The Penn Township Board of Supervisors started the Dec. 1 meeting with a proclamation and presentation honoring the township’s Historical Commission as the township’s Volunteers of the Year for their work to protect and preserve the history of Penn Township. In particular, they were recognized for their substantial contributions toward the preservation and restoration of the historic Red Rose Inn.

“We recognize, honor and thank them for their significant and valuable contribution to Penn Township and its historic resources,” the proclamation read in part. 

The restoration of the Red Rose Inn has been a major undertaking that is particularly important to the community. In addition to the painstaking work on the building the Commission has also revived the annual tradition of Red Rose Rent Day, recalling the payment of a red rose to William Penn as rent for the property in colonial days.  

As a part of that event in September, as well as two subsequent open house events, more than 450 tours were given.

“Everybody who comes through that building has some memory of that building,” Historical Commission chairperson Kathy Wandersee said. “That building is one of the most loved historic buildings I have ever worked with.”

The Inn has been decorated for the holiday season with lights and a Christmas tree on the porch. There will be one more open house this year at the Red Rose Inn on Dec. 12.

The Board of Supervisors approved the 2022 general fund budget in the amount of $1,844,050 and the Capital Budget in the amount of $2,508,124. Included in capital expenditures are the development of a comprehensive plan, construction of the residents’ section of the sports park including a playground, improvements at the Red Rose Inn, and the purchase of a used truck for snow removal. Expenses at the passive recreation park include renovation of the Veterans’ Memorial, roof renovations and the addition of a clam shell theater.

“The big thing here is no tax increase,” Supervisor Radar O’Connell said.

The board approved $500 tax credits for six members of the West Grove Fire Company who live in the township and have applied for the credit. 

Residents should note that the Santa Sighting Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec 12 beginning at 1 p.m. The route is being developed and will be available online so families will know when to look for Santa. Letters to Santa may be dropped off at the township building until the third week of December. If a stamped self-addressed envelope is included, children may receive a reply from Santa. It is best to drop off letters to Santa as soon as possible for a return letter to go through the mail.

On Nov. 22, the Board of Supervisors released a statement regarding the sale of Jennersvile Hospital and Brandywine Hospital to Canyon Atlantic Partners, LLC.  

The news that Tower Health planned to close the hospital on Dec. 31 if a buyer could not be found was devastating to the residents of the region  and emergency services organizations that have depended on a hospital in that location for more than 100 years. 

“Today is a great day as we celebrate the continued presence of the health providing organization in the community of Penn Township,” the press release read in part. 

The board thank everyone who has worked to preserve the hospital including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, State Rep. John Lawrence, the County Commissioners, the Board of Supervisors, hospital staff and Tower Health for making the sale happen. 

“The effort to save our hospital has truly been a Board and community priority and when our community works together in a bipartisan fashion, amazing things ALWAYS result,” the statement read.

No additional information has been released since the purchase announcement.

“All we can do is hope for the best. We haven’t heard anything substantial other than the name,” Supervisor Victor Mantegna said.