Chester County Press 11-13-2024 by Ad Pro Inc.

Houlahan, Kane, Lawrence, Sappey, Williams reelected

Trump wins Pennsylvania, presidential election

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

with a little more than 50 percent of the vote, in a state that political experts deemed was the most important battleground state in the 2024 presidential election. Trump won 61 of Pennsylvania’s counties, scoring well in all corners of the state except for the southeastern “blue wall” that includes Montogomery, Delaware and Chester counties and the City of Philadelphia. Reflective of the 2020 presidential election – when voters chose

Joe Biden over Trump by a margin of 57.7 percent to 40.7 percent – 56 percent of Chester County voters supported Harris, who outpolled Trump 175,686 to 133,497.

Voter turnout for this year’s elections in Chester County was strong, as 79 percent of the county’s registered voters – 300,949 in total – turned out at the polls. In contrast, the 2020 election saw 83.2 percent of the county’s registered voters cast their ballots.

The Nov. 5 election turned

out to be a political bloodbath for Democrats on the federal level, as Republicans won control of the Senate, flipping seats in West Virginia, Montana and Ohio. With 379 of the 435 races now called, the U.S. House of Representatives has seen the number of Democratic seats topple from 214 in 2020 to 181, as of now. Pennsylvania Republicans also won the state attorney general race, with York County District Attorney

Developers provide update of planned NVF residential site

The 294 units projected to be built along West Mulberry Street in Kennett Square Borough would include affordable housing options

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Members of ten architectural, engineering, legal, traffic and development agencies involved in the proposed residential complex at the former site of the National Vulcanized Fibre Company (NVF) in Kennett Square Borough brought the public up to date about the proposed development at the Kennett Library on Nov. 7. In a one-hour presentation, the public was introduced to the plans for the 22-acre site

along West Mulberry Street to build 294 “for rent” and “for sale” residential units. The complex will include 246 single-family townhomes: 38 singlefamily townhomes and 104 stacked townhomes (with two units per townhome), as well as a projected total of 492 parking spaces for residents and visitors. They are projected to be priced between the upper $300,000s for a 1,200square-foot residence to the low-to-mid $500,000s for a 2,220-square-foot

Continued on Page 4A

Election night bomb threat causes Kennett Area Democrats to evacuate

At least 32 counties received bomb threats across Pennsylvania

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Chester County Voter Services received an emailed bomb threat targeting the Chester County Government Services Center in West Chester shortly before polls closed on election night, Tuesday, Nov. 5. The two polling locations located in the building were moved to nearby polling locations and voting hours were extending to 10 p.m., while the building was promptly cleared by authorities.

The FBI is currently investigating the incident; however, the Chester County District Attorney’s office shared that the threat mirrored bomb threats were sent to other counties in the state and across the country. In Pennsylvania alone, it was reported that at least 32 counties received bomb threats.

The FBI issued a press

release on election night that read, “The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains. None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far.” At a press conference that night, Chester County District Attorney Christopher de BarrenaSarobe said that the threats were part of “a persistent, coordinated attempt” to disrupt the election in Continued on Page 2A

Dave Sunday, a Republican, beating former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale to become Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor by a vote of 3,284,107 to 2,981,360. Chester County went for DePasquale by a vote of 162,732 to 146,087.

In other important races impacting Pennsylvanians, Republican challenger Dave McCormick narrowly defeated Democrat and incumbent Bob Casey to win election as Pennsylvania’s newest U.S.

McCormick,

54.6 percent of the county’s votes. In the race for the U.S. House of Representatives 6th District seat, Democratic incumbent Chrissy Houlahan earned reelection to a fourth term by defeating Republican challenger Neil Young by an Continued

Oxford officials discuss water meters, park improvements

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough has been taking steps to improve its water operations over the last several years.

The borough sources its water from a combination of local wells that it owns and operates and the supply of water that it purchases from the Chester Water Authority. The borough also owns a water treatment plant and a transmission, production, storage, and distribution water system that serves its residents.

Borough officials and local residents alike are concerned about the potential sale of Chester Water Authority to Aqua, a large company that will likely raise the rates the borough pays for the water it needs. Oxford is currently pursuing new wells which would diversify the borough’s water sources. Because of that, Oxford has conducted a water rate study and a capital needs assessment.

In December of last year, Oxford was awarded a $600,000 grant through the PA H2O Program to support an upgrade to the borough water meters. In the coming months, the borough will replace outdated Positive Displacement Meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters and software. After a public bidding process, Oxford Borough Council awarded the meter contract to Rio Supply, Inc., a vendor for

Neptune Automated meters, at the regularly scheduled meeting on June 3. For residents and property owners, this upgrade will save money over time, enhance the delivery services and improve the customer experience. The borough will be able to alert water customers to sudden spikes in water use that may indicate a water leak, affording the customer an opportunity to fix it before incurring hefty water and sewer bills.

At a recent council meeting, Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said the water meter changing project letters were recently sent out to residents. This was the first letter to notify residents about the changes.

Borough officials expect to complete the project by February of 2025. Software will be changed by the end of the year, and officials want to educate residents about the new water billing program.

David Busch, a consultant with Keystone Alliance Consulting, is working with the borough on evaluating the water operations, and he has looked at different rate models to ensure that Oxford has enough money to pay for the operation of the water department. Gannett Fleming Consultants has also worked on a study to initiate a capital water plan.

“Weaver spent numerous hours trying to identify the suspect, and finally did,” Coverly said “Three years ago, I came to you regarding digital evidence requests. This involved CDs, cell phones, media, etc. We had 244 requests for this year. That will continue to grow.” Coverly also reminded the public to call 911 if they need the police. If they don’t feel comfortable calling 911, then residents can call 610-268-3171.

“It is really the same place, but calling 911 is quicker. 911 knows where all the police officers are and can handle the issue quickly,” Coverly explained.

Stacey Fuller, the borough’s solicitor, updated council on her work over the last month. She noted that Sycamore Crossing has been a pressing issue recently, so that work took up a considerable amount of time.

Garcia-Allen said that the initial work on the Eighth Street project is now complete, but some improvements will need to be made.

“We are not happy with the work the contractor did, and we are working through a punch list,” she said. The borough manager also said that Oxford will be making improvements to the Oxford Memorial Park. The borough received a $25,000 grant from parks and trails. One item that will be

In other business at the same meeting, Oxford Borough Police Department Sgt. Chris Coverly offered council the department’s monthly report for September. The police involvements totaled 481 for the month, and Coverly commended Det. Weaver for his work on a recent incident at the Oxford Mall.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

A Nov. 7 presentation introduced plans for the development of the NVF site in Kennett Square Borough that proposes the construction of 294 “for rent” and “for sale” residential units along West Mulberry Street.

Oxford Officials

Continued from Page 1A

improved is the sidewalk on Western Terrace. The borough also plans to fill in the sidewalk gap going to the nearby Ware Presbyterian campus.

Oxford Borough Council gave consideration to the request from Starr Road Farms, LLC in relation to the Sycamore Crossing development, Phases 2 and 4, to waive the requirement in the Spotts, Stevens, and McCoy Site Work Punch List dated March 1, 2024 to install bicycle-safe grates on all in-street inlets. Council did not approve the request for a waiver.

Borough council also considered the Zoning Hearing Board application submitted by Brian V. Hemphill for a property on Lincoln Street, and the request to authorize the borough solicitor to attend the hearing.

Fuller explained, “The applicant owns a property on Lincoln Street. He has placed a shipping container there. He said he did so to store equipment to clear the lot. He also

installed a fence. The fence is in violation of the fence ordinance since it is over six feet. He did not get a permit to put in a temporary structure either. He has not presented a plan yet.”

Codes Enforcement Officer

Terri Dugan said, “He knew he needed a permit, yet he still did it. He said he would ask for forgiveness. The Zoning Hearing Board meets on November 25.”

A reporter in attendance asked, “Since the fence goes over the limit in height, will he take that down? Did he get approval to put the building up that is there? Did he pay fines?”

Fuller said, “The council has the opportunity to dispatch the solicitor to go to the Zoning Hearing Board. Does council want to do that? When someone knowingly violates an ordinance, it is important. Council can oppose the variance. The borough can seek a fine, and the applicant can be asked to remove the temporary structure.”

Borough Council ultimately decided to approve a motion for the solicitor to represent the borough at the Zoning Hearing Board and to oppose

the application.

Council approved the certificate of substantial completion for the Community of Love Lutheran Church stormwater project.

Garcia- Allen said, “This was a project that is part of our stormwater MS4 reduction plan. We are excited we could work with a private property owner. We had a grant that covered this and will also cover some our engineering. We will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony with appropriate signage. This is a great educational opportunity for us.”

Council approved the SLC Excavating Pay Application #2 in the amount of $12,699.87 for the Community of Love Lutheran Church Stormwater Project.

Also approved was a Pennoni proposal in the amount not to exceed $129,400 to complete final design and site survey for improvement to Mt. Vernon Street, between Route 472 and Third Street.

Garcia-Allen explained, “This is for Mt. Vernon from Route 472 to N. 3rd Street. It will complete stormwater and road improvements and add a raw water line from well 14. There are other great wells in that area. The raw water line is a dig-once project which also includes a stormwater project which is a bump-out on both sides of the street. It will calm traffic and improve stormwater.”

Garcia-Allen said that they have a grant pending for construction, and the borough will also use liquid fuel funds for the project.

Council also approved the Gannett proposal in the amount not to exceed $34,000 to complete the final design of water system improvements on Mt. Vernon Street, between Route 472 and Third Street.

Avon Grove Charter School food pantry receives donation

Election Results

Continued from Page 1A

overall count of 175,702 to 135,231 and a percentage margin of 56.5 percent to 43.4 percent.

In the race for the 9th Senatorial District, John Kane defeated his Republican opponent Mike Woodin by a vote of 25,363 to 21,891 (53.6 percent to 46.3 percent) to earn another term in Harrisburg. In the state senate’s 19th District, incumbent Carolyn Comitta beat Republican challenger Duane Milne 81,230 to 63,365, tallying 56 percent of the vote to Milne’s 43.7 percent.

State House of Representatives John Lawrence and Christina Sappey will also

Bomb Threat

Continued from Page 1A swing states. The DA’s office also said that Chester County officials were prepared for this scenario and carried out their actions as planned.

While the Government Services Center was the only location in the county to receive a bomb threat, they were not the only location to evacuate. The Kennett Area Democrats evacuated their office in the Kennett Square Borough around 8 p.m., due to the threat.

Whitney Hoffman, Chair of the Kennett Area Democrats, received a call from a regional organizer on the Harris-Walz campaign advising the group – as well as all Chester County Democratic headquarters -- to evacuate their locations due to safety concerns. The group previously planned on staying at the office that night to watch the results from local, state and national elections.

Stay

www.chestercounty.com for further developments regarding the 2024 election.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Those at the Kennett headquarters quickly gathered their belongings and waited outside the office to learn more details about the incident, which elicited disappointment and confusion. Hoffman later shared with the Chester County Press that she spoke to the head of security for the Harris campaign and stated that she felt the move to close the Kennett office was due to an “abundance of caution” from the Democratic party.

“While I do not regret taking action for safety, I am quite angry that we are living in this kind of threat environment,” she wrote after the incident.

Gerry Auman, assistant Zone 3 Leader for the OxGrove Democrats, shared that they closed their Jennersville headquarters at 8 p.m., unrelated to the threat, and did not receive any contact to evacuate. He also reported a smooth day of voting at all of the precincts in their region. Many counties across the country targeted

in bomb threats were counties that voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, including Chester County. However, of the reported 32 Pennsylvania counties that received threats, only five voted for Biden in 2020. While little is still known about the bomb threat, the FBI and local authorities are continuing to investigate, while local volunteers and voters are left grappling with the disappointment of the threat and what it means more broadly about the state’s Democratic state of being.

“We’ve worked really, really hard to try and get along with everybody and to really turn out our voters, and to have what I can only assume is people trying to put a kibosh on people peacefully gathering is not what this country is about,” Hoffman said.

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty. com.

Courtesy photo

The Avon Grove Lions made a donation to the Avon Grove Charter School's food pantry. Accepting the donation from Lions President Jack Weber was Avon Grove Charter School High School Principal Matthew Messick.

Avon Grove Lions Club honors top seniors

The Avon Grove Lions

Senior Student of the Month from the Avon Grove Charter School is Addison Shallis.

Shallis is a strong student and active National Honor Society member. She is passionate about caring for animals and spends her free time helping them. For the past two years, she has partnered with Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue to foster animals, saving more than 70 cats from all kinds of situations. She takes care of the cats until they get adopted and go to their forever homes.

Shallis doesn't shy away from caring for the most difficult cats with all kinds of needs. At Avon Grove Charter School, she has helped with food drives, she has cleaned up around the school, and worked on the

annual blood drive. Shallis hopes to become a veterinary technician continuing to work with the animals she loves.

Ryan McKeon has been named the Avon Grove Lions Club Student of the Month for October 2024. He is the son of Mary and Frank McKeon.

McKeon’s school activities include Class of 2025 steering committee member (grades 11-12), communications officer and co-founder for Helping Hands Club (grades 11-12), AG Votes Club member (grades 11-12), Humanitarian Club member (grades 11-12), and Spanish

Club member (grades 10-12).

He is also active in his community by participating on the Avon Grove School District Future Ready Steering Committee (grades 11-12). He also works at Primo's Hoagies for 25 hours per week.

McKeon is an AP Scholar. He also received Excellence in Microsoft Office certification. Ryan plans to go to a four-year university for finance with a minor in Spanish. The teachers who have influenced him the most are Mrs. Polin, Mrs. Miers and Dr. Cahill.

Bernardon, LLC to begin operating under the Core States Group name

After three years of a successful and productive partnership, Core States Group and Bernardon, LLC today announced that Bernardon will operate under the Core States Group name, that became effective on Oct. 1. Core States Group is an integrated, industry-leading architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) firm that partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands. This new chapter will strengthen Core States Group’s capabilities and open more opportunities to impact the industry nationwide. Established in 1973, Bernardon is recognized as one of the top 100 design firms in the Mid-Atlantic region and among the top 300 architecture firms in the United States. Their impactful designs have included numerous housing, civic, and cultural projects such as:

• Rivermark Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

• Justice Center and Transportation Center, West Chester

• The Commons at Ursinus College, Collegeville

• Coatesville Train Station, Coatesville

• Capitol City 2030 Masterplan, Dover, Del.

“Our name is changing, but Bernardon’s commitment to innovative design remains. This full integration with Core States Group will reinforce our strong partnership and enable us to provide an even more robust portfolio of services to our clients,” said Michael S. McCloskey, AIA, LEED AP, vice president at Bernardon who will actively continue in his role with Core States Group.

According to D. David Dugan, president and CEO at Core States Group, “As Core States Group and Bernardon continue to combine our strengths and resources under the Core States Group brand, we are aligned in building a long-term strategy of developing market expertise, providing a collection of integrated services, and bringing a programmatic approach to our projects regionally and across the nation.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Core States Group’s recent acquisition of Barghausen Consulting Engineers, Inc. As Core States Group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, these developments reinforce the company’s commitment to leading the industry and creating a world where all environments improve everyday life.

Courtesy photo

Avon Grove High School assistant principal Ashley Penn, Kate McKeon, Senior of the Month Ryan McKeon and Avon Grove Lions president Jack Weber.

Courtesy photo

Addison Shallis, center, was named the Avon Grove Lions Senior Student of the Month by the Avon Grove Charter School.. Pictured are Keith Shallis, Kerry Shallis, Addison Shallis, Avon Grove Lions president Jack Weber and Avon Grove Charter School Principal Mathew Messick.

residence.

In addition, the complex will offer 48 mixed-income and affordable multi-family residential units that will be accompanied by 149 additional parking spaces. Glen Morgan, a principal of Delaware Valley Development Corporation (DVDC), described the 48 units as “housing for the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.”

“This is not scary housing,” he said of the proposed one-, two- and three-bedroom units. “This is not public housing. This is not Section 8 [housing]. This is workforce housing. It’s very high-quality design and construction, and it will serve the residents of the borough. We think it will become a great asset to the community.”

Residents of these affordable housing units can expect to pay monthly rent that will start at approximately $300 for a one-bedroom unit and go up to $1,400 for a threebedroom unit. The complex will be green friendly, constructed under energy star certifications and offer residents a full support of services that will include a clubhouse with professional property management and 24-hour maintenance.

DVDC has already developed 35 affordable communities in the area that include Granite Ridge in Kennett Township and Red Clay Manor in Kennett Square.

Jeremy Arnett, of the architectural firm of JDavis, said the planned development will provide ample room of 30,000 to 50,000 square feet of green space that will include shade cover, native plantings, a lawn and outdoor seating areas.

Matt Hammond, an engineer specializing in traffic and transportation, is helping to oversee Traffic Planning and Design, Inc., who has created a comprehensive Transportation Impact Study (TIS) for the proposed development. The report, recently completed, concluded that the overall traffic impact of the area will be minimal, projecting that it would generate 160 new trips during the morning rush hours between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 186 new trips during the afternoon rush hour, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. There will be five driveways that will service the proposed development -three access points on Mill Street, one access point on West Mulberry Street and one access point on Cedar Street.

“When we looked at this, we had three priorities: to provide a design that aligned with the existing fabric of Kennett Square that reflects the texture of existing buildings in the borough,” said Chad Atwater of JDavis. “Our second goal was to design the planned development around heritage, community, growth

Local News

the board and used NVF as a holding company for other businesses. Many of these companies began to fail, and NVF filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1993 and again in 1999.

and connection and the social implications of what the project would bring to the borough. The idea was, ‘How do we create a project that has these components in them?’ We want architecture that is going to last that will look timeless and not out of place.

“Our third goal was to design something that fits

within the townhome design that creates a cohesive design in terms of landscape and the community. In the end, we’re excited to present something that is cost effective, affordable and obtainable for everyone.”

From history to bankruptcy to clean-up First opened in the late

Scholarships available to local students

The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County has announced the search for students who reside in the Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to apply for the Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarship. This scholarship, previously granted in amounts of $1,000 or more, is awarded to students who are seeking higher education in the health care field.

Last year over $110,000 was granted to area students who received this scholarship. Award recipients planned to study fields such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, sonography and occupational therapy.

The Alma Newlin Scholarship grants onetime undergraduate awards to college-bound high school seniors, current college students, and adults pursuing continuing education.

Also eligible are students entering post-graduate studies, including additional one-time awards to previous scholarship recipients seeking post-graduate education in healthcare. Students must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in previous studies and be accepted for study in healthcare-related professions.

The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, a longtime resident of Kennett Square. The fund is administered by the Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County. Applications may be obtained online at www.HWFSCC.org under the funding link. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically.

All applications must be submitted by the last day of February in 2025.

1800s, NVF once employed as many as 250 workers and became one of the largest vulcanized fiber factories in the U.S., where it manufactured items ranging from household items to camera parts to circuit boards. In 1966, Victor Posner became the majority shareholder of NVF stock, named himself president and chairman of

In 2007, the company folded and in 2009, the property was purchased by the Delaware Valley Development Company (DVDC). Over the past 15 years – while developing plans for the site – DVDC has spent approximately $5 million on extensive groundwater and soil remediation that began in 2010 when it entered into Pennsylvania’s voluntary clean-up program administered by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Act 2 statute.

Over time, the clean-up has excavated and removed over 8,000 tons of PCP contaminated soils and over 15,000 tons of low-level PCP impacted soils on the site –all in cooperation with the DEP and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Rich Lake, an environmen-

tal consultant, has overseen the clean-up efforts of the site and helped put together a report to the EPA summarizing the remediation work that has been done to date. He said that 95 percent of PCP-laden soil has been remediated from the property, and much of the remaining soil with PCP contamination levels less than one part per million are being consolidated in the southwestern corner of the planned development where parking would be located. Lake said that some contaminants still remain on the site – including chlorinated solvents found in groundwater – and are currently being evaluated. According to the presenters, the new development, once completed, will have a major financial impact on the borough and the Kennett Consolidated School District. DVDC hired economic consultants David Babbitt & Associates to conduct an economic study of the proposed development, who reported that the residential complex is projected to provide a net surplus of $381,858 for the borough and a $830,942 surplus for the school district – a combined income of $1.2 million per net new economic impact per year. The presentation served as the first step in what will involve continued meetings and input from area elected and appointed officials, as well as a multi-tiered application process of applying for and receiving zoning, conditional use and land development approvals, which are estimated to take the next four years. The planning of the development will also see additional design and engineering phases and public forums for further comment.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Courtesy images

The proposed design of the residences will reflect the texture of existing buildings in the borough, as well as its heritage, community, growth and connection.

Courtesy image

The proposed complex will also include 48 affordable housing units.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

An open letter to the Democratic Party

I heard 10,000 whisperin’ and nobody listenin’ I heard one person starve, I heard many people laughin’ From “A Hard Rain’s A Gonna Fall,” by Bob Dylan by the already converted –the liberal, the progressive, the educated and the selfprofessed “woke” -- who read the newspaper not just for news but to clarify their firmly entrenched opinions.

In its Nov. 3 edition, The New York Times devoted the entirety of its Sunday Opinion section to the severe impact a second Trump presidency would have on the future of our country, our Constitution and our form of democracy. The headlines seemed to flare out in all directions:

“Autocracy is on the Ballot,”

“Let’s Not Blow It Again,”

“How to End a Democracy,”

“All the Demons Are Here,”

“The Beginning of the End,” and “What I Fear If Trump Returns.”

To further accentuate their opinion, The Times requoted “best of” snippets from 27 of its recent editorials that have excoriated Trump for his attempt to subvert the 2020 election; that he is a threat to democracy and unfit to lead; that he is corrupt and lawless; that he will pursue “a cruel policy of mass deportations” and “wreak havoc on the poor, the middle class and employers”; and that he will use the government to go after his opponents.

It was a 12-page, unrelenting assault authored by some of the most wellrespected journalists in our nation – a poignant takedown strengthened by truth, facts, clarity and a telltale forecast that may indeed come true. What The New York Times editorial board failed to realize is that its message was only received

What The New York Times – and you, the Democratic Party – have failed to realize is that 73 million Americans – including 3.5 million Pennsylvanians – voted for Donald Trump because of your collective failure to understand that for many of them, stories about fashion and societal trends and new authors and foreign travel plans and stock market forecasts that impact IRAs -- all of which grace the pages of The Times -- mean nothing to them.

What you and your favorite newspaper failed to realize is that for the 73,480,558 Americans who voted Trump to a second term on Nov. 5, they overlooked the fact that he is a convicted felon; that he is an accused sexual predator; and that he may jeopardize Social Security and leave millions of Americans with no access to healthcare.

Perhaps most gutting of all is their audacity to vote into the presidency a man entirely devoid of conscience, decency and integrity.They voted for Donald Trump because he spoke to them instead of at them. He

By Marie-Louise Meyers

After leaving the East Conservatory where you met with a profusion of colorful and varied plants and flowers, prepare for an abrupt change where everything seems fused with subtle undertones like a diffused rainbow, greeted in the courtyard by the embrace of ginkgo trees leading you to the Openness of the West Conservatory. Here the air changes as asymmetrical crystalline peaks rise from the pools to the sky as if floating.

Water seems to be the guiding theme of this seamless experience, the fluid conduit where connecting wild and cultivated places with hanging baskets and espaliered Kumquats and palm trees flourish. Like a reinvention of Glass Houses, the outside is drawn in where engineering takes you to a new sensation of floating in space.

Within the Grove, a virtual showplace for a collection of books on Horticultural and historical references to Longwood as well as offices and rooms for continuing education.

You regain your footing in the Bonsai Courtyard with an expanded opportunity to view the exceptional ingenuity and patience involved in starting the transformation of an ordinary tree to a dwarfed Object d’Art.

Here they can be viewed not in a narrow passageway but given their own unique space to truly appreciate from every angle without glass intervening.

looked into their eyes while you looked above their heads as if peering over a throng.

What you and The Times have failed to realize is that this is not the America that is coated in the ivy walls of higher academia or of suburban mothers waiting for four cuts of mako shark at Wegman’s that will lay on a bed of sauteed kale at that night’s dinner, all throughout the fine-lawn crevices of our left and right coasts.

Rather, this is the America who has perfected their ability to stretch a paycheck as far as it can go, who calculate numbers in their heads as they walk through the aisles of a grocery store.

This is the America who whispers soft prayers at Sunday service for a brighter future that may never come.

This is the America that you see at 30,000 feet.

This is the America of infinity highways and tiny towns and houses of worship that create the narrative that guides them.

If you truly wish to know who they are then just look at the damn map. By the time it turned 2 a.m. on Nov. 6, the electoral college map of Pennsylvania resembled a rectangular bed of roses as did most of America, and in response to your callousness, your indifference and your smug elitism, by the time the sun rose the next morning, 73 million of them had eaten your lunch.

In the weeks before he was assassinated by a gunman in the kitchen of the Ambassador

leading to the freight elevator and to the Green Houses, as if a continuance from the Historic Old to the Innovative new.

Enter the Cascade Garden and rediscover the tranquil beauty restored with the profoundness of even more bromeliads, more at the Waterfalls, considered a Stopping Place for Picture Taking but now even more for you to hesitate with camera in hand.

(This spring, the Waterlily Court will be unveiled where obsidian pools will greet with floating foliage including one hundred varieties of both hardy and tropical waterlily specimens.)

Stop if you have time and inclination at the 1906 Restaurant and Fountain Room for another experience, a new space of taste and decor overlooking the iconic Main fountain Garden featuring “bespoke” furniture crafted by nonprofit locals using reclaimed wood from Longwood trees,

The air and hue has changed to a softer Mediterranean with its trees and plants, your senses infused with unrestricted sight from water to sky, the soft arousal of bubbles ever renewing with floating plants within.

In this time of crisis on many fronts, for humans to co-exist, and even transcend the common ground of every day events, they need to touch that hidden place within reserved for beauty and grace.

And I’ll tell it and speak it and think it and breathe it

And reflect from the mountains, so all souls can see it

And I’ll stand on the ocean until I start sinkin’

But I’ll know my song well before I start singing.

Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was the leading Democratic candidate for the U.S. presidency. His campaign began slowly, but as spring washed over a country in the heat of the Vietnam War and civil unrest, it took on the momentum of a freight train, careening through massive crowds in city after city.

For Kennedy, however, a child of privilege and a Harvard education, he was determined to visit the other side of America, where cameras and microphones are rarely focused on. In rolled up sleeves, he toured

the Appalachian region of eastern Kentucky, western Pennsylvania, California’s Central Valley and the Mississippi Delta, and it was there that he saw a nation that longed to be heard.

Now is not the time for you to point fingers at the Republican Party. They did the work that you haven’t done, and they have left you broken and splintered and undefined, and as a result, they have complete control of the U.S. Senate, the U.S House and the White House. This is not the time to question the intelligence and character of the 73 million

people who did not vote for Kamala Harris. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to tear itself down and rebuild, brick by brick, ideal by ideal. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to write its next chapter, word by word – one of inclusion and not hollow, deferential and meaningless rhetoric that appeals only to its base. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to turn off the cameras and ride down the dusty roads of middle America. Now is the time for the Democratic Party to roll up its sleeves and listen to the people who live there, and now is the time for the Democratic Party to know its voice well before it starts speaking.

to the list of

Ranking includes nursing homes in 25 states with highest number of facilities and Statista rankings, Pocopson Home is one of the top 1,050 nursing homes out of nearly 14,858 homes analyzed (top seven percent).

Few guests entered the Potting Shed before, now the Bonsai Work Shop, an inviting place, tying the past with the present with tracks

on the

once

You’ll find it here within the borders of Longwood’s West Conservatory where you’ll experience all of the sensory arousal with sight unrestricted and unveiled from water to sky with the allusion of floatation to take you there as if a dream fulfilled.

Chester County Press

Pocopson Home, Chester County’s long-term healthcare facility, was recently named to the list of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 by Newsweek and Statista. The ranking lists the nation’s leading nursing homes in the 25 states with the highest number of facilities, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). According to the Newsweek

In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said, “We are thrilled that Pocopson Home received this well-earned national recognition because it provides high-quality care every day to residents receiving long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.

tation services for individuals who have been hospitalized and require inpatient physical therapy to recover. Pocopson Home also provides respite and hospice care in its longterm care setting.

“Everyone who works at Pocopson – from the housekeeping and maintenance staff to the nurses and nurse’s aides – contributed to this achievement, and we are extremely grateful for their service and dedication. Credit also goes to Pocopson Home’s management team, led by administrator Jackie McKenna.” Pocopson Home provides 24-hour long-term nursing care and short-term rehabili-

“To be recognized as one of America’s best nursing homes is a testament to our incredible staff who work, day-in and day-out, to provide excellent care to our residents, with compassion and dignity,” said McKenna. “We hope that the Newsweek ranking and our CMS rating help to assure our residents and their families that they are getting the very best care from true professionals.”

The America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025 ranking is based on quality metrics, a national survey of medical professionals, accreditation data, and reviews of residents’ satisfaction. See the rankings at https://www.newsweek.com/ rankings/americas-best-nursing-homes-2025-150-beds/ pennsylvania-150-beds.

Courtesy photo

Robert F. Kennedy meets with supporters throughout the south during his 1968 presidential campaign.

Courtesy photo

Pocopson Home administrator Jackie McKenna (second row, second from right) is joined by some of the Home’s residents and staff to recognize the county-owned long-term healthcare facility’s latest accolade. Newsweek and Statista recently

Oxford Library holds ‘Noir and a Bar’ fundraiser

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

The Oxford Public Library hosted its sixth annual “Noir at a Bar” fundraiser at the Octoraro Tavern in Oxford on Nov. 7, an event that featured 10 writers who performed readings of their original noir stories to those in attendance.

The fundraiser, organized by Gary Zenker of Mainline Writers Group and Oxford Library Board Treasurer Jay Kennedy, is one of four major fundraisers the library holds each year. All proceeds from the event -including ticket sales and all sales of the writers’ books -- went to the library.

“Yes, it’s great to have an audience, yes it’s great to read our stories, but it’s also great that we combine that with support of the library,” Zenker said. “The goal is to put audiences and writers together. These are all local writers but ones that a lot of people wouldn’t know if they didn’t receive exposure like this.”

Writers at the event included Todd Harra, who was described in his introduction as a “part-time writer and full-time undertaker,” who told a story of what happens at the second autopsy, and former Oxford resident Greg Cox, who read a story he published 30 years ago about the Jack the Ripper murders. Oxford resident Mike Clarke read his story about an Oxford private investigator investigating the big theories behind small town happenings.

Also reading at the event was Kennedy, who in addition to his role on the library board is perhaps best known around town during the holiday season as Santa Claus. He read his morbid and humorous Santa story about

a killing spree at a Christmas event featuring real Oxford locals. Kennedy took the microphone in his classic red suit, kicking the story off by stating, “I really hate Christmas.”

“I’m just a reader, and since they’re doing it at Oxford, Gary kind of graciously said, ‘Why don't you submit a story?’” Kennedy said. “So, I do it every year and I make mine local and have a lot of Oxford flavor to it.”

Other writers included James McCrone, Lanny Larcinese, Kimberly Leahy, Chris Bauer, Jim Sassaman and Zenker. While some writers at the event were local, others traveled as far as three hours to participate in the event. Cox, Zenker and Kennedy all shared that they feel there is a supportive and strong local community of writers in the Oxford area.

“There are a huge number of talented people here, some of whom have been published a lot who are on the cusp of being published,” Zenker said. “Some are learning their craft early on, getting ready to figure out what to do. It’s incredibly humbling when I listen to these stories.”

Ultimately, both the library board and the writers viewed the event as a success, paying special thanks to the importance of proving an audience to writers.

“Just being able to fill a room with library folks to provide an audience for these authors makes it worthwhile,” Kennedy said.

“Thank you to the audience,” Zenker said at the end of event. “You’re the reason why writers write.”

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty. com.

Upcoming art exhibit will reflect a ‘hue of memories’

By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer

On a recent trip to her hometown of Chen Du in the Southwest region of China, Chester County-based artist and photographer Jie Deng visited her family and reflected on the passage of time as it affected those whom she loves.

It was that visit that serves as a seed of inspiration for her upcoming exhibition, entitled “Hue of Memories” that will open at Shish Interiors in Centreville, Del. on Nov. 20.

Deng’s father had suffered a stroke several years ago that rendered it difficult for him to communicate. Once a biochemistry professor and published author, Deng’s father turned to collage as a way of preserving memories and communicating. Less a deliberate art form and more a way of documenting, he created intricate collages that serves as the artistic backbone to the theme of his daughter’s exhibition.

Deng explained that she doesn’t visit her native China often, and when she sees her parents, she notes the passage of time and feels the experience of separation with every visit. To complicate matters, her sister lives in Canada, which means the visits the parents have with their daughters are few and far between, leaving Jie’s mother

as her father's defacto caretaker. On her month-long stay, Deng noted the challenges that befall a spouse/caretaker role and how it impacts the relationship.

The experience led Jie to contemplate aging as a universal concept and a very personal one.

Her daughter is currently in high school and in two years, will be heading off to college. The line of thinking is contagious, and I start to think about it too, as my children have both started daycare. It’s a heavy thought – one’s own impermanence - but one that has, throughout time, sparked beautiful art, writing, film and music.

“Hue of Memories” explores the existential questions which have brought pause to humans since the beginning of consciousness. The collection will take visitors through four different themes of aging and their attributes as illuminated by Deng and contributing artists Jill Beech, Katee Boyle, C. C. Czerwinski, Lauren Peters and Samara Weaver. Each phase will have a color attributed to it and will reflect on the beauty, the energy and the challenges of the human experience.

Jie Deng’s “The Hue of Memories” will be on exhibit from Nov. 20-23 at Shish Interiors, 5716 Kennett Pike, Suite M, Centreville, Del. 19807. A reception will be held on Nov. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Those in attendance at the event were introduced to the published work of some of the authors.

Photos by Gabbie Burton Oxford Library Board Treasurer Jay Kennedy was one of 10 writers who read their original noirthemed stories on Nov. 7 at the library’s sixth annual “Noir at a Bar” fundraiser at the Octoraro Tavern in Oxford.

WENDY SUE PANNIER

Wendy Sue Pannier, a most special friend to the Kennett Square and West Grove communities, and people in too many states to list passed away on October 27 at the age of 75 after a lengthy illness. Her life was an adventure, a journey, a pilgrimage and guided by a deep spiritual faith in the healing power of love. Her beloved husband Roger Gormel was by her side at their home at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community at her passing.

Wendy was born in Chicago, Illinois as the only daughter of Wes and Lois Pannier, who maintained a family compound in Merrill, Wisconsin where she spent summers with many cousins. She savored the memories of these gatherings. She was an exceptional student, strictly guided by her mother, who insisted Wendy was to be a student only until the time she got married. There were no other goals.

Fortunately, Wendy had other ideas. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and graduated in 1971 to become the first graduate to immediately be hired as a teacher to take over the Journalism Department while her mentor, Elizabeth “Liz” Barnes was on sabbatical. Wendy met her best friend for life, Emilie Knud-Hansen, as one of her students. Wendy’s parents never envisioned her as a professional journalist, but grew to be immensely proud of her long career in communications.

Wendy moved to Philadelphia in 1972 to work with an organization dedicated to the rights of women, and she mentored several disadvantaged girls who needed a role model for success. From there, she went on to marketing a flower and plant business that focused on rehabilitating former prison inmates. As a petite, fiercely strong and beautiful woman,

she had no fear counseling inmates, and in fact, commanded respect from every company for which she worked.

As Wendy’s professional career in corporate communications evolved, she became an avid volunteer and enjoyed writing a business column for The Kennett Paper. Many lifelong friendships developed as she got interested in outdoor life, kayaking, canoeing and camping, and while she never was involved in any competitive sports, she loved those years.

Wendy also had a lifelong passion for the power of dreams. She led an international organization of dream research and attended conferences around the world. While fighting cancer, Wendy wrote a pamphlet on the power of dreams to fight the disease and the perils of treatment. Wendy emphatically proclaimed, “If I dream I feel better, I wake up feeling better.” Wendy was among the first trial stem cell treatment patients at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Some 20 years later the doctors confided to her the she was only one of five patients who survived the trial.

Wendy’s career in corporate communications evolved at Capital Analysts in Radnor, Pa. and ended in Cincinnati, Ohio as Western & Southern became the primary partner. The move lasted just a few years and after she suffered a serious illness, when the opportunity came to return to the Kennett area, she and Roger enthusiastically “moved back home.”

They enjoyed more than four years in the Jenner’s Pond community, along with their beloved dogs, Brandy and Carly.

Left to mourn Wendy’s passing is her husband Roger, his children and grandchildren, her brother Jon Pannier and his family, her legion of friends spanning over 50 years, and the many lives she enriched just by being Wendy. Memorial arrangements are pending.

To view her online tributes and to share a memory with her family, please www.kuzoandfoulkfh,com.

GERALD DALE BROWN

Gerald Dale Brown, of Oxford passed away on November 1, 2024. He was 76.

“Gerry” was born in West Grove on November 21, 1947 to G. Calvin Brown Jr. and Florence Graham Brown and was raised on a farm near Oxford with his brother, Joel C. Brown and sisters Linda A Lutz and Carol L Shirk.

He was a graduate of Oxford Area High School class of 1965 and Spring Garden Institute of Technology.

He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart during his service.

Gerry owned and operated Brown Machine in Lower Oxford Township for 20 years. After selling Brown Machine, he worked at Edlon Inc. in Avondale until his retirement in 2020.

Gerry’s hobby was anything dealing with computers, especially computer-aided designing.

Gerry is survived by his brother, Joel C Brown (Celestine Marsha Getty), his sisters, Linda A Lutz and Carol L Shirk (Glenn Shirk), a nephew Karl S. Brown (Stacy Brown), nieces Kimberly Isenhour and Stephanie Ryan and five great-nieces and great-nephews.

Family wishes to thank Visiting Angels caregivers for their loving care of Gerry during his last years, with special mention for Kelvin Thomas and Maryann Tomeo.

Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace.

Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

For

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, https://give.michaeljfox. org/give/489725.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Pa. Human Services Secretary introduced to Chester County’s Human Needs Network

Visit by Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh includes discussion on the early impacts of Chester County’s locally run Human Services Crisis Response, Information and Referral System

Chester County Government showcased its recently introduced Human Needs Network service to Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, highlighting the unique initiative that brings a local focus on helping residents experiencing a behavioral health crisis or needing information about services ranging from food to housing to mental health assistance.

During the afternoon briefing, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe explained the county’s intent for this new service.

“An important component of the Human Needs Network is having local professionals help those experiencing a crisis, whether it be a housing or basic needs crisis

or mental health crisis," Maxwell said. "We are building a team that is based here in the county and who can help their neighbors, whether it be through taking a call, finding support services, or having trained peers heading out to meet with individuals who are going through a crisis any time day or night.”

In addition to outlining the core of the Human Needs Network –including the local contact center for 211 and 988 calls – Chester County’s Human Services Director Pat Bokovitz and his team reported on the early impacts of using a local contact center and mobile crisis response teams.

“Since we started answering the 211 calls for behavioral health information in April, our resource navigators have answered over

1,000 calls a month," Bokovitz

said. "These calls are requesting help finding assistance with food, housing, mental health, and various other behavioral health challenges that Chester County residents face every day.

“In addition, the staff answering the 988 and local crisis line calls are connecting individuals in a behavioral health crisis to appropriate services,” added Bokovitz.

“One of those services, the Mobile Crisis Resolution teams, started providing in-person services in mid-May, and the teams have been dispatched over 350 times to all corners of Chester County, helping residents in a crisis.”

The meeting with Secretary Arkoosh included a tour of the county’s 211 and 988 contact cen-

ters, located in the Chester County Government Services Center.

“As a former County Commissioner, I know how important it is for our counties to have robust, responsive networks that are able to help their residents facing urgent, often multi-layered crises,” Arkoosh said. “A person’s present challenges are typically the culmination of multiple factors, and if we’re going to make an impact, we must prepare and empower teams to take a holistic approach to helping others.”

“Chester County’s Human Needs Network has built a system that is doing just that. By aligning behavioral health crisis support with screenings and information on resources we all need to live, this network is getting to the core of

what can get a person to that crisis point and creating a simple access point to get people they help they deserve.”

The Human Needs Network of Chester County was developed with input from leaders of more than 50 local organizations who represent all sectors of the community – from first responders, schools, hospitals, and libraries to nonprofits and veteran organizations, the United Way of Chester County and county government departments. Many now serve on the Human Needs Network’s Community Advisory Board.

A significant portion of Chester County’s investment in the Human Needs Network was covered by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Courtesy photo

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Gerard John Power

aka Gerard J. Power aka Gerard Power, deceased; late of Tredyffrin Township, Pennsylvania, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Co-Executors: Margaret A. Cioffi and Gary K. Moreland c/o Heidi E. Anderson, Esquire, Leonard Sciolla, LLP, One Penn Center, Suite 825, 1617 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19103 10p-30-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF APRIL CHRISTINA ALARCON-ORTEGA, DECEASED. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to DONNIE DEAN ORTEGA, JR., ADMINISTRATOR, 1084 Lees Bridge Rd., Nottingham, PA 19362, Or to his Attorney: DENNIS C. VONDRAN, JR., LAMB McERLANE, PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381-0565 11p-6-3t

NOTICE

PENN TOWNSHIP ZONING

HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Penn Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania, on November 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: Application of Roberto C. Nieto Ayala seeking a dimensional variance from the 100 foot set-back requirements for permanent animal shelters under Section 1615.B of the Zoning Ordinance so as to allow construction of a chicken house closer to the property line than 100 feet; and seeking a variance from the prohibition against locating accessory structures within the front yard of a property under Ordinance Sections 1501.A.2.b and c, so as to allow the construction of the chicken house within the legal front yard of property located at 320 Woodcrest Road, West Grove, PA (being UPI #58-4-16.9) in the Township’s RA-Residential/ Agricultural Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact the Township Secretary at (610) 869-9620 to discuss how Penn Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor, Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

11p-6-2t PULIC NOTICE

BOROUGH OF OXFORD ZONING HEARING BOARD

The zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Oxford will meet Monday November 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania to conduct a hearing and possibly make a decision on the Application of Brian V. Hemphill for the property he owns located at 651 Lincoln Street, Borough of Oxford. The Applicant is appealing an Enforcement Notice issued by the Borough Zoning Officer for an unlawful accessory structure on the property and failure to obtain a building permit. The Applicant is also requesting variances to permit an accessory storage container/ structure and a fence higher than six feet to remain on the property permanently without a principle use on the property. The property subject of the Application is located in a General Industrial Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact the Borough at 610-932-2500.

11p-6-2t NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on December 5, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

In re: Application of John R. Lewis, Jr. seeking a special exception under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-1202.B and a variance from the 75-foot minimum front yard setback requirement under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-1203.A.4, both so as to allow the enlargement of an existing veterinary specialty hospital on property located at 455 Old Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA (being UPI #64-3-80) in the Township’s HC-Highway Commercial Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street Kennett Square, PA 19348 11p-13-2t

NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP

ZONING HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on December 5, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

In re: Application of Gerald Johnston seeking variances from the 40% or 600 square foot maximum size of accessory buildings under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A.2.d; and from the 15 foot maximum height of accessory buildings under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A.4, so as to allow the construction of a two-story, two-car garage measuring 30 feet by 31 feet (930 square feet) and having a mean roof height of 16’ 3/4” and an overall height of 22’ 3-7/8” on property located at 1387 Parkerville Rd., Kennett Square, PA in the Township’s R-2 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 11p-13-2t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, December 23rd , 2024. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 24-11-322

Writ of Execution No. 2024-02941 DEBT $158,003.56

Property situate in the BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being Tax Parcel # 0806-0052

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC VS DEFENDANT: LAURA N. MERKLINGER

SALE ADDRESS: 52 E 2nd Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844856-6646

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via

Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 10p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, December 23rd , 2024. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 24-11-326

Writ of Execution No. 2019-10859

DEBT $404,625.16

ALL THAT CERTAIN tract, lot or piece of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, Situate in the Borough of West Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance with a Record Major Subdivision Plan, West Meadows, made by Kidde Consultants, Inc., E.P.S., dated 02/24/1987 as last revised 04/01/1987 which Plan is of record in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds as Plan No. 7312.

Tax Parcel # 5-7-44

PLAINTIFF: DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc. VS DEFENDANT: William T. Eichelberger

SALE ADDRESS: 1 West Meadow Court, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ALBERTELLI LAW 856-724-1888

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, December 23rd , 2024. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 24-11-331 Writ of Execution No. 2024-03621 DEBT $204,805.18

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the New London Township, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated May 31, 2000 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on June 5, 2000, in Deed Book Volume 4763 at Page 1836, as Instrument No. 20000035287.

Tax Parcel # 7101 0010000

PLAINTIFF: U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST VS DEFENDANT: DAVID M. SHAW

SALE ADDRESS: 1005 Oxford Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP 215-855-9521

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 24-3-85 Writ of Execution No. 2019-10682 DEBT $282,472.75

All that certain piece or parcel or Tract of land situate in the Borough of West Grove, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and being known as 115 Guernsey Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390.

TAX PARCEL NUMBER: 5-3-28

PLAINTIFF: Longbridge Financial, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Judy Melendez Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Randy S. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Richard E. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Ryan Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Nicole Eichelberger akaNicole A. Bunting Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, and Unknown Surviving Heirs of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier

SALE ADDRESS: 115 Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 215-790-1010

Lawful Notice County Settlement Covenant, Chester County, Full text at: www.Pennsylvaniafreestate. org. 11p-13-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Kathryn Faldeti, deceased; late of Penn Township, Pennsylvania, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Cameron Faldeti, Executor, c/o Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 11p-13-3t

Classifieds

TRAVEL/VACATION: OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of full/partial week rentals. FREE Color Brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc: 1-800-638-2102 Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com. $75 discount - new rentals 4+ nights. Code: “ToTheOcean2024” (Expires 06-01-2024)

Miscellaneous: New windows from Window Nation. Special money saving offer – zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation

facilities grant

Avon Grove School District secures

$1 million facilities grant

Avon Grove School District has been awarded a $1 million Public School Facility Improvement Grant administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development (DCED) to modernize the HVAC systems at Penn London Elementary School, Avon Grove Intermediate School, and the District Administrative Office.

The grant will fund comprehensive renovations to replace aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning infrastructure with state-of-the-art systems designed to enhance indoor air quality and create optimal learning environments for students and staff.

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth Financing

Authority for recognizing the importance of this project through their Public Safety Improvement Grant Program,” said Bonnie Wolff, Avon Grove School Board president. “This funding will help us create healthier, more comfortable learning spaces for our students while improving overall building safety and efficiency. It's a perfect example of how state and local partnership can benefit our educational community.”

The new HVAC systems will deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced air filtration and ventilation capabilities, improved temperature control throughout the buildings, and reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs.

Chester County park ranger to serve on statewide NextGen Advisory Council

Chester County park ranger Jessa Goodeaux has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) NextGen Advisory Council. Council members assist DCNR with ensuring all Pennsylvanians, especially the next generation, can connect to public lands, natural resources, recreation, and conservation.

“I applied to the DCNR NextGen Council with the goal of inspiring young people to take advantage of our public lands by increasing their levels of comfort and safety within, and access to parks and open spaces,” said Goodeaux. “I am particularly committed to increasing outdoor recreation opportunities for communities I identify with, such as young veterans and women, while also supporting my fellow park rangers and others in the parks and recreation field.”

Speaking about Goodeaux’s representation of Chester County on this statewide council, Chester County Parks + Preservation director Dave Stauffer said, “Ranger Goodeaux’s leadership skills and passion for public service make her an excellent addition to the

DCNR NextGen Council. We are proud to have her representing Chester County at the state level and know that her contributions will help to advance the Council’s goals.”

Goodeaux embarked on a career in parks and recreation after witnessing the role that open spaces had on the public’s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. She believes her life’s purpose is to serve others— as both a Chester County park ranger and an Army Reserve officer.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources launched the NextGen Advisory Council in 2022 to increase public participation and expand its diversity of perspectives and engagement opportunities to help to inform department programs and operations.

Dan Carsley, the district business manager, highlighted the fiscal impact of the grant. “Securing this grant allows us to make these critical improvements without placing additional burden on taxpayers. The new systems will generate substantial operational savings through reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs, creating a win-win situation for both our students and our budget,” Carsley said.

The project is part of AGSD's ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving its facilities while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. Work is expected to begin in the summer and will be scheduled to minimize disruption to educational activities.

Courtesy photo

Avon Grove Intermediate School (above), Penn London Elementary School, and the District Administrative Office will receive new HVAC systems through the $1 million state grant.

Courtesy photo Chester County park ranger Jessa Goodeaux has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources NextGen Advisory Council.

Local students explore postsecondary pathways at annual Chester County College Fair

Chester County families gathered at United Sports in Downingtown on Oct. 14 to attend the annual Chester County College Fair, organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) and sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services. The event drew over 900 attendees and featured representatives from over 130 postsecondary institutions.

“The annual Chester County College Fair offers local students access to a diverse range of colleges, with many institutions from our region as well as schools from across the United States and even Europe," said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the CCIU. "It featuresa wide variety of options, including two-year community colleges, military programs, nursing schools, trade schools, and more, providing a one-stop shop for exploring higher education opportunities. With college visitation season approaching, this event empowers students to map out their school tours and speak with representatives, many of whom are alumni who can provide first-hand insights into their schools.”

This year’s fair offered a comprehensive range of options for high school stu-

Comitta

Five projects that improve municipal services, support outdoor recreation, expand access to healthcare, and invest in educational opportunities were awarded $3.8 million in total state funding, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta recently announced.

“Strong municipal services and public works, access to world-class healthcare, topnotch educational facilities and programs, and extensive opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors – these are all part of our excellent quality of life in Chester County," Comitta said. "As state Senator, I continue to support investments in these community assets,

dents to explore with their families, from educational endeavors to pathways for special education support.

A unique element of this year’s event was the Transitioning Beyond High School early hour program. Open to students with disabilities and their families, this program gave attendees the opportunity to learn about inclusive higher education programs, as well as how to access disability supports and have individualized conversations with university representatives.

“The Transitioning Beyond High School early hour session provided the opportunity for one-on-one conversations and resource-sharing relevant to postsecondary options for individuals with special needs,” said Meaghan Stolnis, training and consultation specialist for the CCIU.

“This session was especially important as the transition to postsecondary education can be overwhelming. We were so pleased with the turnout and found the event to be meaningful for all in attendance,” added Kathleen Eckinger, a CCIU training and consultation specialist who worked alongside Stolnis to coordinate the early hour program.

Attendees to the early hour session and college fair were able to tour their options from

coast to coast in one evening and talk to representatives about admissions requirements, academic offerings, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and campus life.

“This event broadened my son’s horizons and mine. There are a lot of schools that we weren’t aware of and I think he talked to some schools that he might be interested in visiting,” said attendee Maria Bednart.

Bednart explored the Chester County College Fair with her son, Ronnie, who stated, “This event singled-handedly doubled my prospective college list… maybe even tripled it!”

Others echoed the sentiment. Attendee Jackie Mavrelos, gifted education teacher and mother of student Kolton, emphasized the number of schools and the enthusiasm of the representatives. When asked if she would recommend the event to high school students, she nodded and explained, “I think this is a great opportunity for them to not only learn about schools but also practice networking skills, interact with new people, and find out what their interests are and what they want to look for in a school.”

The event provided a wealth of information to local families, igniting curiosity and ambition in the

high school students who were able to speak with many different school representatives in just a couple of hours. With its diverse representation of institutions and engaging atmosphere, the annual fair once again proved to be an invaluable resource for students navigating the complex landscape of college selection, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational future.

Local participating colleges and universities included Albright College, Bryn Mawr

College, Delaware County Community College, Immaculata University, Moore College of Art & Design, Montgomery County Community College, Neumann University, Penn State University, Valley Forge Military College, and West Chester University.

Participating out-ofstate institutions included Binghamton University, Christopher Newport University, Flagler College, Furman University, Hofstra University, Miami University,

Roanoke College, Spelman College, University of Alabama, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, and University of New Hampshire. The Chester County College Fair is organized by the CCIU on behalf of Chester County students and their families. For more information about the Chester County College Fair and other CCIU special events, please contact Jay Della Ragione at JayD@cciu.org or call 484-237-5053.

representatives from over 130 postsecondary institutions.

announces $3.8 million for municipal services, public works, and other projects so they can be enjoyed by all people now and for generations to come.”

The funds, which were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), are as follows:

• $1 million to East Fallowfield Township for a new municipal complex. The township has already conducted a feasibility study on the complex, which will combine the police department and administrative offices. The funds will support construction and related activities, including land development, site work, highway occupancy permitting, and an extension for

the public water and sewer. Funding will also help purchase equipment for the new municipal complex, like access control, security, and furniture.

• $1 million for Paoli Hospital to add more patient rooms by renovating an existing medical building into a patient care unit. The project, which will result in additional patient rooms, is part of is a short-term strategy to accommodate increased inpatient volume. Longerterm campus master planning is underway with a focus on further increasing inpatient bed capacity at Paoli Hospital to meet the current (and growing) demand.

• $800,000 for West Whiteland Township to support the construction of the township’s new public works facility.

• $500,000 for the Chester County Intermediate Unit for the construction of the Child and Career Development Center’s new Great Valley campus. The new campus, situated on 22 acres in East Whiteland Township, will accommodate 190 students from across the county. It is being designed to accommodate students with multiple disabilities, including physical and emotional challenges. It will include specialized gymnasiums, therapy centers, classrooms, emotional

support, and physical support areas, including outdoor all-abilities playgrounds and recreation areas. Construction on the campus broke ground earlier this past summer and is expected to be completed in September 2026.

• $500,000 for Natural Lands to make improvements at the Stroud Preserve in East Bradford. Funds will be used to demolish and reconstruct an aging bridge, construction of a new bathroom facility, repaving, and stormwater management and flood mitigation improvements.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program administered

the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. To receive funding, projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Through her leadership in the legislature, Comitta has brought back tens of millions of dollars in RACP funding to support various community revitalization and economic development projects benefitting the residents of Chester County.

Courtesy photo

Attendees at the 2024 Chester County College Fair enjoyed one-on-one interactions with

by the Office of

Courtesy photo

Representatives at the 2024 Chester County College Fair on Oct. 14 were available to answer questions about their schools and provide additional information to attendees who wanted to learn more or schedule a campus visit.