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West Chester University Poetry Conference Gets a New Director

The renowned West Chester University Poetry Conference will resume in 2016 after a year of unexplained absence from the poetry scene with a new program director, poet R.S. “Sam” Gwynn.

Poets from around the world have been gathering for the past 21 years to participate in the conference’s intensive workshop sessions, acclaimed teachers, and traditional focus on the craft, of which Gwynn was a participant for 19 of those 21 years.

The position has had its fair share of controversy as Gwynn’s predecessor, Kim Bridgford, was reassigned from the post a year ago amid vocal protests from students, faculty, and attendees who wanted her reinstated.

“I’m trying to reassure folks that I want it to come back stronger than ever,” Gwynn said. “Consequently, I am under more than normal pressure to put on a hell of a show in June. And I’m planning on doing that.”

Chester County Offers Free Workplace Wellness Programs to Local Businesses

Aiming to increase the overall health of the county’s workforce, the Chester County Health Department is offering free worksite wellness programs for interested businesses located within the county.

The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant, and is designed to assist businesses with the development and implementation of effective wellness programs for their employees.

“The addition of a results-driven wellness program is one of the most effective ways that a business can help its employees adopt healthier lifestyles while decreasing health care costs, rates of absenteeism and worksite stress,” said Jeanne Casner, the Director of the Chester County Health Department.

The program is available immediately and local businesses interested in enrolling should contact Elizabeth Herzberger, the Chester County Public Health Educator at eherzberger@chesco.org or call 610-344-5205.

Scott High School Alumni Reunite after 60 years

On Wednesday afternoon, the Scott High School’s class of 1955 alumni celebrated their 60-year reunion at the Coatesville County Club.

Of the 68 former students who attended the reunion some still live in the Coatesville area, but majority had to travel from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, and as far away as Florida, Texas and California.

During the reunion, class members laughed and reminisced about earlier days, but they did not forget the class members who were not with them anymore.

“My fellow classmates of the class of 1955, when we think of our deceased classmates and friends, our hearts become heavy and weighted with sadness,” said John Joe in a speech in remembrance of the 104 class members who have died. “We say to our deceased friends and classmates: please know that we miss you, we love you, and we will never forget you.’”

YMCA of Greater Brandywine Memberships Increases Options for Members

Membership in the YMCA of Greater Brandywine has just become even more enticing as since October 1st, its current and future members now have access to YMCA’s across Pennsylvania and Delaware at no extra cost.

The goal of the initiative is to give Y members in Pennsylvania and Delaware additional value for their membership which until now only gave members of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine access to nine branches.

“Our members count on their local Ys for their health and wellness needs. Now they’ll be able to take advantage of what Ys across Pennsylvania have to offer. We’re very excited to be able to bring this added benefit to members,” stated David John, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Alliance of YMCAs. “We look forward to welcoming members from other Ys as we all stand together to strengthen our communities.”