Chester County Press 05-15-2019 Edition

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

Volume 153, No. 20

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

$1.00

Township manager placed on paid administrative leave

Kennett Township investigating suspicious bank account transactions

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer On Saturday, May 11 at 10:15 a.m., the Chester County Press received an email from a Kennett Township Supervisor, with a headline that read “Important Kennett Township Announcement,” informing the Press that the township is currently exploring suspicious transactions discovered in its bank accounts.

At noon that day, a let-

ter was sent to township residents that began, “The Board of Supervisors pledged to you to have an open and transparent government. In keeping with that pledge, we are writing today to inform you about a serious situation.

Rest assured, the supervisors are taking every step to safeguard the Township and our residents.”

The second paragraph read, “On Thursday, April The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors, Chairman Scudder Stevens, Whitney 25, 2019, the supervisors Hoffman and Dr. Richard Leff, pictured with township manager Lisa Moore, in Continued on Page 3A

December 2017.

In Avon Grove, nine candidates vying for five seats on school board

INSIDE

A recent meet-the-candidates forum allowed the contenders to share their views of the school district’s future with the community

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Explore a world of arts this weekend...1B Photo by Richard L. Gaw

In keeping with the “Run Like It’s 1989” theme, runners Aby Diorio and John Kates dressed for the moment.

Celebratory theme attracts '80s fashions

Oxford tops Unionville, 6-4...3B

Beneath sunny skies, 30th annual Kennett Run draws 900 competitors

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer As the early-morning sun shone through the trees and pathways of Anson B. Nixon Park last Saturday, the welcome relief that the 30th annual

Kennett Run would get underway in great weather was quickly upstaged by dozens of runners who took the theme of “Run Like It’s 1989” and, well, ran with it.

One year removed Continued on Page 2A

There are five school board seats that are up for election this year in Avon Grove, and a total of nine candidates who are seeking to fill those seats. In Region I, the incumbent is Charles Beatty. He is seeking the Republican nomination in the upcoming Primary Election. He is being challenged by Dr. Dorothy Linn, a retired school superintendent who cross-filed, and is seeking the nomination on the Democratic and Republican ballots.

Region I is comprised of Franklin Township and London Britain Township.

Beatty said that his 40 years of experience in construction, including as a president and the owner of a construction company, has been useful while serving for the last eight years on the school board. The professional experience dealing with financial matters, as well as with cost projections, have been especially helpful while serving on the board, Beatty said. Beatty serves on the personnel,

CCIU legislative, and cocurricular committees. He has two daughters.

Linn enjoyed a 30-year career in public education, working in a variety of roles.

At the time of her retirement in 2014, she was the superintendent of the Colonial School District in Delaware.

She and her husband have three children who attended Avon Grove schools, and she now has grandchildren in the school district.

She currently serves on the Avon Grove Education Foundation board.

In Region II, which is comprised of Penn Township, New London Township, and voting district #1 of West Grove Borough, there are four candidates vying for two seats. School board president Tracy Lisi and school board member Jeffrey Billig have both cross-filed in the Primary Election and are seeking a second term on the board, while their opponents, Carmela Ciliberti and Mark Stewart Jr., are seeking to win the Republican nomination in the Primary Election.

Region II is comprised of Penn Township, New

London Township, and Voting District #1 of West Grove Borough.

Lisi has served as a school board member since 2016, and has been the board president for the last two years. The quality of the schools was the reason that her family moved from Montgomery County to Avon Grove 14 years ago.

She volunteered extensively in the schools while her family’s two children attended all four schools in the district. Lisi has 23 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with expertise in project management and operations.

Billig and his wife have lived in Avon Grove for the last 18 years. Their three children attend, or have already graduated from Avon Grove schools.

Professionally, his expertise is in managing profit/loss and growing businesses.

Ciliberti’s family moved to the area in 1989, and she is a 1996 graduate of Avon Grove High School.

After high school, she was employed for more than 20 years at the world’s largest Continued on Page 2A

Candidates for U-CF School Board Patton Middle School teacher named Innovative Teacher...5B

INDEX Opinion.......................8A Obituaries...................2B Sports.........................3B Calendar of Events.....4B Classifieds.................6B

© 2007 The Chester County Press

By JP Phillips Correspondent

about any of their relevant job experience, skills, and the top two items they feel Five of the nine school should be addressed over board seats are up for grabs the next few years. in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. Region A (East and West Current members Vic Marlborough townships): Dupuis from region A, Bob Vote for one Sage from region B, and Carolyn Daniels and Gregg Lindner from region C, are not running for re-election. Since school board positions are considered non-political, most candidates have cross-filed and will be listed on both the Democratic and Republican tickets. Board members are unpaid, and elected for Rashi Akki four-year terms.

An 18-year East Candidates were asked Marlborough township resi-

dent, Rashi Akki is running unopposed. In addition to what she learned as a district parent, she would bring to the board experience in team management, finance, budgeting, and project management from her time with Dupont and her own startup company. She’d like to be a role model for students in her chosen fields of science and technology.

“I think that our school needs to continue to groom diversity of thought, leadership, backgrounds, and cultures,” she said. “I would like to work with the board to continue to improve the school and yet be fiscally conservative.”

Contact: rashi.akki@ aggridenergy.com

Region B (Newlin, Pocopson, and Birmingham townships) Victoria Baratta and Scott Bosch: Vote for one

Victoria Baratta

An 11-year Birmingham Township resident, Victoria Baratta cites her experience as a parent and her work as a school psy-

chologist as benefits to the board. She also worked for the Connecticut State Department of Education in developing new teacher programs that focused on collaboration, mentorship, and high standards. She has first-hand experience in developing school wellness programs.

“Two areas of particular interest to me are wellness and curriculum,” she said. “Wellness initiatives address many of the important issues facing society today, including mental health, school safety, and personal responsibility. The development and implementation of a curriculum which prepares all of our Continued on Page 10A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Chester County Press

Local News Avon Grove...

Continued from Page 1A

commercial aviation training provider. She worked in various roles, including manager, auditor, and employee instructor. She is now enrolled in law school and will be graduating in 2020.

Mark Stewart is running for school board to establish a new facilities plan that meets the needs of students and taxpayers, to remain transparent to the constituents, and to continue looking for ways to improve Avon Grove’s academic excellence.

There are three candidates vying for two seats that are up for election in Region III. Two longtime incumbents, Herman Engel and Bonnie Wolff have both cross-filed, while Christina Fanning is seeking the Republican nomination.

Region III includes London Grove Township, Avondale Borough, and Voting District #2 of West Grove Borough.

Engel, a teacher for the Kennett Consolidated School District, has 27 years

Kennett Run...

Continued from Page 1A

from the 2018 Kennett Run – which was held in a consistent rain shower -- a field of more than 900 competitors joined hundreds of community members on May 11 that featured an overabundance of big hair, spandex, knee-high socks, short shorts, all of which was magnified by the continuous blare of period pop music.

Beatty has been part of the group that has said that the project is too expensive.

“I do support new facilities at Avon Grove, but I do not support the costs,” Beatty said, explaining that the plan that included a new high school and the one that included a new middle school were both more expensive than what he was comfortable with.

“We have a good school district with good outcomes,” Beatty said. “I don’t think a bright, new shiny building is the answer.”

Lisi talked about how a building project to address the district’s needs is long overdue—a previous school board came close to approving the construction of a new secondary school over a decade ago. The district has relied on modular classrooms for the last two decades.

“We have to have new construction to meet the needs of the school district,” Lisi said.

Engel pointed out that the district has relied on modular classrooms for so long that students have entered kindergarten and advanced

all the way to graduation and the modular classrooms have remained.

At least two candidates— Ciliberti and Stewart—have campaigned on a plan to stop the construction of the new high school and instead develop a plan that would include renovations to three of Avon Grove’s schools.

The forum would have been a natural opportunity, it would seem, to share details about the plan with the community. However, none of the candidates presented an alternative plan during the forum that lasted nearly two hours.

Ciliberti did say that she’s not convinced that the school district is planning for the best outcome by building a new high school, and she also noted that a minority of the board wanted to explore other options. Essentially, the board has been divided on the high school project, and many other issues, by a 5-4 margin, during the last two years.

Stewart and Ciliberti seem to be very much in line with Beatty and the three other candidates on the school board who view

the construction of a new high school and renovation of the current high school into a middle as being too expensive for the community. There are concerns about abandoning the current middle school, as well as the long-term financial impact that undertaking the project will have on the school district and community.

It was actually Billig who came the closest to referencing the alternative plan when he said that school district officials analyzed a wide variety of options, including proposals to renovate and expand the existing schools. An option to renovate the three schools so that the modular classrooms could be taken out would total about $132 million, which is comparable to the costs of building a new high school and renovating the current high school into a middle school. For minimal cost-savings, those buildings would be between 85 percent and 90 percent capacity from the very start once the renovations were completed.

“We studied this for five years,” Billig said forcefully. “We looked at so many

of experience in education.

He has served for nine years on the Avon Grove School Board, and his committee assignments have included the Finance Committee, Curriculum Committee, and Facilities Committee through the years.

Bonnie Wolff has served more than 15 years on the Avon Grove School Board, including several stints as the board president. During that time on the board, the school district has had numerous accomplishments, including the transition to a full-day kindergarten program, the implementation of a five-year curriculum review cycle, major investments in technology, and the ongoing effort to keep millage rates low while providing the best education possible for students.

Fanning, a resident of Avon Grove since 1998, is employed as a global account manager. She wants to prioritize the district’s facilities, and she said she favors building a new high school—but it should be built based on what the community can afford.

The candidates for Avon

Grove School Board took part in a meet-the-candidates forum at the high school last Saturday, just ten days before the Primary Election takes place on May 21. The forum provided the candidates with an opportunity to share their vision for Avon Grove’s future with district residents.

The forum was hosted and moderated by the Chester County League of Women Voters. Each candidate made a two-minute opening statement, responded to questions posed by the moderator, and concluded the event by making a twominute closing statement.

The school district is currently in the process of designing and planning for the construction of a new high school—the largest project in its history. One of the first questions posed was whether the candidates supported the new high school project.

The five incumbents who are up for re-election this year have already staked out their positions on the project. Lisi, Billig, Engel, and Wolff, have all been supporters of the project, while

While the pre- and postrace gatherings served as the stage to rock the look, the 2019 Kennett Run also fielded a serious cadre of competitors, who ran in the 10K, 5K and the Joe Hector PoweRun. The top finishers in the 10K were Daryl Brown of Exton, with a time of 33:50; and Leah Anne Wirfel of Fredonia, Pa., who took the top women’s position with a time of 36:33.4.

Chris Mullin on

Norristown took first place in the 5K with a time of 16:10.9, while Jen Fiorillo of West Chester finished first among women runners with a time of 18:58.

In the Joe Hector 10K PoweRun, Michael Perna of Kennett Square won the men’s division with a time of 40:42.5 and Kelly McConnell-Cox took first place in the women’s division with a time of 46:51.7; while in the Joe Hectore 5K Members of the Walk in Knowledge Team, led by coordinator Loretta Perna, served Continued on Page 4A

as valuable volunteers at the race.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News options. Public education is an investment to be made wisely.”

Wolff has also been an advocate for the plan that the district is pursuing. “A new building is a much smarter and better use of our tax money,” she said.

“A new high school will allow us to expand our technology offerings, eliminate the cost of portables in the district, reconfigure grades across the buildings so that we have breathing room in the buildings and offer a true middle school configuration of grades six to eight.

We get a solution that lasts for many years, instead of a short-term solution we’ll need to address again in a few years.”

The opinions that the new candidates have on the high school project varied.

Ciliberti indicated that she was opposed to the plan.

Linn said that she is absolutely in favor of building the new high school. “The key,” she said, “is to stay within budget. That is the job now.”

Fanning said that she “absolutely supports” the construction of the new high school, but wants to make sure that expenditures are kept to a minimum. The school district can only build what the community can afford, she said. She identified the proposed community health center, which is included in the new high school plan, as an example of a luxury item that she wouldn’t support.One of the questions asked during the forum was whether the candidates would support such

a health center.

A majority of the candidates, including Lisi and Billig, said that the new health center would be an item that could be taken out of the new high school project to reduce costs. It would seem, no matter how the election turns out, that the health center might not make it through the planning stage.

Ciliberti thanked Lisi and Billig for their responses to the question about the health center—she lives in their region, and she does not want to see the school district spend money on the health center.

The first question at the forum was about whether Pennsylvania is funding education appropriately.

Beatty said that the state is providing a lower and lower percentage of total education funding to Pennsylvania schools, and by doing that the state is placing a greater burden on local residents.

“I’d like the state government to find more money for public schools,” Beatty said. Engel said that unfunded mandates are an issue that makes it difficult to pass school budgets without costs going up.

One example of the unfunded mandate, Wolff said, is the testing that is required, but the costs of administering the tests falls to the school districts.

She also noted that state law requires that prevailing wage be paid for any school construction projects. In Avon Grove, it’s the prevailing wage of

Philadelphia, which is much higher than other areas.

This drives up the costs for the school districts.

Billig said that the best thing that the state could do is address the rising pension costs by taking action to finally solve the problem.

Linn said that, as a superintendent in Delaware, she had a lot of experience working with lawmakers on issues. She also noted that Pennsylvania is the opposite of many other states in that, here, most of the revenues are generated from local taxes.

The candidates shared similar views on a number of the topics that were raised during the forum.

For example, everyone was in agreement that the school district’s facilities should be utilized for enrichment programs of interest to the community. A question about whether the candidates believe politics should play a role in school board elections resulted in all of them saying that educational issues shouldn’t be decided based on politics.

Another question, about how the candidates would handle the stress of serving on the school board, did not draw any significant distinctions among the candidates. All the candidates were generally in agreement that the Avon Grove Charter School provides an educational option for local families.Another topic that was raised during the forum was school bus safety. Everyone was in favor of safe school buses,

Suspicious transactions...

and Kennett Township staff cooperate with the investigation, they are not at liberty to discuss the specific details of the investigation, the release said, which includes the name(s) of any individual(s) involved. “First, we don’t want to hinder the investigation,” Stevens said.

“Second, we don’t want to damage the reputation of innocent persons.”

The letter also stated the supervisors “have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the Township, its citizens, its employees and every part of our government.

We take that responsibility very seriously and we are working to do our duty quickly and in a fair and even-handed way. We want to assure everyone that Kennett Township’s finances are secure.”

The supervisors informed their constituency that they promised to keep residents fully informed within guidelines provided by counsel; yet, as they prepare for their May 15 meeting at 7 p.m. at the Township Building, the

township’s three supervisors – Stevens, Dr. Richard Leff and Whitney Hoffman – are likely to face a barrage of questions from the general public in an effort to piece together the facts of a story that potentially threatens to tear down the very platform of transparency that Stevens, Leff and Hoffman all campaigned on.

As Stevens first campaigned for supervisor in 2011, he did so on a pledge to restore transparency to a government that he believed was manipulating the township’s assets. A major part of his platform was his suspicion that the township had assigned a fictitious auditor to prepare the township’s 2009 and 2010 audit reports.

When asked why he believed the township may have concocted a fictitious auditor, Stevens said that the Township did so to protect public access to the financial records of two items: the healthcare coverage of the township board and the financial picture of open space funds.

Continued from Page 1A

were notified by the Fraud Department of our bank that they had found a number of suspicious transactions on Township accounts.”

In an official Kennett Township press release sent on May 11, the supervisors wrote that they carefully reviewed the findings with the bank, legal and law enforcement representatives and immediately referred the matter to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Also, steps were taken to make sure no further unauthorized transactions take place.

Mike Noone, First Assistant District Attorney, confirmed to the Press that there is an investigation in place, and that the Kennett Township authorities are cooperating.

A township supervisor confirmed to the Chester County Press on May 14 that township manager Lisa Moore has been placed on paid administrative leave.

In addition to cooperating with the District Attorney’s office, Kennett Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Scudder Stevens said that the township has also hired a forensic accountant to investigate the case at the maximum level,” he said, “by combing through every transaction from the past eight years, to assure us that everything is authentic.”

The release also said that the amount of money involved is still under investigation, but the amount of the transactions in question are expected to be within township insurance policy coverages if a determination is made that the funds were improperly withdrawn from the accounts.

While the supervisors

Charles Beatty

Jeff Billig

Carmela Ciliberti

Herman Engel

Christina Fanning

Dorothy Linn

Tracy Lisi

Mark Stewart

Bonnie Wolff

of course, but the discussion yielded a good public service announcement—if anyone in the community sees someone not obeying the law when a school bus stops to pick up or drop off a student, it’s important to let the authorities know.

Billig explained that one of his constituents in Region II notified him of a situation that was occurring where a vehicle was failing to stop for the school bus.

The school district was able to contact the State Police, and they were able to set up a patrol. They ended

up stopping motorists who weren’t following the laws.

Toward the conclusion of the forum, Fanning noted that taking part in the event was helpful.“It’s fun sitting up here,” Fanning said, “because a lot of good ideas are being brought up.”While the candidates didn’t agree on all the issues, there was agreement on perhaps one thing—the importance of district residents going to the polls on Tuesday, May 21.

Linn had the final word at the forum, saying, “On May 21, go out and vote.

It’s important to have your voices heard.”

(Editor’s note: Two of the candidates, Mark Stewart, and Bonnie Wolff were unable to take part in the meet-the-candidates forum.

Both were provided with a list of the topics raised during the forum so that they could provide responses for inclusion in the article.

Stewart did not respond.

Wolff’s responses are included in this story.)

According to Stevens, the township supervisors illegally took healthcare reimbursements for their Medicare co-pays and are not in the township’s health plan which Stevens said is a violation of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors code.

On Nov. 8, 2011, Stevens, a Democrat, defeated his opponent, Republican incumbent Alan Falcoff, and in 2012, took his place on the board with Republicans Robert Hammaker and Michael Elling, who both decided not to campaign for additional terms. Leff was elected to the board in 2013, and Hoffman was elected in 2016.

Stevens, who is now in

his second term as board chairman, said that he, Leff and Hoffman will address the investigation with the general public at their May 15 meeting.

“I have never attempted to prevent people from expressing their concerns, and I’m trying to be prepared for that eventuality,” he said. “There is most likely going to be a lot of discussion related to this, but it will mostly be an explanation of what we’re doing now, rather than what’s happened in the past.

“The fact is that we are all deeply saddened that

there is any hint of anything going on, and we are anxious that the investigation can be completed, as exponentially and as thoroughly as possible,” Stevens added. “We have worked as assiduously as possible to open up the dark corners of the township and to be sure that everything was open to review and open to consideration. And to the extent that it wasn’t sufficient -which we don’t yet fully know -- is sad.”

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To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett Run...

Continued from Page 2A

PoweRun, Tucker Opdahl of West Chester won in the men’s division with a time of 23:34.2, and Rachael Odorisio of West Chester took top honors in the women’s division with a time of 27:46.6.

“The Kennett Run has a history of bringing some outof-town runners who really like to take on a challenging course,” said Kennett Charities, Inc. President B. Christoper Daney. “This year, we had a lot of runners from Philadelphia, Ardmore, some who have run in the Boston Marathon, and the winner of last year’s Mushroom Cap 13. 1 Half Marathon last fall. They tell us that they enjoy the race because it gives them the opportunity to compete against some very strong runners.

“When putting on this race every year, we’re always concerned about safety, you’re always concerned about safety for the runners and walkers. We spent more than $20,000 on renovations to improve the asphalt on our roads and trails, as well as major trail repair in the last few weeks, so that there wouldn’t be any issues.”

In what has become a Kennett Run tradition, the competition brought out competitive runners and weekend warriors, as well as a colorful blend of locals and out-of-towners.

“When I was watching the news before the race, I thought it was going to be cloudy so it was nice that the sun was out, and that

Juan Pablo Galvez Fuentes came all the way from Chile to compete in the 5K.

It was not uncommon to see runners dressed in period clothing on the course.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The start of the 10K race kicked off the 30th annual Kennett Run on May 11, which drew 900 competitors and hundreds of spectators to Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square.

A total of 40 competitors entered into the annual Joe Hector PoweRun, held in conjunction with the Kennett Area YMCA, that features a biathlon involving strength and endurance.

there was a nice breeze as well,” said 10K winner Brown, who first competed at the Kennett Run in 1996, and has been a competitive runner for the past 15 years. “I just ran the Broad Street marathon a week ago, and I’m in the middle of a five-week training to prepare for another marathon, so I just wanted to run relaxed and not have to race and just get a good workout.

“I just wanted to maintain my pace and not have to work very hard. I’m just glad that it worked out for the best. Coming back to

my hometown, it’s always nice to have people supporting me.”

Wearing a wig that was reminiscent of the hair bands of the early days of MTV, Juan Pablo Galvez Fuentes was a first-time competitor, having just arrived from Chile at the invitation of his sister, who lives in Chester County.

“She told me about the race and said, ‘a lot of people there running will run will look a lot like you, Juan,’” said Fuentes, who also sported a mutton chop mustache, retro sunglasses and short red shorts.

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The Kennett Run also held a one-mile Kids Fun Run.

“I thought the eighties were done years ago, but it was really nice to see people get into the spirit and fun of what the Kennett Run also stands for,” Daney said.

For 10K PoweRun competitor Christopher Williams and his wife Ella – who ran the 5K – the Kennett Run holds a special significance.

“We were married on

May 19, 2001, so this has become our anniversary race, and we run it together,” said Christoper, who trained on his own for the last eight weeks to prepare for the event. He then pointed to his wife, who wore a shirt that read, “I hate running.”

“I’m a fitness guy and I enjoy running, but Ella does the Kennett Run for love,” Christopher said.

Since it began in 1989, Kennett Charities, Inc. has contributed more than $1 million to local charities.

To learn more about the Kennett Run and for official race results of the 2019 5K, 10K and PoweRun competition, visit www. kennettrun.net.

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Four Democrats campaign for County Sheriff in upcoming primary election Winner to face Republican Jim Fitzgerald in November

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In preparation for the May 21 primary election, four Democrats are vying for the right to oppose Republican Jim Fitzgerald in November, in the race to occupy the Chester County Sheriff seat currently held by Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh, who will be leaving the post she’s held since 2000.

The Democratic candidates include Dan Boyle, Joe Lunsford, Fredda Maddox and Michael Sarro.

Welsh declared last November that she was not going to be seeking a sixth term in office. She became the first female sheriff elected in Chester County and has been the longest-serving sheriff in county history. A Pennsbury Township resident, Welsh was the first woman to be elected president of a graduating class at the National Sheriffs Institute, and also became the first female president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association in 2009.

In 2011, Welsh was elected in 2011 to the board of the National Sheriffs Association, which oversees more than 3,000 sheriffs across the nation.

She currently serves on the NSA’s executive committee as third vice president, the first woman ever to hold that post.

She is co-chair of the National Coalition on Violence Against Animals (NCOVAA) and a board member of the National Flag Foundation.

Locally, Welsh is a member of the Rotary Club of West Chester and serves as vice

Jim Fitzgerald

Dan Boyle

Joe Lunsford

Fredda Maddox

Mike Sarro

president of the Chester County Hero Fund. She sits on the board of the Chester County Family Academy and the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School. In 1997, she was named one of the Top 50 Women in Business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

If elected this November, Fitzgerald intends to apply his many years of education, training, and law enforcement experience to the office of County Sheriff. His experience includes serving as Special Agent of the FBI for over 26 years. A graduate of the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, Fitzgerald attended UNC on an NROTC scholarship, earned a Master’s degree in Management from Troy State University. He served on active duty in the U.S. Marines for 10 years, where he was involved in integrated tactical operation of Marine assets, complex counter-terrorism investigations, sensitive undercover operations and coordination of multijurisdictional law enforcement activities.

Fitzgerald and his wife are the parents of four children, all of whom graduated from West Chester Area schools. For many years, he supported his children

during their involvement in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and served for 15 years as a coach, age commissioner, and referee with the West Chester United Soccer Club.

Democratic Candidates Dan Boyle Bio: A graduate of Widener and Villanova law schools, Boyle has been an attorney for 20 years and a business consultant for 10, and has also worked as a laborer and business operations manager. A father to a fouryear-old son, he volunteers hundreds of hours per year for nonprofit organizations.

Platform: Boyle wants to create fiscal responsibility by eliminating needless spending; provide complete transparency through monthly town hall meetings; review policies and procedures to ensure the objectives of the office, its employees, the taxpayers and residents receive the best possible service; create a program to provide a countywide compassionate plan ensuring seniors can age in place and reduce homelessness; enact criminal justice reform; enhance public safety by ensuring that all officers are fully qualified and trained to keep the county safe; and provide increased school

safety for children.

Web: www.danboylefor sheriff.com Joe Lunsford Bio: A longtime Chester County employee, Lunsford started as a corrections officer in 1985 before being promoted to a sergeant under Sheriff Welsh. He has supervised all proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas for over 25 years, working with attorneys, the public, the deputies, the judges, and their staff. During his career, Lunsford has received numerous certifications, as well as active shooter training, police officer supervisor training, United States Marshall Judicial Security training, and many other forms of training. He has received commendations for apprehending one of Chester County’s Most Wanted and apprehending many robbery suspects. He and Wendy, his wife of 32 years, have one son and two grandchildren.

Platform: Lunsford wants to seek financial transparency and use his experience in law enforcement to restore “the integrity of the office.”

Web: http://chescodems.org/ lunsford-joe Fredda Maddox Bio: A practicing attorney for

the past 20 years, Maddox was one of the first women to serve as a Pennsylvania State Trooper in Chester County, and was a narcotics agent for the Bureau of Narcotics in the Pa. Office of the Attorney General, where she also served in the Bureau of Criminal Investigations as a Special Agent.

As a special agent in the PA Office of the Attorney General, she exposed illegal billing practices in health care and arrested a high-ranking correctional officer involved in a prison scam. As a practicing attorney, she represents children who were sexually abused and seeks Protection from Abuse orders for victims of domestic violence.

Platform: Maddox wants to continue to educate and build bridges among law enforcement and community members regardless of color, gender, religion and other differences; protect the community and citizen rights; work as an advocate for all citizens, especially those who lack access, resources, and opportunity; protect the rights of survivors of domestic violence and children’s rights; and partner with other law enforcement agencies in the country and region.

Web: www.maddoxfor sheriff.com Mike Sarro Bio: Sarro served in the U.S. Military for nine years, and is now a paramedic and part-time police officer, whose public service also includes nearly four years in the Sheriff’s office. He plans to bring a fresh and energetic perspective to the campaign, utilizing the determination he has needed to overcome adversity throughout his adult life. As a Purple Heart recipient who has fought his injuries and overcome them, Sarro is ready to provide a fresh approach and new leadership in Chester County. Mike is a father to three kids and has been married to his wife for 14 years. He coaches Little League baseball in West Bradford in his free time.

Platform: Sarro understands what is needed to move the Sheriff’s Department forward and restore confidence in the office. Transparency and accountability are his key priorities.

Web: chescodems.org/ Michael-sarro To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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KCSD’s Region A has a crowded field for Democratic school board candidates

By Chris Barber Correspondent

In the upcoming primary election on May 21, Region A (Kennett Square) voters are being asked to select candidates for the two four-year terms on the Kennett School Board, as well as one candidate to finish out the two years of unexpired seat that became vacant in 2018 and was filled by Steven Ciprani.

In Region A, the Republican race is uncontested with incumbents Nick Perigo and Steven Ciprani being the only contenders. They both crossfiled and are running as well on the Democratic ballot.

In Pennsylvania school board and judiciary primaries, candidates are allowed to “cross file.” That means they can petition to run as both Democrats and Republicans, based on the philosophy that those offices traditionally function (or should function) on a nonpartisan basis.

On the Democratic ballot, however, in addition to Ciprani and Perigo, three other individuals have filed. They are Maribel Garcia, Ann Parry and Aline Frank.

Ciprani, 34, a former teacher in the West Chester School District, operates a real estate consulting firm with his wife.

He was appointed to fill the unexpired term on the school board in October 2018 after Mark Bowden resigned.

Having been influenced by the politics and social activism of the Obama years, he said he feels now is the time for him to become involved in the community.

He majored in Latin and history at Villanova University, and said he is an advocate of the arts and the humanities

Photos by Chris Barber

Steven Ciprani

Ann Parry

Aline Frank

Maribel Garcia

Nick Perigo

beyond the basic sciences and technology currently popular in the STEM culture.

Ciprani is on the Curriculum Committee of the board with Frank wants to see an education that enables students of all abilities and achievements to find out what is good for them. … “more equitable,” he said.

He added that he is in favor of some standardized tests to track a student’s progress, within limitations. “But not 50 of them,” he said.

The district is currently in search of a new superintendent to replace retiring superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti. Ciprani said he wants to see someone who has a strong sense of academics and a good public face.

When he was asked what he considers a challenge for the district, he said he is hopeful that positions on the school board do not become politicized.

Frank, 62, works with migrant programs in the Avon Grove schools. She is a current member of the Kennett School Board and serves on the Curriculum Committee.

Her family started out in urban schools, she said, and when she moved to Kennett Square she saw big contrast. She realized that the citizens had a significant role in determining how the schools were run.

Frank said that in Pennsylvania the school boards have control over the

school’s curriculum, and that is important to her. She wants to keep Kennett’s curriculum strong.

She said she is also concerned specifically about the amount borough residents pay to the school, because in addition to the annual property tax, the school also obtains a share of the Kennett Square earned income tax.

Frank is an advocate for early childhood readiness for kindergarten and programs for English language learners.

Because a large amount of money goes for teacher pensions each year, she said she vows to work hard to keep taxes as low as possible by making prudent spending decisions.

Frank is fond of the Kennett School District’s academic reputation but is also pleased that students have earned sportsmanship awards. One of her dreams for the district is attracting more families into the area.

Garcia, 38, is a care monitor and housekeeper in the Kennett Square area. She came to Kennett Square 17 years ago from Mexico to be with her then-husband, who worked in the area. She has four children in the Kennett schools: three in the high school and one in middle school.

She said she is pleased with the education her children are getting in the district, but she would like to see the

elimination of out-of-school suspensions. “It is difficult on families and they don’t get help correcting bad behavior (under that system).”

Garcia said she would also like to see the Kennett School District engage more with the local police. She said such engagement would give the kids tools and courage to make wise decisions as they enter society.

Another priority of hers is for the district to offer more counseling and to bring the diverse cultures closer together.

Parry, 39, teaches English to non-English-speaking students in Brookside Elementary School in Newark, Del. She said she has always been passionate about education, having taught in Head Start and traveled internationally.

She grew up in the area, attended Unionville High School and considers southern Chester County “home.” As an educator living in Kennett Square, she said she is interested in how schools are run. She is also constantly reminded of the cultural diversity in the area as well. “We have communities that have lied side-by-side for years. We are starting to become engaged,” she said.

Speaking as an advocate of those who have moved to the area from other countries, she said she has spent a lot of time listening to the concerns of people come here, especially from Mexico, Guatemala,

Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru and Panama.

As a prospective member of school board, she said, “My first role is to listen and learn. I love the exchange of ideas.”

Her dream for the Kennett is to create high school seniors that understand diversity is the strength.

Perigo, 59, is a self-employed brick layer. He grew up in Kennett Square and has been on the Kennett School Board for 12 years. Before that, he served 10 years on the borough council and has been heavily involved in borough activities.

A 1977 graduate of Kennett High School, Perigo said he is devoted to Kennett Square. “I bleed blue and will fight for the town to the end,” he said.

A graduate of Williamson Trade School, he is a proponent of vocational education. He said excessive emphasis on academics to the exclusion to preparation for professions like plumbing, construction and repair is not productive for society. “Who are you going to call when the heater breaks? We need those people too,” he said.

To that end, he said he wants to see more students engaged in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and vocational programs – especially more girls.

In addition to finding a new superintendent, he sees as challenges school security, the need for mental health services

and the continued funding of teacher retirement pensions.

The pension contributions are mandated by the state.

A third candidate for Region A will be nominated in the May 21 primary for the unexpired term now held by Ciprani. An unexpired term means that the person who was selected to fill that seat (or someone else) must run in next election.

Currently Ryan Bowers is the sole candidate on the Democratic ballot. There is no one listed on the Republican ballot, but should someone come out of the Primary Election with more than 10 votes, that top person will emerge as the Republican candidate in November’s election.

According to Chester County Voter Services, write-in names must not be on stickers or stamps and must be in black ink. Candidates who received write-in votes must provide voter services with a request for the votes and indicate various nicknames or spellings that might have appeared. That letter needs to have been notarized as well.

The Kennett Consolidated School District is composed of representatives of three Regions: Region A, B and C. Region B is New Garden, and Region C is Kennett Township plus East Marlborough Independent Number 1. The primaries in those regions are uncontested.

A crowded field seeks seats on Oxford Borough Council

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

There will be some new faces on Oxford Borough Council in 2020, and the Primary Election begins the process of determining who those new faces will be.

There are three council seats up for election this year, and just one incumbent—Peggy Ann Russell—is seeking reelection as council president Sue Lombardi and council member John Thompson have both opted not to seek another term. Lombardi is finishing up her third term, while Thompson is concluding his second term.

There are eight people seeking to fill the three seats so there will likely still be a crowded field after the Primary Election on May 21.

The Democrats seeking the nomination include Russell, Kathryn Goodley Cloyd, and Marybeth Rizzo Moore, while the Republicans are Mary Lou Baily, Joseph B. Emhof III, Philip Harris, Joseph Martinelli, and Michele Rich-Ianieri.

Russell, who is currently in her fourth year on council, said that her experience was a reason that she wanted to seek another term.

She explained, “After the Council approved the construction of the MultiModel Transit Center, I felt it was necessary to run again to provide some continuity on the Council. Otherwise, there would be three brand new members, three members with two years of experience, and Mr. Hershey, who travels a lot for his employment. This is in no way a reflection upon Mrs. Lombardi and Mr. Thompson, who chose not to run. They have served twelve and eight years, I

have only served one term. One goal for Council, as I see it, is to manage the construction costs as responsibly as possible and do everything in our power to make this successful. Although there were many mixed feelings about the project, it is being constructed, and we want it to be all that the proponents dream it can be. There are other important issues that are dealt with on a continuing basis so it is not all about the “parking garage.” There is the Sewer Authority, ordinances to help the community welcome new businesses and still maintain the culture which draws people to Oxford, the environment, safety, our youth, etc. All of these require transparency, dialogue, and engagement with the residents and taxpayers, businesses and visitors.”

Michele Rich-Ianieri said that she never had any aspirations to run for a political office. But she was a strong opponent of the parking garage project, and was not pleased with borough council’s process of making its decisions about the project.

She explained, “It was not the concept of such a large and costly structure, but rather the behavior of our elected officials.

Residents and taxpayers were faced with the inability to question perceived “authorities” and Council exhibited an everincreasing desire of absolute authority over the project and the people.”

She said that Oxford Borough is “a community divided by local government’s inability or unwillingness to represent those for whom they were elected to represent and the peoples’ unwillingness to accept less.”

Rich-Ianieri said that she wants to help rebuild Oxford

by enhancing community involvement in local government activities. If elected, she would ensure full transparency of the parking garage project, while keeping the promise that taxpayer money will not be used to fund the parking garage’s construction or maintenance.

Other goals include “revisiting local ordinances that are causing undo financial hardships to property owners, continuously working toward rebuilding the public’s trust, and demanding more transparency from the special interest groups that seek financial support from taxpayer funds.”

She added, “It would be an honor to join like-minded individuals such as Peggy A. Russell and Kathryn Goodley Cloyd, whom I have had the opportunity to work with in the past, to build the Oxford of the future.”

Mary Lou Baily was born and raised in Southern Chester County and is a graduate of Avon Grove High School. She earned her degree in architecture from Temple University and followed her passion for non-profits by moving to Washington, DC upon graduation. After marrying her husband and having their first son they rediscovered the joys of the Southern Chester County lifestyle and became enthralled with Oxford. They chose to put down roots and grow their family here. Their second son was born a year and a half ago, and their love for Oxford has only deepened. They can be found many weekends enjoying the expanded library, the beautiful new playground, and walking into town for coffee or dinner.

Mary Lou is also no stranger to leadership and community activism. She has stepped up

to volunteer in leadership roles since childhood and this has continued through her adult life. She is currently the Main Street Manager for Oxford Mainstreet, and is responsible for overseeing all the downtown events, which includes working closely with volunteers, business owners, Borough Council, Oxford Police Department, the Union Fire Company, and many others.

She currently serves on the Oxford Borough’s Planning Commission, and she believes her experience and passion for the Oxford community will benefit her in the role as Borough Council member.

Her priorities include providing opportunities for the community to be proud of where they live by having safe streets and neighborhoods, supporting community events, and celebrating the town’s history. She would use smart growth tools like mixeduse development, complete walkable streets, and quality housing to help enhance the neighborhoods while maintaining Oxford’s small town charm and the proximity to open space.

She also wants to continue to develop the borough into a business-friendly environment by crafting regulations and communicating a clear process to new businesses, which in turn will reduce the tax burden on all residents.

Kathryn Goodley Cloyd said that if she were elected, she would “hope to work with other council members to improve outreach to our residents. I feel that we’ll be a stronger community if more of us are involved in the decision-making process. I’ll continue to work to make sure that the Borough

is taking advantage of all grant monies that are available. This will help to alleviate some of the burden that taxpayers shoulder.

It’s also important that residents who attend meetings or contact Council always feel welcome to make their concerns known. I’ll always be receptive to hearing people out and going above and beyond to help them if possible. We need to solve our congestion problem in order to make visiting Oxford a better experience, and I have some ideas to address this problem as well. I love our town, and I want us to grow responsibly.

I enjoy thinking “outside the box” to find solutions, and I’m excited at the prospect of

helping Oxford businesses and residents alike.”

She has lived in Oxford for 31 years, moving there after serving in the United States Army. She has two boys who both graduated from Oxford Area High School. She was a homeroom mom all the years her children were in elementary school, and she coached her one son’s Odyssey of the Mind team from fifth grade to 11th grade.

She continued to volunteer in the schools until she went to work for the District full-time.

She lives with her husband, Charles, and their three cats.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.

Other races in the Oxford area Here’s a look at some of the other races in the Oxford area that will be decided in the 2019 election cycle: The Oxford School Board race has incumbents Eric Owens and Howard Robinson both seeking reelection in Region I. In Region II, Mary-Laura Buchner-Hulse and Jen Harrison have filed for one seat that is up for election.

In Region III, incumbent school board president Joseph Tighe has filed for reelection. Four people have filed for the two district-wide at-large seats: incumbents Robert Tenga and Mark Patterson and Sherri MatisMitchell and Denita Wright Watson.

In East Nottingham Township, there are three supervisor seats up for election this year because of two resignations on the board. Republican David Smoker has filed to fill the

six-year term on the board.

For the unexpired two-year term, William Weaver, a Republican, has filed for the position. For the unexpired four-year term, Phillip Brenner, Jr. has filed for the Democratic nomination, while John Wallace has filed for the Republican nomination.

In Elk Township, Milt Rudy has filed for a sixyear term on the board of supervisors.

Incumbent Joel Brown is running for a six-year term on the Lower Oxford Township Board of Supervisors.

In Upper Oxford Township, Republican Scott Rugan is seeking reelection to another six-year term.

Antonio Pedulla is seeking the Democratic nomination while William Winand is seeking the Republican nomination in West Nottingham Township.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Children cannot thrive in chaos The canvas painters of Chester County Letter to the Editor:

The life of a child is much like a welcoming and vulnerable canvas, and the application of its artwork is done, brushstroke by brushstroke, by the influence of people and experiences.

From an early age, these paint markings show the layering and texture of where every child has gone, done, and lived through.

The early canvases of most children in Chester County are kaleidoscopes that burst forth with the colors that illuminate opportunity, accessibility and experiences, but for hundreds of other children who live in the shadows of this good fortune, their canvases remain in tabula rasa blankness, fighting to be considered among all of the rainbow paintings.

By the time that child reaches adulthood, too often, the paint on that canvas begins to dry.

Since it began in 2013, Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, Inc. (AHHAH) has become the color-makers for more than 10,000 children and adults in Chester County.

Led by a simple and direct vision that every child in Chester County deserves the tools and opportunities they need in order to reach their highest capacity, AHHAH has created a plan that addresses the needs of each child by engaging them in the arts; in exercises that improve their reading, writing and communication skills; and exposing them to movement, music, yoga and mindfulness.

Traditionally, there have been two methods of providing assistance and opportunity to those less fortunate: Create a space and wait for them to come to you; and using the community as your workshop, in partnership with other agencies.

Clearly, AHHAH has chosen the latter: they offer gentle yoga for women at the Coatesville Public Library; yoga, mindfulness and arts programs at the Chester County Youth Detention Center; and have created pop-up libraries – known as the P.U.L.L. Campaign – in conjunction with the Kennett and Coatesville libraries. They also offer creative movement, music, yoga and mindfulness programs to more than 400 children in Coatesville, Kennett Square, West Chester and Downingtown.

Guided by paintbrushes, AHHAH empowers youth, strengthens families, and mobilizes communities through literacy, mindfulness and expressive arts. May they continue to paint our towns – and the canvases of those who are truly most worthy – with the colors of hope and opportunity.

To learn more about Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, Inc., visit www.AHHAH.org, or call 484-883-2367.

Our school board should be non-partisan Letter to the Editor: We are fortunate in Kennett to have a nonpartisan school board. I serve on the Board as a representative from the Borough and witness time and again how community members work together to find consensus on complex local issues when our common agenda is to do what’s best for students.

To be sure, there are times when state and national events inspire community activism at the school board level. This was especially true following the 2008 and 2016 elections.

What example should we set for our children?

I care deeply that our civics curriculum is strong and that Kennett students acquire the knowledge and skills to take part in such debates.

Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that allow primary elections for school directors.

This creates a structural problem for small communities like Kennett,

because the composition of the board is then unduly influenced by the strength of local political party leadership and its national agenda. Importantly, the issues presented before the board are simply not partisan.

For example, at Monday night’s meeting the Board voted on the following: staff retirement, coaching positions, an HVAC renovations bid and the district calendar for June.

This year many fine candidates have put their names on the ballot for school director. However, vocal party leaders have constructed certain campaigns around national issues, and it concerns me that they lack any platform around our local schools. I appreciate any opportunity to hear each candidate’s ideas and vision for the school district. If the school board doesn’t prioritize local issues, who will?

I am a member of the Avon Grove School Board.

However, the opinions I am expressing in this letter are entirely my own.

Recently, a letter appeared in this paper from Leslie Erb Wallace titled “Outcomes Matter.”

In that letter, Ms. Wallace described some of the catastrophic consequences that are likely to befall our community if the ongoing project to construct a new high school is stopped.

Two candidates currently running for seats on the Avon Grove School Board have proposed this.

Ms. Wallace was spot on with this letter.

Planning for the facilities construction project began in 2014. We have been investing tax dollars in the plan since 2015.

Stopping construction of the high school now would throw our community into chaos, and

children cannot thrive in chaos. There’s even more to consider than what is stated in Ms. Wallace’s letter. In her letter, Ms. Wallace rightly asserts that for many families this “community is a soughtafter destination because of our schools.”

Just as importantly, our schools are a sought-after destination for top educators. Quality teachers and administrators are now banging at our doors for an opportunity to work in Avon Grove. During the recent search for a new principal at Penn London Elementary, the extensive list of incredibly qualified candidates was astounding. Avon Grove is gaining a reputation for excellence and innovation that is attracting bright new teaching talent, as well as experienced veterans looking for an opportunity to innovate. All of that will be reversed if this project

is stopped. Stopping the high school project will send the loud and clear message that the Avon Grove School Board does not support a forwardlooking educational plan, the message that mediocrity is acceptable—and top-notch educational talent will look elsewhere.

Our students will pay the price. They will remain stuck in overcrowded schools for the foreseeable future. Even if the candidates who want to stop the project do put forth an alternative plan to solve the district-wide overcrowding problem (and so far we’ve seen no plan), who will carry it out? If this project is stopped, our current architect and construction manager are likely to take the large sums of money owed to them according to the termination clause in their contracts and walk away. What reputable construction firm

will accept a contract with Avon Grove, knowing that in two years a newly elected board could easily change course yet again? Families will see the chaos in Avon Grove and walk away. Talented educators will see the chaos in Avon Grove and walk away. Contractors will see the chaos in Avon Grove and walk away.

We will all pay a steep price in wasted money, time and resources, but our children will pay the highest price of all because children cannot thrive in chaos. Let’s not walk away from our children. On May 21, I am asking you to vote for my colleagues—Jeff Billig, Tracy Lisi, Herman Engel and Bonnie Wolff— who will see this project to completion with diligence and integrity.

Bill Wood Avon Grove School Board

Why I’m running for Avon Grove School Board Letter to the Editor: As we enter the final days before the Primary Election, it is important for the whole community to hear why Carmela Ciliberti and I are running for Avon Grove School District school director.

We are very concerned about the future of the school and the community at large. The most significant factor that separates us from the positions of Tracy Lisi and Jeff Billig is the facilities plan.

They have supported, and voted for, a new high school, renovation of the high school for a “new” middle school, and the abandonment of the current middle school. That plan would cost between $127 million and $139 million, and after paying that back with interest, the cost is estimated to be between $200 million and $269 million. Our plan calls for a “renovate and expand” approach that would cost a fraction of their plan. The key point is the impact the cost associated with their plan will have on the school, the students, the teachers and the community.

We strongly believe that the “renovate and expand” option will be far better for students, their academic opportunities, and the people who

live in our community.

One thing most people don’t realize is that $14 million was invested in the middle school ten years ago. Now they want to abandon it? Of greater importance is the financial stress a new high school, and renovations to the existing high school, will put on the school district and community taxpayers. Will there be sufficient funding to pay back the loan and interest, cover the higher operating costs of a new facility, meet high PSERS costs, afford future teacher contracts, stay current with technology and curriculum upgrades, pay for additional bus runs, etc.?

With costs likely outpacing funding, tough choices will have to be made, and our concern is the students’ learning opportunities will be impacted very negatively.

To pay for all of this, the school board will have to raise taxes to the maximum allowed by law, up to the Act 1 limit. We believe that the respective 3.1 percent to 3.8 percent per year increases won’t cover the full financial demand and the school district will have to exercise the emergency exemptions and raise taxes even higher.

Even at the Act 1 levels,

a family paying $5,000 in school taxes today will be paying an additional $100 per month, or $1,200 per year, by 2025.

That will put a huge additional burden on people living on fixed incomes in our community. There is a large population of people living in Region 2 who have to get along on a fixed income. We believe having to face increases as described above is not only unfair, but will force many to leave the area. It does not have to be that way.

Our approach calls for the implementation of a five-step plan that focuses on renovations to the facilities that require the most attention first. When planned and executed properly, the renovations will cause no disruption to the student learning environment. Furthermore, we believe this approach can be accomplished for 20 percent to 25 percent of the cost of the current facilities plan that’s being pushed through.

Our plan has the potential to be largely funded on a pay-as-you-go basis and require far less borrowing, interest payments and tax increases. If the school population begins to grow quickly again and the need for a new school presents itself, future

school boards can reevaluate a facilities plan and construct a modest space of learning that is more within the means of the taxpayers in our community.

There is no doubt that all four people in this race have the best interests of the students and school district in mind.

But the paths to get there are much different. We are very concerned what the heavy financial burden will do to the school in the very near future, forcing very difficult decisions to be made.

Likewise, we are equally concerned about the impact large tax increases will have on the taxpayers in our community, especially on those people fighting to get by on fixed incomes. The people who live in the Avon Grove School District have a clear choice, and 2019 will be the defining moment. All we ask is that you stand up on May 21 and let your voice be heard. We’re glad we live in a country where such debates can be had openly and, ultimately, the people of Avon Grove School District will decide which path we take.

Mark Stewart, Jr. Candidate for Avon Grove School Board Region II

Linn is uniquely qualified to serve on Avon Grove School Board Letter to the Editor:

I am a retiree living in the Avon Grove School District.

As such, I need an educated community and strong public schools. I believe that Dorothy Linn, the candidate for the Avon Grove School Board in Region 1, is best prepared to meet that need. I need healthcare professionals and Aline Frank scientists to maintain my KCSD Board member quality of health for the

next 20 to maybe even 30 years. I need business professionals and entrepreneurs to deliver a strong economy with new products and innovations for many years to come. And, I need help with maintenance and construction projects to my home and vehicles. These needs require a well-educated community, people coming from a strong elementary and secondary program

available to everyone. I want, need, and demand an educated community delivered through strong public schools.

Dorothy Linn, uniquely in Region 1, has the educational experience and training to deliver strong public schools.

She also has the fiscal experience to deliver strong public education in a cost-efficient manner understanding the situation of retirees,

grandparents, parents, and students.

I am a real Republican who understands the significant return on value from investing in public education. Indeed, there are few investments that would make such a positive impact on my quality of life. Dorothy Linn is the person to deliver that value.

Bob Weidenmuller Landenberg

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion Letter to the Editor

Why I’m running for a seat on the E-mails spread lies about Franklin Avon Grove School Board Township

Letter to the Editor:

I am Dorothy Linn. I am a 20-year resident of Landenberg, a grandparent of children in the community, and I am running for Avon Grove School District School Board in Region 1 (London Britain, Franklin Townships).

I bring over 30 years of experience in public education, retiring five years ago as superintendent of a public school district consisting of over 10,000 students, 14 schools and a budget of $200 million. To be effective in this position, I balanced and responded to complex and diverse needs

of students, parents, and community stakeholders. It is the same careful balance and thoughtful responsiveness that was required for my success as a superintendent that will allow me to now serve the community in the role of school board director.

Being a valuable and contributing member of any organization means knowing how to listen to one another and how to find mutual ground for compromise. As a school board member, I will bring the skills and experience necessary to help to unify our current school board.

The campaign literature

distributed by my challenger encourages partisan voting in this school board election. Contrary to this divisive message, I encourage community members to vote based on an individual candidate’s qualifications, experience, abilities, and values.

To this end, I am asking for your vote based on my lifetime dedication to children and education, my ability to offer expertise on efficient school budgeting strategies, and my ability to listen to and represent all community members regardless of political affiliation.

Particularly when it comes to school board elections, to

maintain the health of our community, and to model to our students how adults can find commonality for the purposes of making decisions for their education, it is essential for us to put aside partisan politics.

As a committed volunteer and lifetime educator, I will bring a sincere passion to the role of school board director. I have seen firsthand how high-quality educational experiences support students for a lifetime of success.

I ask for the support of Region 1 voters on May 21.

Dorothy Linn dorothylinnag2019.com.

Millions to be wasted in Avon Grove

Letter to the Editor:

The Avon Grove School Board candidates seeking to stop construction of the new high school are inexcusably determined to ruin Avon Grove’s valuable reputation and toss the millions of taxpayer dollars already invested in the project down the drain along with it.

The 2018 unanimous board decision to build the new high school was the best investment our community has made in decades. The district is severely overcrowded and has been since the first modular classroom trailers were delivered in

1987. Today, due to space limitations, less than 50 percent of Avon Grove High School students are able to take the STEM courses they are interested in and it will get worse - Kindergarten enrollment has increased by 24 percent in just the last two years! Our students’ education will continue to, and increasingly, be negatively impacted until construction is complete.

The current high school campus is built-out and not amenable to expansion. Expert-led research into all options, including renovation and expansion, resulted in full board agreement, a 9-0 vote, that

construction of a new high school was the best solution for overcrowding and best investment for our community. Of interesting note, the “renovation and expansion option” that the candidates hoping to sabotage the construction project are trying to peddle, not only failed to solve key issues of core space and congestion, it came in at a cost difference of less than 1/100th of one percent of the current project – one which gives Avon Grove a new high school, a renovated middle school for grades 6 to 8, and a source of revenue through the rental of the old middle school.

Don’t vote for school board candidates who claim fiscal responsibility, yet are willing to throw away millions of taxpayer dollars and will waste even more money to reevaluate what has already been determined by industry experts to the most cost effective, long-term solution.

Protect your investment in your school district, your home, and your community. On May 21, vote for Jeff Billig and Tracy Lisi (Region 2), Bonnie Wolff and Herman Engel (Region 3), and Dorothy Linn (Region 1).

Kelly Walker Landenberg

Letter to the Editor: I am a member of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors. I am running for re-election this year. My letter is mostly for Franklin Township residents, but I’m sure other surrounding townships have similar problems.

The problem I am writing about today is misleading information and vicious lies.

I can confidently say that all five members of the Franklin Board cherish open space and want to control any growth in a respectable and thorough manner.

Unfortunately, there is a former supervisor who puts out bad, if not vicious, information, primarily about the current board, all of it untrue.

In a very recent e-mail, he told a few whoppers.

First, he said that, “4 of the 5 Franklin Supervisors are ANTI Open Space Zealots.” That’s a flat-out lie. Then he refers to one of the supervisors as doing an “AMAZING job.” It takes at least three votes to pass any motion, to spend any money, or correct any ordinance on a five-member board, and he knows this.

He goes on to say that, “4 of the 5 Franklin Supervisors remain asleep at the switch” in reference to a house that is in disrepair and falling down. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The property has been discussed

at every board meeting for many months now. The board has kept an eye on the property, and has been doing everything within our legal power to get the owner to repair the property. We can only move as fast as the legal system allows us, and it is slow. We will not break the law in order to remove an eyesore, just so that one noisy resident doesn’t have to look at it.

This former board member was elected to a six-year term on the Board of Supervisors several years ago. He only served nine months, then quickly resigned without explanation. The only open space initiatives that he has supported are in close proximity to his house. He really doesn’t care at all about open space for the community.

If you live in Franklin, and receive e-mail from this man, please respond to him to ask why he resigned from the board in 2010 without serving a full year of a sixyear term. You may also want to ask why he only supports open space within half a mile of his home.

The current Franklin board has to be concerned for the entire township, not just one individual who loves to spread lies, but never comes to any township Supervisor meetings.

David Paul Snyder Lincoln University

Billig and Lisi: Public education is an investment, not an expense Letter to the Editor: When we decided to run for re-election as Region 2 school board members, we knew there were differences of opinion about school district issues, but we never anticipated the lengths that would be taken by our opponents, and supported by some current school board members, to misinform the public about school district operations and the facilities project.

Are they misinformed?

Have they decided that the facts don’t favor their positions? Only they know why they’ve chosen that path. Our mission in this election, in stark contrast,

is to give prospective voters the facts they need to make an informed election decision on May 21.

These are the facts about Avon Grove School District student performance and spending: ~ AGSD has the lowest administrative costs per student of all 12 districts in Chester County; ~ AGSD has the second lowest direct education spending per student of all 12 districts in Chester County; and ~ AGSD is one of only three districts in Chester County to spend below the average on its educational and administration expenses and achieve

above the average on state test scores for elementary and high school secondary school students.

We’re not a rich district or operating with a large business base. We need to do more with less. We believe these results confirm we’re accomplishing exactly that. We believe these results reflect a district that’s managing its money wisely AND delivering quality education outcomes.

Clearly, the biggest topic in front of the district is how to manage our future facilities needs. It’s been stated by our opponents that they have a plan to expand and renovate the current high school for one-third the cost of the current facilities project. Do they know that option was evaluated in July 2017 and dismissed as too costly and too disruptive to the education environment? We’re curious what solution they’ve uncovered that 20 months of rigorous analysis performed by members of the community, board and administration and led by an independent third-party expert in the business of building and renovating schools nationally failed to uncover?

These are the facts that demonstrate why the renovation and expansion is a bad financial decision: ~ Renovation and expansion of the high school building would cost an estimated $80 million; ~ To match building

capacity, an expansion of the middle school is also required at an estimated cost of $46 million; ~ A future expansion of AGI would be also be needed at an estimated cost of $6 million; ~ All three expansions would be occupied renovations with massive disruption to the student learning environment; ~ The State Road campus would end up with less parking than it has today; ~ The State Road campus would end up with less sports and activity fields than it has today; ~ The renovated/expanded high school would be at 85 percent to 90 percent of capacity from the day it reopens at a time when our enrollment is going up; ~ Kindergarten enrollment in 2018-2019 is up 24 percent from 20152016, and projected to be up over 30 percent in 2019-2020 ~ The total cost for these outcomes is estimated at $132 million; and ~ The third-party expert concluded, and the facilities input group agreed, that spending this kind of money with these impacts made no sense when compared to building a new school building on property the district already owned.

Does this option sound like a wise financial decision? These facts speak for themselves so it’s not hard to see why all nine school board members voted in April 2018 to build a new

high school and renovate the existing one to serve as a middle school. If renovation was a viable option, wouldn’t that have been discussed?

The Avon Grove High School is an entire class size overcrowded (about 450 students), and the Band-Aids of modular classrooms that have been used for 20 years are no longer safe, financially viable or educationally effective. At the curriculum committee meeting on May 7, 2019, Dr. Mike Snopkowski, AGSD’s Director of Teaching & Learning Grades 7-12, reported to the board that in the 2018-2019 school year at the high school, the district was able to fill only 48 percent of all student requests for existing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) courses. To be clear, 1360 student requests for STEM classes in 2018-2019 could not be fulfilled! The single biggest hurdle to expanded educational offerings is lack of appropriate space needed to align with 21st century learning standards. The facilities project isn’t about a new building. It’s about creating a lasting, generational solution to facilities that will educate our children for how the world will be in the future.

It’s time to stop the cycle of penny-wise, poundfoolish and short-sighted decision-making that has been at the core of this

district’s facilities decisions for 20 years. We believe these facts speak for themselves and support our record of educational achievement AND financial discipline these past four years.

This election could be about many things but to us it’s about character, leadership and experience. The combination of our time on the board, the results we’ve achieved, our experiences as parents and our breadth of knowledge and depth of understanding gained from over 50 combined years of work experience form the basis for our humble request for your vote.

The school board should not be a political role. It’s a shame that the education of our greatest resource, our children, has become so divisive and politicized.

We believe there is no better cause for a community to rally around than the future well-being and education of its children.

We further believe this can be accomplished with financial discipline so an investment made wisely today returns dividends to the entire community for years to come as our children grow up to become our care givers, our customers, our neighbors and most importantly our future.

Respectfully yours, Jeff Billig and Tracy Lisi Avon Grove School Board members

10A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Chester County Press

Local News U-CF candidates...

Continued from Page 1A

students for employment, citizenship and a personal life in our quickly changing world is another important topic. Preparing students to be lifelong learners with well-developed skills in areas such as communication, creativity, critical thinking, technology assessment, and leadership will serve our students in whatever futures they create.”

Contact: torybaratta@ gmail.com.

Scott Bosch

An 11-year Pocopson resident, Scott Bosch has worked in various media and teaching positions in public education for 18 years, including a stint as a social studies department chair.

He is currently a teacher at Kennett High School.

He cites parenting, making curriculum decisions, implementing professional development, and working with central and building administration as experiences and skills beneficial to the board. Referencing the recent emails sent to parents regarding a situation where threats were made against the school, his priorities include the men-

Effective K

tal health and well-being of students.

“I would like the district to make sure they are doing everything in their power to understand how a student gets to this point, and put systems in place to try to prevent a student from ever feeling like they would want to make a threat,” he said. “Students today feel a lot of pressures, whether academic or social. Despite the district’s best efforts, bullying still happens in our buildings. Additionally, I would like to make sure that the diversity we have in our district is celebrated and that all students, regardless of their cultural, social or economic backgrounds, feel safe and welcome in our schools.”

Contact information: boschforboard@gmail.com

She volunteers in the district and has served on the U-CF Wellness Council, which spearheaded two important district programs (including the predecessor to Safe2Say, an anonymous tip line to report potentially dangerous situations).

“The current board goals are well defined and focused in the right areas to maintain the high-quality education in our district,” she said. “To that end, I believe focusing on the long-range financial plan, as well as evolving wellness initiatives, will help us achieve the board goals.”

Contact information: jennifer_s_brown@outlook.com

Region C (Chadds Ford and Pennsbury townships): Jen Brown, Steve Jones, John Murphy, Erin Talbert, Jon Trigg.

Vote for three Steve Jones

Jen Brown

Jen Brown has lived in Chadds Ford Township for nearly five years. Besides parenting, she cites her experience with various positions, mostly in pharmaceutical market research and commercial analysis.

Ethical K

Parent, veteran, IT/computer architect consultant and local sports coach Steve Jones has lived in Chadds Ford Township for nearly eight years. He has mentored numerous college graduates in computer science/engineering.

“I would like to use my skills to support improved class curriculum (tools, application programs, course selection), which helps students prepare for college and the challenges of corporate work,” he said. He added that he would advocate for “con-

tinued focus on academic excellence, which has made U-CF one of the toptier public schools in the country.”

Contact: Stevejonesmns@ gmail.com

their successes and their failures and ultimately succeed after they graduate.”

Contact: jmurphy@ucfsd. net

perform the daily task of educating and inspiring. To that end, I plan to prioritize hiring and retaining the very best teachers.”

Erin Talbert John Murphy

Incumbent John Murphy, first elected to the board in 2015, is a veteran and has lived in Pennsbury Township for 14 years.

He has extensive experience in the financial and legal services industries and is currently a project manager. He feels his analytical approach to solving problems, as well as his experience leading cross-functional teams and meeting project deadlines, helps the board. He notes that he is a parent and taxpayer and takes those perspectives with him when considering board issues.

“We must continue to achieve excellence, while also being mindful of the community’s resources and ensure we are efficient with those resources,” he said. “Secondly, we must continue to focus on the mental well-being and coping skills of our students.

Our students demand a lot of themselves, and we must ensure that they learn traits such as resiliency and grit so that they can learn from

Pennsbury resident Erin Talbert has lived in the district for almost five years.

In addition to parenting experience, she cites her abilities to balance many stakeholders and her skills as a business consultant, advising clients on communications, strategy, and change management. She said that her experience in marketing, contracting and sales at AstraZeneca helped hone skills in strategic planning, budgeting, and people management which will benefit the board.

“I’m committed to understanding and balancing the needs and concerns of students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and residents,” she said. “We all have stakes in providing our children with the best public education possible. On the school board, I plan to act as an informed, thoughtful, and decisive intermediary, as well as foster increased understanding of diverse stakeholder interests. I also believe that the most important asset in the equation to deliver top-tier education is the teachers and staff that

Jon Trigg

34-year Chadds Ford resident and parent Jon Trigg cites his 30 years of experience running a digital hospital business, and current vice president position at a non-profit that focuses on improving healthcare quality globally. He feels his leadership and knowledge of how to profitably grow a business will help the board focus on improving efficiency and quality of education.

“Our schools are doing an excellent job preparing students for college, but we can do it more efficiently and even better,” he said. “Early literacy and improved writing skills development are key areas for added focus. We can also provide more foundational educational experiences that will advantage students well after graduation. This can include instruction and guidance in collaboration, time management, leadership, practical financial and legal understanding and more.”

Contact: jwtrigg@gmail. com

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

11A

Primary Election takes place on May 21 The Chester County Commissioners race is one of dozens that will be on the ballot for local residents in southern Chester County

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The Pennsylvania Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, May 21, and there will be dozens of races on the ballot for voters to make decisions about in advance of the general election in November. Here’s a look at a few of the races: In the Chester County Commissioners race, all three incumbents— Republicans Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline and Democrat Kathi Cozzone— are seeking reelection. On the Republican side, Farrell and Kichline are the two candidates for the two seats.

On the Democratic side, Josh Maxwell, Ginny Kerslake, and Marian Moskowitz have filed alongside Cozzone.

In the Primary Election,

two Democrats and two Republicans will earn a spot on the November general election ballot.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan is seeking reelection and is the only Republican on the Primary ballot. Deb Ryan is running as a Democrat and appears to have a clear path to the November general election.

Republican Matt Holliday of West Chester Borough is the incumbent prothonotary, and he is seeking reelection. On the Democratic side, Debbie Bookman of Coatesville Borough and Joe Heffern of East Fallowfield Township have filed.

Terri Clark, the incumbent Chester County Register of Wills, is seeking reelection and is the lone Republican on the ballot. Lisa Longo

and Michele Vaughn will be vying for the Democratic nomination.

With no incumbent running for the county Recorder of Deeds position, Amber LittleTurner, a Republican from Coatesville Borough, and Chris Pielli, a Democrat from West Goshen Township, have filed for the Primary Election.

In the Kennett Square Borough Council race, three seats are up for election.

So far, five candidates, all Democrats, have filed: council president Doug Doerfler, Lorenzo Merino, Rosa Garza Moore, Stephanie Oyler, and Mayra Zavala. Last week, Merino was appointed to fill a vacancy on borough council.

In West Grove Borough, council candidates include Democrats Karen Beltran, Fred Boyce, Elizabeth Garduno, and Kristin Proto,

and Republicans Charles J. Donovan, Clyde R. Jacobs II, Mark Johnson, and Michael Ranieri.

There are numerous board of supervisor positions up for grabs in the 2019 election cycle.

Incumbent Richard Leff is seeking another term as a supervisor in Kennett Township. He appears to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination, while Hunter Tower has filed for the Republican nomination.

In London Britain Township, Brian Sachs has filed for the Democratic nomination, while Russell McKinnon has filed for the Republican nomination.

Mary Anne Steel, a Democrat, is seeking reelection as a supervisor in New London Township.

In East Marlborough

Township, with two seats up for grabs, Democrats Robert Jerger and Eric Matuszak have filed, while incumbent John Sarro and Shelley May Mincer are seeking the Republican nominations. For the unexpired two-year term, Bruce Jameson is seeking to be elected as a Republican.

There are also two seats up for election in Franklin Township, where Democrats David Gerstenhaber and Mary McVeigh and Republicans David Snyder and Brent Van Lith have filed.

In London Grove Township, Dina Manceva and Christine Allison are the Democrats and Richard Scott-Harper and Kevin Runey are the Republicans who are seeking the nominations. There are two seats up for election this cycle.

In New Garden Township,

where two seats are up for election, Republicans Richard Ayotte and Randy Geouque are both seeking reelection, while David Unger has filed for the Democrat nomination.

There are two seats up for election in Penn Township, where Democrat Victor Mantegna is seeking reelection, while Laura Sperratore and incumbent Ken Bryson are seeking the Republican nominations.

In Avondale Borough, there are two council seats up for election. Republicans David Besselman and Stephen Cummings are seeking reelection. Paul Morgan is seeking the Democratic nomination.

The purpose of the Primary Election is to determine the nominees who will be on the ballot for the general election in November.

Comitta, McCarter seek to modernize Pennsylvania’s renewable energy standards

At a Capitol news conference, state Reps. Carolyn T. Comitta, D-Chester, and Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery, joined state Sens. Art Haywood, Thomas H. Killion and Steven J. Santarsiero to call attention to climate change, its grave impacts and the urgent need to modernize the commonwealth’s renewable energy standards.

Comitta and McCarter are both members of the bicameral, bipartisan Pennsylvania Climate Caucus. Comitta

is vice chair; McCarter is its founder and chair.

Their bill and a Senate companion bill introduced

by Haywood, Killion and Santarsiero both seek to implement stronger renewable energy goals within the commonwealth to create good jobs, cut pollution and ensure a sustainable and prosperous Pennsylvania for future generations.

“I am proud to join the calls for modernizing the Alternative

Energy Portfolio Standards,” Comitta said. “Our state has already made important investments in alternative and clean-energy technologies, but we must do more. Adjusting our electrical energy requirements to 30 percent by 2030 will solidify our path to reducing our carbon footprint and advance Pennsylvania toward becoming a national energy leader.”

The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act was

a forward-looking policy when it was enacted in 2004.

But in the intervening years, Pennsylvania has fallen behind neighboring states like New Jersey and Maryland, which have enacted stronger energy standards, creating thousands of new, family-sustaining jobs and cutting emissions in the process.

Comitta’s and McCarter’s legislation, which sets the goal of increasing renewable energy purchases by utilities from 8

percent to 30 perecent by 2030, seeks to move Pennsylvania— and Pennsylvanians—forward.

Specifically, the legislation would: ~ Expand the AEPS alternative energy requirement from 8 percent to 30 percent by 2030, including 7.5 percent for in-state grid-scale solar and 2.5 percent for in-state distributed generation solar. ~ Direct the Pennsylvania Utility Commission to study the benefits of a renewable

energy storage program. ~ Provide for several protections that control costs for electricity customers.

“The fierce and immediate urgency of climate change requires a fierce and immediate response,” McCarter said.

“Thirty by ’30 is an excellent immediate goal. It’s reasonable and achievable. It creates jobs in Pennsylvania. And, most importantly, it sets the stage for the much tougher work to come.”

12A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

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15 MINUTES FROM LONGWOOD GARDENS

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Explore a world of art this weekend Annual Chester County Studio Tour on May 18 and 19 features 144 artists

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Jill Beech, Katee Boyle, Ellie Byrom-Haley, Ki Crittenden, Beth Clark, Cheryl Decker-Sauder, Lele Galer, Randall Graham, Teresa Haag, Matiko Mamaladze, Alessandra Manzotti, Adrian Martinez, Pam McKee, David Oleski, Nancy Salamon, Jeff Schaller, Sandra Severson, Stan Smokler and many others.

Studio stops, noted on the maps, include those of Gregory Blue, Ellie Byrom-Haley, Diane Cirafesi, Beth Clark, Randall Graham, Adrian Martinez, Pam McKee, Al Moretti, Jeff Schaller, Rob Sigafoos and Brett Walker.

The e v e n t ’s we b s i t e ( w w w. chestercountystudiotour. com) has all the information you’ll need to plan your tour. Visit the artist list or studio pages and plan your own itinerary by selecting

You can think of the annual Chester County Studio Tour as your chance to peek into the workspaces of artists, find some new favorites, and make connections with the artists themselves. But what you can’t do is see everything, even in two days.

There are 144 artists featured in this year’s self-guided tour, which puts groups of work in the studios, mixing and contrasting styles and mediums to make each stop on the tour an adventure.

Basically, you need to look at the maps of where stops are located and plan your day accordingly. You can visit as many as you’d like, or have time for.

Meeting an artist in their studio gives rare insight into their creative process, and forges a bond that will last as you buy more of a favorite artist’s work. At a minimum, the studios are often wildly creative places where you can see what it’s like to create art for a living.

The tour will be held throughout the county on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be artists you recognize and many you don’t, but the adventure is in discovering something new at each stop.

Among the featured artists this year are John Baker, Sarah Baptist,

artists or studios you want to see. Click the orange button to add them to your itinerary. Once you have selected up to 10 studios, click the green button to view your itinerary. Once you are happy with the artists you have chosen, click “Map my Itinerary.”

Allow Google maps to determine your location and let Google map it out for you.

No tickets are needed for the tour. The event is free and is held rain or shine.

All the studios will have the capability to accept credit cards as payment if you find something – or a few things – you love.

There is a wide price range – everything from T-shirts up to major works priced at $25,000.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Paintings by Jeff Schaller will be featured in his Downingtown studio.

The studio of Al Moretti.

The studio of Susan O’Hanlon.

The studio of Randall Graham.

The studio of Laurie Murray.

Where to find the artists NORTHERN CHESTER COUNTY 2019 CHESTER COUNTY STUDIO TOUR HOST STUDIO MAP

French Creek State Park

30 30

1

31 31 32 32 33 33

Elverson Morgantown

2 Kimberton

5

Honeybrook

11 Glenmoore 12 14 13

Chester Springs

8

Marsh Creek State Park

3

35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38

Valley Forge

39 39

9

Eagle

26

10

27 Exton

20

21

18

A

Malvern

22

19

15

King of Prussia

4

6 7

Phoenixville

34 34

25 23 24

Berwyn

DAVID OLESKI 977 Broad Run Road, West Chester, PA 19380 JAMES LAWSON 1400 Strasburg Road, West Chester, PA 19380 DAVID KATZ 1310 Telegraph Road, West Chester, PA 19380 TERRI MORSE 801 Conner Road, West Chester, PA 19382 VICTOR MORDASOV 1099 Airport Road, Westchester, PA 19382 BRETT ANDERSON WALKER 29 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380 DANIEL JAY FREED 117 West Gay Street, Suite 108, West Chester, PA 19382 HONG-BICH VERNON 123 West Miner Street, West Chester, PA 19382 AL MORETTI 220 Linden Street, West Chester, PA 19382 NANCY SALAMON 349 West Barnard Street, West Chester, PA 19382

40 41

42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 49 49

MIHO KAHN 485 South Creek Road, West Chester, PA 19382 LAURIE MURRAY 960 Brinton‚ Äôs Bridge Road, West Chester, PA 19382 WILL ROSEN 301 Muddy Run Road, Oxford, PA 19363 JOHN BAKER 119 West Evergreen Street, West Grove, PA 19390 JOAN BROOKS 3474 Gap Newport Pike, West Grove, PA 19390 BRENT RAKUS 944 Lake Road, Suite 100, Avondale, PA 19311 THOMAS VON KOCH 1255 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374 ROBERT SIGAFOOS 376 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 KAREN D’ALLAIRD 101 East Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 ANNIE STRACK 105 Kabob Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348

51 51 52 52 53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 58 59 59

SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY 2019 CHESTER COUNTY STUDIO TOUR HOST STUDIO MAP 33 30

Thorndale

Coatesville

Sadsburyville 41

Downingtown

1a 1

1 1c 1 1d 2 33 44 55 66 77

SANDRA SEVERSON 20 East Bridge Street, Spring City, PA 19475 KIMBERLY HOECHST 20 East Bridge Street, Spring City, PA 19475 ALECIA MILLER 20 East Bridge Street, Spring City, PA 19475 LEE MUSLIN 20 East Bridge Street, Spring City, PA 19475 TERESA HAAG 223 Prospect Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 SIOBHAN BEDFORD 148 4th Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460 GILLIAN POKALO 504 W est Pothouse Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460 BRIAN RICHMOND 874 Birchrun Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425 MARY KANE 5 Rachel Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425 PAM MCKEE 109 Hoffman Circle, Downingtown, PA 19335

8 99 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14

15 15 16 16 18 18

MARIE WOLFINGTON-JONES 240 Little Conestoga Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 KEVIN CUMMINS 427 South Saddlebrook Circle, Chester Springs, PA 19425 JUSTIN SMITH 138 Moore Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 JEFF SCHALLER 80 Highspire Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 MICHAEL FLECK 70 Highspire Road, Downingtown, PA 19335 LARRY CROSSAN 11 Highspire Road, Lyndell, PA 19354 SUSAN O’HANLON 36 Cambridge Court, Downingtown, PA 19335 HERB EILERTSEN 570 West Kings Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320 ANDY VERNON 329 Lumber Street, Coatesville, PA 19320 LISA DAWN WHITE 399 Echo Dell Road, Downingtown, PA 19335

162

20 21 22

23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 28

ADRIAN MARTINEZ 363 Washington Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 SAURABH OZA 520 Westfield Drive, Exton, PA 19341 JOHN BUNKER 431 East Lancaster Highway, Exton, PA 19341 LAW BLANK 1 Nolan Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 RANDALL GRAHAM 222 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355 SHARON HENDERSON 324 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19312 JEREMY MCGIRL 9 Grubb Road, Malvern, PA 19355 JANE SHAFTER 361 Red Fox Road, Wayne, PA 19087 MONIQUE SARKESSIAN 135 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087 ART ABILITY 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern, PA 19355

842

162 842

Cochranville

Unionville

57

41

926

54

56

796 896 10

1

926

G

52

1

53

G 68

STREET ROAD ARTISTS’ SPACE 725 Street Road, Cochranville, PA 19330

58

D

43

352

Glen Mills

1

Concordville

Chadds Ford 202

Longwood Gardens

322

60 52

Kennett Square

59

13

82 202

841

Oxford 52 896

Ridley Creek State Park 926

202

41 472

3

3

82

1

55

C

36

West Grove

1

472

5 SENSES 133 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380 MERCHANT OF MENACE 1351 West Strasburg Rd, West Chester, PA 19382

F 68

51 926

842

41 896

E 68

50 52

82 841

SPONSORED BY

52

41

29 MARYANNE BUSCHINI 29 5 Marlin Drive, Malvern, PA 19355 A GALLERY 222 68 222 East King Street, Malvern, PA 19355

D 68

37 38 46 PAGE XX 39 E SEE 45 44 42 40 41

B

West Chester

372

19 19

CHESTER COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION 100 North Bradford Ave, West Chester, PA 19380 VISUAL EXPANSION GALLERY 132 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 SUNSET HILL FINE ARTS 23 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380

C 68

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F

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Romansville

1 1b

49 35

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30

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ALESSANDRA MANZOTTI 249 South Fairville Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

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WEST CHESTER

BUS

29 28

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50 50

RICK DAVIS 210 Carter Drive, Suite #9, West Chester, PA 19382 KEN KAZANJIAN 840 East Street Road, West Chester, PA 19382 DENISE VITOLLO 404 Price Street, West Chester, PA 19382 GREGORY BLUE 507 Sharpless Street, West Chester, PA 19382 BETH CLARK 520 South Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19354 ELLIE BYROM-HALEY 719 Price Street, West Chester, PA 19382 DIANE CIRAFESI 405 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382 ERICA BROWN 28 North New Street, West Chester, PA 19382 SARAH RAFFERTY 317 Hannum Avenue, West Chester, PA 19380 JUDY DESIMONE 405 West Ashbridge Street, West Chester, PA 19380

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2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

More Obituaries appear on Page 9B

ANTHONY DIFRANCESCO

JEFFREY W. HAVELOW

JOHNNY D. SMITH

Anthony (Tony) DiFrancesco, 84, of Landenberg, entered into eternal life on May 5 at Brandywine Living in Longwood, Kennett Square.

Born In Teramo, Italy, he was the son of Giovanni and Angela DiFrancesco (Misticoni). After immigrating to the United States in 1955, Tony found his way to Downingtown. He began working different jobs while studying to become an American citizen. He met his wife, Josephine Ciprietti, and began working in the mushroom industry with his father-in-law. He went on to learn many trades, including carpentry and pool building, but went back to his most passionate, mushroom growing. He built his passion into his own business in 1977 when he started DiFrancesco & Sons Mushrooms. He enjoyed being an usher at St. Gabriel’s Church, gardening, traveling, driving his backhoe, digging holes, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Tony is survived by his children, Anthony DiFrancesco and his wife Dana, Robert DiFrancesco and his wife Renee, and Angela Crognale and her husband Vince, all of Landenberg; his siblings, Domenic DiFrancesco (Elisa) of Italy, Michelina D’Anzi (Giuseppe) of Downingtown, Gilda Napoleone (Dante) of Downingtown, and Armando (Marisa) of Italy; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, all of whom were his pride and joy. He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Josephine DiFrancesco; his parents; and his brothers, Mario and Michael DiFrancesco.

A funeral was held May 14. Entombment was in Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington, Del. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Jeffrey W. Havelow, 58, of Lincoln University, passed away on April 26.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of Evelyn P. Lee Cubbage of Lincoln University, and the late George H. Havelow, Jr., of Oxford.

A 1980 graduate of Oxford Area High School, Jeffrey enjoyed football, soccer, basketball, and track and field. Soon after, he enlisted and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He was a member of Gaililee UAME Church in Avondale. Jeffrey worked in the construction industry as a journeyman roofer, and he worked with horses, one of his many passions.

A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed camping, fishing, bow hunting and hiking; and he especially enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Evelyn P. Lee Cubbage, and stepfather, William Cubbage of Lincoln University; two children, Lvon Yoder and Kimberly Condiff; four brothers, Kevin Havelow, Sr., of New Castle, Del., Matthew Havelow of Philadelphia, George H. Havelow III of Newark, Del., and Gregory Havelow of New Castle, Del. He is also survived by his loving fiancé, Paula; and her daughter, Melissa. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jacqueline Henderson; and nephew, Darius Knight.

A service was held May 10. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Johnny Dale Smith, 51, of West Grove, passed away on May 4 at his home.

Born in Elizabethton, Tenn., he was the son of Frankie Jean White Bowhall of Nottingham and the late Thomas E. Smith. Johnny was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a great love for the outdoors, as well for family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Johnny D. Smith, Jr.; one daughter, Dakota L. Smith; mother, Frankie Jean Bowhall; stepfather, Howard Jay Bowhall; three sisters, Debbie Penfield (Wesley), Lorraine Owens and Amy Wilson (Zachary); and special companion, Gwen Sensenig. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Smith; and brother, Jimmy E. Smith.

A funeral was held May 13. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to PA.BOJC, c/o Casey Falls, 179 Megan Circle Aston, PA 19014. Visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DOROTHY CUDDY AKERMAN Dorothy Cuddy Akerman, 103, of Landenberg, passed away on May 13 at her residence.

She was the wife of the late Wilson Collins Akerman, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late John and Lola (Keating) Cuddy. Dorothy was a mail carrier and worked in the Landenberg Post Office for many years. She was very active in the Landenberg Willing Workers and in Landenberg Church Women’s Society.

Dorothy is survived by one son, William H. Akerman and his wife Lydia (Richardson); daughter Ruthann Vaganov of Landenberg; nine grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Wilson; son, James W. Akerman and wife Audrey (Bailey); sisters Ruth Cuddy Brittingham, Margaret Cuddy, Regina Cuddy; brother John L. Cuddy; and stepsister Alice (Hickey) Torello.

A funeral will be held May 17 at the Landenberg United Methodist Church (205 Penn Green Rd., Landenberg). The viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Landenberg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 36, Landenberg, PA 19350.

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County.

Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting.

They also are posted on

Alleluia Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome

HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

932-9330 ENCOURAGES YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA 19363 Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m.

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday • 9:00 am

w w w. c h e s t e r c o u n t y. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press, email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

SHELVA JEAN HOOSIER Shelva Jean Hoosier, 80, of West Grove, passed away on May 8 at Jennersville Hospital-Tower Health, West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Howard R. Hoosier. Born in Elizabethton, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Ferhl and Nell Hart Norris. Jean lived in West Grove most of her life.

She enjoyed collecting pottery and spending time with her children.

She is survived by her one daughter, Judy Melendez (Edward) of Landenberg; two sons, Randy S. Hoosier and Richard E. Hoosier, both of West Grove; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Hoosier and Bobby Hoosier.

Services were private.

Visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Oxford stages a late rally to defeat Unionville, 6-4

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The Oxford Hornets plated three runs in the top of the seventh inning for a come-from-behind victory, 6-4, over Unionville on May 6.

The win improved Oxford’s record to 11-6 on the season, and moved the team one step closer to a playoff berth.

The Indians, who honored their seniors during a pre-game ceremony, did not make it easy for Oxford. They took the lead in the fourth inning, and again in the fifth inning, but the Hornets kept battling back each time, too.

Oxford claimed the early lead in the top of the second when senior Gianna Coyle singled home Danielle Stackhouse.

Oxford star ting pitcher Maddie Frank, a sophomore, made that lead stand up for the first half of the game. She did a nice job of mixing up her pitches to keep Unionville’s hitters off balance. Oxford’s defense was also excellent behind Frank. Alexis Pearson was a defensive standout at third base, and she flawlessly handled five chances at the hot corner in the first three innings alone. The last of those five plays saved a run as Pearson caught a hardhit line drive off the bat of Amanda Panati that seemed destined for left

field. With a runner on base, the catch preserved Oxford’s 1-0 lead.

Unionville took its first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Sydney Horan belted a one-out double off the left field wall. The next batter, Sophia Mayer, was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Madeline Frich then roped a double to left field that scored two runs. Danielle Panati stepped to the plate and promptly singled to right field, scoring Frich and giving Unionville a 3-1 lead.

The Hornets answered back in the top of the fifth inning. Coyle led off with a single. Two outs later, Oxford catcher Karlyn Rees belted a long home run to right field, tying the score at 3-3.

“She’s been doing that all season for us,” Oxford head coach Josh Socash said of the talented sophomore.

The Indians reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Analise Griffiths doubled to lead off the inning. Frank retired the next two hitters, but then Horan singled to right field to make it 4-3.

Horan, who was on the mound for Unionville, yielded just one walk in the top of the sixth inning, keeping her team in front, 4-3.

It was up to Frank to keep the score right there so that Oxford would have a chance to tie the game in

the seventh. The Oxford hurler got the first out, but then Frich struck again by delivering a single. Sydney Horne walked. Danielle Panati smacked a grounder that Oxford shortstop Abbey O’ Connor was able to make a good play on.

O’ Connor fired to third base to eliminate the lead runner. Frank then got the next hitter, Swetha Gopal, to hit a grounder back to the mound for the third out of the inning.

O’Connor started Oxford’s rally in the top of the seventh by belting a one-out double to leftcenter field. Frank then delivered an RBI single that tied the score at 4-4.

Unionville opted to intentionally walk Rees, putting two runners on.

Julie Cappelli singled to load the bases. Shannon Martin then hit a fielder’s choice grounder that scored the go-ahead run.

Runners were still at the corners. Pearson then delivered an RBI single that gave Oxford a 6-4 lead.

Frank pitched around two walks in the bottom of the seventh to secure the victory for Oxford.

Socash credited Frank with a determined pitching performance. “She did a nice job of getting ahead in the count,” he said. “She was able to stay focused and keep us in the game.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Alexis Pearson had a strong game in the field and drove in Oxford’s last run in the top of the seventh.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

In addition to having a good day at the plate, sophomore Sydney Horan handled the pitching duties for Unionville.

Photo by Steven Hoffman Photo by Steven Hoffman

Amanda Panati makes the tag at second base for Unionville.

Maddie Frank helped keep Oxford in the game until the offense broke through for a big seventh inning.

‘We’re like sisters’ Oxford softball players Gianna Coyle and Abbey O’Connor have been teammates—and friends—for more than ten years

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer In Oxford’s 6-4 win over Unionville last week, Abbey O’ Connor and Gianna Coyle were right in the middle of all the action—as usual.

As the top two hitters in Oxford’s batting order, they were getting on base, driving in runs, and starting rallies. They also anchored the team’s up-the-middle defense, turning in good glove work at shortstop and second base.

The Hornets have come to rely on the steady contributions from the talented tandem over the last four seasons.

“They are a big part of our offense and a big part of our defense,” explained Josh Socash, Oxford’s head coach.

Socash said that he’s been lucky to be able to pencil in Coyle and O’ Connor in the lineup the last few years. Both players reached the 100hit plateau during their

careers at Oxford, and during the senior season they are both hitting above .500.

“They hit one and two in the lineup,” Socash explained. “I also think they rival any two middle infielders in the Ches-Mont League.”

Their on-field success has been bolstered by an off-field friendship that started when Coyle and O’ Connor were just eight years old.

Their families moved from Delaware County to Oxford at around the same time, and soon after that they met on the softball field. They’ve been teammates on the softball diamond, with one team or another, ever since.

“We’re like sisters,” O’ Connor said. “I don’t remember the last time that we were really apart.”

They played Little League baseball together in Oxford. The 11 U team that they were on won the district championship

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Gianna Coyle

and qualified for states.

As they got older, they were on the same middle school softball team and a travel ball squad. When they got to high school, they were teammates on the Hornets’ softball team, too. Their friendship has certainly helped them as teammates. As middle infielders, they’ve been able to turn a handful of double-plays this season, which is difficult to do.

Abbey O’ Connor

They’ve also liked batting close together in Oxford’s lineup. As top-of-the-lineup hitters, they’ve helped boost Oxford’s offense and set the table for the heart of the batting order. One of their most noteworthy accomplishments was reaching 100 hits in their career at Oxford. Coyle reached the milestone f irst, and O’ Connor followed about ten games later.

O’ Connor said that they both take a lot of pride in their defense, and one highlight for them has been turning double-plays.

Their teamwork even translates to other sports.

Coyle explained that they also played on a basketball team together.

Next month, O’ Connor and Coyle will join their classmates and graduate from Oxford Area High School. In

the fall, O’Connor is headed to the College of Central Florida, while Coyle is going to East Stroudsburg University.

But before that, they would like to achieve a few goals. They would like to help the Oxford softball team win their division and earn a playoff berth.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

May 26 Car show in Oxford The 40th annual Chester County Car Show will be held Sunday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Oxford. There will be antique cars, classics, muscle cars and Mustangs. The event will have a food court, flea market, DJ entertainment and door prizes.

June 8 Upland School reunion Upland Country Day School in Kennett Square is hosting an all-school reunion on Saturday, June 8. There will be an evening gala with dinner and dancing under a tent beginning at 6 p.m.

The entire Upland community is invited -- alumni, parents, former parents, and faculty. For more information, call 610-4448114 or visit www.uplandcds. org.

Through Sept. 29 Festival of Fountains The Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) Festival of Fountains runs through Sept. 29. The three fountain gardens perform daily. The Main Fountain Garden includes new five-minute shows at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. from May through August. Evening illuminated fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden feature new shows Thursday through Saturday evenings at 9:15 p.m. (May through August) and at 8:15 p.m. in September.

The Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains have shows daily as well.

For families, Longwood has interactive indoor and outdoor gardens, three treehouses to explore, and ample opportunity to roam. Families can also enjoy new Festive Friday evenings, designed with themed familyfriendly activities. Longwood is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

through Saturday from May through August; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 to 29. Admission is by timed admission ticket only.

To purchase tickets, visit www. longwoodgardens.org.

Kennett Flash schedule The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www.kennettflash. org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Mason Porter and Friends Sixth Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash (May 17, 8 p.m., $18); Brand X (May 18, 8 p.m., $53 and $58, May 19, 7 p.m., $53 and $58); The Bill Currier Band and Tony Travalini and The Still Lifes (May 24, 8 p.m., $12); Films & Words: “A Band Called Death” with Lamont Caldwell (May 26, 7 p.m.); Phil Collins tribute Hello I Must Be Going (May 31, 8 p.m., $25); The Matt Galletti Band (June 1, 8 p.m., $14); Open Mic with Elliot and Andrew from Vinyl Artifacts (June 2, 7 p.m.); Bottle Rockets with Sarah Borges (June 5, 8 p.m., $24); Seventh Sojourn: Moody Blues tribute (June 7, 8 p.m., $20); David Feder and Tim Farrell Guitar Workshop (June 8, 3:30 p.m.); Muriel Anderson with Tim Farrell and Dave Feder (June 8, 8 p.m., $25); Eilen Jewell (June 9, 7 p.m., $24); Better Than Bacon improve comedy eighth anniversary show (June 14, 8 p.m., $16 to $20); Popa Chubby (June 15, 7 p.m., $30); The Fleetwood Mac Experience (June 29, 8 p.m., $18); Films & Words: “200 Motels” featuring Frank Zappa (June 30, 7 p.m.).

To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty.com.

There is no charge. Not every submission can be included.

Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Veteran photos sought for parade mosaic As part of the Oxford Memorial Day parade on May 25, the Oxford Arts Alliance is asking local residents to send a photo or drawing of a veteran to be part of a photo mosaic to be carried in the parade through town. To enter, send a drawing, a photograph, or any kind of image of a veteran you know.

You can choose a family member, a friend, or a neighbor.

E-mail the image to assistantdirector@ oxfordart.org. The Arts Alliance staff will create a large mosaic of all of the images. The final image will be shown on Memorial Day 2019 at the Oxford Arts Alliance and during the parade.

New passport introduces creative kids to museums Families can play, learn, create, and spend quality time at Delaware’s museums of art and culture through the DE Creative Kids Passport program.

Participants can get a passport at the Biggs Museum of Art, the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Contemporary, or Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, then collect a stamp at each and win a prize. Activities at each location offer fun for kids of all ages.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library Whether your kid is clever, contemplative, crafty, or creative, a fulfilling learning experience awaits at Winterthur. Let imaginations soar in Enchanted Woods children’s garden, where 3- to 5-year-olds can enjoy “Story Time” on the first and third Thursdays from

April through October.

Help your elementary-age student avoid the summer slump during Terrific Tuesdays in July and August. Kids can travel back in time in a delightful space where everything is touchable in the Touch-It Room. Saturdays feature Hands on History Cart from 1 to 3 p.m. through Nov. 23. Enchanted Summer Day on June 15, Truck and Tractor Day on Oct. 5, and Enchanted Winter Day on Dec. 7 offer full days of family fun. Most activities and programs are included with admission.

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Del., 800-4483883, www.winterthur.org The Biggs Museum of American Art The Biggs presents a broad range of exhibitions and a family activity space filled with hands-on

activities for children and families, as well as First Saturday program that offers free admission to the museum and a staff-guided art project for children.

Children under 18 are always free.

406 Federal St., Dover, Del., 302-674-2111, www. biggsmuseum.org The Delaware Art Museum Delaware Art Museum offers several family programs every week.

Glory of Stories on Fridays introduces young visitors to the museum through a story, interactive tour, and art-making. Family 2nd Sundays offers family yoga March through October, Art Museum Babies, Young Artist Storytime, the Lunch Bunch in the Café, and Sunday Studio artmaking for ages 6 and older. Kids’ Corner lets you pop into

the museum’s familyfriendly education space to relax, explore, and discover what’s new. Kids’ Corner is transformed by Families-inResidence, who create new art installations for creative play.

2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, Del., 302-5719590, www.delart.org The Delaware Contemporary The Delaware Contemporary is the perfect destination for busy families interested in experiencing the art of today. Its Discover Cart on First Fridays and Discover Collection provide a personalized visit for guests, who can curate their own experience. Activities change with the exhibitions on display.

200 S. Madison St., Wilmington, Del., 302-656-6466, www. decontemporary.org

© 2019 MARVEL

Tractor Supply program raises $917,954 for 4-H Hundreds of 4-H youth from across the country will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning experiences as a result of Tractor Supply Company’s Paper Clover spring fundraiser.

Tractor Supply customers and team members raised $917,954 in 12 days during the campaign by making donations in-store and online across the country.

A biannual program, Paper Clover is in partnership with the National 4-H

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“Tractor Supply customers and team members continue to show support to 4-H youth through the Paper Clover campaign because they recognize the lasting impact that 4-H programs have on youth in their communities,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply Company.

“The impact of the Paper Clover program is proven by the important opportunities

it presents to 4-H youth nationwide. We are proud to work with our customers and team members to make a difference in the lives of these young people.”

From March 27 to April 7, Tractor Supply customers and team members purchased paper clovers, the emblem of 4-H, for a donation during checkout at stores nationwide or through purchases made online at TractorSupply. com.

Dollars collected fund scholarships for numerous state-level 4-H programs, and every donation benefits youth within the state it was collected. Scholarships are used for camps and leadership experiences where attendees learn everything from animal care and woodworking to networking practices and civic responsibility.

“Prog rams like Paper Clover are key to supporting the development of our youth’s skills and passions, and we are beyond grateful to Tractor Supply, which continues to help us provide handson learning experiences for our kids,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “By presenting 4-H youth with learn-bydoing programming, we give them the tools they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Now in its 10th year, the Paper Clover campaign has raised $13.2 million for 4-H youth nationwide. The second 2019 Paper Clover event will be held this fall, from Oct. 9 to 20.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Students nominate educator for Classcraft’s Innovative Teacher of the Year award

Teacher Ryan Ragland was surprised by a program in his honor on May 8.

Based largely on student nominations, a Teacher of the Year award was presented to area teacher Ryan Ragland in a surprise event on May 8 at Charles F. Patton Middle School.

The grand prize of a personalized avatar was revealed, much to the teacher’s surprise. Ragland is only one of four teachers worldwide to receive Classcraft’s Innovative Teacher of the Year Award for 2019. Launched in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, the award celebrates innovative educators with personalized game avatars and by featuring them on a limited edition poster from Classcraft.

Students loved the idea of their teacher getting a customized game avatar. In one week, Classcraft received more than 2,000 votes for more than 220 teachers worldwide.

When applying for the award,

Ragland said, “I teach because, as a student, I never felt like I was particularly engaged, challenged or interested in most of what I was being taught. I decided to become a teacher in order to change that dynamic and make education and teaching more relevant, meaningful, and engaging. Is there really a higher honor a teacher could get then being immortalized as a Classcraft avatar?

“I’ve always used an incentive-based point system in my classroom before.

Classcraft allowed me to transform that system and bring it to life. I’m amazed at how excited my kids are to use it; the effect hasn’t worn off even during the course of the school year. I’m constantly getting notifications that they’re logged in after school hours, or on the weekends, which says everything I need to know about

how into using it they are.”

One student who nominated Ragland said, “He always makes my day, he is very nice, and he never yells at students.

He makes the whole class laugh and makes everybody smile. He is very helpful when it comes to grades and helped me succeed in many of my classes. I’ve learned a lot from his class and I still remember all the things he taught me. He is a great teacher.”

Founded in 2013, Classcraft is an ed-tech company serving more than 5 million students and educators worldwide.

Its proprietary Engagement Management System (EMS) uses video games to help educators drive measurable academic performance, noncognitive skills development, and school climate. Classcraft is used in more than 160 countries and is available in 11 languages.

Ragland’s custom avatar was unveiled at the school event.

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6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Chester County Press

Legals

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Zoning Hearing Board of Elk Township will meet on Thursday, June 6, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, Pennsylvania, to conduct a

hearing on the Application of The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County for their property located at 553 Elk Mills Road, Elk Township, Pennsylvania. The applicant is seeking a variance of the following Section of the Elk Township Zoning Ordinance of 2002, as amended: 1) Section 701.A.4 stating that woodland, wildlife preserve, or conservation use in accordance with the provisions of Section 1233.

Applicant as part of wildlife, woodland preserve and conservation use, which are allowed in AP, Applicant requests permission to construct the parking lot and trails as an extension of the preserve and conservation use. The public may attend and participate in the hearing. If you would like to review the application, or are a person with a disability and require accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact the Township secretary at 610-255-0634.

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NOTICE OF DISOLUTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Shareholders and Directors of Loann Enterprise, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation, with an address of 40 Lochwood Lane, West Chester, PA 19380, have approved a proposal that the corporation voluntarily merge into a Colorado corporation and dissolve in Pennsylvania, and that the Board of Directors is now engaged in winding up and settling the affairs of the corporation under the provisions of Section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. IAN P. BURRELL, ESQ., STINAR ZENDEJAS & GAITHE, PLLC, 121 E. VERMIJO AVENUE, SUITE 200, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80903 5p-15-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Walter Choma, Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted letters, testamentary or of administration to the person named. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to make known the same to them and all persons indebted to said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to the administrator named below.

Choma, Walter, dec’d late of Spring City, Pennsylvania. Administrator: Stephen Choma of 744 W Race Street, Stowe, PA 19464.

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FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Futuristic Innovative Graphics, 156 S Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes Barre, PA 18701 has been filed in the Department of State at Harris-

burg, PA, File Date 02/26/2019 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is FIG Printing Inc., 156 S Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes Barre, PA 18701.

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NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will have a continuation of the Conditional Use Hearing, for Cliff Anderson

located at 645 N. Guernsey Road on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

The Board of Supervisors will also have a special meeting to discuss any other business brought before them following this hearing but not beginning before 7:00 p.m. The hearing will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited to attend. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 5p-15-1t

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7B

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

County celebrates 30 years of preserving open space Surrounded by the fields and wildlife of ChesLen Preserve, Chester County officials—along with the region’s leading land conservation and economic development partners— unveiled the first study on the economic benefits of Chester County’s preserved open space during the 30th anniversary celebration of open space preservation efforts.

More than 300 of the region’s land conservation and economic development partners, as well as other dignitaries and the public, joined the Chester County Commissioners on May 2 as they announced results of the study titled “Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Chester County” and unveiled a video about the report during the Open Space Summit.

Chester County was the first in the region to formally set aside funds for a rigorous open space preservation program. Study results demonstrate the valuable economic, environmental and public health benefits that open space preservation has provided, including: 28.8 percent of land, or 140,000 acres, in Chester County has been preserved as protected open space. This is an increase of 3,700 acres since 2017, including significant farmland preservation and state and municipal park expansions.

Chester County has preserved more land than the size of Philadelphia.

Homes in Chester County are valued at over $11,000 more when they are located within a half-mile of preserved open space, according to the study. In total, it’s a gain of more than $1.65 billion for Chester County’s homeowners and economy.

If protected lands were lost to development, Chester County would need to spend about $97 million a year to replicate vital services such as flood control and air and water pollution mitigation through alternative methods, according to the report.

Thirty years ago, an Open Space and Environmental Task Force recommended a $50 million funding program for open space preservation.

“Chester County was the first in the region to formally set aside funds for a rigorous open space preservation program, and has now determined the economic value of the existing open space,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline, while speaking to the crowd at Natural Lands’ ChesLen Preserve in Newlin Township.

“Green fields, preserved farms and community parks are more than just pretty places that contribute to our quality of life – they are true assets that generate significant economic value for the county.”

“Protected open space is a major factor in planned

growth of a community and contributes to the positive health of those who live there,” Commissioner Kichline added. “In fact, recreational activities on open space account for over $170 million in avoided medical costs every year.”

“Open space is a big part of the cultural character of Chester County,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “Chester County conservancies are respected and strong, historically and in numbers. We appreciate all the work that the 11 land trusts in Chester County do to maintain the high quality of life here.”

The study also notes that it is less expensive to preserve land than to develop it. Residential development often costs more through community services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance, sewer systems, and new schools. In contrast, farms and protected open space provide more tax revenue for local governments and school districts than they require back in service expenditures.

Open space creates jobs and attracts people who spend in the community. Each year open space accounts for $238 million in spending and $69 million in salaries. Protected farmland puts about $135 million back into the economy each year, and preserved open space accounts for roughly 1,800 jobs in Chester County, according to the report.

“Steps taken by Chester

Chester County Commissioners Kathi Cozzone, Michelle Kichline and Terence Farrell at the Chester County Open Space Preservation 30th anniversary celebration on May 2.

County 30 years ago have more than paid off,” said Commissioner Terence Farrell.

“The investment is providing a great return and one that is unique to Southeastern Pennsylvania. It’s impressive that nearly half – or 45 percent – of all conserved land in this region is in Chester County.”

The study “Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Chester County” is a partnership of county departments, municipal representatives, land conservancies and economic development agencies. For more information, visit www.chescoplanning.org/ openspace/roe.cfm.

U-CF schools awarded grant for safety and security improvements The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District was recently awarded a grant by the School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

The grant is part of the School Safety and Security Grant Program (Act 44), which was passed last summer and became law. The Statemandated Safe2Say program is also part of Act 44.

Under the direction of the district’s supervisor of facilities, James Whitesel, the district created a Safety and Security Committee and came up with a list of items that were needed to strengthen some security efforts. The items were ranked and prioritized, and ultimately submitted to the PCCD for consideration. In the end, UCFSD was awarded a grant of $48,400.

The items that will be covered by this grant, as prioritized by the UCFSD Safety and Security Committee, are: Shelter-shutter shades at all buildings in all classrooms - $22,000 The shades black out the windows in the doors, preventing visibility into the room during lockdown situations. The quick and easy use of the shade gives anyone in the room the ability to lockdown a classroom and prevent an intruder

from seeing in.

High-resolution exterior cameras at the elementary schools - $14,000 The high-resolution, 180-degree exterior cameras monitor the front parking and exterior entrances at all elementary schools. The views from these cameras will be live streamed into the main office and provide advance warning of any outside threat.

Additional portable radios at the elementary schools - $12,000 Additional radios will provide more staff with an effective way to communicate in an emergency situation.

“The Safety and Security Committee did an outstanding job assessing our needs and coming up with a list of items that I felt put us in a great position to be considered for this grant,” Whitesel said. “I’m pleased that the PCCD found merit with our application and awarded us the funds to fortify some of our security efforts throughout the district.”

PCCD received a total of 638 applications, totaling $177.6, million for school safety projects.

Only 234 grants were selected across the state.

This is the first time UCFSD has been awarded a grant specif ically designated for safety and security.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

9B

Continued from Page 2B

ROBERT E. TORRICELLAS

HELEN JEAN ARKATIN

Robert E. Torricellas, 83, of Peach Bottom, passed away on May 10 at Lancashire Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster.

He was the husband of Susan St. John Torricellas, and the late Donna Torricellas, who passed away on 2007. Born in Delaware County, he was the son of the late Arthur and Helen Gillespie Torricellas.

Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War. He was a member of the IBEW Electrical Workers Local 357. Robert enjoyed country music, playing the steel guitar, dancing and gardening. He was a kind and loving man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Greg Torricellas (Annamarie McConaghy) of Havertown; one stepson, Russell Weiss (Kelly) of Middletown, Del.; six grandchildren; and one sister, Andrea Glidden of Milton, Del. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. May 15 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church (35 Sylmar Rd., Rising Sun, Md.), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2117. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Helen Jean Arkatin, 87, of Nottingham, passed away peacefully on May 5, at home with her family by her side.

She was the wife of the late Paul Arkatin, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. Born in 1932 in Hartly, Del., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Dorothy Barclay Booth.

She spent many years in Earlville, Md., with her parents before moving to Pennsylvania to raise her own family. Helen was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and a member of the Young at Heart. While Helen enjoyed flowers, vacations in Wildwood, N.J., bird watching and bingo, her most treasured times were spent with family.

She is survived by six children, Louetta Crossan, Marlene Dunn (Earl), Suzette Thompson (Harry), Ronald Arkatin, Theresa Bare, Paul Arkatin (Laura); 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four siblings, John Henry Booth, Walter Booth, Jr. (Joan), Phyllis Crawford (Brodie) and Patricia Jamison; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; and two brothers, Lauder and Russell.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 8.

Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WILLETTA S. CONKLIN Willetta “Jean” S. Conklin, 93, of West Grove, passed away on May 10 at Jenner’s Pond.

She was the wife of Donald S. Conklin, who passed away in 2011, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Ames, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Tebbitt Stanhope and the late Marjorie Garretson Stanhope. She was a homemaker.

She is survived by one son, Roger Conklin and his wife Marie of Broomall; two daughters, Gail Crawford of Bel Air, Md., and Patricia Ihde of Branchburg, N.J.; one brother, John W. Stanhope of Orwell, Vt.; one sister, Nancy F .Hume of Orrington, Maine; one granddaughter, Kathleen Crawford Yust; and one great-grandson, David Crawford Yust.

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

$1 million winning ticket sold in East Marlborough Pennsylvania Lottery officials announced on May 6 that the Giant Food Store in East Marlborough had a scratch-off $1 million winner.

Pennsylvania Lottery Scratch-Off winners claimed $14.5 million in prizes during April, including three top prizes worth $1 million claimed by players from Philadelphia, Erie and Delaware counties.

The local Giant was among three retailers who sold the $1 million winning tickets. They each received a bonus of $5,000. The others are in Erie County and Philadelphia.

Across Pennsylvania, other prizes claimed during April included nine prizes of $300,000, 13 prizes of $100,000; and three prizes worth more than $80,000 each.

The monthly winner list is posted in the Winners section of www.palottery. com. Not included on that list are the many Scratch-Off players who won prizes of less than $1,000.

Scratch-Off games currently offer prizes ranging from a free ticket to $3 million. Prizes expire one year from a Scratch-Off game’s endsale date, which is posted on www.palottery.com.

New parking arrangement announced for Unionville High School and Middle School In an effort to improve safety and convenience for our students, parents, and community, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is implementing a new parking standard for the three grass fields off of Doe Run Road near Unionville High School.

Anyone visiting these fields for practice or competitions will need to park in the bus garage parking area. This new

parking standard went into effect at the start of the spring 2019 season.

The bus garage parking area provides safe and ample parking for visitors to fields 19, 20, and 21. These grass fields are used by high school and middle school boys and girls soccer, field hockey, and boys and girls lacrosse.

Players and visitors will park in the bus garage parking lot adjacent to

the fields. Parking at St. Michael Lutheran Church and along the access road off of Doe Run Road next to the barn is prohibited.

This parking area may be reached through the bus garage main entrance off of Doe Run Road.

Spectators can continue along the driveway to the other side of the building, where parking for events at these fields is permitted. The fields are located directly next

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to the parking area.

The parking change came about because spectators and f ield visitors have been using the parking lot at St. Michael Lutheran Church as well as the access road off Doe Run Road. It is unsafe for students and spectators to cross busy Doe Run Road. Also, the church does not allow the use of their parking facility for district events.

10B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

Rep. John Lewis addresses Lincoln graduates Lincoln University advanced its legacy as more than 400 members of the Class of 2019 graduated during the 160th Commencement on May 5.

This year, graduates and their loved ones heard from renowned congressman and civil rights icon, Rep. John R. Lewis. During his address, he encouraged students to follow in the footsteps of the Lincoln graduates who fought for civil rights and encouraged students to “get in good trouble” and to “march today so others can march tomorrow.”

“Use your education as a non-violent tool to help change America, and to help change our world,” Lewis said. “You can do it, and you must do it.”

Lewis assumed office on Jan. 3, 1987, and has been serving Georgia’s 5th District in the United States House of Representatives for the past 30 years.

Lewis, who earned an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during Commencement, referred to Lincoln as “the first historically black college chartered in the United States,” and reflected on the legacy of esteemed Lincoln graduates.

“What a great history you have,” he said.

“Thurgood Marshall, Kwame Nkrumah, Langston Hughes, one of the founding fathers of Ghana, and a founder of Nigerian nationalism

were all graduates of Lincoln.”

Before ending his address, Lewis encouraged the newly minted graduates to enjoy their day and to get ready to work after celebrating.

“Today is your day, enjoy it,” he said. “Take a long, deep breath and take it all in. But after the parties are over, get ready to roll up your sleeves.”

Brenda A. Allen ’81, president of Lincoln University, presided over her second Commencement as Lincoln’s first alumna president.

Lincoln University honored Dr. Martin L. Kilson, Jr. ’53, posthumously with a Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

Kilson’s daughter, Hannah L. Kilson, accepted the degree on his behalf. In 1969, Kilson became the first African American scholar to receive a full professorship at Harvard College. During his tenure at Harvard, Kilson wrote more than 100 journal articles and co-authored several books that addressed effective political leadership and socioeconomic issues for African Americans and emerging countries in Africa.

Under a cloudy sky and steady showers on the Thurgood Marshall Living Learning Center Lawn, the audience heard from valedictorian Bridget Baldwin, a health science major

Photo by Bob Williams

Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient Rep. John Lewis addresses the Lincoln University Class of 2019 on May 5.

from Wilmington, Del., who encouraged students to think of today as the beginning of their future.

The Lincoln University Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Camilla J. Horne, performed a musical selection titled “City Called Heaven.”

The symphonic band, under the direction of Timothy Chambers and Jameel Judge, performed “Clowns.” The choir and band joined together for “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

For the second year in a row, Commencement and the alumni Reunion Weekend overlapped and allowed members of the Class of 2019 to mingle with alumni at various events on campus, including the Bull Roast BBQ.

Avondale student named U.S. Presidential Scholar

On May 7, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the selection of Akhila Yalvigi of Avondale, who attends Avon Grove High School in West Grove, as a 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

Yalvigi is one of 161 American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 23-25.

“I want to congratulate this year’s class of Presidential Scholars on their achievement both inside of the classroom and out,” DeVos said.

“Their hard work and commitment to excellence, no matter what challenge they are tackling, will serve them well throughout their

lifelong learning journeys.

I have no doubt that many of tomorrow’s leaders are among this year’s class of scholars.”

The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the 3.6 million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 5,200 candidates qualified for the 2019 awards.

The 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in Career and

Technical Education.

Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 7,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the award given to honorees during the annual ceremony.

The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Since 1983, each U.S. Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.

The teacher chosen for recognition by Yalvigi was Amanda Wilcox of Avon Grove High School in Avondale.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

11B

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plus

NO PAYMENTS FOR 12 MONTHS on a bath or shower replacement Bath & Shower Replacements • • • • • •

Natural like tile, yet NO grout to clean Sleek, practical shelves & accessories Decorative trim, minimal visible caulk lines One-two DAY expert installation 0% Financing options plus discounts Increase safety with a walk-in shower or walk-in tub

www.HomeSmartind.com

Call Home Smart today for these great discounts and to schedule your free in-home design consultation & estimate.

888-670-3731

*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Previous sales excluded. Good at initial presentation only. $1,000 discount is only available to be used towards purchasing upgraded Luxstone walls. Additional work is extra and optional. Financing available for qualified buyers.

12B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019