Rotary to honor community leaders who made huge impact on Kennett Square

KENNETT SQUARE » The Kennett Square Rotary, Kennett Square Light Rotary, and Longwood Rotary will honor three people for their service to the community with Paul Harris Fellowship awards Nov. 11 at the Creamery in Kennett Square.

Honored will be Lewis Barnard, Mike Pia and his wife Nancy, and Joan Holliday.

Barnard is the owner of Barnard Orchards, an agricultural landmark in Kennett Square. His family has owned the property for over 300 years. They have been a leading force in multiple community events. He is one of the leaders for the Unionville Fair which this year celebrated its 97th year of promoting the contribution of agriculture to our community.

The Pia family has long been a part of the Kennett community. Mike has worked his entire career in the family’s mushroom farming business, South Mill Champs. Nancy and Mike Pia have championed children’s causes for over 20 years. Through the Michael and Nancy Pia Foundation, they have supported numerous organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in three areas: poverty and homelessness; health and mental well-being; and education. Nancy Pia is an educator, having taught in both local and inner-city schools. She is also an artist and writer.

Joan Holliday has been involved in the Kennett area community for nearly 40 years serving first as the visiting community health nurse in 1982. In this role, she had the opportunity to experience and identify the systemic needs of the vulnerable community while having access to the businesses, non-profits and service organizations. This helped broaden the impact of meeting the needs. She authors a weekly column in the Southern Chester County Weeklies newspaper.

The event will be held at The Creamery, 401 Birch Street in Kennett Square at 6 p.m. Cash bar, light hors d’oeuvres provided. The public is invited.