Teens from Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware and Chester counties picked up tips on how to drive safely Thursday at the township building.

The 4th annual “Teen Safe Driving ROADeo” was hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Chester County Highway Safety Project, Delaware County Transportation Management Association, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, and TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety.

This free event, open to all students, combined education, interaction and fun — while delivering many possibly life-saving messages.

Stephanie Carter motored down from Levittown with her twin sons, who attend Neshaminy High School.

“At this age, they see driving as freedom, they don’t necessarily think about all the little details involved,” Carter said.

Chloe Hally attends Chichester High School in Delaware County.

“Safe driving is super important,” Hally said. “Learning the rules of driving is valuable. I’ll remember them for the rest of my life.”

The dangers of underage drinking, vaping and marijuana use, conduct in work zones, a fun game of Family Feud, a blind spot demonstration and information about service stations were all addressed.

Even seasoned drivers could have picked up some tips from Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Kelly MacIntyre, of the Office of Community Engagement, when she led a mock traffic stop.

The teens learned that it can be a little bit scary to be pulled over.

The young drivers were taught to pull over to the right so they wouldn’t need to deal with faster-moving vehicles on a divided highway when reentering the roadway.

They were also told that they might not always be the motorist being pulled over.

When stopped by police at night, the red and blue lights might conceal an officer. The students were told to not be startled, the officer would show up. If you question whether it’s a real officer, call 911.

Keep the license, registration and proof of insurance at hand, with the paperwork easier to access from a plastic bag or envelope. Always carry paper copies. Officers are sometimes endangered when searching for information on a cell.

MacIntyre showed how she always leaves a fingerprint with DNA on the rear of a car in case the forensic unit is called in. To confirm contact, the officer might ask the driver to open all the windows.

The young drivers were taught to wear their seatbelt when stopped and many nervous drivers forget to put the car into park when a stop is made.

Watch how an officer never walks between cars and how the police cruiser’s front wheels are turned toward the road.

A driver might be asked to throw keys out of the window to make sure that the vehicle is shut off.

With safety in mind, no one should leave the vehicle and an officer will let occupants know that they are being audio and visually recorded.

Don’t argue with the officer on the side of the road; there will be plenty of time for that with a judge.

MacIntyre talked about a motorist who recently fully stopped in the left lane of Route 422 and noted how dangerous that might be.

The students were also told to notify their insurance company when changing companies since changes are not tracked by police and PennDOT. Otherwise, insurance could be considered expired.

Tell police when carrying a firearm. An officer will take a gun back to their car, and remove the bullets and then return it.

Teresa Rychlak of the Pennsylvania Injury Prevention Project led a fun and informative game of Traffic Safety Family Feud. Richard Dawson would have been proud.

The teens were asked about the top driving distractions. The phone, others in the car, alcohol and drugs, and external distractions led the list.

The young drivers then listed the top aggressive driving behaviors.

Swerving or weaving, careless passing, tailgating, speeding, running red lights and making illegal U-Turns were contributing factors.

Causes of crashes include intoxication, other drivers, distracted driving, weather conditions and speeding.

David Jones is with Chester County PennDOT and talked about conduct in work zones.

When a road changes to one lane for both directions, he said that besides the person you first see, another person is usually flagging at the other end of the roadway. Six tapering cones and orange signs warn motorists of a change.

Respect the workers.

“Everybody wants to get home at the end of the day,” Jones said about workers again visiting with their animals and family. “You don’t want to run anybody over.”

Jones said that he has witnessed distracted drivers sipping on a cup of coffee and driving with their knees while eating a bowl of cereal.

Ashlynn Ray earned her license and attends Cheltenham High School in Montgomery County.

“Driving in work zones is important, to keep people not even in your car safe,” Ray said.

Dozens of bands played beneath the shelter of porches and porticos in the borough’s south west, on Saturday. Event-goers danced and sang along on the brick sidewalks and in the barricaded streets.

With a wide grin on her face, Judy Curtain watched her daughter, Annalise, sing and play guitar solo.

“It’s colorful as we splash in the puddles,” Judy Curtain said. “It’s exciting music, with all the different colors of West Chester.”

Four-year old Hudson Windle received a face painting from Stefanie Birl, of Birl Girl Designs.

“It’s family friendly and brings the community together,” Birl said, about Porchfest. “It lets people know about local bands and different genres of local music.”

Mother Brenna Windle said that the event gives artists a chance to express themselves. Husband Seth said that Porchfest allows local businesses to give back to the community.

Son Hudson chose to become the Incredible Hulk. He said that the glitter looked pretty.

Will Chapman sings and plays guitar for the Bluesy, Americana and Roots band, Shoeshiners.

He said that playing to a sea of happy faces is a blast.

“You are exposing your music to new potential fans,” he said. “Making music outdoors is always the best thing.”

Historian Tom Walsh was sitting on his portico on West Miner Street eating lunch and listening to the music drifting from across the closed street.

“You can be close and see people,” Walsh said. “You are not in some stadium miles away.”

“You can walk around the neighborhood to find all kinds of music.”

Brittany Torrance got some small town vibes and said Porchfest is just one of many wonderful events at our fingertips.

“I’m giving my kids a magical childhood and it exposes us to local music,” Torrance said.

The West Chester Cooperative was serving up strawberry shortcake, much to the delight of music lovers.

Nelly Freed and Margaret Hudgings both said that Porchfest was a great community event.

Former Mayor Jordan Norley was across the street with a model train set he said was the West Chester Metro Porch Train. Norley has worked hard for 10 years to bring the train back to West Chester.

“It’s nice to see the kids light up,” Norley said. “They get excited about electric trains and learn a little bit about what will be our future.”

Dave March is the public information officer the West Chester Police and Fire Departments.

“It’s spectacular music and everybody is having a good time,” March said.

Carmalena Stoltzfus Iyengar was handing out free samples of soft pretzels for Dutch Country Concessions. She said business was steady despite the rain.

“Giving out samples is so important to our business,” she said. “We are really proud of our product.”

The flavors offered were: regular; garlic; and cinnamon sugar. There were several food options for attendees and seemingly no one went hungry.

Paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, glass and fiber, will all be on display for free as the doors to 76 artists’ studios are flung wide open.

The event will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The tour started in 2005 with just 25 artists, and has grown to become a cherished annual happening.

“It’s huge,” said artist and event organizer Jeff Shaller whose studio will be open to the public, at 80 Highspire Road, in Downingtown.

“It will give a venue for artists to share their artwork and share it with the public,” Shaller said. “We are getting people in the area out and collecting artwork.

“I’m surprised how much talent there is out there and how much new talent there is.

“All the artists are excited. Working with 203 artists is a huge production. And ta-da, it’s here.”

Shaller will host guest artists at his studio from Harrisburg, southern Chester County and Berks County.

Maybe you will stumble upon the studio of the next N.C. Wyeth who Shaller is saddened that he never met.

“It’s like a legacy, a history thing,” Shaller said. “Why not do it now when you can meet the artist?

“Your neighbor could be an artist and you’d never know it. The tour takes the mystery out of the art world.”

Shaller describes his art as pop and fun, bright and nostalgic.

“You don’t want my problems on your wall,” he quipped.

One of the special treats on the tour will be the sale of what Shaller referred to as “a steal,” or a “County Collector.” Each artist has prepared a 6’’X6” piece of art that will sell for $90 when the doors open at 10 a.m. This special piece will not be on sale prior to 10 a.m. Saturday. This art is posted on the studio tour website.

While there is a catalogue for the event, Shaller said that now finding one is like obtaining the Holy Grail or a Faberge Egg.

Alas–no worries–everything you need to know about the 2024 studio tour is available at www.countystudiotour.com

Especially valuable is “Find 5 Studios,” at the website, which using your location will find and direct you to the five closest studios on the tour.

More than 100 police officers, first responders, dignitaries, family members and mourners attended the May 9 ceremony marking Law Enforcement Week (May 12-18). The contributions and the ultimate sacrifices made by 10 Chester County law enforcement officers were recognized.

State F.O.P. President Joseph Regan asked that we always remember that police officers are not just public servants.

“They are heroes who answer the call to serve and know the risks,” he said. “We are reminded of the evil and the sadly taken lives of our sisters and brothers.

“It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”

Chester County District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe talked about officers who confront true evil.

“To be a police officer it requires valor,” he said.

The DA spoke about those who chose to run toward danger when the rest of us ran away. He said that valor is a quality revealing that something is more important than one’s own life.

“All of the chaos in this profession is simply accepted as normal,” he said. “The best thing we can do is remember the valor of our law enforcement officers.”

Pastor of New Life in Christ Fellowship, and State Rep. Dan Williams said thank you and discussed courage and sacrifice.

Robert McCarron is president of F.O.P. Lodge #11.

“Enough is enough,” he said when calling for making these “vile attacks” a federal crime.

State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten said that supporting law enforcement officers means mourning them.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line because they want to help others,” she said.

The state rep noted that officers face 178 critical incidents in a career, while the average person faces two or three.

“They face extremely stressful situations,” she said. “It’s not just the immediate danger they may face, but the physical and mental toll.”

A Roll Call of Heroes was presented by Donna Dunn, F.O.P. Lodge #11 Auxiliary.

She announced the following heroes: Benjamin F. Irey, Chester County Sheriff’s Department, Jan. 3, 1887; Daniel W. Guldin, North Coventry PD, Sept. 10, 1959; Robert J. Lomas, PA State Police Avondale, June 13, 1971; Richard J. Posey, Kennett Square PD, Nov. 15, 1972; and William W. Davis, Kennett Square PD, Nov. 15, 1972.

Also, Robert W. Gates, East Pikeland PD, July 23, 1975; David D. Monahan PA State Police Embreeville, April 17, 1980; John J. Brown, PA State Police Avondale, Feb. 14, 1985; Douglas H. Pyle, Parkesburg PD, Sept. 15, 1988; and Joshua “Josh” Micun, Westtown- East Goshen PD, Oct. 31, 2021.

Tina Marinari, of the memorial committee presented the opening ceremony.

The presentation of the colors and “Amazing Grace” were given by Chester County Law Enforcement–Chester County Emerald Society Drum and Pipe Band.

South Coatesville PD Chief Kevin Pierce sang the National Anthem and Williams gave the invocation. Adult Probation, Parole and Pretrial Services Deputy Chief Rick Marinari gave Saint Michael’s Prayer.

The F.O.P. Memorial Committee consists of Marinari, Butch Dutter, Steve Scott and Steve Plaugher.

There were no evil spirits evident on a sunny day when I took a tour of the cemetery, behind St. John’s.

I toured with three church members who are conserving the graveyard.

“This is a hidden gem, getting out into that cemetery is like walking through a museum,” church member Don Faix said.

“If you know what you are looking for,” parishioner Liz Palwick-Goebel followed up and said.

There are more than 3,500 tombstones in the graveyard. The earliest dated stone belongs to George Boyd and dates to 1731.

The church was founded in 1729, along the main road from Philadelphia to Lancaster.

“This was the wilderness—there were still Indians,” parishioner Doug Skiles said.

“Everybody was helping everybody in the boonies,” Faix said. “They had to depend on each other, whether they were Indian, Black or white.

“Tories were the problem.”

People of color were enrolled as full church communicants and were buried in the cemetery as early as the 1830s. A tunnel unearthed when renovations were ongoing at the church might have been a station on the Underground Railroad.

“We are starting to uncover more information of people of color,” Faix said. “There is no other reason for the tunnel to be there.

“Given its age, it’s really in good shape, with no vandalism. Ten percent of the stones need to be fixed.”

All upright stones have been cleaned of moss and dirt. Sixty stones were dug up and new foundations were set straight.

Frost, time and earth movement, often loosen and take down tombstones.

“Every year new stones fall over,” Palwick-Goebel said.

Douglass Skiles resets the stones.

“I do the dirty work,” Skiles said.

“He loves to play in the dirt,” quipped Palwick-Goebel.

A crumbling stone wall surrounds the 2.7-acre burial ground where 53 trees were recently taken down.

Kings Highway, or Route 340,  is out in front of the church and was originally an Indian trail. At one time, the road was named “Old Peter’s Road,” after Peter Bezellon, the founder of Coatesville, who is buried here.

Founded in 1729 as an Anglican Church, the church was originally a wood frame structure measuring 22 feet long by 20 feet wide. St. John’s was rebuilt as a stone church in 1762. The Episcopal Church was founded in the United States in 1789 after the Anglican Church separated from the Church of England. The current stone building was built in 1835 by Edward Buchanan, brother of Pennsylvania’s only president.

A 1766 pewter communion set is still in use today and the original gas lights that were electrified in 1938 are still used.

The community was probably evenly split between Loyalists and Colonialists and probably no more violence than fisticuffs took place. English Calvary occupied Chester County’s third oldest church as a barracks in the 1780s.

Some American flags had been placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution, on the graves of Revolutionary soldiers for Memorial Day when I visited.

Veterans of the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the Whiskey Rebellion, the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish-American War are all buried at St. John’s. Also, World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam and other foreign wars, and U.S. service personnel not serving during war years, and even a member of the British Royal Navy, are interred here.

Typically only burials where a priest officiated were recorded. Such a list, “Eggles Notes and Queries, Historical and Genealogical Volume 1899” lists hundreds of names.

“People get added and people get erased,” Palwick-Goebel said. “It turns out they are not who we thought they were.

“It’s an ancient list. We comb for names and initials and try to match them up.”

Many Skiles are on the list and Douglas Skiles said that while some people have to go to five or six graveyards to visit those who passed, he needs to visit just one.

“It’s nice to have them in one spot,” he said. “I can talk to them and don’t get any answers.”

Helping to research the history is the West Caln Historical Society and Salisbury Township in Lancaster County.

St. John’s, at 1520 W. Kings Hwy., is a great place to contemplate our existence and to think of all those long gone– some whom we know, many we don’t. See you there.

The church will be celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2029. The three-member group is leading a 3- to 5-year project to conserve the historical cemetery for the benefit of future generations. A conservator has been hired to preserve the tombstones for another 150 years.

For more information on the 3- to 5-year project, to help out, to donate or assist with research, contact the church at 1729cemetery@gmail.com

Bill Rettew is a weekly columnist and Chester County resident. He loves the absolute silence of a graveyard. The best way to contact him is at brettew@dailylocal.com

A Chester County couple — Rendell A. Hoagland and Cindy Marie Warren — have been arrested and charged in the death of the man’s daughter, with episodes of abuse, including being chained to an air hockey table, captured on video in their home. The woman’s criminal past involves the beating of her son and the murder of her stepdaughter at the hands of her then-husband.

In a school district statement, CASD Superintendent Catherine Van Vooren said that it was with an extremely heavy heart that she shared the news of the young student’s death.

“This news shakes our entire school community, and we are deeply saddened and upset by the horrific details of the abuse this child suffered,” she said.

The school district had some concerns about her welfare. Malinda was enrolled in the district from spring 2022 through December 2023.

“Our staff diligently reported concerns about her welfare to the state agency that receives and manages concerns.”

The superintendent then said that “shortly thereafter” the student withdrew from school and enrolled in a cyber charter school.

The victim’s brother remained at King’s Highway Elementary School and is now “in protective custody and is expected to be relocated to another county and school district,” Van Vooren wrote.

The superintendent said that the district joins in collectively mourning the life of the child.

“No matter the length of time a child is a student in our school district, every child matters deeply and their welfare and well-being is critically important to us,” she said. “We will collaborate in the coming days on ways in which we can honor Malinda’s life as a school community and support our students as they cope with this tragic information.”

Counselors trained in grief and trauma support will be available at King’s Highway Elementary School, Scott Middle School and North Brandywine Middle School for both staff and students.

District Attorney Chris deBarrena-Sarobe announced the arrests of Hoagland and Warren at a press conference at the Chester County Justice Center on Tuesday, a day after they were taken into custody and three days after police were called to their home in West Caln Township and the investigation into young Malinda Hoagland’s horrific condition began.

“Malinda was subjected to evil and torment that no child should ever have to endure,” said de Barrena-Sarone. “I am grateful to every first responder and law enforcement officer who has worked tirelessly on this case.

“Together we will get justice for Malinda.”

The couple was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a child, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, endangering the welfare of a child, and conspiracy. Further charges could be filed.

Malinda’s injuries included fractures to both wrists and ankles, broken vertebrae, an injured liver, cuts and significant bruising on her face and chest, deformities to her legs, and chest contusions. She suffered multi-system trauma, circulatory and respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

The location of Malinda Hoagland’s death in rural West Caln, and the alleged brutality of the girl’s abuse, immediately brought to mind the case of the last child to have been murdered in that township, 3-year-old Scott “Scotty” McMillan, who was beaten to death by his mother and her boyfriend.

The torture that “Scotty” and his older brother, who survived, endured at the hands of Gary Lee Fellenbaum III made headlines around the world. “Scotty” McMillan died on Nov. 4, 2014, of multiple blunt force trauma brought on by weeks of beating and torture he suffered at the hands of Fellenbaum and the boy’s mother, Jillian Tait.

The murder shocked members of the Chester County community for its savage nature and drew heartbreaking headlines around the world with its accompanying photograph of the red-headed “Scotty” sitting on the lap of an Easter Bunny model. At the time, then-Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan called the case “an American horror story.”

A representative for the district confirmed, Thursday, that Scotty’s brother, like Malinda, attended King’s Highway Elementary School. Malinda attended King’s Highway from April 2022 to June 2022 and she attended Scott Sixth Grade Center the following school year.

What some refer to as Paoli Hardware, first opened in October of 1951. The father of current owners and brothers Steve and Greg Scartozzi opened the original hardware store about a half mile to the west of the current location at 16 Paoli Shopping Center. Cordine Scartozzi ran it there for about five years before moving to Paoli Shopping Center.

Steve Scartozzi, 72, and about seven longtime employees will be retiring after the store’s last day on June 3. Several other employees are searching for jobs.

Scartozzi said that the closing of the 15,000-square-foot, three-story store will be both bittersweet and a mixed blessing. He will visit more with his 10 grandkids and watch them play sports.

During a recent interview in his office, Scartozzi talked about the joys of working with the public. He noted that he has served four generations of one builder’s family.

Scartozzi discussed his strong ties to the community where he has lived his entire life except for four years spent earning an accounting degree from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina.

“People in this area kind of stick around,” he said.

Scartozzi found his calling young.

“I always wanted to do this,” he said. “This is the community where I grew up.

“I like relationships and helping people. I have no problem talking to the public and taking care of people.

“We’ve created so many relationships — we are one big family. After it’s over I should be able to relax.”

Scartozzi smiled when talking about carving his initials into wood at the store when he was just 13-years-old.

Service is key; a staffer will walk a customer with a question to the desired item on the shelf.

Scartozzi compared his store to what he referred to as box stores.

“We don’t just say go to aisle five,” he said. Scartozzi also said that he’s happy to only sell just a 40-cent nut or bolt.

The store owned by the Scartozzis is three stories tall. The top floor hosts toys and a children’s section, the ground floor is reserved for hardware and the basement houses the garden department.

Until recently, a cashier would gift wrap toys at no cost.

“We always try to have quality toys that could be passed down to generations,” he said. “We try to stay away from junk.”

Bebe Feimster works the counter at the toy department and said that customers and employees are one big family.

She said the kids often get excited and many don’t want to leave when it’s time to go.

“It’s a fun place to be,” she said. “It’s the fun floor.”

Starting in the fall, Scartozzi said that the basement was known as the best Christmas place around. Some natural-looking Christmas trees with built-in lights even sell for $3,000 to $4,000.

Several potential buyers showed interest in running the hardware store over the past 3½ years, but there was no sale.

Phil Ghaner has worked part-time at The Hardware Center for 54 years.

He especially enjoys assisting widows and seniors.

“I like pampering them,” he said. “You get a feeling of satisfaction when helping someone.”

Mike DiAndrea has worked for 10 years each on all three floors during a 30-year career.

“It’s a staple of the community,” he said about the store. “They come to us because we will go out of our way to help them with the little stuff.

“There is a wealth of knowledge here. I learn something three times a week from these guys.”

Children will certainly enjoy seeing and hearing about all three, and adults can relive the past, at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County.

Ross Brakman is the director and curator and told me this week that he sees something new every day at work.

“If the kids don’t understand anything else, they understand the stuffed animals,” he said. “Part of the fun of being here is everything has a story and discovering the history of each item and the joy that it gives.”

The collection is mostly accessible by a tram ride, with narration. Displays are crowded and here there is almost too much to see. The museum sits on a 100,000-square-foot portion of the former BF Goodrich Tire Factory that was open from 1937 to 1986.

I particularly enjoyed the signs from my local history — especially the massive Gene’s Books sign from the old King of Prussia Mall.

The huge heads from Mardi Gras floats of Trump, Britney Spears and the late Sen.Ted Kennedy might not quite fit together, but are fun.

You’ll also see larger-than-life representations of The Simpsons and Ronald McDonald.

I enjoyed seeing the animatronics, or electronic characters, that are sometimes unintentionally a little creepy. About 70 old cars dating from 1906-1992 are a kick, and half of the Lit Brothers Christmas Village is fun to roll past.

Many of a collection of thousands of record albums and movie posters lining the walls bring back great memories. Who could forget rotary phones and Raggedy Ann? Or R2D2?

Record players, radios and musical instruments are everywhere. Most automatic music machines on display still work.

Brakman enjoys viewing the tags for dogs that each depict one of the 50 states, and which are placed on a map of the U.S. Pennsylvania’s tag is appropriately a keystone.

Brakman also likes seeing a replica of a movie prop from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

He also told me that the displays are always different — with so many nooks and crannies — that tourgoers will see something new and different every time they ride.

Ginny and Jerry Frey were the founders and the man who gathers much of the stuff and prefers to stay anonymous, so as to not take away from the collection.

Brakman simply refers to him as the Collector.

“He is a very private guy — very modest,” Brakman said. “He is not somebody you would recognize if you saw him.”

The collector even regularly and anonymously takes public tram tours with his family.

Brakman said that the collector wants to establish a collection of happy memories. He started out collecting hot rods.

“There is no place here for anything too serious,” Brakman said. “He hates the idea of a stuffy museum.

“Part of the goal is to make it fun. There is something here for everybody. There is something everybody can connect with, regardless of age.

“It’s his obsession. I appreciate that.”

Humor, however slight, is a part of the tour. Monty Python fans will enjoy seeing a penguin atop a TV.

The collector still gathers stuff. Many displayed items are donated, while some the collector actively pursues like the nickelodeons. The collector also goes to auctions, estate sales and shops for antiques.

The tram weaves and snakes through the crowded aisles. I asked how exhibits are not run over and was told that the cars follow each other.

“It is an experience to get an electric train through the building,” Brakman said.

There are two trams and each holds 26 passengers.

I asked about dusting and was told it’s a never-ending job. Brakman particularly dislikes when stuffed animals go bad.

“They get dirty,” he said. “That’s why I hate a dirty bear.

“They’re hard to clean.”

Experts regularly service the collection. Specialists fix the trams, the animatronics, the lighting and the nickelodeons.

Collectors find each other like employee Nick Curio did.

Curio drives the tram and after getting off the ride immediately applied for a job. He said he has a “fraction of a fraction of this collection” at home.

The clock is ticking and you might be getting old when you see stuff in a museum from your childhood and beyond. There is nothing here from the pyramids or the Civil War.

It’s fun to relive the “recent” past. Nostalgia is cool. Go take the tour; you’ll be awash with emotions. See you there.

The American Treasure Tour Museum is open Fridays through Sundays from  10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tours run at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Group tours can be arranged any day of the week.

Reservations are encouraged but not required. For more information, go to www.AmericanTreasureTour.com or call 866-970-8687.

The museum is located at One American Treasure Way, Oaks, in the 422 Business Center.

Bill Rettew is a weekly columnist and Chester County resident. He is not a big duster. The best way to contact him is at brettew@dailylocal.com

From the halls of the capitol in Harrisburg to public meetings in Chester County, the pair often traveled together as a team.

Dinniman still refers to Henry as the “County Dog.” Henry is missed. When he passed in 2014, Dinniman received more than 1,000 condolence cards, letters and emails.

In memory of Henry, Dinniman has found a way to give back. Henry’s Helping Paws of Chester County is a way to supply pet food and vet care to shut-in seniors.

Dinniman discovered that many seniors receiving Meals on Wheels were not finishing everything delivered.

“We found some way to memorialize Henry when delivering meals on Wheels to senior citizens,” Dinniman said, during a recent interview at a restaurant. “Many of the senior shut-ins were giving half of their meals to their dog or cat.”

Those Meals on Wheels dinners are lifelines for many seniors who can’t get out or can’t afford to eat a healthy meal daily.

”Imagine if cost forced you to lose your cherished pet or friend,” Dinniman and  program co-founder James Orsini, of Penn Vet School’s New Bolton Center, wrote together in a letter.

“For many, it’s the only living thing they have contact with,” Dinniman said. “Many are separated from their families.”

Bill Pierce is an animal lover and executive director of Brandywine Valley Active Aging.

“As someone who grew up in a house that always had a pet, I continued the tradition when I moved out on my own, Pierce said. “ I am fortunate to bring my dog, Westin, to work each day and to see the happiness he brings to those who visit our Campuses.

“I know Henry’s Helping Paws and the pet food pantry contribute to the well-being of the older adults we serve – I am personally grateful to the Senator, and his wife, for championing this important cause.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, contribute to better cognitive function, and provide more opportunities to socialize.” Among other things, pets can: make their owners feel needed; help their owners form connections with other people; and help relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.

During the period April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, 42 individuals accessed the pet food pantry and more than 1,250 pounds of pet food was distributed.

Now, the pet food is delivered separate from the Meals on Wheels dinners to prevent some from making heavy deliveries.  Henry’s Helping Paws is sophisticated enough to deliver the right food for a particular pet, from puppies to animals with kidney problems.

Dog and cat food also goes to senior centers. The first to adopt this program was the Brandywine Active SeniorCenter.  In addition, the Lutheran Foundation of Southern Chester County pitched in $15,000.

“We soon realized that seniors keeping pets is such an important part of their lives,” Dinniman said. “It goes beyond shut-ins.”

The program has branched out and Dinniman hopes to expand into other counties. With “Pet Healthy Day” any pet owner can get a check-up or pet care from a vet. Volunteer veterinarians provide the service.

The program will give senior shut-ins a $250 voucher and arrange for a mobile vet while receiving care it at their home.

Donna Pluck receives pet food for her cat “Daisy.” She said that for many who have pet companions the assistance really helps. She works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center.

“It helps knowing that there is cat food out there for your pet instead of trying to budget,” she said.

Sherri Wills plays cards, and games and works at the Brandywine Active Senior Center. She receives food for her dog KK and cat Sebastian.

“It was cheaper to give them my food,” she said. “This really helps.”

The program comes with a cost. Dinniman has established a foundation through the Chester County Community Foundation, with hopes of raising half a million dollars that would guarantee the program operates in perpetuity.

“It might take us a couple of years, but I am convinced that we will reach this goal,” Dinniman said.

So, what did Henry teach Master Dinniman?

“He was my best friend,” Dinniman said. “Through Henry, I learned incredible things.”

Dinniman was taught the notion of forgiveness, being kind to people when they are down, giving people a second chance, never staying mad and smiling at people while wishing them well.

“Anyone who has a dog or cat knows what I’m talking about,” he said. “Every senior gains from their pet in terms of emotional and physical health.

“Since we discovered that seniors who were isolated and had these same feelings for dogs and cats were giving up half of their only meal of the day to their pet,” Dinniman said, ”this was the right way to memorialize Henry.

“There is a group of people in the county in both parties who love dogs and cats,” Dinniman said. “The only thing that unites anyone anymore in this country seems to be their pets.

“For all persuasions in Chester County, there are certain issues that transcend politics. It’s like open space, it doesn’t matter if you are an R, a D, or an I, young or old.”

If interested in helping, make checks payable to: “Henry’s Helping Paws of Chester County Fund.”

Mail to: Chester County Community Foundation, The Lincoln Building, 26 W. Market St., West Chester PA 19382.

On the internet, go to: chescocf.org/fund/henrys-helping-paws-fund/

Brendan Brazunas was sworn in as police chief of the 20 officer force on January 2.

He recently served as a lieutenant with the Upper Merion Township Police Department. Brazunas said he is honored to work in Downingtown.

The top cop has been on duty in the borough for six weeks.

“You have to build a certain degree of trust,” he said, during Tuesday’s phone interview. “It goes both ways with the community and the officers themselves.”

The Downingtown Area resident talked about working in a police/fire department environment where everybody knows everybody.

“Regardless of what you hear you don’t know what to expect,” he said. “It’s important to set the tone and earn trust.”

The Philly sports fan said he works hard to not create a situation where he is walking in the door and viewed as wanting fellow workers to “kiss my ring.”

“(Co-workers should) trust that I’m going to direct the organization in the right direction,” the married father of two said. “But I don’t want to jump too far ahead.

“They are putting a lot of faith and trust in me.”

The outdoorsman started as a civilian in the Upper Merion Township Police Department in June of 1999 and attended the police academy in July of 2000.

“I always wanted to be a police officer from the womb — as far back as I can remember,” the avid reader of crime mystery novels said.

The University of Lynchburg, Virginia, graduate also worked as Chester County EMS coordinator. For about 18 months he first served as a civilian with the police department. He noted that at that time policing was different.

He learned much in diverse Upper Merion for where he said is typically referred to as “Hub of the East.” He noted that the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other major highways cross the township.

Brazunas said that working with individuals with different socio-economic backgrounds in Upper Merion “keeps you honest.”

“The diversity of residents keeps you on your toes,” he said.

The Borough of Downingtown had a population of 7,898, with the 2020 Census count. It measures 2.22 square miles, with the Lincoln Highway (parts are Route 30) running through it, which stretches from the east to west coasts. The mayor is Democrat Phil Dague.

Downingtown was originally named MIlltown due to its many mills along the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek.

Downingtown was named after Thomas Downing, a Quaker immigrant and mill owner, from Devon England, in 1812.