Penn Township Fall 2018 Newsletter

Upcoming Picnic

FREE! Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 11 to 4 at Penn Park!

Penn Township FALL 2018 NEWSLETTER

—————|options|————— “Penn Township - A great place to live, work, and retire!”

VISION STATEMENT “To provide a healthy, vibrant, affordable, economically successful, progressive community where citizens feel safe, enjoy their neighborhoods, enjoy access to their local government and have a great place to live, work and raise their families or retire.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To facilitate the health, safety, and well-being of the Penn Township community by providing residents, visitors, and the business community with the highest quality of municipal leadership, service, and strategic, sustainable, effective, and visionary planning to enhance the quality of life for all.”

Penn Township, Chester County 260 Lewis Road West Grove, PA 19390 TOWNSHIP STAFF DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Karen Versuk TREASURER

Lorraine Debes SECRETARY

Caitlin Ianni ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Curtis A. Mason, Sr., BOARD CHAIR

Victor Mantegna, VICE CHAIR Ken Bryson, MEMBER Jay Ennis, MEMBER William "Radar" O'Connell, MEMBER Board of Supervisors meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm

Brittnee Cole Kaylea Dugger

Work Sessions are held on the third Wednesday of January, February, March, April, September, and October.

PARKS AND FACILITIES TECH

Agenda deadline is the Thursday before each meeting at 3:00pm.

Danny Peters PARKS & FACILITIES ASSISTANTS

Wayne Barker Adam Ianni ROAD MASTER

Ken Bryson EMERGENCY MGMT

Chuck Freese 2

Phone: 610-869-9620 Fax: 610-869-9194 Email: office@penntownship.us www.penntownship.us

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HISTORICAL COMMISSION Kathy Wandersee - Chair Margaret Emerson Patricia Horrocks Patricia Moidel Raymond Mackey Robert Davis Sandra Laxton Scott Steele

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm Closed Fridays STATE SENATOR Andy Dinniman (D19) STATE REPRESENTATIVE John Lawrence (R13) DISTRICT COURT 15-3-05 Honorable Scott Massey EMERGENCIES: POLICE - PA State Police AGREM - Chuck Freese, Marty Wilson, Harold Walls FIRE COMPANY - West Grove Fire & Ambulance PARAMEDICS & MEDICAL SERVICE - Southern Chester

Co. Emergency "Medic 94"

PLANNING COMMISSION J. Dennis Newbold Ralph Churchill Scott Steele Bruce van Kleeck William H. Wells Planning Commission meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm

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Dear Neighbors,

It is once again my pleasure to communicate with you through our newsletter. It is a particular pleasure to be the Board Chair for my 21st year as Penn Township enters its 200th year as an official township in Chester County.

This year I will categorize as the year of preservation and progress.

Preservation as we preserve elements of Penn Township history that we hold dear. Our Historical Commission and Supervisor Jay Ennis are hard at work on preserving our beloved “Red Rose Inn”. Years ago, we committed to saving it from foreclosure by purchasing it. A bold move, but the correct one, as it has allowed us to move forward with an intersection expansion while keeping a pivotal piece of not only Penn Township history, but American history.

We have been the recipients of a Pennsylvania Historical Marker for Sunset Park.

A first for Penn Township, and a rare occurrence, thanks to the diligent efforts of Historical Commission Member Scott Steele, our State Senator Andy Dinniman, our State Representative John Lawrence and the Waltman Family. Sunset Park Day was an amazing celebration of our past, which we are now preserving for the future, and will celebrate every year on the second Sunday in August. It was also a 100th birthday bash for Sunset Park patriarch, Lawrence Waltman!

We, as a Board, continue to preserve the quality of life for our residents with another year of no new taxes!

Before the end of the year, we anticipate adopting the Volunteer Service Program Earned Income Tax Credit to thank our West Grove Fire & Ambulance Company and Medic 94 for their service by providing them with an earned tax credit. We are also hopeful this will encourage new volunteers for those two worthy organizations which provide so much to our township.

Our progress can be marked as we proceed to the bidding of the construction of our intersection improvement project. There were a few bumps along the way, but we are pleased to say that in 2019, the intersection construction WILL BEGIN. We look forward to smoother passage through our town center.

We welcome new businesses, Dunkin Donuts, Snap Fitness, and Ryan Homes as they develop the Big Elk 55-plus housing development next to Jennersville Hospital.

Our events, which you will see in the pages that follow, attract thousands of visitors as they attend picnic, Halloween, Christmas, movie nights, kids’ summer fun days, Sunny Day Camp, health and wellness classes, and our summer concert series.

Our staff continues to work on the development of our first active park on Route 796 as they revamp the existing active park plan to adapt it to the site and apply for additional grant funding for trails, riparian buffers, and fields.

We hope you will all join us on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 for the biggest and best 14th Annual Penn Township/Jennersville Hospital Community Picnic and Health and Wellness Center. Free food, entertainment, information, vendors and more!

In closing, I would like to share with you a quote from my speech on Sunset Park Day…..

“Preserve your memories. Keep them well. What you forget you can never retell.” Louisa May Alcott Respectfully,

Curtis A. Mason, Sr. Board Chair, Penn Supervisors

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Penn Township dedicates historical marker in tribute to Sunset Park

On eve of his 100th birthday, Lawrence Waltman was honored for his dedication to a venue that served as an outdoor cathedral of country music for generations

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Beneath a large white tent that nearly butted against the flow of traffic along Jennersville Road in West Grove last Sunday evening, about 120 Penn Township residents and patrons of country music gathered to pay tribute to a venue that stood near the site for 55 years, and while the legacy of Sunset Park flooded memories and elicited some tears, those in attendance reserved their heartiest thanks for the man who made Sunset Park possible – Lawrence Waltman.

On Aug. 12, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, in partnership with the Penn Township Board of Supervisors and the township’s Historical Commission unveiled an historic marker honoring Sunset Park, an openair ampitheater that served as one of the nation’s most prominent country music venues from 1940 to 1995, and drew a Who’s Who of country and bluegrass music legends.

Following tributes to Waltman and Sunset Park, an historical marker sign was unveiled on Jennersville Road at Waltman Lane that reads:

Steele said that the dream to build a stage to serve as a platform for the musical genre began in 1939, when “Uncle Roy” Waltman and his son Lawrence hired Amish carpenters to build a performance stage in an eight-acre grove of trees on the edge of the family’s 98-acre dairy farm. It opened in the spring of 1940, and for the next several decades, came to be known as the nation’s most prominent country music venue outside of Nashville and hosted the likes of Dolly Parton, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, George Straight and Waylon Jennings.

Steele told the audience that having a place to house the growing demand for country and bluegrass music was a welcome sight for the influx of southerners, who migrated north during World War II to work at the GM-Chrysler plant in Delaware and on farms in southeastern Pennsylvania.

“These transplants, who were part of what was called the Appalachian Migration, could find a little bit of home in the small concert venue, a few miles north of the MasonDixon Line,” Steele said.

SUNSET PARK One of the premier music venues outside of Nashville, the park featured many of the biggest stars of country and bluegrass. Operated by the Waltman family from 1940 to 1994, it supported the transition from pre-WWII “hillbilly music” to the nationally popular country music genre. Featured artists included Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and Bill Monroe. Live unreleased recordings of major performers have been preserved.

The signage is one of 2,600 state historic markers in Pennsylvania.

“Recently, I came across a June 2017 Rolling Stone Magazine list of the 100 greatest country music artists of all time,” said Scott Steele of the township’s historical commission, who organized the event and served as its’ master of ceremonies. “Rolling Stone ranked the top five, starting with number one, Merle Haggard, (followed by) Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and the Carter family. All five played the stage here at Sunset Park, some multiple times.”

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The historical marker was unveiled by Lawrence Waltman’s children Anita, Larry and Donald.

What began as a performance refuge for many emerging country music artists who were looking to escape the glare of the Nashville music scene eventually evolved into subsequent generations of musicians, who longed to play at Sunset Park because their idols once did. Two of those artists were Randy Travis, who drew over 6,000 fans to the venue in 1987, and Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, who visited Sunset Park in 1964 as a 21-year-old, in order to see his bluegrass hero, Bill Monroe.

Lawrence and his wife Hazel, who married in 1943, took over the operation of the park when Roy died in 1957, and the Waltman family became synonymous with Sunset Park, which also included their children Anita, Larry and Donald, and later, the fourth generation of the family, who also assisted during concerts.

The ceremony was opened by Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, and also included a country music tribute

by Maria Rose and her husband Danny Elswick, who performed “Sunset Park,” an original song written by Rose.

During her performance, emotions got the better of Rose, who sang the song’s last lines through tears.

The real hero of the ceremony, however, sat in the shade of a John Deere vehicle beneath a tree and watched speaker after speaker pay tribute to him and the musical era he created.

Looking at Waltman, Steele said, “Lawrence Waltman is 99 years, eleven months and 25 days old. On Aug. 17, Lawrence will turn 100. What an honor it is to have you and your family here, as we celebrate your tremendous contributions to the community and honor the Sunset Park legacy to country music.”

Other speakers congratulated Waltman on the occasion of his upcoming birthday and his contributions.

After introducing Lawrence and his three children, said Curtis Mason, chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, said, “They’re the ones who kept Uncle Roy’s dream alive and going for 55 years. They created and maintained with love a special place in the hearts of so many that reminded them of their home down south.

“It seems everybody has a Sunset Park story, and even music greats like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash came to Penn Township, all of whom were here because of Uncle Roy and Lawrence.”

Finishing with the quote, “Preserve your memories/Keep them well/What you forget you will never retell,” Mason said, “Today is our way of making sure that [Sunset Park] will never be forgotten.”

State Sen. Andy Dinniman remembered visiting Sunset Park on the 50th anniversary of the venue, and recalled that the Country Music Association presented Waltman with a gold record for his contributions to country music.

Referring to Rose’s song, Dinniman said that Sunset Park

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

As Rep. John Lawrence looks on, State Sen. Andy Dinniman reads a proclamation to Lawrence Waltman, at an Aug. 12 ceremony that unveiled an historical marker that honored Sunset Park in West Grove, a prominent country and bluegrass venue that the Waltman family operated from 1950 to 1995.

now serves as a place of memories.

“I think that if we all listen real hard today, we can hear that music, can’t we?” Dinniman said. “We can hear all of those performers. We can hear the joy of the crowds as they came here. I urge you before you leave this place, to open your ears to what Sunset Park was all about – to the joy it meant to be here.

“There was a time here in this county where we could all come together, where ‘Republican’ and ‘Democrat’ didn’t mean one thing or another, or whether we were young or old, or black or white. What mattered was that we all came here together, without alcohol or drugs, and because the Waltman family gave us a venue [where] we could all celebrate the best of what this country, and what this county, was all about.”

Dinniman presented a citation to the township, and then left the podium, walked over to Waltman and presented him with a citation that honored him on the occasion of his 100th birthday and his contributions to Sunset Park.

Additional speakers included State Rep. John Lawrence; Ken Woodward, retired Oxford High School principal and president of the Oxford Area Historical Association; Pastor Jim Mundell of the West Grove United Methodist Church; Dr. William Lewis, commissioner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; and Victor Mantegna, vice chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors.

Following the ceremony, the township held “Sunset Park Day” at Penn Township Park, that featured follow-up performances by Rose and Elswick, and Paisley and his band, as well as carnival rides and games, a moon bounce and food and treats by Hood’s BBQ, Kona Ice and the Plum Pit. Courtesy of the Chester County Press 8-15-18 Edition.

Email info@chestercounty.com for more information.

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ELVIS Returns

to the 14th Annual Penn Township/Jennersville Hospital Annual Community Picnic and Health and Wellness Fair MORE is the word for this year’s 14th Annual Community Picnic and Health and Wellness Fair. More Elvis.

More Larry Tucker Band.

More food. More vendors.

More information. More screenings. MORE FUN! Dancing is encouraged, eating is a must. Come to the region’s only FREE community picnic sponsored by Penn Township and the Jennersville Hospital. 14 is extra special as we have the SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, the Philadelphia Flyers Ice Girls, 3 Palms Zoo, West Grove Fire Company, AGREM, Medic 94, the trackless train ride, Spyder mountain, Monkey Motion, Uproar ride, and more!

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Held annually at the end of September, this year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Penn Township Park located at 260 Lewis Road in West Grove. Parking is at the Jennersville Regional Hospital.

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If you haven’t been, the Penn Community Picnic was started 14 years ago as a celebration for the community at large.

Funded entirely by donations, the picnic features Jimmy Riggins’ wicked good barbeque chicken, hamburgers, and hot dogs, a concert by Larry Tucker Band (1:15 p.m.) and Jesse Garron’s LIVE Elvis Tribute Show (at 12 and 3). 3 Palms Zoo from Clayton, Delaware will be on hand from 11 to 3 with their live animals. State Representative John Lawrence and State Senator Andy Dinniman will be on hand to share information and

—————|options|————— Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 11am to 4pm

speak with our guests. Local businesses, churches, doctors, and nonprofits will also be in attendance.

To sponsor the event or for more information please contact office@ penntownship.us or call 610-869-9620.

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Sunny Day Camp

We are particularly pleased to have been recognized by the Pennsylvania State Police for our role in Sunny Day Camp. Sunny Day Camp was started by Cpl. Samantha Minnucci in 2016. Her idea was to provide a Camp Cadet-type law enforcement experience for special needs children and adults free of charge for them and their families. The first event of its kind anywhere, now Sgt. Minnucci’s idea has been adopted and mandated state wide in Pennsylvania. Penn Supervisors have proudly provided the home for that event in Chester County since its inception and Penn Supervisors and Staff volunteer their time annually to plan and host the event.

Seeing the Troopers interact with the participants and families as they see K-9, Swat, bomb squad and mounted police up close and personally, participate in tug of war and obstacle courses, and share a picnic lunch is a heart warming event.

“Penn Township is the safest and happiest place on earth during Sunny Day Camp.

There is not a dry eye in the house,” said Supervisor Bill O’Connell.

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—————|options|————— RECENT EVENTS: Penn Township held our 3rd Annual Shred-It Event on April 28. This event included shredding of paper, recycling electronics, and a free medication take-back. We shredded roughly 4 tons of paper.

Our 1st Annual Senior Health & Fitness Day was a HUGE success! On May 31, Penn Township partnered with Medic 94 to allow our senior citizens to retrieve knowledge and information on health & wellness. Vendors including Jennersville YMCA, Pivot Physical Therapy, Chester County Health Department, and many more gave great insights on ways to stay healthy!

We offered our 2nd Annual Summer Concert Series the second Sunday of each summer month!

Our June concert featured The Big Package Band. Our July concert featured Panama Rex – A Jimmy Buffet Cover. Lastly, our August concert was designed to be in remembrance of Sunset Park and featured Maria Rose (a former Sunset Park performer) and Danny Elswick, followed by Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass. Hoods BBQ Food Truck, Plum Pit Food Truck, and Kona Ice (provided by Penn Township) were on hand. Folks brought chairs, blankets, and picnic dinners for a lovely Sunday evening in Penn Park.

Penn Township held our Annual Summer Fun Days on the third Thursday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s summer fun days featured Elmwood Park Zoo, Project C.U.R.E., and Medic 94. These fun days are free of charge to the public!

This year’s events ranged from a mini petting zoo to packing Kits for Kids for children in underdeveloped countries. We even had a Christmas in July visit from Santa!

Partnering with the Avon Grove Library, our 1st Annual Summer Movie Nights was a huge success! The movies were held on one Thursday evening out of the summer months in Penn Park. June’s movie featured a Dr. Suess’ classic “The Lorax.” July’s movie featured an original favorite, “Grease.” Lastly, August’s movie was Disney & Pixar’s “CoCo.” Each movie had a related activity prior. We featured Dino’s Ice Cream & Water Ice Truck and popcorn was made possible by Herr’s!

EVENTS COMING SOON TO PENN PARK: Penn Township Board of Supervisors will proudly host the venue to Sunny Day Camp! Sunny Day Camp will be hosted by the Pennsylvania State Police this year on October 13 with a rain date of October 14. Camp Cadet style day is for developmentally disabled children and adults and their families. This camp was started by the State Police – Avondale Barracks, and is now adopted statewide.

We are proud to host such a wonderful event!

Halloween Spooky Seek & Find is perhaps our second most popular event following behind our Health and Wellness Picnic. For our Halloween event in October 2017, Penn Park was filled with 1000+ parents and children who gathered to “Trunk-or-Treat” 12

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and collect eggs during our Halloween egg seek & find. Last year featured —————|options|————— our first ever Trunk or Treat where vendors miraculously decorated the trunks of their vehicles. Themes ranged from Legos to Aloha Hawaiian to Spooky! The top three trunks with the most votes received a prize! Look for this year’s Halloween event on Sunday, October 21 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in our Trunk or Treat, please contact the office for further information!

Our final event will consist of a visit from Santa and one of his Elves! Join us on December 9 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Finnen Community Room. Like last year, we will be accepting toy donations and we will be doing a food drive. Last year our toys went to Nemours A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children, and our food went to our local food cupboard!

Stay tuned for further information!

Penn Park and Community Room Rentals The Penn Township Park is open daily from dawn to 9 p.m., winter hours begin in November and are dawn to 7 p.m. Our beautiful park features over one mile of walking trails, a playground, Veteran’s Memorial garden, charcoal grills, fire pit, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, adult fitness park, butterfly garden, putting green and more. Alcohol, dogs, bicycles, and skateboards are not permitted in the park. The park is not used for organized sports. Pavilions, gazebos, fire pit, and the community room are all available for rental. The Finnen Community Room accommodates 84 people and has a kitchen with refrigerator, microwaves, dishwashers and plenty of work space and fireplace. Please check our website at www. penntownship.us or contact the office for details or to reserve your date today at 610-869-9620.

Rentals for the Finnen Community Room & Penn Park Pavilion require a MANDATORY security guard to be present throughout the duration of your rental time. Bathrooms are only open during your designated rental time when security guard is present.

Pavilion: 44’ x 60’ 12 tables under roof, grills outside pavilion, seats approximately 100.

Gazebos: 2 white 28’ Hexagonal & 2 white 12’ x 24’ Rectangular Gazebos, seats approximately 20.

COMMUNITY ROOM: All community room rentals are four-hour rentals. Your four hours includes your set up and break down time. If you would like an additional hour, you may request it at an additional cost. Please call the office for further information.

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Natural Lands: Penn Township —————|options|—————

Wins Growing Greener Communities Award In Chester County Natural Lands and the Chester County Association of Township Officials presented the Growing Greener Communities Award to representatives of Penn Township on March 13 in Chester County.

This award recognizes a Chester County township that has engaged in a dynamic initiative designed to save land, steward natural resources, and connect people to nature.

Situated between the White Clay Creek in the Christina Basin to the north and the Big Elk Creek in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to the south, Penn Township is keenly aware of its environmental responsibilities.

The Township’s multi-pronged approach toward stormwater management includes public education, responsible planning, and infrastructure improvements all designed to protect the environment and ensure public safety.

Along with an ongoing, robust public outreach program, 2017 saw Penn Township advance projects that improved the stormwater management on several miles of township roads. This included road and drainage system repairs and improvements to move stormwater from the roadways to the White Clay Creek.

“CCATO is pleased to be able to highlight the continued efforts and dedication of our local government members, the County of Chester, and Natural Lands in the area of environmental protection,” said David Connors, CCATO president. “Environmental protection efforts such as these will help ensure Chester County remains a healthy, vibrant community for years to come.”

"The Penn Supervisors are honored to have been chosen as a Growing Greener Community,” said Karen Versuk, director of operations and public information officer at Penn Township. “The Supervisors make every effort to protect and preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the community in every way. It is thrilling and humbling when these efforts are recognized by an organization such as Natural Lands. Our community thanks Natural Lands and CCATO for this honor from the bottom of our hearts."

“We were impressed by the strategy that Penn Township advanced towards environmental stewardship,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands. “Innovative approaches in engineering and community participation not only improve the environment but can make communities safer.”

It’s not easy being green, here are some helpful tools...

Things you can do to prevent storm water runoff pollution • Use fertilizers sparingly • Sweep up driveways, sidewalks and gutters • Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams • Vegetate bare spots in your yard • Compost your yard waste • Direct downspouts from paved surfaces and consider a rain garden A tributary of the White Clay Creek, a federally protected Wild • Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in and Scenic River, meanders along Ewing and Woodcrest Roads in the driveway Penn Township.

• Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil It is illegal to dump grass clippings, pool • Have your septic tank pumped regularly water, used motor oil or anything else down • Clean up after your pet storm drains. They are intended for storm For more on storm water management, visit www. penntownship.us water only and they drain to streams.

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—————|options|————— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Recycling is mandatory in Penn Township. Those with private trash haulers should be provided with recycling toters and have dedicated days for recycling collection.

Appliances such as computer monitors, laptops, and televisions must be recycled in Pennsylvania.

The Township has a 24/7 recycling center located by the Dansko building on Federal Road, just off of Commerce Blvd., across from the main entrance to Jenner’s Pond. There are labeled bins that you can sort your recycling into including paper, plastic, aluminum, metal, Styrofoam, packaging peanuts, and glass.

Electronics and most waste can be taken to the SECCRA landfill. The SECCRA landfill is located at 219 Street Road in West Grove. Their phone number is (610) 869-2452 and Comment Hotline is (484) 7120584. For specific recycling information, hours of operation, etc. visit www.seccra.org/recycling.

Penn Township holds a Public Safety Day annually in the spring. Shredding and prescription drug takeback is offered free of charge to all. This year we collected nearly 4 tons of paper. The Pennsylvania State Police at Avondale on Route 41 has a 24/7 prescription drug takeback box in their lobby.

Please dispose of your expired or unused prescription drugs at an approved location with a drug takeback box, do not dispose of them down the toilet or sink.

Need to get rid of other items? Questions? Call the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA). SECCRA is located at 219 Street Road in West Grove, PA . It is right off of Route 41. Their telephone is (610) 869-2452. Visit their website for more information at www.seccra.org.

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—————|options|————— Bicentennial 2019: Celebrating Penn’s rich history

By Historical Commission Chair Kathy Wandersee The Penn Township Historical Commission is continuing their planning efforts for the Penn Township Bicentennial scheduled for 2019. The hope is that the rehabilitation of the Red Rose Inn will be completed and a display of Penn Township history be presented in the Red Rose Inn. Toward this end, Penn Township Commission members Scott Steele, Bob Davis and Raymond Mackey have spent many Saturday mornings working diligently on the interior of the Red Rose Inn deconstructing the many bathrooms and partitions that had been constructed in the 1960s. The owners at that time, Janice and Ray Clanton, had partitioned many of the larger rooms on the second and third floors to create individual smaller rooms to meet the criteria of 12 or more guest rooms needed for a Pennsylvania Liquor License.

The second floor rooms are now as they had originally been built. The front porch has been replaced and a poured concrete courtyard installed. As of publication, a new HVAC system is scheduled for installation in October.

The Commission is also reviewing historical files, photos and donations for preparing the displays.

This includes items donated to our History Harvest Day last January and photos from Township files. Donations of photos or any items and artifacts relating to the history of Penn Township are always welcome.

We are particularly pleased to have been awarded a grant by the Mushroom Festival Foundation to assist in the preservation and presentation of our artifacts. Thanks to Historical Commission members Patty Moidel and Bob Davis for their efforts in obtaining that grant.

One of the most exciting developments of the year was the award to Penn Township of a Pennsylvania Historical Marker by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission for Sunset Park. If you would like to volunteer for the Bicentennial or the Historical Commission, please contact us at office@penntownship.us or by calling the township office at 610-869-9620.

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Happy —————|options|————— 100th Birthday to Jennersville Hospital/SCCMC/ West Grove Hospital/Ewing Hospital A century ago, Dr. William Ewing, had the vision to start a hospital to address the communities needs during the 1918 Spanish Influenza outbreak.

The hospital started as a simple 5-bed clinic at his boyhood home on Evergreen Street in West Grove eventually opening the hospital at the corner of Prospect and Railroad Avenues in April 1918 as the Ewing Hospital.

In 1959, the hospital moved to its current location in Jennerville as the West Grove Hospital. Later, it was renamed the Southern Chester County Medical Center. In 2001, it became the Jennersville Regional Hospital and in 2017, the Jennersville Hospital as part of Tower Health.

Southern Chester County EMS was founded in partnership with the Southern Chester County Medical Center in 1983.

Thank you for 100 years of caring and service to the community.

Tower Health at Jennersville Hospital offering health, safety and welfare to Penn residents Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare provider/payer system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services to a population of 2.5 million people. Together, our six hospitals and other entities provide a full range of medical care — from prevention, screenings and education; to the latest clinical services and surgeries available; to rehabilitation. We also offer wellness programs and public health services that ensure our communities are the healthiest they can be.

Our caring, highly trained physicians and staff are committed to patient safety and patient satisfaction. With more than 11,000 team members, Tower Health includes Reading Hospital, a teaching hospital based in West Reading; Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville; Chestnut Hill Hospital, a teaching hospital in Philadelphia; Jennersville Hospital in West Grove; Phoenixville Hospital in Phoenixville; and Pottstown Hospital in Pottstown. We also operate Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, and we have a comprehensive physician network. All of our facilities participate in our partnership with the UPMC Health Plan. Collaboration across Tower Health enables our hospitals, providers, leadership and staff to leverage best practices across the health system.

Our patients benefit from access to a broad range of services — all right here in our region. Our hospitals have received national recognition for advanced care in areas such as neurosurgery and stroke, cardiac and vascular surgery, trauma, hematology and oncology. Reading HealthPlex, which opened at Reading Hospital in October 2016, combines state-of-the-art technology and world-class design to make the HealthPlex one of the most sophisticated surgical centers and inpatient facilities in the region.

At Tower Health, we have a rich history of providing high-quality, cost-effective care in the communities we serve. As the healthcare industry continues to change, one thing remains steadfast: Tower Health’s commitment to Advancing Health, Transforming Lives. At Jennersville Hospital, we anticipate a very progressive year as we invest in our care givers, infrastructure, and patient care services. Jennersville Hospital offers a broad range of medical specialties for the community including surgical services, emergency, family practice, urology, gynecology, and cardiology.

To learn more, visit https://jennersville.towerhealth.org/ Penn Township Newsletter | Fall 2018

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—————|options|————— Southern Chester County Emergency Medical ServicesMEDIC 94 Response Offers Autumn Safety Tips for the Community With autumn fast approaching, more and more people in the area will be enjoying the change of the leaves and the cooler temperature. Unfortunately, some autumn–related outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, turning the furnace back on, and cleaning the chimney do present their share of hazards. To help ensure everyone in the community enjoys a safe autumn, the SCCEMS-MEDIC 94 offers the following tips and suggests you post them where they are likely to be seen by your family members and co-workers.

Chimney maintenance is vital to your family’s safety.

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.

• When possible, burn seasoned woods (dryness of the wood is more important than hard wood versus soft wood).

• Smaller, hotter fires will burn more completely and produce less smoke than larger fires.

• Do not burn cardboard boxes or trash, as they can spark a chimney fire.

• Install stovepipe thermometers, which help monitor flue temperatures where wood stoves are in use, then adjust burning practices as needed.

As you take in the fall’s beautiful scenery, think ahead, be prepared, and stay safe.

• Check the weather forecast before heading outdoors for a hike. It is not safe to hike when thunderstorms or heavy snowfall is expected.

• Carry drinking water. Don’t drink from streams, springs, or lakes without first properly treating the water.

• Be aware of tiny deer ticks that carry Lyme disease and know which symptoms to watch out for. When in a potentially infested area, apply insect repellant, wear light-colored, long sleeved-shirts, pants, and socks.

• When extinguishing a campfire, let it die down, then break up the coals or logs, spread the pieces, soak them with water, and then cover the area with dirt or sand.

Most important of all, remember to call 911 in the event of an emergency.

Watch out for family pets as you prepare for the cold, festive days of fall.

• Many brands of antifreeze are highly toxic. Store new and used antifreeze in a sealed container.

• Chocolate is a special treat for nearly all humans during Halloween and Thanksgiving, but it is toxic to dogs, cats, and birds.

• Holiday meals can be hazardous to pets. Chicken and turkey bones can get stuck and pierce the digestive tract. Rich foods can cause pancreatitis or bloating.

• Indoor pets not acclimated to winter temperatures should not be outside in cold weather for long periods. Outdoor pets can withstand fairly cold temperatures, but make sure they have proper shelter from wind and rain, and provide them with good bedding. Frostbite is a winter hazard to pets.

To learn more, visit www.sccems.org.

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—————|options|————— Before long, winter will set in.

Here are some tips about snow removal in Penn Township.

1. Penn Township plows township dedicated roads with the exception of the neighborhoods of Penn Ridge, Ovations, and Elk Creek which are plowed by Penn Township contractors. Privately owned roads are the responsibility of the owner, developer, or homeowner’s associations.

2. PennDOT owns and plows Baltimore Pike, Corby Road, Jennersville Road (Route 796), Newark Road (Route 896), and Route 1.

3. Please be reminded it is prohibited to park vehicles (or dumpsters) on township roads, anytime, but especially during snow storms.

4. Please ensure that your mailbox is properly placed in accordance with USPS regulations.

5. When clearing sidewalks or driveways, please do not throw or plow snow into the street.

Place snow on your property to the side of your driveway or sidewalk.

6. Please use only road salt and not chemicals to treat driveways and sidewalks. Snow melt drains to stream.

7. Please clear fire hydrants so they are visible in case of emergency.

8. Please keep children and pets clear of snow plows.

Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when installing your mailbox: Position your mailbox 41" to 45" from the road surface to the bottom of the mailbox or point of mail entry. Place your mailbox 6" to 8" back from the curb. If you do not have a raised curb, contact your local postmaster for guidance.

Penn Township Newsletter | Fall 2018

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From—————|options|————— Zoning to Building, First….. Get the Facts Among the most frequent inquiries to the township office are questions regarding building permits. Failing to obtain the appropriate permit can result in fines and the township may mandate that a structure or improvement be removed.

Why Do I Need A Permit?

Approximately 10 years ago, the State of Pennsylvania mandated all municipalities adopt a Building Code known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The UCC provides specific requirements and exemptions for building projects.

Before any construction, repair, renovation, or addition is started, it’s important to contact the office to determine if a permit must be obtained. Permits are put in place for the safety of the homeowner, and they ensure that proper codes are being followed and work is being down safely and in compliance with the UCC. If you are ever uncertain whether or not you need a permit, call the township.

Permit Process Checklist • Property owners will decide on a contractor, and together they will come up with plans to be submitted along with the permit application.

• Obtain the proper application forms from the township website or the office. The property owner and contractor will complete the applications together. Applications must be turned into the office along with two (2) sets of clear construction drawings, two (2) plot plans, two (2) copies of all applications, proof of workman’s compensation insurance and accompanying.

• The applications will be turned into the office, and office personnel will turn applications into the appropriate officer (residential or commercial) for review. Once the office staff receives the approved permit back from the code officers, they will contact the applicant to pick up the permit and pay for accompanying fees.

• Once the fees are paid and the permit is picked up, work may begin. Permit is valid for one (1) year from the time work begins.

• When work is completed, applicant must contact the correct inspector for final inspections.

Road Occupancy Permit This permit is required for any work that will affect township roads. Please inquire for more information.

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Residential zoning, building inspection and code enforcement

Commercial, industrial, agricultural zoning, building inspection and code enforcement

Scott Moran

Tom Lowry

cell – 610-637-1003 or email scottmoran@zoominternet.net

phone – 610-692-9232

Volume 7 | Issue 2

—————|options|————— Penn Township Tax Information The Township Office receives many inquiries regarding taxes. The following is a guide to what taxes are charged, when you can expect a bill, and what entity is the collector.

Earned Income Tax (EIT) is assessed at a rate of .5 percent. Any wage earner who lives in or works in Penn Township owes this tax. Usually, employers withhold this tax from a wage earner’s paycheck. Whether it is withheld or not, the tax is owed and a local tax form must be filed.

Local Services Tax (LST) is $52.00 per year and is usually withheld by the employer. This tax supports municipal and emergency services. There is a low income exemption for people earning less than $12,000. This exemption requires the submission of a form.

Avon Grove School District taxes are sent on July 1 of each year. As of 2018, Avon Grove School District taxes are collected through Keystone Collections.

EIT, LST, and Avon Grove School District taxes are all collected by Keystone Collections.

Keystone Collections Group 546 Wendel Road, Irwin, PA 15642 724-978-0300 www.keystonecollects.com Chester County Real Estate taxes are sent on January 15 of each year.

Penn Township Real Estate taxes are assessed at a rate of .53 mills. The tax bills are sent in early February.

Chester County Real Estate and Penn Township Real Estate taxes are collected by the Chester County Office.

Chester County Treasurer 313 W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6370 www.chesco.org

PENN TOWNSHIP VOTING General Election Day:

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Penn Township Newsletter | Fall 2018

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GO GREEN with affordable and convenient public transportation in Southern Chester County ChescoBus is Southern Chester County’s only public transportation service. The ChescoBus SCCOOT route takes passengers from West Chester to Kennett Square through Penn Township and all the way to Oxford (with other stops along the way). It’s a great resource for those needing to get to and from shopping, employment and medical appointments.

Last month, ChescoBus adjusted its zone boundaries to help riders get to popular destinations along the route without paying an all zone fare ($4.00 one way). West Grove Borough Hall and Longwood Gardens are now the zone boundaries. So if you’re getting on at West Grove and traveling to Redner’s Market in Oxford it is only $2.00 one-way. Or if you’re traveling g from Longwood Gardens to West Chester Transportation Center it is only $2.00 one-way.

Riders can board or get dropped off by the bus in Penn Township at the following locations: Baltimore Pike & Penn Ridge Way; the Shoppes at Jenner’s Village; Luther House; Baltimore Pike & Jenner’s Pond; the Jennersville YMCA; or Jennersville Hospital.

Scheduled SCCOOT bus stop times and a full list of ChescoBus stops can be found at www.chesobus.com. Look for these green signs!

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Volume 7 | Issue 2

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Penn Township Newsletter Fall 2018 | Volume 7, Issue 2

260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 A Chester County Press Publication P.O. Box 150, Kelton, PA 19348 address corrections not required