Fetterman, Casey, Houlahan introduce legislation to protect mushroom farmers

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Clover Market draws 100 vendors to well-attended festival in Kennett Square

‘We work hard to cultivate an artistic community that is kind, helpful and collaborative’

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

When Jodie Farrow and Meggie Crnic of Savoir Chair – restorers of antique furniture based in Collingswood, N.J. –arrived this past Sunday morning for their first appearance at the Clover Market in Kennett Square, they were excited to expand their artistic footprint to a new community.

Moments after the event first welcomed visitors at 10 a.m., the community arrived in droves and kept coming throughout the sixhour festival – produced in partnership with Kennett Collaborative -- that featured the work of 100 artisans in a small city of artisan tents along South Union and East South streets.

Crnic and Farrow, who have appeared at other Clover Markets, also anticipated what has become the most intangible quality of this festival: a camarade- rie among vendors. As they were arranging their booth, another vendor nearby stopped his work to make a small repair to one of Savoir Chair’s pieces of furniture.

“The Kennett Square Clover Market is everything we expected it would be, and even more,” Crnic said. “Jodie and I had previously heard that the Kennett Square community was amazing, and we thought that this would be a wonderful opportunity. Everyone is super-friendly and there is a great vibe. When we first founded Savoir Chair in 2021, our goal was to open our business at a Clover Market event, and [Clover Market founder] Janet Gardner Long made it happen for us.”

“The thing I love about bringing the Clover Market to Kennett Square is that this is a community that comes out to support events, whether it is Clover Market or the Mushroom Festival or

As part of a measure that would provide crop insurance to the mushroom industry and the more than 8,500 who are employed in Chester County’s thriving mushroom business, Sens. John Fetterman and Bob Casey have joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in the House in introducing the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act.

The proposed legislation requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study that would analyze the effects of threats to production, such as inclement weather and pests uniquely harmful to mushrooms, in addition to farmers’ ability to grow mushrooms and maintain profitability.

The companion bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Continued on page 4A

Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary: Saving animals and changing hearts

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

The five dollars you spend on your everyday latte could be spent on an entirely different Latte. That’s Latte with a capital ‘L’ and the name of a newly-rescued duck who is currently receiving medical treatment and care at Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit animal rescue located in Lincoln University.

Latte was rescued along with four other ducks from the Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Del. on May 9 by Sarah Stegeman, the founder of Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary and a longtime animal advocate.

What Stegeman and a local volunteer were able to recognize that others may not was that the ducks were domestic and never intended to live unsupervised in the park. Stegeman sought approval from the Natural Resources Police in order to facilitate the rescue of the five ducks shortly after one disappeared and was presumed dead. Ducks of their breeds, normally skittish and avoidant, had become accustomed to people during their time in the park making the rescue easier than expected, according to Stegeman. “Domestic ducks are flightless, they don’t have the migratory instinct to leave a bad situation, they don’t really forage, they have no idea how to sur-

Pollutant-reduction plans are costly for municipalities

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Pollutant-reduction plan discussions may not have gotten your attention yet, but municipal budgets usually do. Budgets are built on a foundation of tax dollars and all municipalities will be dealing are fortunate because their council members have been working on pollutantreduction plans for years, when they started an environmental committee.

Due to the efforts of that committee and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, 675 trees have been planted in the borough. Borough Council President Kathryn Cloyd has been instrumental in many environmental improvements. Cloyd talked about the tree plantings spoke some years ago.

“This came about with the help of David Ross and members of the Oxford Regional Environmental Advisory Council,” Cloyd said. “Many dedicated people were involved in this beautification of Oxford.”

The planting of shrubs by volunteers from the Oxford community and the Penn State Master Watershed Steward and Master Gardeners also added 1,000 native perennials at the parking garage. That project grew out of a collaboration between Oxford Borough, the EAC and Penn State Extension.

Most of the perennials are in bloom. It is not just beautiful but also an environmental effort that may also go toward pollution reduction.

What do trees and shrubs have to do with pollutant reduction plans? Besides their contribution to reduc- ing air pollution, trees also soak up the rain and help reduce stormwater runoff. Their leaf canopies help reduce erosion caused by falling rain. They also provide surface area where rain water lands and evaporates. Roots take up water and help create conditions in the soil that promote infiltration.

Tree plantings can be one of many ways municipali-

Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary..

Continued from Page 1A vive, so domestic ducks don’t belong out in the wild at all and they die horrible deaths out there,” Stegeman said.

“The volunteer was holding the food and we had our netting,” said Stegeman’s partner Kyle Leynes, who contributes to the operations of the sanctuary. “We encircled the ducks while they were eating food from her hand. These guys were so desperate that it was easy to catch them.”

The five ducks are currently undergoing quarantine and receiving treatment at the sanctuary for a handful of health issues including staph infections, malnourishment, frostbite and support for a disability as one duck lacks toe nails, impacting its mobility.

Latte and fellow rescue Macchiato are both up for adoption while the other three ducks will soon start a permanent residence at another animal sanctuary or private home.

A home for 37 ducks and more

Latte and her companions are far from alone at Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary.

Begun in 2021, the sanctuary was formed to serve animals and give them a second chance at life, while serving the surrounding community by introducing the ideals of humane education in all its endeavors. Its mission is three-fold:

To provide a safe haven for unwanted and displaced farm animals in a safe, secure, loving environment; to physically and mentally rehabilitate the animal victims of exploitative farming practices; and to provide a background of compassion and humane education to its supporters and patrons.

The sanctuary currently provides care for 37 ducks and additionally welcomed four pigs, six sheep, two cows, six geese, and one Muscovy duck, making the six-acre sanctuary near capacity for the majority of animals they house, a common limitation that comes with ethically running an animal sanctuary.

Capacity limitations are not the only difficulty that comes with the job. As a rescuer of animals who are typically used for food or farming purposes, Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, along with other similar sanctuaries, promotes a message of veganism and liberation, meaning that they do not believe in the consumption of animals or animal by-products and see each animal as an individual, deserving of a long life free from exploitation.

However, this message can sometimes be met with skepticism, judgement and even safety concerns. Being located in a rural community where prevailing attitudes can conflict with their mission, Stegeman and Leynes have to confront some of these issues, even from those who are within the field of animal care.

“Farm vets are aware what sanctuaries are and of course they’re farm vets, so they are farm-minded,” Stegeman said. “Finding a vet that will not be condescending to you and provide the services that you need, not just to optimize an animal for profit but to increase their lifespan and give them a good life, it’s hard to find.”

Additionally, the sanctuary has chosen not to advertise their location as an extra precaution to best protect their residents from any potential harm. While these conflicting attitudes pose a risk, they also provide an opportunity to educate and spread the message of the sanctuary.

“I definitely think education and education initiatives that focus more on the survivors is better than just pointing fingers and saying, ‘You’re doing this wrong,’” Stegeman said.

Stegeman noted Latte and Macchiato’s increased weight and vocal presence since the rescue as part of their survivor story. Also recognized was Fudge the sheep for his health and personality transformation since arriving at the sanctuary last August.

Fudge joined the flock after one of the previous sheep residents passed away. According to Leynes and Stegeman, Fudge formed a close bond with the sister of the deceased sheep, Merry, while she mourned the loss and Fudge recovered from health complications including anemia and drug resistant parasites.

“When Fudge came, it’s like they instantly had this connection and they both healed each other,” Stegeman said. “There's so much transformation here. So many of the animals have come from bad circumstances and are now living their best lives. so much transformation here. Many of the animals. have had, that definitely keeps me going.”

Running an animal sanctuary has been a longtime goal for the 27-year-old Stegeman, who has devoted most of her adult life to the improvement of animal welfare and working and volunteering with animals since she was 16 years old. She also holds an undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology and animal sciences, a master’s in humane leadership, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in humane education.

In the leadership of her own sanctuary, Stegeman’s emphasis circles back to the ducks.

“There’s practically no focus on ducks and that’s a huge epidemic,” she said.

“What I would like people to understand is that those little ducklings and chicks that are just a few dollars each at a farm supply store are actually really complicated animals that will live to be 10 years old or more, and if you put them out in the wild, they’re not going to survive.”

Domestic ducks only appear in the wild as a result of people abandoning them. Yet another group of domestic ducks has been found at the Brandywine Park and planning is underway in order to attempt another rescue in the coming weeks.

Stegeman and Leynes have been maintaining the sanctuary’s presence through the sanctuary’s website and social media accounts, but shared their plans to offer volunteer and internship programs as they feel the sanctuary has now developed to a place to expand public involvement. The pair hopes these opportunities will grow support for their mission of improving animal welfare. That mission, though certainly difficult, has proven more than worth it for Stegeman, Leynes and, of course, the many animals they save. Stegeman recites a mantra that reminds her of this:

“Even if you can’t change the world, you can change the world for that animal.”

To make a donation, drop off produce, offer volunteer services or wish to know more about the Sweet Peace Farm Sanctuary, visit www.sanctuary.org.

Oxford Graduation..

Continued from Page 1A reviewing some moments in high school that stood out in her mind. Referring to the unusual conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic during their high school years, she said, “It was stressful, but we got through it all.”

Class Vice President Abby Johnson praised her classmates for rapidly learning the ins and outs of being in high school once they arrived to a new situation

Oxford Borough..

Continued from Page 1A ties deal with stormwater runoff, or part of a stormwater reduction plan.

Kent Morey, an engineer from SSM, briefed council on the current challenges facing them.

Municipalities, like many other entities that meet certain standards, must obtain NPDES permit coverage for discharges of stormwater from their municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s).

A municipal separate storm sewer is any conveyance or system of conveyances, including but not limited to streets, ditches, and pipes that is owned by a municipality or other public body having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, stormwater or other wastes; designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater; not a combined sewer (i.e., not intended for both sewage from middle school. and stormwater); and not part of a publicly owned treatment works (POTW).

Three who excelled academically also presented their remarks.

Student speaker Luke Schoessler said he looks forward to college, but he will miss his time at Oxford.

“The friends I made here created the memories I’ll cherish,” he said.

Salutatorian Sarah Brown addressed the subject of failure as something not to be feared, but embraced.

“Remember, you are going to make mistakes, but there are no failures that stop us from being taught,” she said.

Morey, who has prepared the Borough Stormwater Reduction Plan, said, “Even though this requirement started in 2012, DEP has gotten so far behind in process, we are now forcing their hand to approve our permit.”

The borough is home to four different watersheds, all of which flow into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. After decades of stormwater runoff, all the streams are impaired by pollution, contributing to the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay.

According to Morey, Oxford Borough is required to reduce sediment by 10 percent in each watershed and only responsible for what is in their system or what drains into the creeks in the borough.

Identified as solutions are tree plantings, rain gardens and bump outs, to name a few. The borough is currently working with

Valedictorian Eliot Long referred heavily to the lessons he learned from reading “Lord of the Rings.” He said it is a mistake to form instant reactions to people and their behaviors without knowing what is behind them. He said that people are driven by the conditions in which they find themselves. “We must consider the perspectives of others,” he said.

Following the presentation of the individual diplomas, Pechin passed the stole signifying her office to Junior Class President Ava McGlothlin.

Twice during the cer- the Church of Love on N. Fourth Street to implement a bio-detention area which would include the above options.

Morey said, “We have to look at this from a financial standpoint, or to see how we can get the most bang for our buck. This would also include advertising and engineering costs. DEP is relying on the borough to say how they have met requirements.” emony, the Senior Chorus performed: once at the beginning with the U.S. National Anthem and at the end with the school’s Alma Mater.

The comment period ended in May. For more information, go to the borough's website at oxfordboro.org.

Council also announced that the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (ACOLA) working group will continue to meet the third Monday of the month at 5:45 p.m. and is welcoming all who want to attend.

Police Chief Sam Iacono recognize National Law Enforcement Week and asked everyone to keep those officers lost in their prayers.

The Air Force Junior ROTC presented the Colors.

Immediately after the new graduates were instructed to move their mortar board tassels from right to left, they exploded with joy, cheering and shooting confetti poppers.

They recessed to a pepped up playing of “Pomp and Circumstance,” joining their friends and relatives afterward.

During the second week in June, officers will be qualifying for their firearm certification. Each officer is required to achieve a certain score.

Oxford School Police and borough police will have an 8-hour day of training in June.

Detective Adam Weaver will have a week-long training course on criminal investigations put on by the FBI and ATF.

The police department received 709 calls for service for the month of April.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller advised council that she continues to work on the Comcast agreement and is hopeful that will be finished soon.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen informed council that work on the non-residential property ordinance continues. On June 7, there will be a tank inspection on the treated water tank, which will should give council an estimate of the cost of main- tenance on the tank.

Junior council person

Annabelle Bresler informed council that Oxford Area High School Graduation would take place on June 2. Council also approved the following actions:

• Adopting an ordinance #959-2023, amending Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 4, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §15419, Designate Accessible Parking Spaces, of the Borough of Oxford Code of Ordinances regarding the establishment and designation of areas reserved for parking by handicapped individuals on borough streets.

• A resolution #13592023 to apply for $300,000 in funding from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Watershed Restoration and Protection Program to support stormwater improvements that are part of the Borough’s Pollutant Reduction Program.

• A letter of support for the Oxford Area Recreational Authority (OARA) grant application to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenway Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) to support development of an updated Master Plan for the OARA Park.

• A settlement agreement and mutual release between Starr Road Farms, LLC and the Borough of Oxford.

• An amendment to the two-year contract for Pauline Garcia-Allen.

• A resolution # 1360-2023 declaring the intent to follow the Municipal Records Manual.

• A resolution #1361-2023 on Disposition of Records. Council is continuing to discuss the request from Neighborhood Services Center for designated street parking. Garcia-Allen suggested they take a step back on this since they are working on updating parking ordinances.