Oxford Borough Council approves 2025 budget with small tax increase
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
Oxford Borough is raising taxes by 0.13 mills so that additional funding can be provided to the library and for the park for 2025. The decision to raise the tax rate for 2025 was part of Oxford Borough Council’s year-end work that was discussed at meetings in December. Oxford Borough Council adopted the 2025 general fund budget, a water fund budget, and approved a tax levy ordinance. After the 0 .13 increase
in the tax rate, Oxford Borough’s millage rate stands at 13.66 mills for borough residents.
Council member Peggy Ann Russell, who chairs the Finance Committee, clarified at the meeting that this slight increase might not be enough to fully fund the increases in expenditures that are expected in
Linn, Dumont selected to lead Avon Grove School Board in 2025
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Avon Grove School Board has long been one of the more experienced elected boards in Chester County, so when its reorganization meeting took place in early December, there were several members who could have been selected to serve in leadership roles in 2025. Ultimately, the board members unanimously selected Dorothy Linn, Ed.D., to serve as president in 2025. Linn has served on the school board since 2019, and has previous
stints as board president and board vice president.
“Thank you very much,” Linn said moments after she was elected president. “I look forward to working with everybody.”
The board members then selected Rick Dumont to serve as the vice president in 2025. There were no other nominations for this position, and Dumont was also unanimously approved for his position.
In 2025, in addition to Linn and Dumont, the Avon Grove School Board will also include Bonnie Wolff, who has been on the board
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2025. The borough could still be looking at a deficit of as much as $246,488, but the expectation is that a combination of increased revenues and savings on expenditures will be more than enough to offset all of the budgeted expenses.
Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen reported that it is important for residents
to schedule the free installation of a new water meter. Appointments to do so will run through mid-January. In December of 2023, Oxford was awarded a $600,000 grant through the PA H2O Program to support an upgrade to the borough’s water meters, so residents are encouraged to schedule appointments to get the new, more accurate meters. The Zoning Hearing Board Application for 232 S. 5th Street was briefly discussed by council and then deferred to the Zoning Hearing Board. Borough council held a hearing to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 26, Water, Section 266-103,
An interview with LaNisha Cassell, executive director, Voices Underground
A
picture colored with truth, integrity, forgiveness and hope
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
When LaNisha Cassell became the executive director of Voices Underground this past October, she was leaving a 20-year career in Iowa, where for the last nine years she had been the executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Prince Georges County, Md., she returns to the East Coast to lead an organization that
has become a county-wide leader in scholarly research, creative partnerships, public experiences and historical memorialization of African-American history. Recently, Cassell met with the Chester County Press to talk about the foundational work of the agency, the power of storytelling and the continuing journey toward racial healing.
Chester County Press: You were raised in Washington, D.C., long
considered an incubator for the nation’s ideas and ideals. How did the city itself serve as an outdoor classroom as you developed your principles, and who were among those in your young life who helped guide you toward those principles?
Cassell: I was born in Washington, D.C. and I was raised in Prince Georges County, Maryland but with the Metro and access to the city it became a major
Underground.
Oxford School Board reorganizes for 2025
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Oxford School Board held its annual reorganization meeting on Dec. 3, and the board members selected Mark Patterson to serve as board president for 2025. Patterson is currently the longest-serving member of the Oxford School Board. Jenifer Warren was selected to serve as the board vice president for 2025. She served as the president of the board during 2024. The reorganization meet-
ing began with the names of the nine members being read into the official record. In addition to Patterson and Warren, board members for 2025 are Debbie Vendrick, Kristen Dean, Michael Blessington, Jennifer Kehs, William Kloss, Andrew Atkinson, and Tenille Dewees. It was a quick but somewhat complicated process for the school board to select its leaders, with three separate nominations for each position. Patterson emerged as president with
a slim margin of 5-4 in favor of his nomination. Warren received 7 votes out of 9 for the position of vice president.
Once the president and vice president were in place, the board voted on its meeting schedule for the next year. The board opted to continue to hold its work sessions on the second Tuesday of the month and to hold the regular board meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. The meetings will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held at
the district’s Administration Building. Dewees was voted to serve as the Oxford School Board’s representative on the Chester County School Board Legislative Council.
The school board then decided to appoint four of its members—Warren, Kehs, Blessington, and Dewees—to the district’s Policy Review Committee. Patterson selected Blessington to serve as the chair of this committee.
The Oxford School Board’s first work session
meeting of 2025 will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 14 and the first regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Patterson also announced that the district’s Facilities and Safety Committee will meet at the Hopewell School at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, as the committee attempts to prioritize spending on facilities needs ranging from a new roof for a school building, a new HVAC system, or muchneeded turf for the school district’s main sports field.
All photos courtesy of Voices Underground LaNisha Cassell is the executive director of Voices
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Voices Underground...
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part of my upbringing. My father, Robert Reese worked in D.C. and my mother, Alexis Smith worked at The Pentagon, so I was frequently on the Metro and all my field trips were to museums throughout the city. One of the most impactful experiences I had happened after I graduated from college, when I worked for then councilwoman Dorothy F. Bailey for the Prince Georges County Council. I was her constituent services aide and legislative aide for several years. I learned how to relate and connect with people there.
The part of my career I have enjoyed the most is being able to engage with people, and the meat and potatoes of running an agency such as Voices Underground is getting to know people and their philanthropic passions and endeavors. I saw my mother go to work every day at the Department of Defense. She had a great work ethic. My father worked for many years in the cosmetology industry, and I saw him engage with people.
Together with Ms. Bailey and others in my community, my parents shaped my perspective in understanding the needs of people.
After nine years as the executive director of the African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids, you left your position this past October and moved with your family to Pennsylvania. What drew you back East and toward Voices Underground? Take me back to the initial spark that told you, “I want to be there?”
Over the past two and a half years, I was involved in the capital campaign for the renovation of the Museum.
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During the campaign, my campaign chairman encouraged me to write down some personal goals. The goals included writing a book, moving to a region with more racial diversity and moving back to the East Coast to be closer to family. At the time, I told myself that I would not start actively searching for a new career until ten years had passed at the Museum. A family member sent me the job posting for the Voices Underground position and I thought, “I can do this, and it’s on the East Coast.”
While there was some hesitation in leaving a museum and community that I had grown to love, I knew it was a great opportunity.
When I read the mission and the vision of Voices Underground and after meeting with Mike Bontrager (founder of Square Roots Collective) and Greg Thompson (co-founder of Voices Underground) and representatives from SRC’s other social enterprises, what I learned really resonated with me. I saw that becoming the executive director of Voices Underground would be much bigger than merely accepting this as a new challenge. I saw it as an opportunity to bring my skills and talents to an amazing mission.
What were you most
Rates, Charges, Billing and Liens, of the Borough of Oxford for water rate changes effective for July 1, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
Council also approved a resolution setting the fee schedule for a variety of permits and inspections that the borough handles.
Oxford Borough Council also approved the memorandum of agreement with the Oxford Borough non-uniform union.
Council also approved the Delaware Environmental Construction Services Pay Application No. 2 in the amount of $69,505.72 and Change Order No. 1 decreasing the overall contract amount by $22,823 for the Hodgson and Eighth streets repaving project.
Council also ratified a letter of support for the grant application submitted by 33-35 South Third Street, LLC to the PA Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program to support the proposed King’s Cross Development on the site that was destroyed by the large fire in downtown Oxford in September of 2023.
Council also approved a request for a letter of Support for the designation of Big Elk Creek State Park as a nature preserve.
The first Oxford Borough Council meeting of 2025 will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2025 at the Borough Hall. The full schedule of council and committee meetings for 2025 will be on the agenda that evening for approval.
proud of during your tenure at the African American Museum of Iowa?
The obvious answer would have to be the renovation project we undertook for the Museum. We had a successful $5 million capital campaign. We negotiated with the City of Cedar Rapids, and we came out on the other side with a beautiful new building. What I am truly most proud of were the changes that occurred for me, my team and the community that we were able to engage with for almost ten years. I became more confident, more transparent and more willing to take risks, and as a result, developed a meaningful internal culture with the team and external relationships with the Museum’s donors and patrons.
At the core of its mission, Voices Underground believes that community healing begins with careful listening, deliberate collaboration, personal transformation, truthful storytelling and creative excellence. As you and your colleagues begin 2025, where will we see evidence of that mission throughout Chester County?
We are developing the concept of creating a memorial that will tell the full stories of the Underground Railroad, including Black Abolitionists, the Freedom Seekers, the Quakers and the actual passage between being enslaved to becoming free. That is a long process that continues to develop concepts and designs, but what’s more immediate is our mission to become more illuminated, not just in Kennett Square but throughout Chester County and beyond. We will be scheduling regular programming throughout the county in collaboration with other organizations that are here doing the hard work of bringing people together. Our planned film series and guest lecturers and panel discussions will help showcase why we are here and what we do to promote racial healing through storytelling.
To truly illuminate the long story of the African American experience – to tell the absolute truth of it, unblemished – is to be courageous enough to talk about the pain and suffering of it, but for a lot of people – of all races and creeds – stepping into that pain is way too much
to bear. How does Voices Underground tell these stories not to point fingers of blame, but to create opportunities for healing? I think it becomes our responsibility to meet people where they are, and it happens one person at a time. It is hard to make an impression on a large group of people and get somebody to resonate with what you’re trying to say, but when you talk one-onone or in small groups, it becomes more of a conversation and less of a speech.
When we can impact one person, hopefully they will take that message back to their friends and their family and their network and create a ripple effect. When we resonate with each other on a personal level it carries much more impact than what we do on a general scale.
Voices Underground holds “Secret Supper” events throughout the year, and they are intimate opportunities that encourage engagement through storytelling and food. It’s a superb method of being able to tell stories, creating safe spaces to heal and meeting people where they are.
The work of Voices Underground is, in essence, the development of a voice, but it needs to be used for it to eventually become strong. Among the loudest voices in the organization is also one of its softest. Talk about the passion that Greg Thompson continues to bring to the mission of Voices Underground.
Greg is an amazing storyteller and is very passionate about what he brings to Voices Underground and the national understanding of the untold stories of the Underground Railroad. Listening to him during my interview sealed the deal for me that Voices Underground was where I needed to be. He is unafraid, which is necessary with missions like ours.
Greg inspires me to develop an approach that resonates within our community and make an impact in this space of healing through storytelling. Who wouldn’t want to be part of something so life-changing?
How will Voices Underground continue to find new “voice vessels” who will take the gavel and lead it into the future?
When you talk about
empowering people, I am all about collaborations and we do that through storytelling and pulling people in. One of the things I would love to be a part of is attracting more changemakers and influencers who have the capacity and resources to make a difference, not only in Kennett Square and Chester County but throughout the country and the world. I am hoping that we never exhaust the list of those changemakers and influencers, and that we find and launch those new voices.
Whenever I am in Washington, D.C., I make a point to visit the Lincoln Memorial and stand at the spot where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. How does the brilliance and hope he expressed in that address overlap with the continuing mission of Voices Underground?
The summation of his speech resonates deeply with Voices Underground’s mission to encourage racial healing – to get the members of the human race to join hands. I memorized the speech when I was a child, but I recently reread the speech, and in it, Dr. King talked about our destinies, our time together and the fact that we cannot walk alone. Voices Underground brings people together through storytelling in order to hear those stories and bring understanding and healing.
What Dr. King loved and stood for was to bring races and people together and I believe wholeheartedly that Voices Underground will continue to do that in ways that cultivate the very same principle. It’s about being unafraid to listen, asking hard questions, standing your ground, turning the other cheek when necessary and expressing forgiveness. It’s about extending grace.
Does Voices Underground have the foundation to become a
national leader in the narrative of race relations?
I would love to see that happen and I believe we can. We have the historic fortitude in Chester County to help make that happen. We have the leadership of Voices Underground and Square Roots Collective to be able to push our message to larger platforms. When I began my position in October, my team gave me a list of 100 organizations to connect with. I am a quarter of the way through that list, and it has been – and will continue to be – that one-on-one conversation that I believe will not only bring in resources but a network, and every one of those networks has its own network.
In a short amount of time, we can begin to have a larger visibility outside of Chester County. I see a social media presence. I see a podcast in the future and regular posts of how we are engaging. The larger our footprints, the more people we will be able to bring along with us.
Let’s finish by asking you to paint your own vision of the hope that you have for the future of America’s discourse on race. Here are your brushes and here is your paint.
I would like to make my brushes paint honesty, acknowledgement and understanding, and while I believe that we can continue to make great strides, we cannot do that until we reckon with our history and our present. I want those brushes to paint a picture colored with truth, integrity, forgiveness and hope. When we meet people where they are, we can become allies and begin to tell the stories that bring hope.
To learn more about Voices Underground, visit www.voicesunderground. com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Gregory Thompson, far right, with participants at a Voices Underground event at Longwood Gardens.
All photos courtesy of Voices Underground Voices Underground sponsors several local events, such as the Juneteenth celebration. Gregory Thompson is the co-founder of Voices Underground.
on Jan. 4
The Kennett Square Golf and Country Club is hosting the Polar Plunge on Jan. 4 starting at 9:15 a.m., followed by a warming brunch.
The Oaktree Family Fund will match up to $5,000 in donations and contribute $500 for each participant in a Speedo or bikini. The club will donate $20 for each adult reservation and $10 for each child reservation to LCH Health and Community Services.
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since 2003, Herman Engel, who has been a member since 2010, and Bill Wood, Mike Woodin, Ken Roark, Ruchira Singh, Nick Taylor.
The next year is shaping up to be a busy one for the Avon Grove School District. Longtime superintendent Dr. M. Christopher Marchese is departing the school district on Jan. 3, so the school board is very early in the process of finding its next superintendent.
The Avon Grove Board will hold its next Committee-of-the-Whole
meeting on Jan. 14 and its first regular meeting of the new year on Jan. 23. Both meetings will be held at 6
Avon Grove School Board concludes a busy, productive year
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Avon Grove School District concluded a busy year and said farewell to Superintendent Dr. M. Christopher Marchese during the final school board meeting of 2024 on Dec. 12.
“This is my last official meeting as superintendent of schools,” Marchese said during his superintendent’s report toward the end of the meeting. “It has been a pleasure to serve this board and this community.”
Marchese has guided the school district for more than 11 years, and it has been a period of
transformation for Avon Grove—the district built a new high school, renovated the former high school into a state-of-the-art middle school, and persevered through a pandemic that presented unprecedented challenges.
He announced that he was resigning from his position in October, and the Avon Grove School Board thanked him for his service to the district with a more formal presentation in November. At that same meeting, the Avon Grove School Board appointed Dr. Nicole Harvey, the district’s assistant superintendent for elementary education, as the interim
superintendent.
Marchese thanked the district’s administrators, teachers, support staff, professional staff, parents, and community members for the dedication, support, and hard work that all helped the students achieve their dreams.
He emphasized that he was grateful for the support that the parents and the community members give to the Avon Grove School District.
Marchese said that he will miss working with the administrative team every day, and specifically mentioned those he worked most closely with, including administrative confidential
assistant Laurinda O’Brien, the district’s Chief Financial Officer Daniel Carsley, the director of personnel Dr. Wendi Lee Clark, the assistant superintendent for elementary education Dr. Nicole Harvey, assistant superintendent for secondary education Scott DeShong, director of innovation & technology Dr. Jason Kotch, director of pupil services Sean Burns, director of school safety and security Chrissy Simpkins, and communications coordinator Theresa Marsden.
Marchese will be moving into the role of executive director of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit follow-
ing his departure from Avon Grove on Jan. 3.
School board president Dorothy Linn, Ed.D. thanked Marchese and offered best wishes on behalf of the school district.
“We wish you very well on your next endeavor,” Linn said. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done for the school district.”
The Avon Grove School District has enlisted the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to facilitate the search for the district’s next superintendent.
“As we begin our search for a new superintendent, we are committed to an inclusive process that
will involve extensive community input and collaboration,” said Linn in a statement about the search from the CCIU. “We look forward to engaging our parents, students, educators, and community members to help us identify a visionary leader who will continue building upon the strong foundation we have in place.”
The job posting for the Avon Grove School District superintendent position has been officially posted on the CCIU website and multiple state and national search websites and will remain open for applications until January 22, 2025.
Courtesy photo
The Avon Grove School Board with district superintendent Dr. M. Christopher Marchese.
p.m. at the Avon Grove Intermediate School.
Kennett Square woman named exam chair for the American Board of Wound Management
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) has appointed Dr. Karen A. Wientjes, a professor of physical therapy at Neumann University, as the organization’s Exam Chair. A resident of Kennett Square, Wientjes has taught at Neumann for 25 years. She has been a Certified Wound Specialist through the ABWM since 1999 and served as the organization’s president from 2020 to 2022. The role of the Exam Chair for ABWM is focused on overseeing the integrity, fairness, and effectiveness of the certifi-
cation examination process for the ABWM’s three certifications: Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA), Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) and Certified Wound Specialist Physician® (CWSP).
“I have been participating in the ABWM exam committees for several years,” said Wientjes. “My nerdy side thoroughly enjoys the whole process of item writing, reviewing the psychometrics, and building exams that ensure a high standard for credentialing wound care providers. I am honored to continue to work with the ABWM and serve
in this new position.”
Wientjes stays involved in clinical practice as a Certified Wound Specialist at Optimum Physical Therapy Associates and as a consultant to area hospitals. She has provided physical therapy services through mission work in Peru and Haiti and presents nationally and internationally on topics related to wound healing and physical therapy.
Her areas of research include wound measurement, biophysical agents, and integrative approaches to healing. She emphasizes a mind-body approach
to healing and helps her patients optimize their outcome through a holistic plan of care.
“Dr. Wientjes has served almost every office and capacity that the ABWM has, and we are excited to have her wealth of clinical and academic experience and knowledge to lead ABWM‘s exam development,” said ABWM executive director Christopher M. Murphy.
The purpose of the American Board of Wound Management is to establish and administer a certification process to elevate the standard of care across
the continuum of wound management. The Board is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach in promoting prevention, care and treatment of acute and chronic wounds.
Wientjes graduated with a physical therapy degree from the University of Scranton in 1994, a master’s degree in integrative health from West Chester University in 2003, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Neumann University in 2007.
For more information about Neumann University’s seven undergraduate programs in
YMCA of Greater Brandywine becomes first YMCA in nation to receive Medical Fitness Association Facility certification
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) recently made history as the first YMCA Association in the nation to attain Medical Fitness Facility Certification by the Medical Fitness Association (MFA).
The eight branches of the YGBW are the only facilities in Pennsylvania to hold this certification. The initiative was the brainchild of
President and CEO Bertram L. Lawson III and Chief Strategy & Growth Officer Heather Worthy Wilson. The MFA Facility Certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the health and wellness industry, serving as the only certification offered to facilities in the medical fitness industry—an industry that serves over four million members world-
wide. Certified facilities, including YGBW, provide members with professional expertise and high-quality programming to help them develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize the risk of illness and disease.
“Today is a proud day at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine,” said Lawson. “There’s a reason why our branches are the
only facilities in the state to have earned certification by the Medical Fitness Association. The standards are extremely high – and our team worked incredibly hard to earn this great honor.”
He added, “Health is a universal need of all people. Earning this certification verifies YGBW’s expertise in supporting our community from preven-
tion to recovery and points in between.”
“As the incidence of chronic disease continues to rise, the need for medical fitness facilities to offer a high standard of programming for the communities they serve is more important than ever,” said David Flench, FACHE, FMFA, President and CEO of MFA.
“Studies have shown that when people maintain an active lifestyle, especially in a safe environment, they reduce the risk of illness down the road. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine has taken an important step in providing this extraordinary level of care.”
MFA’s Medical Fitness Facility Certification is based on internationally recognized standards and guidelines for Medical Fitness Facilities and involves an in-depth, onsite review of a facility’s adherence to a set of prescribed standards and guidelines. Certified facilities are those that provide a high level of quality and safety in the programs and services, enabling them to become fully integrated into the local continuum of healthcare.
“We recognize that there are many providers that make up the healthcare continuum,” said Wilson. “Every provider has a role to play in support of public health – including the YMCA. With MFA’s Medical Fitness Facility Certification, we are demonstrating to physicians and the medical community that we are a trusted
resource for patient referrals. This is a big step toward building a modern healthcare continuum that includes fitness and nutrition expertise from qualified providers. We look forward to strengthening our partnerships within the medical community to achieve public health goals.”
“We’re taking a patientcentered approach,” added Veronica L. Lopez, RN, VP of Health Strategies at YGBW. “Patients are overwhelmed with healthcare options and the fragmentation along the continuum. Most people understand that movement and nutrition can help prevent, fight and heal chronic disease. But it can be overwhelming and isolating identifying what specific steps to take and challenging to stay the course. YGBW wants to be a partner in this process. Our team is educated, qualified and certified to help patients on their journey – and help physicians ensure a more 360-degree approach to healthcare. We can all grow stronger by working together.” Wilson and Lopez represented team YGBW at the Medical Fitness Association conference in New Orleans, where YGBW was recognized for achieving this great honor.
For more information about YGBW’s Medical Fitness Facility Certification, visit the website page https://ymcagbw. org/healthy-living/ medical-fitness-facilityymca-greater-brandywine.
Courtesy photo Dr. Karen Wientjes
Courtesy photo
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine made history as the first YMCA Association in the nation to attain Medical Fitness Facility Certification by the Medical Fitness Association.
Big decision on the horizon for UnionvilleChadds Ford School District
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District will have a busy start to the new year.
On Jan. 6, the results of a feasibility study report regarding Charles F. Patton Middle School, including recommendations, will be presented at a special public meeting at the school.
The school district hosted the final community conversation regarding the feasibility study report in early December. These community conversations gave stakeholders the opportunity to review the report compiled by the architectural firm Marotta/ Main and, based on the findings, share their feedback on whether to maintain, renovate or replace the district’s current middle school building.
The Charles F. Patton Middle School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, and it has the shortcomings of any school building that is more than five decades old. Approximately 38 percent of the building’s square footage has not been renovated since the original construction. If the school district opts to renovate the building, the bathrooms, electrical systems, HVAC systems, and roofing will need to be upgraded or replaced sooner rather than later. There are other issues or concerns that need to be addressed, too. The building has air-quality issues, and it was built at a time when asbestos-containing materials were used. The existing school building lacks natural light—about 70 percent of the classrooms do not have windows.
To renovate or to build new is never an easy decision for a school district. While the costs of a renovation can be less than building new in the short term, it can often be more costly in the long term to renovate.
Whether the school district decides to renovate the school building or build a new middle school, residents can be assured that any tax increases that result from the project will be within the Act 1 Index limit set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education each year. The Act 1 Index factors in things like inflation to set the maximum amount that a school district can raise taxes without seeking approval from voters via a referendum.
The school district has made it clear that it will not repeat what happened when the Unionville High School was renovated in 2009—the district twice placed a referendum on the ballot to get approval from residents exceed the Act 1 Index limit to pay for a large renovation. Voters rejected the referendum both times. The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District will not go to referendum or increase taxes above the Act 1 Index to support a renovation or replacement of the middle school.
Once the Jan. 6 presentation of the results of the feasibility study report takes place, the next step is for the school board to make a decision. The board is scheduled to vote on whether to maintain, renovate or replace the current middle school at the Feb. 18 regular board meeting.
Details about the feasibility study are available on the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District website or by contacting msfeasibilitystudy@ucfsd.net.
The ugly face of racism: In Oxford, not that long ago, segregation still took place
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
When we hear stories about racial inequality, many of us think it took place hundreds of years ago, but people like Connie Winchester know it happened in their lifetime. It was still happening in Oxford, and in many other places, in the summer of 1961.
Both Connie and her late husband, Dick Winchester, are well-known to this day as advocates of racial equality.
Connie remembered, “In Dick’s first year of teaching as a new professor at Lincoln University in 1961, he was visited by some of his students, who enlisted him to test the Oxford Hotel that year.”
As the story goes, Lincoln students asked for a room at the hotel and were told the hotel was full.
Winchester, a white professor at an historically Black college, walked in right behind them and was told there was a room available.
The Lincoln University students, along with Winchester, protested segregation at the Oxford Hotel.
The Winchesters also confirmed that Black people working at Lincoln University couldn’t eat lunch at some restaurants in Oxford, or visit some businesses in Oxford. However, the Red Rose Inn in Jennersville did accommodate them.
Nearly six decades later, many Oxford residents walked to protest the murder of a Black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis by a police officer. It was one of the first times that I remember watching the murder of a Black man on my television screen. But racial murders did happen and are still happening in large cities and small towns across the United States.
On May 25, 2020, a neighborhood in Minneapolis was the site of Floyd’s murder. Residents of the neighborhood were afraid to call the police, for fear of retribution. Derek Chauvin was one of four officers of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) involved in the arrest of George Floyd on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 bill at a market. While Floyd was handcuffed and laying face-down on the street, Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds. During the final two minutes, Floyd was motionless and had no pulse.
The initial police report showed no mention of Floyd’s treatment when he was arrested. Many believe Chauvin would never have been convicted if the mobile phone video taken by a witness, Darnell Frazier, had not surfaced. In 1961, I was 11 years old. It took me many years later and that walk to realize that I had grown up in a segregated town.
Years later, as I covered a Borough Council meeting, the Met Theater was discussed. Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. had received a grant to revive that local theater. It was the same theater where my mother had made her stand for equality.
I remember my mother talking about her experience when she moved to Oxford to work as a “defense woman.” She told us the story of her attending a local movie theater and finding out she could not sit in the balcony to see a movie. She was white and the balcony was where the Black population was relegated to. She argued with the ticket lady at the theater and, as she explained, she was eventually turned away from the theater. My mother simply couldn’t understand why she couldn’t sit with the Black people in the balcony.
I remember shaking my head in disbelief at the thought that in my lifetime, my hometown was segregated.
How did I not know that?
The phrase, “in my lifetime” kept turning over and over in my head. I had written about the town of Oxford for years, but I didn’t know that the town that I treasured, the town my parents grew to love had a dark past.
If I had any misgivings about that, they were confirmed when I did a story on former Oxford Mayor Harold Gray when he passed away a couple years ago.
The Oxford Area Historical Association allowed me to listen to an oral history of the mayor. In his own words, Harold Gray spoke of his storied life, serving in Korea and serving in the Oxford Police Department as an officer before he became mayor. Harold Gray explained, “I remember waiting outside a local soda fountain for my white friends to come out. I wasn’t allowed in. And yet when I became a police officer I had to serve and protect those same businesses that wouldn’t serve me. And I did.”
The fact that Harold Gray was elected mayor said to me that at least something had changed in Oxford. However, I think most of that was just because of the man that Harold Gray was. Now, Oxford Borough Council openly seeks people of all races and ethnic backgrounds to serve on the council. And rightly so. The council should be representative of the people it serves.
Oh, there are still racist people in Oxford and other places large and small. But hopefully there are more who are not racist. The town has changed considerably and Dick Winchester actually sat on council before he passed away. I know he was still advocating for equality. In writing this editorial, I am too, as part of what was passed on to me by my mother. I hope all parents raise their children to advocate for equality for all.
This ‘super sport’ might be the healthiest game ever invented
By Dr. Brian Hainline
Everyone knows that exercise is healthy, and that playing sports is one of the best – and most enjoyable – ways to maintain optimal weight, boost mental well-being, and improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
But what is the “healthiest” sport? Does it really matter which activity folks pick, so long as they’re exercising?
Contrary to conventional wisdom, it does matter. A recent study tracked more than 8,000 people over a quarter century to determine which activities offered the greatest health benefits. And there was a clear standout: tennis.
Tennis added 9.7 years to a typical player’s life, compared to that of a sedentary
person. The only sport that came close to this was badminton, which added 6.2 years of life.
As a physician who previously served as the chief medical officer of the NCAA, U.S. Open, and chaired two high-level forums for the International Olympic Committee, I’ve noticed for decades that tennis offers people who want to get and stay healthy the most “bang-for-their-buck” when it comes to time, effort, and actual bucks.
Tennis is ideally orchestrated to keep your heart healthy. The high-intensity intervals of activity elevate your heart rate, enhance blood flow, and strengthen cardiovascular health. Just three hours on the court each week could reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 56
percent, and the risk of death from all causes by 47 percent.
Aerobic exercise, by comparison, reduced all-cause mortality by just 27 percent. Remarkably, running and soccer had no effect on people’s risk of death.
Playing tennis is associated with greater bone mineral density in the femurs, hips, and spine. Tennis players have “significantly greater” upper body musculoskeletal function than their inactive counterparts.
Even those new to the sport could reap its benefits. As one review notes, “numerous studies have identified better bone health not only in tennis players with lifelong tennis participation histories, but also in those who take on the sport in mid-adulthood.”
Tennis also improves mobility, flexibility, and balance. Returning a serve, or positioning yourself for a precision volley, engages the whole body. Each burst of movement – stretching, accelerating, or pivoting – leads to improved coordination.
The confidence that comes from engaging skillfully with a physical task – sometimes referred to as physical literacy – is anoth-
er reason to take up the game. 80 percent of players reported improvements in self-esteem after regular trips to the court.
Tennis is also one of the few lifelong sports that can be played cheaply and conveniently. Visit any tennis court – there are roughly 250,000 of them nationwide – and it’s common to see folks playing into their 70s and 80s.
Any exercise is better than no exercise, but if folks are looking to maximize their health gains, now and for decades to come, I always tell them to go pick up a racquet and head to their local tennis court.
Brian Hainline, M.D. is Chair of the Board and President of the United States Tennis Association and recently transitioned from the NCAA as their Chief Medical Officer. He co-chaired the International Olympic Committee Consensus Meetings on both Pain Management in Elite Athletes and Mental Health in Elite Athletes. Brian is a Clinical Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. This piece originally ran in the Duluth News Tribune.
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
In the Spotlight
Kennett Square Borough man digs up an entire tree
Throughout the summer and the recent fall, passersby on Center Street in Kennett Square could not help being struck by the appearance of a large tree spread out and showing its roots at the Magnolia Street corner.
The talk around town was that it looked like an octopus, but it was a puzzle among public viewers how it came to be and why it is there.
The creator of the attraction is Peter Davis, a 58-year-old borough resident who, throughout his life, has been associated with trees and wood.
Davis said he is friends with Tracy Mann and Matt Slaybaugh, the occupants of the property on which the tree sits. He has been caring for the property for years, he said.
Davis said Mann, who volunteers at the Kennett
Library, told him she wanted to hold a book exchange, an event where visitors bring and share books.
The site of the exchange was to be their land adjacent to their house on Magnolia.
As Davis surveyed the site, it occurred to him that it needed some significant work because the trees were dying fast and the environment was declining.
“It used to be a forest, but ants are eating the trees and the trees are also absorbing a lot of sun,” he said.
Davis said he was specifically drawn to one large tree that was down and dead but had not yet started to rot.
“I decided I better get working on it,” he said.
That is when Davis’ spiritual orientation combined with his strong belief in Mann’s book exchange influenced his plans.
He said he believes the tree has a selfhood that would dictate its own fate.
Davis also believes in
Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum jazz singer Diana Krall has announced she will embark on a nationwide 35-city U.S. tour, commencing on April 22 in Dallas, Tex. and stopping at Copeland Hall in Wilmington, Del. in June.
Spanning over four months, the tour will also make stops in Las Vegas, San Diego, Portland, Pittsburgh, Nashville, and more before concluding in Atlanta on July 11.
“Diana Krall is a remarkable artist whose impeccable taste and musicality have made her one of the greatest interpreters of classic jazz and pop songs of our time,” wrote Jazz Times. A record-breaking musician, Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. Her albums have garnered two Grammy Awards, ten Juno Awards,
roots – both human and agricultural.
“You can go anywhere in a book. When you read a book you build your roots,” he said.
To honor its structure and his love of books, he set about to dig the whole tree up, including the roots.
That was in April of 2024, the day after the eclipse of the sun.
Davis had a shovel and he started to dig. He dug and dug for months.
People stopped and talked to him.
“I have seen so many people all over the country that have seen this. They have been so supportive,” he said.
Incredibly, as Davis dug day after day, he said he did not encounter much in the way of difficulties.
He said at that time, “You can learn a lot about life from a tree.”
Since the time the tree was completely unearthed, Davis has raised it on wooden supports and trimmed back sections that intruded outside the property. At one point, he cut a slab that might be appropriate for a piece of furniture later on.
In order to raise the massive tree from the ground, he used a pneumatic jack.
“I have not had one step of this working against me. I’m just following what the tree tells me,” Davis said.
He said people asked him what will go on top, and what is the black thing that was recently there.
He said perhaps it will house a police call box, currently, he has placed a statue of a kraken there.
A kraken is a legendary Scandinavian octopus sea monster that sailors historically feared would pull down their ships.
Appropriately, the etymology of kraken in the Norwegian dictionary is krake “a malformed or overgrown or crooked tree.”
Davis said weeks ago that he is not sure what the future of his work will be. He is hopeful that it remains on the property and is there for the book exchange.
However, in recent weeks the tree, which he had outfitted with Christmas lights, has been shrouded in plastic sheets.
Davis has not returned calls to say what the current future is of the tree or if he has encountered accusations of violations.
One thing he is sure of is that the tree will remain where it is as long as possible and will provide the setting for the book exchange.
“This is all for Tracy and Matt,” Davis said.
Diana Krall to perform at Copeland Hall in Wilmington
and have earned nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum status albums. Her 1999 release of When I Look in Your Eyes spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the no. 1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two GRAMMY Awards, and went Platinum in the U.S. and Canada, establishing her as a powerhouse of the genre. Her album, This Dream Of You, garnered critical acclaim and displayed the effortless virtuosity that has time and time again earned Diana Krall status as an icon. Krall’s unique artistry and musicality transcends any single musical style making her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. For more information, please visit www. DianaKrall.com or www. TheGrandWilmington.org.
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online by visiting www.thegrandwilmington.org. or by calling (302) 652-5577.
Courtesy photo As part of 35-city nationwide tour this coming spring, Grammy Award-winning singer Diana Krall will perform at Wilmington's Copeland Hall in June.
The kraken – a Scandinavian sea monster – sits atop the tree that Peter Davis dug up.
Photos by Chris Barber
The tree – including roots and all – sits peacefully at the corner of Magnolia and Center streets in Kennett Square.
Peter Davis’s daughter sits among the branches of the tree on the property that he hopes will hold the book exchange.
Victor Garcia entered eternal life on December 6, 2024 with his beloved wife and sister by his side.
Victor was born July 24, 1954, and was raised in Stockton, Calif. He was the son of Josefina and Francisco Garcia and was the oldest of six children. He attended Edison Senior High School and worked after school and in the summers harvesting, picking, and sorting crops. He also worked alongside his father at the bakery where he learned the art of baking.
In college, he continued his studies at the University of California-Davis and majored in Latin American history. Having a Latino heritage, Victor always had an interest in this culture. At the urging of one of his advisors, he applied and was accepted into a master’s program in Latin American studies at Stanford University, which allowed him to broaden his knowledge of Latin America. As his passion grew, he was recruited by an anthropologist to attend the University of California-Santa Barbara. He received his doctorate in anthropology, which helped him for the first time to integrate theory and practice. It also was here, to his delight, that he met and married Laura Gonzalez, his wife and partner for 25 years.
Victor served the field of anthropology and the Latino community for over 30 years. As an ethnographic research-
VICTOR Q. GARCIA
er, he not only advanced the field of anthropology and the transnational study of Latino immigrants and farmworkers, but he also engaged deeply in his research communities.
He was a professor of anthropology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) for 30 years, where he served as the director of the Mid-Atlantic Research and Training Institute and the founder of the Caring about Latino Student Achievement Program (originally College Prep 101 for Latinos).
He cultivated a sense of belonging and purpose for students and junior faculty. As a result, he supported the recruitment, retention, and continued success of countless students and colleagues. He was also engaged as a researcher and educator at the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, University of Texas at Dallas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Universidad Iberoamericana, Ford Foundation, Interdisciplinary Research Training Institute for Hispanic Drug Abuse at the University of Southern California, Thomas Jefferson University, National Institutes of Health, and the Prevention Research Center of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.
Through his many accomplishments, Victor demonstrated the importance of a strong connection and commitment to family, culture, and community. Amid all these accomplishments and contributions, Victor was best known for his gracious humility and care for so many others. He mentored and supported countless students in their efforts to succeed in college and placed many in graduate programs. He dem-
onstrated, as well, the importance of a strong commitment to family, culture and community. He was a beloved and dedicated husband, son, brother, uncle, colleague and friend. His unselfish thoughtfulness was an example for all of us.
Victor was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Garcia, and niece, Santina Quintero. He is survived by his wife, Laura Gonzalez; mother, Josefina Garcia; siblings (Reina, Flavio, Julia, Linda and Francisco); many loved nieces and nephews; and close friends who will miss him dearly and remember him fondly.
A memorial service will be planned for a time in the near future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the “Victor Garcia Scholarship Fund for Latino Students.” Make checks payable to “Laura Gonzalez” and mail to Dr. Laura Gonzalez, 660 Linden Circle, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Donations can also be made to Anson B. Nixon Park, a place that was near and dear to Victor’s heart, at https:// www.ansonbnixonpark.org/donate. Checks can also be made out to “Friends of Anson B. Nixon Park” and mailed to P.O. Box 1111, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.
To view Victor’s online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Joseph Charles Melrath, 75, of Oxford, passed away while at home on December 23, 2024.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Ross H. and Virginia Christ Melrath. He graduated from Oxford Area High School. Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, and lived his whole life in Oxford.
He is survived by his brother, Gary Melrath; a sister, Susan Melrath; and a nephew, Nicholas Landgren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Edward L. Collins,
Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. at 86 Pine St. in Oxford. Interment is private.
Lawmakers secure funding for LCH Community Pharmacy
Plans for LCH Health and Community Services
to open a pharmacy got a major boost this week thanks to state funding secured by state senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane.
The grant funding, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, will support the nonprofit community health organization in providing outpatient medications to low and lower-income patients at a significantly reduced cost.
“At LCH Health and Community Services, we
are committed to enhancing the well-being of our patients and the community,” said Ronan W. Gannon, CEO, LCH Health and Community Services.
“By owning and operating our own pharmacy, we can ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care with seamless access to medications.
“This step allows us to offer more personalized, affordable, and convenient pharmaceutical services, ultimately improving health outcomes for those we serve. Our pharmacy will be a cornerstone of
Obituaries
our mission to provide comprehensive, community-centered healthcare.”
LCH Pharmacy will utilize the 340B pharmacy program to deliver affordable and accessible medications to its patients, many of whom are our most vulnerable community members. Located at LCH’s Kennett Square location, the pharmacy will also offer home delivery to LCH patients in the area, including those in Oxford and West Grove.
LCH Pharmacy will enable the clinical team to work closely with
JOHN EDWARD MCGLINCHEY JR.
John Edward McGlinchey Jr., 71, of Swarthmore and formerly of New London, died peacefully on December 25, 2024 after a courageous and inspiring battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born in Philadelphia and a Germantown native,, he was the son of John E. Sr. and Mae T. (nee McLafferty) McGlinchey.
John was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School, Villanova University, and Widener University School of Law. A former special agent for the Federal Investigative Service, Office of Personnel Management (OPM), he retired in 2017 after 36 years of service. He was a member of Nativity BVM Church in Media.
John was a simple man who enjoyed a hot cup of coffee, reading the newspaper, watching all Philadelphia sports, listening to Elvis, and taking care of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha A. (nee Feingold), with whom he loved very much and shared 42 years of marriage, his two daughters Sarah M. Aronson (Yaniv) of Conshohocken and Molly P. Hampson (Brian) of Media; three grandchildren, Gregory Hampson, Preston Hampson, and Thomas Aronson, as well as a grandson on the way; and his brothers, sisters, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by one son, John E. McGlinchey, III, and one daughter, Emily S. McGlinchey, and his parents John E. Sr. and Mae T. (nee McLafferty) McGlinchey.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 3 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 30 E. Franklin St. in Media.
Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 3 at 11 a.m. at the church.
Interment is in SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
In memory of John, a contribution may be made to The Boy Scouts of America at www.scouting.org.
Online condolences can be left at www.msbfh.com.
pharmacists and patients to improve medication adherence and outcomes, especially for chronic conditions. For example, last year, LCH served 1,136 individuals diagnosed with diabetes and 1,464 individuals diagnosed with hypertension. Patients who utilize the LCH Pharmacy will benefit from LCH providers having the opportunity to discuss the best medications available for them and their needs.
“LCH continues to expand its community health services while remaining true to its values and patientcentered approach. Offering an on-site patient pharmacy is another big step forward in empowering all people to experience optimal health and wellness – regardless of income, resources, or background,” Comitta said.
“I want to thank the LCH staff, volunteers, supporters, and board members for their continued commitment to maintaining and growing this vital community health asset.”
“LCH is taking healthcare to the next level by ensuring patient care continues beyond checkups by making medications more affordable and accessible for our neighbors,” said Kane. “This pharmacy aligns perfectly with LCH’s mission of serving our community while providing comprehensive, quality care. From pediatrics to dental care to behavioral health, LCH remains essential to maintaining the health and strength of our community.
This new pharmacy at LCH exemplifies the kind of project I am always proud to support.”
Gannon said, “We are especially grateful to senators Comitta and Kane for their unwavering support and dedication to our community. Their advocacy has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to improve the health and lives of those we serve.”
Originally founded as a social services organization intended to help agricultural workers who were new to Chester County adjust to the community and access important social services, last year LCH celebrated 50 years of service to the community.
Today, LCH offers comprehensive, integrated, equitable, and accessible care at its locations in Kennett Square, West Grove, and
Oxford, while remaining focused on overcoming barriers to care like language, transportation, and access. LCH provides direct health care including pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, and chiropractic services to individuals with or without insurance.
As a federally-funded health center, LCH offers sliding scale fees based on income and family size, and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Last year, LCH served 8,490 individuals, 41 percent of whom were at 100 percent or more of the federal poverty level. Since many patients are on limited incomes and work hourly jobs, LCH offers integrated care to address as many needs as possible while they are at their appointments.
For more information on LCH, visit lchcommunityhealth.org.
Courtesy photo
State Senator Carolyn Comitta during a recent visit to LCH Health and Community Services. Pictured (from left to right) are Dr. Paula Brenn (retired), Ronan W. Gannon, LCH CEO, State Sen. Comitta, John Rafferty, Chair of LCH’s Board of Directors; and Kate Wickersham, the LCH director of development.
PUBLIC NOTICE
PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP
ZONING HEARING BOARD
NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on January 13, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:
In re: Application of Robert and Kathleen Siegfried seeking the following ten (10) special exceptions and variances: (1) a special exception for a driveway bridge in the flood hazard district under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-1605.B(7); (2) a special exception to permit grading within the Zones 1 and 2 riparian buffer under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-1503.E(4) (b); (3) a special exception to allow placement of water impoundments within the Zones 1 and 2 riparian buffer under Zoning Ordinance Section 1621503.E(4)(f); (4) a variance from the 900 square foot maximum size of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, under Ordinance Section 162-2002.C(11)(c)[1] so as to allow 1,070 square feet or more, total; (5) a variance from the 15% maximum permitted disturbance of prohibitively steep slopes under Ordinance Section 162-1503.B(1)(b) so as to allow disturbance of 34.7% or more of the prohibitively steep slopes; (6) a variance from the use restrictions on construction within the prohibitively steep slopes under Ordinance Section 162-1503.B(1)(b)[1] so as to permit construction of portions of the residential dwelling there; (7) a variance from the 30% maximum permitted disturbance of moderately steep slopes under Ordinance Section 162-1503.B(1)(a) so as to allow disturbance of 39.64%; (8) a variance from the 600 square foot maximum size of accessory buildings under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A(2)(d) so as to allow accessory buildings and structures totaling 4,347 square feet or more; (9) a variance from the 15 foot maximum building height of accessory structures under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A(4) so as to permit an accessory building of 16 feet or more; and (10) a variance from the prohibition against accessory structures located closer to the road than the principal building under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A(2) (c) so as to allow a gate house and trash enclosure closer to the road; all so as to permit construction of a residential dwelling with a swimming pool/ spa, pool house, guest house, gate house and “apple house” on property located at 1451 Fairville Road, Chadds Ford, PA (being UPI #64-5-29, 64-5-29.1, 64-5-29.2, 64-5-29.3 and 64-530.3) located in the Township’s R-2 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss
how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 1934 12p-25-2t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Betty Lou Heibeck, also known as Betty L. Heibeck, Late of London Grove Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Beverly Lynn Rogevich, Executrix, Or Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 38, Oxford, PA 19363
1p-1-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
VIRGINIA L. KEHRER TRUST u/a dated 12/7/1990 as restated.
VIRGINIA L. KEHRER, Deceased. Late of New Garden Township, Chester County, PA. This Trust is in existence and all persons having claims or demands against said Trust or decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to RANDY J. KEHRER, TRUSTEE, c/o P. Kristen Bennett, Esquire, 3711 Kennett Pike, Ste. 100, Wilmington, DE 19807, Or to his Attorney: P. KRISTEN BENNETT, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, 3711 Kennett Pike, Ste. 100, Wilmington, DE 19807
1p-1-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
BOROUGH of OXFORD RESIDENTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Oxford Borough has scheduled the following public meeting for January 6, 2025: The Borough of Oxford Council will meet on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:00 pm as their first meeting of the new year. All meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Borough of Oxford Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the public meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, or you have questions please contact the Borough Manager at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated. By: Pauline Garcia-Allen Borough Manager 1p-1-1t
NOTICE OF DISOLUTION
Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that Igneous Robotics, Inc. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving. 1p-1-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff
Kevin D. Dykes, the herein-
described real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 18th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-01-02
Writ of Execution No. 2023- 088695
DEBT $187,198.45
PREMISES (A)
ALL THAT CERTAIN messuage or tenement and lot or piece of land formerly described as on Lot,
SITUATE in the Borough of Oxford, in the County of Chester, and State of Pennsylvania, aforesaid on the West side of Third Street late known as Central Avenue, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
BOUNDED on the North by land now or late of Branson Slack, on the East by the curb line on the South and West by land now or late of J.H. Cresson Dickey, said lot or piece of land having a front of 60 feet on said Third Street and extending back Westwardly from the Western curb line on said Third Street, at a width of 60 feet between parallel straight lines at right angles with said curb line, 150 feet therefrom to the center of a public alley to be opened over and along the rear of this and adjoining lots the Northern most point in said curb line of the premises hereby conveyed being 140 feet South of the Southernmost point in said curb line of the premises lately owned by the Union Fire company.
PREMISES (B)
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected,
SITUATE in the Borough of Oxford, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, described in accordance with a Plan of property made for Chester County Federal Savings and Loan Association by George E. Regester, and Sons, Inc., dated November 30, 1971, as follows:
BEGINNING at a point set in the Westerly curb line of Third Street, said point marking the Northeasterly corner of this and the Southeasterly corner of land of Bayard Robinso n, thence leaving said point of beginning and by said Westerly curb line of Third S tree t South 15 degrees, 56 minutes, 00 seconds West, 60.00 feet to an old PK nail set for the Southeasterly corner of this and the Northeasterly
corner of Parcel “B” on said plan, thence leaving said curb line and by said land, North 74 degrees, 08 minutes, 00 seconds West, 150.00 feet to an iron pin set forth the Southwesterly corner of this and set in line of land of Lawrence Nelson; thence by said land, North 15 degrees, 56 minutes, 00 seconds East, measured along the center of a 14 feet wide alley as per Deed Book S-37, Page 370, dated August 11, 1967, 60.00 feet to an iron pin set for the Northwesterly corner of this and the Southwesterly corner of said land of Bayard Robinson: thence leaving the center line of said alley and by said land, South 74 degrees. 08 minutes, 00 seconds East, 150.00 feet to a point, being the place of beginning.
UPI # 6-4-228 & # 6-4-227
PLAINTIFF: AMERICAN BANK VS DEFENDANT: PANDYA PROPERTIES LLC
SALE ADDRESS: 66 S. 3rd Street, Oxford, Chester County, PA 19353
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KEVIN T. FOGERTY, ESQ. 610366-0950
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF
12p-25-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 18th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 25-01-05
Writ of Execution No. 2023-07921 DEBT $247,697.79
Property situated in the TOWNSHIP OF LOWER OXFORD, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR # 56-09D-0007
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS
DEFENDANT: CURTIS T. BA-
CON JR. & MARITZA BACON
SALE ADDRESS: 250 Ashmun Avenue, Lincoln University, PA 19352
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 12p-25-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 18th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-01-11
Writ of Execution No. 2024-05507 DEBT $110,478.91
All those certain lots of land, hereditaments and appurtenances, situate in West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, commonly known as 176 W. Ridge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 and W. Ridge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362
UPI # 68-6-48.3 & 68-6-48.3A
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: BBR Investments LLC VS DEFENDANT: Cheryl Lynn Rice-May
SALE ADDRESS: 176 W. Ridge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 and W. Ridge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 (UPI #68-648.3A)
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 12p-25-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 18th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-01-16 Writ of Execution No. 2023-02741
DEBT $288,848.41
ALL THAT CERTAIN Lot or piece of ground Situate in Londonderry Township and in Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Subdivision Plan of property owned by Henry A. Detering and Martha L. Detering, drawn by Crossan-Raimato, Inc., Professional Land Surveyors, dated October 11, 2001 and last revised January 21, 2002, said Plan recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 16109, as follows, to wit:
BEGINNING at a point on the title line in the bed of Ewing Road (T-408) 33 feet wide, in Londonderry Township, said point being a corner of Lot No. 2 on said Plan; thence extending from said point of beginning along the title line in the bed of Ewing Road the two following courses and distances, (1) South 50 degrees 10 minutes 25 seconds East and crossing the township line into Penn Township, 302.34 feet to an angle point, and (2) South 49 degrees 55 minutes 40 seconds East 14.50 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 2 on said Plan; thence extending along Lot No. 2 the three following courses and distances, (1) South 42 degrees 35 minutes 04 seconds West and crossing the Southwesterly side of Ewing Road, 370.15 feet to a point, a corner, (2) North 43 degrees 08 minutes 54 seconds West 229.58 feet to a point, a corner, and (3) North 28 degrees 03 minutes 39 seconds East and re-crossing said township line and also re-crossing the Southwesterly side of Ewing Road, 349.04 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
CONTAINING 2.2156 acres of land.
BEING Lot No. 1 as shown on the abovementioned Plan.
BEING the same premises, which Henry A. Detering and Martha L. Detering by Deed dated April 29, 2002 and recorded in the Office of Recorder
From Cecil College to the NFL, Zach Osborne designs his dream job
Cecil College alumnus Zach Osborne is living his dream, having taken his talents in graphic design from the small community of Rising Sun to the city lights of Washington, D.C., where he is a member of the Washington Commanders’ marketing office. This journey reflects his passion for visual communication, determination, and connection to his family. Osborne’s career trajectory is a testament to
hard work and the value of a supportive foundation.
As a student at Rising Sun High School, his pathway into graphic design began at age 13 when he started creating designs for fun. However, it wasn’t until he landed his first internship at 16 with the professional Premier Lacrosse League that he realized graphic design could become a career.
Osborne further pursued his passion by enrolling at
Cecil College, a decision influenced by his mother’s employment at the college, which offers employee tuition reimbursement benefits. Osborne earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Visual Communication – Graphic Design in 2022, which built the foundation for his professional career.
During his studies at Cecil College, he found mentorship from two influential professors: assistant
Wheeler wins honor as top student
Courtesy photo
The Avon Grove Lions honored Collin Wheeler as the Student of the Month for December from the Avon Grove Charter School. Collin is a conscientious student with a strong work ethic that is evident both in and out of the classroom. One of Collin’s greatest passions is his work with Scouting America’s National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow. This youthrun organization allows him to make a meaningful impact, both in his local community and across southeastern Pennsylvania.
Collin frequently volunteers at Camp Horseshoe, where he helps to clear trails and repair platforms to ensure it remains a vibrant place for Scouts and the community. He is currently the Vice Chief of the Order of the Arrow at both the lodge and section levels. At the section level, Collin oversees all Order of the Arrow organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania, working with others to expand opportunities for service and leadership. Collin has taken on the challenge of EMT classes and looks forward to reaching his goal of becoming a paramedic and attending West Chester University.
of Deeds of Chester County on May 3, 2002, at Book 5273, Page 73 Instrument# 10080902 granted and conveyed unto Mark A Wodzinski and Kerri R. Wodzinski.
Tax Parcel # 58-01-000901A0
PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee of LSRMF MH Master
Participation Trust II VS DEFENDANT: Kerri Wilcox
Wodzinski A/K/A Kerri, W. Wodzinski A/K/A Kerri R. Wodzinski, and Mark A. Wodzinski
SALE ADDRESS: 751 Ewing Road, Cochranville, Pa 19330
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG, PC 215-572-8111
professor of visual communications Jonathan Cone and Assistant Professor of Visual Communications Adam Jacono. Osborne focused on graphic design and was interested in 3D design and visual communications. These professors not only helped him refine his skills but also guided him in creating a professional portfolio. Assistant Professor Jacono’s portfolio class, in particular, was a pivotal experience, helping Osborne gain confidence and direction in his career.
“Zach brought an amazing combination of talent, work ethic, and positivity. His design abilities are incredible, and we still have prints from when he worked part-time for the Orioles hanging in the classroom,” said Jacono. “Zach’s success at navigating the creative industry and landing positions at top-tier organizations is a direct result of his unwavering drive and professional vision.”
Just before graduating, Osborne felt uncertain about his next steps. Despite applying for jobs, he hadn’t heard back and thought he missed the opportunity, including one at Penn State University. However, a few weeks later, while attending Assistant Professor Cone’s class, Osborne received the call for a Penn State interview, and began working full-time at the University as a recruiting designer in June 2022.
Osborne was part of the football team’s creative content group at Penn State. His responsibilities included creating graphics for recruitment, special events, and photo shoots. As his skills developed, Osborne was promoted to multimedia specialist, where he expanded his work to include photography and social media. The fastpaced environment at Penn State allowed Osborne to grow quickly, pushing his creative abilities and providing him with valuable
experience in sports media.
In April 2024, after two years at Penn State, Osborne made the decision to return home and pursue a job with the Washington Commanders. The opportunity allowed him to be closer to his family and take on new challenges in a professional environment he had long dreamed of: the NFL.
When he interviewed with the Washington Commanders, his portfolio showcased his professional, intentional and consistent work, impressing his future supervisor. Osborne was thrilled to join the team, and his first week on the job coincided with the NFL Draft — a thrilling and high-pressure experience that marked the beginning of his NFL career.
As a graphic designer focused on social media, Osborne works alongside another designer and a creative team that includes three designers, an art director, and a senior creative director. Although the work is demanding, especially during the football season, Osborne relishes the opportunity to work in the NFL and be part of a team with a significant impact on fans and the organization.
Osborne is deeply grateful for the support of his parents, particularly his mother, whose employment at Cecil College helped ensure Osborne graduated without accumulating substantial student debt. Osborne credits his upbringing and his parents’ sacrifices as the keys to his success.
“My mom worked for the State of Delaware for over 30 years, and then she transitioned to Cecil College,” he said. “She didn’t have to work there, but I think part of the reason she did was so I could attend and get a great education at a more affordable price. She helped light a fire under me to get my degree and really pursue my career. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity they provided me.” Looking back on his career path, Osborne sees his career as a series of steps, each one building on the last. He reflected on how his experiences at Cecil College, Penn State, and now with the Washington Commanders have shaped him as both a designer and a person. His passion for graphic design and his desire to work in the NFL have driven him, and now, he’s living his dream.
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF
12p-25-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 16th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 18th , 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 24-3-85 Writ of Execution No. 2019-10682
All that certain piece or parcel or Tract of land situated in the Borough of West Grove, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and being known as 115 Guernsey Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390.
TAX PARCEL NUMBER: 5-328
PLAINTIFF: Longbridge Financial, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Judy Melendez
Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Randy S. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Richard E. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Ryan Hoosier
Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Nicole Eichelberger aka Nicole A. Bunting Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, and Unknown Surviving Heirs of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier
SALE ADDRESS: 115 Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MCCABE, WEISBERG & CON-
WAY, LLC 215-790-1010
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 12p-25-3t
Miscellaneous:
We buy 8,000 cars a week. Sell your
Courtesy photo Zach Osborne
Pennsylvanians see billions in economic, community benefits from hospitals in their communities
Commonwealth’s hospitals support $186.5 billion in economic impact, and generated 627,255 jobs
As Pennsylvania ages and looks to revitalize its economy, hospitals are more important than ever to the health and vitality of communities. To meet these needs, the commonwealth’s hospitals have invested nearly $10 billion in strengthening the health of their communities, while supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide and 19 percent of the commonwealth’s gross domestic product, an analysis released by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) indicates.
The analysis of fiscal year (FY) 2023 data by the HAP Center for Health Policy Research reveals that Pennsylvania hospitals— both directly and through the ripple effects of their economic activity—benefitted their communities and the commonwealth by:
• Contributing $186.5 billion to the state and local economies.
• Supporting 627,255 jobs throughout the entire commonwealth.
• Generating $38.6 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits.
Hospitals’ nearly $10 billion community benefit includes investments in areas such as enhancing community health, providing charity care to patients in need, training and educating the next generation of health care professionals, conducting lifesaving medical research, and absorbing costs associated with caring for millions of Pennsylvanians covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
These investments come as hospitals face significant financial strain. More than half of the commonwealth’s acute care hospitals operated at a loss during FY 2023.
“Ensuring hospitals’ longterm sustainability is critical not only to health, but also economic development, in Pennsylvania communities,” HAP president and CEO Nicole Stallings said. “Hospitals support good jobs and drive economic
impact that ripples across other industries. They provide services that residents need, and that businesses look for in deciding where to locate and expand.”
Additional key findings of the analysis include:
• 57 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties have at least one hospital among their top 10 employers and in 22 of them, a hospital is the largest employer.
• Hospitals’ economic impact has increased 67 percent over the past decade.
• Pennsylvania hospital jobs pay, on average, about 9 percent higher than the statewide average wage for all sectors.
• Hospitals invested $1.2 billion educating the next generation of health professionals and
• Hospitals and universities with hospital-affiliated medical schools secured $1.9 billion in highly competitive federal research funding to advance health care innovation.
DCCC, Delaware County Council and Visit Delco partner to advance hospitality and culinary workforce development
Delaware County Community College, Delaware County Council, and Visit Delco have announced a partnership to enhance hospitality and culinary arts education,
strengthening workforce development in the region.
The initiative, unveiled during a Nov. 21 press conference at the Drexelbrook Catering and Event Center in Drexel Hill, will support
a state-of-the-art facility for DCCC’s Culinary Arts and Hotel and Restaurant Management Programs at the former Archbishop Prendergast School.
DCCC is transforming the
school into a state-of-theart, multi-million-dollar, education and workforce training facility. The new location will open in 2026 and is being supported by the DCCC Educational Foundation’s Building Community Campaign.
Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, president of DCCC, called the partnership a transformational investment in education and economic development.
“This collaboration represents a commitment to providing our students with resources to succeed in growing industries,” Dr. Cronin said. “We’re proud to work with the county to deliver a program that meets the needs of both our students and local employers.”
The event included a ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement and special desserts prepared by DCCC students, showcasing their skills and creativity. DCCC’s Culinary Arts, A.A.S. program prepares students for employment in various segments of the food service industry in positions
such as restaurant chef, banquet chef, sous chef, kitchen manager, production cook, line cook and prep cook. The program includes academic courses, skills development in kitchen lab courses and practical internship experience. A Certificate of Competency is also available. Academic classes are offered at the Marple Campus, while handson classes are offered in commercial kitchens in Broomall and at the new location in Phoenixville.
The College’s Hotel and Restaurant Management, A.A.S. program is designed for individuals seeking specialized training and knowledge as preparation for a career in the vast hospitality industry.
“This is an exciting step for Delaware County,” said Dr. Monica Taylor, chair of Delaware County Council.
“By dedicating hotel tax funding to this project, we are creating career pathways for our residents while addressing critical workforce needs for local businesses.”
Steve Byrne, execu-
tive director of Visit Delco, said the program will ensure the long-term vitality of the county’s hospitality industry. “Tourism and hospitality are integral to Delaware County’s economy,” he said. “This initiative will ensure our workforce is prepared to deliver exceptional service and support the continued growth of the sector.”
DCCC Culinary student Valerie Rosa said the planned facility is a game-changer for students.
“This investment shows the county is committed to our success,” Rosa said.
“Having access to a modern facility will help us build skills and confidence for our future careers.” For more information about DCCC’s new Southeast Center, visit dccc.edu/new-center. For more on Culinary Arts at DCCC, visit dccc.edu/ culinary. For more information on the Building Community Campaign—a bold initiative to provide access, increase diversity and create a stronger, more vibrant region—visit dccc. edu/building-community.
Photo credit: Flashlight Marketing
Delaware County Community College President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, left, Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, center, and Visit Delco Executive Director Steve Byrne during the agreement signing.
