Chester County Press 02-26-2025 Edition and Summer Camp & Education Guide

A stadium in New Garden? Township floats zoning ordinance amendment

Residents show opposition; motion tabled until March meeting

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Owing largely to the opposition of those who attended the 90-minute public hearing at the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 24, the board voted to table a proposed amendment to its zoning ordinance that would open the way for a sports facility to be

built and maintained at the current White Clay Point property on Gap-Newport Pike.

Specifically, the township is considering the concept of broadening Chapter 200 of its code of ordinances applicable to its Unified Development Districts (UD) to include an openair stadium or arena with a fixed or retractable roof that would provide seating for

more than 1,000 spectators in tiered seating for sports events, concerts, meetings and gatherings of large groups.

In addition, a building or a structure such as a hotel would be built near the stadium or arena.

As spelled out during the hearing, the concept of expanding the township’s UD is to incentivize attractive economic devel-

opment along the Route 41 and Route 7 corridors that would, if built, provide for more attractive and functional development and create a gateway attraction for the township.

The Chester County Planning Commission unanimously voted at their December 2024 meeting to support the zoning ordinance amendment and sent a letter on Feb. 13 to the

township that offered six recommendations to New Garden's proposed zoning ordinance amendments.

The hearing, moderated by township solicitor Winifred Sebastian, included a presentation by township Manager Christopher Himes, who said that the idea of adding the construction of a stadium or arena at the 188-acre White Clay Point site is part of the township’s priorities

to increase its tax base.

“A strategy for the township”

“White Clay Point in the unified district serves as a significant portion of that because it’s the largest contiguous land site in the one part of the township that is most prime for economic development interests,”

ICE detains three workers at Kennett Square business

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Three undocumented residents were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the morning of Feb. 21 at Chavos Tires on Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square. The arrests caused a frenzy on local Facebook groups and left many members of the

local community rattled.

In a statement released early Monday evening, the ICE Philadelphia Field Office stated that the three were arrested for immigration violations and that one of the detained has a “criminal history of driving under the influence and assault.”

Footage and posts made on the Facebook group ¿Que Pasa Kennett Square? show

Sanville announces retirement as superintendent of U-CF schools

The UnionvilleChadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Board of Directors formally accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. John Sanville during its Feb. 18 board meeting.

Sanville, who has led UCFSD since 2011, will retire on July 31, 2025, concluding a career in public education spanning more than three decades. Currently one of the longest-tenured superintendents in Pennsylvania, he leaves behind a legacy of student-centered leadership, academic excellence, and statewide advocacy.

Sanville joined UCFSD in 2007 as the director

of secondary curriculum before becoming superintendent in 2011. Under his leadership, the district has remained one of the topperforming school systems in Pennsylvania, earning multiple national and state distinctions, including being named “District of the Decade” by the Pittsburgh Business Times in 2021. His tenure is marked by significant milestones.

UCFSD has consistently ranked among the topperforming districts in Pennsylvania, with students excelling in standardized assessments, AP coursework, and competitive academic programs. This

Kennett

‘It’s a lovely,

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Ask any one of the 1,800 attendees at this year’s 12th Kennett Winterfest why they came to the annual festival this past Saturday at the Genesis parking lot in Kennett Square and their answer will likely be simple: Beer and the people who love it.

With 62 breweries, 20 vendors and live music from two different bands, those who attended had plenty to do – and drink – at the festival.

Mary Lou Baily, events coordinator for Kennett Collaborative, the hosts of the festival, shared that the event “exceeded all expectations.”

“We tried to add in more experiences for people, home brewing demonstration and expanding our music offerings and the contests,” said Baily.

This year’s Winterfest featured two competitions – best dressed and best “snacklace,” a tradition of the Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest where

that the arrests were made around 9:45 a.m. at the tire shop, with one video showing a detainee in handcuffs

Continued on Page 2A Continued on Page

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested three undocumented residents on Feb. 21 at Chavos Tires on Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square.

Photos by Josh Case Productions, courtesy of Kennett Collaborative

Over 1,800 visitors enjoyed the annual Kennett Winterfest this past Saturday in Kennett Square. The event, produced by Kennett Collaborative, serves as a fundraiser whose proceeds support many of the events held in the Kennett community every year.

New Garden...

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he said. “If you’re talking about it from the function of a potential recreation, sports-tourism type of use, it’s not to say that it’s going to happen but at least it allows for that type of function in that site, so you can activate not just the overall ancillary development around it to incentivize developers to come to the table to actually buy a site, but to [allow developers to] build what they can build and complete the project to get the revenues that we so dearly need here in the township.”

Himes, who called the potential expansion of the township’s UD zoning amendment “a strategy for the township,” said that it continues to be the township’s intent to explore ways to open the township door to potential economic development along Route 41, Baltimore Pike and Newark Road – all stateowned roads. Currently, the site, owned by JP Morgan Chase, has sat dormant since it purchased the land parcel for $11 million in 2019.

“The intent behind the site is to provide an enhanced gateway to the township,” he said. “It’s the first thing you drive by when you come to New Garden Township.

Right now, it’s a dilapidated former compost site, and that’s pretty much it.”

Public comments

Sebastian, Himes and the supervisors spent a portion of the public comment period dispelling erroneously circulated rumors that the township had already decided to go shovel-ready on constructing a sports facility in the township, repeatedly stating that the proposed amendment was introduced as a measure that if passed would open another avenue of possible economic development.

Several residents in

year, 55 Unionville High School seniors received National Merit recognition, with 23 named finalists—double the numSanville retirement... Continued from Page 1A

Somerset Lake community – whose properties would closely border a sports facility if it were built at White Clay Point –expressed concern about the impact a sports facility may have on the development in the areas of potential cutthrough traffic, stormwater run-off, noise volumes, light pollution and the potential lowering of home property values.

Another resident pressed the board to define the exact purpose of what the facility will be used for. Himes said that there have been early discussions that the structure would be used for youth sports and recreation, a concept that dates back to the original site plan that was introduced by JP Morgan in 2019.

Richard Zimny, a former member of the township’s Zoning Hearing Board, said that the idea of giving up rights to control the development of the parcel seems to favor new residents, “while our existing residents are being short-changed,” he said.

“Economic development doesn’t always promise a long-term, sustainable solution for townships.

“I’m just asking you to give thoughtful consideration to not opening up Pandora’s box. I don’t know if the cost benefit will be there. We’ll have to hire more police. Who is going to pay for the roads? You’ve got roads there that are not adequate now, and you want to talk about building something else?”

Acknowledging residents’ comments and on the recommendation of Board Chairman Ted Gallivan, the board voted to table the vote on whether to amend the township’s zoning ordinance to include a sports facility until the board meets again in March, when a revised draft of the amendment will be re-introduced.

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

ber from when Dr. Sanville first became superintendent. Unionville High School has also been recognized this year as the number-one STEM high school in Pennsylvania and was number 68 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Under Dr. Sanville’s leadership, UCFSD expanded STEM education, student-driven research opportunities, and innovative learning experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared for future

ICE raid...

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being escorted by an agent. Agents then gathered in the McDonald’s parking lot at the New Garden Shopping Center before dispersing at about 11:40 a.m.

According to Chief Joe Greenwalt of the Southern Chester County Regional Police, the department was not informed of the arrests until after they had taken place. Without knowing the names of those arrested, Greenwalt could not confirm the criminal history of the detained individual but shared that the police department and ICE do not operate “hand-inhand.” Greenwalt referred to the department’s new mission statement to clarify their purpose and work:

“The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department exists to preserve life and property, to enforce the law, to solve our community’s problems and protect the right of all to live, work and travel in a safe and peaceful environment.”

In a translated statement posted on the Chavos Tires Facebook page on Feb. 21, it read, “We are sad and worried about our workers who were taken by immigration today. We are asking God that they are well and doing everything possible to find out about them…without a doubt whatever their fate may be, we will be supporting them from here.”

Local immigration attorney Nancy AllyonRamirez confirmed on Feb. 21 that the detainees were on their way to Philadelphia to be processed through the system, but as of Feb. 24, she could not confirm their location.

On Feb. 24, Chavos Tires posted again on its Facebook page in further support of their workers

success.

Sanville championed initiatives to support mental health, student resilience, and well-being. UCFSD became one of the first districts in Pennsylvania to implement later school start times, aligning with research on adolescent health.

UCFSD has also expanded Title I programs, enhanced special education services, and strengthened student mental health initiatives to ensure all learners have

and to thank the community.

“We want to inform all our clients first of all that he who owes nothing fears nothing!!!” the post read. “Thanks to the entire community who are currently giving us their support. We will be here fighting for these innocent people.”

The ICE statement released later that evening stated that the investigation began after the agency “received information the business was hiring illegal aliens and could be involved with labor exploitation,” and that the investigation into business operations is ongoing. The statement also stated that the worksite operation was performed with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The presence of ATF agents left some community members confused as to why that agency was taking part in an ICE operation. However, as of Jan. 23, the Department of Homeland Security has allowed DEA, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Federal Prisons to carry out the “functions” of ICE.

According to AllyonRamirez and Mayra Castillo, vice president of Casa Guanajuato – a local non-profit aimed at preserving Hispanic culture – there were up to 10 vehicles present at the tire shop during the arrest. Then, according to Castillo and immigration attorney Lindsey Sweet, there were reports of up to 23 vehicles present in the parking lot of the New Garden Shopping Center. Both the McDonald’s and neighboring Planet Fitness in the shopping center declined to comment on the presence or activities of the federal agents in the parking lot.

“This was a very large showing on the part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, pulling in other federal agencies and

the resources they need to succeed. The district has added more social workers and counselors, increased intervention programs for struggling students, and prioritized student wellness through proactive mental health initiatives and advisory supports.

“Dr. Sanville has served the students, staff, board, and community of UCFSD with distinction for 14 years, providing both innovative vision and steady leadership,” said Dr. Victoria Baratta, UCFSD Board President. “His impact is evident across all grade levels, programs, and initiatives. From developing the Portrait of a Graduate and introducing full-day kindergarten to strengthening school safety and enhancing academics and student

other federal agents in order to perform this operation,” Sweet said. “That’s a lot of government resources to only detain three people, so in terms of use of government resources to effectuate their goals, that’s a lot of lost resources.”

The large federal presence in conjunction with social media fervor left several members of the community shaken, according to Allyon-Ramirez.

“Families are scared, and some families have even thought about not sending their kids to school,” she said. “For example, when ICE was in the area Friday, kids from the high school didn’t want to walk home.”

The impact of ICE presence in the community has been addressed by the Kennett Consolidated School District, who released a statement on Feb. 21 that briefly outlined protocol and offered support to students and families:

“We understand that any display of emergency enforcement in our community may be unsettling for our students and families. Please be assured that our teachers are monitoring students’ emotional well-being and will provide support as needed.”

Allyon-Ramirez recommended that concerned families ensure they have everything in order including having all documentation and paperwork ready, power of attorney established, knowing their emergency plans and knowing their rights.

ICE cannot enter a home or other private space without a judicial warrant or consent to enter. However, ICE does not need a warrant to make arrests in public spaces, such as at places of work. Additionally, both Allyon-Ramirez and Sweet recommended that individuals and families obtain legal advice as soon as possible, should a family member be

activities, he has shaped the district’s future.

“He leaves UCFSD well run, well staffed, and well resourced, but his ‘never better’ optimism, strategic thinking, kindness, and tireless dedication will be deeply missed.”

Sanville’s leadership has extended far beyond the district. He is a respected voice in Pennsylvania’s education community, having served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) during the 202223 school year. In this role, he advocated for policy changes, fair funding, and innovative educational practices that benefited students statewide.

With this upcoming retirement, UCFSD will begin the process of selecting its

detained by ICE. Although the arrests and presence of ICE in the community have stressed some community members, there is a concerted effort coming from local leaders to continue educating individuals on their rights and to continue offering support and empathy.

“Our communities remain committed to following federal law which includes ensuring that everyone knows their rights under the U.S. Constitution – and that those rights are respected,” said Cheryl Kuhn, president and CEO of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

“Many of the families and individuals affected by ICE operations have made a life here—they are bound to our country and our laws – the same as you and I. There is a humane way for this process to take place. If ICE decision-makers choose to listen, there can be a path to citizenship, and it can happen locally, in a caring, organized, and legal way.”

Castillo, an immigrant herself from Mexico, offered closing remarks to the community following the emotional turmoil of the weekend.

“The majority of the [immigrants] here in southern Chester County are not criminals. They’re here to work,” she said. “If people do commit a serious crime, sure, arrest those people who are committing a serious crime, but don’t go after innocent people just because they happen to have a Hispanic last name, just because of the assumption that people are here illegally and stealing jobs.”

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

next superintendent. At the February 18 board meeting, the board also approved the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to lead the search process for Sanville’s successor. More details on the timeline and opportunities for stakeholder input will be shared in the coming weeks.

Reflecting on his time at UCFSD, Sanville said, “Serving as Superintendent of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has been the greatest privilege of my career. This district is defined by its incredible students, passionate educators, and a community that values education. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and excited for the district’s continued success in the years ahead.”

Kennett Winterfest...

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attendees string together pretzels and other snacks to wear as an edible necklace – providing style and sustenance.

Courtney Doyle, a West Grove resident, has been making pretzel necklaces since her second visit to the Kennett Brewfest, and this year’s Winterfest was her fifth. On her latest visit, she made it her mission to “outdo everyone.”

“I went to Walmart and bought every snack that has a hole in it,” she said. “I made 17 of them. I love a social gathering – I fear it turns into a high school reunion – but I always turn up. I love seeing everyone, and it’s a fun break from the winter blues.”

Although Doyle prepared for her preferred competition, the best dressed competition seemed to fly under the radar, even among those who appeared to be dressed for it. From kilts to fluffy onesies, almost everyone who seemed a shoo-in for the best-dressed competition had no idea about it, including Brent Lobley, who attended the festival in a green dragon onesie. He took a moment to share what he enjoyed most about the festival.

“There’s a good selection of breweries that bring a good selection of beer,” Lobley said. “I really like

drinking good beer, supporting local breweries and being with other people who enjoy beer.”

Another enthusiastic onesie wearer, Lillian Nichols, had a similar take on the day, crediting her fellow beer fans for the special magic of the day.

“It’s the people,” Nichols said. “We drink beer, talk about beer and there’s never a harsh word spoken.”

Nichols also credited the local breweries for the diversity they bring to the table and always having a variety of beers to choose from. Drink options at the event included just about everything from ciders, porters, IPAs, pilsners, sours, pale ales, non-alcoholic beers and even a unique drink called “komfruitcha” from Spirochete Brewing, which was described as the first ever “postbiotic” drink on the market.

Although beer will always serve as Kennett Winterfest’s main attraction, it is the shared camaraderie that ultimately drives the event and keeps everyone wanting to come back for more.

“Everybody here is unique,” said a representative from Sly Fox Brewing Company. “It’s a lovely, friendly community, everyone gets along and it’s unique to Pennsylvania.”

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

Boscola’s Chapter 14 Reenactment Bill passes Senate with strong bipartisan support

With a broad bipartisan vote of 41-7, the Pennsylvania Senate approved Senate Bill 154, legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) to restore and improve The Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act (“Chapter 14”). The bill now moves to the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee for further consideration.

“Chapter 14 has long been a critical tool to protect responsible ratepayers from absorbing the

costs of unpaid utility bills while ensuring vulnerable customers have safeguards during the termination process,” Boscola said. “With its expiration, we lost certainty in these protections. Today’s vote moves us one step closer to restoring that certainty.”

Chapter 14, the law which provided protections like the winter termination moratorium and payment arrangements to customers with unpaid utility bills, expired on Dec. 31, 2024. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) acted to extend these

key protections until the legislature could act. SB154 reenacts these protections while strengthening consumer safeguards, including longer medical certificates, improved payment plans, and stronger notice requirements before shutoffs.

“This bill is the product of bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to protecting utility customers,” Boscola added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to get this across the finish line.”

Judge Mackenzie W. Smith appointed to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas

The Pennsylvania Senate confirmed the nomination of Mackenzie W. Smith, Esq., as judge on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

“I am incredibly grateful to Governor Shapiro for appointing me and to the Pennsylvania Senate for confirming my nomination to the Court of Common Pleas, and I look forward to continuing to serve our Chester County community,” Smith said. “Having the trust of the Governor and our Senate leaders is a tremendous honor, and I promise to uphold my same judicial values - ensur-

ing equal access to justice for everyone, treating the community with care and dignity, and delivering on our constitutional guarantees of due process and equal justice for all.”

Smith most recently served as a magisterial district judge representing Malvern, East Goshen, Easttown, Willistown, and parts of Tredyffrin and Westtown. In 2021, Smith defeated a three-term incumbent to win her magisterial district court seat.

The Courts of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania are the trial courts, hearing major criminal and

civil cases. Common pleas court judges are elected to 10-year terms after which they may face a retention vote.Smith’s appointment was made to fill one of two vacant seats on the Court and the term will expire at the end of 2025. Smith is concurrently running for a full term on the bench in the 2025 election.

The 2025 Pennsylvania primary election is scheduled for May 20 and the general election on November 4.

To learn more about Judge Smith and her campaign visit her website: mackenzieforjudge.com

Photos

New book chronicles Cavalcante’s prison escape and capture

A Killer at the Door:

The two weeks that rocked our community

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

“On a hot summer’s morning, just outside the confines of the Chester County Prison, residents exercised on a path without so much as a second thought to the criminals within the nearby walls topped with barbed wire.

those two weeks like for you?

From Chapter One of A Killer at the Door: The Dramatic Prison Break and Manhunt for Convicted Murderer Danilo Cavalcante by

Bruce Mowday

Last year, when the word spread that local author and historian Bruce Mowday was beginning research on a book about the escape and ultimate capture of convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante in late August and early September of 2023, the general consensus was that the story that would be written about those 13 days was in the best of hands.

Mowday’s written work had already dovetailed generously with recent Chester County history. He is the author of Small Town Cops in the Crosshairs: The 1972 Sniper Slayings of Policemen William Davis and Richard Posey, that documented the killings of two Kennett Square police officers; Jailing the Johnston Gang, that retold the story of criminal murderers Norman, David and Bruce A. Johnston and the terror they inflicted on Chester County and the East Coast for decades; and Stealing Wyeth, which told the tale of how a group of local criminals stole 15 paintings from Andrew Wyeth’s estate.

Last week, Mowday spoke with the Chester County Press about his newest book, A Killer at the Door: The Dramatic Prison Break and Manhunt for Convicted Murderer Danilo Cavalcante, published by Schiffer Publishing that will be released on Feb. 27.

Many people who are reading this story remember what those two weeks were like in late August and early September of 2023 and how Cavalcante’s escape gripped them. What were

I live about 12 miles from the Chester County Prison, and even though I was not in the direct center of where they were searching, I know a lot of friends in that area, and they told me their experiences. I turned to social media because traditional newspapers like yours and some of the Philadelphia TV stations were not providing me with the most up-to-date information. I was trying to piece everything together from my experience as a news reporter and see what was going on.

What inspired you to write this book?

When this happened, it was a fascinating and local story but at first, I wasn’t convinced anyone would remember Cavalcante six months after he was captured. I quickly changed my mind. I received several messages from friends who said that I was the one to write the book and that it needs to be written. They then directed me immediately to the people who live near the prison and how the story was changing their lives. Their accounts form a good part of the book. I also received a note from a grandfather a few weeks after the capture, because he said his grandson is still traumatized by helicopters and has difficulty sleeping. It all started coming together, and as I went to the public meetings afterwards and talked with everybody, the layers of the story formed one on top of the other.

How did you first begin to break down the research for the book?

Where did you start?

My training as a reporter really helped me all through the book – how to write and how to organize. It’s really about becoming a storyteller. You have to keep the readers reading along with you, so it’s got to be more than dates and times but discovering the threads that pull the story together. Since I knew a lot of the people who were involved and because of my experience as a reporter, it was easier for me to get entrée to them and get them to talk with me.

As I was writing the book, I realized that I had to tell this like a story. What was Chester County like on that day [of Cavalcante’s escape]? How did it happen? I was able to get several really good interviews with members of the Marshall’s Office and the head investigator. I think I spoke to about 80 people and had about 40 formal interviews, in addition to attending Cavalcante’s primary hearing and sentencing.

In terms of those you interviewed, whose insights rose above the rest?

The two representatives I spoke with from the Marshall’s Office. One was in the command post and the other was underneath the briar trying to find Cavalcante. They both provided excellent information. Chester County Chief Detective David M. Sassa sat down with me for a good interview and John Sanville, the superintendent of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, provided me with an amazing account of the day of Cavalcante’s escape, and how the district was informed about what was going on, and what they didn’t know.

How long did you spend on research, interviews, writing and fact checking your book?

It was pretty close to a year.

You have written about the Johnston gang, the theft of 15 Wyeth paintings and the murders of two Kennett Square police officers. The Cavalcante story ranks among those other major stories, in terms of its grip on the local community, yes? I would certainly agree with that. This is a very important story for Chester County because it’s more than just a crime story. You have to look at the county government, which failed to protect its citizens because it didn’t have enough guards. There were obvious issues at the prison that enabled a prisoner to escape the same way a few weeks before Cavalcante escaped. You had the government failing in their job. You had the escape and the search, and the expense of that, which no one has placed a number on, but I haven’t heard anybody disagree that it was $20 million when you put everything together. You had people traumatized and who are still suffering. I sense a wider impact which has made it a more impor-

tant story for the county.

Many people still hold county enforcement accountable for what happened, but as the dust continues to settle on the Cavalcante story, what has been learned?

As it settles, it was a tough lesson for the county – government, law enforcement and its citizens. Cavalcante is still discussed around the courthouse and the prison and now they have a grand plan on how to secure the prison with monitors, enhanced security and enclosures. Hopefully they are working on it and making sure that everything is secure.

Bruce Mowday’s book

A Killer at the Door: The Dramatic Prison Break and Manhunt for Convicted Murderer Danilo Cavalcante , published by Schiffer Publishing, can be ordered through SchifferBooks.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and

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

Pennsylvania

for sentencing on Sept. 13, 2023. wherever books are sold. Mowday will be appearing on March 6 at Traditions at Longwood, 100 Primrose Drive, Kennett Square at 7 p.m.; on March 8 at Ace Hardware, 1150 Pocopson Road in West Chester, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; on March 8 at Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 East Locust Street, Oxford from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; on March 13 at The General Warren, 9 Old Lancaster Pike, Malvern, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; on March 15 at the Italian American Club in Kennett Square, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; on April 24 at the Avon Grove Library, 117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, at 6:30 p.m.; and on April 26 at Paradocx Vineyards, 1833 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg, at 4 p.m. To learn more about Bruce Mowday, visit www. mowday.com.

Courtesy image

Danilo Cavalcante being led into the

State Police Baracks

Courtesy image

A Killer at the Door: The Dramatic Prison Break and Manhunt for Convicted Murderer Danilo Cavalcante, written by local writer Bruce Mowday, will be released by Schiffer Publishing on Feb. 27.

Courtesy photo

Bruce Mowday

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Lt. Col. George Bivens held near-daily press conferences during the two weeks when escaped prisoner Danilo Cavalcante eluded law enforcement.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw More than 500 law enforcement officers participated in the hunt for Cavalcante.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Gov. Josh Shapiro addressed the media at the Po-MarLin Fire Company on Sept. 13, 2023 to announce that Cavalcante had been captured.

‘Look for the helpers’

In many ways, Oxford is a typical small, American town.

Some local residents come from families who have lived in the area for generations, while other residents have come here from a thousand different places for a thousand different reasons. The population is diverse. As a bedroom community, many people live here and work elsewhere—at good jobs in nearby northern Chester County or Delaware. Agriculture is still important. There are a lot of working-class families who call Oxford home.

As a typical small town, local residents are affected by many of the problems that are impacting people across the country.

A story by Betsy Brantner in this week’s Chester County Press illustrates the challenges that families are facing as a result of the rising costs for basic needs, especially food and housing. There is a shortage of affordable housing, and as more people get shut out of the housing market, there is more demand for rental properties. The high demand and short supply causes prices to rise—and the increases are beyond what many families can afford.

For families struggling to pay for food and rent and electricity, it can be disconcerting. It can be dismaying.

Fred Rogers delivered positive messages about the importance of love, kindness, and friendship during his 30 years as the host of the popular PBS program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Rogers was born in 1928 and lived through the Great Depression and World War II before he reached adulthood. He often shared a story about something his mother would say when he saw scary things in the news.

Here is what Rogers would explain: “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

While Oxford is a “typical small town” in some ways, it has always been blessed with a large number of helpers.

Form the Oxford Senior Center and the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce to SILO and the Oxford Area Civic Association, from the Oxford Rotary and the Oxford Fire Company to the Oxford Area Foundation and the Neighborhood Services Center, there are many, many helpers in the community.

Ever since it first opened on November 1, 1971, the Neighborhood Services Center has been at the center of the effort to help others. The Neighborhood Services Center has offered a lifeline to thousands of local residents who have found themselves in a place of need. The Neighborhood Services Center, in short, is filled with helpers.

These helpers at Neighborhood Services Center operate a food pantry where families can turn when they experience a life crisis or are just struggling to put food on the table because of soaring prices at the grocery store.

Neighborhood Services Center offered financial rental assistance to 204 households in 2024. This assistance came at a time when rents, like food prices, are soaring beyond what many families can afford.

The Neighborhood Services Center is also a place where families can turn for emergency assistance with utility bills. The staff can also help people access information, and provide referrals to services and programs that the agency does not provide directly.

There’s no doubt that the world today is vastly different from the one where children tuned in by the millions to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. But, sometimes, wisdom is timeless. The wisdom that Rogers’ mother shared with him so many decades ago still seems to make good sense—“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” If you can, support the helpers by making a donation to the Neighborhood Services Center, one of the aforementioned organizations, or others like them in the southern Chester County community. Another option, perhaps even better than supporting the helpers, is to be a helper yourself.

We need to finish the job and get term limits for the U.S. Congress

By Andy Dinniman and John Eichelberger

February 27 is National Term Limits Day commemorating the 74th anniversary of the adoption of the 22nd Amendment that limits a president to two terms in office.

Term limits for president had been debated over at the original Constitution Convention, and during the presidencies of both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Although nothing emerged from the debate, Washington established the unwritten tradition that a president served no more than two terms. Although several presidents had attempted to seek a third term, none succeeded until Franklin Roosevelt in 1940, as the nation confronted the possibility of entering World War II.

In 1944, Thomas Dewey who was challenging Roosevelt, proposed a constitutional amendment during his campaign to limit presidents to two terms. While Dewey lost the election, it was an idea that gained popularity with some states taking action to propose a constitutional amendment limiting a president’s term in office. In 1946, many candidates

running for office advocated presidential term limits. In March of 1947, Congress passed the legislation that would pass the 22nd Amendment and the state ratification process began. Pennsylvania was the 15th state to ratify the 22nd Amendment on April 29, 1947.

Harry Truman, who was President when the 22nd Amendment was ratified, was grandfathered in, so the amendment did not affect him. However, Truman believed two terms were enough for any occupant in the White House. Believing that since he had served all but 82 days of Roosevelt’s fourth term plus one full elected term, he had served two terms and opted not to run again in 1952. Truman hoped that Congress would further act on term limits for itself after the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951 but has failed to do so. He was an advocate of congressional term limits for the remainder of his life.

We celebrate National Term Limits Day now to both remember the passage of the 22nd Amendment and to raise awareness of today’s most popular and bipartisan issue – congressional term limits. A Pew Research poll showed 87

percent of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, support congressional term limits.

With over 151 members who pledged to support congressional term limits now serving in Congress, we are seeing movement to pass congressional term limits.

In the House, House Joint Resolution 12, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, has more than 50 co-sponsors listed on the resolution. Once passed by Congress and ratified by the states, it would limit Representatives to three terms, or 6 years, and Senators to two terms, or 12 years. In the Senate, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas filed Senate Joint Resolution 1, a companion resolution to House Joint Resolution 12 with 15 co-sponsors.

But Congress probably will never pass this legislation? Right?

So, if Congress won’t pass term limits what can be done? Just as with the debate over presidential terms in the 1940s, the states can take the initiative, calling for a convention to adopt a congressional term limits amendment. When enough states request a convention to add a congressional term limits amendment to the Constitution, Congress is bypassed, and the amend-

Opinion

ment can be proposed by the states for ratification. Or, Congress might see what is happening and act as it did with the 22nd Amendment, and just as in 1945, we saw a record number of candidates in both political parties campaign and be elected advocating term limits.

A growing roster of states have called for a limited convention to propose a congressional term limits amendment to the Constitution. In Pennsylvania, State Representative Jared Solomon will be proposing the congressional term limits resolution with bipartisan support. It is essential that the legislature pass this, putting the Keystone State on record for congressional term limits.

This National Term Limits Day, events will be held throughout the nation to bring attention to the need for congressional term limits. If term limits are good enough for the president, why not for Congress?

Happy Term Limits Day and let’s finish the job and get term limits for congress.

Andy Dinniman and John Eichelberger are Pennsylvania State Co-Chairs for U.S. Term Limits.

Bullying and its impact on mental health

Bullying is a matter of life and death for many. It’s an issue that gets headlines, but few take action about the issue to create change for the better. One man, Kirk Smalley, has made it his mission to take on bullying and make people realize the critical issue that it is. He was called to this after his 11-year-old son committed suicide after he was suspended from school for retaliating against a bully.

The mental health impact from bullying is so dire on the nation’s youth that it is important everyone be aware and try and address it.

“I don’t want other parents to go through what I have gone through with losing my son to bullying,” said Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent.

“Bullying is a serious issue that causes major mental health issues in our youth, who then grow up to become adults who may suffer from mental health

issues. We need to get this under control now.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a national survey found that 28 percent of middle schools, 15 percent of high schools, and 10 percent of elementary schools report the occurrence of bullying at least once per week. Millions of youth are being bullied each week across schools around the country. Add to that all the cyberbullying that takes place online outside of school hours, and it’s easy to see what a sizable issue this has become.

Bullying takes a toll on the mental health of those involved, including the person being bullied and the ones doing the bullying. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mental health challenges are the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people. They report that there has been a sig-

nificant increase in certain mental health issues in young people, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Here are crucial things people need to know about how bullying impacts mental health in our youth:

Those who are bullied.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), those who are bullied are at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal from social contact. They are also at an increased risk for anger, aggression, and conduct problems and may engage in more risky behavior.

Those who do the bullying.

The NIH also reports that there are mental health consequences for the person who does the bullying. Those who bully are also at greater risk for depression. Specific issues can make it more likely that someone will become a bully.

the rules are not followed.

“We are all impacted by bullying in one way or another, especially when it impacts our youth’s mental health the way it does,” added Smalley. “We all need to come together to address this issue and make it a better community and culture for our children to grow up in. We are happy to help make that happen!” Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that children who have greater support for autonomy at ages 4 and 5 are related to reducing bullying. To give younger children more autonomy, parents can give them more control over their lives, including doing age-appropriate tasks. At ages 4-5, children can help make breakfast, choose their clothes, be offered choices, have their feelings validated, help make decisions, etc.

According to research published in the International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, a number of family characteristics are associated with bullying, including authoritarian parenting styles. This type of parenting style, according to the research, is closely related to bullying. Parents seek to control the child without allowing for discussion. It’s a parenting style associated with high levels of behavioral control with strict punishment if

Stand for the Silent travels the country, giving presentations about bullying to schools, providing bullying prevention, giving out scholarships, offering intervention strategies, and more. Those interested in getting involved can start a chapter of the group in their area, obtain a free K-2 bullying prevention curriculum or cyberbullying handbook for parents, host a presentation at their school, introduce the How All Started video, and donate to help support the cause. To get more information, visit the site at: https:// standforthesilent.org.

Constellation Energy receives Chamber’s Community Impact award

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Constellation Energy was chosen as the recipient of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s (SCCCC) 2025 Community Impact Award, before more than 100 community business leaders who attended the Chamber’s annual meeting and breakfast on Feb. 19 at the Hartefeld National Country Club.

Now in its fourth year, the award recognizes a Chamber member for-profit b usiness-in-good-standing that positively impacts the community through its active support of local non-profit organizations and philanthropic causes.

Nominee submissions are measured by total volunteer hours, non-profit board leadership, in-kind contributions and financial donations, “but most critically, we look for nonprofit impact,” said SCCCC President and CEO Cheryl Kuhn. “How has that member business helped the community?”

“Constellation Energy is a Fortune 200 company doing the right things for the planet and the right things for our community,” said Drew Cope of Cope Construction and Renovations, whose company was the recipient of the 2024 Community Impact Award, and presented the award to Ronald J. DiSabatino, Jr. of Constellation Energy. “As the nation’s leading producer of carbon-free energy, the company is supplying power energy means while also going the extra mile to uplift communities through volunteerism, donations and support of local charitable organizations.”

DiSabatino expressed gratitude to Constellation Energy’s employees and leadership. He said that

Jason Feller to head SCCC Board in 2025

an outgoing board member of the company told DiSabatino that one of Constellation Energy’s core values was the engagement its staff has with the surrounding community.

“I don’t think we could do it without the Chamber of Commerce, and more importantly, the Chamber members who are nonprofits who take their time and energy to be active members and who look for people who share their vision and values,” he said.

DiSabatino recommended that businesses whose employees have an interest in charitable engagement with the community seek assistance through the SCCCC.

“Your businesses depend on it,” he said. “We all work and live and thrive in this community based on the broader health of the community and the folks who care about it. If you can find those people, engage with them, engage your employees with them, and you will find that it will be a better place to work, a better place to do business and a better place to live.”

Feller named new Board Chairman

James E. Turner, the immediate past chairman of the agency’s Board of Directors, introduced Jason Feller of Crystal Clean Canz, LLC as the Chamber’s Chairman of the Board for 2025.

“We all grow together when we set our values in the same united direction,” Feller said. “I stand here as part of the board of directors who are comprised of business leaders of all different sizes, goals and visions for our own businesses, but our unified goal is for a strong and thriving business community in southern Chester

County. The mission of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce is to strengthen, support and promote its membership, and we align our vision to that.

“Our directors are reaching out to the new members who have joined in the recent year. The more we know about you as members by listening, the more we can promote you, provide support and encourage you to participate.

“In closing, I look forward to connecting with you, our members, building our business muscles, carrying each other across the finish line and shouting your name in celebration.”

In other Chamber business, Turner also provided the audience with an overview of SCCCC’s accomplishments in 2024, that included supporting smaller businesses to help them strategically manage their growth; accelerating its scholarship and education funds; and its work with future business leaders through its Rising Sophomore and Juniors and Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week initiatives.

Turner urged those in attendance to sponsor young people in their communities and work together.

“We live in a time when the people we used to depend on, we can no longer depend on, so we might need to depend on each other in other to get things done,” he said. “We’re not looking for the government to do it. We need businesspeople to make sure that the next generation of businesspeople are supported.

“In order for us to move forward in the future, we need to remember that it is collaboration that is our survival tactic. We only make it because the person next to us makes it. If we don’t help each other get to where we

need to get to, then we are going to be left alone. The DNA for this chamber and this community has been working together.”

Turner reflected on the impact that policy changes on the national level will have on the southern Chester County agricultural community.

“We have dairy farmers and mushroom growers who are about to go through some challenges, so our agricultural base is in need of the rest of the community

to help them figure out what they need to do,” he said. “As we go forward in 2025, let’s stay resilient. Let’s stay connected. Let’s continue to collaborate and let’s continue to win, because we stay together.”

In addition to Feller, the Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2025 will include Chairman-elect Christine Gordon of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Vice Chairman Melissa Dietrich from Longwood Gardens; Treasurer Douglas

Neighborhood Services Center:

S. Hook from Herbein CPAs + Advisors; and Secretary Yolande Raath from DataConnectX. Turner will serve as the immediate past chairman. In addition, Bob Cox of BHHC Consulting, Pauline Garcia-Allen of the Oxford Borough and Dan Norkavage will also join the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

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

Continuing to extend its lifeline to the community

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Since November 1, 1971, the Neighborhood Services Center (NSC) has provided a centralized location where residents of the southwestern corner of Chester County can access health and social services and find help to meet their basic needs. The Neighborhood Services Center’s staff works to empower all people to achieve health, wholeness, and stability in their lives.

Aaron Karpas, the director of NSC, said, “The need is greater than ever” for families in the area who are struggling to meet their basic needs.

The majority of NSC’s funding is based on grants and contributions from foundations on the local level. Much support also comes from residents in

the community. That local support is vital to NSC, and what NSC then provides to those in need is vital, too.

“People would be surprised to see who walks through our door,” Karpas said. “It could be your next door neighbor who had a major health incident and now finds they can no longer work. It could be a mother or father whose marriage has ended, leaving the parents struggling to feed their children because they now have two houses to maintain.”

And now, with the way the cost of rent is tripling, many people find themselves not fitting the formula established by landlords and rental agents to get into a property. NSC gave financial rental assistance to 204 households in 2024.

Where once a perspective renter was required to have

the first and last month’s rent, now they are being asked for three months of rent, and they have to make an hourly wage that shows they can bring home in one week a month’s rent.

If you are trying to get into a one-bedroom apartment in Oxford, rents can go as high as $2,000 a month. You would be required to have $6,000 just to move in.

If you are looking for a rental property in the Oxford area, the rents range from $1,600 to $2,000 per month. So, your weekly gross salary should be $1,600 to $2,000, which would require an hourly wage of $40 to $50 if you work a 40-hour week. What is the likelihood of being able to afford rent, when the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour in Pennsylvania, which would give you $290 a week? It’s not uncommon to hear

people discussing the fact that McDonalds pays $15 an hour to “flip burgers.” But a simple conversation at the drive-thru will show that this is not the typical wage. Nor do most McDonald’s workers work a 40-hour week. However, if they did, that would still give them a gross salary of $600 a week—far less than what would be expected in order to rent a place.

If you thought rent was bad, let’s talk utilities. If you’re heating with electric or natural gas, one month’s bill can run from $400 to $600. If you pay for water, sewer, and trash, that can increase the costs by another $300 or more. Another interesting fact that is often overlooked is that if you have children and your child is a student they “may”or may not get a laptop, but what about the cost of the wi-fi connection for that laptop? Believe it

or not, many people can’t afford that cost either, but families must have a wi-fi or internet connection just so their children can complete homework assignments.

Last year, NSC helped 539 unduplicated households at the food pantry, and we know the cost of groceries is not expected to decrease any time soon. Karpas said, “There is very little transportation services here, so you also have to figure in the cost of a car and the gas and maintenance for that.” Consider also the cost of child care, which has hit an all-time high. The cost of daycare for two children under 5 at a good childcare facility can cost as much as $30,000 a year, which means if you do get paid $15 an hour at McDonald’s, all but $1,000 of that salary would go to child care.

To say that NSC is vital

to the community is quite the understatement. It is an important life-line for many in the community. Karpas said, “Affordable housing can mean different things to different people. Helping with rent out-paced help for those with mortgages. People can’t even afford a starter home anymore. If you’re renting, you are often not able to save for a home. Most houses now cost up to $500,000.” He continued, “It is a big problem just keeping up with inflation on groceries, utilities and housing. Now you definitely need two incomes. We can’t forget how much others are struggling and all it takes is one health crisis or job loss for your whole world to change.”

If you would like more information on NSC, or would like to make a donation, call 610-932-8557.

SCCC’s Immediate Past Chairman James E. Turner, left, presents the gavel to Jason Feller of Crystal Clean Canz, LLC, wo will serve as the Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Drew Cope of Cope Construction and Renovations, left, whose company was the recipient of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Community Impact Award, presents the 2025 award to Ronald J. DiSabatino, Jr. of Constellation Energy.

Martin C. Joseph Osborne, of Little Britain, Pa., passed away February 13, 2025 at the Pavilion Center of the University of Pennsylvania. He was 59.

Born on Aug. 25, 1965, in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Herbert Osborne and Janet M. Osborne-Kilgore. Marty attended Oxford Area School District and graduated in 1983. Marty was the son of an electrical union worker and followed in his footsteps. Marty, early in his life, worked at Lucas and Sun Oil. Marty was a skilled tree trimmer, and he would spend nearly two decades at Asplundh, working alongside his trusted crew that he loved very much. Martin thought about his time at Asplundh every day and would like to thank his crew for all the hard work and

MARTIN C. OSBORNE

great times they had.

Marty was an avid champion of maintenance workers. He worked nearly two decades at Lincoln University as a head shop steward and electrician for the Lincoln Lions. Marty had many friends and close loved ones who were influential during his time at Lincoln University, and he would often go to bat for his coworkers.

In his spare time, you could find Marty in the mountains, where he was a member of the Chester County Hunting Club in Bradford County. You would also find Martin rooting for Dale Earnhardt, Sr. or Dale Earnhardt, Jr. every Sunday, as he was an avid NASCAR fan. He held memberships in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Rod and Gun Club. He loved being a pig cooker. On most weekends, you could have found him, his father, Herby, and Uncle Ray cooking pigs for fundraisers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and

George “Butch” Herhei, a husband, father, and a man’s man, passed away while at home on February 18, 2025. He was 79.

He was with his wife and love of 55 years at the time of his passing. Born in Amsbry, Pa., he was the third of four children.

He was preceded in death by parents, Michael and Prudence; his siblings, Mike, Penny, and Bethel; and daughter, Jennifer, who passed in 2001. The family knows that Jenny jumped for joy when she saw her dad again!

Butch is survived by his wife, Nancy (Williamson), his daughters, Brenda Herhei, Christy Appleby (Nate), and Katie Anderson; and a brother-in-law, George Williamson III (Pam). He especially loved being a PopPop to Judah, Cohen, Lailan, Asher, Moriah, and Norah.

As a truck driver, Butch worked for A. Duie Pyle from 1973 to 2015. He was proud of working for Pyle and appreciative of the long-term stability he had there. Throughout his life, Butch’s identity was one of an athlete, railroad worker, Marine, chocolate factory failure,

Germania, Pa., along with Jeep Hanley and Uncle Ed Greer.

He is survived by his wife, Melissa Riccardelli Osborne of Quarryville; one daughter, Shelby Osborne of Nottingham; two sons, Tony Osborne and Kyle Osborne of Quarryville; one sister, Lisa Osborne Hall (Rick) of Peach Bottom; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on February 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

The interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Acorn Acres, as Marty loved rehabilitating wounded animals and returning them to health. Contributions in his memory may be made www.acornacreswr.com/donate.

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

gas station owner, and trucker. However, the one thing more important than any of those roles was his relationship with Christ. He talked openly about his faith, mentored men one-on-one, and loved ministering with Nancy to couples with disabled children and through the marriage outreach at their church. He knew God had changed his life and wanted others to experience that, too.

The family will all miss him terribly but are so glad he is finally home, and they trust God’s promise that they will all be together again.

A service will be held on Friday, February 28 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the service from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a reception immediately afterward. The burial will take place the following day, Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m., at Fagg’s Manor Cemetery in Cochranville, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Butch’s name may be made to Joni & Friends Disability Ministry, 340 Highland Drive, Suite 200, Mountville, Pa. 17554.

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

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

MERLE L. WILLIAMS

Merle Elizabeth (Lank) Williams, age 94, died peacefully on February 14, 2025 at The Atrium in Allentown, Pa., where she resided after living in Kennett Square for 67 years. She was the spouse of the late Charles (Richie) Williams, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Seaford, Del., she was the daughter of the late William A. Lank and the late Mary (Hollis) Lank.

Merle spent her early childhood years in Philadelphia, moving later to Bloomsburg, Pa., where she graduated from high school and went on to the University of Delaware where she graduated with a degree in education. Merle taught first grade in Seaford, Del., and Kennett Square. Although she retired from teaching to raise her children, her passion for teaching stayed with her for her entire life.

Merle helped found the Kennett Area Senior Center where she was the first co-director. She worked for many years for Doctors McKinstry and Hoobler at their family practice. She was an avid gardener and a member of the Kennett Garden Club, a Brownie leader, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

She enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle and later in life enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles and Villanova Wildcats.

She was a natural storyteller with an amazing memory and captivated her family and friends with stories from long ago as if they happened yesterday.

Merle is survived by her children, Roger Williams (Denise) of Macungie, Pa.; Bruce Williams (Barb) of Gibsonia, Pa.; Karen Williams of West Chester; Ellen Drexler (Brad) of Allentown, Pa.; Debra Jones of Brandamore, Pa.; and Paige Evans (Dave) of Lancaster, Pa.; her grandchildren, Eric Williams, Shannon Williams, Jason Williams, Meghan Rose, Tyler Williams, Kaitlin Hoffman, Alison McKane, Austin Jones, Jennifer Jones, Zachary Evans, Meredith Evans, Haley Evans, Jared Krah, and Bryce Krah; her greatgrandchildren, Claire, June, Bailey, Lucas, Carter, Chloe, Noah, Isabelle, Amelia, Anthony, Sullivan and Tatum.

A life celebration memorial service was held on February 24 at Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. Interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you share an act of kindness in Merle’s memory or make a contribution to the charity of your choice.

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

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

BONNIE C. BARLOW

Bonnie C. Barlow, 100, of West Grove, peacefully passed away on February 19, 2025 at Twin Pines Health Care Center. She was the wife of the late Peter Barlow, who passed away in 2012. Born in Ash County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lula Snyder.

Bonnie dedicated 32 years of service as a nursing aide at Pocopson Home in West Chester before retiring.

Bonnie thrived in the company of others, always surrounded by friends and family. She had a way of making everyone feel like they knew her, and she knew them just as well. Bonnie found joy in cooking, camping, quilting, and coloring—simple pleasures that brought

her peace. She also enjoyed the excitement of trips to the casino, making memories with those she cared about. In her quiet moments, she found comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Precious.

She is survived by her children, Shirley (John) McLimans of West Grove, and Patricia (Michael) Homitz of Chatham, seven granddaughters, and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Helen Wallace; son-in-law, Charlie Wallace; her brother, Daniel Snyder; and six sisters, Betty, Hazel, Rita, Earsel, Pauline, and Eula.

Funeral services were held on February 25 at Wilde Funeral Home in Parkesburg.

Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

JEROME TIMOTHY SCAFE

Jerome Timothy “Tim” Scafe, of Nottingham, passed away February 11, 2025 at Christiana Care Hospital in Elkton, Md. with his loving family by his side. He was 62. Born in Wilmington, Del. on July 10, 1962, he was the son of the late Jewel Edda Hensley Scafe and Elton Gerald Scafe.

He met Virginia Lee McNatt, the love of his life, at the age of 13, and after dating for five years, they were married.

Tim led a fully active life, enjoying the company of his friends and family. Always outgoing and friendly, Tim made an indelible impression on everyone he met. His outrageous sense of humor, contagious laugh and generous spirit showed his love for life. Family functions could not be complete without Tim, and he was always very happy to oblige.

He was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed the functions, especially those with food.

Tim started working at the age of 13, taking a bus from his school to another to help the janitor. He developed his work ethics from his late guardians, Betty and Bill Perry, his aunt and uncle. After high school, Tim went to work for Hyponex in Oxford. Tim would go on to remain in the industry for 44 years. He was OSHA-certified in welding, heavy equipment and safety.

At the request of a friend, he went to work at Earth-Gro in Kaolin. Earth-Gro moved to Avondale after purchasing property, having only a mushroom house and a house. Tim and a few other employees built the plant that is now known as Scott’s of Avondale.

Tim owned his salvage yard business Powerline Auto from 1982 to present, helping folks with whatever he could do, mostly with little to no financial benefit but a tremendous amount of satisfaction.

Tim held several other positions, including at Johnson Control, Wesley’s, and Summitt Aviation, and he sometimes worked two jobs at a time to provide for his family, His favorite part-time position was setting monuments for Sartin Memorials.

Fishing, boating, camping, NASCAR, and NHRA, gave Tim great pleasure, and helping to raise 33 children in need of care, mostly teens, was both a joy and a chore for him.

Tim is predeceased by both of his parents and guardians, his siblings, Edward Scafe, Randy Scafe, and Lorretta Dawn Scafe Shaw Buckland.

Tim is survived by his wife, Virginia, a daughter, Jewel Betty Lee Scafe, Deputy Jennings (James A.J. and ex Christopher) and a son Jerome Timothy Scafe II, grandchildren, Colin Jacob Deputy, Jerome Timothy Scafe III, Addison Lee Scafe, Elijah Scafe, a brother, Barry Scafe, and an uncle, John Stevens.

Those left to remember him include those he has loved and helped throughout his life including, but not limited to, all of the children in his life as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, stepbrothers and sisters, cousins, dear friends and in-laws.

Funeral services were held on February 17 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church.

Interment will be in Fremont Cemetery, Nottingham. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to help cover expenses to the Edward Collins Funeral Home. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Legal Notice

Affidavit of Patrece-Mulica:

Glenn

I, Patrece-Mulica: Glenn, being of sound mind and over the age of 18, hereby declare the following statements to be true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief:

Identity and Competence:

I am legally alive and recognized as an adult, fully competent to manage my estate independently of the United States of America.

My Full Faith & Credit number is 23060357-1, licensed through the U.S. State Department on October 11, 2023.

My tax exemption number is 201688799.

Stateless Citizenship:

I declare myself a Stateless Citizen, abiding by the laws given to me by my Creator, YAHWEH.

I do not wish to enter into contracts with any governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, corporations, or creditors unless such agreements are made voluntarily by both parties without threat, duress, or coercion.

Non-Minor Status and Estate

Management:

I am not a minor, and any accounts belonging to the Estate of Patrece-Mulica: Glenn currently under the control or management of any government agency, municipalities, law enforcement, or corporation must be returned to the Estate of Patrece-Mulica: Glenn, the living, breathing, sentient woman. I am domiciled in the Republic State of Pennsylvania (Pensilvania).

Revocation of Power of Attorney: I hereby revoke all Power of Attorney duties previously granted to any government, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and corporations.

I rescind all contracts with state, local, and federal government organizations, municipalities, and corporations, both foreign and domestic.

Conditional Acceptance of Outstanding Debt:

Any and all outstanding debt owed is conditionally accepted for value and honor exempt from levy.

I demand the immediate release of the proceeds, products, accounts, and fixtures in accordance with Public Policy, HJR-192, UCC 10-104, and UCC 1-104.

Legal Precedent:

I accept the recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings in SEC v. Jarkesy and Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council as factual and applicable to my standing and declarations.

I affirm that the above statements are made in good faith and are intended to assert my rights and status as declared.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert Antonio, Late of Kennett Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, 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 Marcia A. Dial, Executrix, c/o Jeff P. Bryman Esq., Law Offices of Pyle & Bryman, 225 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Suite 200, Chadds Ford PA 19317. 2p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Rober F. Winterbottom, Late of West Chester, Chester County, Pennsylvania, 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 Richard Verdi, Executor, c/o Stephen M. Asbel of Reger Rizzo & Darnall, 2929 Arch St, Phila, PA 19104

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of STANLEY THOMAS WASKIEWICZ, Late of East Nottingham Township and County of Chester, 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 Mark S Waskiewicz PO Box 2178, Aston, PA 19014

NOTICE

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TO: UNKNOWN FATHER

A petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your child, M.A.L., born on 10/26/2023 in Chester County, PA and the biological female child of Erika Avila. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your children. That hearing will be held on March 24th, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in Courtroom #3 located at the Lackawanna County Courthouse, 200 N. Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Scranton, PA. If you do not appear at this hearing, the Court may decide that you are not interested in retaining your rights to your child and your failure to appear may affect the Court’s decision on whether to end your rights to your child. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your children may be ended by the Court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Helen C. Graham aka Helen Canterbury Graham, Deceased late of New London Twp., Chester County, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons hav-

ing claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Robert Wells Graham, Executor, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson & Richetti LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301, Allentown, PA 18101.

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INCORPORATION

NOTICE

SEA CHANGE PARTNERS, INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Konchel & Assocates, P.C., 13 Davenport Drive Downington, PA 19335

NOTICE

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Wyncote Golf Club Notice of Application for Water Retention Pond

Wyncote Golf Club in Oxford, PA has filed a renewal application with the Susquehanna River Basin Committee (SRBC) for consumptive use. The application is currently pending with the SRBC (no.2025-008). Wyncote Golf Club is a public golf course in Lower Oxford Township of Chester County, Pennsylvania. The application is seeking the continued ability to access up to 350,000 gallons of water per day on a need basis. An onsite water retention pond will be used to irrigate the turfgrass on the golf course. The estimated acreage of Wyncote Golf Club is about 250 acres, of which 35 acres are under irrigation. Any comments related to the application can be directed to the project review manager of SRBC via phone (717-238-0423) or email (projectcomments@srbc.gov). Include SRBC pending number (no.2025-008) on any correspondence.

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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, March 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, April 21 st , 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. 25-3-58

Writ of Execution No. 2015-01455

DEBT $149,507.56

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF KENNETT TOWNSHIP

Tax Parcel # 62-02J-0003

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS

DEFENDANT: DOROTHY N. CONNOLLY & FREDERICK P. MRAZ

SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way Lot 9, Kennett Square, PA 19348

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322

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 2p-26-3t 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, March 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, April 21 st , 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. 25-3-70

Writ of Execution No. 2015-06920

DEBT $135,576.05

PROPERTY SITUATE IN KENNETT TOWNSHIP

Tax Parcel # 62-02J-0003

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: DOROTHY N. MRAZ A/K/A DOROTHY C. MRAZ A/K/A DOROTHY N. CONNOLLY & FREDERICK P. MRAZ

SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way, Kennett Square, PA 19348

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322

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 2p-26-3t

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, March 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, April 21 st , 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. 25-3-72

Writ of Execution No. 2024-04922

DEBT $132,359.74

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in London Grove Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Title Plan of Subdivision of Ashley, dated 8/31/1987 last revised 8/9/1989 by Beideman Associates, Professional Land Surveyors, Exton, PA and recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 9677-82 as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southerly side of Bramble Lane, a corner of Lot No. 19 on said plan; thence extending along said lot, South 16° 17’ 42” West, 209.22 feet to a point; thence extending North 68 ° 33’ 15” West, 223.36 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 21; thence extending along said lot, North 19 ° 19’ East, 195.03 feet to a point on the Southerly side of Bramble Lane; thence extending along same on the arc of a circle curving to the left having a radius of 4,025 feet the arc distance of 212.27 feet to the first mentioned point and place of BEGINNING.

CONTAINING 1.005 acres more or less

BEING Lot No. 20 on said plan.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which David S. Cardile and Christine M. Cardile, by Deed dated 5/28/1997 and recorded 6/4/1997 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 4184, Page 2118, granted and conveyed unto David S. Cardile.

Tax Parcel # 59-11-22.25

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

PLAINTIFF: CITIZENS BANK, N.A. S/B/M TO CITIZENS BANK OF PENNSYLVANIA VS DEFENDANT: David S. Cardile, Sr. a/k/a David S. Cardile

SALE ADDRESS: 6 Bramble Lane, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LAW OFFICE OF GREGORY JAVARDIAN, LLC 215-942-9690

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

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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate0

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, March 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, April 21 st , 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. 25-3-73

Writ of Execution No. 2024-03866 DEBT $156,345.75

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, with buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Borough of Parkesburg, and being the same premises conveyed by the deed recorded November 21, 2000 in The Office of Chester County Recorder of Deeds, Book 4855 and Page 346 at Instrument No. 0076151, Receipt No. 0033531.

UPI # 8-5-296.1

PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS

DEFENDANT: Randy Carroll Hoopes

SALE ADDRESS: 805 4th Avenue (aka 805 Fourth Avenue), Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ALBERTELLI LAW 856-724-1888

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 2p-26-3t

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LePera named a partner with a top Chester County law firm

Daniel S. LePera has been named a partner with the law firm of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees.

The law firm said in a statement that the appointment was the result of LePera’s exceptional legal skills, client-first approach, and significant contributions to the firm.

“Dan’s promotion to partner reflects his professionalism, dedication to his clients, and commitment to the firm’s values,” said William J. Burke, III, founding partner. “We look forward to his continued leadership and success in this new role.”

Since joining Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, LePera has been an inte-

gral part of the Real Estate and Business Transactions Practice Groups. He represents clients in various industries, including commercial and residential real estate, industrial and manufacturing, and municipal sectors. His practice focuses on real estate transactions, business formations, acquisitions, and other general business matters.

LePera is known for being an excellent communicator, a trusted advisor, and a results-driven problem solver. He approaches each matter passionately and professionally, always seeking to deliver tailored legal solutions that align with clients’ goals. His approach, coupled with his ability to

identify and address client concerns promptly, has earned him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues.

LePera earned his Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law, where he was involved in the Walter Lucas Public Interest Fellowship Program and the Villanova Civil Justice Clinic. He holds a bachelor of arts in public relations from Pennsylvania State University.

LePera’s professional achievements include “Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch” recognition by U.S. News & World Report and being named a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today magazine. He has also been

for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Before joining the firm, he served as

Carol Ann Day, of Oxford, passed away on February 20, 2025 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was 77.

She was the wife of John Day, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.

Born and raised Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Esther Higgins Kosmin.

Carol was employed as a secretary with WJBR radio station in Wilmington, Del.

She spent most of her life in Wilmington, Del. and also

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lived in northern Japan for three years.

Carol enjoyed knitting, knitting baby blankets for charity, and cross-stitching, and she especially loved to read.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Sean Day (Katharine); one daughter, Amelia Day (Daniel); three grandchildren, Sophia, Jack and Henry; and two sisters, Patricia Tepper and Kathy Iezzi.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1 at Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford,

where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Oxford Lions Club, P.O. Box 270, Oxford, Pa. 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

Courtesy photo

Daniel S. LePera has been named a partner with the law firm of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees.

named to the Super Lawyers Rising Star list

CAROL ANN DAY

an assistant city solicitor for the City of Philadelphia Law Department in the Economic Development and Investments Unit, where he played a key role in high- profile real estate and development matters.

Emmy-winning journalist and author to speak on career transformation and empowerment

The Chester County Library in Exton will host an inspiring evening with Lu Ann Cahn, author of the motivational memoir I Dare Me, as she shares her journey of daring to live life to the fullest. The event takes place on March 2 at 7 p.m. Cahn, a veteran journalist, and Emmy award-winning

reporter, will recount her transformative year of trying something new daily to break free from feeling “stuck.”

In her memoir, I Dare Me, Cahn chronicles a transformative year in which she embarked on a daily adventure to push herself out of her comfort zone. Inspired by her daughter, Alexa, Cahn com-

mitted to trying something new every day as a means to break free from her stagnant routine. The memoir grew out of her blog, “Year of Firsts,” and has touched readers with its authentic account of her journey to reclaim joy and purpose in her life.

Cahn, who spent 27 years at WCAU-TV and won a

National Emmy for her investigative work, is now the director of career services at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication. Her story is not just about daring to do new things but also about inspiring others to embrace change and discover new possibilities.

Registration is required at https://bit.ly/ CCLTrustLuAnnCahn or call the library at 610344-5600. Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway in Exton. For hours or more information, visit our website at www.chescolibraries.org.

New interactive court information kiosks installed at

Chester County Justice Center

Touchscreen and voice-activated information station gives access to court information and services

Chester County Court Administration has introduced interactive information kiosks at the Chester County Justice Center and two Magisterial District Courts, providing streamlined visitor access to County Court information and services.

Chester County is the first county government in the Commonwealth to install kiosks of this kind.

Driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the touchscreen and voice-activated kiosks allow users to access court forms, locate services or courtrooms within the Justice Center, pay fines, costs, and bail with a credit

card. It can also connect people via video link to the Chester County Human Needs Network (988 and 211) services, other Chester County departments, and community partner organizations. The kiosks are currently available in English, with plans to add Spanish translation in the coming weeks.

Chester County Court of Common Pleas

President Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft said, “Technological advances continue to provide opportunities for the courts to communicate more effectively and meaningfully with more people. Artificial

intelligence – AI – is the latest example, and we intend to use its capabilities to our benefit.

“We are installing AI-driven kiosks in several locations to make information and resources more accessible. Chester County courts are committed to investing in the improvement of services to Chester County citizens.”

The information kiosks are available in the lobby of the Justice Center, Chester County’s Court Administration Office, Family Court, and Magisterial District Courts in Kennett Square and Phoenixville. Future

kiosks are planned for Chester County Library and Henrietta Hankin Branch Library.

Chester County court administrator Patricia Norwood-Foden said, “In Chester County, we believe everyone seeking court services and access to justice should have multiple options available to obtain the information they seek. The kiosk is one platform that we can use to deliver that information efficiently and effectively. Making information available in multiple languages promotes fairness and inclusiveness in our court system.”

Funding for the interac-

tive court information kiosk program was allocated through Chester County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. Chester County Court Administration is

responsible for providing administrative support to the Court of Common Pleas while facilitating the public’s access to the Court and its services.

Courtesy photo Lu Ann Cahn will share her journey of daring to live life to the fullest at the Chester County Library on March 2.

Courtesy photo

One of the new touchscreen and voice-activated court information kiosks available in the Chester County Justice Center.

Lincoln University conference honors legacy of alumnus Vincent O. Carter

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

It is the unfortunate fate of some writers to have their work confined to obscurity in life before receiving their recognition in death. Such was the fate of Vincent O. Carter – a fate that passionate readers, fans and his own alma mater are looking to rewrite.

At a conference honoring Carter on Feb. 20. at Lincoln University’s Wellness Center, “Unveiling the Legacy: Race, identity, and social justice in the works of Vincent O. Carter” highlighted the work, life and legacy of Carter, who graduated from Lincoln in 1950.

Carter, who died in 1983 at the age of 59, is an author of two published works, The Bern Book and Such Sweet Thunder, as well as several unpublished works.

Carter grew up in Kansas City, Mo. before serving in World War II and attending Lincoln University. He later moved to Europe where he eventually settled in Bern, Switzerland and lived the rest of his life in a self-imposed exile.

The conference revolved around the importance of exposing Carter’s works to larger audiences and ensuring he receives the recognition his work deserves. Opening remarks from Lincoln University alum and Honorary British Consul Oliver Franklin CBE, emphasized this point.

“We are putting Vincent O. Carter into the American canon,” said Franklin. “That means five years from

now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, when your children are going to a university for a liberal arts education, they'll be able to read works by Vincent O. Carter.”

The conference featured student presentations, a panel discussion from relevant professionals on Carter and a keynote address. The day began with student presentations on Carter’s book Such Sweet Thunder that highlighted the themes

and topics they found important, while providing analysis of the work in an English course at the university.

Gelin St. Fleur-Simeon, the current editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Lincolnian, gave a presentation on Carter’s time as editor-in-chief at the newspaper, highlighting Carter’s commitment to shining a light on civil rights issues in the news.

The conference then

turned to a panel of honored guests that included the Rev. Mark MorrisonReed, Ph.D., who lived in Switzerland at the same time as Carter and wrote his

Master’s thesis on Carter;

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Our Summer Intensive gives students ages 9 and up a chance to develop their technique and artistry and further their dance education with FSBT faculty and distinguished guest teachers. Classes include ballet, pointe, variations, contemporary, and more. The Wilmington Intensive runs from June 23 to July 18, with a performance in the Baby Grand on the last day of the program. The Wilmington Intensive requires an audition - you can join us in person on March 15th or submit a video application until April 1st. Please visit our website for more details.

For ages 4 - 8, FSBT’s Summer Children’s Workshop introduces children to the art of ballet in a joyful, enthusiastic setting. The Workshop blends ballet instruction with themed arts and crafts, culminating in a short in-studio performance on the final day. Visit www.firststateballet.org for more information and to register.

June Graham, Ph.D., who is working on a biography on Carter; Chip Flesicher, who published Carter’s

Courtesy photo/images

A 1950 graduate of Lincoln University, Vincent O. Carter was the author of Such Sweet Thunder and The Bern Book

Photography by Tisa Della-Volpe

and 30s, was important for Fleishman to publish as a Kansas City local himself.

Such Sweet Thunder in 2003; and keynote speaker, Jesse McCarthy, Ph.D., a Harvard University assistant professor and writer whose research centers on the intersection of politics and aesthetics in African American Literature.

“Literature has a much longer sense of time, so it really doesn’t matter to us whether or not somebody is famous or how many books they sell,” McCarthy said. “The life of literature just kind of moves on a completely different timeline and I think we need to think about Vincent O. Carter in that way. My wager is that his name will actually be very, very significant and maybe even more significant 20, 40, 50, 100 years from now.”

An important figure in this timeline of Carter’s work is Lisolette Haas, Carter’s long-term partner. Haas kept the manuscript of Such Sweet Thunder – originally titled The Primary Colors – under her bed in Bern for 20 years after Carter’s death before Fleishman learned about the manuscript and sought to publish it in 2003. The novel, which tells the story of a boy living in Kansas City during the jazz age, racial segregation and injustices of the 1920s

“In my 30 years publishing a few hundred books, the only writer we’ve published who I felt was a soulmate and a friend and got things and explained things to me in a way that I really appreciated was Vincent O. Carter,” Fleishman said.

A key component in Carter’s works that was emphasized by the panelists is how geography played an indelible part in his writing. Bern and Kansas City are the two locations that Carter spent most of his life in and they appropriately feature heavily in his work. However, one location Carter lived in that is not the subject of a novel, is Lincoln University.

The panelists described the impact they feel the university and surrounding area had on Carter.

“Carter’s work is shaped by his literary education, and he acquired that education here,” McCarthy explained. “Lincoln allowed him to be a writer, and he got a world-class literary education here.”

Morrison-Reed and Graham noted Carter’s involvement in extracurriculars at the university including the paper, drama club, glee club and philosophy club as having an impact on his writing.

Graham also highlighted how segregated Oxford may have been unwelcoming to the Black students of the HBCU at the time and that university was in turn a “safe space” for Carter to receive his education.

The conference concluded with a keynote address from McCarthy at Dickey Auditorium. The address covered a range of relevant topics, all reinforcing the argument that Carter and his novel Such Sweet Thunder deserve greater

recognition and a permanent place in the literary canon.

“I feel this book to be like an arc on the ocean with a little bit of everything inside of it,” McCarthy said. “It shows us what can be done, and what can be dared when a sense of total freedom with respect to form meets a serious purpose.”

Following the keynote address, attendees were invited to view the exhibit titled, “A Journey Through

the Mind,” at the Langston Hughes Memorial Library that displays photographs through Carter’s life, that will remain on display until August.

Though Carter’s work and legacy extend far beyond his time at Lincoln University, McCarthy made sure to credit the institution in his address as the effects of the rigorous education he received cannot be understated.

“A lot of it comes back to right here,” McCarthy said.

“It has to do with the kind of education that he got here at Lincoln which I think it has to be said, is a kind of education that somebody from his background – his class background, the way he grew up, very poor in the depression and Black in America – he would not have got, almost certainly, in any other institution.”

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

Photo by Gabbie Burton

Dignitaries and guests convened at Lincoln University on Feb. 20 to honor the life and work of Lincoln graduate and author Vincent O. Carter.

Wilmington Friends Summer Camp

Wilmington Friends School offers an exciting and enriching Summer Programs experience for children ages 3 to 14. With a focus on community, curiosity, and creativity, the program provides a welcoming environment where campers can explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.

The 2025 Summer Programs run from June 16 to August 8, offering eight weeks of funfilled activities. The Summer Camp features a dynamic mix of experiences, including arts and crafts, STEM challenges, outdoor adventures, sports, and team-building exercises. Campers also enjoy exciting off-campus trips for swimming, bowling, and ice skating, adding even more variety and adventure to their summer experience. Led by experienced educators and passionate counselors, each day is thoughtfully structured to balance handson learning with plenty of time for play.

In addition to traditional camp offerings, Wilmington Friends School also provides specialty programs focused on robotics, drama, music, athletics, and more. These camps allow children to dive deeper into their passions while still enjoying the camaraderie of a camp setting.

Whether exploring nature, experimenting in a science lab, practicing teamwork on the field, or enjoying a fun-filled outing, campers leave with a sense of accomplishment and cherished memories. We also provide Before and After Camp Care!

us from June 16 to August

Join

8, 2025, for an unforgettable summer of adventure, learning, and friendship at Wilmington Friends School!

Centreville Layton School

Centreville Layton School is looking to continue its tradition of providing a summer program that offers targeted support to strengthen literacy and math skills through a challenging, dynamic, and therapeutic program. Every year, they welcome their own students, as well as students from local independent, parochial, and public schools from PreK through 8th grade.

Families seek Centreville Layton School for its well-rounded program that combines academic and recreational opportunities. The academic portion of the Summer Program is designed to review, enhance, and enrich academic skills so that students are prepared to

start a new school year in the fall. Centreville Layton School prides itself on small class sizes, so each student receives the attention he or she needs.

In addition to the academic portion of the day, their recreational program provides students the opportunity to develop their social-emotional skills while making new friends. Afternoon campers enjoy weekly trips to the pool and a full program of creative hands-on activities and recreational games to keep students active and engaged. Centreville Layton’s Summer Program takes place on their 20-acre campus in Centreville, Delaware.

To learn more, visit their website at centrevillelayton.org.

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Salesianum Summer EDGE

Get an Early EDGE This Summer at Salesianum! Give your child the ultimate summer experience with Salesianum’s Summer EDGE Program—where students gain an EDGE in Education, Development, Growth, and Enrichment! Whether they’re looking to excel in academics, sharpen their athletic skills, or explore new interests, our diverse lineup of co-ed camps offers something for every student ages 5 to 17.

Salesianum’s elite coaches help students stay active, improve their skills, and build confidence in our sports camps. With first-class facilities and expert instruction, athletes of all levels can enhance their skills in baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, mountain biking, wrestling, rugby, soccer, and softball. Our academic program helps students get ahead by completing prerequisites, preparing for the SATs, or easing their transition into high school. Our dynamic faculty brings learning to life with engaging in-person and

hybrid courses, helping students build confidence and expand their academic potential.

From hands-on learning to competitive sports, Salesianum’s Summer EDGE empowers students to grow, challenge themselves, and have fun! Join a summer experience that fosters excellence, character, and friendship. Visit our website to explore camp options and secure your child’s place in Salesianum’s Summer EDGE Program!

WISDOM BEGINS WITH WONDER. CELEBRATING THIRTY SIX YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. JOIN US AT THE DELAWARE AEROSPACE ACADEMY

Have you ever thought about the year 2030? The 21st century is a time of advanced technologies, harnessing energy, recycling our resources, futuristic structures, robotic probes, lunar outposts and human missions to Mars. The future holds undreamed of scientific and technological opportunities. The Delaware Aerospace Destination Academies hope to prepare students for those challenges.

In operation since 1990, the objective of the Delaware Aerospace Academy is to provide hands-on training and experiences through our Destination academies in related activities and fields. Throughout the week, girls and boys in grades 1 -10 are continually challenged to think, create, solve, build, and work cooperatively. All academies are designed to integrate the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics {STEM) using Earth, Science and Space Education as the unifying framework.

The academies are financed through tuition fees, grants and scholarship sponsorships, with emphasis on inkind support from industry and other agencies. A working board and advisory council, consisting of representatives from industry, educational and supporting agencies, share their expertise and advise the group.

The Delaware Aerospace Academy and other statewide outreach programs are sponsored by DASEF, a non-profit educational organization. The Mission of DASEF is to inspire and educate the

people of the Delaware Valley in learning about Science, Space, Technology, Engineering, Earth’s Environment and Mathematics (STEM) through the use of our academies, presentations, symposiums, professional development, events and activities and the resources of the Environmental Outpost and the new Delaware Discovery Center.

Cooperative applied learning challenges are used in all sessions. They are supplemented by presentations, lectures, on-site training and tours, large group team building, computer simulations, videos, discussions, storytelling and some Language Arts activities. Young people of all ages explore and innovate STEM topics. The academy has helped to intensify and channel that fascination. An understanding and an appreciation of our world and exposure to the wide variety of high tech career opportunities are essential to the young people of our country as they enter the 21st century. For more information, please visit our website www.dasef.org or email: lynneb@dasef.org

Explore, Discover & Learn

DASEF announces exciting and entertaining summer academies for grades first through tenth!

DAY ACADEMY AT

June 16 - 20, 2025

OUTPOST

Location: The Environmental Outpost, 140 Dinosaur Dr, DE Smyrna, DE 19977 (Minutes from Ree. l, exit 114)

Cost: $350 • Before and after care available

Destination Discovery Entering 2ND- 3RD grades • 9 AM-4PM Creatures under the sea to dinosaurs on land!

DAY ACADEMY

June 23 - 27, 2025

Location: Delaware Discovery Center • Cost: $350 60 ITEC Loop, Smyrna, DE 19977 9AM-4PM • Four different sessions

Additional Fees for AM & PM Care available and/or Transportation TBD.

Destination Sky Entering 3RD and 4TH grades

Destination Space Entering 4TH and 5TH grades

Destination Flight Entering 5TH and 6TH grades

Destination Orbit Entering 6TH, 7TH or 8TH grades

OVERNIGHT ACADEMY

July 6 - 11, 2025

Location: University of Delaware • Cost: $775 • Two different sessions

Destination Moon Entering 7TH, 8TH or 9TH grades

Destination Mars Entering 8TH, 9TH or 10TH grades

SPEND THE SUMMER WITH DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY

Summer camp at Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is all about getting outdoors, exploring and discovering. Children, grades K-9, are empowered to try new activities, develop creativity and have fun through one-of-a-kind experiences. Studies continue to show that spending time outdoors in nature promotes healthier, happier children. Whether your child is a budding naturalist, an outdoor explorer, or a future scientist, our camps offer a unique and safe summer experience in natural areas and preserves.

DelNature camps connect kids with nature….and cooking, fairytales, art, adventure, animals, sports and much more. We have a variety of themed options for children including but not limited to hiking, water sports, cooking, gardening, fort building, farm animal care, nature photography, and fishing. Our highly qualified summer camp staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and trained in child protection through the Beau Biden Foundation.

DelNature offers half-day, full-day, overnight summer camps at four locations across Delaware: Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin; Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville; DuPont Environmental Education Center on Wilmington’s riverfront; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center in Milford. The 2025 Summer Camp season runs from June 9 – August 29. Summer camps run 8:30 am – 3:00 pm daily with extended day camp options until 6 pm (with some exceptions including half-day camps).

But summer camp isn’t just for kids grades K-9. Do you have a High Schooler, that is passionate about the environment and wants to develop leadership skills while giving back to their community? DelNature is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Leaders Program. This year-round program aims to empower teens to become ambassadors of the environment through conservation, advocacy, and education.

Summer camps are open to the public and DelNature members benefit from a reduced price and priority registration. If you are not a member, visit DelNature.org/Join to become a member today. We look forward to sharing summer experiences with your child.

To learn more, visit www.DelNature.org/SummerCamp

I K E N O P L A C E E

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Camp Upland & BeeSchool Summer: Where Play Inspires Growth!

At Camp Upland , childhood is all about play, collaboration, and creativity ! Campers will climb in JP’s Treehouse, explore the Upland Woods, and bring their ideas to life in the IDEA Center Voted Best Summer Camp in Chester County by the Daily Local, Camp Upland ensures a happy, healthy, and engaging summer filled with hands-on learning and outdoor adventure.

• Dates: June 9 – August 11 (No camp June 30 – July 4)

• Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Ages: Rising K – 4th Grade

• Cost: $370/week (Multi-sibling discounts available!)

For younger campers, BeeSchool Summer offers a warm and nurturing introduction to summer camp. Designed for 3- and 4-year-olds, our small camper-to-counselor ratio ensures individualized attention through play-based learning in the newly renovated BeeSchool Preschool, sound garden, and interactive play space!

• Dates: June 16 – August 12 (No camp June 30 – July 4)

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM

• Ages: 3 – 4 Years (Potty trained)

• Cost: $370 full day/week | $265 half day/week (Sibling discounts available!)

Join us for a summer of wonder, discovery, and adventure!

Visit uplandcds.org/camp to learn more and register today!

Need Summer Plans? Find Adventure at YGBW Summer Camp

Swim, Sports, STEM, Theater, Gaming and more - children of all ages and abilities will find adventure at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW). YGBW offers a variety of day camps, including Traditional Camp, Specialty Camp, Teen Camp and Bumblebee Adaptive Camp for children with disabilities.

Unique Summer Camps at YGBW With eight locations across Chester County, YGBW offers unique camps that you might be surprised to find at your local Y.

• YGBW’s Camp OLY in West Chester offers Gaming and Tech camps at their Metro Esports Gaming Lounge.

• Camp UMLY in Berwyn offers Theater and Dance camps and Farming, Robotics and Woodworking camps on their 54acre campus.

• Children can learn to be a Jr. Lifeguard at Camp Coatesville and Camp Jennersville.

• Tap into your creative side with Pottery Camp located at Kennett and Camp Lionville and with Cosmetology Camp offered at Camp Coatesville or Camp Kennett.

• Teens who love to explore will have a blast with Teen Trek, a camp that offers field trips to local amusement parks, escape rooms, sports arenas and more. Campers in Teen Trek travel four days per week.

• Children with disabilities can find their adventure at Bumblebee Day Camp an Adaptive camp with a high ratio of specially trained camp counselors.

Unleash Your Curiosity This Summer at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science!

Step into a summer of hands-on fun with immersive science activities at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. “The built-in exhibit access to flora, fauna, and animals of our wonderful Earth provides a unique experience for campers as we learn, play and grow together,” says Jennifer Reynolds, Camp & Scouts Manager.

Summer Camp for Tiny Explorers for Ages Birth–3 and One Caregiver: Enjoy hands-on science activities, including counting, sorting, arts, and outdoor fun. Adults must stay for the program and are welcome to explore the museum afterward. (Wednesdays, June 4–August 20 or Thursdays, June 5–August 21)

Half day morning camps for ages 4-6: Earth and Beyond (June 9-13), Prehistoric Creatures (July 14-18), Fly With Us (August 4-8).

Full-day Camps (Ages 5-6 and 7-8): We offer nine weeks of camp with different nature and sciencebased themes (June 16 through August 22)

STEAM Workshops (Ages 9-14): In the second year of our STEAM Workshops, we’re bringing new engaging topics and activities for campers. Mindcraft (June 2327), Phun with Physics (July 21-25), Creating a Museum (August 1822).

Spring Break Camps: Explore different topics through games, crafts, science experiments, live animal presentations, and more. Sign up for individual days or the whole two weeks! (April 14-18, 21-25)

Join or renew your membership to the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science while registering for camp and receive significant discounts on camp registration. Your membership helps us ignite a life-long passion for exploring, discovering, and valuing nature and science.

At DelMNS, we share knowledge of the wild world around us and the space beyond by engaging campers, challenging them to try new crafts and games, and developing their curiosity. Our camps were honored as Delaware Today’s Best of Delaware® - Summer Camp 2024 Readers Pick Upstate.

Camps may be full or nearing capacity at time of publication. Learn more and register at delmns.org/ camps

The College School: A Place Where Students Thrive

For more than 35 years, The College School at the University of Delaware has been a leader in innovative education with a curriculum informed by the latest research and best practices. While specializing in supporting bright students who learn differently, its personalized approach enriches the experience of ALL learners. Serving nearly 50 students in grades 1–8,

the dedicated staff includes five master teachers, a counselor, three interventionists, an occupational therapist and a speech-language pathologist, among others.

This summer, the school will offer a variety of full- and half-day academic camps for children in the community. From robotics and art to literacy and beyond, each program is designed

to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections and create engaging learning experiences.

"The College School stands at the cutting edge of educational innovation and guides students on transformative journeys," said Director Andrea Glowatz.

Discover more at www.collegeschool.udel.edu.

The Music School of Delaware

Learning, practicing, and making music makes children more – more creative, more imaginative, more confident, more expressive, more collaborative! It can accelerate how the youngest of us learn how to move, to speak, to count, and to hear. Playing music at any age brings joy, focus, and a deep sense of accomplishment when the notes come together in harmony.

At The Music School of Delaware, anyone 4 months to 100 years can enjoy these enriching benefits of music. From Early Childhood programs and the Suzuki Academy, through private lessons, group classes, and ensembles play – there’s an experience for everyone!

Our Early Childhood classes are highly interactive, joyful ex-

Make it a Musical 2025

periences for infants to youth, filled with singing, drumming, dancing, and instrument play that can lead toward a lifetime of fulfillment through musicmaking!

In the school’s Suzuki Academy, children as young as 3½ learn to play violin, viola, and cello as they would learn to speak – by imitating what they hear – guided by faculty trained in the Suzuki method. This instills ease and confidence before

students tackle the academic understanding of music. When age-appropriate, all Suzuki students learn to read music just as in traditional methods. Suzuki Flute is also available for ages 5 and up!

Summer is a great time to try something new. Learn voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, organ, harpsichord, Celtic harp, guitar, ukulele, bass guitar, or mandolin in private lessons with expert faculty who are here to help students thrive. Enjoy learning with other beginners in classes for guitar, violin, percussion, or vocal and jazz improv. Hone skills with a sight-singing class, string technique classes, the Summer Piano Institute, Youth String Camp, or learn how to make oboe reeds! Ex-

plore Music and Mindfulness for teens and adults and ace auditions with the Fall Violin Orchestra Audition Prep class. Experience the thrill of playing with others and develop blend, balance, and style with the Delaware Orchestral & Chamber Music Institute, First State Strolling Strings, and Adult Strings Festival.

There’s something for everyone at the Music School – enroll and make it a musical 2025!

Unlock an unforgettable summer adventure for your kids!

Registration now open for exciting youth summer camps at Cecil College

This summer, give your child an adventure they’ll never forget! Cecil College is thrilled to announce the opening of registration for its highly anticipated youth summer camps, packed with creativity, confidence-building activities, and unforgettable memories.

Whether your child is a budding artist, aspiring programmer, or nature explorer, there’s something for everyone at Cecil College’s diverse and dynamic camps. Open to children ages 5 to 17, these summer camps offer a fun, safe environment where kids can discover new passions, make lasting friendships, and unleash their full potential.

From the stage to the laboratory, and from creative builds to nature trails, Cecil

College’s camps cover a wide array of activities that will keep kids engaged all summer long. Some of the activities that are in store include theater and arts activities, STEM adventures, sports, tech camps, and, boat builders school.

Cecil College’s youth camps aren’t just about indoor activities – they embrace the outdoors too! With access to beautiful park locations and extensive trail systems, campers will experience thrilling adventures like tubing down Big Elk Creek, exploring nature, and participating in high-quality environmental programming. Nature offers endless learning opportunities that your child will remember for years to come.

For those interested in animals, the Plumpton Zoo experience offers campers the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of amazing creatures. Whether it’s feeding the animals or learning about their habitats, it’s a truly memorable experience. Kickstart your future with a hands-on, immersive experience that builds essential career skills, boosts confidence, and sets you apart as a future leader. Join us for a dynamic week of career exploration and leadership growth in the new Lead the

Way camp. Where students will gain realworld insights through hands-on activities, students will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of career options, all while focusing on professional skills, personal growth, and workplace readiness; this experience equips future leaders with the confidence and tools to thrive.

Registration for these unforgettable summer camps is open now, and spots are filling up fast! Give your child the chance to learn, grow, and have the time of their life in a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment.

For more information or to register, contact Cecil College’s Lifelong Learning at 443907-1378 or learning4life@cecil.edu. Or visit www.cecil.edu/summercamps.

Unlock your creativity this summer at SMArtSummer!

Join us for an inspiring summer experience at SMArtSummer, where students entering 1st through 12th grades can explore their hidden talents in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Unlike typical summer camps, SMArtSummer offers over 60 unique Arts- and Science-themed camps that merge creativity, skill-building, and academic exploration.

A Partnership for Excellence

SMArtSummer offers the best of Cab Calloway School of the Arts (CCSA) and the Charter School of Wilmington (CSW), with an exciting new hands-on experience brought to you by our partnership with the University of Delaware. The ECO Camp features underwater robotics at the Newark campus and a one-week residential camp in Lewes, DE, at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment's Hugh R.Sharp Campus.

Personalized Learning Experience

With small camp sizes—capped at 14 students— your child will receive the one-on-one attention they need to thrive. Our professional team of educators and artists comes from across the tri-state area, ensuring a high-quality learning experience. Over 50 enthusiastic high school volunteers from CCSA and CSW are also on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the day.

Convenience and Care

We’ve got you covered! Daily lunch is provided, with accommodations for any dietary restrictions. Running late? No problem! We offer grab-and-go breakfasts. Plus, a registered nurse is on staff during instructional hours for added peace of mind.

Exciting New Camps for 2025!

This summer, we’re expanding our lineup of popular one-week camps such as Lyra Aerial Arts, Veterinary Care, and FX Stage Make-Up. We’re also introducing exciting new camps, Step Right Up to the Coding Carnival, Improv Insanity: Live from Cab Calloway!, Top Secret Spy Academy: Undercover Agents in Training, Elemental Wonders: Chemistry

in Action!, AI: Autonomous Robotics, Lyra Aerial Arts and all the arts you can imagine! Showcase Your Talent!

At the end of each week, families are invited to our fun Friday finale showcases, where students can present their completed projects and performances. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet the instructors and celebrate your child’s achievements!

Independence Found at Easterseals Camp Fairlee

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By Natalie Scott

John is counting down the days until his adventure at Easterseals Camp Fairlee, and it is not hard to see why. For John, who is visually impaired and has Cerebral Palsy, camp means independence, new experiences, and friendship. For his parents, it means a break from caregiving. While campers rely on Camp Fairlee for adventure and independence, parents/ caregivers depend on Camp Fairlee for high quality, professional services for their loved one so they can also rest and recharge from daily caregiving. Each year camp counselors receive intensive training to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the campers. Camp Fairlee is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages with disabilities. During a typical summer camp

session, campers enjoy activities including climbing tower, ziplining, swimming, walking trails, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, arts & crafts, fishing, culinary programs, pottery, nature programs, campfires and so much more. Currently, Easterseals Camp Fairlee is re-designing their pool and bathhouse for summer 2025. The new pool will provide additional safety and accessibility features such as 4 feet depth, zero entry ramp, chair lift & nonslip protective surface coating for all access

Summer 2025 will also include a new SensoryFriendly cabin which will vary from the current cabin design to accommodate campers requiring more intense physical, sensory, or behavioral support. Learn more about Camp Fairlee at www. CampFairlee.com or by calling 410-778-0566. Along with Camp Fairlee, Easterseals offers a range of services for people of all ages and abilities. Visit their website to learn more: www.de.easterseals.com.