FALL2011

THORNBURY TOwNsHip, DELAwARE COUNTY | 6 TOwNsHip DRiVE, CHEYNEY, pA 19319 | TEL: 610.399.8383 | FAX: 610.399.3162 | www.THORNBURY.ORg

newsletter

Community Clean Up Day

pAgE 2

Township Manager LetterMaster Open Space PlanpAgE 3

Board of Supervisors Letter & ActionsPlanning Commission Actions

pAgE 4

Fun in the Township PhotosEnvironmental Advisory CommitteepAgE 5

Park and Recreation EventspAgE 6

Letter from the Historic CommissionLetter from the Road Master

pAgE 7

Letter from the Codes DepartmentStormwater Naturalization ProgramAround the Township Photos

pUBLisHED BY:

The Board of Supervisors Since 1975Susan Daudert, Editor

It's simple – just email Sue Howat at sue@thornbury.org and let her know you’d like to be on the Township email list. Sue does an amazing job at keeping everyone up to date. She will send you an email twice a month reminding you about Recycling Day as well as the latest Township news. In addition to that, you will also get important notices on safety issues, upcoming events and

In cooperation with Cheyney University, the Board of Supervisors has instituted a Community Clean Up Day to be held on October 1, 2011. Thornbury Township residents and Cheyney University students will tackle several streets, cleaning up litter or debris. Supplies and assignments will be given out at Thornbury Park Lower Lot at 10:00am.

programs, special tips and much more. The Township will only use your email

address to keep you aware of Township activities as well as other important information. Your email address will under no circumstances be used for solicitation of any kind or sold to a third party. Once you get on this email list,

you'll be up to speed on all Township events. Sign up today!

We will reconvene at Thornbury Park Lower Lot between 11:30am and 12:00pm to drop off the trash and supplies. All participants will receive a FREE ticket to the Cheyney vs. Millersville Football game at 1:00pm, which includes a free lunch voucher. This will be a great day to get out there with our friends and neighbors to do some community service!

JOiN Us!

Barn DanceDust off your boots and come on over for some chow and square dancing.

November 5, 2011 Barn DanceTimE: 7:00 pmpLACE: Geoghegan Barn on Cheyney RdiNFO Joan Dehm, 610-358-3397

Ever miss a movie in the park? Wonder what activities are coming up? Miss a recycling day? Sign up for email alerts and stay informed!

Sign Up for Email Alerts Today!Simply email Sue Howat

at sue@thornbury.org and ask to be put on the

Township email list.

wE REmEmBER…

September 11th

THORNBURYTOWNSHIP

sigN Up FOR EmAiL ALERTs

and Stay in “The Know!”

TH

ORN

BURY TOWN

SHIP

Delaware County

incorporated 1687

pAgE 2 | FALL 2011 | www.THORNBURY.ORg

THORNBURY TOwNsHip

6 Township Drive, Cheyney PA 19319

Phone: 610.399.8383, Fax: 610.399.3162

Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm,

Monday – Friday

BOARD OF sUpERVisORs

1st & 3rd Wednesdays – 7:00pm

James Raith, Chairman

James Kelly, Vice Chairman

Sheri Perkins, Supervisor

ZONiNg HEARiNg BOARD

1st Monday of the Month (if needed) – 7:00pm

ENViRONmENTAL ADVisORY COUNCiL

3rd Thursday – 7:00pm

pARK & RECREATiON BOARD

4th Tuesday – 7:00pm

HisTORiCAL COmmissiON

3rd Tuesday – 7:00pm

pLANNiNg COmmissiON

2nd & 4th Wednesday – 7:00pm

sEwER COmmiTTEE

4th Thursday – 7:00pm

TOwNsHip mANAgER

Jeffrey T. Seagraves: 610.399.8383 ext.104

LiCENsEs & iNspECTiON

Ted McCandless: 610.399.8383 ext.103

pUBLiC wORKs

Lindsey Price: 610.399.8372 ext.106

TAX COLLECTOR

Willard McMullin: 610.459.8475

wEsT CHEsTER AREA sCHOOL DisTRiCT

484.266.1000

DisTRiCT JUsTiCE RiCHARD CAppELLi

610.558.3605

pA sTATE pOLiCE EmERgENCY

484.840.1000 911

pA sENATOR – 26TH DisTRiCT

Edwin Erickson 610.853.4100

pA REp – 168TH DisTRiCT

Thomas H. Killion 610.325.1541

Us REp–7TH DisTRiCT

Pat Meehan 202.225.2011

Us sENATORs

Patrick Toomey 202.224.4254

Robert Casey, Jr. 202.224.6324

township calendar

& important

contact numbers

RECENT OPEN SPACE PURCHASE

LETTER from the MANAGERBY: Jeff seagraves

Greetings Fellow Residents! Summer may have ended, but the fun is not over yet! We still have one fourth Friday remaining…

As in previous years, we’ve saved the best for last! Please mark Friday, September 23rd on your calendar for the last movie in the park and we promise a fireworks display you won’t forget. On October 1, the Township is partnering with Cheyney University to sponsor a Township Cleanup Morning. Those who participate will receive free admittance to the Cheyney University football game vs. Millersville University, with a kickoff at 1:00pm. The Children’s Fishing Derby is alive and well. We will be holding the Fifth annual derby at Martin Park on the morning of Saturday, October 8, 2011. We will stock the portion of Chester Creek

that runs through Martin Park with rainbow, brown and brook trout. It is a great opportunity to bring the children out and show them how to fish. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish in several different age categories. Don’t worry if you don’t have equipment – we always have some spare poles. Bait is free! Please sign up for our email list in order to keep up to date on all of our township events. We send out bi-weekly reminders to residents on the list about upcoming activities and meetings. Email Sue Howat at (sue@thornbury.org) to sign up today.

–Jeff Seagraves Township Manager

Please see page 3 for a letter by Jim Raith, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, reviewing the exciting news about major strides made in our Open Space purchases. Acreage was purchased along Glen Mills Road and in an area that connects to Palmer Arboretum.

– Above –Acreage purchased along

Glen Mills Road that abuts Thornbury Park.

– Left –Acreage purchased that

connects to Palmer Arboretum

letter

from the

Chairman

www.THORNBURY.ORg | FALL 2011 | pAgE 3

My fellow Supervisors and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some recent activities and comments. We have made significant strides in our Master Open Space Plan! We purchased 13.1 acres along Glen Mills Road, just west of Cheyney Road. This property abuts Thornbury Park and will be preserved for all Township residents to enjoy. We have also added additional property connected to Palmer Arboretum, our total acreage for Palmer is now just under 32 acres. Please see the large photo of the recent Open Space purchase on page 2. We are setting up our First Annual Clean Up Day! We will be working along with Cheyney University on this event. Anyone who participates will be invited to Cheyney’s football game vs. Millersville at 1:00pm. The tickets will be compliments of Cheyney and when you get there, lunch is on us! This is a great way to keep our Township clean and enjoy an afternoon of football. Everyone needs to be aware of what is going on in and around town, please sign up on line for our email alerts. Just email Sue Howat: sue@thornbury.org and sign up. You will receive a bi-weekly email keeping you informed.

–Jim Raith, Chairman Board of Supervisors

from the BOARD of SUPERVISORS

subdivision & Land Development1 Paaby, Prelim./Final 4-Lot Subdivision, 32/34 Westtown Rd. No improvements are proposed for parcels 1, 3, and 4. Parcels 1, 3, and 4 will be sold to adjacent neighbors. Parcel 2 will contain the existing dwelling and will remain as an existing lot with no proposed improvements. This was recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval on May 25th.2 Wills Prelim./Final 3-Lot Subdivision, 35 Locksley Rd. This subdivision is currently being discussed.3 Gricco, Final Subdivision, 205/209 Locksley Rd. The plan proposes to amend the subdivision known as “Thomas Damon” approved in 1985 to reconfigure existing two separate driveways into a single driveway. This subdivision is currently being discussed.

Ordinances1 Accessory Structure Regulations: Discussions continue regarding wind and

solar free-standing structures.2 Historic District Sign Ordinance: This draft ordinance written by the Historic Commission is currently being discussed, along with the Township’s Sign Ordinance and billboard regulations. 3 Comprehensive Plan: The 2010 census figures are being analyzed and used in current discussions regarding our future goals and objectives.

The Planning Commission welcomes Ken Zitarelli, who was appointed at the Board of Supervisors’ August 3rd meeting to fill a vacant seat. Thanks to Herman Welsh for his brief time on the Planning Commission. The public is invited to attend Planning Commission meetings. They are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Public comment is welcome at all Planning Commission meetings.

– Jim Bulkley, ChairmanPlanning Commission

The Planning Commission has completed or is reviewing the following items:

actions

June 1, 20111 Approved a special event permit for Boyscout Troop 260 for a weekend camp

out at Martin Park.2 Approved the contract for 4th Friday night movies and associated special events.

June 15, 20111 Approved resolution 2011-15 authorizing parade permit for July 4th. 2 Approved the contract between

Thornbury Township and CMC Productions for Thornbury Township Summer Arts Camp.3 Approved the purchase of two

new (AED) cardiac defibrillators for use at Thornbury Park.July 20, 20111 Approved the contract with D&M Fireworks for the September 23, 2011 Fourth Friday Event.2 Approved the extended contract between Thornbury Township and Delaware County SPCA.

August 3, 20111 Approved the Energy Smart Communities municipal efficient grant resolution 2011-16.2 Accepted the resignation of Herman

Welsh from the Planning Commission and appointed Ken Zitarelli.

The Supervisors help Joan Dehm cut the ribbon to

unveil The Historical Time Line at Thornbury Park.

from the PLANNING COMMISSION

pAgE 4 | FALL 2011 | www.THORNBURY.ORg

thornbury

environmental

advisory countil

The Thornbury Environmental Advisory Council members and friends have defined a footpath we call the Luckenbach Trail along Chester Creek from the foot of Grist Mill Road (connecting to the Bonner Park trail system), upstream to the Township property at Cheyney Road. In addition, with Cheyney University approval, we have roughed out a trail further upstream through the University Woods to the Township Border near Dilworthtown Road and which can be continued to the proximity of Thornbury Park. Two additional trails are planned to be linked to the Luckenbach trail:

• The Patterson Woods Access Trail, which connects to the Township woodlands on the summit above the Tall Trees development and

• The Perimeter Trail in Barrett Meadow (at the corner of Creek and Tanguy Roads).

In addition to trail clearing the EAC has planted wetland tolerant trees and shrubs at half a dozen locations along Chester Creek, to help cope with stream bank erosion and improve the riparian buffer.

FUN in THORNBURY TOWNSHIP4th of July celebration

– Above –Congratulations to the

Hawaiian Babes Float by the Red Hat Ladies taking home the 1st Place in the July 4th parade!

– Left –Congratulations to all the children who participated in the Salute to the Troops Float for taking home 2nd place in the July 4th parade! Pictured: Amanda and Brian Sponaugle

– Below –The Supervisors are excited to hand out the prizes to the winner of the float contest.

Life is like a game of cards…Did you know Thornbury Township has a card club? Every week a friendly group of residents gather and enjoy a couple of hours of pinochle. If you are not interested in pinochle, bring some players with you and start another game! Table and cards provided by the Township. wHEN: Tuesdays at 1:30pmpLACE: Township Building Meeting roomiNFO: Deb Zitarelli, 610-399-9199

www.THORNBURY.ORg | FALL 2011 | pAgE 5

The Fall EAC Schedule will continue this activity. The trails have to be reviewed for fallen branches and trees but also a big part of this is removal of invasive plants and vines (see pictures), to give our plantings a chance to become established.

Environmental Advisory Council Clean Up Dates: Fall 2011 schedule

saturday, september 10, 20119am – 12pmmeet at Cheyney post OfficeStation Road and Barrett Meadow, Trail and Invasive Clearing

saturday, October 8, 20119am – 12pmmeet at Cheyney post OfficeLocksley Road and Vicinity,Trail and Invasive Clearing

saturday, November 5, 20119am – 12pmmeet at Cheyney post OfficeCheyney University Woods,Extending Trail

saturday, December 3, 20119am – 12pmmeet at Cheyney post OfficePatterson Woods: Access and Summit Loop Trails (Tentative)

We always welcome helpers and hope that you can join us! Questions? Please feel free to call anytiime.iNFO: Allen McCann (610-399-0205) Rich White (610-558-0380) Larry Barrett (610-459-3231)

PARK and RECREATIONevent calendar

BEFORE

AFTER

CLip AND sAVE!

Friday, september 23, 2011 grand Finale Fireworks and a movieThe kids will forget that school is back in session with this grand finale in September.

‘Megamind’ is the super villain we will get to know and afterward everyone is welcome to enjoy a truly amazing fireworks display!pLACE: Thornbury ParkTimE: 8:00pm

saturday, October 1, 2011 Community Clean Up DayVolunteer and receive a free ticket to the Cheyney vs. Millersville Football game at 1:00pm and a free lunch coupon at the game. See the article on page 2 and our website for more details.pLACE: Meet at Thornbury ParkTimE: 10:00am

saturday, October 8, 2011 Fishing DerbyDon’t put your rod and reels away just yet! This event is always a family favorite. The creek will be stocked and ready for you to enjoy a great day of fishing with the kids.pLACE: Martin ParkTimE: 9:00am

sunday, October 23, 2011 Annual Halloween parade and Fall FestivalThe parade begins at the Yellow House parking lot and ends as the Fall Festival begins at Thornbury Park. A Pie Baking Contest and Costume contest make this festival fun for the whole family! Bring clothes to make a scare crow and carving tools for your pumpkin. Pumpkins are for Fall Festival participants only.pLACE: Yellow House Parking Lot on Glen Mills RoadTimE: 1:00pm

Thursday, November 10, 2011 senior Bus Trip to Harrah’s This will be fun, you can bet on it!Bus Departs from Township Building. Everyone gets $20.00 in Harrah’s cash!pLACE: Meet at Township BuildingTimE: depart – 11:30am, return – 4:30pmCOsT: $15.00 per person

saturday, November 12, 2011 NYC Bus TripTickets available at the Twp. building on 10/17/11. Must be a resident. 4 ticket min. pLACE: Meet at Township BuildingTimE: 8:00am to 8:00pmCOsT: $30.00 per person

sunday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Holiday wreath DecoratingWreath, decorations and expert advice are all included in the price.pLACE: Township BuildingTimE: Sunday: 1:00pm, Tuesday: 7:00pmCOsT: $10.00 per wreath

sunday, December 4, 2011 Annual Christmas Tree Lighting CeremonyThe Holiday spirit will keep you warm as carols are sung and the nature-friendly ornaments are hung. Immediately following join us for hot chocolate and a visit with Santa at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church.pLACE: Thornbury ParkTimE: 4:00pm

saturday, December 10, 2011 Thornbury Holiday ExpressA train ride with Santa is a perfect way to capture the holiday spirit! Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Township building. 6 ticket limit. Must be a resident to purchase. Sale begins on 11/14/11.Place: Cheyney Train StationTime: 8:45 am – train departs at 9am sharpCOsT: $5.00 per ticket

a note from the

road master about

the coming winter

pAgE 6 | FALL 2011 | www.THORNBURY.ORg

Fall is here – which means winter is quickly approaching. I don’t think anyone can forget last winter. We had approximately 44 inches of snow and plowing was quite a challenge! As property owners, you are responsible for the maintenance of vegetation that exists within the Public “Right of Way.” In other words, if you have a tree or bush growing on or close to the street, you are responsible for cutting this growth back. This maintenance is critical to ensuring the safety of our community. During heavy snowfalls, some roads become problematic because of obstructions created by “un-groomed vegetation.” Please remove any branches or plants that contribute to this hazard by the end of October. Any property that is not in compliance is subject to a citation. [Ordinance #2 of 1976 sec. 27-2111]. If you are unsure, or need assistance in determining the need for maintenance on your property please contact me at 610-399-8383 ext#106. My crew and I appreciate your cooperation.

– Linsey Price, Road Master

In the mid 1960’s, the state of Pennsylvania purchased 2,490 acres of farmland in Edgemont Township, Delaware County, to create Ridley Creek State Park. At the same time a group of people interested in historic sites and the American Revolutionary period joined together to preserve, protect and register the old houses within the new park. They called themselves the Bishop’s Mill Historical Society, after a nearby mill village known in the 20th century as Sycamore Mills. An offshoot of the Society, the Bishop’s Mill Historical Society Institute, eventually turned an abandoned 250 year old working farm within the park, into a 112 acre colonial farm or “plantation.” The aptly named Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is complete with an 18th restored farmhouse, a stone cabin, springhouse and two barns. This plantation is a living example of a typical southeastern Pennsylvanian working farm operating with the methods and implements of colonial America. The people and activities of the Plantation

represent more than the 18th century Pratt family who owned the property from 1720-1820. Consistent with the findings of local research into religious and tax records, wills and letters of the

1760-1790 period, the Plantation represents a broader view of early American life, an authentic demonstration of how most people in this area lived during colonial times. Amazing Tree Trivia:

It is suggested that it took 10 to 20 acres of woodland to keep a single fireplace burning for a year in colonial times.* In addition to weekend general public events and tours, the Plantation provides

workshops and educational programs for preschool and kindergarten as well as Summer Camps. It is a year round working farm complete with plenty of animals (horses, cows, bulls, sheep, goats, chickens and ducks), and is open to the public on weekends from April

to early December. Children under 4 are admitted free of charge.

–Ric Miller, ChairmanHistoric Commission

*Source www.chaddsfordhistory.org

from the HISTORIC COMMISSION

“when the well is dry, we will know the worth of water” – Ben Franklin

BY: Ric miller

Spotlight on our local history: The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation

Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation610-566-1725 | www.colonialplantation.org

Of Historic Note: The Importance of Remembering

Battle of Brandywine – September 11, 1777 –

www.brandywinebattlefield.org 224 years later…

– September 11, 2001 –“Those who cannot remember the past

are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana

rustin high school October 22, 2011 Homecoming & Football gameRustin vs. OxfordTimE: 1:00pm – Get there early for a good parking spot!COsT: Adults – $5.00, Children – $3.00November 3, 4 & 5, 2011 Fall DramaShow to be announced.TimE: 7:30pmCOsT: $5.00November 12, 2011 Home Football gameDetails to be announced.

from the

thornbury codes

department

www.THORNBURY.ORg | FALL 2011 | pAgE 7

After the Labor Day Holiday, most pool owners make preparation for the winter by closing their pools. Here are a few reminders to pool owners:• Include in your procedure for

closing your pool the inspection of your fence that surrounds the space.

• All gates should self-close freely and self-latch completely.

• Repair voids or holes in your fence.• Discharging chlorinated pool water

directly into a stream, pond, septic system or storm drain is prohibited. The water should be discharged onto your grass so that it may naturally seep into the ground and ground water table.

• Any unattended pool, whether opened or closed, is required to be secured.

• The code requires “Every person maintaining an in-ground or above-ground pool which must be fenced and gated as required by this Article shall keep the gate closed and securely locked at all times when said pool is not in use by the person maintaining the same, his family or his guests.”

Thornbury Township Delaware County and Chester County, along with Edgmont Township, will be hosting an informative program on the naturalization and maintenance of Storm water Basins, to be held on September 29, 2011 at 6:30pm, in the Concord Township Meeting RoomThis workshop is being presented by the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association and sponsored by the Delaware County Association of Township Officials (Our Chairman, Jim Raith, is President of DCATO). It will detail proper maintenance of existing basins and the advantages of “naturalized” basins, in comparison to those conventionally mowed. This program will also feature comments from experts on the process of converting

your basins, and information on what types of native species plants and wildflowers are recommended. All are welcome to attend and learn the advantages of beautifully naturalized basins and their ease of

maintenance.A naturalized basin, like the one shown here, enhances basin performance by filtering non-point pollutants and slowing stormwater flows through the basin, is an attractive native landscape

and is less costly to maintain since mowing is virtually eliminated.

september 29, 2011 stormwater programTimE: 6:30pmpLACE: Concord Township Meeting Room 43 Thornton Road, Glen Mills

The Naturalization and Maintenance of Stormwater Basins

STORMWATER BASIN PROGRAMinformation

FUN TIMES from around THORNBURY TOWNSHIP

Our Senior Events are a big hit! Maggie Daudert teaches one of her favorite Wii games: Just Dance. Wii Bowling was

a knock out!

Fun was had by all at the Thornbury Township Phillies game on June 15th.

Pictured here: Rudy Riccuiti, Josh Howat and

Jeremiah Daudert

what’sinside:

join us!pAgE 2

Township Manager LetterMaster Open Space PlanpAgE 3

Board of Supervisors Letter & ActionsPlanning Commission ActionspAgE 4

Fun in the Township PhotosEnvironmental Advisory CommitteepAgE 5

Park and Recreation EventspAgE 6

Letter from the Historic CommissionLetter from the Road MasterpAgE 7

Letter from the Codes DepartmentStormwater Naturalization ProgramAround the Township Photos

september 23, 2011 grand Finale Fireworks & movie

saturday, October 1, 2011 Community Clean Up Day

saturday, October 8, 2011 Fishing Derby

sunday, October 23, 2011 Annual Halloween parade and Fall Festival

Thurs., November 10, 2011 senior Trip to Harrah’s

TH

ORN

BURY TOWN

SHIP

Delaware County

incorporated 1687

THORNBURYTOWNSHIP6 TOwNsHip DRiVE, CHEYNEY pA 19319

TEL: 610.399.8383

www.THORNBURY.ORg

THORNBURY

TOwNsHip

NEwsLETTER

FALL

2011

PRST STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDSoutheastern PA 19399

Permit #50

saturday, October 23

Bring clothes for making a scarecrow and tools for pumpkin carving –

and compete in the pie Baking and

Costume Contests!

Halloween

paradeand Fall

Festival