Memorializing the local pilot who died on 9/11 | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, a look inside a 19th-century home with a massive wine cellar.
Hi, Chester County. 👋
A group of former West Chester University football players rallied to create a monument to their late teammate, who died co-piloting one of the flights on Sept. 11, 2001. We take a look at their lasting tribute. Also this week, charges have been brought in the attempted robbery of Saquon Barkley’s Malvern home, an Exton software firm has expanded its Philadelphia footprint, plus, we take a peek inside a 19th-century West Chester property and its two-story wine cellar.
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In the years after the 9/11 attacks, football players at West Chester University didn’t know Michael Horrocks’ name. That didn’t sit right with his former teammate Tom Schafer, who, after learning the former quarterback died while co-piloting the ill-fated United Airlines Flight 175 that day, made sure that wouldn’t be the case any longer.
Despite battling cancer, Schafer, along with other former teammates, set out to honor Horrocks with a scholarship endowment and a statue at the Golden Rams’ stadium, which was unveiled in 2010.
For every practice and game since, players tap Horrocks’ left foot before taking the field, keeping alive the legacy of a man — an illustrious football player, a Marine, and a commercial pilot — none of them would ever know, but who they’d likely never forget.
📽️ Hear from his teammates in this Inquirer video.
📍 Countywide News
Chester County and Paoli Hospitals earned high marks in the latest U.S. News Best Hospitals by Specialty rankings. Chester County was recognized in 13 categories, including colon cancer and gynecological cancer surgeries, while Paoli scored top marks in 12 categories such as lung and colon cancer surgeries.
Have an unwanted bike or sewing machine? Chester County Solid Waste Authority is collecting used goods Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Goshen Municipal Complex. Items will be sent to developing nations and a $20 donation is requested to offset shipping costs.
A number of new roadwork projects are getting underway. Here’s where.
💡 Community News
A 24-year-old Philadelphia man, Jabir Parker, has been charged with attempting to burglarize the Malvern home of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. He also allegedly made off with nearly $800,000 in stolen jewelry from two other homes.
Exton-based software company Bentley Systems International has opened a new 22,000-square-foot office in Philadelphia, where 150 engineers and other tech and business staff will work.
A nearly 5,400-square-foot West Chester home made of locally quarried stone and complete with a two-story wine cellar and tasting room inside a former ice house is on the market for $3.3 million. Take a peek inside.
Educational nonprofit Mighty Writers, which has an outpost in Kennett Square, announced temporary program suspensions and staff furloughs as it faces financial headwinds.
Two women died after a single-vehicle crash on East Lancaster Avenue in Downingtown on Sunday. The driver died at the scene and the passenger died later at the hospital.
On Saturday, West Whiteland Township police arrested 23-year-old Jordan Uriah Jones, who had been wanted for the statutory rape of a child, corruption of a minor, and unlawful sexual contact with a minor. After an eight-month investigation, police found that he fathered a child with a young girl.
Downingtown has named a new borough manager, elevating assistant borough manager and interim manager Corinne J. Badman to the role on a permanent basis. She succeeds Jeffrey A. Smith, who stepped down this summer.
A developer is looking to build two industrial flex warehouses on the roughly 15.5-acre property at 979 Octorara Trail in Parkesburg, where there are future plans for a hotel, restaurant, and street extension. West Sadsbury Township’s board of supervisors will hold a public hearing about the proposal at tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting.
East Bradford Township’s board of supervisors is expected to discuss an ordinance regarding data centers at tomorrow’s 6:30 p.m. meeting.
Work is slated to get underway this week on a monthslong sidewalk project in Toughkenamon. The $782,300 grant-funded project will rehabilitate a portion of sidewalk along Main Street.
Discount retailer Ocean State Job Lot, which is known for its selection of household goods and apparel, is grand opening its newest location at the Shoppes at Valley Forge in Phoenixville on Saturday.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Two Chester County high school football programs — Malvern Prep and Downingtown High School East — are among the top 10 to watch this season, according to a new ranking from The Inquirer.
🍽️ On our Plate
The Drift Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar is now open in Phoenixville. Located at 231 Bridge St., it dishes up a seafood-forward menu of shareable plates, soups, salads, and entrees, in addition to steaks.
Opus, an upscale New American restaurant and cocktail lounge at 201 Birch St. in Kennett Square, is hosting a ribbon cutting and community open house tomorrow to mark its debut.
Victory Brewing is releasing its newest beer tomorrow. The malty, dry-hopped Borough Brew, a tribute to Kennett Square, has notes of berry, melon, and pear. It’ll be exclusively on tap at Victory’s Kennett location, with $1 from each pour benefiting nonprofit Kennett Collaborative.
🎳 Things to Do
😂 West Chester Comedy Festival: Dozens of comedians will perform stand-up at several venues over the course of three days. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10-Saturday, Sept. 12, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Various venues throughout West Chester
🏇 Devon Fall Classic: See equestrian events and explore the country fair, complete with rides and vendors, at this annual event. ⏰ Thursday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 13, times vary 💵 $10-$20 general admission, $20-$35 for reserved seating 📍 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair grounds
🎃 Glass Pumpkin Festival: Explore glass-blown works of art, see demonstrations, or make your own. There will also be live music, food trucks, drinks, and an artist market. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 💵 $7.18 admission 📍 WGK Glass Art, Toughkenamon
🏎️ Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance: The three-day event includes a barbecue, a road rally, a gala, and a car show. ⏰ Friday, Sept. 11-Sunday, Sept. 13, times vary 💵 Prices vary 📍 Radnor Hunt grounds, Malvern
🍄 The Mushroom Festival: The annual staple returns, showcasing all things mushroom. There will also be music, cooking demonstrations, and a fire truck show. ⏰ Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 $5 admission 📍 Kennett Square
🏡 On the Market
Situated in a cul-de-sac in the Chester Springs neighborhood Haverhill Estates, this four-bedroom Colonial backs up to a large swath of protected open land, giving it extra privacy. Among the home’s features are several living areas with fireplaces: a great room with a bar area and vaulted ceilings; a two-story family room; and a basement family room. The walk-out lower level also has a wine cellar, a gym, space for a fifth bedroom, and a theater room, complete with reclining chairs. Outside, the home has a deck, screened-in porch, a heated pool and spa, plus a cabana with a bar.
See more photos of the property here.
Price: $1.75M | Size: 7,166 SF | Acreage: 1.47
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
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