Penn Township Spring 2019 Newsletter

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

VISION STATEMENT

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

MISSION STATEMENT

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

Penn Township, Chester County 260 Lewis Road West Grove, PA 19390

TOWNSHIP STAFF

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Karen Versuk

TREASURER

Lorraine Debes

SECRETARY

Caitlin Ianni

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Brittnee Cole

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kaylea Dugger

PARKS AND FACILITIES TECH

Danny Peters

ROAD MASTER

Ken Bryson

EMERGENCY MGMT

Chuck Freese

STATE SENATOR

Andy Dinniman (D19)

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

John Lawrence (R13)

DISTRICT COURT 15-3-05

Honorable Scott Massey

Phone: 610-869-9620

Fax: 610-869-9194

Email: office@penntownship.us www.penntownship.us

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Curtis A. Mason, Sr., BOARD CHAIR

Victor Mantegna, VICE CHAIR

Ken Bryson, MEMBER

Jay Ennis, MEMBER

William "Radar" O'Connell, MEMBER

Board of Supervisors meetings are the first Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm

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

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

PLANNING COMMISSION

Bill Wells

Bruce van Kleeck

J. Dennis Newbold

Ralph Churchill

Scott Steele

Planning Commission meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30am - 4:00pm

Closed Fridays

After hours appointments available

EMERGENCIES:

POLICE - PA State Police

AGREM - Chuck Freese

FIRE COMPANY - West Grove

Fire Department & Ambulance Division

PARAMEDICS & MEDICAL

SERVICE - Southern Chester

Co. Emergency "Medic 94"

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Kathy Wandersee - Chair

Larry Waltman

Margaret Emerson

Patricia Horrocks

Patricia Moidel

Raymond Mackey

Robert Davis

Sandra Laxton

Scott Steele

Good things come to those who wait

Dear Neighbors,

Often, I have the chance to speak with officials from other municipalities in Pennsylvania. When I tell them what we are doing here, they are always amazed. Sometimes, it is hard for us to see progress because we are too close.

This year, we are witnessing the commencement of a project which was an 8 year process, but really, something people wanted for decades. Of course, I am writing about the improvement to the Red Rose intersection of Route 796 and W. Baltimore Pike. By chance, it coincides with the 200th anniversary of Penn Township becoming a chartered municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. That seems fitting.

The intersection is a daily challenge for many, a constant source of social media ire, and as an elected official, quite frankly, a nightmare. It took 8 years of progress, meetings, the purchase of a building in foreclosure, and the blood, sweat, and tears of PennDOT officials, Rep. John Lawrence, Senator Andy Dinniman, our Board, our Staff, and engineers to get to that first shovel scoop of dirt. On February 11 we celebrated the start of the construction. Sometime mid-to-late summer, we will celebrate its conclusion. Along the way, we ask your patience.

We continue to work on updating our zoning ordinances which we plan to adopt this spring. The zoning ordinances were updated last in 1999, and much in the world has changed, most notably terminology. A draft of the new ordinances are available on our website at www.penntownship.us.

Among the other noteworthy items for this year is a full slate of community events. Our Board prides itself on promoting family-friendly events, mostly free, to attract visitors to our park, to encourage community interaction and to celebrate this great Township of ours. Among the events, our annual Community Picnic and Health and Wellness Fair, our concert and movie nights (co-sponsored with the Avon Grove Library), our kids’ days, Senior Health and Fitness Day, Halloween event, Shred it events, and of course, Sunset Park Day.

Please continue to join us as we celebrate our community!

Respectfully,

Curtis A. Mason, Sr.

Board Chair, Penn Supervisors

Penn intersection improvements begin

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Work has officially begun on a $2.5 million project to improve and realign the intersection of state Route 796 and West Baltimore Pike near the site of the former Red Rose Inn in Penn Township.

On Monday morning, Penn Township officials welcomed numerous state and local dignitaries, along with representatives from PennDOT, McMahon Associates, RoadCon and the Pennsylvania State Police for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of the much-needed project.

Curtis Mason, the chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, was elated that the project has finally reached the point where improvements to the heavily travelled intersection are underway.

“This is great,” Mason said. “For the growth that we have, this project is a must.”

As traffic has increased in the area, the intersection has become not only an annoyance for motorists—it ranks among the least efficient intersections in Pennsylvania—there were also safety issues because of the alignment of the road and the high volume of the traffic, especially during peak hours.

Mason said that the intersection has been an issue since he joined the Board of Supervisors more than 21 years ago, and the supervisors were all determined to find a solution that would address the traffic congestion.

He explained that the township purchased the Red Rose Inn building seven years ago not only because it was a way to preserve an important part of township history, but because it also allowed for traffic-calming measures to be undertaken for the nearby intersection. After the township purchased the Red Rose Inn, modifications were made to the non-historic

additions that had been made to the building through the years to make way for the realignment of Route 796. The original historic part of the Inn will remain intact and is being carefully refurbished.

The new design for the intersection will realign Route 796 and add turning lanes on both roads to alleviate the current traffic congestion. Improving the flow of traffic through the main intersection of the township should also help boost the local economy by allowing easier access to local businesses and open up access to additional nearby sites for potential commercial development.

Mason said that the long process to reach this point in the project was well worth it. He thanked both State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and State Rep. John Lawrence, who worked together in the spirit of bipartisanship to secure $275,000 in state funding to improve the intersection.

Mason said that the project would not have been possible without the assistance of Dinniman and Lawrence.

The project will be partially funded by PennDOT and a Commonwealth Financing Authority Multi-Modal grant. Penn Township will only be paying about $1.25 million of the total project costs. Penn Township adopted an ordinance last year establishing a traffic impact fee on any new commercial or residential developments or projects that create a traffic impact within designated transportation service areas in the township. The revenues generated from those fees will be used to help cover the expenses for any road improvements that might be necessary as a result of the developments.

State Rep. John Lawrence was one of the speakers at the event. He talked about the importance of the project to local residents and people who work in the township.

“This is an historic day,” said Lawrence. He recalled a meeting that he had with PennDOT officials about 7 or 8 years ago.

When he raised the subject of the intersection, and the possibility of making the necessary improvements, the officials said that it would take about 20 years for the Penn Township intersection to reach the top of the list of projects.

“That was not accptable,” Lawrence said. “So a large group of people came together, and there were more meetings. We got the intersection prioritized for the residents of southern Chester County.”

Dinniman wasn’t able to be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but he, too, was very pleased that the intersection improvements are about to be made.

“This project has been a long time coming but we’re finally here and we did it by working together for the good and economic well-being of the community, not to mention the safety of the many motorists and commuters who use this vital thoroughfare each day,” Dinniman said in a statement. “The new intersection will have a significant, positive impact on not just Penn Township, but southern Chester County.”

Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Michelle Swantner said that they are very supportive of projects like this one that can help improve safety on heavily traveled roadways.

“We appreciate all the hard work that went into making this happen,” Swantner said.

McMahon Associates is the township’s project manager and design and construction engineer for the intersection.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sean Hughes, the construction superintendent from McMahon Associates, provided an overview of the project.

The work will be completed in four phases between now and the end of July. At this point, no detours or road closures are expected to be necessary. If lane closures do occur, there will be flaggers to facilitate traffic flow.

In addition to the roads being widened and the turning lanes being added, a new traffic signal will be intalled with updated signal phasing. The last phase of the project includes the paving of the roads. Because the intersection is a busy one, the mill work and overlay work might be completed at night, but that hasn’t been decided yet.

While there may be minor inconveniences on occasion, officials were optimistic that the resulting improvements will be well worth it.

“It’s going to be a nice, finished project when it’s done,” said Stephen C. Giampaolo, the Regional Highway Design Service Leader with McMahon Associates. He said that when the design plans for the project were being developed, they factored in the needs of the intersection for the next 20 years so these improvements will make a difference for a long time to come.

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

Penn Park and Community Room Rentals

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

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

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

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

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

COMING SOON TO PENN TOWNSHIP PARK!

PENN BOOK NOOK

Last year, we installed a shaded seating area with an attached shed by our playground. After some debate, we decided to transform the inside portion into PENN’S BOOK NOOK! Adopting the take a book, leave a book idea...we are transforming the space into an area kids can always come to read a book. The Nook features a chalk board wall, mini picnic table, shelves and a reading bench. Books can be taken home, read in the park or donated back to The Nook. Our hope is that with constant access to books, The Nook will encourage more reading time not just at the park but at home as well.

In preparation for it’s opening this Spring, we are asking for book donations. Our goal is to fill The Nook’s shelves with age appropriate children’s and teen’s books. Book donations can be dropped off to the Penn Township office, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call with any questions 610-869-9620

Snap Fitness of Jennersville Located at 63 Jenner’s Village Center, West Grove, PA 19390

Jennersville Snap Fitness Club Amenities: Fitness equipment, tanning, vending, private showers, hydro massage, & a styku body imager Call the fitness center for prices on memberships and for staffed hours! 484-746-5400

Regular hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year

PJ Mullin - State Farm Insurance Agent

Located at 129 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA 19390

Opening Soon – www.pjmullin.com

Located at 390 Vineyard Way, West Grove, PA 19390 Now Accepting Employment Applications! Apply online at dunkindonuts.com/en/careers or in-store!

*Bring this flyer to get promotion. May not be combined with any other offers. Valid April 1–30. $1 OFF any size hot or cold beverage Nitro and cold brew excluded *Bring this flyer to get promotion. May not be combined with any other offers. Valid April 1–30.

When History can be Wrong—Discovering the True Bicentennial Year for Penn Township

If you have read any articles or documents about Penn Township, most will say that Penn Township was formed in 1817 when it separated from Londonderry Township. It appears over and over again in various historical documents and so Township officials naturally accepted that date and almost started to plan an 2017 Bicentennial.

However, a bit of historical sleuthing changed this! To begin research for this upcoming Bicentennial , Scott Steele, local historian and Historical Commission member went to the Chester County Archives in 2016 to start research into the very early records of Penn Township. There he found an undated petition by 57 residents of Londonderry Township requesting a jury to grant a division of Londonderry Township. This same petition suggested that the new Township be named “Penn Township”. The Court appointed three men to study this proposal and submit a draft of the proposal. On April 30, 1890, the three recommended this division “having duly considered the Propriety of a Division of the Township of Londonderry as therein we are directed Do Report, that it is our decided opinion that a division of said Township will be to the advantage and convenience of the inhabitants thereof. And that we have laid of a Township on the south end, to be called Penn.” This was officially filed with the courts and confirmed by the Court on November 1, 1819. And thus, this is the official date for the establishment of Penn Township.

And how did the wrong date of 1817 become so widely publicized? It is believed that the original mistake began in the formidable and exhaustive 1881 History of Chester County, Pennsylvania by Futhey and Cope which is such a valuable source of historical information for over a century. It states on page 200 that the “Penn Township was formed by a division of Londonderry in 1817.” Why did they get it wrong? Who knows! Perhaps poor pensmanship?

So now we know the facts. Penn Township will celebrate its 200th birthday in 2019. You will be hearing more about the celebrations soon!.

From Zoning to Building, First Get the Facts

Among the most frequent inquiries to the township office are questions regarding building permits. Failing to obtain the appropriate permit can result in fines and the township may mandate that a structure or improvement be removed.

Why Do I Need A Permit?

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

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

Permit Process Checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Residential zoning, building inspection and code enforcement

Scott Moran

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

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

Tom Lowry phone – 610-692-9232

Penn Township Tax Information

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

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

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

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

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

Keystone Collections Group 546 Wendel Road, Irwin, PA 15642 724-978-0300

www.keystonecollects.com

Chester County Real Estate taxes are sent on January 15 of each year.

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

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

Chester County Treasurer

313 W. Market St, West Chester, PA 610-344-6370

www.chesco.org

Penn Township Voting

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, May 21, 2019 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

General Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Peddling and Soliciting in Penn Township

In December of 2012, the Penn Supervisors adopted the Peddling and Solicitation Ordinance. Resulting from complaints and safety concerns, this ordinance is intended to protect our residents from unwanted contact with solicitors and peddlers and to protect those traveling township roads by limiting peddling and soliciting to only those who have obtained a permit issued by the Township Code Enforcement Officer. At the time of this publication, not one permit has been issued.

In order to obtain a permit, an application must be completed and returned along with an application fee and proof of insurance of a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability. The full ordinance and application are available on our website at www.penntownship.us under “permits, forms and applications”.

To ensure the safety of those on Penn Township roads, no one may collect money for any organization on a public roadway in Penn Township. Selling or soliciting is strictly prohibited on public roadways, roadsides, alleys, neighborhoods or anywhere that a sign is posted prohibiting solicitation.

Violators will be prosecuted and fined for trespassing.

Of course, the best course of action is to never buy from a solicitor or peddler. If there is no one to buy, they will not sell.

If there is a solicitor operating within the township borders without the appropriate permit, please report it to the township office at 610-869-9620 or by email at office@penntownship.us.

Dog Licensing in Pennsylvania

2019 dog licenses are now available!

All dogs three months and older are required to have a dog license in the State of Pennsylvania. Dogs must be licensed by January 1st of each year.

A dog license is the best way to bring your pet home if they are ever lost.

PRICING:

Annual license - $8.50 | Lifetime license - $51.50

If the pet is spayed or neutered the annual license is $6.50

If the pet is spayed or neutered the lifetime license is $31.50

*Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities

*Failure to license your dog can result in a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs

To receive a dog license in this area:

West Grove Borough Office, 117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, PA 19390

Oxford Feed & Lumber, 112 Railroad Avenue, Oxford, PA 19363

SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

Or visit:

https://www.chesco.org/1112/Dog-License

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling is mandatory in Penn Township. Those with private trash haulers should be provided with recycling toters and have dedicated days for recycling collection. Appliances such as computer monitors, laptops, and televisions must be recycled in Pennsylvania.

The Township has a 24/7 recycling center located by the Dansko building on Federal Road, just off of Commerce Blvd., across from the main entrance to Jenner’s Pond.

There are labeled bins that you can sort your recycling into including paper, plastic, aluminum, metal, Styrofoam, packaging peanuts, and glass.

Electronics and most waste can be taken to the SECCRA landfill. The SECCRA landfill is located at 219 Street Road in West Grove. Their phone number is (610) 869-2452 and Comment Hotline is (484) 712-0584. For specific recycling information, hours of operation, etc. visit www.seccra.org/recycling.

Penn Township holds a Public Safety Day annually in the spring. Shredding and prescription drug takeback is offered free of charge to all. This year we collected nearly 4 tons of paper. The Pennsylvania State Police at Avondale on Route 41 has a 24/7 prescription drug takeback box in their lobby. Please dispose of your expired or unused prescription drugs at an approved location with a drug takeback box, do not dispose of them down the toilet or sink.

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

Tanker Replacement Project Progressing

By Fire Chief Justin Gattorno

In the summer of 2018, the West Grove Fire Company entered into a contract with 4Guys Fire Trucks in Meyersdale PA to replace the 1990 S&S Mack 3,000 gallon tanker. WGFC has purchased a 2018 567 Peterbilt with a 3,500 gallon elliptical water tank. The commercial chassis was delivered to 4Guys in November and construction of the body has been taking place since then.

On Thursday, the tanker committee made the 3 hour drive out to western PA and spent all day in the factory on Friday finalizing details of the build during a pre-paint inspection. The Fire Company expects to take delivery of the tanker within the next 2-3 months and have it in service once drivers training and orientation is complete.

The new tank truck purchase was part of the fire company's multi-year fleet plan, which outlines on orderly replacement of apparatus as units approach and pass 20-25 years in service. This plan provides the fire company with an orderly, predictable road map for fleet management, and helps the organization manage its capital budgets on an on-going basis. The purchase of the replacement tank truck follows the most recent WGFC purchase completed last year of Ladder 22.

In Memory of Jerry Wayne Barker

Jerry Wayne Barker (Wayne), 63, of West Grove, PA passed away Friday, December 21, 2018. Wayne resided in Penn Township, with his wife Patricia, beloved dog Zoey, and his cat Casper. He was known for always walking his dog on Sunnyside road and waiving at everyone he came across. Wayne was employed for 38 ½ years at London Grove Township, West Grove, PA until his retirement on September 30, 2016. Those who knew Wayne knew complete retirement wasn’t for him, and he rejoined the workforce here at Penn Township, West Grove, PA for the past 2 years. Wayne wasn’t just an employee, he was a part of our family. Wayne was always the first to greet you in the morning and lend a helping hand in the office. He was always available on short notice on his days off or on weekends to come in and fix anything that needed done right away no questions asked. Wayne always made a point to ask each and every one of us how our day was, and to tell us to have a good rest of our night/ weekend. He will be dearly missed by everyone here at Penn Township.

Missing Jane Finnen

In February, Penn Township lost a dear friend. Longtime Township Treasurer, Jane Finnen, wife of Bill Finnen, Penn Township Secretary and Supervisor for 55 years.

Jane served Penn Township as Treasurer from 1962 until 2010. She also worked at Chester County Voter Services for a number of years. It is local lore that well before Penn Township had an official building, the township office was in their home. Township meetings were held in the Finnen’s basement. Jane always baked and had coffee on those occasions to ensure a warm welcome for anyone who came before the Board.

In many ways, the Finnens were the mother and father of Penn Township for the last half century. It is rare to find the type of good-hearted, good humored dedication in any industry, especially local government. The Finnens welcomed everyone and made them feel at home.

Anyone who attended township meetings could not help but enjoy how Jane gave Treasurer’s reports in her unique, sing-songy style, ensuring transparency in government and accounting for every penny publicly.

Jane was an institution at the township picnic for the past 15 years, stationed at the food tent, making sure everyone was well-fed.

Along the way, Jane and Bill had two wonderful daughters and 18 grandchildren and great-grandchildren on whom they doted. They could not have been prouder parents or grandparents.

In recent years, health challenges never dulled Jane’s spirit or her wonderful sense of humor. She was always concerned about others first.

Most noteworthy, in addition to Jane’s great sense of humor, selflessness, and love of family and community, was the amazing love story Jane and Bill shared. The two were inseparable. They gardened and canned, bred horses, hunted, fished, and square danced.

On February 15, 2019, Jane’s life was celebrated, appropriately, here in the Penn Township Finnen Community Room. Hundreds came out to say goodbye and remember Jane with a smile, and a tear. Jane’s legacy as a part of Penn Township history will never die.

Jennersville Hospital Expands Surgical Services ppg

Jennersville Hospital recently expanded both inpatient and outpatient surgical care with the addition of two new general surgeons, James Tayoun, DO, Chief of Surgery and Andrew DeMichele, MD. Drs. Tayoun and DeMichele specialize in minimally invasive appendectomy procedures, comprehensive colon surgery options, advanced breast procedures, and state-of-the-art hernia repair.

Educational surgical seminars on Hernia and Vascular health are now offered at the Hospital with our board-certified general surgeons who will discuss best practices for hernia and vein health and what to expect before, during, and after a minimally invasive surgery. Our expert team of surgeons is committed to reducing your pain and improving outcomes with the highest level of surgical care – close to home. For more information on surgical services and upcoming educational seminars, visit our website.

In addition to surgical services, Jennersville Hospital offers a full array of infusion services onsite, managed by Director of Surgical Services and Infusion Services, Lisa Howell, BSN, RN. Located at the main entrance of the hospital, the Infusion Center offers personalized outpatient infusion therapy for adults needing supportive treatment. The infusion team works closely with referring physicians to provide infusion therapy prescribed for your care. Services include IV medication therapy, vaccinations, antibiotic therapy, and blood transfusions. For more information, call 610-869-1034.

2018 SCCCC Outstanding Citizen of the Year

His invisible footprint: A conversation with Peter Kjellerup

Growing up in Denmark, Peter Kjellerup’s dream was to become a farmer. He eventually achieved that dream, but at the time, he did not know the incredible course his life would take, beginning with his marriage to Mandy Cabot in 1982 and the start of Dansko, Inc. in 1990.

For anyone who has had the privilege of knowing Peter, however, they know he is also defined by his dedication to making the world a better place, both globally and locally. For his service to his community and the world, Peter received the coveted Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, in ceremonies held on Feb. 23 at Longwood Gardens.

On the eve of this honor, Connections met with Kjellerup to talk about his early life, his wife Mandy, his many passions and his commitment to the world he lives in. The following are condensed excerpts from his interview with Richard L. Gaw of the Chester County Press.

No one gets to become Citizen of the Year without having inspired others, or by having served as a mentor to others. Who inspired you, particularly when you were growing up, both in Denmark, and later in Germany, where you earned an equestrian degree in Hamburg?

When I was young, my riding instructor Gustav Martens changed the path I was probably going to take, which was the path my parents wanted me to take. My father didn’t agree at all with what I was doing in the horse world, and it was really my mother who protected me and let me develop my skills.

Martens took me in as a protégé when I was 14 years old. I began teaching other kids how to ride properly, and ran an equestrian summer camp for him. I was very sure that this was the path I wanted to take in life, and as a consequence, it led me to run a farm for 12 years. I looked up to Martens as a father figure and mentor.

You and Mandy have had a tremendous partnership, and together, you’ve been able to accomplish so much. How does she inspire you?

Mandy’s nature and her whole character is unselfish. It’s never about Mandy and that fits together so well for us. She has strengths that I don’t have and I have strengths that she doesn’t have, and we figured that out about a month after we first met. I am more of a hands-on guy, while Mandy is very good at the administrative work that isn’t my strength. When we set out to build our business, we felt that the sum of our combined strengths would serve us well. Also, we bring the best out in each other.

You effectively retired from Dansko, Inc. at the end of last year. The word “Retirement” implies an ending, but you’re just beginning.

We’ve already started on our next chapter, big time. While we still work with several non-profits locally, Mandy and I had been looking for a place where we could both spend some time in our retirement and make an impact. We ended up in Belize, where we now have a house. (Belize is a small country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.)

Mandy and I are involved with programs related to the Waterkeeper Alliance in Belize, originated by its founder, Robert Kennedy, Jr. Now that the Waterkeeper Alliance is in place, Mandy and I are trying to get the government to preserve the bays and to protect mangroves and manatees.

We are also working to preserve a 22,000-acre parcel of land that is nestled in the Maya Mountains and contiguous with several key nature reserves. Twenty-thousands of those acres is virgin rainforest, and the rest has been poorly farmed in citrus and coconuts. We are looking to rehabilitate that smaller piece and introduce native cacao as well, so that local farmers can model a more sustainable way of making a living. We believe that the impact we can have in Belize is enormous.

Do you feel that the business prototype that Dansko, Inc. has developed will pay itself forward to future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders?

The values of young people are changing. At one time, it was all about getting rich quick. The focus today is on impact. Where can you put your dollars (if you’re an investor), or your skills (if you’re an employee) so that you can make an impact consistent with the values that you believe in? It’s a shift that’s starting to come through today, and with this new generation, things will change for the better. I’m also hopeful that Dansko’s model of 100 percent employee ownership catches on in a meaningful way. Not only does it give employees a vested interest in the business that they help grow, but it allows them to invest back into our community.

Your motto is “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” To many who know you and have worked with you, it’s a large footprint, but it’s a footprint that, while being felt, has never been seen. Was that part of a larger intention you wished to achieve in life?

It all happened coincidentally, through a kind of serendipity. Mandy and I will both tell you that none of this was really planned. What was planned was our wish to share things – the idea that if you have something to share, please share. When we were starting out with our farm (Five-Star Farm, an 80-acre, 60-stall training facility), our philosophy was built on how we could share our knowledge and our background. With Dansko, it was about sharing great footwear with our customers and a great workplace with our employees. It was just in our nature to do these things, not something we needed to be acknowledged for.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Spring 2019 | Volume 7, Issue 3 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390