Chester County Press 5-20-2015 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas Volume 149, No. 20

INSIDE

Kennett Library staff member hailed as an ‘Emerging Leader’.....................1B

Kennett Township announced in an e-mail to township residents on May 14 that its Police Chief Albert McCarthy will retire after 42 years of police service.

The township’s Board of Supervisors will give Chief McCarthy his retirement badge at its May 20 meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the township building.

This news comes on the heels of the April 15 Kennett Township Board of Supervisors meeting, when it was announced that McCarthy was placed on administrative leave from his duties, stemming from his April 13 vehicular crash involving the 2015 Ford Taurus police vehicle he was driving with a 2006 Honda Accord driven

by Michael S. Hammon, 51, of Kennett Square at approximately 12 noon on Hillendale Road. McCarthy’s administrative leave was identified as “non-disciplinary.�

At the time of the accident, it was revealed that McCarthy told State Trooper Erick Baker of the State Police that he suffered from a seizure that was

caused by a previous brain injury, which he said contributed to the collision.

The public information police report said that McCarthy was following the vehicle ahead of him too closely, and at a rate of speed that led to McCarthy’s vehicle colliding with Hammon’s vehicle. Both vehicles proceeded to the intersection of Hidden Pond Drive and East Hillendale Road, before they both stopped.

Hammon sustained a minor injury but did not require EMS transportation. McCarthy was uninjured in the accident, and a family member picked him up from the scene.

Although McCarthy was not charged in the accident, the primary violation was identified as “VC 3310(A) Following Too Closely.�

According to information provided to the Chester County Press by Township Manager Lisa Moore, McCarthy, whose last day of service was May 7, approached the township, asking to retire with certain terms.

Both the Board of Supervisors and Moore agreed to McCarthy’s retirement package request, but they, too, also had specific Continued on Page 3A

Twenty-sixth annual event draws competitors, volunteers and community

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Bob and Jan Curran celebrate after finishing a 5K run together at the 26th annual Kennett Run on May 16.

Kennett Run 2015: A race of goals, commitment and unity

By Steven Hoffman and Richard L. Gaw Staff Writers When Bob and Jan Curran crossed the finish line together at Saturday’s 26th annual Kennett Run after competing in the 5K run, they raised their hands up, clasped them together, and celebrated. “When I turned 60, I said I was going to do this,� Bob explained,

adding that he and Jan finished in 40 minutes, which was better than their goal of 45 minutes to complete the 5K course. The Currans said that they both wanted to run this race together. This was Jan’s third time taking part in the Kennett Run, but Bob’s first.

For the Currans, crossing the finish line was the culmination of a goal – one of hundreds of individual goals that dotted the course from Union and Sickle

streets to Anson B. Nixon Park.

Annually advertised as “Small Town...Big Race,� the Kennett Run lived up to expectations again this year, as more than 1,500 competitors in several age groups either ran or walked along the 5K and 10K course routes. In addition, more than 100 youngsters from local schools participated in the one-mile FundRun. Run the Day Race Management Continued on Page 4A

Kennett Public Library officials address behind-the-scenes turmoil

Hood’s Barbeque in Unionville reopens with a new look‌...1C

INDEX

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Calendar of Events........6B Opinion..........................7A Obituaries.......................8A Police Blotter.................7B Classified.......................8B Photo by Steve Hoffman

Oxford Mayor Geoff Henry (at left) is pictured with the recipients of Citizen Recognition Awards for their work to improve the quality-of-life in Oxford in 2014. The recipients include Melissa Sheerin; Kassidy England; ACE Anti-Human Trafficking members George Goglia, Peggy Ann Russell, Karen Goglia, MaryLou Meyers, Dianna Stuckey, Sylvia Reyburn, Jean Hardy, and Jim Sumner; Jerome Rodio, Kathy Garvin; and Donna Moore.

Oxford honors citizens, organizations for making a difference in the community There are six recipients of the Citizen Recognition Award for their work in 2014, bringing the total to 70 individuals, businesses, and organizations that have been presented with the award since it was established in 2006

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Š 2007 The Chester County Press

60 Cents

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Kennett Township Police Chief Albert McCarthy to retire

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Fine antiques at Brandywine River Museum of Art ‌... 1B

www.chestercounty.com

The one thing that all the 2015 recipients of the Oxford Citizen Recognition Awards have in common is that they are all working to make the lives of others in the community better.

Oxford Mayor Geoff Henry presented the awards to Donna

Moore and the Divine Sent Food Cupboard, Kassidy England, Melissa Sheerin, Jerome Rodio and Kathy Garvin of J & K Slightly Touched, and the ACE AntiHuman Trafficking Alliance of Oxford at the May 18 borough council meeting. Henry said that this year’s inductees are a very diverse group, ranging Continued on Page 2A

On May 5, the embattled Kennett Public Library Board— or what remains of it after three members resigned together in a protest—held a special public forum to quell the controversy surrounding the exit of those members, to answer lingering questions about the recent library name change,

and to address the long-term plans to move the library to the Waywood Road site in Kennett Township.

While the long-term vision is to build a larger, modern facility, before that can happen the library board must rebuild a lot of strained relationships with the community that it serves.

The public forum, the fourth public such meeting the board has held in the last three months,

New Unionville principal appointed, residents sound off on teacher contract

By John Chambless Staff Writer It was a busy night for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board on May 18, but one of the first actions they took was approving the appointment of a beaming James Conley as the next principal of Unionville High School.

Conley, who had been serving as the assistant principal at the school, will be taking his new position on July 1. He came to the meeting with his wife and two of his three sons as the board unanimously voted to appoint him.

Conley’s salary will be $142,290, and his specified eighthour day “will be longer than

eight hours, I can promise you that,� said district superintendent John Sanville, smiling. “Thanks very much,� Conley said as the audience applauded. “I’d first like to thank the board, and Dr. Sanville. I’m very excited. I promise you I will work tirelessly for the students and the staff and the families of Unionville High School to continue the level of excellence that is a hallmark of who we are.� “We are so excited to have you on board,� Sanville said. “But you’ve already been on board.

For those who don’t know, Jimmy was an English teacher for us, an assistant principal, and now a principal at the high school. We Continued on Page 3A

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was part of that effort. Library board president Susan MackeyKallis and vice president Geoff Birkett took the lead in talking on behalf of the board. Birkett said that one of the purposes of the meeting, from his view, was to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that exist about the library or the board itself. The first misconception, he said, was that the library is Continued on Page 3A

Not enough police and firefighters

By Uncle Irvin Another sign that the Kennett region of southern Chester County is changing to a more dense, suburban area is a recent Letter to the Editor from Longwood’s Fire Chief. “We are losing our volunteer firemen,� according to Fire Chief A.J. McCarthy. He cites statistics that show an attrition of 250,000 Pennsylvania volunteer firefighters in the last 40 years. The drop in volunteers has occurred when the population has exploded, along with distress calls.

Uncle Irvin has already addressed the shortage of adequate police protection.

It is clear that if we want adequate fire fighting and police protection, we are going to have to allocate more state and local resources Continued on Page 2A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Local News

Members of the ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance.

Kathy Garvin

Oxford honors...

Continued from Page 1A

from a high school student to someone who has worked for a food cupboard for more than 20 years.

Donna Moore and the Divine Sent Food Cupboard were nominated for the award

by Mary Baringer.

In making nomination, Baringer noted that Moore was instrumental in getting

the Food Cupboard started back in 1993. The size of the Food Cupboard has increased significantly through the years, moving from the basement in the church to a garage that was just expanded last year.

Baringer praised Moore for always being willing to help any person or family in need— and for providing that help with a smile on her face.

“Each client is treated like family,” Baringer wrote, add-

Kassidy England

Donna Moore

Melissa Sheerin

Jerome Rodio

ing that this is very much appreciated by those in need.

“Donna has been a stalwart,” explained Phoebe Kitson, the agency and community partnership manager for the Chester County Food Bank, which sometimes distributes food to the Divine Sent Food Cupboard. Kitson said that

Moore is always willing to accept food so that it is available to those who need it in Oxford. Moore does an amazing job of distributing the food, Kitson said.

Melissa Sheerin, the coowner and manager of the Odds and Ends store in Oxford, was nominated for

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her diligent work to get the store back in operation after a fire swept through the building at 55 South Third Street.

Randy Teel, a borough council member and business owner in town, nominated Sheerin for bringing in a variety of vendors to Odds and Ends that attract customers from as far away as Lancaster, Maryland, and Philadelphia.

“Melissa is also a board member of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and attends the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. monthly merchants meetings,” Teel noted, adding that Sheerin also organizes monthly vendor meetings so that they can participate in activities like the popular First Friday event.

Teel noted that Sheerin also works as a substitute teacher for children with special needs in surrounding schools.

“Due to her caring and professionalism, she is one of Continued on Page 3A

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Experience The Difference!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Library...

Continued from Page 1A

a “borough library” that belongs in Kennett Square Borough.

Throughout the meeting, Mackey-Kallis and Birkett talked about how the library must serve the residents in all eight municipalities, and make decisions based on what is best for all the stakeholders in the library’s coverage area.

Birkett said that other prevailing misconceptions include the idea that the library board can’t make decisions, that the board doesn’t want help from the community, and that the board members won’t listen to the opinions of others.

The president and vice president both said that they very much want input from all the library’s stakeholders, including residents.

“We are dedicated to conversions like this,” said Mackey-Kallis. “We are always about transparency.”

The recent resignations of Jerry Brown, Carol Starzmann, and James Nelson came with accusations that there was not just disharmony, but complete dysfunction on the board.

There were even accusations that some of the board members were being bullied and harassed, particularly former library board president Barbara Cairns, who resigned after what Brown, Starzmann, and Nelson referred to as, “an inquisition.”

The board members who resigned wrote: “Forced to resign after threat of removal…

Barbara faced an intensely brutal and humiliating inquisition by those who have accused her of malfeasance and placed blame on her for recent actions of the entire board.”

Birkett denied these allegations, saying that from his perspective there were just lively discussions between people who are passionate about their

Oxford honors...

Continued from Page 1A

the most sought-after teachers,” Teel said of Sheerin. “[She] and her sister Marla also teach children how to ride horses at their farm. It is not unusual during her First Friday events for children to pet, feed, or have a picture taken with animals. Thanks to Melissa and her family, Oxford will always be seeing new faces walking the streets looking at other businesses.”

Jerome Rodio and Kathy Garvin, the proprietors of J & K Slightly Touched, were nominated by borough manager Betsy Brantner for creating an environment that brings crafters, artists, writers, and aspiring entrepreneurs together.

Rodio and Garvin were lauded for encouraging others to be successful. They have done volunteer work to help others, including the neediest in the community. They also promote

Police Chief...

Continued from Page 1A

cific terms for McCarthy’s retirement -- which were not shared with the Press.

Moore said that McCarthy will receive six months’ salary, health insurance for one year and unused vacation time for the current year.

At its April 15 meeting, the board voted 3-0 to appoint Kennett Township officer Lydell Nolt as the acting interim police chief for the township. Moore said that the Board of Supervisors has not “determined its path forward” on appointing a permanent, full-time police chief to replace McCarthy.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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views. He emphatically denied that any of the board members who resigned were forced to do so.

“They did not like how the board operates, and they chose to resign. They were not forced to resign,” Birkett said, adding that the members resigned via Facebook, which he found to be highly unusual.

According to the resignation letter, several board members blamed Cairns for not informing Kennett Square Borough officials about the library’s name change in advance, which resulted in council member Lynn Sinclair supporting a petition to oppose the name change.

“It is our belief that the board failed to do its due diligence in engaging the community in a dialogue before the vote was taken,” Nelson, Brown, and Starzmann wrote.

Another point of contention among the board members was the choice of the architect to oversee designs for the new library that is being planned. In the resignation letter, Nelson, Brown, and Starzmann wrote that in 2011 the board conducted an extensive search to identify an architect for the new building. The New Building Committee ultimately selected Lukmire Associates, an awardwinning firm that has designed 28 libraries. Lukmire Associates brought a respected Kennett Square architect on board to be a part of the team for the project. The library board entered negotiations with the firm on a contract in December of 2012, but the negotiations were delayed when several potential sites for the library became unavailable.

Now, some library board members want to find a new architect for the project. In the resignation letter, Nelson, Brown, and Starzmann wrote: “These new board members assert local donors will not give money for

a new facility developed by a non-local architect, despite the opinions of several local experts in fund-raising that donors will support a beautiful, functional and environmentally sustainable facility that meets the needs of the community, regardless of who designs it.”

The library board voted to remain with Lukmire Associates, but only after a difficult debate that apparently widened the rift between board members.

Additionally, Nelson, Brown, and Starzmann wrote in the letter that Cairns was faulted for a decision that the entire board made several years ago to fund the adult literacy program after state funding for it was eliminated. The library can’t fund the program without dipping into its savings each year.

Mackey-Kallis said that the recent resignations came about because the individuals who resigned—one of whom had never attended a board meeting in person—didn’t like some of the decisions that the board was making. The spate of resignations in early 2014 came about because those members didn’t think the board was moving fast enough on some issues.

Still, the latest resignations certainly perpetuate the perception that the library board is an incongruous group that can’t get out of its own way.

There has long been a disconnect between the library board and Kennett Square Borough Council, and the failure to notify all the municipal leaders about the pending name change of the library was just the latest example of public relations failures.

The library board also failed to rally the support necessary to win a 2014 referendum on whether New Garden Township would establish a dedicated library tax that would ensure that the municipality was pro-

viding its fair share of funding to the library. Voters rejected the referendum by a slim margin.

Earlier this year, the library officially changed its name from Bayard Taylor Memorial Library to the Kennett Public Library.

The new name was selected for its simplicity: “Kennett” places it in the Kennett area; “Public” identifies it as a public library, and not one connected to a school or private organization; and “Library” describes its function. The name change was backed by the library staff members, who were constantly being asked if the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library was, in fact, in Kennett Square.

“There was a lot of confusion [about the previous name] from a lot of people,” explained Mackey-Kallis.

Yet, the new name is unpopular among some people in the community, especially those who see the renaming as a way to sever the historical connection with Bayard Taylor, one of Kennett Square’s most prominent citizens.

When the name change was announced, the library board made a point to emphasize that a Bayard Taylor Reading Room would be included in the plans for any new facility.

“We are absolutely not moving away from that heritage,” said Birkett.

“We’re very dedicated to preserving the Bayard Taylor legacy,” added Mackey-Kallis.

The board members admitted that communication regarding the name change was lacking—especially as they failed to directly notify all the elected officials of the municipalities about the change in advance of making the announcement.

Collis Townsend, a former library board president, took the current board to task about the name change.

“I think it was a terrible, unintentional mistake,” he

said, explaining that inserting the word “public” in the name was misleading because the library is run by a private—not a public—board.

Library director Donna Murray objected to Townsend’s point. She said that many public libraries in Pennsylvania function the exact same way and are considered public libraries.

“We are a public library—we serve the public,” Murray said.

While it’s unlikely that any name change would garner full support of the community, the outcry against this name change serves to increase the perception that the library board can’t get the community to rally behind it instead of rallying against it.

Nelson, Brown, and Starzmann concluded their resignation letter with the following: “We think it is time for a completely new library board with people of the highest integrity and a real dedication to libraries who can work collaboratively and collegially to focus on building the best library and services that taxpayers deserve. While there are several on the board who have demonstrated their dedication to the library and who have strong principles, the members who attacked long-standing board members and their decisions and actions have done little to engage in effective, constructive dialogue or to work toward consensus. We think there is a real lack of moral leadership on this board. The communities whose constituents support the library deserve better from the board members who serve and govern.”

Birkett admitted that both he and Mackey-Kallis thought out resigning, but they decided it was better to stay on and try to be part of the solution.

“We’re many things,” Birkett said, “but we’re not perfect.

We’re running the board like

a professional board. We are here to look after the taxpayers’ money. We’re doing it because we love the library.

There’s no other agenda. We’ll be influenced by what the public tells us. Our agenda is to have the best library possible…but we’re not going to spend another ten years doing nothing.”

Mackey-Kallis agreed. “The only agenda that this board has is to serve our customers and build the best library we can,” she said, adding that the board is committed to total transparency, balanced budgeting, and positive momentum.

The library board is planning a feasibility study in the near future. They want to reach out to key people in the community and evaluate the level of support that is out there for the kind of capital campaign drive that will be necessary to build a new library.

The board members pointed to the recent $80,000 in renovations that were necessary for the community to continue to use it for the next four or five years as an illustration of the need for a new library.

The costs for the renovation increased because asbestos needed to be removed.

“We would like to stop patching up this building,” Mackey-Kallis said.

The perception of the board being dysfunctional hurts the effort to attract new board members, but more importantly it hurts the long-term effort to build a new library.

“It’s going to take us a while to change the perception,” Birkett said. “As a board, moving forward, we’re going to work as a team. It’s been a time of change, a time of frustration, and we hope that we’re moving in the right direction.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

humane care of animals.

“They are an exemplary couple who should be recognized for their dedication to the community and their fellow man,” the nomination read.

Henry nominated Kassidy England for the award because of her outstanding community service, the most notable one being the program that she planned to honor Oxford Area High School military veterans. A plaque honoring those veterans will be on permanent display at the high school because of England’s efforts over approximately two years.

“Kassidy’s dedication and hard work on this project was beyond belief,” Henry said.

“She involved many individuals and organizations, and all of this was done while she was dually enrolled in the Oxford Area High School and Delaware

County Community College.”

England is involved in many school activities, and also raised $2,300 for pediatric cancer patients and built 25 birdhouses for the enjoyment of residents at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community.

Henry also nominated the ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford for the award.

“ACE” stands for Advocating, Collaborating, and Educating.

This organization, which was founded in September of 2012, works to educate the Oxford community about the dangers of human trafficking. Peggy Ann Russell, herself a 2014 recipient of the Citizen Recognition Award for her volunteer work with SILO, leads the ACE AntiHuman Trafficking Alliance.

Each month, the organization holds a meeting where guest speakers or video presentations

inform attendees about topics related to anti-human trafficking efforts.

“Most recently, the organization has been involved in providing financial assistance, food, and housing for a survivor of labor trafficking until government programs were made available,” Henry said. “Several months ago, ACE offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the safe return of a runaway from our community. ACE was delighted to pay the reward to the anonymous informer.”

Henry established the Citizen Recognition Awards in 2006 as a way to recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations that have made positive contributions

to the town. The first awards were handed out in 2007. With the six recipients in 2015, there have now been a total of 70 individuals, businesses, and organizations that have been presented with the Citizen Recognition Awards.

Henry said that presenting these awards is always a highlight of the year.

“The people who do these good things don’t do it to get recognized,” said Henry. “The awards are a way to recognize the good

works that people are doing in the borough.”

Council president Ron Hershey said that the awards are a good way to recognize people in the Oxford community who are doing good work behind the scenes.

“Oxford has a lot to be proud of,” Hershey said. “We have a good community of people working together.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

Not enough...

teachers’ unions, who are getting a disproportionate share of state and local resources and causing property taxes to become unaffordable.

Reapportioning our existing revenues means telling legislators and school boards to shut off the windfall to greedy teachers and recycle the tax money to police and firefighters. Eighty-percent of local residents have no kids in school, but we all need police and fire protection.

Continued from Page 1A

to funding them (that is, tax revenues have to shift from somewhere else, or taxes have to be raised).

At this time of year, the state legislature and local school boards are wrestling with bloated budgets and shrinking revenue, largely attributed to being held hostage by school

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

J.J. Simon will take over for Nadiene Ringler-Friedrich as race director of the Kennett Run in 2016.

For a complete list of finishing times for the 2015 Kennett Run, visit www.kennettrun.net.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Ishnee DuPont and her daughter Aria DuPont-Andrew rest before their 5K. Photo by Steven Hoffman

A celebration of winners at Anson B. Nixon Park.

Kennett Run...

Continued from Page 1A

served as the official timer for the run. Based in Aston, Pa., Run the Day coordinates the timing for more than 230 races a year in Chester, Montgomery, Bucks and Philadelphia counties, as well as in southern New Jersey and Delaware. At this year’s event, competitors were linked into the ChronoTrack system, the leading chip system in the country and one that is used at 95 percent of the biggest races in the United

States, including the New York City Marathon.

The favorable weather – which was 71 degrees and partly sunny at the start of the race – helped draw in more last-minute registrations. “I think we were at about 1,200 competitors as of this this morning, and we saw 200 to 300 more at registration at about 6:30 this morning,� said Matt Genereux, the president of Kennett Run Charities. “A lot of it was because the weather is scheduled to be sunny until one or two o’clock.

That’s classic for the Kennett Run.

Pre- registration is one block, but we can always be caught off guard on race day.�

About the only potential difficulty that may have detoured the race was quickly repaired by the Borough, Genereux said. “There was a water main break yesterday at Walnut Street at Tino Lito Fields at the entrance to Anson Nixon Park,� he said. “The Borough asked me to consider re-routing the finish, and I suggested that the Borough turn off the water and fill the hole up, and worry about it after 12 noon on Sunday. They filled it with crushed stone and it was nice and dry this morning.�

Saying her goodbyes to the

Kennett Run this year was Nadiene Ringler-Friedrich who, after four years as race director, is turning over her position to J.J. Simon. “I love what this race stands for,� she said. “Kennett Run Charities does an amazing job of giving back to the community.�

In its 26 years, Kennett Run Charities, Inc. has gifted over $1 million back to the community.

During the post-race celebration at Anson B. Nixon Park, Melanie Weiler, executive director of the Kennett Area Community Service, said that the funding it receives from the Kennett Run helps the organization provide food to more than 400 local families, every month.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Sisters Nora and Cecilia Tang.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Competitors begin to enter Anson B. Nixon Park.

“Sports are a big part of my life.

Since my surgery, knee pain isn’t.�

---- Patrick Tuer Knee Surgery Success Story Photo by Steven Hoffman

Runners of all ages took on the rigors of the Kennett Run course.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Area youngsters line up at the starting line of the one-mile FundRun.

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A dedicated team of volunteers make the annual event possible. Elizabeth Perna, director of Kennett High School’s Walk in kNowledge Program [WIN], acknowledged the role that student participants in the program play in the organization of the event. “I think it’s very important because we are showing the whole community that we are a part of the community,� she said. “Many times, individuals think that the Latinos do not participate in local events, but that’s not true.

In fact, throughout the school year, we have students who go to all of the schools to help promote The FundRun, and we also help out in the park with water stations and setting up banners.�

Claire Finfrock, one of the volunteers who helps bring in vendors for the day, said, “It’s so much fun to be a part of a great event. All the profits go back to local charities.�

Alexis Traver, an early childhood education major at West Chester University, said that she likes to help out because her mother, Stephanie, is now a board member of Kennett Run Charities. Traver’s friend, Jamie Ferree, said that she ran in the Kennett Run for a number of years when she was in elementary school and middle school, but now likes to volunteer on race day.

Leon Spencer, president of Kennett Square Borough Council, who serves as the master of ceremonies said, “It just keeps getting better and better. What impresses me the most is to the see the smiles of the participants from their sense of accomplishment.

It’s heartwarming every time.�

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, e-mail editor@chestercounty.com. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Unionville principal...

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had 40 people apply for the principal position, which is a large candidate pool. Through that process, it was clear, every step of the way, that Jimmy was the best candidate.”

The board heard an initial report from the Wellness Committee, which has been working since January to come up with a new approach on issues including substance abuse, mental health, concussion management and personal resilience, which ties into the district’s anti-bullying efforts. The presentation was in outline form, and the board will be discussing specific steps for the Wellness Plan in coming meetings.

During public comment, seven people -- at least one of them a teacher in the district -- stood up to address the board and administration on the subject of teacher contract negotiations and the upcoming final budget decision, which the board will make on June 15.

At their May 13 meeting, the board had narrowly approved a 2.01 weighted average millage increase, or about $126 more per year for an average homeowner in Chester County. The average county taxpayer now pays about $7,950 in school taxes. In Delaware County, the average taxpayer will pay an additional $163.50 (a 2.8 percent increase).

The proposed millage rate will be 26.92 in Chester County (a 1.82 percent increase), and 22.83 mills in Delaware County (a 2.84 percent increase). The spending plan in the district totals $79,294,443.

The residents at the May 18 meeting universally called for a better salary and benefits package for the district’s teachers, even if that means raising property taxes more than the amount approved at last month’s meeting. Each resident said they had moved to the district largely

because of the reputation of the schools, and that they were willing to pay more to keep good teachers.

“We can do a better job than what you’re doing right now,” one woman told the board.

“Please come to the table with a better package for the teachers.

If you have to raise our taxes, do it. The extra 44 cents a day it will cost the taxpayer is not going to break us.”

Several residents cited reports that the benefits package given to Unionville-Chadds Ford teachers is ranked ninth or tenth out of 13 surrounding school districts.

A teacher at Unionville High School asked, “Why isn’t the board willing to invest part of their large reserve fund in teachers? What ‘rainy day’ are you saving my taxes for?”

The strong comments struck a chord with board members, who had voted 5-4 to approve the 2.01 millage increase at their last meeting.

“I have heard you tonight,” said board member Kathleen Do. “We have a long way to go in the teacher contract. But it’s important to understand that this all comes down to the budget.

About 70 percent of our budget goes to teachers and staff salary and benefits. I would urge you to be involved in the budget process. We had a budget hearing in the first week of May, and there was only one person from the public there. We make decisions about the budget, and often we don’t hear from you. I really believe that we need to.

I was deeply disappointed last week when this board voted on the proposed final budget that takes almost no exceptions and, in my mind, leaves very little flexibility as we move forward on a number of items, including the teacher contract.”

Board member Gregg Lindner added that, “I was also disappointed in the vote last week. We have another chance in June to hopefully get a different vote.”

Board member Keith Knauss read from a prepared statement regarding his vote last week for the 2.01 percent increase. “I can sum up the contract talks with two numbers -- 4.6 percent, and 2.1 percent,” he said. “4.6 is the increase in payroll the leadership of the Education Association is asking for each year, for three years. 2.1 percent is the increase the board is offering, which is representative of the world everyone else is living in. We are living in a 2 percent world. The difference between 2.1 and 4.6 percent might seem small, but I can assure you that we are talking about a difference of millions of dollars. I’m hearing from my neighbors -- some of whom are on fixed pensions that don’t increase from year to year, and some rely on Social Security that had a cost of living increase of 1.7 percent last year. I speak to the parents of young children.

They aren’t getting 4 percent compensation increases.

“One thing they all have in common is that they strongly support this district’s educational mission and understand the need for a yearly real estate tax increase to compensate for inflation,” Knauss said. “But when I mention 4.6 percent increases, they are universally opposed.

“Our current compensation package and working conditions are attractive, and we have no problem attracting and retaining excellent teachers,” Knauss said.

“In summary, a 2.1 percent compensation increase is fair to both the teachers and the taxpayers.

I’m hoping that the leadership of the Education Association will move toward an offer that is in line with what others in the community are experiencing.”

In strong contrast, board member Joe Rock said, “I don’t live in a 2 percent world. I don’t think you ought to live in a 2 percent world. We are one of the richest school districts in the country. We didn’t get great by being cheap.

We are not going to stay great by

being cheap,” he said as the audience applauded. “I was appalled at the vote at the last meeting. I do think there are problems with folks on fixed incomes. I do think there are problems with folks who live on Social Security. But there are ways around it. There is stuff happening in the state legislature that may move the financing of education away from property taxes to income taxes, which would be paying for UnionvilleChadds Ford on the basis of the ability to pay through income.

“It took a lot of very hard work and a long time to make this district one of the great school districts in the country,” Rock concluded. “It’s real easy to break it.”

For details of the proposed final budget, and contact information for school board members, visit www.ucfsd.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Photo by John Chambless

James Conley was appointed as the new principal of Unionville High School on May 18. Conley, who had been the assistant principal, came to the board meeting with his wife Michele, and sons Joey and Jimmy Jr.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Local News Budget projections for Oxford schools improve

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer As the deadline for adopting a final budget for the 2015-2016 school year approaches, the Oxford Area School District’s budget picture is improving slightly.

Oxford Area School District business administrator Brian Cooney offered an update on the proposed budget at the school board meeting on May 12, informing the board that projected expenditures have declined by more than $300,000—from $63.7 million to $63.3 million—since the last presentation. Overall, projected spending has been reduced by more than $600,000 since the preliminary budget of slightly more than $64 million was adopted four months ago.

Consequently, the tax increase for the coming fiscal year will be less than expected.

Cooney explained that initially the district expected the tax increase to be around 2.6 percent, close to Oxford’s adjusted Act 1 Index limit, as they attempted to close a budget deficit of more than $3 million. Now, the anticipated tax increase is one percent. Even with the tax increase, the district will still be dipping into its fund balance for more than $4 million as a way to balance the budget.

Cooney said that the district’s projected medical insurance costs have declined by $241,367 and debt-service payments are down by $153,791 because of refinancing.

Anticipated tuition costs for the Technical College High School, Intermediate Unit transportation costs, and spending on technology have also been reduced.

Cooney outlined a number of budgeting scenarios for the board, ranging from a spending plan with no tax increase to one with a 2.6 percent increase. Local revenues were not going to be sufficient to pay for the increased expenditures under

any of the scenarios, so the district was going to be relying on its fund balance to support the spending plan no matter what.

“It’s just a matter of to what extent we fund the budget from the fund balance,” Cooney said.

A one-percent increase would require the district to use $4.3 million of the fund balance.

The millage rate would increase by .3023 mills, from 30.2324 mills to 30.5347 mills. That equates to a $39 increase for the homeowner of a property with the average residential assessment of $130,318.

The school board will approve a final budget in June.

In the last four years the district has had two years—2011-2012 and 20132014—where there was no tax increase.

In 2012-2013, the tax increase was 1.7 percent. There was a .61 percent increase for the 2014-2015 school year.

Depending on the state’s final budget, the district might see additional revenues that would limit how much the district draws from its fund balance. Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget called for significant funding increases for public schools, but school districts were cautioned not to count on the funding until a state spending plan is finalized.

Oxford, like most districts, is basing its budget figures on state funding remaining constant.

The school board also discussed the student participation fees at the meeting. The recommendation from the district’s budget committee is to keep the fee structure the same—$75 for high school students and $50 for middle school students.

The school board will meet again on on Tuesday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 16.

Both meetings will take place at 7 p.m. in the Hopewell Elementary School.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

District Justice race heats up as driver threatens volunteer for opposing candidate An unidentified 45-year-old man from Lincoln University is the target of an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after he allegedly revved his car’s engine and drove toward a volunteer trying to place a campaign sign on May 8.

The initial police report, issued on the morning of May 16, said that the unnamed volunteer was trying to place a yard sign for the re-election campaign of Judge Matt Seavey on Armitage Court, south of Walnut Glen

Road, in Franklin Township on May 8 when he saw a light blue or silver Infiniti sedan with a sign to elect Nicole Morley on the passenger-side door. The volunteer said that the driver “revved the engine and steered towards him, causing him to dive out of the way,” according to the police report.

The initial report said the charges against the driver were for assault and reckless endangering.

On the evening of May 16, police

issued an updated release stating that the incident was brought to the attention of the Chester County District Attorney’s office, which declined to approve charges against the driver.

The District Justice race in District 15-4-04 -- made up of West Grove, Avondale, West Marlborough, London Grove, Franklin, London Britain, and New Garden -- has pitted incumbent Matt Seavey against challenger Nicole Morley, both Republicans, for the position.

County high schools on list of nation’s best in U.S. News

By John Chambless Staff Writer A survey of the best high schools in the nation has been published by U.S. News and World Report, and several Chester County schools are highly ranked on the list of top Pennsylvania schools.

The top 10 schools in Pennsylvania are: Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School (Philadelphia), New Hope-Solebury High School (New Hope), Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy (Erie), Upper St. Clair High School (Pittsburgh), Radnor High School (Radnor), Quaker Valley High School (Leetsdale), Great Valley High School (Malvern), Unionville High School (Kennett Square), Strath Haven High School (Wallingford) and Mt. Lebanon High School (Pittsburgh).

At No. 8 on the list, Unionville High School was also ranked No. 670 in the nation and received a Silver Medal Award from U.S. News. The school

has an enrollment of 1,334 students, with 93 full-time teachers. Students are ranked 96 percent proficient in literature, 92 percent proficient in mathematics, and scored a 47.2 in college readiness, based on state exit exams, AP and IB exams.

Kennett High School came in at No. 32 in the state. It was ranked No. 1,307 in the nation and received a Silver Medal Award from U.S. News.

The school has an enrollment of 1,251 students, with 77 full-time teachers.

Students are ranked 83 percent proficient in literature, 76 percent proficient in mathematics, and scored a 34.0 in college readiness, based on state exit exams, AP and IB exams.

Kennett High School principal Dr. Michael Barber, said, “This recognition is further evidence of all the terrific things we are doing with our students.”

Avon Grove High School in West Grove came in at No. 35 in the state.

It was ranked No. 1,353 in the nation and received a Silver Medal Award

from U.S. News. The school has an enrollment of 1,790 students, with 109 full-time teachers. Students are ranked 88 percent proficient in literature, 81 percent in mathematics, and scored a 33.2 in college readiness, based on state exit exams, AP and IB exams.

Pennsylvania has 574 school districts, 673 high schools, 39,243 fulltime teachers, and 591,438 students enrolled, according to U.S. News. The publication surveyed just over 29,000 U.S. public schools for the list. There were 216 Pennsylvania schools on the final list.

Topping the list as the nation’s best high school is the School for the Talented and Gifted in Dallas, Texas.

It has a total enrollment of just 253 students, with 17 full-time teachers.

Students are ranked 99 percent proficient in English, 93 percent proficient in mathemetics, and scored 100 percent in college readiness.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Opinion

Letters to the Editor Editorial Library needs to be kept in Kennett Borough Kennett Public Library needs the community’s support Letter to the Editor:

The year was 1998.

Bill Clinton was President of the United States. People flocked to movie theaters to watch “Titanic.” Some folks were feeling jittery about the arrival of Y2K and what it would mean for their computers.

And the library in Kennett Square purchased a 5.3-acre property on a Waywood Road site in Kennett Township. The plan was to build a new 37,900 square-foot library with plenty of functional space for programming and activities, modern amenities, and ample parking.

Fast-forward 17 years and the library’s home is still the small, aging building on State Street where the library has been located since 1962 . Just last month, the library closed for renovations that included the remediation of asbestos.

There are many reasons why the library doesn’t have a new stateof-the-art facility today, and none of them have anything to do with a lack of effort on the part of the people who have volunteered to serve on its board of trustees. Many fine people have done their best to serve the library through the years, and the absence of a new home should not be seen as an indictment for any person or group of people.

There have been a number of significant hurdles to clear in the effort to the library a new home.

In 1998, there was strong opposition to the library’s proposed move to a site outside Kennett Square’s borough limits. Then, at approximately the same time that the library launched a capital campaign to raise money for the new building project, there was an economic recession that made it impossible to raise the necessary funding.

Library officials never abandoned the effort to find a long-term solution, but the momentum for the project was certainly lost for many years. Another recession took hold in 2007 and 2008, again thwarting any attempts at a large-scale fundraising campaign. There were on-again, off-again efforts to find a possible site in Kennett Square Borough for the library, including one that would have seen the library partnering with the borough, the YMCA, and Anson B. Nixon Park on a big project that would have transformed the western gateway to town. As recently as 2010, library officials looked at as many as 20 different sites in the Kennett Square area before deciding last year that the Waywood Road site was still the best home for the future library.

The announcement that the library was going to move forward with a project on the Waywood Road site seemed at the time to be a declaration that there was once again momentum for a project.

But the behind-the-scenes turmoil that resulted in the recent resignations of four members of the board could be indicative of a problem that will sink the library’s future plans.

The library board hasn’t demonstrated the ability to rally support from the community it serves, and without that support it’s difficult to imagine how a capital campaign will be successful.

Because of the recent resignations, the library board has vacancies, and the board is desperately in need of a few leaders in the community to step forward and help rebuild the relationships between the board and the community.

At the recent public information meeting, Susan Mackey-Kallis, the library board president, and Geoff Birkett, the vice president, were very open about the need for community support, going as far as to acknowledge that they would consider reversing the decision about building a new library on the Waywood Road site. Even the recent name change—from Bayard Taylor Memorial Library to Kennett Public Library—could be undone. It’s hard to fault library board members for being open-minded about these things. But at this point, 17 years after the library purchased more than five of acres of expensive real estate, the board needs a direction and it needs to make continual progress in that direction. Mackey-Kallis and Birkett emphasized at the recent public meeting that another ten years can’t pass without action.

Library director Donna Murray and the staff do an excellent job of making the library a valued resource for the community, despite the limitations of the building it is located in. But Kennett Square needs a new library with more functional space and convenient parking, and the library board needs a few men and women who can lead this effort.

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In 1895, a group of borough residents chartered a new subscription (private) library that was to remain in the Borough of Kennett Square and be dedicated to the remembrance of Bayard Taylor. The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library was founded.

Over the years, this charter has increasingly been ignored by Bayard Taylor Memorial Library board members. They now want to move the library outside the borough and rename it the Kennett Public Library.

Over two decades ago, the Library Board stated that they wanted better facilities with dedicated parking. Their proposal was to build a 40,000 squarefoot library with a minimum of 100 dedicated parking spaces.

At that time, the county library in Exton was only 40,000 square feet, not all on one floor, and had a dedicated 64 parking spaces that included four handicapped

spaces. The Exton Library has expanded slightly since then, but dedicated parking remains at 64 spaces still today.

The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library board said they considered several sites within the borough, but found none that were acceptable. None of the sites were publicly discussed, nor were the reasons for rejecting the sites. The library board then purchased the Waywood site outside the borough, believing they could provide 40,000 square feet in two stories and over 100 parking spaces.

Our community did not accept this concept and the Library Board could not raise funding for the project. Dedicated parking spaces were shown not to be needed by the Friends of the Bayard Taylor Library, who donated $100 of parking meter coins and found that three months later nearly $25 still had not been used.

The Kennett Area Regional

Planning Commission (KARPC) offered to assist the library board in planning for needed space. Meetings occurred about once a month and some progress was made.

However, when the KARPC requested financial information that should have been available to the general public, the library board would not supply the needed financial information for planning purposes.

The library board has now proposed renaming our library the Kennett Public Library and again locating it at the Waywood site. This has not been well-received by the community. Any library board member who voted to approve this proposal should immediately resign, or the municipalities who support the library board should appoint new representatives who believe the library should remain in the borough.

Individuals should be permitted to form a new library, but

they should not use the finances of the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library to do so.

The regional community is in need of a new library. It does not need a rehashing of the plan to locate a new library at the Waywood site. I am certain the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library can remain in the borough. With proper planning that involves all community members, a new, larger Bayard Taylor Memorial Library can be located in the Borough of Kennett Square and have adequate parking.

We cannot forget the history of our community. It is appropriate to remember individuals who make our community great.

One such individual was Bayard Taylor. It is appropriate to name the library after him.

It is important to follow the library’s charter and keep the library in the Borough.

Bruce Yelton Pocopson Township

For the media, traditional values still matter

By Lee H. Hamilton I have been involved in politics and policy-making for over 50 years, and as you can imagine I hold strong feelings about reporters and the media.

They’re not what you might think, however.

Far from considering journalists to be irritating pains in the neck — though I’ve known a few who qualified — I believe them to be indispensable to our democracy. Our system rests on citizens’ ability to make discriminating judgments about policies and politicians. Without the news, information, and analysis that the media provides, this would be impossible.

We depend on journalists and the outlets they work for to be our surrogates in holding government accountable; they can serve as a formidable institutional check on the government’s abuse of power.

So I am uneasy about some of the directions I see journalism taking these days. I admire the role that the press has played throughout our history, and fervently hope that it can right itself to play such a role again.

Let me note at the outset that I can find exceptions to everything I’m about to say. There

are journalists doing reporting that is clear-eyed, fearless, and grounded in an honest evaluation of the facts — I’m thinking, for instance, of some of the work in recent years on the NSA — and this work has moved the national debate forward.

But far too often, journalism falls short. Reporters often seem to take what politicians and their handlers say at face value, writing what they hear without ensuring that the facts bear it out. They look for winners and losers at the expense of nuance.

They strive to give the appearance of even-handedness by creating a false balance between two sides that do not deserve equal weight. They elevate politics, polls and personality over substance and measured analysis.

Too often, on Fox or MSNBC or any of a plethora of broadcast, print and online outlets, they slant the news. They engage in pack journalism, reminding me of blackbirds on a telephone line — one comes and others follow.

And they delight in spotlighting the screw-up, the mistake, or the gaffe, which might be entertaining to readers but sheds no light on the underlying issues that could make government better if addressed.

I also worry about the increasingly sophisticated efforts by the government and powerful interests to tell us only what they want us to know. Reporters want to be part of the media elite, and the White House in particular — under presidents of both parties — has become quite skillful at manipulating them. Reporters have to keep policy makers at arms length, and not be intimidated by them.

I believe that much contemporary journalism has come untethered from a set of traditional values that served the country well over many years: -- Journalism needs to be in the service of justice, asking questions, telling stories, and inspiring those in power and those who vote for them to do the right thing.

-- It should be a check on power, ferreting out the stories that those who hold public office don’t want revealed, and reporting the truths that we, as Americans, have the right to hear.

-- It must hold tight to accuracy, intellectual honesty, rigorous reporting, and fairness — values that ought never to go out of style.

-- And journalists have a profound responsibility to serve as lie detectors. A couple of years ago, the notable investigative

reporter Seymour Hersh gave a speech in London in which he said of the U.S. government in particular, “The Republic’s in trouble. We lie about everything.

Lying has become the staple.”

You don’t have to go to that extreme to agree that journalists have to be curious and skeptical, and not buy into the conventional wisdom of the establishment.

A robust, inquisitive congressional oversight process should be capable of revealing what is too often hidden, but it’s not. We need journalists to do it.

In the end, my concern is that skeptical reporting and deeply informed investigative journalism are fading. We need more of them, not less. I want to see journalists digging deep into the activities of government, politics, business, finance, education, welfare, culture, and sports. Our Republic depends on it.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University; Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

100 Years of Coatesville

By Congressman Joe Pitts Recently, I had the pleasure of celebrating the 100th anniversary of Coatesville, the only city in Chester County, at the Coatesville Train Station.

Hundreds of people, including state and local officials, turned out for this happy occasion. The Coatesville Area Senior High Marching Band played, a number of students read poetry inspired

by Coatesville, and a new city logo was announced.

It is hard to believe that, despite Coatesville’s long history, it only became a city a century ago. Even back then, it was already historic.

Originally a Native American trading post, Coatesville is named for Moses Coates, the area’s first postmaster. He purchased the farmland of what is now Coatesville in 1787. The previous owner, a William Fleming of Scotland, held the land as early as 1714.

On this plot of rich land, so close to the Brandywine River, Coates prospered. It is believed that, in 1774, Coates entertained George Washington at his Brandywine Mansion on South First Avenue.

But perhaps what Coatesville is best known for is its steel.

In 1810, Coates sold land to Isaac Pennock, a Quaker ironmaster, who converted a pre-existing

saw mill into an iron works. He named it the Brandywine Iron Works and Nail Factory.

This became what is now the longest-operating steel mill in the United States.

At that time, Americans were settling the frontier, and so the demand for manufactured goods, like nails, tools, barrel hoops, and furnaces, remained high.

In 1813, Pennock’s daughter Rebecca married a Dr. Charles Lukens. Pennock died in 1824, and Dr. Lukens died in 1825, leaving Rebecca ultimately to run the mill on her own.

She was the first female industrialist in the United States.

Lukens lived in turbulent times.

The Industrial Revolution was underway in England, and was beginning in the United States.

New industry was popping up in the Northeast, and was aided by advances in transportation. Cities like Lowell, Massachusetts, also near rivers, were suddenly building the economy of the future.

Before the Industrial Revolution, the world was largely equal in terms of income, life expectancy, and overall standard of living. Until at least 1750, no economy had experienced sustained growth. Almost all of the world experienced the worst kind of poverty that lingers today in the third world.

But with the Industrial Revolution came the modern world, and “The Great Divergence.”

Coatesville was one of the major spots where this transformation was taking place.

Rebecca Lukens stewarded the mill through what was then the greatest economic expansion in history. Despite some booms and some busts, the Age of Rail, and the Age of the Steamboat (invented by Lancaster’s Robert Fulton) were both beginning, and so demand for iron and steel soared.

At Monday’s celebration at the train station, a re-enactor played Rebecca Lukens, and read one of her letters from 1818, about the possibility of railroads coming to Coatesville.

During the Civil War, Pennsylvania’s industrial and manufacturing output was a major advantage to the Union. Its advanced railroad system, and its steel production rapidly supplied the military with the materiel necessary for artillery and naval power. The South could not compete.

In the Gilded Age that followed, Charles Schwab, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Frick, Eugene Grace, and others, attained to historic wealth thanks largely to Pennsylvania steel and iron. The

Lukens family partnership was dissolved in 1890 in an initial public offering.

Despite changes at the company, Coatesville continued to produce steel for railroads, modern urbanization, and the American military.

Coatesville steel was used in the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, which terrorists destroyed on September 11, 2001.

Even after the buildings collapsed some of these steel pieces still stood tall amid the rubble.

There can hardly be a more apt and fitting icon of American resiliency.

Some of these beams have come home to memorialize the victims.

A lot has changed: Lukens Steel is now owned by Mittal Steel, and Coatesville will be getting a new train station.

But a lot remains the same.

There’s still the same sense of pride, national and local, and the same determination to make a contribution to society.

As we looked back at a century of Coatesville, we also looked forward. Inspired by their history, by the illustrious examples of Americans like George Washington and Rebecca Lukens, people in Coatesville now look to the future.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Obituaries RICHARD E. PRICE, SR. Richard Earl Price, Sr., died on May 10 at his home in Oxford, surrounded by many loved ones.

Richard (“Rich” “Moose”) was born in 1955 in Chester, Pa., to Richard H. Price and Anna L. “Ewart” Price. Rich loved life! He had many different journeys he took. He loved sharing his stories and memories with everyone he ever met. He served in the Army from 1974 to 1977 as a Sergeant. He was honorably discharged twice. He was a lifetime member at Woodlyn Fire Company and Volclane Fire Company.

He loved the days he spent working for American Ambulance.

Rich’s most loved career was driving OTR for Hirshbac. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, driving a truck, playing cards, bingo, and making everyone laugh and smile.

Rich is survived by his wife of 31 years, Shirley M “Reeder” Price, who he loved dearly with all of his heart; six children, Martin L. Lewis and wife Jennifer Lewis of Texas, Theresa A. Reeder and husband Kenneth C Herrera Sr. of Oxford, Samantha M. Price of Oxford, Richard Earl Price Jr of Oxford, George H. Price of Oxford, and Robert Lauer and wife Christina Lauer of New Jersey; 10 grandchildren, Martin L. Lewis Jr., Joshua W. Lewis, Hunter D. Lewis, Kenneth C. Herrera Jr., Genisus M. Herrera, Manuel A. Herrera, Leona M. Warren, Logan X. Murphy, Mathew J. Lauer, and Joseph R. Lauer; one brother, Charles Price; two sisters, Sandy Trosino and Donna Klum; and many other loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and many other family and friends.

A funeral was held May 19. Interment was in the New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www. ruffenachfuneralhome.com.

WOODY SHIRLEY DEINISH Woody Shirley Deinish, 85, of Kennett Square, formerly of Bozman, Md., and Plandome, N.Y., died peacefully on May 9, with her loving family by her side.

Woody was born in Glen Dale, W.Va., in 1930, and retained an

abiding love for West Virginia and for her extended close-knit Hinerman and Fauley families. Her door was always open, and she welcomed and fêted newcomers and old friends alike. She married James Armistead Shirley, Jr., in 1957, and spent 25 happy years in Plandome, N.Y., raising their three children, Jim Shirley III, Margaret Shirley Hein (Rick), and Nancy Shirley Imbalzano (John). After her husband died in 1982, Woody moved to Bozman, Md., and became a dedicated hospice volunteer. In 1986, Woody was again lucky in love, and met the second love of her life, Bob Deinish.

They were married in 1988, and spent the next 10 happy years in Maryland. They were both devoted grandparents to their nine grandchildren, Jim IV, Kyle, and Katherine Shirley; Andrew and Robert Imbalzano; William, Elizabeth, and Lauren Hein; and Scott Deinish. In 2004, Woody and Bob moved to Kennett Square.

In addition to her first husband, Woody was predeceased by her beloved sister, Nancy Fauley Mitchell; brother-in-law Lloyd Mitchell; and nephews Bill and Peter Mitchell. She is survived by her loving second husband of 25 years, Bob Deinish; her son, Jim Shirley; and two daughters, Margaret Shirley Hein (Rick) and Nancy Shirley Imbalzano (John); her step-sons Jim Deinish, Gary (Donna) Deinish, and Bruce (Michelle) Deinish; and her nine grandchildren.

Her memorial service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square on June 6 at 1 p.m. (401 N. Union St., Kennett Square). In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations in memory of Woody Shirley Deinish be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380 (www.nvnacc.com). To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.

JEAN H. ANDRESS Jean H. Andress, 94, of Oxford, passed away on May 11 at her home.

She was the wife of the late Spencer L. Andress, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late John Pennock and Ida DeSilva Holton. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1938. Jean lived in the service of her Lord. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Oxford, where she faithfully shared her musical talent as piano accompanist, organist and Sunday school teacher. She faithfully lifted up others in prayer and through a prolific card ministry. and she was a member of a local women’s prayer group for nearly 50 years, leaving behind dear friends Connie Winchester and

Obituaries continued on Page 9A Dorothea Murray. She was a volunteer pianist for the Monday morning service held in the Ware Presbyterian Chapel for its residents. Jean was a volunteer for the Oxford Red Cross blood drives and was a Meals-on-Wheels delivery person. For a number of years, she was employed by Bell Telephone Company as an operator in the Oxford office.

She is survived by two sons, Spencer J. Andress and his wife Jan, and Jay L. Andress and his wife Karen, all of Oxford; nine grandchildren, Dennis L. Walters Jr, Marcia W. Griffith, Lisa Gwen Beideman, Scott J. Andress, Joshua R. Andress, Tyler J. Andress, Jacob S. Andress, Susanna E. Andress and Sandrena Trowers; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Sue Andress of Smyrna, Del., and Nancy Andress of Oxford. She was preceded in death by children, Janet H. Walters, Dennis L. Walters Sr., and Jeffrey P. Andress; two brothers, Pennock Holton and Robert Holton; and two sisters, Helen Hasseltine and Edna M. ‘Peg” Holton.

Funeral services were held May 18. Interment was in Fremont Cemetery in Nottingham. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Oxford, 552 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363; or the Lighthouse Youth Center, P.O. Box 38, Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

KATHRYN L. ESHELMAN Kathryn L. Eshelman, 75, of Quarryville, passed away on May 12 at her home.

She was the wife of Gerald Eshelman, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Nottingham, she was the daughter of the late Clarence F. and Mary L. Sheer Frick. She was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Tracy Groff (Kenneth) of New Providence, Pa.; two brothers, Clarence Robert Coates of Kirkwood and Charles Coates of Rising Sun, Md.; and one sister, Florence Combs. Services were private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JAMES BOYD James “JJ” Boyd, 72, of West Grove, died on May 9 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

He was the husband of Rosemarie Morini Boyd, with whom he shared 29 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was a son of the late Albert and the late Marie (Booth) Boyd. He served our country in the Army. He was a Pennsylvania State Trooper for over 25 years and most recently Deputy Sheriff in Chester County, retiring in 2004. He was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove. He enjoyed woodworking and was known to build just about anything. He was a model tank enthusiast, which was likely a result of driving them in the Army. He wrote many books based on local history, including Penn Township and Clifton Heights. In recent years, he was the groundskeeper at Penn Township Park.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, three sons, Kenneth Boyd (Paige) of Downingtown, Jason Boyd (Kristi) of Lancaster, and Vince Zacchei (Sandra) of Glen Mills; one brother, Albert Boyd (Bette) of Aston; one sister, Nancy Tasseff of Rapid City S.D.; and nine grandchildren.

A funeral was held May 19. Inurnment was in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield, Pa. Contributions in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 East Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Obituaries Continued from Page 8A

DOROTHY E. NESBITT BULLOCK Dorothy E. Nesbitt Bullock, 82, of Elkton Md., formerly of West Grove, died on May 15 at Laurelwood Care Center in Elkton.

She was the wife of the late Howard Ulysses Bullock Jr., who died in 2014, and with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Port Deposit, Md., she was a daughter of the late Howard and the late Violet Krauss Nesbitt. In her earlier years, she loved watching her husband play steel guitar in the band Shorty Nesbitt & The Wranglers. She was a custodian at the University of Delaware for many years. In recent years, she enjoyed singing at the nursing home.

Survivors include one sister, Margaret Devonshire of Maryland, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on May 20 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jennersville Church of the Brethren (653 West Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA 19390). To share a memory with the family, visit www.griecocares.com .

CONNIE COPELAND Connie Copeland, 53, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 17 at her residence.

She was the wife of John R. Copeland, with whom she shared 32 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of Richard M. Lau of Wilmington, and the late Gwendolyn Brown Lau. Connie was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being with her family

and friends. She was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

In addition to her husband and father, she is survived by one daughter, Lauren Falini and her husband Dave of Kennett Square; one son, John R. Copeland of West Grove; two brothers, Richard Lau of Wilmington, Del., and David Lau and his wife Judy of Wilmington, Del.; one sister, Pamela Rutherford of Ft. Myers, Fla.; her mother-in-law, Eileen Copeland of Wilmington, Del.; and four grandchildren, David, Logan, Vera and Josie. She was predeceased by one sister, Lisa Hamilton.

A memorial service will be held May 23 at 11 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union St. (Union and Fairthorn streets), Kennett Square. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 201 Crestline Drive, Kennett Square, PA; or to the Delaware Cancer Support Community, 4810 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

JOHN V. REYNOLDS, JR. John V. Reyholds, Jr., 62, of Avondale, passed away on May 15 at his residence.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John V. Reynolds, Sr., and Anne Kennedy Reynolds. He was a self-employed gardener.

He is survived by three brothers, Thomas Reynolds of Anchorage, Ak., Richard Reynolds of Tucson, Ariz., and Stephen Reynolds of Landenberg; three sisters, JoAnne Katrowski of Wilmington, Del., Maureen Alston of Newark, Del., and Karen Wells of Unionville. His service and burial were private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Kennett Library staff member Ivy Noelle Weir honored as ‘Emerging Leader’

Quite simply, the future of libraries

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

professionals selected for the program from across the country. The Emerging Leaders If jobs were designated program involves online learnand assigned according to ing and networking, culminating Central Casting, there is very in a poster session at the ALA little chance that Ivy Noelle Weir Annual Conference in San would occupy her current posi- Francisco, where the participants tion as program coordinator at will showcase the results of their the Kennett Public Library. But, planning work. thankfully, the world sometimes “This very successful program breaks the mold. has enabled a number of very Weir has none of the stereo- talented new professionals to typical traits that have defined assume leadership positions in librarians for generations. Her ALA at an early career stage,” wardrobe seems selected from said ALA past president and the racks of a funky shop on program facilitator Maureen South Street, and her hair color Sullivan. “These individuals trends are like the colors of the have brought fresh ideas, new rainbow. She is more likely to approaches and significant be found working with teenagers energy to the association.” than telling them to keep quiet.

“Ivy, quite simply, is the In fact, she may be the librarian future of libraries,” said Donna voted “Least Likely to Shhh a Murray, the Kennett Library Library Visitor.” director. “She has created a new At the age of 26, however, environment here, with creative Weir is revoprogramming lutionizing the for all ages, but definition of especially for what a modern teens. She is tirelibrary means, less, thoughtful and in the and creative in process, she’s all her ideas. She connecting is also a savvy local teens to a marketer and world beyond does all of our their homes, social media.” schools and When the families.

Pennsylvania Now she’s L i b r a r y being recogAssociation nized for it. let Weir know Courtesy photo that she’d been Weir has been selected

by Ivy Noelle Weir of the Kennett selected as an the American Public Library has been Emerging L i b r a r y selected by the American Leader, she was A s s o c i a t i o n Library Association to par- surprised. Given ticipate in its 2015 class of her young age (ALA) to par- Emerging Leaders. and her ticipate in its unconventional career path, 2015 class of Emerging Leaders, a program designed to enable she’s still fairly new to libraries.

After high school, the Kennett library staff and information workers to participate in project Square native attended the planning work groups, network famed Parsons School of Design with peers, gain an inside look in New York City to study into ALA structure, and serve photography. While pursuing the profession in a leadership her degree, she began showing her work to galleries around the capacity early in their careers.

Weir was one of 50 library country, and worked as a gallery

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Weir has created several interactive programs for teens at the Kennett Public Library.

assistant in the Chelsea section of New York. Disillusioned by the competitiveness of the art world, she moved to Portland, Ore., where she worked for a fine arts magazine, and also a fine arts library.

Meanwhile, she was no stranger to the Kennett Public Library, having spent a lot of time there as a teen, working part time during her college summers. When she moved back to Kennett Square in 2012, she called Murray, who hired her.

Immediately, the creativity she cultivated in her past experiences dovetailed with her love of the library.

“It felt that I was making a productive change in the environment around me, and not being part of a larger, supercapitalist machine like the New York art world,” Weir said.

Working in collaboration with Dan Pennacchia, an instructional aide at The Greenwood Elementary School, Weir created

several programs at the library that are directly tailored to local teens, including book clubs and graphic novel reading groups.

Last year, she and Pennacchia started a video gaming club, targeted toward a population in the Kennett Square area whose families couldn’t afford the systems.

“Before every club meeting, Dan would drive to 20 houses from here to West Chester, borrow the systems, and then afterward, drive them all back,” Weir said. “But it was all worth it. These teens were so happy.

One kid came up to us last summer and said, ‘You know that this is like a dream for us, right?’

“Dan and I set up the club hoping that the outcome would be to engage these young people in other parts of the library,” Weir said. “They began to feel an ownership of the space.

They began to check out books.

And now they come here after school.”

She launched an IndieGoGo fundraising campaign for the library’s video game club and more than tripled the goal of $800 to more than $2,500 to help purchase gaming systems for the library. She also invites comic creators to make appearances at library events and send signed copies of their graphic novels to teens who participate in these programs.

Weir spoke about the importance of building diverse graphic novel collections at the national library mid-winter conference in Chicago earlier this year. She’s also been selected for two ALA committees – the Committee on Professional Ethics and the Young Adult Services Committee for Marketing and Member Outreach. She is a frequent panelist at University Geek Week events, including Rutgers University and UCLA, speaking about women in “nerd” careers and the issues they can face.

For a lot of teenagers in the

area who frequent the Kennett Public Library, Weir said that the library has become what she calls, “A third place.’

“It’s not home. It’s not school,” she said. “They don’t have the limitations put on them here that they have on them at school.

It’s not what they perceive as authoritarian. It’s a place where they don’t need to spend any money. They don’t have to have a reason to be here. What we’ve been trying to establish is that it is very safe to be here. Moving forward, being that third place is going to be really important for libraries.

“I want to give these teens the kind of programs, clubs, and classes I wanted at their age,” she added. “It makes me unbelievably happy to see our program participants engaging with their library and eager to come in as much as possible.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Antiques collectors will flock to Brandywine Museum Annual Antiques Show is a major draw this weekend Visitors will enjoy a feast of decorative and visual art along with fine examples of 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century antiques at the Brandywine River Museum of Art Antiques Show on Memorial Day weekend, May 23 to 25. Visitors will find fine furniture and rugs, porcelain, needlework and more from 30 distinguished dealers, and see Wyeth and American art in the galleries, including the special exhibition, “Horace Pippin: The Way I See It.” This year, for the first time, the dealers will be located in

the museum’s atrium, as well as in the courtyard and lecture room. Thirty dealers, who travel from as far away as Florida, Michigan and Maine, will showcase American country and formal furniture, folk art, glass, quilts, clock cases and accessories. Proceeds benefit the Museum Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund, and art and education programming.

This year’s featured exhibition is “Plus Ultra: Moravian Tiles of the New World.” During the age of exploration, the motto Plus Ultra reflected the belief

Visitors will find fine furniture and rugs, porcelain, needlework and more from 30 distinguished dealers.

Shoppers know that the Brandywine show brings together some of the nation’s top dealers.

that there was “more beyond” the known world. Henry Chapman Mercer (1856-1930) founded the Arts and Crafts style Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Doylestown, Pa., in 1898. In 1912, Mercer designed an epic relief tile cycle on the theme of the New World.

Mercer continued to add to the series over the years, expanding it to more than 70 tiles. This exhibition features 25 of the original tile designs of the New World series, commissioned for a home in Pennsylvania, where they remained for nearly 70

years. This is the first reinstallation of these tiles, which will be displayed as continuous frieze as they were originally intended.

The show schedule is: Preview Party (May 22, 6 to 9 p.m., $125 per person). Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a smoked seafood and shrimp bar, multiple carving stations, a sushi display, along with many other culinary creations and desserts. Tickets include valet parking, open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Breakfast and Lecture (May 23, 9 to 10:30 a.m., $30 per person including show admission).

Antiques from around the world will be spotlighted this weekend.

Discover more about the “Plus Ultra: Moravian Tiles of the New World” exhibition from Amanda C. Burdan, associate curator and curator of the exhibition. The event begins with a continental breakfast in the museum cafe at 9 a.m. Space is limited, and reservations are required.

A Passion for Collecting: Dealer Talks (May 24 and 25 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m., free with show admission). Learn from the experts in these talks, which take place on the show floor. Lecture topics include miniature portraits

and silhouettes; 18th- and 19thcentury militaria; acceptable restoration ofAmerican furniture; American folk art; yellowware; oriental rugs; and trade secrets of the antiques business.

Show admission is $18 per day.

A three-day pass is available for $45. The show is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Brandywine River Museum of Art is on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. For information, visit brandywinemuseum.org. Tickets can be purchased online at brandywinemuseum.org, or by calling 610-388-8317.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Local News Young Writers Fair showcases the best work of young students

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer On Thursday, May 7, Penn London Elementary School students showcased their best stories, poems, and illustrated books in the school’s 27th annual Young Writers Fair.

Stacey Varone, a literacy reading specialist at Penn London Elementary, helped coordinate this year’s event. She said that the showcase encourages the students to work hard on their projects, and the results of that work get better each year.

“I think [the Young Writers Fair] is a motivation for the students,” she said. “This is their best work and they are proud of it. I also think, through the years, the teachers along with their students have gotten more creative with their ideas of how

to publish their students’ work.

It’s a team effort.”

This year, one class wrote about animals that can be found in Pennsylvania in connection with a science unit that they were studying. Another class created books that were based on B.J. Novak’s popular book, “The Book With No Pictures.”

Another class focused on creating a poetry book. Kindergarten students displayed their Kid Writing Journals.

During the fair, parents got the opportunity to see the work of the students.

Mrs. Hawkes was there with her sons, Adam and Joshua.

Joshua is a sixth-grader. who previously participated in the Young Writers Fair. Adam is a second-grader who wrote a book based on “The Book With No Pictures.” In Adam’s book, the

narrator is a teacher who is talking about maps and food. The book used many different fonts and sizes for the letters.

Hawkes said that the Young Writers Fair encourages students to develop a love of writing.

“My one son is a natural writer and my other one is a reluctant writer,” she said. “He loves to read, but isn’t as enthusiastic about writing.”

As a parent, Hawkes likes that the writing assignments can be fun, even silly, and will encourage youngsters to write on their own.

Teachers also think that the Young Writers Fair is an important opportunity for students.

“The students did an awesome job,” said Eleanor Barron, a teacher in the district for 14 years. “The students chose their topics. They did research reports.

They got specific information

on the animals that they wrote about—where does the animal live? What does the animal eat?”

Librarian Corinne Palovitch assisted the students with this research.

Varone said that teachers deserve a lot of credit for the work that they do for the Young Writers Fair. It’s a collaborative effort that involves the entire Penn London Elementary community.

Barron said that everyone looks forward to the fair because it’s a way to showcase the students’ work.

“These are young children here and look at what they have produced,” she said. “It’s just amazing. They are very proud of their work.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

Photos by Steve Hoffman

The Penn London Elementary staff collaborated on many facets of the Young Writers Fair with teachers like Eleanor Barron and librarian Corinne Palovitch assisting the students with the research.

Kindergarten, first-, and second-grade students at Penn London Elementary displayed a variety of their best writing at the Young Writers Fair.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

paintings | drawings | sculpture | jewelry | photography | mixed media art | fabric art

paintings | drawings | sculpture | jewelry | photography | mixed media art | fabric art

Saturday, May 30 • 10-6 Sunday, May 31 • 10-5 Municipal Parking Lot • 100 Block of E. Lancaster Avenue

Presented by David Oleski Events and the Downingtown Main Street Assn. in partnership with Victory Brewing Co. & the Borough of Downingtown

Over 40 professional artists from 11 different states, coming from as far as Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Maine & Ohio. http://downingtownfinearts.com

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Community News Earhart among this year’s inductees to Oxford Area High School’s Distinguished Alumni On Friday, May 29, Oxford Area High School will hold its ninth Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony. The Class of 2015 includes John A. Featherman, Class of 1956, Dr. Gammon Earhart, Class of 1990, and Brian Summers, Class of 1994.

The Distinguished Alumni Program was established in 2006 to ensure that the lives and achievements of Oxford’s most accomplished graduates will be forever known among fellow graduates, current and future high school students, and the Oxford community. A luncheon in honor of each year’s inductees is held each spring and is followed by a ceremony attended by the high school student body. Portraits of all the honorees are displayed in the high school’s rotunda.

The Chester County Press will highlight one of the Distinguished Alumni inductees in each edition leading up the ceremony on May 29.

In this edition, we highlight the accomplishments of Gammon M. Earhart, PhD, PT. Earhart is a physical therapist and neuroscientist. After graduating from Oxford, she attended Arcadia University (then known as Beaver College), earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychobiology in 1994 and a Master of Science in physical therapy in 1996.

Courtesy photo

Gammon Earhart, a member of Oxford Area High School’s Class of 1990, is one of this year’s Distinguished Alumni recipients. This year’s inductees will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, May 29.

Upon completion of her physical therapy training, Dr. Earhart enrolled in the Movement Science PhD Program at Washington University in St. Louis. She studied nervous system control of movement, focusing on how the spinal cord and brain control walking.

Dr. Earhart earned her PhD in 2000, after which she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University. As a postdoctoral fellow, she studied how people adapt their walking patterns to

meet environmental challenges and how damage to the brain or inner ear impacts ability to adapt walking patterns.

In 2004, Dr. Earhart accepted a faculty position in the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Over 10 years she progressed through the faculty ranks from Instructor, to Assistant Professor, to Associate Professor with Tenure, to Full Professor.

Throughout this time, Dr. Earhart has been a dedicated teacher of neuroscience to physical therapy graduate students and has been an active researcher. In July 2014, she assumed a leadership position as the chair of the Program in Physical Therapy and also began serving her term as President of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Section on Research.

Dr. Earhart directs two research laboratories, the Locomotor Control Laboratory and the Physical Activity Research Center. Her work focuses primarily on Parkinson disease (PD), and ranges from basic neuroimaging studies aimed at understanding neural control of movement to clinical trials that compare the effects of different forms of exercise on physical function and PD progression.

Dr. Earhart’s most highly publicized work is a line of research

examining the effects of tango dancing as therapy for PD. This work was featured in numerous media outlets across the globe including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Public Radio International.

Dr. Earhart is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has amassed more than $5 million in grant funding to support her work.

Sources of research funding include the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, American Parkinson Disease Association and the Davis Phinney Foundation.

In 2005, Dr. Earhart received the APTA’s Eugene Michels New Investigator Award given to the most promising new scientist in the field of physical therapy. In 2010 she received the Friedman Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Geriatric Care.

In 2012 Dr. Earhart was recognized with the Arcadia University College of Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. In 2013 she received the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences at Washington University.

In 2014 Dr. Earhart received the Chattanooga Research Award for Best Paper Published in Physical Therapy, the official journal of APTA.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

Calendar of Events May 23 Community yard sale A multi-family yard sale will be held in New London Township Park (902 State Rd., New London) on May 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food will be sold. Spaces are available for a small fee. Call 484-477-2291 to reserve a table space.

May 25 Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The parade will move from Union Street, right on Cypress, left at Broad, left on State, right at Union, and then ends at Union Hill Cemetery. The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade is a patriotic hometown parade that honors the community’s local veterans, past and present. It features hundreds of units from historic re-enactors, marching bands, antique cars and military vehicles, to floats and dance troupes.

May 29 Jazz concert Kennett Friends Meeing (125 W. Sickle St., Kennett Square) will host a concert by the Catherine Marie Charlton Jazz Trio on May 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 at the door or online (riverdawn.brownpapertickets.com). The trio features Jody Janetta (drums), Steve Meashey (double bass) and guest Elliott Levin on wind instruments. A new CD will be given to all online ticket buyers, and will be for sale at the concert.

May 30 Chicken barbeque Russellville Grange No. 91 (Route 896, one block north of

Route 10) will have a barbeque on May 30 from 3 p.m. until sold out. Whole dinners with half a chicken are $10 for adults, half a chicken only is $5, and children’s dinners are $5. Eat in or take out. Call 717-529-6114 for more information.

June 6 Home & Garden Day The 2015 Home and Garden Day Tour will be held on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to benefit the Kennett Public Library children’s and adult literacy. This year’s tour will explore a variety of homes and gardens in southern Chester County. Visitors will be able to sample food and beverages from local restaurants and merchants. Many homes will feature floral arrangements as well as works by local artists. Tickets for the tour are $35 and must be purchased in advance through the Kennett Public Library. A pre-ordered lunch ($15), catered

by Natalie’s Fine Foods, will be available at Paradocx Vineyard.

The tour is held rain or shine.

Visit www.bayardtaylor.org or call 610-444-2704.

June 6 Senior Center yard sale The Kennett Area Senior Center (427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square) holds their semi-annual yard sale on June 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be household goods, clothing, decorations and collectibles for sale. Call 610-444-4819 or visit www.kennettseniorcenter.org.

June 6 Tri-State Marker hikes The Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve and Wilmington Trail Club will mark National

Trails Day on June 6 and celebrate the completion of the northern segment of the trail to the MasonDixon Tri-State Marker. Hikes of various lengths (3 miles to 15 miles) will leave from locations in all three states and will converge at the historical marker at 11 a.m. This is a rain or shine event.

Bring water and pack snacks or lunch. Additional details will be posted at FriendsofWCCPa.org as they become available.

June 7 to Sept. 13 Honey Brook concerts The Honey Brook Borough Park and Rec Committee is hosting a series of free outdoor concerts this summer at 71 Pequea Ave. (Route 10) in Honey Brook . The schedule is: Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines (June 7, 5:30 p.m.), the Duzzin Matta Band (July 12, 5:30 p.m.); Philadelphia-based Americana band Black Horse Motel (Aug. 9, 5:30 p.m.); Irish and Scottish influenced tunes by the trio Across the Pond (Sept. 13, 5 p.m.). The Honey Brook Lions Club will be selling food and beverages at each concert. Bring your own seating. The Honey Brook Food Pantry will be collecting food donations at each concert. Donations of nonperishable food items, toiletries and paper products will be accepted.

Visit www.honeybrookborough. net for more information.

June 13 Disco Night at senior center The Kennett Area Senior Center (427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square) holds a Disco Night on June 13 with food, trivia contests and dancing to DJ Del Bittle beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Call 610-444-4819 or visit www.kennettseniorcenter.org.

The Art Spot

May 29 and 30

Conservancy & Museum of Art members. Admission is free on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Greenville Summer Art Show The Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts presents the DFVA Greenville Summer Art Show on May 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and May 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rain date is May 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Admission is free for the outdoor show, which features a selection of original works by professional artists from the Brandywine Valley area. The show is under the covered walkway of the Greenville Crossing shopping center. A part of the proceeds benefit DFVA, which provides art scholarships for Delaware students. For more information, and a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.dfva.org.

The show is at One Greenville Crossing (4007-4025 Kennett Pike, Route 52) in Greenville, Del.

June 5 to 30 Jack Giangiulio solo show Longwood Art Gallery (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) is hosting “A Different View,” featuring original art by local artist Jack Giangiulio, during June. His medium of choice is watercolor.One of his pieces was chosen to be on the poster and program cover for the prestigious Historic Yellow Springs Art Show this year. A reception will be held June 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. during the First Friday Art Stroll. There will be wine, cheese and live music by The Ladeens. For more information, call 610-444-0146 or visit www.longwoodartgallery.com.

Through Aug. 23 Cartoons at Brandywine The

Brandywine

River

Through May 30 Solo show by Mick McAndrews Longwood Art Gallery (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) is hosting a solo show by local artist Mick McAndrews through May 30. Call 610-444-0146 or visit www.longwoodartgallery. com.

Local artist Jack Giangiulio has a solo show at the Longwood Art Gallery in Kennett Square in June.

Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) hosts “Pointed Pens: Selected Cartoons from the Permanent Collection” through Aug. 23. The exhibit includes maze-like contraptions drawn by Rube Goldberg, political sketches

by Thomas Nast, and many others that summarized and satirized current events. For more information, visit www. brandywinemuseum.org.

Through July 19 Horace Pippin retrospective The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) hosts “Horace Pippin: The Way I See It,” a major retrospective for the West Chester folk artist, through July 19. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for students and children ages 6 to 12; free for children age 5 and younger, and Brandywine

Through May 28 Artist Connection Show The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts the Artist Connection Show and Sale through May 28. The group includes artists from the tri-state area who meet regularly at the Arts Alliance.

The gallery is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 610-467-0301 or visit www. oxfordart.org.

Through May 30 Helena van EmmerikFinn solo show The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) hosts “A World of Color,” a show of pastel paintings by Helena van Emmerik-Finn, through May 30. Call 302654-8638 or visit www. stationgallery.net.

To submit items to the Art Spot, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Chester County Press

Local News Hopewell sixth grade reading Olympics teams bring home the blue Hopewell Elementary School sent two fifth grade teams and two sixth grade teams to the Chester County Reading Olympics held in March at West Chester East High School.

On March 26, the sixth grade “Hopewell Maze Readers,” coached by librarian Maureen Pongracz, and the “Hopewell Rabies Rabid Squirrels,” coached by reading specialist Karen Gregan, each earned blue ribbons in the middle school level of the Reading Olympics after competing in three rounds

Courtesy photo

Maze Readers

of questions about books from a required reading list.

On March 24, the fifth grade “Hopewell Phoenixes,” coached by teacher Kristen Chastain, and the “Hopewell Asteroid Devouring Flaming Space Unicorns,” coached by learning support teacher Amy Swisher, participated in the elementary school level of the Reading Olympics.

Sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the goal of the Reading Olympics is to increase the time students spend reading for enjoyment while developing their reading skills. From December to March, students collaborated with their teammates to read 45 books selected by a committee of librarians, reading specialists, and classroom teachers in the Philadelphia area. These professionals prepare questions

Courtesy photo

Squirrels

based on the selected books for the Reading Olympics participants to answer during the three rounds of competition.

The Hopewell Elementary School sixth grade “Maze Readers” earned blue ribbons in the middle school level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Ashley Andrikanich, Ethan Houston (team captain), Jonathan Widdoes, Cooper Johnson, Lexi Hollick, Darrelle Zavala and librarian Maureen

Pongracz, team coach. Second row from left are Jackson Massey, Phillip Reburn, Ryan Waite, DeShaun Evans and Zachary Pannell. Lilly Reyes is not pictured.

captain) and Maggie Shallow.

Second row from left are reading specialist Karen Gregan, team coach; C.J. Evans-Ralston, Conner Warren, Turner Hannon and Casey Long.

The Hopewell Elementary School sixth grade “Squirrels” earned blue ribbons in the middle school level of the Chester County Reading Olympics.

Front from left are Evan Steinmetz, Elijah Keita, Thomas Hanna, Chris Goodrich (team

The Hopewell Elementary School fifth grade “Phoenixes” participated in the elementary level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Josue Olvera, Abby Oliver, Kate Hanna, Samantha Dunlap and Garrett Brady.

Second row from left are teacher Kristen Chastain, team coach; Jac Conner, Julisa Gonzalez, Charissa Guina, Bella Crowley and Julianne Guerin (team captain.) Barry Brower, Rachel Sedlak and Eileen Diaz are not pictured.

Courtesy photo

Phoenixes

The Hopewell Elementary School fifth grade “Asteroid

Courtesy photo

Unicorns

Devouring Flaming Space Unicorns” participated in the elementary level of the Chester County Reading Olympics.

Front from left are Miranda Berg, Sarah DeMonia, Ryan Battista, Joel Yoder, Alyssa Miller and Marie Weber (team captain.) Second from left are Lyannah Ramirez, Emily Vanella, Brenden Friel, Declan Harrison, Emma Ward, James Fleisher, Alex Ennis and teacher Amy Swisher, team coach.

Church Calendar May 23

PHONE SCAM On April 27, a resident of the 200 block of Scarlett Avenue reported to Kennett Square Police that they had gotten three phone calls that the resident thought were scams. The first was from someone saying that the resident owed money to the IRS. The victim hung up. The second call was from someone saying that the resident had wom $850,000, but needed to pay a fee to pick it up. The victim hung up. The third caller said the resident owed money on student loans. The victim hung up.

The resident then reported that on April 25, they got a call from a computer services company saying that the company could fix a slow-running computer. The resident agreed, since the computer had been running slowly. The caller got access to the computer and said it wouldcost $199 to fix the problems. The resident paid the fee because the caller said the computer was not usable until the fee was paid.

Police advised the victim that this was a scam and that malware or keystroking software had probably been installed on the computer to obtain banking information and passwords.

This was probalby why the resident had gotten three phone calls in one day.

BURGLARIES Overnight on May 8, two men were seen on surveillance video trying to break into a shed at 241 Country Drive in East Nottingham Township. The following morning, the victim discovered that his travel trailer had been broken into, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

A home at 1543 High Point Road in Highland Township was broken into between May 3 and 8, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Approximately $1,000 worth of items were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

Overnight on May 8, a shed at 2576 Forge Road in East Nottingham Township was broken into, and an ATV valued at $4,500 was stolen, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

BATTERIES STOLEN Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that someone stole 20 batteries from a cell-

tower station at 159 Mosquito Lane in London Grove Township between April 29 of last year and May 6 of this year.

The batteries were in a locked metal cabinet, but no signs of forced entry were found.

SOLICITING WITHOUT PERMIT Kennett Square Police cited SFE Energy of Pittsburgh for violating a borough ordinance after SFE Energy employees were seen soliciting without a permit on April 27 at 7:27 p.m. in the 300 block of Marshall Street.

HARASSMENT AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT Kennett Square Police cited Scott Curtis, 23, of Kennett Square, for disorderly conduct; Rachel Janik, 18, of Thornton, for harassment; and William McKinney, 40, of Kennett Square, for harassment and disorderly conduct after an altercation on April 19 at 4:03 p.m. in the 100 block of Magnolia Street.

HEROIN CHARGES On April 20 at 8:17 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Aleta Marilyn Johnson, 20, of Elkton, Md., Manuel Fonseca Bedolla, 21, of West Grove, and Hector Rojas, 25, of Avondale, for possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia after an investigation at 200 First Street in Avondale Borough.

THEFT FROM CAR Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that an unlocked Nissan Frontier was entered overnight on April 12 and a Spraytech GPX 1600 paint sprayer, valued at about $1,500, was stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

CAR ABANDONED AFTER CRASH On April 29 at 4:40 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported, Billy Snow, 47, of Oxford, was driving his 2002 Chrysler Town and Country north on Limestone Road, north of Fallowfield Road, when he drove off the road and hit a utility pole. He then drove off and eventually abandoned the car in the middle of Old Limestone Road, north of Limestone Road. Snow sustained a minor injury, but his passenger was not injured.

LAWN MOWER STOLEN A red Exmark riding lawn mower was stolen from the back

lot of Stoltzfus Farm Equipment in West Fallowfield Township sometime between Dec. 22, 2014 and April 1, 2015, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

THREE TEENS CITED On the evening of April 27, Kenett Square Police got a call from a 14-year-old girl that three boys were at her home in the 300 block of Harvey Circle, threatening her and wanting to fight. One of the boys had taken a potted plant from the porch and thrown it onto the front lawn.

Police cited two 13-year-olds from Kennett Square for harassment, and they were released at their homes. A 17-year-old boy from Kennett Square was charged with resisting arrest, harassment, criminal mischief and underage drinking. He was released to a parent.

MARIJUANA CHARGES On April 27 at 2:19 p.m., New Garden Township Police stopped a car with an expired registration on West Cypress Street. A strong odor of marijuana was detected by officers, and loose pieces of marijuana were seen on the driver and pasenger-side front floor. The driver, Jordan Lacy, 26, of Wilmington, Del., had rolling papers in his pocket. Marijuana was found in his duffle bag in the car. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

DUI On April 19, Robert A. Little, 51, of Oxford, was driving on Fifth Street in Oxford, south of Waterway Road, when he drove into an embankment and his car overturned several times, throwing him through the driver’s side window. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

After an investigation, Little was arrested for DUI and traffic violations. Police reported that he sustained moderate injuries in the incident.

Laura Anderson, 24, of West Grove, was arrested for DUI

by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after she ran a stop sign on West Creek Road at Lenape Road in Pocopson Township on May 1 at 2:36 a.m.

Joshua Villafane Aguilar, of Oxford, was arrested for DUI

by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after a traffic stop on May 2 at 8:20 p.m. at Baltimore Pike and Reedville Road.

On April 6, Joshua London, 22, of Coatesville, was arrested

Buffet breakfast Oxford United Methodist church (18 Addison St., Oxford) hosts a buffet breakfast on May 23 from 7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, sausage gravy and breads. Tickets in advance or at the door are $6 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10.

Proceeds benefit the church’s general fund. For more information, call 610-932-9698.

May 27 Men’s choir meeting The Landenberg United Methodist Church is putting together a men’s choir which will involve very little time and one or two performances. Sight reading and voice training are not necessary.

The men will meet on May 27 at 7 p.m. at the church.

Songs will be performed at the 9 a.m. Sunday church service. Possible dates are June 14, Sept. 20 or Sept. 27.

May 27 Joseph’s People meeting The next monthly Joseph’s People West Grove meeting for the unemployed and underemployed will be on May 27 at 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Life Center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd.). The guest speaker will be Jean Kirkaldie, who has been a seven-year volunteer at Wings for Success, a non-profit organization that provides free work-appropriate clothing for women who for driving under the influence of a controlled substance

by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after a crash at Doe Run Road and Covered Bridge Road in East Marlborough Township.

Angela Carpenter, 48, of Landenberg, was arrested for DUI on April 10 after being involved in a crash in Delaware but traveling into Pennsylvania. She was arrested

by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale at Watson Mill Road and Broad Run Road in London Britain Township. She was released pending a summons from District Court.

A 17-year-old driver from Wilmington, Del., was found passed out in his vehicle at the intersection of Kaolin and Marshall Bridge roads in

are seeking employment. In addition, there will be prayerful support, introduction to community resources, member interaction, a discussion of job opportunities and more.

May 27 Addiction recovery meeting The First Baptist Church, 415 W. State St., Kennett Square, will host a meeting of the Chester County chapter of PROACT: Pennsylvania Recovery Organization -- Achieving Community Together, an organization aimed at reducing the stigma of addiction, the availability of treatment and recovery services, and to influence public opinion and policy regarding recovery. Everyone is welcome to the meeting, which will be held May 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

For more information, e-mail proactchesco@gmail.com.

May 31

for Everyone” series on June 3, continuing through Aug. 26. The community is invited to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. for hot dogs, games, fellowship and a brief word from the lead pastor, Rev. Monica B. Guepet, each week. All beverages will be supplied. Participants are invited to bring snacks, desserts or a side dish. The series is free.

A box of games will be available, the youth plan to have their new 9-In-The-Air game up, a gated playground is open forsmall children, and the parking lot and grounds will provide space for kids to play. For more information, call 610-869-9334, or visit www.westgroveumc.org.

June 22 to 26

‘Summer Fun’ series West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) is launching a new Wednesday night “Summer Fun

Vacation Bible school Beulah Baptist Church (Route 896, just north of the intersection of routes 10 and 896), will presnt “SonSpark Labs Vacation Bible School” for ages 4 through eighth grade from June 22 to 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The camp offers games, skits, snacks, Bible stories, crafts and prizes. For more information, call 610-932-9595, or visit www. beulahbaptist.us.

To submit items to the Church Calendar, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge.

Information should be received at least two weeks before the event. Not every submission can be included.

Please include the address and contact information for the church in your submission.

Kennett Township on April 25 at 3:30 a.m., according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Police determined he was under the influence of marijuana. A small amount of marijuana and paraphernalia were found in the car. Charges are pending.

Raul Reynoso-Gabriel, 24, of Toughkenamon, was arrested for DUI by New Garden Township Police on April 29 at 10:49 p.m., after a traffic stop in the 900 block of Newark Road. He failed field sobriety tests, and there were open beer cans on the floor of the car.

He was processed and released pending a court appearance. A 19-year-old passenger admitted to drinking beer and showed signs of intoxication. He was cited for underage drinking.

Marco Lopez-Bedolla, 37, of Kennett Square, was arrested for DUI by New Garden Township Police on May 1 at 11:53 p.m., after a traffic stop in the 800 block of West Cypress Street. An open bottle of beer was found in the car’s console, and LopezBedolla admitted to drinking seven beers. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

Nicolas Castaneda-Martinez, 29, of Avondale, was arrested for DUI by New Garden Townsip Police on May 3 at 9:32 p.m. after a traffic stop in the 100 block of New Garden Road. He admitted to drinking about six beers and showed signs of intoxication. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

Spaghetti fundraiser for mission trip Avondale Presbyterian Church (420 Pennsylvania Ave., Avondale) is hosting a spaghetti lunch and silent auction to raise funds for Team El Salvador on May 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The team is made up of people from several churches who work with impoverished communities in San Salvador, El Salvador. The team will be leaving in June for the mission, under the auspices of Christ for the City International.

June 3 to Aug. 26

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

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ESTATE OF Virginia Ball Seeger also know as Virginia Lee Seeger ,late of Oxford Borough,Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Virginia Ball Seeger having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to

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PA103963

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

9B

10B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

C

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Hood’s Barbeque reopens with a fresh new look Unionville mainstay now has country store and expanded dining

By John Chambless Staff Writer Longtime customers at Hood’s Barbeque in Unionville will recognize the sweet, smoky aroma of simmering meats as soon as they walk in, but everything else inside is brand new.

Hood’s officially reopened on May 15 after nine months of construction and expansion that has turned the once-cramped restaurant and takeout business into a showplace and gathering spot for the community.

Sitting down at a table just before lunchtime on May 15, Larry Hood III talked about the transformation of the business.

“Our last day at the old Hood’s was Aug. 29,” he said. “Our vision, from the beginning, was to give the community something that we could be proud of, and they could be proud of, too,” he said. “Everybody seems to be cleaning up Unionville, and things are starting to pick up, which is really great to see.

Hopefully it will be more a walking town, where people can

shop and get a meal. We wanted to create a community hot spot where everybody knows each other’s names.”

People who have been coming to Hood’s for years were wary when the building closed in August – operating out of a trailer in the parking lot over the past nine months whenever possible – and announced plans to change.

“People asked why we changed a good thing, but it was time,” Hood said. The former building had suffered from neglect and age (it was built in 1946, Hood said), and the roof sagged. It was also small, and didn’t allow the Hood’s catering and takeout business to operate efficiently.

The dining area was homey but nothing special. And the narrow strip of pavement out front was a safety hazard. Despite pleas to not park there, the Hood family found that drivers would back onto busy West Doe Run Road.

The new Hood’s has an attractive patio dining area out front and a reconfigured parking lot out back. Customers are also

Photos by John Chambless

The new Hood’s, with landscaping and a patio area out front, opened officially on May 15.

welcome to park across the street, where there is plenty of space.

Stepping through the front door, though, was a surprising experience for customers on Friday, many of whom were seeing the place for the first time.

There are dark wood tables and chairs in two dining areas – one a more family-friendly space, and one centered on a bar that has high stools all around it,

The new bar area at Hood’s will serve as a gathering spot for longtime customers.

and small round tables. There is a catering window down the center hallway, and a door to the back parking lot, so takeout customers don’t have to come through the restaurant if they don’t want to.

“It took nine months,” Hood said of the project. “We anticipated four to six, but you know how construction goes. We’re just super excited to be back up and running.”

The back of the building has been expanded to include two kitchens – one for the restaurant and takeout, and one for catering orders.

“We used to have 30 or 40 seats, and now we have 80 or so inside, and a patio with 20 seats outside too,” Hood explained.

“We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we’re open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.” Hood’s will be closed on Mondays.

“We have some old staff members who stayed on with us, and we’ve hired a bunch of new ones as well. We probably have about three dozen full-timers and parttimers. Everyone from ages 15 to 70. And there’s always a Hood family member here -- usually me,” Hood added.

“We had three soft openings, friends and family kind of nights, last weekend, as well as last night,” he said. “They all

The carved wooden pig from the old Hood’s still stands by the front door.

went off pretty well.”

The bar area is a great spot for customers to bring their own alcohol, since Hood’s is now a BYOB eatery. “At the old place, there was countertop service,” Hood said. “When you walked in, there was that round table, right by the door.

Everybody wanted to sit at the round table. So now we’ve just expanded that round table to a horseshoe-shaped bar.” There are televisions mounted above the bar to entertain customers, and the décor is a funky mix of antique farm implements, humorous signs, country charm and photos that have been given

to Hood’s over the years by loyal customers.

“We did all the interior decorating,” Hood said, “My mom enjoyed collecting a lot of the knick-knacks.”

One of the big changes is that Hood’s took over the house that was formerly attached to one end of the building. Now there’s a country store in half of the space, offering local milk, eggs and baked goods, as well as side dishes from the Hood’s kitchen, jellies, coffee, and other oldfashioned goods. And, of course, there are Hood’s T-shirts and caps.

“It’s sort of like a Cracker Barrel,” Hood expalined. “I think it’s a spot that will grow with time as customers come in, grab a newspaper and a cup of coffee.

“Next year is our 10th year, which I can’t believe,” he said.

“After we were able to purchase the building two years ago, we were able to make this place what we’ve always dreamed of. That’s how the new Hood’s came about.”

For more information, visit Hood’s at 1664 West Doe Run Road in Unionville, call 610-347-1670, or visit www. hoodsbbq.com.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Public Safety appreciation event entertains and informs

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For more than four hours last Saturday, the New Garden Township Building was surrounded by dozens of firefighters, SWAT team members, helicopter pilots and police officers on both the municipal and state levels.

Nothing was wrong -- in fact, the tutorials, conversations and demonstrationsinformed hundreds of residents about public safety in the community.

Hosted by the New Garden Township Police Department, Public Safety Appreciation Day gave visitors the opportunity to meet professionals and hear about what they do and how they do it. Some of the events included a demonstration by the Avondale Fire Department, using its “Jaws of Life” device to take apart a vehicle; a K9 demonstration by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office; a forensic/CSI class with Newark Police Sergeant Tom Maira; a landing and takeoff of

Lisa Torelli-Sauer of West Grove, with her son Joseph, who proudly sported an Avondale Fire Company hat.

the JeffStat helicopter; as well as talks by members of the New Garden Township Police on the many aspects of their job.

Brandon Michaels of the Avondale Fire Company handed out red plastic fire helmets to children.

“I think it’s important to have an event like this for the community,” he said. “An event like this can help us teach people about fire awareness in their homes.

For instance, a lot of people don’t even have smoke detectors in their homes. We can help provide them with opportunities to know more.

“We’re also here for recruitment. Volunteerism is getting very difficult to come by in our area, but we’re constantly trying.

It’s a matter of getting more and more people on board, and I think if we can get one more volunteer firefighter from this event, it will be well worth it.”

Jason Culbertson of the Caln Township Police Department is a member of the Chester County SWAT Tactics team. He and his fellow members gave a full day of demonstrations of its latest technology, while answering questions.

“When civilians need help,

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Newark Police Department Sergeant Tom Maiura demonstrates crime-solving techniques to youngsters attending Public Safety Appreciation Day on May 16.

they call the police,” he said.

“When police need help, they call the SWAT teams. A lot of people are unaware that this is even available within Chester County, and many times, what they see on television is typically not a good depiction of what a SWAT team does.

“We’re everyday people, just like anyone else,” Culbertson added. “We’re looking to build bridges, not gaps. Some people believe that we’re unapproachable, but if we don’t talk to the community we are in, if we don’t inform them, that gap will just keep getting farther

and farther apart. So what better way to bridge that gap than something like this, to bring all of us together, as well as the entirety of what Chester County has available?”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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