Chester County residents share 2021 reflections with hope for future as New Year dawns – Daily Local News

KENNETT SQUARE — As another year nears the end-of-the-road, fresh adventures shall soon begin with the dawn of 2022.

This holiday season, Chester County locals shared reflections on 2021 as well as personal and professional insights on what they’ve learned with a gaze on the future as New Year’s Day swiftly approaches.

“In 2021 I have learned that everyday presents a new opportunity to overcome challenges whether big or small,” said Chief of Police William Holdsworth of the Kennett Square Police Department.

“I have been most surprised that we continue to be plagued by this pandemic for nearly two years and truly hope that we will see an end to this in 2022,” Holdsworth said.

There is hope that the newest variant of COVID is bringing herd immunity to the public.

The police chief said he has been most inspired by and touched through seeing the Kennett Square community work together through each adversity that people have found themselves confronted with in 2021.

“We continue to learn from and better understand each other and see how our individual differences ultimately can bring us closer together,” Holdsworth said. “We will continue to evolve past those differences and flourish as a community.”

‘Prioritize family’

Holdsworth shared his hopes and resolutions for 2022.

“My hopes for 2022 is that everyone experience a safe, healthy, and happy New Year,” the Kennett Square police chief said. “My resolutions for the coming year are to prioritize family and spend more quality time together, as another year passes it has shown us how precious our time together is and how too quickly it can be cut short.”

And following the impact of last year’s shutdown leading into many months of inflation this year, the business community in Kennett Square, like elsewhere, continues to be impacted.

“My hope is that our businesses are presented with an opportunity to flourish in 2022 and that we not repeat the impacts of 2020-2021,” Holdsworth said.

Further, “public safety has seen the impacts of inflation on the various equipment and supplies needed to protect and serve the community. This has led to a negative impact on overall budgeting and operating expenses,” the police chief said.

“We hope that everyone enjoys the holiday season and stays safe,” Holdsworth said.

Landenberg resident Barbara Crolye retired from Jenner’s Pond in 2020 after three years working at the helm of the luxury retirement community in Penn Township. Prior to her retirement, she spent 18 years working in senior living.

“My hope for 2022 is that the country can put this COVID fixation behind it,” Crolye said. “This is a virus, and it will continue to mutate to other strains that may or may not be as deadly.”

And where there is life, there is hope.

“The people of this country are resilient and strong; we need to do what is right for the country to be able to put away fear and come out of hiding,” Crolye said.

Masks are taking a toll on people’s relationships with friends, family and strangers, the Chesco resident stated.

“Not being able to share a smile is hurting us and making us fearful and distrustful of others,” Crolye said.

Pay attention

“I was surprised by how quickly life has deteriorated in 2021 — the inflation, the loss of respect from other world leaders, the continued need for workers, the businesses that are still trying to recover from the shutdown, the aggressive looting that is going on in major cities with no attempt to hold people accountable, the continued divisiveness based solely on race and skewed narratives that would shock and dismay Martin Luther King,” Crolye said.

This year Crolye said she has learned, yet again, that there are always at least two sides to every issue and usually more than two.

“To be informed requires work and paying attention,” Crolye said.

“I hope that honest debate and communication make a comeback in 2022 and that facts become more important than opinion and that those in power will use that power as it was intended,” Crolye continued, “to protect rather than to manipulate and bribe us into submission.

‘Faith and hope’

Crolye beat cancer in 2021. She’s also in the process of launching a new business.

“I have learned that there are always people who will support your efforts and provide guidance if only you ask,” Crolye said. “I have been blessed with love and encouragement this year and look forward to 2022 with renewed faith and hope.”

Paoli resident Guy Ciarrocchi took a giant leap of faith this year when he threw his hat into the ring to become Pennsylvania’s next governor, joining a field of more than a dozen fellow Republican candidates vying to win their party’s primary race on May 17.

“Hopes,” Ciarrocchi stated. “This time next year, I hope to be talking to you about the excitement and hope of a new administration in Harrisburg and a fresh, energetic agenda built-on opportunity and liberty.”

He continued, “My hope for all of us is that COVID is in the background of our lives: either because it’s been fought-off or we have learned to safely live with it.”

What has surprised him and inspired him the most in 2021 is interconnected and something he described as; “the rise of the citizen-politician, the citizen-advocate.”

Ciarrocchi explained, “The parents who organized to fight for their children to be in school; who are fighting to be heard by school boards. The employees on ‘Main Street’ who joined together to fight for the right to go back to work. The citizens who took to town halls, Zoom calls and social media to urge that government power be loosened and liberty be restored. The fight to live-life has been led by non-politicians who lead with their hearts and common-sense, regardless of party. That’s so inspiring.”

The best lesson Ciarrocchi said he learned this year has been to focus on society’s children. “Whether its parents, making sure that our kids are learning, laughing and playing — or need a shoulder to cry on; or, it’s more and more people realizing that children need to be around other children and adult mentorship, never isolated,” Ciarrocchi said.

“The best lesson of getting through this crisis — this time period — is to think about what’s best for our children. Showing strength and courage, encouraging people being with people. Show them hope, not fear,” Ciarrocchi said.

As a candidate for governor, Ciarrocchi said, the number one issue facing Pennsylvania today is “our shaky-economy. It’s weak and unsettled due to inflation. And, inflation is being largely driven by rising energy prices and too few workers. Inflation is enemy number one because it cruelly eats away at our savings and our paychecks every week.”

Ciarrocchi said the nation must get more American energy into family homes, businesses and cars — and, society must get more people back into the workforce.

Ciarrocchi is presently on leave from his role as the executive director of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce while a candidate running in the gubernatorial race.

“The good news is that these crises are created by bad policy decisions in Harrisburg and D.C. So, we can fix them with a common-sense plan to responsibly get our energy out of the ground to where it’s needed; and, to support those genuinely looking for work and to encourage everyone to head back to work — ending unemployment and cash payments to those who can and should go back to work,” he said.

Inflation in 2021 has roots to the shutdown of 2020.

“Because Pennsylvania closed too much for too long and was too slow in re-opening, we are suffering more than most states — our unemployment rate is 1.5 percent.”

He said this rate is worse than the national average.

“This can and must be fixed with a common-sense business-plan focused on local businesses and keeping our kids in school, learning what they need to have the opportunity to succeed,” Ciarrocchi stated.

“Almost all of the problems we are facing as Pennsylvanians can be fixed with common-sense — from inflation to workforce shortages and from our kids’ education to our safety. For the last two years, too many government officials have governed by mandates and ideology rather than common-sense and consensus,” Ciarrocchi said. “We know how to fix these problems: that’s why there is Hope.”

“The cascading impacts of COVID-19 on society — be it supply chain issues, healthcare system operations, or even small day-to-day changes like hybrid meetings that have continued into this year from 2020 have surprised me,” said A.J. McCarthy, chief of the Longwood Fire Company, near the entranceway into Longwood Gardens on Route 1 in East Marlborough.

“In 2021, we have seen a notable increase in calls both on the fire and the EMS side. We have worked with community partners to consolidate services and make them more efficient, but ultimately the harsh reality is that the more demands for service and the more costs increase make volunteer company operations more and more challenging,” McCarthy said.

“We are committed to continuing to look for ways to improve service delivery and recruit and retain volunteers, but these efforts are not seen through rose-colored glasses,” he said. “We are forced to look at the future and try to understand how best to meet the needs of the residents we serve.”

Across the Commonwealth, active firefighters have decreased by more than 87 percent in recent decades.

According to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner in Harrisburg, in the 1970s, on average there were roughly 300,000 active firefighters across the state. Today, there’s about 38,000.

Resiliency empowers

“Resilience isn’t just a word or activity — it’s an attitude,” McCarthy said. “This year has presented our organization with some dramatic changes and monumental challenges. Resilience comes in many forms — against exhaustion, external demands and pressures, or internal mental health impacts of burnout. Leaders must not only embody the strength it takes to be truly resilient, but they must also inspire their teams to rise above the obstacles they are facing.”

As for what has inspired McCarthy the most in 2021, the answer is found within the good men and women who serve on the front-lines of public safety at Longwood Fire Company each and every day.

“The dedication shown by the members of my organization has been truly astonishing,” McCarthy said. “We have had a record year, responding to 824 fire calls to date.

And when Hurricane Ida brought historic floodwaters to the region on September 1, the Longwood Fire Company firefighters and volunteers were ready to answer the call of service.

“We were able to provide our members with Water Rescue training in August of this year, and we had 12 members participate in the class. In September, these volunteers staffed the firehouse to respond to 15 calls for water rescue,” McCarthy said.

“Through all of the demands and responsibilities in their lives, these volunteers continue to give back to the community on their worst days, and that is truly inspirational to me,” the fire chief stated.

As the New Year approaches, McCarthy is ready for the future.

“My hopes and resolutions each year are to do everything in my power to ensure that all of our community’s first responders go home safely and without injury.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were 140 firefighter fatalities in 2020 – almost 80 due to COVID-19 exposure.

“The inherent dangers of a fire ground, responding emergently to calls, traffic control on busy roads like Route 1 are all hazardous situations our career and volunteer staff expose themselves to every day. That doesn’t even take into consideration the risks EMS providers take in a world impacted by pandemic,” McCarthy said. “More than ever because of all of the challenges we’re facing, health and safety for our people is my greatest wish.”

‘Looming hospital crisis’

“The best lesson we learned in 2021 was to expect the unexpected,” said Gary Vinnacombe, Deputy Chief of EMS for Union Fire Company No. 1 Ambulance Division in Oxford. “These are unprecedented times and uncharted waters for everyone. Our success in managing these times has come from collaborating with our industry partners through idea sharing and approaching these challenges with an open mind and ‘can do’ attitude.”

Vinnacombe added, “People expect the best from their public safety providers and we continue to work through the challenges we’re faced with to meet the community’s expectation.”

Still, the emergency management community continues to be surprised by the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Vinnacombe said.

As for what inspired him the most, Vinnacombe said, “I was very inspired watching the community come together to rally around Jennersville Hospital.”

Jennersville Regional Hospital, in Penn Township, is slated to close just before midnight on the eve of New Year’s Day. Brandywine Hospital, in Caln Township, is scheduled to close on January 31. Both facilities are owned by Tower Health.

“In a society that shares many opinions on many different topics, rallying around the hospital and the staff certainly seemed to be something everyone agreed on,” Vinnacombe said. “As a first responder the support the community shows us every day is incredible and undoubtedly keeps our EMS teams motivated in these challenging times.”

Vinnacombe lauded the support of community members, elected officials and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services that enabled the region’s emergency responders to achieve such good work in 2021.

“Public safety was certainly impacted by the economic shutdown and the pandemic that caused it. Increased demands for service, rising personal protective equipment (PPE) costs and supply chain issues and staff becoming ill challenged us daily to provide a high level of service,” Vinnacombe said.

Vinnacombe remains hopeful.

“I am hoping to see the looming hospital crisis in Chester County resolved,” Vinnacombe said.

Chuck Freese, emergency management coordinator in Southern Chester County spanning Avon Grove, hopes “that we locate operators for the Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals in 2022 and see the pandemic under control by year’s end. My resolution will be to stand ready to assist in any way possible, the management of the health crisis the western end of Chester County is beginning to experience.”

People most inspired Freese in 2021.

Specifically, “the teachers, school bus drivers, health care workers, servers in the food industry, that did not let the pandemic stand in their way, showed up for work to get the job done and made our world a little better place, regardless of the risks,” Freese stated.

As for what surprised Freese the most this year, he said shortages that were not dreamt of occurring here and the far-reaching effects the pandemic has had on the supply chain, whole goods and foods.

“This pandemic brings home the reality that life is finite, we need to cherish every moment with friends and loved ones,” Freese said when asked what was his greatest lesson learned in 2021.

“Everyone can agree, this COVID-19 pandemic has re-written the rule books and is establishing a new normal for us all,” Freese said.

‘Look up’

“Each passage of one year into the next is a time of reflection and hope,” said Chester County Commissioner Joshua Maxwell of Downingtown.

“Moving into 2022 my hope is for the residents of Chester County to be safe, happy, and healthy. I specifically hope that the stresses of the pandemic will finally be behind us,” Maxwell said. “I hope that everyone is able to find peace for themselves, whether it be through spending time in nature, reconnecting with friends and family, or an appreciation for the good in their lives.”

As for the greatest lesson he learned in 2021, Maxwell said, “Take time to look around and see the people who care. With everything the world is facing, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone, but it is so important to take a second just to look up.”

He continued, “Notice the people around who are there to help or who may need help. Life is all about connection, in difficult times it is important to work hard to strengthen connections in the community and acknowledge everyone who is working to build those connections.”

Maxwell said the families of Chester County had a difficult year, particularly pertaining to the increase in costs for goods and services.

“No one should struggle to put food on their tables, a roof over their heads, or heat in their homes,” said Maxwell, who serves as vice-chair on the Chester County Board of Commissioners.

Resiliency, generosity abound

“What the most recent struggles have highlighted for me is the strength of the people of Chester County,” Maxwell stated.

“Resiliency and generosity abound and I am consistently in awe of those who work and volunteer to help others.”

Maxwell said the impact from last year’s shutdown is still visible and too many are still working to overcome the challenges they face because of it.

“Society has changed. Priorities have shifted to a stronger focus on family and home life. Our youngest children don’t remember a time before COVID,” Maxwell said. “It hasn’t been easy, but through the strength of community we are getting through it and we will be stronger.”

Acts of selflessness inspired Maxwell this past year.

“The most inspirational aspect of 2021 was the countless acts of selflessness that were performed,” Maxwell said.

“Through virus, vaccines, floods, and tornadoes — the people of Chester County consistently found ways to act in service of one another. ‘How can I help?’ was the chorus,” the commissioner said. “People organized to help their neighbors clean up, provide necessary supplies, offer transportation, deliver meals, and hold each other in their darkest hours.”

Maxwell reflected on the mobility in which Good Samaritans acted in 2021.

“The most surprising realization in 2021 was just how quickly those driven to help can mobilize. Our community volunteers are incredibly action oriented and are able to mobilize efforts to help,” Maxwell said. “Within hours of the remnants of Ida leaving Chester County, churches and community centers were filled with supplies and volunteers.”

Looking ahead to 2022, Chester County is well-positioned, the commissioner stated.

“We have new opportunities in front of us, a strong system to guide us, and communities to support us,” Maxwell said.

In 2021 New Garden Township Manager Ramsey Reiner said she was most inspired by the municipality’s supervisors, staff and community residents.

This New Year, Reiner said she is going to focus on enhancing and protecting mental health and wellness for herself, her family and her coworkers.

As for what surprised her the most in 2021, Reiner answered: “That science became political.”

As for the greatest lesson she learned this year, Reiner said, “To look at every challenge or setback as an opportunity for growth and improvement and try to find fun in everything that you do.”

For Reiner, kindness is key.

“I hope that everyone tries to do something kind for someone every day,” Reiner said. “You never know what anyone is going through and a little kindness could go a very long way.”

“When we come together to both reflect on and renew our commitments ahead of the New Year, I am struck by all we have weathered in 2021,” said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown.

“Here in Pennsylvania, we stepped up again and again to help one another,” Houlahan said. “One of the proudest moments for me was seeing our community lead the entire nation in vaccinations, which helped our small businesses and schools keep their doors open.”

In the Commonwealth, more than 9.871 million people have taken FDA approved vaccinations, which began production under Operation Warp Speed last year, against COVID. The state is home to 12.8 million people.

‘Compassion and generosity’

“I also witnessed the compassion and generosity of our first responders and neighbors as we helped one another pick up the literal pieces of our lives and livelihoods after Hurricane Ida,” Houlahan said.

“We face many challenges to be sure, so as we begin this next chapter together, I am resolved to continue finding bipartisan common ground with my colleagues to address the hardships too many Pennsylvania families and Americans face,” the congressional representative stated.

Houlahan is looking to embrace nature and the Great Outdoors in 2022.

“My resolution is to get out and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces more in the year ahead,” she said. “Resolutions aside, there’s important work to be done. For our future and the good of our community, Commonwealth, and country, I am ready to serve and jump into the opportunities 2022 holds for all of us, together.”

“As we move into 2022, I hope that pandemic will come to an end, although it may get worse before it gets better,” said Domenick Savino, managing partner of The Drexelbrook with locations in Chester and Delaware counties. “I hope that ‘shut downs’ will not be a strategy that failed miserably in 2020. One of my top resolutions is to restructure our company to survive, rebuild and thrive.”

As for inspiration, Savino said, “In 2021 our industry came together to be heard. Restaurants, caterers, event venues and hotels were devastated by the economic impact of the pandemic. We formed new alliances which lead to unexpected partnerships among our industry peers.”

He added, “The resilience of the hospitality industry is nothing short of incredible.

‘Middle ground’

Still, 2021 was full of surprises. Many surprises, Savino said, including how differently people felt about the pandemic.

“This caused a real divide between government, businesses, residents, families, and friends,” Savino said. “There does not appear to be any middle ground when it comes to how to create a strategy that manages or defeats the virus.”

Yet, like the sun at dawn, hope rises.

“I hope 2022 will bring unity among our elected officials, that government of the federal, state, and local levels will work in the best interest of safety for our communities and to bring the pandemic to a close,” Savino said.

“After four years of prosperity, the cycle changes to inflation, high prices which leads businesses and families to cut back on spending,” Savino said.

“The supply chain continues to choke all sectors of the hospitality industry,” Savino said. “I hope we learned our lesson from ‘shutting down’ businesses, it was a poorly executed response to the pandemic causing some of our fellow Pennsylvanians to lose their businesses, homes and savings.”

The youngest of Americans are suffering the most these days, he said.

“The biggest losers are the children who continue to be used in a way that prevents them from living normal lives, removes them from a proper learning environment with no long-term plan,” Savino said.

Yet with all hardship, life lessons arise.

“Some of the best lessons learned from 2021 include the value of faith, patience and being grateful for everything we have,” said Savino, adding, “and how to apply them to every day life.”

‘Still an optimist’

“All indicators show that we’ve had strong economic performance in 2021, but the concern that hangs over the country and our county is that the economy isn’t growing, as evidenced by the workforce shortage,” said Gary Smith, president and chief executive officer of the Chester County Economic Development Council.

“Businesses are trying to increase economic output with the same economic resources. I’m still an optimist. I believe the people in our Chester County economy are resilient and problem solvers,” Smith said.

“The unique dynamic we have in Chester County of public and private leaders coming together to solve problems — that’s our secret sauce and what keeps Chester County empowered moving forward,” Smith stated. “We have a special capacity to persevere and work through these challenges together.”

‘Truly inspired’

“This year, I was truly inspired by the love, care and compassion that the Coatesville community demonstrated during the aftermath of Hurricane Ida,” said Coatesville City Council President Linda Lavender-Norris.

“Our residents and first responders worked hand-in-hand to help secure, feed, clothe, and restore homes and businesses,” she said.

With heavy rainfall beginning on September 1, Ida delivered up to seven feet of floodwaters in these neighborhoods over a duration of six hours, damaging more than 60 city homes, as previously reported. The sections of the city hit hardest by the flooding occurred on Fifth and Sixth avenues and Olive Street.

Floodwaters reached as high as the octagons of stop signs at some intersections.

Ninety-five percent of the more than 60 homes damaged during Ida were properties that housed renters who became displaced after the storm.

“Our police, fire and public works departments addressed the situation with confidence and courage, even wading through flood waters to rescue residents,” Norris said. “Our City Manager James Logan, council members, and City Solicitor Tony Verwey rolled up their sleeves to help, including shoveling mud that filled basements.”

Additionally, “we appreciate how the Coatesville Area School District opened its doors to house residents that were displaced. The outpouring of support from neighboring communities and the county was overwhelming,” Norris said.

“They say people show their true colors during tough times,” Norris stated. “For Coatesville, the sensitivity, care and perseverance that brought our community together are incomparable. I’m so grateful to be a member of this community.”

Endless possibilities

Avondale Mayor-Elect Susan Rzucidlo shared her personal hope and resolutions to increase her well-being, becoming healthier, walking more and spending more time with friends whom she hasn’t seen in far too long.

“As a newly elected official my hope and resolution is to work on my goals for Avondale, building relationships with residents and businesses, making our meetings more inclusive and welcoming, securing grants to improve our town for all of our residents,” Rzucidlo said.

“People are struggling financially and emotionally,” Rzucidlo said. “We are living through a worldwide pandemic that hit some harder than others. Getting out of the damage that caused to the economy will take time and action. We need to work together in new ways to improve the economy for everyone. Inflation and the pandemic are brutal on the vulnerable and those who struggle the most.”

She continued, “We need to do more to strengthen and support each other.”

Like others, Rzucidlo said people inspire her the most.

“People inspire me every day,” Rzucidlo said. “I am always inspired by the many people who work to do good; they volunteer and donate, they take care of their neighbors in need in small and large ways, often unseen by the greater community. They may never be formally recognized with awards but they change their community and the world for the better. They inspire me every day.”

As for what surprised her the most in 2021, Rzucidlo said: “The same thing that always surprises me, that people will go out of their way to hurt someone else, even when they know that it will hurt themselves. Spite and anger saddens and surprises me.”

As for the best lesson learned in 2021, the mayor-elect lauded unity.

“We have more in common than the things that divide us,” Rzucidlo said. “I was reminded in 2021 to take time to meet and talk with people who think differently from me. Everyone has something to teach me.”

Rzucidlo shall begin her first-term as mayor, and as an elected official, in the Borough of Avondale this January.

“I am beyond excited to begin my work serving the people of Avondale. I am looking forward to helping to make Avondale more welcoming, inclusive, transparent, and fun,” Rzucidlo said. “The possibilities and opportunities are endless.”