Chester County Press 07-13-2022 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

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Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 156, No. 28

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

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Somerset Lake residents to New Garden: ‘Share the cost of fixing our sinkhole’ By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For the last year, the sinkhole between Lake Shore Lane and North Shore Lane Buttonwood Road in the Somerset Lake development in Landenberg has been Topic A for the residents who drive along the road. The sinkhole started off small but has in the last several months grown to a sizable girth of four-feet deep and eight-feet-wide. The frustration over the sinkhole isn’t just shared over the hedgerows; it’s also been on the agenda at several homeowners’ association

INSIDE

meetings. At New Garden Township’s July 5 meeting, what to do with the sinkhole was on the agenda and became the latest action taken in a back-and-forth of meetings and letters. On June 14, the Somerset Lake Service Corporation submitted to the township a list of 14 possible solutions to repair the hole in the road that involved the installation of barriers and forms meant to stabilize the area, strengthen the nearby stormwater basin and eventually reopen that portion of the road. In a June 21 letter to township Manager Ramsey Reiner and Public Works Director Ken Reed, David L. Sibert of Brandywine Valley Properties on behalf of the Somerset Lake Service

Corporation submitted a document that outlined the steps the Corporation would be willing to undertake in the hopes of reopening the road, which has been closed to vehicular traffic for the past several weeks. In late June, members of the Somerset Lake Service’s Board of Directors met with New Garden Township Board Chairman Steve Allaband and supervisor Dave Unger – a resident of Somerset Lake -- to see what could be done to fix the problem and restore normalcy to the quiet lakeside community. In the board’s discussion of reasonable alternatives on July 5, however, only one option was considered – the installation of a large steel plate over the sinkhole. Fixing the problem this

way is very likely to be far more complicated than slapping a steel plate down and reopening the road. Emphasizing a ballpark figure only, Reed estimated that the cost to purchase and install a 15-20-foot-long, 18-inch-thick steel plate would be under $20,000. Somerset Lake resident Don McConathy, who was present at the recent meeting between the Corporation’s Board of Directors and Allaband and Unger, said that he would supply the township with updated design proposals. He then showed the supervisors three engineering concepts that would provide longterm stability of the road and the basin – all of which has gone to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for review.

Whose road is it? The upshot of the Corporation’s proposal, however, submits that the township is responsible for not only the repair of the pipes beneath Buttonwood Road but for the surface of the road. Subsequently, the proposal calls for a cost-sharing between the Somerset Lake community and the township to complete the repair of the sinkhole and its connecting pipes beneath Buttonwood Road. McConathy did not provide firm cost estimates to

the board. “The homeowner association’s position is the road [surface] belongs to the township [and] the pipes under the road belong to the township,” McConathy said. “We kind of feel that there is some responsibility on the part of the township. We looked at this and said, ‘If the township were to help us, what’s the best way to do that?’ “If you provide some of the material costs to us, we can do the rest of the construction work. If the township then would deal Continued on Page 2A

FROM OUR LENS

Bikefest & United Way of Southern Giveaway held in Chester County Kennett Square appoints new CEO Equine healing arts...1B

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

After a national search, the United Way of Southern Chester County announced that Terry R. Vodery has been appointed CEO-designee. She will officially take over the CEO position on Aug. 31 when longtime CEO Carrie Freeman retires. As part of careful transition planning, a twomonth overlap was designed so that Freeman could help County’s efforts to reduce the new CEO become acclihomelessness are showmated with the organization. ing results...4A Vodery is the former executive director of United Way of Cecil County, Maryland, where she was responsible for setting and implementing strategies which led the organization through the unprecedented challenges and demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was responsible for financial and business affairs, including the annual campaign, and worked across private, public, and corporate sectors to improve conditions for the people of

Terry Vodery

Cecil County. In her 20 years as a nonprofit advancement professional, Vodery has worked for United Way of Delaware, the University of Delaware, and the Music School of Delaware. In addition, she serves on the board of directors of New

Horizon Now, a multi-service agency serving needy families in Camden County, New Jersey. Vodery has past roots in southern Chester County. She is a proud graduate of Lincoln University. She is a native of Delaware and is the mother of one son.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

On July 9, Kennett Trails Alliance, Bike Kennett, Trek Bicycles Newark, and Zummo Bikes teamed up to sponsor Bike Fest at Pennock Park in Kennett Square. As part of the event, 100 free refurbished adult and youth bicycles and helmets were given to members of the community. Pictured with a new bike owner is Bike Kennett founder Josie Marsh.

AROUND THE REGION

by Gene Pisasale

Blobfest 2022: Sci-Fi film still delights By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer The 1950s were years dominated by the “space race” between the United States and the Soviet Union, as each country tried to outdo the other in rocket technology. Scattered reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) intensified public interest in understanding what existed far beyond our atmosphere. America was fixated on outer space- and the possibility of life on other planets. Eager to cash in on the craze, filmmakers began producing movies which had space as their main theme, releasing dozens of

films highlighting space ships and aliens. A 1958 Sci-Fi movie titled The Blob is the inspiration for Phoenxville's Blobfest, which took place from July 8-10. Filmed in the Downingtown and Phoenixville area and featuring a young Steve McQueen, the plot revolves around a red gelatinous substance which escapes from a crashed meteor. Appropriately, the Blob itself has somewhat mysterious origins. The Colonial Theatre, where some scenes were filmed, mentions that the original idea for the movie came from a Philadelphia police report of an object “falling Continued on Page 3A

The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville during Blobest 2022, held July 8-10.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Local News will work with the Somerset the 2022 Penn State Master Lake HOA on gathering Watershed Stewardship Coordinator of Chester cost estimates. County; Shane Morgan of with putting the road back the White Clay Watershed Planting and nursery together so it’s to their standards, we can have project at Saint Anthony’s Association; and Lukoff. The project is being gets go-ahead somewhat of a joint project done in conjunction with that would be able to flow The supervisors gave the Keystone Tree Fund, very nicely.” Reiner disagreed with their support to a presenta- which was signed into law McConathy, saying that the tion by township resident in November of 2019 by pipes beneath Buttonwood Stan Lukoff to dedicate Gov. Wolf. With funding Road – particularly in the a 1.4-acre parcel in Saint raised through $3 voluntary vicinity of the sinkhole -- do Anthony’s in the Hills as a donations by Pennsylvania not belong to the township. future home for more than residents, the fund sup“If the DEP permit 400 trees, 100 shrubs and ports the efforts of the for those pipes is held the installation of a live Pennsylvania Department by the Somerset HOA stake nursery. The plant- of Conservation and Natural (Homeowner’s Association) ings will be located in the Resources (DCNR) to eventhen in my eyes it belongs to southeastern portion of the tually plant 86,000 acres of property, near the site of the stream buffers statewide the HOA,” she said. Photo by Richard L. Gaw to improve rivers, streams Allaband said the immedi- former soccer fields. Determining solutions for the repair of a sinkhole on Buttonwood Road in the The project was proposed and water quality in the Somerset Lake development became a key topic during the July 5 New Garden ate objective is to reopen the road as soon as possible. and is being developed by commonwealth. Township Board of Supervisors meeting. He said that the township Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, The development of the project is scheduled for late Cedarville Engineering Phase III of renovations at Flying Field October-early November gave the supervisors an of this year. It will include overview of the key changThe board approved a site clearing, invasive plant es to the newly revised removal, the removal of Chester County stormwater $7,000 contribution from dead trees and branches, the ordinance. She reviewed the township to Phase III mowing and clearing of the updated provisions, lan- of the New Garden Flying area, the installation of an guage and definitions Field’s continuing renoeight-foot-high metal deer related to redevelopment; vation that will include installation fencing around a live stake green infrastructure man- electrical nursery, and the installa- agement; riparian buffers; upgrades, the demolition of tion of 400 trees and 100 inspection and best manage- a structure near the runway shrubs, many of which will ment practices; authorized and the installation of runbe donated by the Keystone discharges and the disposal way lighting. New Garden Flying Field Aviation of pet waste. Tree Fund. These changes for 2022, Director Jon Martin said The project – budgeted at $67,000 -- is Uhler said, are being driv- that the U.S. Bureau of seeking a $33,000 grant from en by the DEP because Aviation will provide $820, Pennsylvania Association of the increasing need for 975 in funding toward the of Conservation Districts to stormwater management, electrical service instalpay for materials, labor and intensified storm events lation project to Global maintenance and admin- and the continued growth Electrical Services, Inc. istrative fees. The project and development in the that will be tacked on to the $680,000 these projects is also expected to receive county. The township is expected will receive from federal $34,000 in in-kind contributions from several local to adopt the county’s revised funding. Martin said that 55 campconservation agencies, stormwater ordinance at the New Garden Township, Board of Supervisors’ Aug. ers attended the first session of the Future Aviators camp and Penn State Master 15 meeting. The board then gave from June 20-24, and that Watershed Stewardship approval to Cedarville 85 campers are anticipated volunteers. $34,620 to attend the camp’s next As of now, the project’s Engineering’s planting and maintenance proposal to conduct a session that will be held assessment from July 11-15. plans have been completed stormwater The Flying Field’s and signed off by the Chester of the “downtown” vicinCounty Conservation ity of Toughkenamon. In “Evening of Aviation” will District, and once approved her broad overview, Uhler be held on Aug. 30 beginwill be entering a request said the village is suffering ning at 4 p.m. and will for proposal process for a from severely outdated and include food vendors, claslimited stormwater infra- sic aircraft and vehicles on portion of the project. “Once completed, it will structure that is leading to display, aerobatic perforbe used as a demonstration road erosion and ponding mances and conclude with area to teach visitors about along roads, and tat there a fireworks display. The the impact a riparian buffer are large stretches of roads rain date for the event will and the live-stake nursery with no stormwater infra- be on Aug. 31. To learn more and obtain tickets has on rivers and streams,” structure at all. Uhler said that the assess- to the event, visit www. Lukoff said. “Assuming that the park opens up in ment will identify outdated newgardenflyingfield.com/ the next several years, these infrastructure, create a pro- events. Reiner proposed that the plantings will get a good posal for the entire vicinity head start in terms of their that will include recommen- township schedule a public growth. This will be a great dations and cost estimates, meeting in August in order win for the township and seek methods to fund the to share the master plan for the next generations of project, and incorporate for the future of the Saint them into the Streetscape Anthony’s in the Woods its stewards.” & Transportation property. The exact date of *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) accurate as of publication date, Stormwater ordinance Improvement Plan cur- the meeting will soon be subject to change. Penalty for early withdrawal. Available on updates rently being developed by shared with residents. IRA certificates. Fees or other conditions may reduce earnings. Membership eligibility applies. McMahon Associates, and To contact Staff Writer In other township busi- the eventual redevelopment Federally insured by NCUA ness, Beth Uhler of of the Baltimore Pike- Richard L. Gaw, email Newark Road intersection. rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Sinkhole...

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News Blobfest... Continued from Page 1A

from space to the corner of Vare and 26th Streets. Investigating officers encountered a jelly-like mass that, they claimed, moved on its own.” Other sources maintain that the idea was inspired by a substance called Star Jelly, once thought to come from meteor showers. Regardless of the actual origin, the idea of a strange-looking substance from outer space was a perfect theme for 1950s moviegoers. In the film, the Blob makes its way across the landscape, enveloping all the people in its path. It grows with each human meal, eventually reaching a size large enough to surround the Downingtown Diner, where it flows in and around the building. One scene shows the Blob at the Colonial Theatre, with screaming teenagers running out the front doors in horror as the Blob oozes out from the projection booth. Phoenixville and the Colonial Theatre have been celebrating the B-rated movie, which has gained a cult following over the decades. Since its beginning in 1999, Blobfest has seen increasing popularity in the region. Thousands attend the open-air street festival each year, enjoying the weird, wacky costumes and science fiction themes. People find the street fair a great chance to experience what it was like decades ago, as outer space hysteria swept the nation. The Colonial Theatre provided virtual editions of the festival for the past two years. It is estimated that this year people traveled from more than 23 states -- and some as far away as California -- to experience Blobfest. This year’s theme was The Uninvited, inspired “by contemporary circumstances.” Films from the 1950s were screened, including the classic The

The Colonial Theatre Projection Room with original 1958 projectors.

The Kids' Costume contest at Blobfest.

The Costume Contest's secondplace winner went to The Fly. War of the Worlds, When Worlds Collide Planets Destroy Earth and The Man from Planet X. Emily Simmons, marketing director for the Colonial Theatre and Bob Trate, director of programming, were gracious to provide a “behind the scenes” look at Blobfest’s history. Trate gave a private tour of the projection room- the same one where The Blob was filmed at the Theatre in 1958. Standing beside the actual projection machines and looking out the small glass windows toward the audience gives you a unique “feel” for the impact the film had more than 60 years ago. Being in the same spot where Steve McQueen stood begging his friends in the audience to leave and help capture the monster roaming the countryside was a special treat. It is interesting to think that films today cost mil-

The Blobfest included this Sci-Fi family.

A man at Blobfest with an eerie substance on his shoulder.

lions of dollars to make, contrasting strongly with yesteryear. The producer of The Blob paid the owner of the Colonial Theatre $75 to allow filming over three days, and total production costs were just $110,000. On Friday night, theater attendees enjoyed a live stage show featuring ghoul Aurora Gorealis of Shocktail Hour and music by Beach Creeper. Afterward, they reenacted the movie scene, screaming and running out the front doors of the Colonial Theatre. Saturday featured a street fair, costume and store front decorations contest – all with a Sci-Fi theme. Strange, eerily dressed characters were roaming downtown Phoenixville, energized for the event. The costume contest was the highlight of Saturday’s program, with both youngsters and adults competing. In the evening there was

a Blobfest© party at Soundband and the Punk Rock Flea Market. Root Down Brewing and Rebel Hill Brewing offered “Blob-themed” craft beers. Various retailers had similarly wacky items for sale. Lulu Boutique & Gifterie hosted a Blob Ball in the lobby of the Theatre. Limited edition artwork and other merchandise designed by the Theatre and artists from Monsterologist and Nashville’s Hatch Show Print were available for purchase. The Theatre even offered their own “Blob beer” for thirsty attendees. The Colonial Theatre is

Blobfest Costume Contest 1st Place winner: Halloween.

a wonderful place offering a wide variety of activities, movie screenings and concerts for people of all ages. This three-day festival drew thousands of eager sci-fi fans, who were ready after a long ‘lockdown’ for a great time outdoors amidst weird, but fun surroundings. Judging from the attendance, next year’s festival will be equally memorable. For more information about their events, visit www.thecolonialtheatre. com.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. He has written ten books which focus mostly on the history of the Chester County/mid-Atlantic region. His latest book is Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution. His books are available on his website at www.GenePIsasale. com and on www.Amazon. com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.

Blobfest 2022 Poster courtesy of the Colonial Theatre.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Chester County’s focused efforts to reduce homelessness are showing results Latest Point in Time count shows a 23-percent reduction since last measurement two years ago Chester County’s concerted effort to place more homeless individuals and families into permanent homes is paying off. The latest Point in Time count by the Chester County Department of Community Development shows a decrease in homelessness in the county of 23 percent. The count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), was taken in the late evening on Jan. 26 to the early morning hours of Jan. 27. It

showed that 402 people were experiencing homelessness, meaning they were living in a temporary shelter or sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation such as a car, park, abandoned building, bus station or camping ground. The last survey in January of 2020 tallied 522 people as homeless in the county. While the Point in Time data shows only a snapshot of homelessness in the county, the count serves as a valuable

tool for measuring the depth of the problem and shows the need for more affordable housing. “The results of this year’s Point in Time count are extremely encouraging and a direct result of the dedicated work by the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness,” said County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “At the same time, we must recognize in a county with our means, having 400 people still home-

less is tragic and entirely too many. A lot of work remains to be done, and I believe we have shown our commitment to doing it.” Children account for nearly one-fourth of the 402 people experiencing homelessness, while people of color make up almost half of the total. “The fact that 100 children in our county remain homeless is heartbreaking. Not having a stable home places them at a severe disadvantage at the earliest points in their lives,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Fortunately, we have taken actions to prevent these numbers from increasing, such as appointing street outreach coordinators, establishing the 211 call system, and developing an eviction prevention court program, which helps to keep families in their homes.” Chester County’s Street Outreach Coordinators work on the front lines, building relationships as they conduct homeless verification for people living in places not meant for human habitation, or who are in a shelter, transitional housing, or are exiting a place where they may temporarily reside. Chester County’s Eviction Prevention Court, a program developed with Friends Association for Care & Protection of Children, the Chester County Clerk of Courts Office and Chester County Courts, provides a combination of legal representation, financial assistance and social services for individuals or families facing eviction. It currently operates in district courts in

Courtesy photo

Members of the team conducting Chester County’s Point in Time count, the annual count mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which took place in January. Results of the County’s Point in Time count showed a 23-percent reduction in people experiencing homelessness over a two-year period.

Downingtown, Coatesville, South Coatesville, and Valley Township. For perspective on how progress has accelerated, during the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, the homeless count decreased by only 48 people, from 570 to 522. This latest report shows a decrease of 120 people over the last two years. “It is reassuring to see the correlation between the steps the county has taken and the results,” noted Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “But we also know that the pandemic impacted practices and procedures that needed to be changed to support those experiencing homelessness, or who were on the verge of homelessness,” she added. Using federal funds, the County created the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), making money available for low-income households unable to pay rent or utilities. Chester County’s Partnership to End Homelessness, the

only community-based collaborative, brings together community agencies, local government, private and public organizations, nonprofits, foundations, faith communities and people who have lived experience of homelessness. Rob Henry, Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ administrator, said the collaborative’s commitment to ending and preventing homelessness is stronger than ever. “Programs like ERAP certainly helped to keep people who are renting, and who need help with utilities, in their homes, which was crucial throughout the pandemic. “Our mission is to ensure that homelessness is a rare, brief, and one-time only experience for any resident of Chester County,” he said. “We know the formula. We see that it is working. And we hope that every resident of Chester County is proud of their contribution to bring dignity and compassion to our neighbors who need it most.”

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Opinion

The right investment at the right time

Are you in fear of failure? A shift in mindset can lead to change

Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford, and UnionvilleChadds Ford school districts will see significant increases in state funding for the 2022-2023 school year. The new state budget boosts education funding at all levels by about $1.8 billion combined, and it’s a good time for the increased investment in students, especially those in K-12 public schools. Chester County’s 12 school districts and approximately 70,017 students will benefit greatly from the collective increase of $13,455,309 in basic education subsidies for 2022-2023. Special education funding for those 12 school districts is increasing by about $2,484,814 in total. In addition to receiving year-to-year increases in the basic education subsidy, the school districts in southern Chester County will receive the following Ready to Learn Block Grants: • Avon Grove School District $754,726 • Oxford Area School District $572,695 • Kennett Consolidated School District $400,617 • Unionville-Chadds Ford School District $127,325 A fair funding formula used by the state helps direct additional funding to school districts—Oxford Area School District is one of them—that have a higher percentage of students who live in low-income households. The additional funding comes at a time when school districts are working to make up for the unprecedented challenges presented during the pandemic. Gov. Tom Wolf has prioritized education funding during his two terms in office. The Wolf Administration has increased education funding by more than $3.7 billion since 2015, but Pennsylvania still has a long way to go to match the investments in education made by other states. Many states fund 50 percent or more of total education costs. Pennsylvania ranked 45th lowest in the nation for state investment in education per student in public schools. This leaves local taxpayers to shoulder the burden of funding public schools. It also creates a situation where large gaps exist between wealthy school districts and low-income school districts. The additional $1.8 billion in funding for 2022-2023 provides increased funds to support a wide range of educational or community initiatives, including the following: • $525 million increase through the fair funding formula. On average Pennsylvania schools will see their funding increase by 8 percent. • $225 million increase for Level Up to provide targeted support to the 100 most in-need school districts. • $100 million increase for special education. • $79 million increase for early education through Pre-K Counts and Head Start. • $220 million for public higher education. • $100 million for adult mental health services, and the creation of a dedicated Behavioral Health Commission to make recommendations for allocating the funds. • $100 million for student mental health support to ensure Pennsylvania’s youth have all the resources they need to overcome challenges and succeed through Ready to Learn Block Grants. • $100 million increase for school safety grants to ensure children learn and grow in safe, healthy environments. • $50 million for gun violence intervention and prevention programs to promote grassroots efforts for safer communities. With gun violence on the rise, and with mental health issues at crisis levels, the investments to keep schools safe and help school officials to identify and address mental health problems come at a critical moment. The state’s increased funding for education is the right investment at the right time.

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As a teenager, Steven Spielberg longed to attend one of the prestigious film schools at UCLA or USC, where he hoped to create the foundation for a future career as a movie director. Unfortunately for Spielberg, these top-flight universities saw only poor high school grades and no potential, so they rejected him – multiple times. As a backup plan, he enrolled at California State University at Long Beach, but eventually dropped out. That’s quite a bit of failure in a short time. Of course, things worked out for Spielberg, whose story can serve as inspiration for others who fail, which is pretty much everyone, said Dr. Akintoye Akindele, the Forbes Books co-author with Olakunle Soriyan of A Love Affair with Failure: When Hitting Bottom Becomes a Launchpad to Success. “Failure is the birthplace of success,” Akindele said. “If there is anything we should be learning, it is how to fail, and how to fail as often as needed.” Or, as the Rev. T.D. Jakes wrote in the foreword to Akindele and Soriyan’s book, “Failures and fallouts, setbacks and detours are par for the course.” Par for the course or not, people tend to fear failure, and often let that fear stifle their ambitions, Akindele and Soriyan say.

“Tough, turbulent moments make us want to take a step back permanently,” Soriyan said. “They are hard to deal with because they contradict our expectations and make us doubt ourselves and question our prospects.” That’s why people should change their mindset about failure, Akindele and Soriyan say. Here are four ways of looking at failure to help do that: • Accept that failure is common. As life progresses, most people will lose more times than they think they can bear, Akindele says. A coveted job offer won’t materialize. Partners will walk away. A product won’t sell as well as envisioned. “You will find yourself questioning everything you have believed, even yourself,” he said. “You will make mistakes. All of these things matter, and none of it does – not as much as how you react when everything crumbles, not as much as what you learn when it does and how you use it.” Akindele and Soriyan point out in their book that Bill Gates’ first startup, a company called Traf-O-Data, flopped. But one of Gates’ partners termed the doomed venture a “favorite mistake because it confirmed to me that every failure contains the seeds of your next success.” • Embrace the opportunity for self discovery.

Difficulties teach people about themselves, Soriyan says. “Hardships are portals of self discovery,” he said. “You are the most important element in your journey; not your parents, not your partners or investors. You. It matters who you are. It matters why you want to succeed. To understand your motivations, limitations, and strengths is to be truly resilient. “ • Remember that failure is not permanent. It’s easy for someone to view failure as an impenetrable wall blocking them from their goals. But it’s actually more like a detour that momentarily forces you off your desired route. “The difficult periods on the road to your destination are not markers signifying the end,” Akindele said. “They might give you a bit of pause and make you reevaluate your position, but if you hold steady, you will make it through.” He offers as an example Abraham Lincoln, whose early political career was “defined by relentless failing and difficulty.” • Realize that perseverance really does make a difference. Everyone knows the importance of perseverance, at least in theory. But knowing it and doing it are two different things. “Don’t let the challenges of the present moment

deter you,” Soriyan said. “Keep going and keep going strong.” This doesn’t mean to plow ahead alone, ignoring your fatigue. “Reach out for help where you need to,” he said. “Sit down and rest for a while if you need to. Take stock. Reassess. Learn about yourself. Understand your mistakes. But get up again and keep going.” Finally, it’s important to remember that, although people would like it to be otherwise, life was not designed for uninterrupted stretches of ease, Akindele said. “You will have a lot more ordinary and bad days than good ones,” he said. “You will have days where you are scrapping and fighting to survive, and days when nothing good or bad happens – just plain, simple, regular days. So when the glory days come, enjoy them.” Dr. Akintoye Akindele, co-author of A Love Affair with Failure: When Hitting Bottom Becomes a Launchpad to Success, is the chairman and CEO of Platform Capital Group. Olakunle Soriyan, coauthor of A Love Affair with Failure: When Hitting Bottom Becomes a Launchpad to Success, is the chief knowledge officer and lead strategist at Kenneth Soriyan Research and Ideas LLC.

Bruce Munro’s Fantasia of Light Forms for Special Effects into the Centerfold of Night (as Experienced by a Poet) By Marie-Louise Meyers In the ever-changing Face of Longwood Gardens yet another long-anticipated surprise after ten years, Bruce Munro is back again to lend an air of the exotic with his installations while seemingly alien forces are at work simulating and activating the imagination with its outreach. In the twilight, we saw a spectacle from the striated sky like a preview of what

was to come: how the centerfold of night breathes Lights, a surreal experience at Longwood which takes us from the borders of the mundane, from the lush gardens and the Conservatory into the air of strangeness and delight via the progression of the night lights of infinity, satellite dishes with their shiny surfaces, movements and markings as if space ships have reigned down on us. It encapsulates our every movement

as we genuflect among Hypnotizing, tantalizing, the familiar scenes as though a spell were into exotic dreams where cast strange forms and figures among the hushed pop up here and there audience which transfigure. as though waiting for the surreal to turn real How imagination thrives through the touch of an under the Watchful Eye orchestrator of the tantalizing meadow of the novel entrants to where multicolor the night cast. boxes glow as though occupied by aliens, No one really knows the and stream with multicol- limitations of the Eye to ored dreams behold where music flows and what is there and what the people may escape our finger became entranced and holds, start to dance to name, and the brain to as the tunes throb and internalize and identify. lighten the load of Life. Where children find their To go where Night encapown means to become sulates and holds sway, captured and enraptured when to genuflect among by the glow of the beams the familiar is the new way of the Light show where soon to turn hypnotic as they can play though a spell were cast their wildly exotic games. lasting through the length Where the ordinary and breath of the Gardens becomes extraordinary transforming into a Fairy disavowed of any mortal Land of Lights strings attached. where Blackness no longer prevails It is here where the heart though we may not see truly sings, what others are privy to, where Flamingos gather and have our own take steam on it, in the shallows underit is still an escape into the neath the Bell Tower, world of the imagination their piercing pronouncewith only an admission ments heard charge above the roar of the which takes us away from Fountain show the bleakness and despair as it goes on till it which has governed and telegraphs been witnessed by so many Beyond the Beyond! lives.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

‘Horses have taught me everything that is important’

Myofascial release therapist practices equine healing arts By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Rory, a 19-year-old Irish Sport horse, occupies the far end stall of a stable on a Chadds Ford farm, and until he received a visit from his equine therapist on a recent Thursday afternoon, he had spent a portion of his day flirting with Pepper, the year-old filly one stall over. As barn swallows swoop and soar around the barn, the therapist slowly runs her hands over the shiny brown mane of the former show horse’s chest, its hindquarters, its flank, its ribs and its throatlatch. It is a session of subtle signals; at first, the patient is tentative, but over time, he surrenders to his therapist’s soothing voice. In the stillness of what happens when mutual trust between patient and therapist is achieved, the therapist leans tight into the horse’s face, closes her eyes and listens. “I always ask permission of the horse to come into their space,” said Kennett Square-based Myofascial Release Therapist Erin Bobo, B.S., L.M.T., who has been healing both people and horses for the past 23 years. “Horses are used to people

coming into their spaces with an agenda – whether it’s to clean the stall or a vet coming for an appointment. I take a different energy and ask for permission from them. “I am there to keep them safe and I want them to keep me safe, which creates an energetic exchange that is one of respect, which allows me to enter that space and become helpful to them. There is something that happens to their body language that tells me that they know that I am extremely aware of them. The truth is then established and they reveal themselves on a whole other level about what they need.” For Bobo, her career as a myofascial therapist is in

many ways the result of a dovetailing kaleidoscope of moments, transformation and healing that began when she was nine years old, riding her first horses at Pony Island Stable in Kennett Square. From the start, the barn, the stables and the riding circle became for the young rider a sanctuary, a home-away-from home. Suddenly and without warning, however, Bobo’s idyllic childhood was brought to an abrupt and painful end. When she was a senior at Kennett High School, her beloved horse Jammer was killed at Pony Island Stable as a result of a suspected attack by a wild animal. Soon after, she suffered multiple injuries from a severe car accident. Her head hit the windshield. Her knees smashed into the dashboard. She dislocated several bones. As she entered Lynchburg College to study Biology with the intention to go to vet school, Bobo’s pain – both physical and emotional – had become an albatross that was just beginning to take up a lifetime residence. “That started me on my long journey on understanding the mind-body connection,” she said. “I had all of this emotion that I was stuffing down and it all had to do with this profound grief experience and debilitating pain.” For the next six years, Bobo lived in a cocoon of pain, pushed along by a medical philosophy that focused on “fixing” and not “healing.”

‘The big picture of my pain’

Courtesy photos

In her healing work with horses, Bobo focuses on improving the animal’s movement, posture, structure and balance.

At 24, Bobo had graduated from college and was living and working in Atlanta, where she suffered a second car accident. One holiday, she returned home to visit her family, and on the advice of her mother Linda Brackin, made an appointment with Tom Taylor, a myofascial therapy expert in Chester County, who helped treat her mother’s fibromyalgia and Lyme Disease. Generally defined, myofascial release therapy

addresses the trauma and holding patterns that are developed over a lifetime. It is a hands-on technique focused on a sustained stretch into the system that communicates with everything in the body – including its connective tissue (fascia) – in order to release pain and imbalance over the long term. At first, Bobo was skeptical, and had resigned herself to a life of medication, prescriptions and doctors visits. “I was in a dark place and had pretty much given up and resigned to spending the rest of my life in pain,” she said, “but as I began exploring myofascial release with Tom, it became really clear that my body was responding to this therapy, and a lot of it had to do with the fact that I learned that my back was just a symptom and held the ‘big picture,’ which was the pain I had been holding for years, and on top of that the anger of what I was not able to do. “Everyone else was simply working on my back, but myofascial therapy taught me what is needed for true and long-term healing.” Eventually, the plan to enter veterinary school detoured. While still living in Atlanta and inspired by the work done by myofascial release therapy founder John Barnes, Bobo began taking classes taught by Barnes – as well as equine therapy classes, which were taught by Barnes’ son, Mark. After completing her initial level of education in 1998, she established her first practice in Atlanta as a licensed massage therapist and equine sports massage therapist specializing in myofascial release. “My plan for the beginning was that I would help horses with the same work that helped me,” she said. “As part of practice, I also became passionate about teaching riders about how the imbalances found in their bodies are reflected in the imbalances found in their horse’s bodies.” Since moving back to Chester County in 2002, Bobo has intensified and expanded her education

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Equine myofascial therapist Erin Bobo with one of her “clients,” Rory. and skills in the healing arts as the owner of Hands on Therapy – for both twoand four-legged patients. In her sessions with people, Bobo focuses on empowering her clients to gain a deeper sense of body awareness to achieve long-lasting pain relief and wellness. In her work with horses, she is often called upon by her clients to address several issues. “They are noticing something when they ride the horse that is affecting the horse’s performance, such as movement, posture and structure indicating signs of discomfort, pain or imbalance,” she said. “They can also show signs of behavioral issues that highlight that something is amiss.” Bobo said that whether she is working on people or horses, the most crucial component in her toolkit is the ability to listen. “It is about tuning in, looking and watching them show you the roadmap, and following it,” she said. “Healing is not an event that has a logical conclusion. To use an overused term, it’s a journey or a process. Healing — whether we are four or two legged — is something we have to con-

tinue to show up for.” ‘They have taught me to trust what I feel’ When she was a child at Pony Island Stable, Bobo spoke with the horses she rode. It was the start of a conversation that has never ended. “Horses have taught me everything that is important,” she said. “They have taught me about the power of listening. They have taught me that I am a nurturer. They have taught me about compassion. They have taught me about trusting my intuition. They have taught me about honoring their power and their wisdom. “In the experience of them teaching me, they have also taught me about my wisdom and my power. It was imperative, because of my connection with animals, for horses to be my primary teaches as I stepped into this commitment to be a therapist. Though them, they have taught me to trust what I feel.” To learn more about Erin Bobo and Hands On Therapy, visit www.erinbobo.com. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Butler family celebrates 80th reunion in Nottingham By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Soon after the death of their father William Henry Butler in the early 1940s, his 10 children made a decision that they would celebrate their mother Emma’s upcoming birthday by bringing the entire extended family together in Concord, Pa. Nine decades later, in a bond formed by tradition, 67 siblings, sons and daughters, cousins, aunts and uncles enjoyed the 80th Butler family reunion at Nottingham Park on July 10. Beneath sunny skies, they arrived at Pavilion #7 from Chester County and Delaware, as well as from New Jersey, California, Tennessee, Virginia and Arizona for

a long day of food, conversation and a cornhole tournament. Two of the three surviving Butler children – 99-year-old Lillian Weeks and 84-yearold Henrietta Coulborn – were in attendance, while their 97-year-old sister Irene celebrated from her extended care facility in nearby Elkton, Md. For the first several years of the reunion, events were held at family homes and at Clayton Park in Glen Mills, but Nottingham Park has played host to the family for the past 30 years. The reunion has a nearly perfect record; they have held the event every year except for 2020, which was postponed due to COVID-19. “The day after this reunion,

I will reserve this pavilion for next year,” said Irene Ferguson, who reunited with her sister Emily Boulden, who traveled 10 hours from Tennessee. “Everybody knows that the reunion is always the second Sunday in July.” Ferguson said that the strength of what has become a yearly ritual was first formed by the unbreakable bond of the 10 Butler children. “There were seven girls and three boys in the family, and after they left my grandparents’ home, they all raised their families nearby and remained very close,” she said. “Eventually, there were 31 cousins, and at some of the earlier reunions, we as kids would play as many as 10 traditional games, and we

all loved it.” In retrospect, the logistics of both organizing and attending a large-scale event such as a family reunion – one that has reached as many as 120 in attendance in past years and drawn relatives from around the country – seem relatively simple when measured against the common denominator of family, Ferguson said. “We all love each other a lot, and we have done this for so long that it has become a part of our lives,” she said. “Soon, we’re hoping that the next generation is going to take over and keep our family tradition alive.” To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestrcounty.com.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The Butler family celebrated its 80th family reunion on July 10 at Nottingham Park, a tradition that dates back to the early 1940s. Lillian Weeks, left, and Henrietta Coulburn are two of the three surviving Butler siblings.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Obituaries ANN NELSON

GEORGE C. WALLS, JR.

Ann Eckenroth Nelson passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 at her home in Oxford while surrounded by her loving family. She was 88. She was the wife of the late Lawrence F. Nelson, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Birdsboro, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Howard L. and Olivia H. Eckenroth. Ann graduated from Dickinson College. Ann served the Oxford Area School District as an English teacher, yearbook advisor and drama club leader for 32 years. She was instrumental in sharing her passion for the fine arts through directing the high school plays during her tenure. A 60-year member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, Ann served as an elder and worked on numerous committees. Ann loved to travel with Larry and also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She hosted the Morning Breakfast Club, Pancake Friday, and Tuesday night cousin dinners. Ann is survived by her two daughters, Victoria Neidigh and Laura King (Peter), all of Oxford, and six grandchildren, Lawrence Benjamin Neidigh, Luke Neidigh (Ciearra), Julia Neidigh, Victoria Hostetter (Phillip), Elizabeth Tacey (Phil), and Catherine King. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Porter Robert, Jane Elizabeth, Hailey Allison and William Frederick. A memorial service was held on July 8 at the Oxford Presbyterian Church in Oxford. The interment will be held in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: The Oxford Theater, c/o Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., PO Box 315, Oxford, Pa. 19363 or The Oxford Presbyterian Church Children’s Education Ministry, 6 Pine Street, Oxford, Pa. 19363. The family’s heartfelt thanks go to her care team, Luke and Ciearra Neidigh, Dawn Charlton and Gina Lisinski. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

George C. “Pete” Walls, Jr. entered into rest on June 28, 2022 at the Southeastern Veterans Center of Spring City, Pa. He was an 87-yearold resident of West Grove. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late George C. Walls, Sr. and Mary (Bond) Walls. He was the loving husband of Betty (Whyte) Walls for 62 years. Pete attended school in the Avon Grove School District and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a press operator at Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville, and NVF of Kennett Square. He also was a nursing assistant at the Coatesville Veterans Hospital. He was a member of the Rod, Reel and Rifle Club of Chester County, and of the Lancaster County Bowling Association. He enjoyed bowling, but most of all he dearly loved hunting and fishing. He most definitely was a die-hard fan of the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to his wife (Betty), he leaves to mourn his passing two sons, George M. Walls of Mt. Vernon, Ohio and William V. Walls (Sherry) of Dover, Del.; a daughter, Dawn M. Walls of Avondale; three sisters, Consuello Heard of Houston,Texas, Mona Slack of Akron, Ohio, and Chestine Bowman of Coatesville; three brothers, Philip Walls of Columbus, Ohio, James Walls (Diana) of Upper Marlboro, Md., and Walter Walls (Lorraine) of Houston,Texas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by ten sisters and one brother. In his memory, donations can be made to: Compassus Hospice and Pallative Care, 2 Campus Road, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073 or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, Ill. 60602. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 10 a.m. with a time to greet the family from 9 to 10 a.m. at Milestone Events, 600 E. Market Street in West Chester. He will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Uplifting life services are being arranged by DeBaptiste Funeral Homes and online condolences can be left at www.DeBaptiste.com.

Alleluia

PAMELA ANN CLEMONTS Pamela Ann Clemonts, 55, of Oxford, passed away on July 4 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of Theresa Maxwell Clemonts of Oxford and the late Hodges Clemonts. Pamela enjoyed puzzles and dancing. She is survived by her mother and two

For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.

Psalm 18:39

sons, Brandon Garcia of Oxford and Jeremy Garcia of Quarryville. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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Obituaries LEONA MAGDALENA SOUSER Leona Magdalena Souser (née Bechtold) was born December 23,1924 in Philadelphia and passed away on June 30, 2022, after a brief illness. She was 97. She graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia in 1943 and received a bachelor of arts degree from Ursinus College in 1947. Her debate team skills served her well her entire life. She was a founding member of St. Michael Lutheran Church in Kennett Square (now in Unionville) and was very active in the congregation for 65 years, serving as everything from Sunday school teacher to social ministry chair. She was an expert on the life and teachings of Martin Luther. Leona followed in her Lutheran minister father‘s footsteps by choosing a career helping others. Her first job out of college was as an adoption placement social worker with Lutheran Children and Family Services. Being a city girl, she needed to learn how to drive in order to visit the families in rural towns. Her driving instructor, Richard Souser, Sr became her husband on September 9, 1950. Leona channeled her educator mother by becoming a certificated teacher after taking the necessary coursework at Millersville State College. She taught in the Manheim schools during the early 1950s. After taking some time off to raise her four children, she later became a regular substitute teacher for Kennett area schools, including Unionville and Avon Grove. But she was most proud of her 25-year career as a social worker for the Tick Tock Day Care Center. Leona was a much loved and giving person. She lived in the same house in Kennett Square for 66 years. In addition to the Tick Tock and the church, she had a longtime involvement with the Needlework Guild, the Girl Scouts (where she was for many years a cookie sales chairperson), and other community agencies and causes such as the Kennett Square Housing Board. She enjoyed traveling, was a voracious reader, and loved keeping track of her family. She will be remembered for her sense of humor and quick wit and her love of all things chocolate. In her later years, she relished the companionship of her many caregivers, neighbors, and visitors. The family extended its gratitude for giving her the ability to remain in her home until a few months ago. Leona was predeceased by her husband Richard Souser, Sr., her parents, Gustav and Leona (Wetmore) Bechtold, her brothers, Austin, George, and Gus Bechtold, and a sister, Esther Bonnet. She is survived by her children, Margaret (Peggy) Woehleke (Steve) of Moraga, Calif., Richard Souser, Jr. (Dana) of Richmond, Va., Roger Souser (Linda) of West Chester, Mary Buchanan (Bill) of Clarion, Pa., and eight grandchildren, Sarah Woehleke, Leanne Woehleke, Andrew Souser, Charlotte Souser (Justin Byron), Matthew Souser, Kevin Souser, Louden Buchanan (Jordyn), Catherine Buchanan and two great-grandchildren, Harrison and Ellie Buchanan. Services will be held at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville on Friday, July 15, at 11 a.m. Before the service there will be visitation with family and friends at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a reception following the service at the church. The service will also be live-streamed. https://www.stmichaelpa.com/video. html Interment will be the following day, Saturday, July 16 at 10 a.m. at Philadelphia Memorial Park, 124 Phoenixville Pike, Frazer, Pa. 19355. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Tick Tock Early Learning Center, 1694 Baltimore Pike, Avondale, Pa. 19311 or St. Michael Lutheran Church, 109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville, Pa. 19375. Arrangements are in the care of Kuzo Funeral Home. Please visit Leona Souser’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

DOREEN HOLLY Doreen Holly, 56, of Elkton, Md. and formerly of Coatesville Pa., died on June 24. She was born on Feb. 9, 1966 in White Plains New York, the daughter of the late Erika (Müller) and Donald Holly. Doreen was the aunt of Jordan Holly, who also preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, Don Holly Jr., and a niece, Katherine Holly, both of Charleston, IL. Doreen loved animals. She began riding horses at an early age, and in college, competed on the Penn State equestrian team. Doreen continued to ride horses after college, but her passion for animals soon turned to dogs. Doreen would come to call many dogs family in her lifetime, including Duke, Remy, Vago, Titan, Rhea, Bailey, and Rune. She trained a few of her dogs to be therapy dogs, and proudly took them to hospitals, libraries, and senior-living facilities to lift the spirits of patients, children, and the elderly. Others she showed in the ring and Doreen was very active in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog community. Doreen’s other love was teaching, having graduated from Penn State in 1989 with a degree in special education. For the next 29 years, she was employed as an English teacher and reading specialist at Fred S. Engle Middle School in the Avon Grove School District. Doreen had been an avid reader since she was a child, so this was the perfect job for her. Her enthusiasm for the written word and penchant for building creative lesson plans made her a very popular teacher. She was also a wonderful colleague— remembered for her willingness to assist her fellow teachers, share ideas for improving instruction, and organizing a book club. For many years, Doreen lived on a sprawling old farm in Coatesville with her roommate, and longtime friend, Gilbert Campbell. Together they tended a garden on the property and maintained a flock of chickens. Doreen liked to watch deer and wild turkey forage on the hillsides from the corner porch of the farmhouse. She also enjoyed cheering on her alma mater and the New York Giants during the fall. When her mother’s health started to fail, Doreen helped move her from State College to Coatesville. This was a difficult but also a happy time for Doreen, as it gave her the opportunity to spend more time with her mother. Her mother’s passing a few months later, together with the death of her niece just the year before, was hard for Doreen to bear. In 2020, she moved into a cottage overlooking the Elk River in Elkton, Maryland, where she was fond of photographing the sun setting over the water. A private memorial will be held at a later date in State College. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Rescue foundation (www. gsmdrescue.org).

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester

County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should

be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Legals

ESTATE NOTICE

LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Notice is hereby given that Oxford, PA 19363 6p-29-3t Letters of Administration have been granted to Sharon Wardell ESTATE NOTICE for the Estate of Thomas Jo- Letters Testamentary in the seph Wardell, whose last ad- Estate of Frank S. Pechin, Jr., dress was West Grove, Chester deceased, late of Uwchlan County, Pennsylvania. Any Township, Chester County, person having a claim to this Pennsylvania, have been Estate is asked to make same granted to the undersigned. All c/o R. Samuel McMichael, persons indebted to said Estate Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, are requested to make prompt PA 19363. payment and those having 6p-29-3t claim to present the same, withESTATE NOTICE out delay to: Frank S. Pechin, ESTATE OF JERRY WAYNE III C/O Attorney: Charice D. GELSINGER, DECEASED. Late Chait, Peckman Chait LLP, 29 of London Grove Township, Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438 Chester County, PA 6p-29-3t LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION C.T.A. on the above EsESTATE NOTICE tate have been granted to the ESTATE OF Audra C. Shuler, undersigned, who request all also known as Audra Sue persons having claims or de- Shuler, late of Lower Oxford mands against the estate of the Township, Chester County, decedent to make known the Deceased. Letters Testasame and all persons indebted mentary on the estate of the to the decedent to make pay- above-named Audra C. Shuler ment without delay to ANITA M. having been granted to the D’AMICO, ADMINISTRATRIX undersigned, all persons having C.T.A., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, claims or demands against the PA 19363, Or to her Attorney: estate of the said decedent are ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO requested to make known the

same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Laura Paige Moses, Executrix, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, EsquireLamb McErlane, PC 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 6p-29-3t

NOTICE

POCOPSON TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pocopson Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pocopson Township Municipal Building, 664 South Wawaset Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382, on Monday, August 1, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: Appeal of Don DeNenno from the May 18, 2022 decision of the Zoning Officer, denying Applicant’s request for a permit to construct two (2) accessory dwelling units in a barn on property located at 27 Wawaset Farm Lane, West Chester, PA (UPI #63-4-1.1) without seeking conditional use approval under ordinance section 250.93.B(1) and in excess

of the one (1) accessory dwelling unit allowed under ordinance section 250.93.B(3). If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings; or if you wish to participate remotely, please contact Susan Simone at 610-793-2151 to discuss how Pocopson Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 7p-6-2t

NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on Monday, July 25, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: Application of Richard and Heather Ratman-

sky, seeking variances from the 15% maximum lot coverage under zoning ordinance section 162-503.C.1, and from the 25’ minimum side yard, requirement under section 162-503.E.1, so as to permit the construction of a residential swimming pool, spa, surrounding paver patio and pool equipment with lot coverage of 22.12% and located just 15’ 4” from the side lot line on property located at 5 Colonial Drive, West Chester, PA (UPI #64-1-105) in the Township’s R-3 residential zoning district. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled a above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 7p-6-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Rick E. May, deceased, late of Cochranville, Chester County, PA, have been granted to the undersigned Executor. All persons, therefore indebted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment and those having just claims, will please present the same, duly authenticated, for settlement, without delay. Jesse R. May Executor, 52 School Lane, Robesonia, PA 19551 7p-6-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing during its normal meeting on August 1, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., in the New Garden Township Municipal Building located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, to consider the following application for conditional use: Application Number CU-202211: Application of Kaolin RE Holdings Corporation, for conditional use approval pursuant to §200-18.C(6) of the New Garden Township Zoning Ordinance in order to construct 2 additional indoor composting buildings on the property located at 171 Starr Road, New Garden Township, Chester County, PA. The property is the subject of 2 previous conditional use approvals dated May 5, 1997, and March 19, 2018, and the hearing may involve the amendment of those previous approvals. The property is owned by Kaolin RE Holdings Corporation, consists of approximately 59.75 acres, is located in the R-1 Low Density Residential District, and is also known as tax parcel number 60-3-210. A full copy of the conditional use application is available for public examination without charge or may be obtained for a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Municipal Building. For further information, please contact Ramsey Reiner, Township Manager (610-268-2915). William R.

Christman III, Township Solicitor 7p-13-2t

NOTICE

PENN TOWNSHIP PUBLIC NOTICE Key Lock / Knox Box Ordinance NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of Penn Township, Chester County, PA, intends to consider the adoption and adopt an ordinance requiring Key Lock or Knox Boxes for certain buildings in the Township at their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 6:00 pm at the Penn Township Municipal Building located at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available at this newspaper and at the Township Building. The Following is a summary of the Ordinance: Knox Box or Key Lock Box is defined as being part of a secure rapid entry system designed to be used by fire department personnel; The Knox Boxes are required for new commercial and industrial buildings, existing commercial and industrial buildings undergoing improvements, existing commercial and industrial buildings in 6 months of the effective date of the ordinance, multi-family residential structures with restricted access through locked doors with a common corridor; nursing care and retirement facilities with a locked door and common corridors and schools of instructions. Knox Box contents are required to have phone contact lists, multiple sets of master keys to the building, including elevator keys if appropriate. The requirements of the contents of the Knox Box shall be as directed by the West Grove Fire Company. A permit is required for any building which is required by this ordinance to have a Knox Box and the penalty is an enforcement penalty of $600.00 per day for violation with an appeal procedure to Board of Supervisors. Effective date shall be 5 days after the date of enactment. This Ordinance is available for inspection at no charge at the Township Building and copies may be obtained for the charge not greater than the cost thereof to the Township. Any person with a disability requiring special accommodations to attend this meeting should notify Penn Township at 610-869-9620 prior to the meeting. Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, Lamb McErlane, PC, Solicitor for Penn Township 7p-13-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

PENN TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Penn Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania, on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: Application of Khien Tran, seeking a variance from the 25% maximum impervious coverage limit under zoning ordinance Article V, section 502.G so as to allow 37.2% impervious coverage for construction of a

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Legals

swimming pool, patio, coping and pool equipment on property located at 16 Allsmeer Drive, West Grove, PA (UPI# 58-333.97) in the Township’s RS – Residential Suburban zoning district. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact the Township Secretary at (610) 869-9620 to discuss how Penn Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor, Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 7p-13-2t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, July 21st , 2022 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, August 22nd, 2022. 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. 22-7-225 Writ of Execution No. 2019-11680 DEBT $218,367.73 P R OP E R T Y S I T U AT E IN TOWNSHIP OF SADSBURY TA X PA R C E L # 37- 0 4 0040.08B IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling PLAINTIFF: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200624 VS DEFENDANT: GERALDINE A. HALL SALE ADDRESS: 307 Fox Trail, Parkesburg, PA 19365-0000 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. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 6p-29-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

described according to a Final Subdivision Plot Plan of property owned by Elmer Reese to be conveyed to Martin W. Sumner and Edith H. Sumner, made by George E. Regester, Jr., and Sons, Inc., Registered Land Surveyors, Kennett Square, PA, dated 4/16/1973 and recorded ad Chester County Plan # 49 page 18, as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a point on the title line in the bed of Public Road T-355 known as Barren Road at the Southwesterly corner of this about to be described lot at the Northeasterly corner of lands now or late of Walter Reinhardt, said point being measured South 14 degrees 29 minutes 14 seconds East 863.85 feet along said title line from a point on intersection with the title line in the bed of Public Road L.R. 15162 known as Media Road, as shown on said Plan; thence crossing the ultimate right of way line of said Barren Road, extending along said Reinhardt’s land North 81 degrees 39 minutes 43 seconds West 463.60 feet to a point; thence extending still along the same South 54 degrees 31 minutes 43 seconds West, 322.17 feet to a point at the Southwesterly corner of this lot and the Southeasterly corner of land about to be conveyed unto Martin Bardley, et ux, as shown on said Plan; thence extending along the same North 09 degrees 29 minutes 54 seconds West 333.61 feet to a point at the Southwesterly corner of Lot #16, as shown on said Plan; thence extending along the same North 81 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds East 350.00 feet to a point in line of Lot #13, as shown on said Plan; thence extending along the same and Lot # 14 the two following courses and distances: (1) South 09 degrees 29 minutes 54 seconds East 156.15 feet to a point; and (2) South 81 degrees 39 minutes 43 seconds East, recrossing said ultimate right of way line of said Barren Road, 395.24 feet to a point on the title line in the bed

of the same; thence extending South 14 degrees 29 minutes 14 seconds East 54.25 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning. BEING Lot #15 as shown on said Plan. BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Franklin L. Moyer and Monica E. Moyer, by Deed dated May 10, 1999 and recorded May 11, 1999 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, Pennsylvania in Book 4561, Page 0886, as Instrument Number 38881, granted and conveyed unto Daniel Thomas Campbell and Mitzi Baron- Campbell, in fee. AND THE SAID Mitzi BaronCampbell departed this life on or about May 3, 2011 thereby vesting title unto Daniel Thomas Campbell by operation of law. Ta x P a r c e l N o. 69 - 070098.120 PLAINTIFF: Selene Finance LP VS DEFENDANT: Daniel Thomas Campbell SALE ADDRESS: 565 Barren Road, Oxford, PA 19363 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-2786800 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. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 6p-29-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL

www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, July 21st , 2022 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, August 22nd, 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

By virtue of the within men- PLAINTIFF: U.S. BANK NAtioned writs directed to Sheriff TIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS Fredda L. Maddox, the herein- TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN described real estate will be INTEREST TO WACHOVIA sold at public on-line auction via BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIABid4Assets, by accessing URL TION, AS TRUSTEE FOR www.bid4assets.com/chester- WELLS FARGO ASSET SEcopasheriffsales, on Thursday, CURITIES CORPORATION, July 21st , 2022 at 11AM. Notice MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH is given to all parties in interest CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005and claimants that the Sheriff AR2 will file with the Prothonotary VS and in the Sheriff’s Office, both D E F E N D A N T: R I C H A R D located in the Chester County WANNEMACHER, JR A/K/A Justice Center, 201 W Market RICHARD WANNEMACHER & Street, West Chester, Pennsyl- NANI WANNEMACHER A/K/A vania, Schedules of Distribution NANI SHIN-WANNEMACHER SALE No. 22-7-231 on Monday, August 22nd, 2022. Writ of Execution Distribution will be made in ac- SALE ADDRESS: 800 Sunrise No. 2018-01211 cordance with the Schedules Drive, Kennett Square, PA DEBT $323,402.30 unless exceptions are filed in 19348 Improvements thereon con- the Sheriff’s Office within ten sisting of a Residential Dwelling, (10) days thereafter. P L A I N T I F F AT T O R N E Y: sold to satisfy judgment. New BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844SALE NO. 232 London Township 856-6646 Writ of Execution No. 2015-07056 UPI # 71-03-0035.370 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the DEBT $332,403.08 purchase money must be paid PLAINTIFF: The Bank of New at the time of the on-line sale. York Mellon, fka, The Bank of Property situate in the NEW Payment must be made via New York, as successor in inter- GARDEN TOWNSHIP, CHES- Bid4Assets. The balance must est to JPMorgan Chase Bank, TER County, Pennsylvania, be paid within twenty-one (21) N.A., as Trustee for Structured being days from the date of sale via Asset Mortgage Investments Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADII Trust 2006-AR1, Mortgage BLR # 60-2-93.8 DOX, SHERIFF 6p-29-3t Pass-Through Certificates, Series, 2006-AR1 Classifieds VS DEFENDANT: Michael Depoul- Full Time Public Works Position applicants must be a minimum ter a/k/a Michael E. Depoulter London Grove Township is of 18 years old and have clean accepting applications to fill a SALE ADDRESS: 404 Bobs full time skilled laborer/driver Lane, Lincoln University, PA position in the Public Works 19352 Department. Position requires ability to perform a variety of P L A I N T I F F AT T O R N E Y: duties involving manual labor, STERN & EISENBERG, PC semi-skilled trade work, and 215-572-8111 equipment operation, as assigned by the Director of Public N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the Works. Applicant must be able purchase money must be paid to lift 70 pounds and work at at the time of the on-line sale. heights, in confined spaces, and Payment must be made via adverse weather conditions. Bid4Assets. The balance must Applicants must process a PA be paid within twenty-one (21) Class “B” with Airbrake, PA days from the date of sale via Class “A” and Tanker endorseBid4Assets. FREDDA L. MAD- ment are preferred. Applicants DOX, SHERIFF 6p-29-3t holding valid Class “B” or higher permit will be considered. All

criminal and driving records. Previous municipal, construction and/or equipment operation experience a plus. Starting salary negotiable depending experience, with benefits. London Grove Township is an equal opportunity employer. Submit applications to London Grove Township, Attn: Director of Public Works, 372 Rose Hill Road, Suite 100, West Grove, Pa 19390. Complete job description along with application is available at www. londongrove.org Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2022

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