
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were family heirlooms, treasures passed down as honored possessions. Now, anyone can plunk down thirty bucks in a drug store and get a watch that will last for maybe a year or so. Riabov knows this; the ache of our disposable society really bothers him, and almost in defiance, he pointed to a 200-year-old clock on the shelf of his studio. He opened it. It is handmade, and its wheels and levers and pulleys were exacting, the perfect assimilation of idea turned into intricate function. Everything that was seen -- fans, bells, strike hammers, the time barrel, the wheels, pinions, the rack, the snail and the teeth -- was originally placed there in the early 1800s. It’s like this, all the time, in Riabov’s studio. With each timepiece that comes to him, so too, does a personal story that owners love to tell him. “The real satisfaction is bringing everything back together and seeing it come alive again,” he said. “When I work on a watch, after everything’s been properly cleaned, reassembled and oiled, and then the balance wheel goes in, it begins to move again. It’s like a heart, beating, and I have helped bring it back to life.” To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@ chestercounty.com.
Letter from the Editor... Continued from Page 6
our 10th anniversary, we compare how things have changed over the last decade with a piece titled “Then and Now.” A visual record of life in Landenberg has always been an important part of Landenberg Today. In this issue, we feature the favorite photographs we’ve shared over the last decade and share a few new photos that have never been published before. What we’ve brought away from this experience, and all the people we’ve met, is the pride, joy, and happiness we all find from living in this amazing place called Landenberg. We’ve all taken different paths on our journey to Landenberg, but now that we’re here, we share our stories. We encourage you to continue to contact us with new ideas and things to explore. Thanks for reading! Sincerely, Carla Lucas (past editor, Landenberg Today) Randall Lieberman, (Publisher, Landenberg Today)
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—————|Landenberg History|—————
The West Grove firehouse in 1920.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer R. Scott Steele spent more than a decade carefully researching and writing “West Grove Fire Company: A Century of Protection.” Steele, a local historian, said that he was asked to write the history of fire stations 22, 12, and 32 for the fire company’s centennial in 2004. The resulting 300page book traces the fire company’s history from the earliest efforts to organize fire protection for the town 100
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Courtesy photo
to the 2013 dedication of Station 32 in London Britain Township. Steele was particularly interested in how the West Grove Fire Company came to be, in part because it took several attempts to accomplish the goal. In late 1887, a fire struck in Avondale, prompting residents in neighboring West Grove to consider establishing a fire department to serve the community. A group of West Grove’s most prominent citizens gathered in November of that year to discuss the matter, and there was enough support to schedule a second meeting. Within a month,
twenty-five residents came together and signed a first president of the fire company. Organizers set out petition to support the charter for a fire company. A to acquire apparatus and a home for the fire company. In March of 1905, a four-wheel, horse-drawn chemifive-member board of trustees was formed. And then, for reasons that have been lost to history, the effort cal engine truck rolled into town. Then, in 1906, a new building was built at the corner of Prospect and Walnut. never came to fruition. Three years later, when a blaze Steele details how the fire compabroke out at 11 o’clock at night at ny went about the routine activities the Jefferis & Wright General Store of the day, raising money to help at the northeast corner of Exchange offset costs, acquiring apparatus, Place and Evergreen Street, resiand responding to emergency calls. dents banded together to form a As each year passed, there were bucket brigade to put out the fire more and more fire calls. before it destroyed the building. “I read all the meeting minThe sight of a fire in the center of utes from 1904 to 1913,” Steele town once again prompted a call to explained. start a fire company. But It would In some instances, the meeting Courtesy photos minutes simply listed the date and be another decade and a half before West Grove would have a fire com- Scott Steele recently completed a history of the time of an emergency response, but West Grove Fire Company pany of its own. that would be all that Steele would In 1904, town leaders gathered on the second floor need to look up more information from other sources. “Sometimes, in researching, it’s about connecting the of the bank building on Exchange Place to talk about establishing a fire company. That meeting took place dots until you find the end of the trail,” he explained. 1928 would turn out to be a fateful year in the West in August. On Sept. 2, 1904, the fire company was officially established, with Robert Pyle serving as the Grove Fire Company’s history.
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Fire company... Continued from Page 101
On May 21, 1928, West Grove firefighters joined eight other companies when a fire swept through a feldspar grinding mill and adjacent lumber and coal yard in the village of Toughkenamon. A West Grove firefighter, Raymond Walker, was killed by being crushed under a falling chimney of the lumberyard building. Two firefighters from neighboring company’s were also injured. The year 1928 was also the year of the largest fire in West Grove history. In the meeting minutes from Nov. 5, 1928, there was a simple report of the firefighters responding to a blaze at the West Grove Millwork company that took place on Oct. 11, 12, and 13. The millwork company produced kitchen cabinetry, custom millwork, stair moldings, garden archways, and porch benches. Approximately 150 people were employed at the company at the time. On the evening of Oct. 11, the three-story, 18,000-square-foot building went up in flames. It would later be determined that the fire started in the paint shop on the third floor. Piles of semi-finished woodwork in the building provided fuel to the fire. Twenty-six fire companies were called in to help
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fight the out-of-control fire, as homes on Jackson, Murray, and Walnut were evacuated. Most of the millwork property, including the building, equipment, and inventory, was lost during the fire. Only a shift in wind direction helped spare some of the neighboring homes. The fire company kept watch over the smoldering ruins through Oct. 13. While Steele focused on the historical developments, he was assisted by Lawrence and Amy Coppock, who compiled the list of apparatus and company officers. The book includes about sixty photographs from the fire company’s collection, which is quite large. The book is available for purchase at the West Grove Fire Company website (wgfc.org) or by emailing Steele at westgrovehistory@comcast.net. Steele, who has been collecting pieces of local history for most of his adult life, also hopes to share with the public what he affectionately calls his “West Grove Collection.” Late last year, he completed construction of a heated and air-conditioned 16-foot-by-18-foot building next to his home on Paschall Mill Road. He is currently moving his historical treasures, which include items from the old train station and the Roselyn Theater, into the building so that it can be opened to the public later in 2015.
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