Lundale Farm

Jodi Gauker has been named the new executive director of Lundale Farm, a 520-acre property in northern Chester County that leases land and housing to farmers committed to growing wholesome foods, using organic methods that enhance the health of the land and the community. The organization was founded by the children of the late State Representative Sam Morris and his wife Eleanor, who were visionaries and pioneers in the preservation of agricultural lands and historic landscapes.

“The Lundale Farm Board of Directors is thrilled that Jodi Gauker has joined the organization as executive director and will be leading it as we move forward,” said Eleanor Morris Illoway, President of Lundale Farm. “Her education, her work with the Chester County Economic Development Council, and her experience as a farmer will be great assets as we work with the present farmers at Lundale and with other landowners who might invite small farmers onto their land.”

Gauker holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from Penn State and a master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M. She most recently served as the agriculture project manager for AgConnect for four and a half years.

Family Lives On Foundation

The Board of Directors of the Exton-based Family Lives On Foundation has appointed Kelly Ward Becker as Executive Director. Becker previously served as Family Lives On’s Director of Development and Outreach.

“With this appointment, we have a lot of renewed energy and vision for the future of this great organization,” said Board Chair Michael Maher. “The Board looks forward to working with Kelly on a new strategic plan, and with it, an outline for the next chapter of Family Lives On.”

The Family Lives On Tradition Program is a unique therapeutic tool for children, teens, and families who have experienced the profound loss of the death of a parent. The Tradition Program provides virtual, ongoing support to grieving children, meeting them where they are and creating a safe haven for grief, communication, and celebration.

United Way of Chester County

Registration is now open for the Conquer the Runway 5K benefitting the United Way of Chester County Financial Stability Center. You can sign up now at http://www.conquertherunway.org/.

This year’s event will be held on the runway of the Brandywine Airport in West Chester on April 30. This is the first and only color 5K on an airport runway in Chester County history. Be part of the fun and sign up today, as a sellout is expected due to the unique location of the event.

Michael T. van der Veen

Michael T. van der Veen, an Exton resident and the founder of the Philadelphia-based Law Offices of Michael T. van der Veen, was named in the December 2016 issue of Suburban Life as a “Justice Seeker.” He was also named a 2016 Top Attorney, whom readers of the magazine turn to in “times of dire need” for assistance in the area of personal injury law.

Van der Veen focuses his practice on personal injury, plaintiff, and criminal defense. Active in the community, he has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia chapter of the American Diabetes Association. He holds degrees from Ohio Wesleyan, Quinnipiac, and Temple, and currently serves as a member of the Board of the Washington Square West Civic Association.

West Pharmaceutical Services

Exton’s West Pharmaceutical Services, a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, has introduced two new offerings at Pharmapack Europe 2017.

The LyoSeal cap, an all-plastic, instant sealing solution for lyophilized drug products, is designed to minimize risk associated with established lyophilization processes, while maintaining the necessary sealing requirements. The NovaGuard SA Pro safety system, which is pending 510(k) clearance in the U.S., aids in the protection of healthcare professionals, patients who self-inject doctor-prescribed medications, and individuals who assist self-injecting patients, from accidental needlesticks.

“We appreciate and understand that in today’s healthcare environment, our customers are continually looking for new packaging solutions that offer manufacturing efficiencies, as well as products that provide an improved experience for healthcare providers,” said Karen Flynn, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “As part of our ongoing commitment to our customers and their patients, we’re pleased to introduce two products that directly respond to market needs.”