Unionville resident JoAnn Slack, assistant professor of cardiology and ultrasound at New Bolton, is quoted in this recent piece about equine heart problems from "Thoroughbred Times." Way to go, Jo!
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/2010/June/05/Simple-problems-can-be-treated-but-heart-surgery-for-horses-is-years-away.aspx
Saturday, July 10, 2010
2020
We saw Nancy Mohr of Sevynmor Farm recently and are glad to see she's recovering from last fall's stroke. The energy that woman still displays is phenomenal, at an age when she has every right to just take it easy on her patio.
Dr. Fabulian
A hot topic of discussion is the recent charges of indecent sexual assault filed against Dr. Peter Fabulian, a Kennett Square physician specializing in Lyme disease. Two female patients claim he got a little too familiar with them during exams. Lyme is a scourge around here, and some of his patients remain staunch supporters, saying he literally saved their lives. Others, though, claim this kind of misbehavior has been going on for years in his office. The diametrically opposed comments expressed in this week's "Kennett Paper" are typical.
The Trackless Trail
I hope all of the new residents to our area are aware that the Underground Railroad flourished around here in the 19th century. Mary L. Dugan of Marlboro Village, a local historian and retired Unionville English teacher, was one of the founders of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, which runs tours to various local sites where slaves on the run from the South were given shelter by brave abolitionists. Here's the website for more information:
http://undergroundrr.kennett.net/index.html
http://undergroundrr.kennett.net/index.html
Friday, July 9, 2010
Green living
Wondering what's going on in Springdell?
Richard Hayne has purchased greenhouses, as befits the owner of Terrain (formerly Styer's Nursery), and is having them shipped in and installed just to the west of what used to be Tony Young's mansion.
Richard Hayne has purchased greenhouses, as befits the owner of Terrain (formerly Styer's Nursery), and is having them shipped in and installed just to the west of what used to be Tony Young's mansion.
NBC
I like the new-ish brushed-metal signs at New Bolton. They're practical, providing clear directions to visitors and delivery-people, as well as being low-key, attractive, classy, modern and impressive. I imagine that's the look they were shooting for.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
So much better than on-hold music!
The website of Peter Weygandt's Unionville-based wine-importing company (http://www.weygandtmetzler.com/) warns that the proprietors may be traveling, so a response to queries may be slow:
"The modern world sometime gets a bit crazy. Wine is, or should be, a link to a more peaceful era. Try a bottle of our wine for comfort while you wait for a reply."
"The modern world sometime gets a bit crazy. Wine is, or should be, a link to a more peaceful era. Try a bottle of our wine for comfort while you wait for a reply."
Meetings set
Follow-up on that West Marlborough Township meeting:
Public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan changes in the wake of the Historical Commission report will be held at 7 p.m. July 26. Vote will be taken in a special Saturday meeting (to meet the grant deadline) at 6:30 July 30; I'm assuming that's p.m. but could just as well be a.m.
Public hearing on the proposed Comprehensive Plan changes in the wake of the Historical Commission report will be held at 7 p.m. July 26. Vote will be taken in a special Saturday meeting (to meet the grant deadline) at 6:30 July 30; I'm assuming that's p.m. but could just as well be a.m.
Burton's and Fragale's
What a charming guy! Melissa Dribben wrote this sweet piece in The Inquirer about Frank William Salemno, an 88-year-old Chestnut Hill barber. One of the clients Ms. Dribben interviewed regrets that there are fewer and fewer "old-time" barbers like Mr. Salemno these days.
Not in Kennett, home of two of those "old-time" barbershops (and lots of well-groomed men and boys).
Not in Kennett, home of two of those "old-time" barbershops (and lots of well-groomed men and boys).
In the light
Retired U-CF teacher and school board member Karen Halstead has written a wonderful story on some of the many historic Quaker meetinghouses in our area -- Colora, Penns Grove, London Britain, Parkersville, Homeville and Old Kennett. She also gives precise driving directions to each so you can visit. Her story is in "The Friendly News" newsletter, which you can read at www.localquakers.org
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Girl meets horse
"The Greening of Whitney Brown" is an upcoming family movie backed by Unionville's own Ed Fitts (chairman/CEO of Dopaco [Downingtown Paper Co]). Stars Brooke Shields, Aidan Quinn and Kris Kristofferson and the young Sammi Hanratty and some beautiful Gypsy Vanner horses. Fitts and his partner, Sue Rathbone, are executive producers.
It's in post-production and should be released in 2011. Already has its own Facebook page! Can't wait!
http://www.gypsyvanner.com/sales/category/the-greening-of-whitney-brown/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1507564/
http://crushable.com/entertainment/sammi-hanratty-in-the-greening-of-whitney-brown/
It's in post-production and should be released in 2011. Already has its own Facebook page! Can't wait!
http://www.gypsyvanner.com/sales/category/the-greening-of-whitney-brown/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1507564/
http://crushable.com/entertainment/sammi-hanratty-in-the-greening-of-whitney-brown/
Wood
Hugh Lofting Timber Framing has moved its shop from Willowdale to Mill Road in Kennett Square (south of the bypass and Line Road, not the unpaved part of Mill Road). They do amazing work. Website has a cool video.
Superintendent
We ran into Sharon Parker (not literally) at an event recently and were, as always, so impressed with her seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm. Here's a school district superintendent who wears so many hats, juggles so many balls, deals with such unfair criticism -- and is still out there kneeling down to talk to an elementary-school kid. She's a great ambassador for our school district.
And look at this website! A wealth of information.
We were involved in an interesting discussion the other day about whether the district should drastically cut its sports programs. The proponent argued that the cost savings could be amazing, and given the plethora of youth programs run by the Y, the URA and such (and the huge crowds they attract), kids would certainly not lack options for exercise, competition, team-building skills, etc.
And look at this website! A wealth of information.
We were involved in an interesting discussion the other day about whether the district should drastically cut its sports programs. The proponent argued that the cost savings could be amazing, and given the plethora of youth programs run by the Y, the URA and such (and the huge crowds they attract), kids would certainly not lack options for exercise, competition, team-building skills, etc.
Shell of its former self
Take a drive past the late Mrs. Bird's place on Route 842. The new owners, Russell and Donnan Jones, have stripped it down to an absolute shell, just the brick walls (but oh, what memories those walls hold). It'll be interesting to see what miracles Archer & Buchanan will perform in the coming months!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
New Bolton
Great story from "The Hunt" magazine about the new James M. Moran, Jr. Critical Care Center at New Bolton. Lots of photos of local people. http://thehuntmagazine.com/party/2010/06/new-bolton/#ixzz0suWXvILm
HOT meeting
We hear that tonight's West Marlborough township meeting is going to be HOT in more ways than one. There's going to be further discussion of the proposed historical preservation changes to the zoning ordinance; this has proven to be a divisive issue that inexplicably has gotten absolutely no press. I mean, how often do you have members of an historical commission admitting, at a public meeting, that they are embarrassed to be associated with the committee? Yet that's just what Helen Martin and Nancy Truitt did last time.
They, and some citizens, believe the changes will diminish homeowners' property rights. But other members of the group, including architect Richard Buchanan, and at least two of the three township supervisors say the changes will strengthen the township defenses against developers and reduce PennDOT's ability to widen country roads. Mark Myers (retired Xerox executive, head of Chesco Historical Society board) is chairing the embattled group.
There are reasonable people on both sides of this one.
Also at the meeting there will probably be more on The Whip's ongoing, and ongoing, and ongoing parking problems. And possibly more on a mushroom grower's fascinating solar power proposal.
Bring a palm-leaf fan in case you or the person next to you swoons in the heat. 7 p.m.
They, and some citizens, believe the changes will diminish homeowners' property rights. But other members of the group, including architect Richard Buchanan, and at least two of the three township supervisors say the changes will strengthen the township defenses against developers and reduce PennDOT's ability to widen country roads. Mark Myers (retired Xerox executive, head of Chesco Historical Society board) is chairing the embattled group.
There are reasonable people on both sides of this one.
Also at the meeting there will probably be more on The Whip's ongoing, and ongoing, and ongoing parking problems. And possibly more on a mushroom grower's fascinating solar power proposal.
Bring a palm-leaf fan in case you or the person next to you swoons in the heat. 7 p.m.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Philanthropist
This is quite an impressive gift! Unionville resident Lockwood Rush donated an important portrait of his colonial ancestor Benjamin Rush to Dickinson College, which Dr. Rush founded.
http://www.dickinson.edu/giving/stories/Important_Rush_portrait_finds_home_at_Dickinson/
For more on Locke Rush, who is a fascinating man of many talents: http://www.findingthewayhome.com/
http://www.dickinson.edu/giving/stories/Important_Rush_portrait_finds_home_at_Dickinson/
For more on Locke Rush, who is a fascinating man of many talents: http://www.findingthewayhome.com/
Welcome Jesse!
Congratulations to Unionville High School alumna (and Wall of Fame honoree) Chris Barber, who is celebrating the birth of her second grandson.
Just amazing
Is Runnymede the most beautifully kept farm in the county, or what? Everytime I drive by (this past week, during haying), I'm just astonished. Well done to the Youngs, all the hard-working employees and of course the visionary Mrs. W!
Not a traffic circle
I confess: I was a naysayer at first, but I really enjoy the roundabout.
And now, if Pocopson and PennDOT can get the design details worked out, one is going to be built on Route 52 near the prison and county home. Yay! Another reason to look forward to going to Simon Pearce for lunch.
And now, if Pocopson and PennDOT can get the design details worked out, one is going to be built on Route 52 near the prison and county home. Yay! Another reason to look forward to going to Simon Pearce for lunch.
Grandes Dames
There's a story on the new Communidad Hispana building in Kennett at http://www.southernchestercountyweeklies.com/articles/2010/07/03/kennett_paper/news/doc4c2b5299d06f5058711781.txt. Betty Moran and Alice Moorhead chaired the campaign committee.
This reminds me of a conversation I had about all of the Unionville Grandes Dames who have left us recently: Mrs. Ledyard, Mrs. Hannum, Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Lofting...
This reminds me of a conversation I had about all of the Unionville Grandes Dames who have left us recently: Mrs. Ledyard, Mrs. Hannum, Mrs. Bird, Mrs. Lofting...
Sir John
Linda Dougherty has a nice piece on the history of the Thouron estate, now owned and being renovated by Richard Hayne, in her "Pennsylvania Thoroughbred" blog:
http://pathoroughbred.blogspot.com/2010/06/aristocracy-and-equines.html
http://pathoroughbred.blogspot.com/2010/06/aristocracy-and-equines.html
Unionville Fair
Dates for this year's Fair (the 86th!) are Oct. 1, 2 and 3. Mark your calendar. www.ucfairinc.org
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Receivership activities
We beg to differ with the letter-writer in last month's "Horse of Delaware Valley" who said he was sick to death of hearing about Tony Young. And we suspect that most locals disagree with him, too: there's no better way to get a conversation started than "So what do you hear, is Richard Hayne going to tear the place down, or what?"
So for those of you who are interested, here's a lengthy report from the Court-Appointed Receiver about how the wheels of justice have been turning: http://02df6a4.netsolhost.com/scndrpt.pdf.
So for those of you who are interested, here's a lengthy report from the Court-Appointed Receiver about how the wheels of justice have been turning: http://02df6a4.netsolhost.com/scndrpt.pdf.
Location
Though M. Night's new movie "The Last Airbender" is getting thoroughly panned, we'll all go see it just because it was filmed around here. Just like we went to see "The Village" and "The Happening," both of which were wretched.
Still, it was kind of exciting last summer seeing all the film equipment and vans and lights parked in the staging area at Unionville Elementary.
Still, it was kind of exciting last summer seeing all the film equipment and vans and lights parked in the staging area at Unionville Elementary.
Dr. Ost
Dr. Mary-Anne Ost has opened a second office, 200 Old Forge Lane in Kennett Square (off Route 1, just east of Bayard Road), in addition to her Jennersville Hospital office. 610-388-8500. Dr. Ost is a terrific and kind doctor and an all-around good human being, as well as being a competitive side-saddle rider!
Remember her?
Wow. Here's an item about the late Diana Reeve (sculptor Clayton Bright's aunt) from the society page of a 1945 newspaper. http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2293&dat=19450722&id=WdAmAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mgIGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1613,5457334
Trainer/jockey/spiritual seeker Chip Miller reminisces about Miss Reeve in his blog, Snufleupagus: http://snufleupagus.blogspot.com/
Trainer/jockey/spiritual seeker Chip Miller reminisces about Miss Reeve in his blog, Snufleupagus: http://snufleupagus.blogspot.com/
Keepin' it real
The Daily Local News has a story on municipal buildings, contrasting West Marlborough's utilitarian garage/meeting hall/office/polling place in Doe Run with the likes of West Whiteland's grandiose structure in Exton (ick). The reporter interviewed longtime West Marlborough supervisor Hugh Lofting and shot this video.
Violence
Looks like Houyhnhnm Farm (Nina Burnaford and Jeff Seder) along Route 82 had some trees ripped in half with prejudice during the extremely localized June 24 thunderstorm.
A pittance!
Lydia Willits Bartholomew of Plumstead Farm is having a spot of bother with the Feds. Seems her National Bank of Malvern broke a few rules regarding loans, and seven of the directors were fined $5,000 each. Her response? "I believe that the insignificant dollar amount of the civil money penalty speaks for itself."
Here's the link: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/97136624.html
Here's the link: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/97136624.html
Walnut Green
Realtor Brett Jones has Walnut Green, his family's farm, up for sale for $3.75 million. The senior Jones, Russell, and his wife Donnan have moved to Betty Bird's former farm just a few miles to the east.
Here's the listing: http://www.sothebysrealty.com/en/PropertyDetails.aspx?R=104242076
Here's the listing: http://www.sothebysrealty.com/en/PropertyDetails.aspx?R=104242076
Catherine's open for breakfast and lunch!
See hours and menus at http://www.catherinesrestaurant.com/.
Parking is in the back.
Parking is in the back.
It's a Small World
The interesting Tony Young/Whip connection was in The Philadelphia Inquirer's business page on Saturday, June 26. Here's the link: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20100626_Investment-scheme_lawsuit_targets_Chester_County_tavern.html
Mentioned in this story are Whip investors Michael and Billie Bailkin, who live on Route 842 (Upland Rd) just west of U-ville. Here is a story about their home, Fox Hill Farm, from the guy who designed it, architect Richard Buchanan of Mercer Hill Farm. More than coincidentally, there's a piece early on in the book about Tony's house, too ("Springdell Residence").
The Chester County Press' gadfly columnist "Uncle Irv" (Irv Lieberman) has a story about Tony in the June 30 edition in which he refers to The Whip as "a West Marlborough horsey set watering hole." Here's the link: http://www.chestercounty.com/magazines/CCP%206-30-10/pageflip.html
Mentioned in this story are Whip investors Michael and Billie Bailkin, who live on Route 842 (Upland Rd) just west of U-ville. Here is a story about their home, Fox Hill Farm, from the guy who designed it, architect Richard Buchanan of Mercer Hill Farm. More than coincidentally, there's a piece early on in the book about Tony's house, too ("Springdell Residence").
The Chester County Press' gadfly columnist "Uncle Irv" (Irv Lieberman) has a story about Tony in the June 30 edition in which he refers to The Whip as "a West Marlborough horsey set watering hole." Here's the link: http://www.chestercounty.com/magazines/CCP%206-30-10/pageflip.html
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