It is so hard to believe that the summer is behind us and the cooler autumn days are upon us. It won’t be long before we (dare I say) get our snow shovels, snowblowers and heavy winter apparel out of storage and conquer the cold winter months. We live in an area of our country where we can truly enjoy the changing of the seasons. Can you imagine a Halloween parade when it’s light until 9 o’clock in the evening or a Christmas morning on a sunny, balmy 90-degree day? I can’t and that is why I think we share our love of this area and more notably of
our little “O-town.”
We cannot begin to thank all the residents and every friend or family member that visited our town and our businesses during the summer. What a difference a couple of years make. Two years ago, and even last year, many businesses may have given the thought to closing up shop either temporarily or permanently because of, well, many things. However, it is because of all of YOU that we have businesses in Oxford and the surrounding areas that thrive because you believe in small business as much as we do. The Oxford
Chamber of Commerce works with all our merchants to assist in bringing new networking and marketing approaches and just plain ‘ole help to every business in the fold. But without the support of our community, our customers, our true patrons of small business, we wouldn’t be here. For that, we thank you!
The summer months saw our first Memorial Day Remembrance Walk that was both solemn and honoring; three picture perfect Movies in the Park (can you believe the weather!), our 6th Annual Everyday Hero 5k,
our continuing “Let’s Do Lunch” networking events, the Covered Bridge Motorcycle Ride, the Roar to the River Motorcycle Ride and the OACC Annual Education and Scholarship Golf Tournament. Now we get to look forward to everyone’s favorite fall event— the Oxford Halloween Parade on October 27, in just a couple of weeks.
It’s easy to see the Chamber doesn’t have a “summer break.” In fact, the fun is just getting started and we are so excited to partner with the many great businesses and residents of Oxford
that make it all possible. On behalf of all of the members, the Board of Directors and myself, I wish you a safe autumn and a truly happy and blessed holiday season! Enjoy this new edition of the Oxfordian and learn a little more about what our town is all about.
Sincerely, Dennis M. McCartney President Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce
Across America started in Oxford in 2009 with 50 wreaths. Today 1300 wreaths are placed in the Oxford Cemetery and several other cemeteries in the area, including the old cemetery at Lincoln University by the main gates (the Memorial Arch). The Lincoln cemetery is the final resting place for 18 veterans. Although the Oxford Cemetery is the largest, the Mennonite Cemetery at 5th Street and Media Road and several smaller graves also receive wreaths. 2022 makes the 13th year of Wreaths Across America in Oxford. If you are interested in helping to place wreaths this year, please contact Clarissa Sherrow at:csherrow@zoominternet.net. The date for 2022 will be Saturday, Dec. 17 at noon.
The Lincoln University Alumni Memorial Arch is one of the most visible landmarks on campus. The arch was erected by the Lincoln University Alumni Association and dedicated in 1921 by U.S. President Warren G. Harding to honor the service and sacrifice of 167 Lincoln University alumni soldiers who served in World War 1. Founded in 1854, Lincoln University, is the nation’s first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Yankee 6 is a local group of veteran business owners. The idea was formed when Joe Yurick of JDog Junk Removal and Hauling of Lancaster County met Jeff Sanders of KW Realty, both veterans. The group meets monthly in a relaxed and informal manner to discuss roadblocks or difficulties pertaining to business operations. They continue to give back by volunteering and supporting other veteran groups. Their credo is By Veterans For Veterans. What does Golf Yankee 6 mean? Got Your 6 or Got Your Back. For more information on Golf Yankee 6, check out their Facebook page.
Photos by Jim Coarse, Moonloop Photography
Hearne tells the story of how she and her husband, Brian, along with general manager and partner Nick Kluge, are in the process of
transforming a sprawling thicket of woods, bushes and trees into a polished, 18-hole miniature golf course with clean lines and some interesting challenges. And guess what? All ages are welcome. Everybody can play. Mom Dad, kids and grandparents. In fact, kids and grandparents comprise
one of the more popular playing combinations at Timber Falls.
“My husband and I purchased the property in late 2017,” Mollie said in an interview, explaining that the original course at the location was built in 2005.
Mollie grew up in Southern California
loving to play miniature golf. She moved to Oxford in 2007. They were faced with the decision of what to do with the dense overgrowth of bushes and grass that had taken over the old course, which was called Tee Time at Ten.
“It was completely covered with grass and
junipers and poison ivy,” Mollie explained. “We really didn’t know what we were going to do with it. It was such a mess. We started cleaning it up in the spring of 2018.”
Little by little, they were able to begin clearing the grass and jumpers and poison ivy to discover the golf course that was hidden underneath.
“The bones of it were still really good,” Mollie said.
They even brought in goats for five days during one of the spring clean-ups to help clear out the wild weeds.
Kluge talked about how a miniature golf course first came to be at this location.
“Development started somewhere in the 2003 range,” Kluge said. “And it opened in 2005 and stayed open for around four to five years. And then it was literally just an overgrown field. I’ve had quite a few family and friends who have lived in Oxford for many years and never knew there was a golf course here. We didn’t build the course. All we did was rehab it with landscaping, concrete, turf, etc.”
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Initially the idea was to support the growth of Brian’s family business, Hearne Hardwoods, one of the largest specialty lumberyards in the world, featuring over 100 species of domestic and exotic hardwood lumber in stock.
“They specialize in rare hardwoods—really pretty stuff,” Mollie said.
As a matter of fact, the giant sign that will soon welcome visitors is made of Persian walnut and each piece is eleven feet long. “And it’s over 200 years old.”
As momentum continued to build, Mollie and Brian shared their enthusiasm for the project and the wheels started to turn. Just after Christmas, Mollie said, “We can make this happen.” Nick had similar interests some years before when he joined the Oxford community. And the area was starving for family-friendly activities.
“There really was nothing to do around here,” Kluge said. And so began the move to an exciting new place for mini golf in Oxford. Currently, they are having a soft opening for the business as work on the course continues. They are still waiting on the benches to arrive, and the holes need to be numbered. They still need to add some decorations and improve the landscaping. By the time next spring arrives, they expect visitors to be wowed by the miniature golf course that is open for Oxford area residents and visitors.
The top objectives, the owners said, are to add benches, shady areas, and decorations, as well as food. They plan to at least have ice cream, a refreshing treat that pairs well with a round of miniature golf.
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Those are our priorities in the off-season and for the spring of next season. That is where we are,” Kluge said.
He has been concentrating on several marketing ideas to get the word out.
Group outings have been well-received so far, for obvious reasons.
“We’ve had a lot of groups, from Bright Beginnings Education Center to the Lighthouse Youth Center in town, as well as Oxford Presbyterian Church on Pine Street and Ware Presbyterian Village. And we get a lot of grandparents with their grandkids,” he said.
As of now, all holes are par three. But that could change.
“We have a couple that I think maybe will change to four,” Mollie said.
Kluge added that two holes would most likely go to par four. “This course was originally designed with the golfer in mind,” he said. “We’ve been told that in the past, Wyncote players would come over here to practice putting, which is why you don’t see a lot of the gimmicks. It’s all natural elevation. Yesterday I think I had three different players come in with their own clubs and they were getting down and looking at the green, on one knee.”
Such behavior indicates that Timber Falls inspires golfers to a higher level than your typical mini golf course.
For those who might be a little overconfident in their skills to master the course, Mollie offered a fair warning.
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“People have said this is a challenging course as far as putting goes,” she said. “There’s one hole where we added a log over a grate where if you hit it into the water, it goes through the log. We’ve also redone the carpet. We did have a little concrete work to do around a couple holes. Other than that, just cleaning up the place was the hard part. We did patch up the waterfall and we added some wood accents.”
For all the hard work that’s been done,
Timber Falls Mini Golf is still considered in its early developmental stages.
“We didn’t do a grand opening,” Mollie explained. “We just did a soft opening because we didn’t have our sign, we didn’t have all our benches…”
A formal grand opening is planned for 2023, but in the meantime, there will be plenty of family fun going on in southern Chester County on Route 10 right off Route 1. And as Mollie said with excitement in her voice, “Wait till
you see that big sign.”
The idea for the name comes from two of the more impressive features of the course. Timber Falls – The timber reference comes from the adjacent Hearnes Hardwoods business. The waterfall just happens to be one of the more eye-catching visuals of the course itself. Together, they form Timber Falls Mini Golf, rapidly becoming Oxford’s go-to place for future outdoor fun for all ages.
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
For full-time day care, pre-school, and before-school or after-school care and summer camp, local families turn to Barnsley Academy.
The academy is located in the historic Barnsley School Building at 225 Barnsley Road in Oxford. Barnsley Academy was founded in 2013 by Amanda Taylor. She and director Katie Williams were both new mothers looking for child care that they could trust.
“We were moms who just had babies and we wanted to find people we could trust to take care of our kids,” Taylor said. “As they got older, we wanted a curriculum and a program where we didn’t feel like they were at day care all day. We wanted that sense of family. We look at those new parents and we see ourselves in them.” Barnsley Academy provides programs for infants from six weeks of age and up to youngsters who are 11 or 12 years of age. One of the important features Taylor was looking for was hours of operation that fit the schedules of working parents. Because so many families in the area are faced with a long commute daily, Barnsley Academy’s hours run from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“They’re just having new families. They have to go back to work and things are so expensive these days,” Taylor said.
The Barnsley Academy formula has proven to be so popular that families return with siblings and recommend the facility to extended family members and friends.
“People stay with us because we feel like a big family,” Taylor said.
Photos by Meghan Newberry Katie Williams and Amanda Taylor
Part of the family feel comes from the consistency of staff. At Barnsley Academy, parents know the person who will be working with their child on a daily basis. “This is not a daycare where you have to wonder who will be teaching your child this day,” Taylor said.
Children that start in day care typically move on to pre-school format at around three years of age with Pre-K in the year before they are going to enter Kindergarten. The success of that program is evident by how well the children do when they move on to public or private school Kindergarten.
Barnsley Academy makes an effort to teach students with a curriculum about a year above what is expected in the schools, so that the Pre-K class is learning at a kindergarten level.
“Kids are like sponges, and they will suck up as much information and knowledge as we
can give them,” Taylor said.
The Barnsley Academy formula rapidly became so popular that a second location was opened in 2015 at 660 Solanco Road in Quarryville with director Heather Robertson. Both sites have the advantage of plenty of outdoor areas for active play.
Students do not go out of the school environment for field trips, but they do have outside presenters come to the sites on a regular basis to provide enrichment activities.
“We have plenty of theme days during the school year. A majority of our focus now has been toward STEM learning to fit into the mold they are going to find when they go to school,” Taylor said. “You have to have a child that’s very well-rounded, not only learning-wise but socially. I know we’re doing a good thing with the education portion of the puzzle.”
For more information visit the website at barnsleyacademy.com.
Daniel Webster not written the dictionary until 2002, you might find an image of La Sicilia’s menu next to the definition of “mouthwatering.” That’s because the Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Oxford has been keeping families near and far coming back for some of the finest Italian dishes for almost two decades, and it doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
Victor Mascali, the proprietor of La Sicilia, opened the restaurant in December of 2002 as a simple, take-out only, pizzeria.
Over those two decades, the restaurant has grown to include an indoor dining area and a banquet facility while becoming one of the most popular restaurants in town.
Mascali practically cut his teeth in the restaurant industry, growing up working in restaurants owned by his parents Angelo and Anna up and down the East Coast. Eventually, he would move to Italy to fine tune his craft, before returning stateside, and eventually setting up shop in the borough.
Using his expertise in the kitchen and his wife Danielle’s experience in marketing and design, the Mascalis decided that Oxford was an area that could use a little Italian flair.
“My wife’s cousin lives here and we came to visit and fell in love with the town,” Victor said. “We decided to buy a home here. While driving through the town on my way to work, I decided Oxford would be a great place to open a restaurant.”
Offering something original and homemade rather than the chain restaurant pizza joints that used to dot the area, La Sicilia quickly became a hit in the tight-knit community.
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It wasn’t long before the restaurant would expand, and once that happened, Victor needed to lean on Danielle for more than just the restaurant’s aesthetics.
“I could not have done this without Danielle,” he said. “Behind every strong man is an even stronger woman. Danielle runs the banquet room. She is great at handling parties. I couldn’t do it (alone).
“She takes care of everything at home—I mean everything—and still helps with the business. We are lucky to have each other. It really wouldn’t work if we were not a team.”
But just because Oxford is one of those small towns where everyone knows one another, doesn’t mean that owning a small business is a guaranteed success story. The Mascalis knew they still had to integrate themselves into the community and do so with a permanent smile on their faces and an open door into what has become their
second home.
“We both knew we wanted a small town for our family and children,” Danielle said. “When you establish roots, it all comes together. We enjoy the love we feel out here, between everyone, the business community, and our growing extended family.
“Without the Oxford community supporting us from day one and through COVID, we wouldn’t have made it. The community has kept us moving forward to this day. During COVID we watched as businesses supported one another. We need more positivity in the world like we have here in Oxford.”
And while customers who walk through the front door of La Sicillia aren’t sitting around a bar swilling beers for hours on end, just like the old TV show “Cheers,” it’s become a place where everybody knows your name.
“Sometimes people come in and they don’t know what they want (to order),” Victor said. “(But since) we have become so close with them, we know their favorite menu items. Sometimes we know better than they do. And we take great pride in satisfying our customers that way.”
And it’s not just their relationship with the customers. The Mascalis have become fixtures in the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. They feel the business community works well together, and being a part of that has been a real benefit. It also allows for them to grow with the downtown area, as new ventures are popping up with regularity.
“Dave Eldreth and the Oxford Arts Alliance is certainly putting its mark on the town,” Victor said. “I was thrilled when they dressed up our storefront with a painting from a local artist and one that
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my father did as well. … It just makes me so proud to see my father’s painting up there.”
The Mascalis are also thankful for Cameron’s Ace Hardware, which paid for the installation of the art, and to Christine Grove, the Executive Director of the Chamber, who keeps the downtown area thriving with novel concepts and ideas.
As for how they plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary? Well, the Mascalis’ lips are sealed. “We have some other tricks up our sleeves, but we are keeping them secret for now,” Danielle said.“I don’t think either of us believed that we would stay in one spot this long. But we love it here. Our kids love it here. And we believe in the product we are selling, but more importantly, we believe in the people for whom we provide it.”
To place an order, reserve the banquet facility or for more information on La Sicilia Pizza Pasta Grille at 58 S. Third Street, Oxford, follow them on Facebook and Instagram, give them a call at 610-998-9889 or check them out online at LaSiciliaPA.com.
Enjoy good food made to order, to eat in or take out, along with the freshest possible produce from Kreider’s Market. The familyfriendly store is also your one stop for all your everyday needs, including grocery staples, tasty treats, and Citgo gas and diesel.
Located on the Lancaster County side of the Octorara Reservoir, on Route 472 at 2396 Kirkwood Pike in Kirkwood, the familyowned business has been a vital feature of the community for the past 37 years.
Founded by Lloyd Kreider and his wife Mary Lois in 1985, Kreider’s Market opened with Mary Lois making sandwiches and managing the store while Lloyd focused on the produce side of the market.
Transitioning to a new generation, the store is now owned and operated by the couple’s son Ryan and his wife Sandra. Lloyd is still growing corn tomatoes and cantaloupe on the farm that surrounds the store, along with some of the pumpkins that are a popular staple in the fall. They make sure customers will find the freshest corn through the summer by staggered plantings so that there will be very fresh white and bi-color corn all season long.
Because produce is all fresh and local, enjoy your favorites when they are at the peak of flavor. That includes seasonal milkshake flavors like strawberry, blueberry and peach in season, as well as milkshakes in standard ice cream flavors. If shakes are not your favorites, enjoy soft serve from April through October and hand dipped ice cream year-round.
If you are looking for a light snack of a full meal, check out Kreider’s menu for hot or cold subs and sandwiches, steaks, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads and other great food. Because all menu items are made to order any item can be customized to your taste.
Fishermen bound for the Octorara Reservoir can find bait for their hooks, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of fresh flower arrangements through the growing season, mums in the fall and holiday décor.
Over the years, Kreider’s Market has grown and it continues to do so. The latest addition is a dining area that can seat over 40 people. Eat in, or at the outdoor picnic tables where there is a playground for the youngsters and beautiful sunsets to view.
“We remodeled the entire store in 2020 and added the indoor seating,” Sandra Kreider said. “People say they love it. It’s a beautiful place to sit and meet a friend.”
Kreider’s Market has always had a strong following in the community. During the Covid-19 pandemic the store was there to serve when it was needed most.
“Actually, during the pandemic we already had established take out and we had gas and groceries, so we didn’t have to close at all. We became one of the few places that was open that had take out,” Sandra Kreider said.
Although there is no delivery, you can still call ahead with your food order to pick up and eat on site or to take away.
Food orders may be placed in advance by phone to 717–529–6944, so they are ready to pick up when you arrive. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Sundays.
Every Wednesday is Senior Discount Day. Seniors take 10 percent off most items (excludes gas, stamps, cigarettes, fresh flowers, milk, and newspapers).
More information is available on their website at www.kreidersmarket.com, plus you can find them on Facebook under Kreider’s Market.
2019, the Emerging Artist Gallery at
Oxford Arts Alliance
has given young and talented artists the opportunity the curate their solo exhibitions. With local artists from
years old,
exhibition
gallery continues
learning to
exhibit their art while
Trust Grant Recipient and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts student Holly Dudley. Holly has been working with drawing and oil painting and spending summers painting Pennsylvania
landscapes in the Lancaster and Kinseyville areas. Her work, which is on display until October 28, can be viewed on both the 1st and 2nd floors of the gallery.
Thanks in part to support from the Justamere Foundation, the Emerging Artist Gallery has been able to expand this fall and offer more materials, tools, space, and lighting for exhibiting artists to use in their exhibition.
In speaking about the expansion of the gallery, Caitlin Daugherty, Art Director at the OxAA said, “additional donations from John Baker, president of Chester County Art Association, allow our students to frame their artwork professionally, which pairs perfectly with the renovations we made thanks to the grant from Justamere Foundation. Emerging Artists now can showcase their artwork formally without the financial burden.”
“So much talent is out there in our community; we need to continue providing a platform for these students,” said Tony Derrico, Executive Director of the OxAA.
DannyHulse came to the United States in 2006 with the intent of marketing the Dubarry of Ireland brand here. Three years before, Hulse had become involved in Dubarry’s UK experiential sales and marketing platform in the UK. Seeing the success in that market, he and his partners went on to try the Dubarry fit in America.
In both countries, he travelled extensively introducing Dubarry through pop-up stores and events. When he first came to this country to promote Dubarry, he spent nine months up and down the East Coast.
When asked how and why he settled on the Oxford and Nottingham area, Hulse explained, “I was doing events looking for a place that would match with our brand. During that time, I visited Chester County and Oxford. I recognized almost immediately that Chester County and Oxford were the closest match to our brand. We did events here and received a great response to our brand. It was like the response we got in the UK. People here appreciate the Eurocentric designs and functionality of the Dubarry brand. Some of that I credit to the equestrian community, horse shows, and point to points. There are a lot of similarities with our home market. The customer is similar as well.”
Hulse opened Dubarry’s first office and distribution center in Nottingham in late 2006 to service their mail order and wholesale business. They added a store in downtown Oxford in the fall of 2019.
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“Originally, we just intended to set up a pop-up store in Oxford for three months before Christmas,” explained Hulse. “That experience went so well that we made the decision to open an outlet at 29 S. Third Street in Oxford. And that has turned into a success too.”
One of the items that is very successful worldwide is the Gore-Texlined leather boots.
Since there is the connection with Gore-Tex—W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.— Hulse was asked if that played any part in the choice of their location for a store.
“That is purely coincidental, but it is convenient to have GORE located in Maryland, and close to Oxford,” he said.
The Gore-Tex-lined leather boot is definitely the one to beat. Dubarry is the gold standard when it comes to footwear. Dubarry boots are handmade in Portugal. All Dubarry boots are cut and sewn in Portugal to ensure that every boot is made to the same exceptional standard. They are made using a special process that combines soft supple DryFast-DrySoft leather with a GORE-TEX lining. In addition the sole is directly molded to the boot, with no gluing or stitching, giving a perfect seal to keep out the water. The result is a fully waterproof and breathable boot. The combination of expert crafting and the highest quality materials results in a boot that can last for well over 10 years with the correct care.
They are known for being an unbeatable outdoor brand, but Dubarry is also the sailor’s benchmark of performance and quality with a range of boots, sneakers, boat shoes, and lightweight,
breathable technical clothing for both men and women. With deep nautical roots and a long heritage of innovation, they are one of the most trusted brands in sailing.
So is the target market only outdoor and sailing?
“It may surprise people to know that Dubarry has shoes and clothes for teens and
Danny Hulse, Dubarry of Ireland
upward,” Hulse explained. “We always see a surge in back to school shopping. Students buy our clothes not only because of the
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function, dependability and design, but we now also have some more affordable price points in the range which still offer the same attention to detail without a sacrifice on the quality. It is a premium performance lifestyle brand for everyone.”
Hulse said if they had to describe it, he would call it a casual, rugged, townto-country look. It’s perfect for walking the dog, traveling for business, winter in the city, hunting, or for every day barn work. Everyone is looking for a functional element. Boots and shoes can easily be hosed off.
Men and women in particular love the seasonal colors, and clothes that can suit your day to day outdoor work, or transition nicely into business attire. Ladies also enjoy the selection of dressy boots from the lifestyle collection and men find the Chelsea boot a staple in their wardrobes.
Dubarry is currently developing a Shopin-Shop model with key retail partners
in northern Virginia which they will be looking to roll out further. Hulse spends most of his time in this country but always manages to spend four to five weeks outside the U.S. Hulse has 10 employees in this country, and he credits their work for much of Dubarry’s success in the U.S. There are approximately 100 Dubarry employees worldwide.
Dubarry of Ireland is an Irish-owned company, established in 1937, with a collection of premium performance footwear, clothing, leather goods and accessories.
The clothing is made from top-quality fabrics with water-repellent and quickdrying properties and they also use blends of eco-friendly fabrics. Their designs incorporate natural materials such as bamboo and viscose, matched with recycled polyester to create lightweight but warm knitwear. Produced from sustainably sourced wood by environmentally
responsible processes, TENCEL Modal fibers are known for being exquisitely soft and pleasant to the skin. Bold colors and patterns bring any spring and fall wardrobe to life.
They are also known for hats, caps and belts that match the technical performance of their performance clothing and footwear.
Details are important at Dubarry. All of the senses are inspired when experiencing the quality, the feel and the comfort of the products. And you can feel it from your head to your toes and with beautiful accessories.
The Dubarry women’s hat, gloves, and scarf range has a selection of winter warmers to complement the Dubarry clothing range and add a finishing touch to any country look.
Tweed is also a signature of the collection at Dubarry. They carry the tweed flat cap, baseball caps and wool knit caps all in a
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Vixen Hall Kennels is located off of Saginaw Road in Oxford. On 22 acres, these country kennels are set away from busy roads and industry. Owners, Robert and Alexandra Satchell, live right on the premises and believe that the safety and comfort of your pet is first priority.
If you are new to Vixen Hall, take advantage of a complimentary day of daycare for your furry family member! This is a great opportunity for us to get to know them and introduce them to all the fun they will be having when you actually do need to board. Allow our staff to entertain your pup with play sessions, long hikes through the fields and woods, complimentary treats, and plenty of love and attention throughout the day! As always, feel free to pop in anytime our office is open for a tour of our facility.
schedule your overnight boarding stay,
or grooming
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
When a major event such as fire, flood, or storm damage impacts your home, insurance companies are there to process
your claim, but they do not do the actual repair work. Instead, they work with professionals who have the experience and equipment to do the clean up and restoration. SERVPRO of Kennett Square/ Oxford has all the skilled personnel and professional expertise to get the job done right. They truly follow their slogan, “Faster to any size disaster.”
Although the company name features Kennett Square and Oxford, SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford actually serves all of Southern Chester County and a portion
of Western Chester County from Unionville and Chadds Ford down the Route 1 corridor to Nottingham as well as Parkesburg, Coatesville and Downingtown areas. Sales and marketing manager Cliff Masscotte also has the Cecil County, Md. SERVPRO franchise. “About 80 percent of our business is insurance related,” Masscotte said. SERVPRO is there to handle cleaning from fire or water damage and water mitigation. They also are able to take care of mold even though, in many cases, it may not be covered by home insurance policies.
“The initial call from discovery to job completion is always a journey,” Masscotte said. “Water can cause a lot of issues. Sometimes it’s more destructive than fire. It can saturate the floor and the substrate underneath it.”
SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford is able to address small or large jobs for commercial or residential properties. The company has completed multi-million dollar jobs for hospitals, prisons, schools, and other large structures.
If a homeowner suspects their home disaster is going to be a small job, that could cost less than your insurance deductible, Masscotte recommends calling his firm or your personal insurance agent first rather than the insurance company’s national claims call center.
Masscotte said, “If you don’t think the damage is all that bad, give us a call first, or call your actual agent – they might be able to guide you in a better direction.”
When there is an emergency need, the company can provide temporary power
via generator, including temporary heat and temporary cooling. They also provide large scale commercial restoration management.
When SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford comes to the scene, they begin by assessing the damage and putting together a scope of work. Sometimes that calls for hightech methods, such as moisture meters to test the saturation level of drywall to see if it can be saved. They also use a the “docusketch” system that takes a 360-degree photo of the room and records all measurements.
Restore and repair is always a better solution than replacing materials, but sometimes the job will require serious demolition and reconstruction. “SERVPRO is a restoration versus reconstruction company. We would rather dry out material. We try to not do demolition if possible,” Masscotte said. “We try to save as much as we can. We also offer reconstruction services because it’s a kind of a one-stop-shop.”
On most projects, SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford uses its own staff for restoration, but if a project is very large they may bring in trusted sub-contractors to make sure work is completed in a reasonable time frame.
SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford is also available for non-emergency service calls such as HVAC duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, pressure washing, graffiti removal, post-construction cleaning, crime scene clean-up and bio-hazard remediation.
“Covid kept us really busy because we do emerging pathogen cleaning,” Masscotte said. The company had to follow EPA guidelines, state regulations and CDC protocols throughout the pandemic. “We were doing disinfecting, and cleaning— making sure we’re getting rid of whatever may be there so we can be healthy and not spread the disease.”
For more information, visit the website at servprokennettsquareoxford.com.
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selection of colors for men and women. They have an authenticity that speaks volumes about the person wearing one. Everyone should have at least one Dubarry Irish hat.
With a history of great craftsmanship and rural heritage, Dubarry has created a versatile range of clothing and footwear perfect for outdoor pursuits or for your night out on the town.
For more information on Dubarry of Ireland’s Outlet store at 29 S. Third Street in Oxford or for more information on their events, collection or distribution, call 866658-3569. Or visit www.dubarry. com.
And if you are blessed to live in Oxford stop by their outlet. Be prepared to do more than window shop.
“
Lincoln University football team did not play a single game on their home turf at the Lincoln University Athletic Stadium in 2021, for the very reason that their home turf was in the process of getting a state-of-the-art renovation. While the Lions were enjoying their temporary residence at Coatesville Area Senior High School, the $2.1 million renovation of the turf and track surfaces was fully underway. The project, which broke ground in April of 2021 and was engineered by Keystone Sports, installed a brand new Rekortan BSS 13mm single pour track – the same surface used at Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
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In addition, a new artificial playing surface for football and women’s soccer were also replaced. It gleams with the signature colors of Lincoln University from goal line to goal line, but most importantly, it tells a story that glorifies the university’s place in the history of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), honors its 17 national track championships, displays Lion Pride and showcases its commitment to remaining an academic institution of the highest order.
“The component that athletics and athletic facilities bring to the college experience is that it hosts events that invite the campus and the community to join together, which highlights the entire university,” said Lincoln University Director
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of Athletics and Recreational Services Harry Stinson III. “We look at athletics as a laboratory for the professional development of our students, and now we have the opportunity to engage the community in a newly-renovated stadium.
“We are also telling a story with the images that are on the field now.”
At the center of the football field, a pair of lion’s eyes are set within the LU logo symbolize the attack of a lion on the prowl. The end zone lion claw marks typify the actual paws of a lion, which have five claws on the front paw and four claws on the back paws -representing the attack of lions and putting opponents on notice that every time they enter the stadium, they must be prepared for a fight.
Perhaps the most significant marking at the new stadium field is the appearance of the Number 1, burnished into the turf at one-yard-lines at both sides of the field, signifying that Lincoln University was the first HBCU in the U.S. to grant degrees.
“With the incorporation of these images, we are saying that our opponents will fear the Lion, they’re
going to battle tested and leave here after a good fight, but we’re also saying that a student at Lincoln is set up for success because we put them on the one-yardline of life,” Stinson said. “They are given all of the tools and when they arrive in the end zone when they graduate, they leave Lincoln as a leader.
“It embodies the University’s motto of Learn, Liberate and Lead.”
With the completion of the new track and turf now complete – and as it continues to evolve as a premiere NCAA Division II program -- Lincoln University is preparing for the next phase of upgrades to its athletic complex. Beginning in the summer of 2023, Manuel Rivero Hall will receive a $25 million-plus renovation. The project, expected to be completed in the summer of 2025, will increase the capacity of the gym from 1,600 to over 2,500; make extensive upgrades to student-athlete facilities such as new locker rooms for all sports; develop new office spaces for administration and coaches; install indoor batting cages and throwing areas for baseball, softball & track/field; and build a
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student lounge, a study hall area, a 100-seat film theater, a state-ofthe-art weight room and athletic training facility, and an area to house E-Sports.
“We are excited to announce the renovations that were recently completed and currently in the works,” Stinson said. “The future is bright for Lincoln Athletics and that begins with having elite level facilities for our student athletes to excel academically and athletically and for alumni and fans to have the best experience at our events. To be able to see a plan come into action is truly rewarding and I’m excited for the future of Lincoln Athletics.”
To access the entire fall athletic schedule for Lincoln University, visit www.lulions.com.
he said. “It is convenient for us and for our patients. We have tons of restaurants and stores here, and of course the coffee shop right across the street. The Chamber of Commerce is certainly a great support to us as well and they are only a few steps away. We hope we are helping the other businesses as much as they are helping us.”
Soltys is also excited about how his patients have spread the word as well.
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing WriterNeff Physical Therapy at 46 S. Third Street has only been open since May 16, but the business is already thriving.
Dr. Adam Soltys, DPT, at the Oxford location, said business has been great.
“The biggest difference in this location is that we are located in the center of town,”
“We will continue to grow which means more employees, and helping more patients,” Soltys said.
Dr. Dan Neff, owner of Neff PT, grew up in the small town of Holtwood, and loves the vibe of a small town. He and one of his business partners, Soltys, are anxious to put down roots in Oxford.
Neff purchased the former Rite Aid Store and has remodeled the 6,000-square-foot facility. The property also has off-street
parking which is another plus for any business, and certainly for a physical therapy location.
“It will be convenient for people who have mobility issues,” he explained.
The Oxford facility is the third Neff Physical Therapy location.
Dr. Neff completed his undergraduate work at the University of Delaware. He earned his master’s degree in human physiology at George Mason and received his doctorate in physical therapy from Lebanon Valley College.
“When I started, I searched for a way to treat the spine in a safe manner that provided consistently great results,” he said. “We have found that the way patients get better is to combine treating the spine and then prescribing a structured exercise program. If you only focus on exercises without correcting the spinal dysfunction it
Photo by Meghan Newberry Bekah Trimble, Dr. Daniel Neff, Dr. Adam Solyts, and Adam Miller of Neff PT Oxford.
limits the healing potential of the patient. The patient feels better when we get all the nerves in the spinal segments moving properly.”
He added, “We want to treat people naturally without medication, injections, or surgery. It is amazing what we achieve when we put our hands on that patient’s spine and change the neural pathways. Honestly, when we were experimenting with this system, we wanted to find a way to make patients feel better immediately. That is the biggest difference in the way we treat our patients.”
Dr. Neff has traveled to over 33 states teaching what they have developed in the Neff Physical Therapy facilities. His treatment is cutting edge.
“We teach a two-day course,” he explained. “People travel from all over the United States to attend these courses that we developed in a small town. We are blessed to help patients with their pain.”
Their focus in Oxford is to make sure sports teams do well and that people in the
community are not in pain.
“Right now we just want to get the word out that when you have muscle or joint pain, Neff PT should be your first call,” he said. “You will get a treatment that will change your pain immediately, with no injections, medications or surgery. We will run sports clinics for young athletes where they can come and get immediate treatment and get back on the field.”
Dr. Neff currently works with U.S. Olympic athletes. “We have experience treating all levels of athletes. From your junior high schooler that is maybe not quite performing up to their potential to college and Olympiclevel athletes. Every athlete should be evaluated and treated at least before the season starts to perform at their highest level and to prevent injury. This is how it is done at the highest levels of sports.”
Neff is proud of his business partner, Adam Soltys, and excited about his contribution to the Oxford location.
Dr. Soltys, DPT is residency trained and has three years of medical training
in musculoskeletal ultrasound and electromyography (EMG).
Neff said, “Dr. Soltys has amazing hands and when he puts those hands on people, they get better. He will be a great addition to the community and relieve a lot of pain. He has worked with all types of injuries, low back pain, neck pain, headaches and traditional patients after surgery or injuries.”
Neff Physical Therapy takes most insurances, and they love working with a diverse population.
“The most important thing for me is entering into the community to provide a medical facility where patients can go to get immediate pain relief and do it naturally,” he said.
Besides relief from pain, the public will also be able to take advantage of a variety of informational workshops that will be given at that location, for arthritis, neuropathy, rotator cuff and more. Just give the Neff clinic a call at 484-756-8603 and help is on the way.
Submitted by Gail Roberts, Oxford Area Historical Association
Wheeler Boulevard runs between Lincoln Street and North Third Street near the northern boundaries of the Oxford Borough. It was named for Alson F. Wheeler, who wintered his circus on the old fairgrounds which had been developed by the Oxford Agricultural Society. This society purchased 20 acres across from the Oxford Cemetery in 1870 for the purpose of holding agricultural exhibits and fairs. The street on the south of the fairgrounds was named Park Street. Alson Wheeler was born in Poestenkill, New York in 1873. He had no middle initial. He added the “F” later for business reasons. According to information from the Wheeler family, Alson was involved with circuses as early as 1892. He and a partner formed
his first circus, Wheeler & Co. in 1893. He married Carolyn Hart in 1894 and went out on the road with his one ring wagon circus.
The family later moved to Schenectady and bought a farm. The couple had two sons, Alson and Leland, who would eventually
become involved in the family business.
Wheeler’s circus first came to Oxford in the winter of 1906 with the name Al F. Wheeler’s New Model Shows. During the winter, Wheeler leased the Oxford Opera House on the second floor of the Union School building on South Fifth Street. He earned income by putting on plays and showing moving pictures.
The New Model show opened in April of 1907 as a one ring circus which included two bands. They also had a “museum annex.” Before leaving town for a six-month tour, the circus paraded down Third Street and out Pine Street. According to an Oxford Press article, the parade included newly painted wagons with attractive harnessing. Always looking for a source of income, Wheeler auctioned off 200 tons of animal “fertilizer” before leaving town.
In 1908 Wheeler moved his family to Oxford. They purchased a three-story house on Pine Street with a barn that could be used for repairing canvas and wagons. The Oxford Press reported that the circus would again winter in town and Wheeler would rent the Opera House. The circus used the winter to develop new acts and practice established ones. A November Press article titled “Oxford Zoo” describes a “wonderful zoological collection” on the fairgrounds. Captain Snyder (also sometimes spelled Snider) was in charge of the animals which included elephants, bears, monkey-faced owls, a boa constrictor, a dromedary (camel with one hump), laughing hyenas, a giraffe, zebras, leopards and “Spitfire” the lioness who would be with the circus for a number of years. Spitfire was supposedly fierce and gave her former trainer great difficulty, but “purrs like a kitten full of milk” under the training of Snyder, who became a legend in Oxford. One of the stories told is that Snyder took a lion into a barber shop and cleared out the customers. Some sources indicate the lion had no teeth! The Press told the story of Snyder putting in an oak floor in the bear pen to prevent the bears from digging a tunnel to the borough reservoir. While he went to get more lumber, the bears tore up the floor he had just laid.
Wheeler brought income to the town of
Oxford. In 1908 he rented Biddison’s Auto Garage on Lincoln Street so that blacksmiths and painters could work on wagons. Wilson Brothers & Co. built three new wagons during the winter, a ticket wagon and two animal wagons. The Press reported, “They are ironed as staunch as battle-ships and will carry the name of Oxford and of their builders to towns far away. The landscapes and animal portraits decorating these wagons is [sic] the work of A.M. Wilson, and he is not ashamed of it; neither is Mr. Wheeler. The lettering and gold leaf ornamentations was [sic] done principally by Garrett A. Johnson.” D.W. Chandler built new seats for the circus. Ephraim Blackburn made tent poles out of poplar. Wheeler spent money on advertising with large posters and newspaper space. He also spent money on food for the animals such as beef and tons of stale bread for the camels.
In April of 1909, the circus had expanded to two rings. The first performances of the season were in Oxford on the fairgrounds. An advance outfit left town two weeks ahead of the main show. It was photographed by Mr. Ochs of Thomas Studio. The two ring circus was the largest show east of the Mississippi and had 60 horses, 30 wagons and about 70 employees. The main exhibition tent could seat several thousand people. There was an afternoon and an evening performance. According to the Press the afternoon show included “quite
a large number of ladies who thought they had outgrown the circus habit.” During the evening performance, some spectators had to sit on canvas on the ground because there were not enough seats. An estimate of 4,000 people attended the afternoon and evening performances which included acrobatic, juggling and balancing acts, a dog show and trick riding. Al F. Wheeler, Jr, did a juvenile clown act. The museum included a wild animal show, Punch and Judy and snake charmers. Captain Snyder worked in the cage of Spitfire. Apparently Mr. Wheeler was careful with the types of side shows and games that accompanied his circus. A Press article stated “The performance is devoid of smutty jokes and slang expressions.” Wheeler attributed his success to his system. Captain Snyder and Adam Gillespie were his “lieutenants.”
In 1910, Wheeler’s circus was described as one of the biggest wagon shows in the United States. New animals had been added and about 100 men were employed. One local man who was employed by the circus was Frank Frink, who worked in advertising and as an advance agent. A new circus tent had to be purchased because circus tents only lasted two seasons. Wheeler varied the routes the circus took in its travels.
In 1910, the circus was to travel through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, whereas the year before, the route had been
through New England. In 1910, Wheeler signed a five-year lease to winter at the fairgrounds. He also began a partnership with Andrew Downie and formed Downie and Wheeler’s World’s Best Shows. The Downie performers joined Wheeler’s in the spring of 1911.
In 1911, the circus began to travel by railroad. There were two tents and a number of side show tents. The main tent could accommodate 2,500 people at a time. Mr. Wheeler wanted everyone to have seats and reserved seats had folding backs and foot rests. The acts included acrobats, aerialists, riders, cyclists (including a blindfolded unicyclist who rode down a 100 foot ladder), unsupported ladder and tight wire acts, a new musical ponies act, 21 trained animal acts, two bands and a calliope, and 25 parade wagons. Animals traveling with the circus included elephants, lions, hyenas, bears, monkeys, dogs, parrots, ponies and horses, snakes, camels, antelopes,
wild boars, wolves and leopards. Horses and camels had wintered near Philadelphia and had to be shipped to Oxford. Animals also came in from Texas and a new lion cub arrived. There were 130 employees who were well organized into departments which had foremen and assistants. They had to be organized; over $2,000 worth of “trappings” had to be taken out of their trunks. There was a wardrobe department managed by a lady and a gentleman. Large quantities of harnesses had to be numbered. There was a chef for the mess tent. The Press described the circus as “Such a clean show with such clean proprietors.” The opening date was scheduled for April 22 that year, but unfortunately only a matinee was held due to a rain and snow storm. The circus did return for a show in September.
In 1911, Wheeler decided to winter in Georgia, but in 1912 new railroad siding in Oxford was added and could accommodate 30 or more cars. Wheeler’s railroad cars could be loaded at the beginning of the
season, and after unloading at the end of the season, the cars were stored on the short spur tracks in the south side of Oxford. This allowed the circus to expand to three rings. Railroad cars included livestock cars, flat cars for circus wagons and coaches for the performers and other employees. The railroad charged the circus a per-car rate instead of by weight or mileage, so the circus cars were built about twice the length of normal freight cars. A railroad car with the advance crew would travel ahead of the circus to put up advertising and make arrangements to obtain supplies such as feed and straw for the animals.
When the circus opened in Oxford in April of 1913, it had 18 railroad cars and over 200 employees. The Press reported that “They treat their men kindly, provide plenty of eatables, and expect good service in return.” In April of 1913, the Press described the circus as a “city of canvas” and stated “This is a wholesome show and enjoys a clean reputation, no vulgarity. . .” Boys from
Oxford apparently were employed by the circus when it left town for its season of travel.
In 1913 Wheeler purchased the Oxford Fairgrounds. By then he owned the majority of the stock of the Agricultural Association (formerly known as the Agricultural Society). Buildings and fences on the fairgrounds had been damaged by storms with high winds. In October, the Agricultural Association decided to allow Wheeler to take title to the fairgrounds and make the necessary repairs and additions. The Association would lease the grounds for their spring and fall exhibitions. Wheeler had a “ring house” built. Circus signs on the fairground fence could be seen from the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Central Railroad passenger cars which provided good advertisement for the circus and the town of Oxford.
Sometime during 1914, Wheeler dissolved his partnership with Downie. A Press article in April of 1914 refers to the circus as the Wheeler Brothers Greater Shows. Acts
Map of Oxford showing Agricultural Fairgrounds in 1883
that had formerly traveled with the Ringler Brothers joined Wheeler’s outfit. New acts including Wild West performers, dancing
tango elephants and a Mexican bull fight were added. The outbreak of World War
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I led to a shortage of horses for the war in Europe and Wheeler sold a number of his horses to help the cause. Also due to the war, the circus had to go back to traveling by wagon and the Al F. Wheeler New Model Shows had 32 wagons in 1915. In April of 1915, the circus had two shows but no parade in Oxford.
The circus benefited Oxfordians in a number of ways. It provided the people of Oxford a zoo when the circus wintered here. People could walk through the circus grounds and feed the animals “that once roamed the forests of Asia, Africa and South America.” (Oxford Press January 13, 1916). A Press article in April of 1916 estimated that the circus spent $25,000 in Oxford during the previous winter. The circus employed 300 people. Warehouses, hotels, boarding houses, stores, stores, carpenters, painters and print shops benefitted from the presence of the circus. Over $6,000 was spent on railroad freight.
Wheeler opened in Oxford in April again in 1916 with the name Wheeler Brothers Enormous Shows. There was a parade in the morning that was one mile long and included a big band chariot, polar bears, fife and drum corps, military participants, a mounted ladies glee club, fox hunt riders and hounds, polo players and ponies, a Roman chariot, trained elephants, Spitfire the lion, a cage of tigers, a calliope and a “wagon of funny folks.” The circus did a free exhibition on the Thursday before the circus officially opened. The three ring circus included a flying machine. After a new engine was installed, the plane was tested over the northeast part of Oxford and landed in Kirk Melrath’s farm in Lower Oxford. Many people watched the flight.
In 1916, the circus again traveled by train and its route included Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and possibly Canada. Apparently it traveled without Captain Snyder who had developed pneumonia during the winter. He planned
to stay in Oxford to perform dog shows and slight-of-hand performances in the Gem Theater in Oxford. The circus traveled to Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida in the winter and in 1917, stayed south in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama before returning north in the spring of 1918.
In 1919, Wheeler began to sell lots from the fairground/circus property. He became a land developer and real estate broker for the next 8 or 9 years. Information from the Wheeler family indicates that Wheeler continued to be involved with the circus business, including working with the Ringling Brothers. Circa 1928 Wheeler worked with the Silvan-Drew Circus which was having financial difficulties. He purchased it circa 1930 and renamed it the Al F. Wheeler Circus or New Model Shows. He brought this circus, which traveled by trucks, to Oxford in April, but a two-day rain caused the opening show to be cancelled. Wheeler continued to work with a number
of circuses including a partnership with Jethro Almond. The Wheeler and Almond Circus appeared in Oxford in May of 1933. Eventually, Wheeler did retire from the circus business for good and did real estate work in Oxford full time. He joined with Thomas F. Grier to run a real estate business, the Wheeler & Grier Agency. Many of the homes on Wheeler Boulevard were built in the 1920s, but deeds in the OAHA archives collection show lots on the street were still sold by Alson and Carrie Wheeler in the 1940s and 1950s. In May of 1957, Wheeler died at his home on Pine Street at the age of 82. He is buried in the Oxford Cemetery along with his wife Carolyn. Wheeler was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. Wheeler’s legacy lives on through the street which bears his name.
The author is grateful for the information shared by the Wheeler family, for the endless hours that local historian Frank Peters spent hand copying Oxford Press
articles, and for the volunteers that helped to organize his information into the Peter’s Papers binders. Thanks also to the Oxford Public Library for sharing a set of the Peter’s Papers with OAHA.
TheOxford Halloween Parade is scheduled for Thursday Oct. 27 this year, with a rain date of Oct. 28. However, Jim McLeod, the man behind the parade since 1976, said they have only used the rain date once or twice. McLeod, like many others, said the parade is important to him. For a small town, Oxford has a fine Halloween Parade—it is one of the best in Chester County.
Many people have been smitten with Oxford’s Halloween Parade. One of those is Mike Heron. While reading a beautifully written commentary by Heron about the Halloween Parade in the Chester County Press, I was instantly brought back to my own childhood.
His first paragraph read: “When I was a youngster in Oxford in the early 1950s, autumn in general, and Halloween in particular, was a special time. After all, we lived in a village surrounded by farms, and the time after harvest has always been a celebration. There was a festive fall atmosphere in our small town that included a nip in the air, the taste of fresh apple cider, a whiff of woodsmoke, and most of all for the children, a chance to put on an unusual costume and go Trick or Treating.”
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I spoke with Heron recently about his commentary and about the small town we both grew up in. He lived in the village and I lived on a farm.
Like Heron mentioned in his commentary, the “village of Oxford was surrounded by farms.”
I grew up on the Brewer farm. It is interesting to note that while I was growing up there, herding cattle across a road where one of my classmates always saw me, “the farm girl with her cows,” I remember my eyes looking at the ground hoping they didn’t know who I was. I may have wanted off the farm when I was on it, but after leaving not one day goes by when I don’t wish I was back there with my cows.
Heron was spot-on when he said Halloween was a special time. With fields cleaned and gleaned, after a long, dusty summer, farm kids were excited for Trick or Treating and always the Halloween Parade.
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For a farm kid, it was quite the reprieve from spending summers picking up wagon loads of rocks from fields before plowing, chopping weeds in pastures, planting, mowing, and harvesting. Summers were hot and itchy. There were bugs to contend with, snakes, and the terrible itch of hay assaulting your skin on a hot sweaty day. But honestly, nothing spoke relief like Halloween and the parade. Dressing up in costumes for Trick or Treating was one of life’s greatest pleasures, but dressing up to walk, march or be on a float in the parade
was the ultimate dream of this farm kid.
I loved being scared out of my wits so walking amongst the monsters, and zombies, and beautiful strangers that came from other nearby towns to walk in Oxford’s Halloween Parade was one of my greatest coming-of-age moments.
Seventy-two years later, after researching what history I could find on the parade, I stumbled upon those movers and shakers that brought the parade to life, or as Heron said: Oxford city fathers.
“Our town relished Halloween. Perhaps it was seen as a last gasp of mild weather before the next holiday, Thanksgiving, with the snow and ice that was soon to follow.
The era following World War II and the end of sugar rationing saw Halloween really take off in the U.S. Candy manufacturers geared up with special sweets for all holidays, and none more so than Halloween. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, the holiday was extremely popular. Back in the early 1950s the Oxford city fathers would dress up the downtown area with autumn and Halloween décor. There were dried corn stalk bundles tied around the light poles, scarecrows and pumpkins abounded, and jack o’lanterns were everywhere, to say nothing of ghosts and black cats.”
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Heron named the stores. I remember them too, because Heron and I aren’t that far apart in age. And as I’m writing this, the irony of an article written by someone who lived in “town” that inspired a farm girl to continue the saga, does not escape me.
Nor does it surprise me all these years later how the merchants, and city fathers and mothers, take great job in presenting the Halloween Parade. For years I’ve been intrigued by my town and the melding of town and country to create something that would unite all. Who’d have thought it would be the Halloween Parade?
But that is what it took. And I must say, after years of being in the parade, watching the parade and reporting on the parade I think it speaks volumes about this small town that was commonly referred to as the southern end of Chester County, actually attaining its rightful place as the “GATEWAY TO CHESTER COUNTY.”
We have one of the biggest parades in the county. As someone who has driven around for two hours trying to find a way into my home (in the town) after the parade, I can say the town of 5,000 has doubled their size and more, for that one event. People come from neighboring states and farther to participate and watch.
The Oxford Chamber of Commerce, the merchants, “the city fathers Heron mentioned,” and one of the greatest volunteers ever, Jim McLeod, have kept the tradition of the Halloween
Parade going.
Jim McLeod has been directing the Halloween Committee ever since 1976. However, he didn’t do it alone. He also sings the praises of Kathy Book, Donna Purcell, Corporal Scott Brown, John Schaible, Elroy Hess, and many more.
“For 20 years plus Elroy Hess has been lining up the parade. The Halloween Committee does everything until 5 p.m. After that Elroy takes over. Without him, I’m done,” he said.
McLeod also pointed out the Corporal Brown was responsible for re-routing the parade through town and ending at the Oxford Memorial Park.
This year the judge’s stand will be set up in front of Liberty Tax at Locust and South Third Street. McLeod said he expects the parade to continue and has actually written down the “key to a successful Halloween Parade” for whomever follows him.
“This parade is just for fun. It’s mostly for the kids, but those kids have grown up and now bring their kids. It is a tradition in this town and one that continues to grow,” McLeod said.
This year’s Halloween Parade will be another one to remember. It’s a tradition and a gift to the community from the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, local and out-of-town merchants, and all those who delight in Halloween.
In Heron’s words: “Oh, to return to those days of innocence in a charming small town.”
Thanks to the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, Oxford businesses, and
community, we can all experience that sweet innocence again.
And some of us are already eyeing up our spot to see the best parade in Chester County!
Mike Heron, author of a previous commentary on the Halloween Parade grew up in Oxford. His parents owned Heron’s Soda Shoppe on Hodgson Street. He lives in Atlanta.
The Oxford Area Civic Association along with the Oxford Area Ministerium will be sponsoring the John H. Ware IV Hunger Help Walk which is scheduled for Oct. 16.
Join your neighbors to help feed those in our neighborhood dealing with food insecurity. The walk is being held at Waterway Church, 550 Waterway Road in Oxford. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. with the walk beginning at 1 p.m. You may do either the one-mile nature walk around the church property or the three-mile hike around the neighborhood.
Pick up a walkers packet from local churches or at the Oxford Library,
Neighborhood Services Center or the Lighthouse to get sponsors for walking in the Hunger Help Walk. Collect the donations and put them in your walkers packet. All checks should be made payable to the Oxford Area Civic Association. Bring the walkers packet to the Hunger Help Walk. Anyone who is not walking can make a donation directly, by mailing it to the Oxford Area Civic Association, PO Box 34, Oxford, Pa 19363. All monies raised will be distributed among The Neighborhood Services Center, Church of God Divine Sent Food Cupboard and the Lighthouse Youth Center to help feed people in the Oxford community.
If you have any questions, please contact Jane Freeman at 610-932-2619. Thank you in advance for helping us feed those in our community dealing with hunger.
pantomime, is not silent but has real words and music—even after two decades of their performances in the borough.
British Pantomime – or “Panto” as it has come to be called in America -- is the genre of theater that is enduring and widespread
in England but seldom performed in the U.S. As Gary tells it, pantomime has its roots in 16th century England when it was politically dangerous even to be heard engaged in verbal dialogue within the theater. Hence the word “mime” reflecting the silence.
Time changed the prohibition, but the “mime” part of the name endures. It is bawdy, spontaneous, audience-engaging and is wildly popular abroad. In England, it is customary for most of the population to attend performances, especially during the Christmas season.
“It’s in their blood,” Gary said.
Gary, 74, and Caroline, 73, initially moved to the Kennett area from England for business. They missed pantomime not only for themselves but for their children. Seeking a nearby production, the closest one they found was in Vancouver, British Columbia. Longing for a more accessible connection, they decided to try doing one themselves at home. They got some friends together at a casual barbecue—and shared their ideas.
Their friends were encouraging, Gary said, so the Smiths thought it through and went ahead by writing a script and advertising in the newspaper for two audition dates.
“The first ad, no one replied. The second one, only one woman answered,” Gary Smith said.
Undeterred, he sought volunteers among 12 of their friends and a church organist to put on the show. They got a very good response. That’s how the KATS tradition took hold more than 20 years ago with “Dick Whittington and his Cat.” It was enthusiastically received and grew as time went by.
At the beginning of this theatrical journey, everyone involved did everything: the stagecraft, the curtains, the costumes, the sound, the music arrangements for the Kennett High School stage, etc. But as KATS progressed, roles became specialized among support and actors, with individuals contributing their unique talents for unique jobs.
Photo by Meghan Newberry KATS Board member Karen Belgam with Gary and Caroline Smith.More than 100 people participate now, with many of them being children in the chorus or in roles as animals. Others handle the funding, some do costumes and others construct sets.
A panto is traditionally based on fairy tales or regional legend stories, and Gary wrote the first few alone. He has been joined more recently by Clarke Greene and Chris Ramsey. The themes of the basic stories provide the framework. Each year, there is a new script and story.
The upcoming program for January 2023 is “The Magic Lamp – Aladdin Trouble” and will be presented in mid-January at Kennett High School.
The structure of pantos is unique. Each panto has defined characters like “the boy” “the girl” “the villain” and “a nonspeaking animal,” among others. Cross-gender casting is traditional and adds to the mood, as are the humorous double entendres in the script wording.
The audience plays heavily into the presentation as well with booing and cheering.
Every panto show has some music, which comes from a single piano or a small orchestra.
Props and facilities are always a challenge. The Kennett High School auditorium has been the traditional location.
Costumes come from different sources. Gary said recently that Peoples Light and Theatre Company had a give-away of old costumes which KATS took advantage of. “We also rely heavily on the Halloween stores,” he said.
Raising funds for the show has been a challenge from the beginning. The first show cost about $7,000 to put on. It’s now up to $30,000, prompting an increase in ticket prices from $10 to $12 for this coming year.
Still, Gary said, public support and donations have been heartening from the beginning, and they proceed with the aim of keeping the show a volunteer project.
The Smiths’ leadership has been based on egalitarianism. The actors are paid nothing, and ticket costs for the audience are kept as low as possible. Everyone who auditions receives a part, whether it’s in support or as a part of the cast. Sometimes they even create a cast or support position to suit the participant.
The Smiths live in Kennett Township and have two adult children. Gary is semi-retired and works with population biology and epidemiology. He spent much of his career working with University of Pennsylvania at New Bolton Center and the Philadelphia campus.
KATS also heads up Kennett Square’s sidewalk murder mystery in the summer and holds an annual murder mystery banquet for the company.
Caroline has been on the board of KATS from the beginning, and Gary retired from the board chairmanship and is now a “board member emeritus.”
Gary summarized his dedication to KATS this way: “We wanted to get away from traditional local community theater. We completely include anybody who wants to be onstage. There are loads of people like that. We always give them a part.”
To get more information about KATS, their schedule and tickets, go online to callkats.org.
Americans have enjoyed a long love affair with their automobiles. One need look no further than NASCAR sporting events as proof. A road rally is also a car sport – one that requires no special equipment. Road rallies are all about friendly competition with no risk. Speed is not the name of the game in a road rally – precision driving is.
Since it is not a race, how is the winner of a road rally determined? The team that is the most accurate in following step-by-step instructions while maintaining the average speed wins. Care to form a team? At least two people are needed in the car—a driver focusing on the road and a navigator reading the directions. Timing is very important since the safe and legal speeds must be followed. An average designated speed and time have been predetermined by the Oxford Educational Foundation. Winners arrive at the end of the competition as close as possible to the time. The further away from the optimal time, the more penalty points given. At the end of the event, the team with the lowest score is declared the winner. GPS navigation is a no-no!
Being an educational foundation, it is not surprising that the themes have centered on the history of the area. Last year’s theme was a drive that highlighted local landmarks. This year’s theme will provide a journey locating the many small villages found throughout the Oxford area. All that is needed is a running vehicle, some gas in the tank, and a phone with a camera. The phone photos are used to demonstrate that drivers have followed the correct route. The route will take about two hours to drive with extra time needed for registration before the event and the celebrations afterwards.
Since February 2016, over 44 women have walked through the doors of Oaks Ministry seeking a second chance. For a majority of the women, it is an opportunity to live in a safe and healthy environment for the first time in a long time. It is estimated that 29 percent of the homeless population in Pennsylvania are
Photo by Meghan Newberry Robin Martin and Dawn Griecowomen. As of January 2020, Pennsylvania had an estimated population of 13,375 experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Domestic violence is a major factor contributing to homelessness among the female population. Many women that come to the Oaks have left unsafe living situations and find themselves homeless.
However, there are other reasons women
seek to be accepted into the Oaks program. Some are starting over after a history of addiction, looking to change the people and places in their daily life. Others struggle with unemployment as a result of a criminal record. Regardless of their circumstances, at Oaks, women of all ages find a safe and secure place to begin again.
Oaks Ministry prepares women for financial independence and self-sufficiency during their time in the 9- to 18-month program. The founder and executive director, Robin Martin, spoke about the beginnings of this ministry.
“In June of 2012, God gave me a literal vision for this ministry. He led me to the scripture found in Isaiah 61:1-3. This scripture provided Biblical confirmation that working with hurting women was His plan for my life.” In February 2015, after much prayer, the Oaks Ministry was legally formed as a PA non-profit corporation and has its own tax-exempt status from the IRS. The mission is to provide hope, healing and restoration in a Christ-centered residential environment for women in need of a fresh start in life.
Robin explained, “There are so many stories I can share of God’s leading and providing. The Oaks Ministry is truly His organization.”
The first home, was an old farmhouse on a piece of property Media Mennonite Church had purchased for their new campus on Waterway Road in Oxford. Throughout 2015, Robin raised support and worked with the local community to restore the dilapidated farmhouse.
They opened the doors at 558 Waterway Road in February 2016. And once at full capacity, miraculously, God provided a second home at 21 S. Second Street. Both homes are leased from local Oxford churches, Waterway and Oxford Presbyterian Church, respectively, for $1 per month. Although the homes are located in Oxford, the Oaks Ministry receives applications from women from all over. There is a great need for safe and affordable housing for women and Oaks is currently looking for where God will lead them to establish their next residence in Chester County.
In addition to Martin, the Oaks Ministry has been led by a board of directors who all have a heart for this ministry. Currently, PJ Scheese, Terry Slaten, Kay Hoover, Darien
White and Mark Carey are all Christians from the local area who are leading and guiding the organization into the future.
Oaks Ministry is in a season of growth and transition itself. Back in January, the Oaks Ministry hired program manager Dawn Grieco.
When asked, Dawn shared, “I was brought in to help execute a more robust discipleship program, to increase awareness in the greater Chester and Lancaster counties, and to create a strategic plan to carry the ministry into the future while trusting in God’s perfect timing.”
On a typical day, the women get up, shower, do a devotional and then have breakfast together. The ladies are taught discipline, and how to be responsible and accountable. Recently, they introduced cooking and gardening classes. The women recently gave back to the community by washing windows at a local parsonage house.
Grieco added, “The next six weeks we will have an instructor doing art therapy on
Wednesdays. It’s amazing—the women in our program are learning to express their emotions through their art.”
Future plans include acquiring a commercial property to house 10 to 15 women and use the current residential homes for Phase II housing. The graduating women from the program would move into the current homes to live independently with others to gain even more stability and security.
Martin explained, “Those that take the program seriously have done very well. They come in with nothing and leave with a job, car, bank account and a place to live. God has provided for women who are teachable and willing to do the work to start over again. We provide mentors and mental health counseling along with a financial advisor who helps with budgets, savings and debt reduction. We support the women in their next steps whether they officially graduate from the program or not. We have even begun inviting our graduates back to celebrate and encourage the current
residents. I hear many positive comments and get calls every week for people looking to come into the program.”
She explained that they currently have two openings and four applicants.
“My goal is for Oaks to be the first place that comes to mind when women need help.,” Martin explained. “Whether it’s churches, other social service agencies, local non-profits, we are sharing our mission and getting the word out about the Oaks Ministry. The past six years have been both a journey and learning experience. We have a big vision and are looking to partner with local churches to establish a few more residences and are always in need more volunteers with a heart to serve our women.”
If you are a woman in need, know a woman in need, or would like to get involved with your time, talents or treasure please check out the Oaks Ministry online at www.oxfordoaksministry.com or contact Robin Martin at 484-368-7268 or email her directly at info@oxfordoaksministry.com.
Continued from Page 82
Join the Oxford Educational Foundation on Saturday, Oct. 22 for the fun of the competition! The foundation uses the rally to fund professional grants in Oxford Area
School District’s schools. The entry fee is a low and affordable $25 per car. Bring your friends and family!
Information can be found at www.
oxfordeducationalfoundation.org and on the OEF Facebook page. Entries are also welcomed on the day of the rally. It promises to be a great time for all ages!
Join the OEF for their Road Rally on October 22. Funds raised are used for professional grants in the Oxford Area School District.
Accounting / Financial
Chesco Business Advisors 610-255-7270
ABCPAServices.com
Expense Reduction Analysts 484-459-2383
Us.ExpenseReduction.com
Fenstermacher and Company, LLP 610-444-1215
FandCo.com
Innovative Financial Results 484-680-0745
InnovativeFinancialResults.com
Nawn & Co, CPA’s Ltd. 610-268-5501 LongCPAs.com
See ad pg. 46
Yo Sign Guy 610-329-4451
See ad pg. 16
Aristos’ Harvest 302-584-8386
AristosHarvest.com
Hostetter Grain, Inc. 610-932-4484
HostetterGrain.com
See ad pg. 32
Mt. Olivet Farms 484-614-5203
See ad pg. 74
Appliance Repair/ Sales
AtoZ Appliance Repair 610-431-3338
AtoZTotalHome.com
See ad pg. 26
O
ce Elf Bookkeeping 610-67-1353
O
ceElf.net
Paisley Accounting and Computer Solutions 610-444-2559
PaisleySolutions.com
Susan J. Martorano LLC 484-354-4581
See ad pg. 72
TBRE Consulting Company 484-365-5570
TBREConsulting.com
Woolard, Krajnik, Masciangelo, LLP 610-932-4225
WKCO.com
Advertising / Newspaper/ Printing
Ad Pro, Inc./Chester County Press 610-869-5553
ChesterCounty.com
Full Throttle
Wraps and Graphics 484-584-5607
FullThrottleWraps.com
Kennett Copy and More 484-732-8066
KennettCopy.com
Oxford Print and Design 614-406-5892
OxfordPrintandDesign.com
DeFranks Automotive 610-932-1113
deFranksAutomotive.com
See ad pg. 70
Dumas Sapp & Son 610-932-8564
SappQualityCars.com
Jeff D’Ambrosio Chevrolet 610-932-9090 JeffsChevy.com
Jeff D’Ambrosio of Oxford Mitsubishi 610-932-0500
Mitsubishiofoxford.com
McComsey Automotive LLC (610) 467-1330
facebook.com/McComseyAutomotive See ad pg. 72
Oxford Automotive 610-467-0076
Martin Appliance 717-786-7373
MartinsAppliance.com
Architecture / Engineering/ Land Planning
Concord Land Planners 610-932-5119
Government Specialists, Inc. 610-932-5563
Ragan Engineering Associates, Inc. 610-255-3400
Instruction
Oxford Arts Alliance 610-467-0301 OxfordArt.org
Automotive
Car Repair Services, LLC 610-869-5611
Car-repair-services-llc.business.site/
Collision Zone, Inc. 610-932-8330
CollisionZoneInc.com
See ad pg. 74
Country Chrysler Dodge - Jeep 610-932-0500
CountryDodge.com
Truist 610-998-1540 Truist.com
Univest 717-588-2233 717-806-8984 Univest.net
See ad pg. 82
WSFS Bank 610-998-0414 WSFSBank.com
Caterer
T&M Catering 443-553-3124 TMCaters.com
Chiropractic
Chiropractic Services 610-932-9061
ChiropracticCenterOxfordpa. com
OxfordAutoandTire.com
Oxford Mobil 610-932-5686 OxfordMobil.com
Valleybrook RV Body and Paint 610-908-7124 Valleybrook-RV.com
See ad pg. 72
Banking/ Financial Institutions/Mortgages
Citadel Credit Union 610-466-6608
CitadelBanking.com
Fulton Bank, N.A. 610-932-2100 FultonBank.com
Houston Baker/Fulton Bank Mortgage 610-306-7929 FultonBank.com
Meridian Bank/ Bill McDougall 484-568-5000 MeridianBank.com
MLB Residential Lending LLC 610-804-0391
J.Sceski.mlbmortgage.com
Presence Bank 610-932-7756 PresenceBank.com
See ad pg. 20
Fitchett Chiropractic 610-869-3222
FitchettChiropractic.com
Hometown Health 610-467-1141
HometownHealthOxford.com
Churches
Community of Love Lutheran Church 610-998-0282
CoLLutheranChurch.org
Oxford Church of the Nazarene 610-932-2584
OxfordNazarene.com
Oxford Presbyterian Church 610-932-9640
OxfordPresbyterian.org
Oxford United Methodist Church 610-932-9698 Oxford1851.org
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 610-932-8134 StChrisOxford.org
A Helping Hand 484-756-1674
Cleaning4me.com
Bob’s Window and Cleaning Service 610-932-4418
Oxford Cleaners 610-620-5499
OxfordCleanersUSA.com
SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford 484-576-7015
SERVProKennettSquareOxford.com
See ad pg. 88 Wash360 610-842-2104 Wash360.net
digiTEK Computer Services 610-467-1200
DigitekComputerServices.com
Lemmtec 931-224-8502 Lemmtec.com
Pierangeli Consulting Services Inc. 610-420-3563
Butler’s Home and Lawn 610-223-1198
Cedar Knoll Builders 610-932-5719
CedarKnollBuilders.com
See ad pg. 5
DiPilla Brothers, Inc. 610-932-2630 DiPillaBros.com
JFR Contracting 610-255-1471
JFRContracting.com
See ad pg. 11
Harbor Stone Construction Co. 610-467-0872
HarborStoneCC.com
See ad pg. 83
Install Solutions
610-467-0686
MyInstallSolution.com
Nowland Associates 302-731-1333
NowlandAssociates.com
McCormick Orthodontics 610-932-2917
McCormickOrthodontics.com
Oxford Dental Associates 610-932-3388 OxfordSmiles.com
Oxford Family Dentistry 610-932-9580
OxfordSmileMakers.com
See ad pg. 95
Spring House Spirits 610-593-7348
SpringHouseSpirits.com
Barnsley Academy 610-932-5900
BarnsleyAcademy.com
See ad pg. 40
Bethany Christian School 610-998-0877
BethanyChristian.org
See ad pg. 61
Cecil College 410- 287-1000 Cecil.edu
Lincoln University 484-365-7391 Lincoln.edu
Oxford Area School District 610-932-6600 Oxford.k12.pa.us
Oxford Educational Foundation 610-932-7200
OxfordEducationalFoundation.org
Oxford Public Library 610-932-9618
OxfordPublicLibrary.org
Science Learning Lab, LLC 443-350-6807
ScienceLearningLab.net
Technical College High School 610-345-1800
TCHSPennocks.org
Electric
Baer Electric LLC 610-932-6302
Baer-Electric.com
Penn-DelMar Power LLC 610-496-2885 PennDelMar.com
Viking Power Products 610-255-3332
VikingPowerProducts.com
Southern Chester County EMS, Inc. 610-910-3180 SCCEMS.org
Union Fire Company #1 610-932-2411 UnionFire.com
Employment/Staffing
Superior Workforce Solutions 484-681-2012
Diamond State Financial Group – David Tate, CFP® 484-885-0682 DSFG.com
Edward Jones Investments 610-998-9046
EdwardJones.com See ad pg. 58
Expense Reduction Analysts/Jeffrey Heavener 484-459-2383
US.ExpenseReduction.com
Gary Pawliczek, Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed 610-563-5853
Innovative Financial Results, LLC 484-680-0745 InnovativeFinancialResults.com
PRIMERICA – Charlie Delp
610-388-2573 Primerica.com
Thrivent – Marcia Upton 717-542-3663 Connect.Thrivent.com/MarciaUpton
See ad pg. 54
Philips Florist
610-932-8187
PhilipsFloristInc.com
Sonny Bea’s Florist 610-932-8339 SonnyBeas.com
Edward Collins
Funeral Home, Inc. 610-932-9584
ElCollinsFuneralHome.com
See ad pg. 36
The Barnyard Boys 717-548-5000 BarnyardBoys.com
See ad pg. 35
Martin Furniture and Mattresses 717-786-7373 MartinFurniturePa.com
Golf Course
Tanglewood Manor Golf Club 717-786-2500 TWGolf.com
Wyncote Golf Club 610-932-8900 Wyncote.com
Government
Borough of Oxford 610-932-2500 OxfordBoro.org
East Nottingham Township 610-932-8494 EastNottingham.org
Senator Carolyn Comitta 610-692-2112
PASenatorComitta.com
3rd Street Parlor (610) 932-2085
facebook.com/3rdStreetparlor/
Alluring Images Hair Studio 610-932-9308
AlluringImagesHairStudio.com
See ad pg. 56
Color Cut and Curls Inc. 610-932-7834
ColorCutCurls.com
Hairtage Hair Studio LLC 610-869-2100
facebook.com/Timsdreamcometrue
Judy Hastings Salon 610-932-9566
HastingsSalonWeebly.com
See ad pg. 36
The Nail Station and Spa 610-467-1300
OxfordNailStation.com
See ad pg. 42
Studio Blush 610-467-0772
StudioBlush.net
Brandywine River Valley Home Health & Hospice 610-998-1700
LHCgroup.com/locations/ brandywine-river-valleyhome-health/
Break Away Farm Fitness 717-529-2259
BreakAwayFarmFittness.com
CrossFit Thunder Hill 610-998-9348
CrossFitThunderHill.com
Gracefield Counseling 267-772-0148
GracefieldCounseling.com
See ad pg. 46 LCH 610-444-7550
lchcommunityhealth.org
See ad pg. 64
New London
Counseling Center 484-746-3112
NewLondonCounselingCenter.com
Write-Well Handwriting
Clinics & Occupational Therapy Services
610-932-9511
Write-WellHandwritingClinics. com
See ad pg. 41
Insurance
A&A Notary and Insurance 610-467-0898
Auto Tags Plus
610-932-4000 (Oxford) 610-345-5932 (West Grove) QuickAutoTagsPlus.com
KVIS & Coe Insurance Services 610-932-9350
KVISCoe.com
See ad pg. 17
The Surance Group, Inc. 610-932-3360
SuranceGroup.net
Thrivent – Marcia Upton 717-542-3663
Connect.Thrivent.com/MarciaUpton
See ad pg. 54
Yerkes Insurance 610-869-4065
YerkesInsurance.com
See ad pg. 33
Insurance and Financial Services
Chuck Weed –State Farm Insurance 610-932-2400
Here4YourFinancialFuture.com
See ad pg. 51
Interior Design/ Re-Design
Design by Daphne 484-897-0030
DesignByDaphne.com
Lawn/ Landscape/ Mulch/ Plants
A-1 Mulch 610- 932-7420
See
Butler’s Home and Lawn 610-223-1198 facebook.com/butlershomeandlawn
Carter and Son
Lawncare, Inc. 610-932-5703
See ad pg. 32
Howell’s Lawn and Landscape LLC 610-842-1683
Howellslawnandlandscape.com
See ad pg. 59
Huf Landscaping 610-932-3426
HufLandscaping.com
Scenery Lawns LLC 610-350-1764
SceneryLawns.com
Shelton Pallet Company 610-932-3182
SheltonsPallet.com
See ad on back cover
Valley View Perennial Growers Inc 484-883-0303
ValleyViewPG.com
D’Amico Law, P.C. 610-444-4555
DamicoLawPC.com
See ad pg. 13
Eichman Law, PLLC 484-734-0378
EichmanLawGroup.com
See ad pg. 23
Ira D. Binder, Attorney-at-Law 484-643-3325
See ad pg. 56
Lamb McErlane PC 610-701-4425
LambMcErlane.com
Miller Law Group 610-840-8400 MillerLawpa.com
Mailing/Packaging/
Shipping Services
Alger Pack & Ship 610-932-4104 AlgerEnergy.com
Baltic Leisure Co., a division of Penn Sauna
610-932-5700 BalticLeisure.com
Flower Baking Company of Oxford 610-932-2300
FlowerFoods.com
Herr’s Food
610-932-6400 Herrs.com
See ad pg. 2
Outback Trading Company 610-932-5141
OutbackTrading.com
See ad pg. 40
Scalewatcher North America 610-932-6888
Scalewatcher.com
Shelton Pallet Company 610-932-3182
SheltonsPallet.com
See ad on back cover
The Scotts Company 610-932-4200 Medical
Core Family Practice 610-612-9283
CoreFamilyPractice.com
LCH Health and Community Services 610-444-7550
lchcommunityhealth.org
See ad pg. 64
DEStorage.com New Garden 484-406-4100
DEStorage.com/NewGarden
See ad pg. 20
JDog Junk & Hauling Services 484-467-1424
JDogJunkRemoval.com
See ad pg. 58
Continued from Page 91
Oxford Mini Storage 610- 932-9111
OxfordMiniStorage.com
See ad pg. 27
Consignment Shoppe 484-614-1937
Non-Profit
ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford 610-932-0337
See ad pg. 21
Black Rock Retreat 717-529-3232 BlackRockRetreat.com
Canine Partners for Life 610- 869-4902 k94life.org
Divine Sent Food Cupboard DivineSent.org
Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation 610-945-4423 BraveEli.com
Family Promise of Southern Chester County 610-444-0400 FamilyPromiseSCC.org
Fraternal Order of Eagles 2666 610-932-9943 facebook/F.O.E2666
Good Neighbors Home Repair 302-593-6606
GoodNeighborsHomeRepair. org
Kacie’s Cause Oxford 610-998-9585 KaciesCause.com
Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society 302-540-9029 CallKATS.org
Lighthouse Youth Center 610-467-6000
OxfordLighthouse.org
See ad pg. 8
National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum 610-384-9282
SteelMuseum.org
New London Counseling Center 484-746-3122
NewLondonCounselingCenter. com
Oxford Area Civic Association 610-932-2619
Oxford Area Foundation 610-932-4627
OxfordAreaFoundation.org
Oxford Area Historical Association
OxfordHistorical.org
Oxford Area Neighborhood Services 610-932-8557 OxfordNSC.org
Oxford Area Recreation Authority Oarapark.wixsite.com/oxfordrecreation
Oxford Area Senior Center 610-932-5244 OxfordSeniors.org
Oxford Library Company 610-932-9625 OxfordPublicLibrary.org
Oxford Little League 484-343-5206 OxfordLL.com
Oxford Mainstreet Inc. 610-998-9494 DowntownOxfordPA.org
Rotary Club of Oxford 610-256-5794 OxfordRotary.org
SILO 610-932-7500
OxfordSilo.com
Street Lamp Community Theatre 410-658-5088
StreetLampProductions.org
The Oaks Ministry 484-368-7268
OxfordOaksMinistry.com
See ad pg. 4
Warriors on the Water 717-314-2800
WarriorsOntheWaterltdcom. wordpress.com
Woerth It Hollow 484-362-7116
WorthItHollow.net
Optometrist
Miller Eye Care 610-869-4200
MillerEyecareOnline.com
Other
Broadleaf Outdoors LLC 717-327-7420
Dixie Land Energy 888-517-3680
DixieLandEnergy.com
Keen Compressed Gas Co. 610-998-0200 KeenGas.com
CertaPro Painters of Western Chester County 484-842-0174
Western-Chester-County.CertaPro.com
Jones Painting 610-908-4515
JonesPainting.net
Photography
Jennifer Zduniak Design & Photography 610-955-4131
JZDesignandPhoto.com
Meghan Newberry Photography
MeghanNewberryPhotography.com
See ad pg. 51
Mirror Me Productions 484-883-7773
MirrorMePro.com
Moonloop Photography LLC 484-748-0812
MoonloopPhoto.com
See ad pg. 73
Neff Physical Therapy 484-756-8603 NeffPT.com
Alger Oil and Propane Inc. 610-932-4104 AlgerEnergy.com
AtoZ Appliance Repair 610-431-3338
AtoZTotalHome.com
See ad pg. 26
Cameron’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 610-932-2416
CameronsPHC.com
See ad pgs. 18 & 19
Chelsea Heating & Air 610-268-2200 ChelseaAir.com
D&D Golder 610-932-6305 DDGolder.com
Dixie Land Energy 888-517-3680
DixieLandEnergy.com
Leon C. Landis, Inc. 717-786-2188 LeonLandis.com
Oxford Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 610-932-9503 OPHinc.com
See ad pg. 47
Scalewatcher N.A. 610-932-6888
Scalewatcher.com
Voshell
Heating and Cooling 302-528-4184
Facebook/ VoshellHeatingandCooling
Glenroy Preserve 610-932-4267
OxfordAreaFoundation.org
Beiler-Campbell Realtors 610-932-1000
Beiler-Campbell.com
See ad pgs. 76 & 77
Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach– Chris Anderson 484-753-2692
ChristineAnderson.FoxRoach.com
Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach/ Patrick Curran 610-656-7382
JPatrickCurran.com
Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach/Deedree Erlichman 610-563-8370
DeedreeErlichman@FoxRoach. com
Keller Williams/ Jeff Sanders 570-412-4405
jeffsanders1@kw.com
Joel Brown, Beiler - Campbell 610-932-2982
Beiler-Campbell.com
Oxhaven Apartments 610-932-3700 OxHaven.com
Recreational
Andrea’s Academy of Dance 717-529-1065 DanceAAoD.com
CrossFit Thunder Hill 302-584-4096 CrossfitThunderHill.com
Herr’s Snack Factory 610-932-6400 Herrs.com
See ad pg. 2
Jennersville YMCA 610-869-9622 YMCAgbw.org
Jim Neary’s Live Bait and Tackle 717-529-2488 Jimsbait.net
National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum 610-384-9282
SteelMuseum.org
Oxford Area Recreation Authority 610-314-3783
Oarapark.wixsite.com/oxfordrecreation
Oxford Center for Dance 610-932-3267 OC4dance.com
See ad pg. 61
Oxford Karate Institute 610-998-0044
OxfordKarateInstitute.com
See ad pg. 37
Oxford Little League OxfordLL.org
Southern Chester County Sports 484-758-0855
SouthernChesterCountySports. com
Timber Falls Mini Golf 484-702-1377
TimberFallsMiniGolf.com/ Timber Lanes 610-932-8850 TimberLanes.net
22 BBQ Food Truck and Catering 484-883-0990 22-BBQ.com
See ad pg. 21
Andre’s Pizza Italian Restaurant 610-932-2221 Andres-Pizza.com
Ball and Thistle Pub 610- 624-6802 Wyncote.com Bellybusters 610-932-5372
facebook.com/BellybustersSubs Corner Café 610-869-5557
CornerCafeJennersville.com
Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Twisted Treats 610-932-9498
Flickerwood.com
Kreider’s Market, Inc 717-529-6944
KreidersMarket.com
See ad pg. 62
La Sicilia Pizza Pasta Grille 610-998-9889
LaSiciliaPA.com Neuchatel
Swiss Chocolates 610-932-2706
NeuchatelChocolates.com
Nottingham Inn Kitchen and Creamery 610-932-2778 NottinghamInn.com
See ad pg. 2
Pat’s Select Pizza and Grill 610-998-9191 PatsSelect.com
Octoraro Hotel & Tavern 610-467-1939
facebook.com/TheOctoraroTavern Rise N Grind 443-309-8814 RiseNGrindCafe.com
Rita’s Water Ice of Oxford 610-932-2523 RitasFranchises.com/Oxford
Saw Mill Grill 610-467-1909 facebook.com/SawMill-Grill
See ad pg. 7
Simply Sweet 484- 643-8296 facebook.com/simplysweetcupcakesandcakesbyash Sweet Cakes Supplies 610-467-1101
SweetCakesSupplies.com
See ad pg. 62
Tiers of Joy
Gluten Free Bakery 484-667-1369
TiersofJoyGF.com
Toot Sweets 610-467-1900 TootSweetson3rd.com See ad pg. 42
The Ugly Mutt 610-998-9000 facebook.com/The-Ugly-Mutt See ad pg. 30
Vanessa Ross Cakes
610-467-1800 VanessaRossCakes.com
Vox Vineti Wines 203-912-2810 VoxVineti.com
Coffeehouse 443-466-6859 facebook.com/WhollyGroundsCoffeehouse
Aristos’ Harvest 302-584-8386 AristosHarvest.com
BB’s Grocery Outlet 717-786-3210 BBsGrocery.com
Brandywine Ace
Pet and Farm 610- 345-1145
AceHardware.com/store-details/15574
Cameron’s Hardware & Supply, Inc. 610-932-2416
CameronsHardware.com
See ad pgs. 18 & 19
Candle Studio 1422 814-892-3007
CandleStudio1422.com
Country Girl Clothing Boutique 610-637-0518
CountryGirlClothingBoutique
Dubarry of Ireland 866-658-3569 Dubarry.com
G & F Carpet/ Flooring America 610-932-8724 GandFCarpet.com
See ad pg. 50
Honeysuckle Trail Country Crafts 610-932-7734 HoneysuckleTrail.com
Howetts Screen Printing and Embroidery 610-932-3697 Howetts.com
Continued from Page 93
It’s SO Lola’s 610-467-0774 facebook.com/ ItsSOLolas
See ad pg. 65
Pets and Friends 610-345-1145 facebook.com/JVPet
Keen Compressed Gas Company 610-998-0200 KeenGas.com
Kennett Copy and More 484-732-8066 KennettCopy.com
Kreider’s Market 717-529-6944
KreidersMarket.com
See ad pg. 62
Landhope Farms 610-467-0378 Landhope.com
Limelife Planners 614-406-5892
LimelifePlanners.com
Lola’s 610-467-0774 Lolason3rd.com
See ad pg. 65
Makers Cottage 410-808-5507 facebook.com/PickledPicklesPA
Martin Appliance 717-786-7373
MartinsAppliance.com
Nella Naturals
610-467-1555 Nella-naturals.com
Outback Adventure Co. 610-405-4733
OutbackAdventureCo.com
See ad pg. 40
Oxford Feed and Lumber 610-932-8521
OxfordFeedLumber.com
See ad pg. 25
RNJ Plaques & Engraving 610-932-4763
facebook.com/RNJ-Plaquesand-Engraving
S&L Fine Cigars and Tobacco 610-467-0700
SLFineCigarsPA.com
Sweet Cakes Supplies 610-467-1800
SweetCakesSupplies.com
See ad pg. 62
The Junction Consignment 484-614-1937
The Maroon Hornet
Comics and Collectibles 610-745-7640
TheMaroonHornetComics.com
Ware Presbyterian Village 610-998-2400
WarePresbyterian.org
VPP Security LLC 267-977-8706
SecurityVPP.com
Armstrong 877-277-5711
ArmstrongOneWire.com
See ad pg. 71 Auto Tags Plus 610-932-4000 (Oxford) 610-345-5932 (West Grove)
QuickAutoTagsPlus.com
Brandywine Septic Services, Inc. 610-869-0443
BrandywineSeptic.com
See ad pg. 3
Brock’s Fire Protection and Supply 610-364-1456 BrocksFire.com
Combat Elevator 844-266-2281
CombateElevatorInc.com
Design by Daphne 484-897-0030
DesignByDaphne.com
DLS Passenger Transportation LLC 484-362-4435
See ad pg. 67
Hero’s Quest Consulting 443-908-6264
HerosQuestConsulting.com
Howett’s Screen Printing and Embroidery 610-932-3697 Howetts.com
Lloyd Shetron Termite and Pest Control 610-470-7287
LSPestControl.com
Martin Water Conditioning 717-786-7373 MartinWater.com
Michelle Sapp Social Media Support 302-561-5681
facebook.com/MichelleSappSocial
Mitchell Mechanical 610-932-5002 M2Welding.com
See ad pg. 31
Oxford Dry Cleaner 610-932-9666
OxfordCleanersUSA.com
Visiting Angels Chadds Ford 484-770-8479
VisitingAngels.com/ChaddsFord/Home
Vistum Consulting 484-459-2383
VistumConsulting.com
Wash360 610-842-2104 Wash360.net
Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society, Inc. CallKATS.org
Street Lamp Community Theatre 410-658-5088
StreetLampProductions.org
DLS Passenger Transportation LLC 484-362-4435
See ad pg. 67
DuVall Bus Service LLC 610-869-2881
DuVallBusService.com
See ad pgs. 48 & 49
Oxford Transportation 610-932-2031
GLStudentBus.com
610-932-2702
Elk Creek
Veterinary Services 610-467-1488
ElkCreekVeterinaryServices.com
See ad pg. 55
K9 Connect LLC 253-312-8820
CanineConnect.guru
Oxfurrd Pet Spa 610-628-2210
OxfurrdPetSpa.com
Oxford Veterinary Hospital 610-932-8757
OxfordVeterinaryHospital.com
Vixen Hall Kennels 610-932-6980
VixenHallKennels.com
See ad pg. 43
Unionville Equine Associates PC 610932-6800 UEAVet.com
Britain Hill
Venue and Vineyard 717-799-7277
BritainHillVenueandVineyard. com
Britain Hill at Livery 717-799-3926
BritainHillVenueandVineyard. com
Flickerwood Wine Cellars 610-932-9498 Flickerwood.com
The Barn of Nottingham 484-832-9030
facebook/TheBarnofNottingham
See ad pg. 82
VoxVineti 203-912-2810 VoxVineti.com
