Residents earn ‘Chester’ awards

WEST CHESTER » Members of the Chester County community have been awarded with a “Chester” by the Libertarian Party of Chester County.

The 2020 awards were presented to local politicians, business owners, and students recognized for outstanding efforts to benefit Chester County.

Jacquelyn Crane, vice chairwoman of the LPCC, explained the purpose of the awards.

“The Libertarian Party of Chester County promotes both personal freedom and individual initiatives, and the Chester Awards are our way of celebrating those values within our local community. A Chester Award candidate is any individual, regardless of political

affiliation, who has stood up for freedom or who has helped the people of our county without the aid of government funding.”

The award includes the

explanation, “for demonstrating a commitment to Liberty and Volunteerism through contributions to the Chester County Community.”

“Two of our recipients this year are members of the West Chester Borough Council, Donald Braceland and Bernie Flynn, who voted against the Mayor’s overreaching emergency orders last year. We believe that they were the only members of borough council who recognized the law as it pertains to the state constitution and our Bill of Rights,” said Crane. “We wish more council members would educate themselves on the laws and the rights of their constituents.”

Local business owners also earned Chester Awards. Both John BrandtLee of Bar Avalon and Andy Gadelato of Gadeleto’s Seafood Market were recognized for their efforts in using their businesses to help local charities. Crane

said, “The county’s businesses have had a very difficult year, and the way these owners stepped in to help the community, despite facing their own challenges, is worth commending.”

The third group of Chester Awards went to local students. Aiden Nichols and Gavin Snyder, both from the West Chester area, received recognition for outstanding personal initiatives.

“Both of these teens used creative Christmas light displays to earn funds for their charities of choice,” Crane said. “Aiden collected over 1,200 pounds of food for the West Chester Food Cupboard, along with cash donations. Gavin focused on helping the Brandywine SPCA with well over $6,000 in collected donations.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bernie Flynn left, Don Braceland right, pictured with their awards.

SUBMITTED PHOTO John Brandt-Lee of Bar Avalon and Andy Gadelato of Gadeleto’s Seafood Market were recognized for their efforts in using their businesses to help local charities.