Chester County Press 02-05-2025 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

Order went into effect on Jan. 30

Pa. Ag. Department issues quarantine order to control phorid fly infestation

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In a groundbreaking announcement, Pennsylvania Agriculture

Secretary Russell Redding announced that the state’s Department of Agriculture has issued a mandatory quarantine order to all mushroom growers in Kennett and New Garden

townships to help control the recent infestation of the phorid fly, a destructive pest that is causing crop damage to mushroom farms in Southeast Pennsylvania and creating a nuisance for nearby homeowners.

The quarantine order went into effect on Jan. 30 and requires growers to steamtreat between crops as prescribed in step-by-step

instructions accompanying the order. Growers are required to keep records of treatments and submit reports to the department, and growing facilities will be subject to periodic inspections.

The order requires all mushroom growers to steam-treat or pasteurize mushroom houses and previously used growing

Oxford Borough Council discusses police study

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen recently told Borough Council that she has contacted Southern Chester County Regional Police Chief Joseph Greenwalt to resume discussions on the feasibility of a merger.

“We sent him our new budget and updated staff and call volume information to enable him to ‘rerun the numbers’ and get us a proposed budget with municipal commitments,” Garcia-Allen explained.

“We will need to meet again once he completes his analysis. We are also working to identify potential consultants who can run a feasibility study for the two different avenues to regionalization.”

State Representative John Lawrence is actively

working on setting up a meeting with township officials to discuss forming the borough’s own regionalized department.

Lawrence is including Lincoln University, Oxford Area School District and Penn Township, in addition to the Oxford Regional Planning Commission member municipalities, in these discussions.

Oxford Police Detective Adam Weaver also told council that the Oxford Police Association Bargaining Unit created a Facebook page explaining what the Association does for police officers and to also correct misconceptions that people may have.

Weaver invited those in attendance at the council meeting to visit the Association’s Facebook page.

In other police news, Police Chief Sam Iacono

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medium between crops. The treatment method –Continued on Page 2A

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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a mandatory quarantine order to all mushroom growers in Kennett and New Garden townships to help control the recent infestation of the phorid fly.

Local leaders react to initiative

to cut federal funding

Despite rescinding a Jan. 27 memo due to public outrage, White House insistent that the halt on federal funding remains “in full force and effect”

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On Jan. 27, Matthew J. Vaeth, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget released a memo whose subject line read: Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs.

From the first paragraph, its message was clear that the presidency of Donald J. Trump would devote its energy to eliminating what it considered to be wasteful federal spending by cutting back on the more than $3 trillion it spent in fiscal year 2024 on grants and loans.

“Career and political appointees in the Executive

Branch have a duty to align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities,” Vaeth wrote. “Financial assistance should be dedicated to advancing Administration priorities, focusing taxpayer dollars to advance a stronger and safer America, eliminat-

ing the financial burden of inflation for citizens, unleashing American energy and manufacturing, ending ‘wokeness’ and the weaponization of government, promoting efficiency in government, and Making America Healthy Again.

“The use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgen-

derism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.”

The memo stated that each agency is required to complete a comprehensive analysis of its federal financial assistance programs

‘Meaningful change’: KACS’ annual meeting illuminates agency’s impact

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Just as it has done over the past several years, Kennett Area Community Service’s (KACS) annual meeting – held this year on Jan. 29 at the Greathouse at Loch Nairn Farm – served to illuminate the magnitude of work the agency does to ensure the health and wellbeing of the thousands of residents it helps. Before more than 200

community leaders, KACS Chief Executive Officer

Leah Reynolds thanked the agency’s volunteers, staff and Board of Directors, whose “unwavering leadership, tireless efforts and steadfast commitment to our mission have made it possible for us to grow, adapt and serve our community during a time of increasing needs,” during a period that has seen a 12-percent increase in the number of households fac-

ing poverty in southern Chester County.

Reflecting KACS’ Annual Impact Report (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024), Reynolds said KACS delivered $2.26 million in value in services to 22 municipalities in southern Chester County through food distribution and providing housing stability, crisis intervention, community education and affordable housing initiatives.

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To continue providing direct aid to pets affected by the wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles, the Philadelphia Eagles donated funding that provided for the flight transportation of 56 large dogs from Van Nuys, Calif. to New Castle County Airport on Jan. 31. Through the work of Best Friends Animal Society, the animals will be cared for by the Providence Animal Center in Media, the Animal Care Sanctuary in East Smithfield, The Rescue Express in Garnet Valley and at animal welfare organizations in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia. Since the start of the wildfires on Jan. 7, Best Friends has positively impacted the lives of more than 1,100 pets.

Local News

Moskowitz appointed chair of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority

Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz was appointed Chair of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA) at the Authority’s January meeting. For the past two years, Moskowitz has served as vice chair for the Authority, and she replaces Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach, who served as the Authority Chair since its first meeting in July of 2022.

“I am very honored to be selected to serve as Chair by my colleagues across all three counties, and I thank Commissioner Leinbach for his leadership over the past few years,” said Moskowitz. “This Authority demonstrates that when we come together, counties throughout the

Phorid fly...

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which is an industry-proven and effective practice for managing the pest – kills adult flies, larvae, bacteria, fungus, and pathogens that prevents the spread of the flies to adjacent farms or subsequent mushroom crops.

“We have been working closely with the mushroom industry and Penn State researchers for many years, seeking safe and effective solutions to this persistent pest plaguing one of Pennsylvania’s most valuable crops,” Redding said.

“Steam treatment has proven to be safe and effective, but the method only works if 100 percent of growers use it.”

With 465.8 million pounds worth nearly $531 million produced in 2023, Pennsylvania leads the nation in agaricus mushroom sales and production.

The center of the state’s mushroom industry is Chester County, where approximately 2,000 mushroom houses are located.

While the proliferation of phorid flies is nothing new to the mushroom industry, the volume of infestations have risen dramatically and consistently over the past decade and wreaked havoc on the product, due in part to warming temperatures and increased year-round

Oxford Borough...

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did say that extra officers would be scheduled to work on the night of the Super Bowl.

“People will be out watching the game at the bars and we just would like to make sure our community is safe during and after that time,” he said.

Commonwealth can work across party lines to do what’s right for the good of our residents. We have been laying the foundation to restore passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia and beyond, and we are now moving forward with plans that examine ridership and revenue forecasts, capital programming and analysis of operations.”

She added, “I am proud of what we are achieving, and I thank all of the board members and our executive director Tom Frawley for their efforts.”

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority was incorporated in 2022 when Chester, Berks and Montgomery counties came together to oversee and implement the restoration of

humidity. The pest has been shown to reduce mushroom crop yields by up to 40 percent.

The flies invade the growing rooms through every possible opening and crack and lay eggs in the substrate, casing layer, and on the mushrooms themselves. Subsequently, the larvae that appears from the eggs five to 10 days after hatching is known to damage the mushrooms. In addition to the yield losses that larvae cause, the mushrooms lose their marketable appearance because of the larvae that swarm on their surface. Larvae also enter fruit bodies, forming many passageways and holes, which makes the mushrooms unsuitable for use.

The mushroom industry currently has multiple insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides labeled and approved for use controlling phorid flies and steam treatment is a critical element of the control methods accepted by the industry as a best management practice.

American Mushroom Institute (AMI) President Rachel Roberts said that many in the industry need support and resources to meet their commitments to being good neighbors.

“AMI members continue to test and develop strategies to combat phorids and they stand ready to adopt new tools and practices

The Oxford Area Recreation Authority (OARA) is also seeking a volunteer from Oxford Borough to serve on their board. Anyone interested should contact OARA through their website or contact the Borough for more information.

Council approved the Butts Ticket System (BTS) proposal. This is the bor-

passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia.

The formation of the Authority was the crucial step in the long process of research and planning for passenger rail, establishing an entity whose mission is to connect the communities of Reading, Pottstown, and Phoenixville with Philadelphia and beyond.

The Authority completed the first phase of a federal corridor identification and development program that is providing a boost to the effort to bring back passenger rail. The second phase, as noted by Commissioner Moskowitz, will include the development of the service plan.

“From there, we would move to preliminary engineering, and eventually an implementation phase that

based on the research conducted with the industry,” she said. “We welcome this significant investment from the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and the community.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has funded nearly $445,000 in research to develop safe, effective control methods for phorid flies. The department continues to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Penn State University, as well as other industry experts, to support research to develop safe, effective pest control methods that do not use chemicals that may harm the environment and jeopardize food safety and human and animal health.

‘A fair and effective way’ to address the problem

“I am extremely pleased that the Governor and the Department of Agriculture have heard our urgent requests for assistance and are taking action to help residents in the 158th impacted by phorid flies,” said State Rep. Christina Sappey, who has held several in person and online public meetings with residents, elected officials and experts in the field of mushroom growing operations about the phorid fly. “While Penn State has been making steady progress on mitigation research,

ough’s first significant change to parking this year. There is more than one vendor involved with parking enforcement. The Kiosks are Flowbird, provided through two different systems. Borough parking personnel carry around a handheld device provided by a company that has been problematic. The borough is limited in what they can do for permitting and in enforcing two-hour parking limits for on street park-

includes the final design,” noted Commissioner Moskowitz. “The process is complex and requires the commitment and coordination of many partners at the local, state, and federal level.”

At the Jan. 27 SRPRA

we need to do more, and the direction coming down today will ensure this proven method is being adhered to and that smaller mushroom operations needing assistance to comply have access to grant funding.”

Sappey continues to advocate for more state funding to explore finding ways to eradicate the phorid fly.

“My direct outreach to the Ag Department requested an update to Pa. Agriculture Best Practice Management to include indoor agriculture, specifying methods for the mushroom industry to employ to mitigate negative impacts such as phorid flies,” she said. “It is important to note that this quarantine order does not quarantine mushrooms or mushroom farms. It is the vehicle, prescribed under the Pa. Plant Pest Act, for this treatment order.

Sappey called the mandatory order “a fair and effective way” to treat a problem that has continues to be a persistent nuisance for area residents.

“There are clear guidelines, help for small operators and accountability that will be enforced by the Chester County Conservation District,” she said. “I’m grateful to the Shapiro administration, our local municipalities and the American Mushroom Institute for their collaboration, and most

ing and they have struggled with several tech issues that result in the parking staff issuing “bad tickets.” Council is recommending they move away from the current company to a firm called Park Loyalty. This is just the first of several parking changes this year to improve customer service and enforcement, and ensure the borough is fully managing parking in town.

Oxford Borough Council also approved the following:

board meeting, Montgomery County Commissioner Thomas DiBello was selected to serve as vice chair of the Authority. Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler was approved to serve as treasurer for the Authority, and Montgomery County

importantly, our residents for their engagement and patience.”

Sappey said she has also requested the Department of Agriculture to update the state agricultural best practice management to include indoor agriculture.

‘The beginning of a longterm solution’

Last December, Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick called the phorid fly infestation “a true emergency in our community and the greater region,” and promptly signed an emergency declaration on Dec. 2 that called for “a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to eliminate the phorid fly infestation” by enacting six initiatives that among them included the need for the Commonwealth to pursue additional state funding to research mitigation controls through Penn State; incorporate education tools for mushroom growers about mitigation controls; and enact state regulations to allow growers to implement safe pest controls.

“I’m thrilled that our Emergency Declaration received attention and action in Harrisburg,” Fetick wrote in an e-mail to the Chester County Press. “This marks the first time that the Department of Agriculture has taken

• The HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 248 Penn Avenue.

• The HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 338 Market Street and 4 South 4th Street.

• SSM Group, Inc.’s proposal in the amount of $39,500 to complete an ASHRAE Level 2 energy audit of borough facilities, to be reimbursed by a $50,000 grant through the PA-DEP MORE Grant Program. The borough’s

Planning Commission director Scott France was chosen to serve as secretary. For more information on the plans, actions, and meeting dates for the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority, visit www. gosrpra.com.

official action to require the implementation of best practice management and further put into place a mechanism for tracking compliance. The phorid fly issue impacts growers and non-grower residents. Having mitigation procedures in place is a great first step.

“I look at this step as the first of what may be several steps needed to combat the problem fully. I have been in direct communication with Secretary Redding and the Governor’s office on this issue. I will continue to advocate on behalf of our residents to make sure that we do everything we can to solve this problem.

“This is not a one and done. This is the beginning of a long-term solution that will benefit growers and residents alike.”

In conjunction with experts from The American Mushroom Institute and Penn State Extension, the department will hold educational sessions for growers in English and Spanish. Mushroom farmers seeking financial assistance with implementing the requirements may contact the Chester County Conservation District at 610-455-1381 to apply for grant funding.

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

income demographics made it a focus municipality for this funding. The borough received the $50,000 award and have an executed grant agreement. SSM is the EPA’s local vendor to complete this audit. This contract will not exhaust the grant. The remaining $11,500 can be applied to implement an energy efficiency project that may result from the audit. SSM staff will visit and assess borough hall the parking garage, the police station, the public works shop and the water plant.

Oxford Borough also received the watershed restoration and protection grant for the West Mt. Vernon Street rain garden bump-outs. The bumpouts will help the borough meet their MS4 requirements and also slow traffic on Mt. Vernon Street.

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Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz (center), newly selected chair of the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority.

Federal funding...

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by Feb. 10 that identify programs, projects and activities that may be implicated by Trump’s executive orders. Additionally, federal agencies were required to temporarily pause all federal financial assistance targeted at foreign countries; non-governmental organizations; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs; woke gender ideology; and initiatives connected to the green new deal.

The spending pause, which went into effect on Jan. 28, quickly sent shockwaves around the U.S. that reverberated in nearly every department, coalition and organization that relies on federal support to fund – at least in part – their agencies and operations. The memo specified that the pause in federal spending would not affect Social Security or Medicare benefits.

Echoing the key point of his campaign agenda and arriving on the heels of sweeping legislation from Trump during his first week in office, this action is part of the new administration’s vision to undo progressive steps taken on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion and DEI efforts, and may cause disruption in health care research, educational directives, disaster relief finding and other planned initiatives.

Almost immediately after the letter was distributed, waves of protest followed that led to the Trump administration rescinding the memo on Jan. 29.

Simultaneously, a coalition of 22 states sued President Trump and his administration on the grounds that the attempt to end federal finding is unconstitutional.

On Jan. 31, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell of Rhode Island sided with the states, granting the coalition’s request for a temporary restraining order.

Despite its decision to rescind the memo, the White House said that the executive order halting federal funding remains “in full force and effect” and applies to foreign aid, those who are recipients of “DEI-related purposes” and all funding through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Responses from Commonwealth leaders

Immediately following the release of the Vaeth memo, state lawmakers responded. Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters in Harrisburg that he will have a better sense of the memo’s directive “once the White House figures it out.”

“The memo that they put out last night affected trillions of dollars, and now as they issue the guidance, it’s going to narrow the focus according to the White House,” Shapiro said. “Let’s see once they narrow the focus ultimately what it impacts and then we can walk through the price tag and the effect on the Commonwealth.

Shapiro discussed the potential ramifications of the reductions were it to be enacted.

“If they go and cut trillions of dollars from the states, that is going to have a profoundly negative impact on school kids, a profoundly negative impact on our ability to fix roads and bridges,

to care for our veterans, to make sure our farmers have the support they need, and that’s going to impact every single state – states led by Democrats and states led by Republicans,” he said. Shapiro highlighted the state’s non-profit organizations and the residents who benefit from their work as potentially absorbing the biggest financial hit from the projected federal funding limits.

“The White House’s memo created the kind of havoc that these non-profits are now having to deal with,” he said. “Remember, these are nonprofits who are serving our fellow Pennsylvanians – our veterans, our kids and our families – people who are in need, and they rely on this funding, funding that was promised to them, funding that went through an appropriations process supported by members of Congress and signed by the former President of the United States.”

In a statement on his website released on Jan. 29, Sen. John Fetterman wrote that he is closely monitoring the potential windfall in Pennsylvania in light of the federal funding pause.

“My office just received calls from over a dozen [Pennsylvania] organizations, including one that serves low-income families, and their access to funds through the Federal Payment Management System have been cut off,” the statement read. “We’re also aware of reports of PA’s Medicaid portal being down. These services, including Medicaid, are critical to our most vulnerable and I am calling on the President to immediately restore access.”

‘Absolutely and terrifyingly irresponsible’

While the Pennsylvania Medicaid portal has been restored, the fervor of opposition that has met the proposed halt on federal spending continues to reach a fever pitch in all corners of the U.S., including the halls of State legislature in Harrisburg.

When State Rep. Christina Sappey first read the Vaeth memo, she expressed what she called “absolute shock.”

Sappey said the action demonstrated an “impulsivity that is absolutely and terrifyingly irresponsible.”

“This memo pointed to the fact that there are people making decisions that don’t understand all of these programs and how we spend federal dollars,” she said.

“My mind immediately went to families of disabled children. Do we really think that paying a nurse to go to the home of a medically fragile child to change a colostomy bag is a waste of medical dollars? If you say you value life, you really need to understand how we care for it.

“I think we all need to be talking to each other at a very human level before we start thinking that all spending is evil and wasteful.”

Sappey said that the initiative to cut off federal spending by the Trump administration demonstrates a lack of knowledge about the work the agencies who receive this funding do, who they serve and the levels of communication that exist between state and federal agencies.

“We can all agree to disagree politically, but there is no room for political dis-

agreements right now,” she said. “We need to make sure that the people who need services receive them.

“I hope going forward that we are talking with each other and that the public is paying very close attention. We can’t take anything for granted. We need to be crystal clear about the rights that we may have taken away could have lifethreatening consequences, and they need to make sure that our elected officials remain fully aware, so that we can continue to fight against it.”

County’s Community Foundation pledges continued support

Working directly with over 800 non-profit organizations in the county, the Chester County Community Foundation provides its partnering agencies with capacity building initiatives and programming that includes training and workshops, opportunities for networking, peer learning circles, community conversations and GetOnBoard ChesCo, which trains, connects and supports emerging leaders in the county’ nonprofit community.

“I would expect [if federal funding to nonprofits] are cut, there will be huge repercussions for every one of us, which would be a real tragedy for the people of our community,” said Beth Krallis, the Foundation’s marketing, analytics and IT director. “There are organizations that we visit every day that people may not even be aware are nonprofits who would be affected – YMCAs, after school programs for children and universities and hospitals.

“I want to stress how important nonprofits are to the health and vitality of our communities. We work with nonprofits focused on education, social services, the arts and culture and the environment. People interact with these agencies every single day, and the Community Foundation wants to do what we can to strengthen our non-profit community, and that’s what we will continue to do.”

‘Impulsive, illegal edict’

For 20 years, Carrie Freeman served as the chief executive officer of the United Way of Southern Chester County, an agency that serves as the fundraising arm for health and human service needs for residents who live in the Avondale, West Grove, Unionville, Kennett Square and Oxford areas. She called the move to strike down federal funding an “impulsive, illegal edict.”

“My immediate reaction was, ‘He [Trump] can’t do that,’” said Freeman, who is currently on the Board of Directors for Kennett Area Community Service (KACS). “Spending is agreed upon budgetarily in Congress, and these were approved funds before he got into office. A president is not allowed to say, ‘You’re not allowed to spend the funding that Congress has already approved.’ There used to be guardrails, but there is not a soul in Washington who will say to him, ‘Sir, can we pause and think it through?’”

Whether or not the aspirations of the Trump administration to unilaterally strike down federal finding to areas such as non-profit organizations will ultimately happen, Freeman said that

the message handed down is reflective of that which is contained in Project 2025, which aspires to downsize the federal government and change how it functions, as well as make sweeping changes to immigration enforcement, federal spending, social welfare programs and energy policy.

“Nonprofits are missiondriven, caring people who serve those in need,” she

said. “Their life is hard enough but now they are facing the uncertainty about what they will face in the next four years – their jobs, the future of our agencies, whether they will receive funding that they have already been promised, whether or not they will be force to removed DEI commentary from their websites and what new pressures will be put upon them, when all

they want to do is their jobs and do the right thing.

“At KACS, we’re working on a new building and receiving government funding, but in today’s climate, do we have any assurance that the promises that have been made to us will actually be fulfilled?”

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

Courtesy photo

Carrie Freeman is the for-

chief executive offi-

of the United Way of Southern Chester County.

Courtesy photos State Rep. Christina Sappey

Beth Krallis is the marketing, analytics and IT director for the Chester County Community Foundation.

KACS...

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In all, KACS delivered services to 2,356 families and through its food assistance programs, KACS delivered over one million pounds of food to more than 6,000 individuals, including 455 seniors and 2,019 children.

The food distribution also included 504 Thanksgiving meals and 760 Holiday meals, which were supported by nearly 200 volunteers, who collectively contributed over 13,000 hours of service last year to the agency.

“Let’s let that sink in for a minute,” Reynolds said.

“The time that people have given to us for us all to collectively come together to help those who have less is

why this is a fantastic community to live and work in.”

Reynolds said that KACS’ social services programs provided support to 472 households and helped 42 families move from homelessness to stable housing, while at the same time providing them with critical interactions with case management. In addition, KACS continued to empower individuals through education and financial literacy. This past year, 36 people graduated from the agency’s Getting Ahead workshops and 18 people completed financial empowerment workshops.

In May of 2024, KACS celebrated the second year of its affordable housing program, an initiative that preserved housing for 18

individuals across three properties that were generously gifted to KACS.

Reynolds said that progress continues on the creation of KACS’ new headquarters along West Cypress Street in Kennett Square. When completed, the building will serve as a food distribution center, enable the agency to expand its community outreach programs and provide opportunities for partnering organizations to share space with KACS staff.

“It represents more than just a building,” Reynolds said of the new facility. “It symbolizes hope, stability and a brighter future for those we serve. We look forward to sharing more updates as this dream becomes a reality and we

are so grateful to have you along on this journey with us. I would like to thank each of you – our board members, our staff, our partners our volunteers and our supporters – for your role in making this work possible.

“You are the heart of KACS, and with your continued partnership we will keep building a stronger, more resilient community for all. Together, we will continue to make meaningful change.”

To learn more about Kennett Area Community Service, visit www. KACSImpact.org.

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

The annual Unionville High School Used Book Sale will take place at the Unionville High School auxiliary gym and cafeteria on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 23.

Books, Audio books, DVDs and video games will be available for sale. The hours for the book sale are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 23. There is a $15 per bag sale on Sunday. More information can be found at uhs.ucfsd.org/ pto and please send any questions to uhsbooksale@ gmail.com.

Sen. Comitta announces funding for Oxford stormwater management upgrades

The Borough of Oxford was awarded state funding to develop rain garden bump-outs to better manage stormwater runoff, calm traffic, and beautify a roadway that is due for repaving, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta said. The funding, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Agency, will support the construction of three, 45-foot bioretention bumps-outs on the north side of East Mt. Vernon Street. These basins will be able to capture a total of approximately 1,627 cubic feet of stormwater – equivalent to the runoff generated from approximately 0.5 inches of

rain over the entire one-acre impervious area within the drainage area.

Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and on the Local Government Committee, supported the borough’s successful application for $100,000 in grant funding.

“As a former mayor, I’ve seen firsthand just how effective and environmentally friendly these rain-garden bump-outs can be in managing stormwater runoff in both downtown and residential neighborhoods,” Comitta said. “I commend Oxford Borough

Council and its staff for doing their due diligence in developing innovative solutions to prevent flooding, reduce pollution from runoff, calm traffic, and keep the borough looking beautiful.”

The bump-outs are expected to address runoff from a drainage area that includes half of East Mt. Vernon Street and a few acres of land north of the street. The project calls for removing the existing sidewalk, grass median, and asphalt before excavating the sub-grade, placing aggregate, and bio-retention soils within the excavated area, planting the bio-retention area,

and installing new concrete sidewalks.

In addition, the Mt. Vernon project plans to use a “dig once” strategy that will also include structural repair and repaving of the street, replacement of a water main, and any necessary upgrades to public utilities.

In 2022, the borough was awarded a $150,000 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program to support the project’s related road improvements. In 2023, the borough was awarded a $22,000 grant from the

Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program to support the cost of final design and engineering of the bump-outs. Comitta also commended borough leaders for working to help restore local watersheds and improve water quality, as Oxford is home to four different watersheds, all of which flow into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“Stormwater runoff is a leading source of water impairment in the Commonwealth,” she said.

“As we face increased rainfall and impacts related to climate change, it’s

vital that local leaders and partners work together to develop proactive and creative solutions.”

Work is expected to take place this year and completion of the project will help the borough meet its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulatory requirements. The project was funded by Act 13 of 2012 (the Marcellus Legacy Fund), which supports stream restoration and maintenance, as well as the planning and development of recreational trails, open space, parks, flood mitigation, watershed restoration, and beautification projects.

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.

Birds of pray

It is not, nor will it ever be, a regular rite of passage for a Philadelphia sports fan to luxuriate in the downy soft enjoyment of success. Save that for those who follow dynasties, whether it is packed into the space of a decade or spread over the length of several lifetimes.

To follow the four professional sports teams in the City of Brotherly Love is to willingly chain oneself to the sloppy and unforgiving residue of defeat, an often-painful legacy handed down from family member to family member and best reflected by the work of their extremities: a clenched fist, cupped hands welcoming a downturned head and the occasional stubbed toe kick at a door in the wake of a horrible defeat. To them, success arrives sporadically – maybe once a decade – like Christmas gifts from an absentee parent to a hopeful child who keeps the promise of reconnection alive with each rare present they receive.

While its professional football team last delivered a championship in the late hours of February 4, 2018, its baseball team has come painfully close to achieving the crown only to fall short over the last few seasons, and as for its basketball and hockey franchises, their last championships are resigned to the grainy video of long ago. Being a Philadelphia sports fan has become a banquet rich in promise but rarely do the invitations arrive in the mail, and while each season brings the hope of a child, almost all of those seasons end in quiet despair and each loss catapults the fan into a deeper and more unforgiving abyss.

Like beads on a rosary, these franchises have become a part of their prayers, but no team has been received more passionately and without apology than the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles’ 2024 season began with great expectations, but after a lackluster 2-2 start, their fanbase called for the firing of the head coach, and over the next several weeks – led by a rejuvenated running back given a new life after being captured from a division rival – the team rallied behind him, reeling off win after win. In a way that is carved out of the hardscrabble resiliency of its citizens, they overcame internal squabbles; they fought through injuries with a “next-man-up” mentality; they dominated teams on both sides of the ball; they rose above the deafening squawk of on-air critics; they finished the regular season with 14 victories – an all-time franchise record – and they took down three worthy opponents in the playoffs.

This coming Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 for the right to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Philadelphia.

In fellowship and in our private moments, it is common for all of us to seek a higher grace for that which we hope for and give it some degree of enunciation, whether it is to a higher being or a person at a pulpit or quietly, without sound but fierce in its hope, within our own mind. This Sunday morning, with the game still hours away, churches and synagogues and temples of worship from Warminster to Oxford – from Norristown and Souderton to Chadds Ford and West Grove – will become houses of hope for those who have endured the turmoil of what it means to be a Philadelphia sports fan.

Fo those who pray, they will reach up to the Gods of mercy for something they have absolutely no control of, and while it is not beyond the realm of possibility that some of that faithful flock will turn their prayers inward, others we suspect will again return to their extremities and clasp their two hands together.

A response to ‘Pa. women face barriers in reproductive health care’ story

Letter to the Editor:

This is a response to the “Legal vs. Accessible: Pa. women face barriers in reproductive health care” story by Gabbie Burton, in the Jan. 22, 2025 edition of the Chester County Press

The article offers several reasons for the decrease in abortion clinics. Parenthood Action Fund objects to requirements similar to those of ambulatory surgical centers as being too costly. Yet qualified medical personnel, arrangements with hospitals to treat potential complications, access for emergency per-

sonnel, proper sterilization of implements, etc. seem reasonable to ensure patient safety.

The extreme case of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who operated the Women’s Medical Society Clinic in West Philadelphia, was an appalling example of flagrant disregard for patient safety motivated by greed with untrained, unlicensed staff, misleading ultrasounds, and filthy conditions. Clearly, regulations are both necessary and proper.

Limited public transportation in southern Chester County impacts opportunities for education and

Chester

employment also and was not engineered to hinder abortion access.

Burton criticizes prolife pregnancy centers for outnumbering abortion facilities. She disparages them for offering free services such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and family counseling “to influence patients against abortion”—in other words, to choose life for their child. Shouldn’t being “pro-choice” mean that a woman’s right to give birth is also supported?

Because some crisis pregnancy centers are “religious” and “do not offer

abortion services, referrals, pre-natal care, or even birth control,” she labels them “deceitful.” Yet pro-life pregnancy centers are supported by donations, not by government funds, and offer their clients free services. Planned Parenthood, whose representatives are frequently quoted in this article, does operate for-profit and does receive government subsidies. So, beneath the guise of concern that women have access to “reproductive services,” what are their true motives?

County permanently preserved 1,240-plus acres in 2024

County’s Open Lands Program currently accepting conservancy and municipal open space funding applications until Feb. 28

Chester County Parks and Preservation recently announced the total number of acres preserved in 2024. Through partnerships with municipalities, conservancies and the state, more than 1,240 acres were confirmed as permanent open space in 2024 and added to Chester County’s preserved land that covers more than 31 percent of the county.

Chester County’s two preservation initiatives, open lands and agricultural preservation, leverage diverse funding opportunities to help keep farmers on the land, provide safe and accessible places for children and families to play, and protect the woods and wildlife that make Chester County special.

Chester County Commissioners chair Josh Maxwell said, “As the fastest-growing county in Pennsylvania, it is crucial to balance land preservation with land development, ensuring the growth takes place in and around our urban areas, so that we can continue to connect parcels of protected open space.

“We have been protecting land for more than three decades, and over that time have developed a smart approach to open space preservation – be it farms or fields.”

The 2024 Open Land

Preservation Partnership Program permanently saved 740 acres. This program offers grant opportunities to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to preserve significant natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources; enhance public access to those lands; provide public benefit; and implement county and municipal land use policies.

Notable projects funded last year through this program included the 204acre Crebilly Preserve

acquisition by Westtown Township, the 156-acre Embreeville acquisition by West Bradford Township for a future park, and the 89-acre acquisition by the Willistown Conservation Trust for the soon-to-be publicly accessible Kestrel Hill Preserve.

Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz noted, “Chester County was the first in the region to formally set aside funds for a rigorous open space preservation program, and that program has grown to be appreciated, not just for the green fields, preserved farms and community parks, but also for the partnerships with municipalities, farmers and conservancies that have leveraged the County’s investment in protected land many-fold.”

The Open Lands Program is currently accepting conservancy and municipal applications for funding through the Preservation Partnership Program until Feb. 28.

Chester County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program preserved over 500 acres of farmland through administering the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. These programs strengthen the

county’s agricultural economy, protect prime farmland, and enable the county to purchase conservation easements from farmers.

“Farmland is a key aspect of Chester County’s bucolic legacy,” said Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe. “Thanks to the tremendous partnerships that have been developed with staff from our county departments, members of our Ag Land Preservation Board, our farm owners, conservancies and municipalities, we are able to add hundreds of acres of preserved farmland every year.”

The application deadline for Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program is the first Friday in August. If selected, landowners should expect to hear from the County between Thanksgiving and Christmas to begin the easement process.

To date, Chester County has funded the preservation of over 65,000 acres of farmland, open space, nature preserves, and parks, in partnership with farmers, municipalities, non-profits, and landowners in all 73 municipalities.

For more information on the county’s preservation programs go to www.chescoparkspres.org.

Pamela Bogus Oxford

Courtesy photo

The 89-acre Kestrel Hill Preserve, one of the preservation initiatives completed through the Chester County Open Land Preservation Partnership Program in 2024.

Merging mind, body, spirit and home

Exploring holistic mindfulness at the Landenberg Loft

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

In a world full of distractions, technology and seemingly endless strife, a quiet moment to center oneself and block out the noise of everyday life is not only wanted but needed.

Enter Mindful Mondays at the Landenberg Loft with Kristin Wistar, who has been hosting varying sessions at her home loft since 2020 and began offering her Mindful Mondays practice about two years ago. Every session includes a short movement flow, a Healy microcurrent session, guided meditation, oracle cards and lattes to end the morning.

I participated in one of Wistar’s Monday sessions on Jan. 27. Typically, an early morning is a nightmare for me. I’m at my most cynical when I’m sleep-deprived and having come from a bartending shift the previous night, I was feeling slightly hesitant to experiencing holistic practices. Luckily my hesitation did not last long upon arrival; I was immediately impressed with the Loft’s open, bright and charmingly decorated space, which was due largely to Wistar’s 30-year background in interior

design. The setting quickly soothed my morning discomfort just in time to start the session.

Joined by a half dozen other morning warriors, I began on my yoga mat, while the sun soaked the room through the large windows overlooking the Landenberg countryside. Wistar set the intentions of our practice by explaining her theme for the morning, which she described as “unity consciousness.”

“With just everything going on in the world right now, it feels like there’s so much division and uncertainty,” Wistar said. “We really need to bring ourselves back to center and back to remembering that we’re all citizens of the planet here just trying to do our best, regardless of what our beliefs are, and just come together.” We started with some movement which followed the GuanJing method, something I had previously never heard of. Wistar described GuanJing as a combination of yoga, Qi Gong and dance. To me, it felt like I was doing Tai Chi mixed with some yoga.

“We’re tapping into the life force, energy of nature when we’re doing these poses, and it links our movement with our

breath,” Wistar said.

We visualized dipping our heads into water, pulling up the cleansing water, flicking away any stagnation and then dipping back into the water again. I found the visualization effective. Even if it’s not literal, I feel that when you visualize things, you are taking an intentional step closer to making changes that impact your reality –sort of a “fake it ‘till you make it” mentality.

Following our movement practice, we pulled out the zero gravity chairs, which reminded me of a fancy beach chair, and hooked ourselves up to Healy devices. Several attendees had their own, which is shocking in retrospect upon seeing the prices ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars online. The small plastic device comes with two wristbands and two wires running from the device to the wristbands.

Wistar used an app to set up the Healy microcurrent program I was receiving called Release. I expected to feel electric shocks but realized it doesn’t work like that. Instead, it sends healing microcurrent frequencies meant to “interact with the bioenergetic field,” according to the device website. I’m unsure of how an interaction with my “bioenergetic field” is supposed to feel, so as to whether or not it works I can’t say. However, in the interest of being open to the experience, the other attendees at the loft were all in and therefore so was I.

The best part of this segment was the guided meditation Wistar led us on. Miraculously, I managed to stay awake even though the meditation had me drifting somewhere between conscious and unconscious for most of it.

“Gift yourself this sacred

time to go inwards and give yourself the time,” Wistar said. “We hardly ever give ourselves this time. Begin by calling back all of your energy, and bring it down an inwards with your breath.

“Feel your collective energy expanding, radiating a powerful vibration of love that ripple outwards.”

I felt refreshed afterwards as Wistar treated us all to her “Loft Lattes,” a mix of adaptogen coffees, tea or hot chocolate. As I sipped the warm drink I pulled oracle cards – something I actually do have some experience with – and chatted small talk with the other attendees about all the things waiting for us outside of the Loft.

Wistar began explaining that her interest in holistic and alternative healing methods and practices began over twenty years ago when she was struggling with postpartum depression.

“That rocked my world upside down, and my whole life changed after that,” she said. “I ended up experiencing really deep, dark, insomnia, anxiety and depression, and I went through it for about 20 years.”

During that time, Wistar was working in interior design and found that Feng Shui gave her a second purpose in her career as well as helping clear up negative and stuck energies in her home and life.

“I got to see just how much impact the house has on the person’s energy, body and their whole life,” she said. “When I made shifts in my home I

really started to feel like, ‘Wow, things are shifting.’ I felt like I could have more control over my own life by making change in my home.”

Focusing on movement practices also helpe d Wistar battle her mental health struggles by moving the stuck trauma in her body, she said. Ultimately, Wistar’s struggles and subsequent journey to reach mindfulness and improved health made her realize the importance of community which became an integral part of her practices and the Loft’s mission.

“Because I suffered for a long time by myself, I want this space to be a place where you feel really safe to just be as you are and share what’s on your heart and know that there’s nothing wrong with you or that you’re not going to be judged,” Wistar said. “You’re just a human living your life, and we’re all equals.”

Given that it was her community that helped Wistar heal, her intention for the Landenberg Loft has been one of cultivating community, and she intends to offer the same magic to anyone who visits the Loft and may need it.

“Community is so important for us to really look into someone else’s eyes and to feel that connection and to feel someone’s touch, it’s so incredibly important,” Wistar said. “It’s my life’s purpose to merge mind, body, spirit and home and create a sacred union between them.”

To learn more about the Landenberg Loft, visit www.kristinmwistar.com.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Kristin M. Wistar of the Landenberg Loft introduces a recent Mindful Mondays session.

Photo by Kristin Wistar

Every session includes a short movement flow, a Healy microcurrent session, guided meditation, oracle cards and lattes.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Attendees relax at the end of a recent Mindful Mondays session at the Landenberg Loft, taught by Kristin M. Wistar.

Mercer William Jones, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 24, 2025. He was 70. Born in West Chester, he was the youngest son of the late Earl T. “Pete” Jones, Sr. and Ida Green Jones. Mercer graduated from Kennett High School in 1972. He was an active member of the choir and band, and he played the trombone. His true passion was sports, excelling in both baseball and basketball. He started playing baseball at age 8 with the KAU Little League. He played three years of varsity baseball at Kennett High School and four years at Spring Garden College.

His talent on the baseball diamond resulted in invitations to try out for major league teams. He went on to play 16 years in the West Chester Adult League and 14 years in the Kennett Men’s Senior League. Mercer also played several years of Sam Tavoni Softball and received the John E. Watson Award at Kennett High School for outstanding baseball player.

After high school, Mercer pursued higher education, earning a degree in business administration and management from Spring Garden College. He later attended and completed an advanced degree program through The Stoner Graduate School of Banking at University of Delaware. Mercer dedicated over 30 years of his career to banking, working at Meridian Bank, First National Bank of West Chester, and Morgan Stanley. In his later years, he

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MERCER WILLIAM JONES

worked for Atlas Refinishing, Thomas Furniture, Wyncote Golf Club, Loch Nairn Country Club, and for nine years at Kuzo Funeral Home, Inc., until his retirement.

A lifelong resident of Kennett Square, Mercer was an active member of Galilee UAME Church, where he served as an officer and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the UAME Conference Choir, the Kennett Community Choir, and the Finance Committee of the UAME Brotherhood.

Mercer was recognized by the House of Representatives for being named an official torchbearer in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He was selected to participate in the Torch Relay as it traveled through Chester County, honored as a Community Hero through a nomination process by the United Way of Chester County and other local chapters. His extensive community involvement included contributions to the United Way, the board of the Exchange Club, Tick-Tock Learning Center, Southern Chester County Medical Center, Kennett Charities, Kennett Chamber of Commerce, Kennett Square Jaycees, Avon Grove Recreation Association, Babe Ruth Baseball League, and the Chester County Community Foundation.

Throughout his life, Mercer generously gave his time coaching youth sports and serving on numerous organizations and committees. He also coached in the Avon Grove Little League, was a founding member of the Avon Grove Travel Soccer Club, and served as an assistant basketball coach at Avon Grove High School. His dedication to athletics and mentorship positively impacted many young athletes.

In 2013, Mercer was inducted into the Kennett OldTimers Baseball Association Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his time in the West Chester Adult Baseball League, where he achieved significant milestones, including membership in the 300-hit club, leading the league in single base hits in 1975 and 1977, and leading in at-bats in 1977. Additionally, he was a 14-year member of the Kennett Men’s Senior Baseball League and was a key member of Kennett’s National Championship team in the 1998 Fall Classic held in Clearwater, Fla.

Mercer cherished time with his family and his lifelong love of Philadelphia sports. He dearly loved his grandchildren. When not coaching or volunteering, he found joy in sharing moments with his loved ones.

Mercer is survived by his son, Matthew Jones, and his wife, Kristen, of Coatesville, Pa.; his daughter, Danielle Jones; grandsons Isaac Jones, Xavier Laboy, Zaire Laboy, and Liam Murray; granddaughter Aislynn Jones; sister-inlaw Linda Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, relatives, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Earl T. “Pete” Jones, Sr., his mother, Ida Green Jones, and a brother, Earl T. “Rusty” Jones, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Mercer’s family on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Christ Church at the Grove at 1772 New London Road in Landenberg. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 11 a.m.

Interment will be private at a later date.

www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace

Should friends desire, contributions in Mercer’s memory may be made to The Mercer Jones - RBI Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship honors Mercer Jones’ legacy by empowering student-athletes to achieve success in both sports and academics, while also fostering future leaders in the financial industry. The goal is to help these students transition from the playing field to the professional world, whether in finance, banking, or business leadership. To donate, please use the following link: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/ mercer-jones-rbi-fund. Questions regarding the scholarship may be directed to mwjones605@gmail.com.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting https:// www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

After gracefully living with Frontotemporal Degeneration for over ten years, Stanley Barry Smokler (Stan or Stan the Man to all who loved him) died comfortably and peacefully at noon on Jan. 17, 2025. He departed in the manner he lived his life—surrounded by family and friends whom he generously bathed with loving warmth, affection, playfulness, humor, laughter, and tenderness.

Born Nov. 27, 1944 in New York City, Stan was the son of William and Gertrude Smokler.

Stan met Madeline Lewis in 1985 and they shared 40 years of love and marriage and proudly created his greatest source of joy—daughter Eleanor (Elly) Smokler.

SHARON LYNN JONES

Sharon Lynn Jones, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 29, 2025 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. She was 70.

She was the wife of Carl R. Jones, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Ervin E. and Mary L. Marlin Styer.

Sharon graduated from Goldey-Beacom College with a degree in accounting.

She was employed as a business manager with the Chester County Intermediate Unit and was formerly employed with the A & P in Oxford.

Sharon enjoyed bowling, bingo and visiting Las Vegas.

She is survived by her husband, step-daughter, Jennifer Jones Dunham, and two step- grandchildren, Connor Dunham and Alexandria Dunham.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Sandra L. Styer.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Union Presbyterian Church at 5637 Street Road in Kirkwood, Pa. Friends and family may visit from noon to 1 p.m.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at https:// www.komen.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

STANLEY BARRY SMOKLER

Stan was the very kindest of men who loved well and was truly beloved in return.

Stan was an immensely talented artist. He completed his MFA from the Pratt Institute in 1975, and then began a lifelong journey of creating steel assemblage sculpture that was shown nationally and internationally. He reclaimed and transformed found steel objects to create evocative, engaging works of art. His abstract, expressionist sculpture spans a range of reference from geometric to the organic. Twenty-five years ago, he moved his foundry studio from the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Marshall Bridge Road along the Red Clay Creek in Kennett Square. There, Stan continued creating a prolific body of work until 2020.

A recent Delaware Art Museum retrospective honored Stan’s significant contribution to art as well as his generous support of other artists through years of his highly

acclaimed Marshall Bridge Studio workshops. He was a mentor and teacher for 20 years between 1997 and 2017 at Delaware College of Art and Design in partnership with Pratt Institute and the Corcoran School of Art and Design.

The family extends its tremendous gratitude to the attentive and gentle support of the aides of Delaware Accent Hospice and The Summit who helped us fill Stan’s last days with compassion and caring.

Services will be held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Delaware Art Museum or Delaware Contemporary in his memory. Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

DANIEL ROY MOFFETT

Daniel Roy Moffett of Newark, Del., passed away suddenly on January 23, 2025. He was 60.

Dan was the son of the late Claude Raymond Moffett, Sr. and Eileen Wardell Moffett. Dan was born on November 13, 1964, and he was raised in Delaware. He studied auto mechanics and graduated from Newark High School. He took classes at Wilmington College and was most recently employed for 12 years as the operations manager for Eichman Law, the business he and his wife, Karen Eichman, started in 2012 in Chester County. Dan handled all the administrative aspects of the business, as well as the household, so that his wife, Karen, could spend her time focused on the legal side of the business. Friends often said, “I need a Dan” because he did absolutely everything for Karen.

Dan enjoyed fast cars (always Speed Racer!), trucks, and motorcycles. Dan enjoyed playing pool, bowling on a league where he met many life-long friends and once was one strike from a perfect score. He liked fixing vehicles for pleasure, traveling with Karen and their friends and family, and with their dogs when pooches were allowed at the destination. Dan liked “glamping,” especially at Gettysburg Farm Campground, where he and Karen have a seasonal site.

Dan supported Karen tremendously in networking events and charitable functions, where he became wellknown, such as with Rotary and Family Promise of Southern Chester County. To the Rotary Club of Kennett Square, he was “Rotary Dan.”

Dan loved being right, and between him and his friend

Lori, one or the other always had the answer… to anything and everything. One of his favorite sayings, when something would go amiss for someone else was, “I hate when that happens.”

Most little children adored Dan. He was so good with kids, they gravitated toward him.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, his brother Claude Raymond “Mickey” Moffett, Jr., and his sister, Nancy Moffett Deputy.

In addition to his wife, Karen Eichman, Dan is survived by his son, Sean, a daughter, Heather West, step-sons, John (Celeste) Babbitt of Williamsburg, Virginia, and SFC Jason (Stefani) Babbitt of Willow Springs, North Carolina. Also surviving are grandsons, Trent Sellers, Conner Babbitt, Alex Babbitt, and granddaughter, Heidi Babbitt, a sister, Sally (Andy) Cohen of Wilmington, Del., and niece, Erika (Lance) Walstrum of Newark, Del., several cousins, and many friends. He was also a loving godfather to Colleen and Sarah, for whom he would do anything.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the Elks Lodge #2281, 42 Elks Trail, New Castle, Del. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon. The service will follow at noon, conducted by Pastor Linda Hanus and repast immediately following. Contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to Family Promise of Southern Chester County, 1156 W. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 or Humane Animal Partners (Stanton/Christiana), 455 Stanton Christiana Road, Route 7, Newark, DE, 19713.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.

To view Dan’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Help Wanted

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Diane Launa Morrison, Late of Paoli, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY 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 Launa M. Engelbrecht, Executrix, C/O Attorney: Stephen Asbel, Reger, Rizzo and Darnall LLP, 2929 Arch St. 13th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104 1p-22-3t

NOTICE

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF DELAWARE, C.A. No. N24C09-047 SKR TO: Robert Walters (DOB 10/12/1971), Defendant. Plaintiff Ariel Rodriguez has filed a Legal Action against you for damages and/or injuries resulting from a Motor Vehicle collision on 03/05/2023. The Complaint was filed on 09/05/2024. You have 20 days from the publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of publication, to file an Answer to the Complaint. If you fail to take any action, Plaintiff may seek a default judgment against you. This publication constitutes service as directed by the Superior Court of the State of Delaware and 10 Del. C. 3104(d)(4), 10 Del. C. 3104(1), and 10 Del. C. 3113. James Gaspero, Jr., Esquire, Nitsche & Fredricks, LLC 305 North Union Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19805 (302) 655-4040, Attorney for Plaintiff 1p-29-3t ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Tonya Deveney, Late of Downingtown, 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 Preva Doyle, 604 Highland Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335,

Executor 1p-29-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Helene Dehaas, Deceased, late of the Borough of West Chester, Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to David Michael Dehaas Wood, Administrator, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson & Richetti LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301, Allentown, PA 18101.

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INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Friends of Rail for West Chester NOW! (FOR WC NOW!), Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381

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INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Friends of Rail for West Chester (FOR WC), Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381

2p-5-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Dolores Player, Deceased, late of Honey Brook, 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 Cynthia Snyder, Executrix, c/o George S. Donze, Esquire, Donze and Donze, 696 Unionville Rd., Suite 6, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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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, February 20th, 2025 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, March 24th , 2025. 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. 25-2-33

Writ of Execution No. 2024-03535

DEBT $290,803.55

Property to be sold is situated in the borough/township of Penn, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Tax Parcel # 58-4-93.2B

PLAINTIFF: US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For VRMTG Asset Trust

DEFENDANT: Constance L. Lapham

SALE ADDRESS: 25 Dutton Farms Lane, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: FRIEDMAN VARTOLO LLP

212-471-5100

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

1p-29-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

Sale 25-2-38

Writ of Execution No. 2024-01779

DEBT $340,045.35

Property situate in the TOWNSHIP OF NEW LONDON, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR # 71-02-0060.070 aka 71-2-60.7

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: TRUIST BANK, F/K/A BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY VS DEFENDANT: KIMBERLY A. MANOCCHIO

SALE ADDRESS: 7 Shady Lane, Lincoln University, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844856-6646

1p-29-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

Sale No. 25-2-43

Writ of Execution No. 2021-08101

DEBT $322,688.06

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot of land

SITUATE in the Township of East Nottingham, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Plan made for C. Edward Lawrie by N.M. Lake and Associates, Inc., dated July 1, 1987, last revised April 5, 1988 and recorded to Chester County Recorder of Deeds Office, as Plan No. 8207, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point in the bed of Fifth Street Road (LR 15010) a corner of Lot 2 on said plan; thence extending from the beginning point through the bed of said road, South 7 degrees 47 minutes 53 seconds East, 85.52 feet; thence extending along same South 9 degrees 10 minutes 6 seconds East, 69.62 feet to a point in the bed of a common driveway easement, a corner of Lot 4 on said plan;

leaving the bed of said road and extending through said easement and along said Lot 4 South 77 degrees 27 minutes 29 seconds West 321.55 feet to a point in line of remaining along the lands of C. Edward Lawrie; thence extending along said lands North 9 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds West 155 feet to a corner of aforementioned.

Lot 2; thence extending along Lot 2 North 77 degrees 27 minutes 29 seconds East 323.60 feet to the first mentioned point of beginning.

BEING Lot 3 on said plan.

CONTAINING 1.144 acres of land more or less.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Nicholas C. Carbonetta a/k/a Nicholas G. Carbonetta and Barbara C. Carbonetta a/k/a Barbara M. Carbonetta, Husband and Wife and Nicholas R. Carbonetta, son, by deed dated February 21, 2001 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in the County of Chester, Pennsylvania as instrument number 0010605 granted and conveyed unto Nicholas G. Carbonetta and Barbara M. Carbonetta, in fee.

AND THE SAID Barbara M. Carbonetta departed this life on or about September 08, 2003 thereby vesting title unto Nicholas G. Carbonetta by operation of law.

Tax Parcel # 69-6-67.5

PLAINTIFF: Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC VS

DEFENDANT: Nicholas R. Carbonetta, Known Heir of Nicholas G. Carbonetta, deceased; Joseph J. Carbonetta, Known Heir of Nicholas G. Carbonetta, deceased; Unknown Heirs, Successors, Assigns and All Persons, Firms or Associations Claiming Right, Title or Interest from or under Nicholas G. Carbonetta, deceased; and Dawn M. Patterson, known heir of Nicholas G. Carbonetta, deceased

SALE ADDRESS: 604 5th Street, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-278-6800

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

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, March 24th , 2025. 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. 25-2-44 Writ of Execution No. 2019-05086 DEBT $391,105.14

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, being known as LOT NO. 17, situate in the TOWNSHIP OF EAST NOTTINGHAM, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Plan of “Hopewell Ridge” prepared by Lake Roeder Hillard & Associates and Ranck Lake Roeder Hillard & Associates, dated 9-10-2003, last revised 1128-2005 and recorded as Plan No. 17688, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southeasterly side of Buttercup Drive (50 feet wide), a corner of Lot No. 15 on said Plan; thence from said beginning point, leaving Buttercup Drive and extending along Lot 15 South 40 degrees 08 minutes 04 seconds East 198.71 feet to a point, a corner of Lot 18 on said Plan; thence extending along Lot 18 the two following courses and distances, viz.: 1) South 76 degrees 55 minutes 31 seconds West 123.74 feet to a point, thence 2) South 58 degrees 31 minutes 54 seconds West 255.84 feet to a point on the Northeasterly side of Forge Road (SR 3001); thence extending along Forge Road the three following courses and distances, viz.: 1) North 16 degrees 51 minutes 39 seconds West 128.37 feet to a point, thence 2) North 16 degrees 17 minutes 54 seconds West 36.16 feet to a point of curve, thence 3) on the arc of a

to the first mentioned

and place of BEGINNING.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Willow Creek, LLC, by Deed dated October 17, 2011 and recorded October 20, 2011 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, Pennsylvania in Book 8271, Page 44, as Instrument Number 1130618, granted and

Shapiro administration delivers record number of roadway and bridge improvements to communities across Pa.

Nearly 6,000 miles of roadway and 488 bridges were improved in the state in 2024

At an event recently held in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll highlighted 269 South Bridge Street in Christiana as an example of the Shapiro administration’s historic progress in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure across the Commonwealth, with Pennsylvania leading the nation last year in the repair of poor-condition bridges.

In partnership with the Shapiro administration’s commitment to the state’s roadways and the role they play in the lives of Pennsylvanians, PennDOT works to ensure that roads and bridges are safe for passengers. The Shapiro administration has invested hundreds of millions of dol-

conveyed unto William B. Carey III and Matthew J. Fischer, adult individuals, in fee. Tax Parcel # 6905 00151600

PLAINTIFF: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee of Quercus Mortgage Investment Trust VS DEFENDANT: Matthew J. Fischer and William B. Carey, III

SALE ADDRESS: 141 Granite Drive, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-2786800

Miscellaneous:

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lars in infrastructure in both rural and urban communities. These investments support a safe and reliable transportation network that connects Pennsylvanians to greater opportunity, no matter where they live.

“PennDOT has a huge responsibility: to deliver quality transportation for the 13 million people of Pennsylvania, as well as those who travel through our state,” said Carroll. “We don’t take that responsibility lightly, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team, who, along with our industry partners, have improved more miles of roadway and more bridges over the past two years than any time in the last decade.

“We can’t rest on this progress, and we have to keep focused on our goal of keeping Pennsylvania’s

roads and bridges safe and reliable.”

Statewide in 2024, 5,910 roadway miles were improved, including 2,186 miles of paving. In the same timeframe, work advanced on 488 state and locally owned bridges.

Additionally, 509 construction contracts for highway, bridge, and other improvement projects were completed statewide through PennDOT’s private-sector partners in 2024. In his first two years, Gov. Shapiro has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding for our roads and bridges, which, combined with federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, has resulted in 12,921 miles of roadway improved, including 4,708 miles of paving, nearly

900 more miles of roadway improved and over 800 more miles paved than in the previous two years.

During the same timeframe, work advanced on 1,172 state and local bridges, compared to 998 during the previous two years.

The Shapiro administration repaired more poor-condition bridges than any other state in the nation in 2023 and improved more miles of roadway than any time in the past decade. Gov. Shapiro has brought Democrats and Republicans together to invest $330.5 million in additional state funding in our roads and bridges on a bipartisan basis.

The event was held at a newly replaced bridge on Bridge Street over Williams Run in Christiana, Lancaster County. The $2.1

million project was completed under budget and a month ahead of schedule and was led by Lobar Site Development of Dillsburg and supported by 14 subcontractors and 30 Lobar employees. In addition to replacing the bridge itself, which was originally built in 1941, the project included new sidewalks and accessibility improvements. The new bridge spans 110 feet and features a wider deck and meets modern safety standards.

“Around 2,400 vehicles cross over this bridge every day,” said Carroll. “While that may not seem like a lot when you compare it to a major bridge on an interstate, our rural bridges are critical to the communities they serve. We’re responsible for thousands of bridges just like this one across

the state, and we’ve been just as focused on improving them as we are on our larger bridges. In those 2,400 vehicles are people going to work, trucks taking goods to market, and families taking their kids to activities, folks just living their lives. An investment in this bridge is an investment in this community, and the people who live here.”

For more information on PennDOT’s ongoing infrastructure projects, visit penndot. pa.gov. Information about the state’s infrastructure and results PennDOT is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at penndot.pa.gov/ results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at projects.penndot.gov.

Chester County families get a taste of summer at the 2025 Summer Adventures Camp & Activities Fair

Chester County students and their families enjoyed an early taste of summer fun at the 2025 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair on Jan. 23 at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).

Organized by the CCIU and sponsored by the Children’s Fund of Chester County (CFCC) and CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, the 13th annual Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair brought

local families together with nearly 50 vendors, including representatives from traditional summer camps, educational programs, arts and crafts camps, sports organizations, and more.

This free event was open to the public and provided attendees with the opportunity to speak with representatives from local camps. Families were able to explore options that align with their child’s interests and needs and acquire additional information on their

offerings. This approach to summer planning helps families skip the traditional process of reaching out to individual vendors and waiting for a response, instead empowering them to explore many camps all in one place and get immediate answers to their questions.

“We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout as families planned ahead for summer,” said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the

Gentile and Craft honored as OAHS Seniors of the Month

Eliana Gentile and Jordyn Craft were recently selected as the Oxford Rotary Club’s Seniors of the Month at Oxford Area High School.

Gentile is the president of the National Honor Society and president of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. She is also the drum major of the Oxford High School Marching Band, a member of the Symphonic Band, the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, and the student director of the musical.

Jordyn Craft is an officer with the National Honor Society and Tri-M

Courtesy photo

Eliana Gentile and Jordyn Craft were recently selected as the Oxford Rotary Club’s Seniors of the Month at Oxford Area High School. Gentile and Craft are pictured with Program Coordinator Connie Winchester, Vanessa Craft, Philip and Tina Gentile and Oxford Rotary Club President Jahan Sheikholeslami.

Music Honor Society. She plays saxophone in the band, and is a member of track team, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Helping Hands, and the Academic Competition Team. Jordyn also works on the yearbook.

CCIU. “Events like this one strengthen the Chester County community by bringing together families and the organizations that serve them. Parents could explore a variety of different summer programs while meeting face-to-face with the people who would be enriching their children’s lives this summer through arts, sports, and educational activities.”

“This event was just fantastic. I made some really great connections tonight,” said Tara Thistlethwaite, local parent and first-time attendee. “My oldest child and I sat together and picked out the camps that she wanted me to talk to.”

Thistlethwaite said that having access to a comprehensive list of camps on the CCIU website was helpful in her planning.

“This is our third year attending and this event is nice for getting a quick overview of a lot of camps in one evening, as opposed to having everything spread out across several websites,” said parent attendee Bradley Bailey. “It’s a great night and the kids love it!”

The event was also beneficial to the participating camps who were able to make connections with local families and other organizations. Derek Rodner, the attending representative for esports organization Uplink, explained that the Summer Adventures Camp

and Activities Fair is a “onestop shop” for him to speak to parents that he might not otherwise see. Other camp representatives agreed.

“My camp has been attending this event for more years than I can remember,” said Maria Tesone of the Brandywine School of Wizardry. “It’s always well organized and a lot of families show up,” she said, explaining that many of the families who attend the camp say they discovered it at this annual event.

“The best part about attending events like this is getting a chance to talk to the parents and see the kids light up when they see all of the different experiences they can have, whether it’s video games or the yoga group that was at the table next to us,” Rodner said.

Nearly 200 individuals attended this year’s Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair. Attendees enjoyed a reprieve from the cold of winter with upbeat music and a photo booth, in addition to many interactive activities and promotional items offered by the camp vendors to keep the kids in attendance engaged throughout the evening. The night concluded with fun giveaways: a raffle for vendors including Twin Valley Coffee vouchers and two tickets to Longwood Gardens, and two raffle drawings for attending families including Wawa gift cards.

To learn more about the annual Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair or for a list of participating vendors, visit www.cciu. org/summer-adventures.

Courtesy photo

Local families gathered at the 2025 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair to talk to a variety of camp representatives and get a jump start on their summer plans.