Chester County Press 01-17-2024 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 158, No. 3

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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Agency says that campsite-RV park concept is on hold…for now

Capacity audience protests DCNR’s plans for Big Elk Creek State Park

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer An overflow audience of more than 500 area residents, elected officials and representatives from various area conservation groups filled the Avon Grove Charter School auditorium on Jan. 10 for a nearly three-hour meeting to voice their continuing opposition to a proposed plan by the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to devel-

INSIDE

Local group honors 75 years of friendship and memories...1B

op significant infrastructure at Big Elk Creek State Park.

To varying degrees of satisfaction, those in attendance heard what they came to hear: DCNR announced midway through the meeting that it will not include its planned campground and RV park on the blueprint of its plan moving forward for the park until additional research and study is completed.

The town hall event served as a follow-up to DCNR’s Nov. 6, 2023 presentation

at Lincoln University, when agency officials unveiled a concept for the park that would include the construction of camping facilities, an RV park, a visitors’ center and parking lots in the 1,700acre park as an incentive to develop the park as a tourist attraction.

The meeting, co-sponsored by Frankling and Elk townships and moderated by Franklin Township Board Chairman David Gerstenhaber, echoed the

Cloyd elected president of Oxford Borough Council

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council held its’ reorganization meeting on Jan. 2, 2024.

Mayor Phil Harris called the meeting to order and then opened the floor for nominations for the position of council president.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell nominated Kathryn Cloyd for president and then the council voted to support Cloyd for that position.

Next, council member William Fitzpatrick was CCIU hires a new director nominated and was elected of communications...1B to the vice president post.

Council member Amanda

Birdwell was then nominated and elected president pro tem of council.

During its first meeting of the year, borough council quickly got to work approving the following resolutions: • Resolution #1378-2024 appointments of certain borough employees; • Resolution #1379-2024 appointments of various borough officers and other annual designations; • Resolution #1380-2023 fee schedule for 2024; • Authorization to advertise the 2024 meetings.

Oxford Borough Council also gave its approval for a two-year contract

content and tenor of the public’s vehement disapproval of DCNR’s plan, which has been expressed in correspondence with local officials and seen in the formation of grass roots Continued on Page 3A Photo by Richard L. Gaw

A capacity audience of more than 500 area residents and conservation leaders attended a Jan. 10 town hall meeting at the Avon Grove Charter School to share their continuing opposition to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ plans for significant infrastructure development at Big Elk Creek State Park.

FROM OUR LENS All in for healthy living

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Volunteers from Kennett Community Grocer held a happy hour for their growing number of members at Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square on Jan. 11. The member-owned and operated food co-op now has 350 members with a goal of reaching 500 and is currently searching potential sites in Kennett Square Borough for a permanent, 6,500-square-foot location. To learn more about membership, visit www.kennettcommunitygrocer.coop or contact info@kennettcommunitygrocer.coop.

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MLK event keynote speaker encourages audience to turn hardship into purpose

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For the entirety of Rev. Dr. Robin L. Smith’s keynote address at the MLKCommunity’s annual celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 15, the Wellness

Center at Lincoln University resounded with a call to civic and human action.

Tapping into her signature four-step prescription of “Wake Up! Show Up! Grow Up! Rise Up!” throughout her presentation, Smith encouraged more than 150 audience members to elimi-

nate what she called the “heart disease” of dormant and closeted racism.

“In the recovery movement, there is a phrase that says that we are only as sick as our secrets, and often racism can be a secret – not just a secret from other people but a secret that may be a

secret from yourself,” she said. “We are here to be corrected. That’s what Dr. King’s life, his work and his ministry was about.”

Smith said that eliminating racism and fear from one’s life is often the work of discomfort and the task determining how to create

a safe environment. Part of Dr. King’s mission, she said, was to engage people to recognize their “blind spots,” the truths that we carry that are often difficult to understand.

“You can want to not be angry, but you are angry,” Continued on Page 4A

Eden Ratliff to resign as East Marlborough Kennett Township manager reorganizes, votes Will become Deputy City Manager in Charlottesville, Va. to include Pledge of Allegiance at meetings

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

in the wake of the scandal involving former manager Lisa Moore’s theft of more Eden Ratliff, who was than $3.2 million, has hired by Kennett Township announced his resignation,

© 2007 The Chester County Press Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Kennett Township has announced that its manager Eden Ratliff will resign from his position on Feb. 1 to become the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlottesville, Va.

effective Feb. 1, 2024.

Ratliff will soon serve as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlottesville, Va. In a release posted on the township’s website on Jan. 9, it stated that the township’s Board of Supervisors has retained Roseann McGrath, an experienced local government Human Resources and Executive search professional, to help fill Ratliff’s role, and that Finance/Human Resources Director Amy Heinrich, will serve as interim manager upon Ratliff’s departure.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Kennett Township

The East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors welcomed its two newest members at the Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.

Ellen Sosangelis and Jake Elks were sworn in, having been elected in November in a contest that saw four candidates vying for two seats.

The board also elected Kathryn Monahan as chair and Sosangelis as vice chair.

The supervisors voted to reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of meetings. Township Solicitor Ryan Jennings had said the decision to have the pledge was one that had traditionally been made

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By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer

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Local News Cloyd....

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agreement with Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen.

Borough council also reached agreement with Arlene Harrison, Oxford’s assistant borough manager and treasurer, on a two-year contract.

Additionally, borough council approved a new two-year contract with Terri Dugan, the borough’s Codes Official and Zoning Officer.

Council also approved the reappointment of Cloyd to the Oxford Borough Planning Commission for a four-year term from 2024 to 2027 and the reappointment of Geoff Henry to the Civil Service Commission

Kathryn Cloyd was sworn in by Judge Scott Massey at the reorganization meeting. Council member Bob Ketcham held the Bible for her. Her term will run from 2024 to 2027.

for a six-year term from 2024 to 2029.

Borough council also approved the appointment of Bethany Atkinson as Vacancy Board Chair to a one-year term.

Courtesy photos District Judge Scott Massey swore in council memCouncil member Bill Fitzpatrick was also ber Peggy Ann Russell with Rosa, Allendro and his sworn in by Judge Massey. Fitzpatrick’s daughter holding the Pennsylvania Constitution. The young family was one of those displaced by the horwife is holding the Bible. rific fire on Sept. 13. Russell said, “In previous years, Borough council also Exploratory Committee when taking the oath of office, I have used the Bible approved the escrow release will be held on Jan. 22, at to rest my hand upon. This year I have chosen the Pennsylvania Constitution because that is where No 3. for the Damico proj- 5:45 p.m. change can occur.” Russell is one of the many people ect at 703 Lincoln Street in The next Oxford Borough who helped fire victims while they stayed at a shelter the amount of $26,930.

Council meeting will be hotel as they looked for permanent housing. Russell The Advisory Committee held on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at was elected to an unexpired term, and she will serve on Latino Affairs (ACOLA) the Borough Hall. through 2025.

Southern Chester County municipalities receive grant funding for infrastructure projects In the closing weeks of 2023, lawmakers helped secure state funding for several southern Chester County municipalities that are planning important infrastructure projects.

State Rep. John Lawrence worked to get $1.1 million in state grants for municipal water infrastructure improvements in Oxford Borough and West Grove Borough.

Oxford will receive a $600,000 state grant to update metering infrastructure across the borough’s municipal water system.

West Grove will receive a $500,000 state grant to

replace a failing municipal water main adjacent to East Evergreen Street on the northeast side of the borough. Oxford and West Grove are both in the midst of initiatives to upgrade their municipal water systems to improve service for residents and business owners.

“Regular upgrades of municipal water infrastructure help to keep rates reasonable while providing quality service to the community,” said Lawrence.

“These grant awards are very competitive – the announcement is the culmination of a lot of hard work

and will go a long way to improving water service for the two boroughs in our area.”

Kathryn Cloyd, Oxford Borough Council president, talked about some of the efficiencies that the upgrades will create.

“In order for the borough to ensure the sustainability of our municipal water system, we must make strategic investments into critical infrastructure,” Cloyd said.

“This grant will enable us to improve efficiency and customer service with the installation of Advanced Metering. Improved efficiency saves tax dollars and

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time. We thank our legislators and the Commonwealth Financing Authority for this support.”

Greg McCummings, the West Grove Borough Manager, expressed his gratitude to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for the grant funding.

“West Grove Borough would like to thank the CFA for this grant,” said McCummings. “The funding will be used to replace the undersized 4-inch cast iron water main in the northeast corner of the borough with a larger ductile iron concrete lined water line. Two additional fire hydrants will be added in the area, improving fire protection and safety along with improving the reliability of the borough’s water distribution system for future generations.”

State Sen. John I. Kane, who represents the 9th Senatorial District, and State Representative Christina D. Sappey, who represents the 158th House District, announced that they have secured over

$900,000 in H2O and SWS grants. This money will go toward important upgrades to water treatment and wastewater handling facilities in the district.

The Borough of Kennett Square will receive $551,500 from the H2O PA funds toward the construction of a new water treatment facility in East Marlborough Township.

Avondale Borough will receive $400,057 from the PA Small Water and Sewer funds to make upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.

“This achievement exemplifies our steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of our constituents and the environment,” said Kane. “Our gratitude extends to those whose diligent efforts helped secure these grants. We are eager to see the enhancements these funds will bring to our communities.”

State Rep. Sappey added, “I am grateful for Senator Kane’s support for these grant awardees in our shared districts. Our local

municipalities are working hard to meet the challenges of aging infrastructure to our water and wastewater systems. This grant funding will help local authorities make needed repairs and upgrades to water systems, benefitting the residents of these communities.”

Lawrence talked about the importance of making sure that southern Chester County municipalities receive their fair share of available grant funding.

“Growing up in southern Chester County, I always thought our area saw little attention from Harrisburg, with few state grant dollars coming back to our community,” he said. “During my time in office, I’ve made it a priority to change that.”

“Working with local municipalities and other elected officials, together we have ensured our community is not forgotten when it comes to state funding. These dollars will be put to good use to improve infrastructure both for today and the next generation.”

East Marlborough....

in the township building, which Jennings explained it “always has.”

Supervisor John Sarro explained that two previous board members were Quakers, “and the way it was explained to me was Quakers don’t swear before anything,” he said. “I’m fine with going back to [the pledge].”

For those who don’t want to recite the pledge, they

don’t have to, the supervisors said before they approved the motion.

The supervisors also appointed Neil Lovekin the township manager, secretary and administrative open records officer, Peter Barsz as the township treasurer, Jeffrey Simpson as the road master and public works director, Robert C. Clarke, Jr. as the police chief, emergency management coordinator, assistant fire marshal, and police open records officer, and Charlie Shock as the codes and zoning official, among other appointments. The solicitor will again be Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, and the fire marshal is United Inspection Agency.

Cuyler Walker and Sarro were appointed to the Kennett Fire and EMS Commission, with Walker as the primary commissioner and Sarro as the alternate.

Continued from Page 1A

by the board chair.

“In recent years this board has not (had the pledge),” Jennings said. “It’s entirely up to the desire of the board.

Tonight we have four of the five supervisors here.”

The only requirement of the township is that an official American flag be

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

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Local News Big Elk Creek State Park....

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organizations and on petitions over the last two months. As expressed during a more than one hour comment session, they believe that development in the park would have a debilitating effect on the park and its wildlife, lead to extensive out-of-town traffic and ruin what many at the meeting called “a good place to get lost in.”

The town hall also saw several of southern Chester County’s top officials in attendance, including State Rep. John Lawrence, State Sens.

Carolyn Comitta and John Kane, and all three Chester County Commissioners, as well as DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn and John Hallas, DCNR’s Director of the Bureau of State Parks.

‘Read my lips. No new campgrounds in Big Elk Creek State Park’ “I was elected to preserve the best characteristics of Chester County so that they will be enjoyed by future generations but also those living here right here and right now,” said newly elected County Commissioner Eric Roe. “My job is to maximize the benefits of our natural resources for county residents but also to minimize any drawbacks that they may have. I ran for this office to defend the good things we’ve got going for us, because they are worth defending. That is the reason why I cannot in good conscience support the construction of new campgrounds at Big Elk Creek State Park.

“By adding this campground complex, we’re not just inviting Chester County residents to come to it. We’re not just inviting Pennsylvania residents to come to it. We’re not just inviting people from neighboring states to come to it. There will be people from all over the country and the world right here in our backyard. That is what threatens the peaceful nature of this preserve.”

Roe said that DCNR has more than $1.4 billion in backlog from projects they have not completed at other state parks. He said that state “bureaucrats” like those from DCNR will fundamentally change the park and the county, “and leave you and I holding the bag.”

“I may be just one voice in county government,” Roe said, “but let me use that voice to say this: Read my lips. No campgrounds in Big Elk Creek State Park.”

‘A kick in the gut’ In the weeks that have followed DCNR’s November presentation, State Rep. John Lawrence has been a fierce opponent to the agency’s plans for Big Elk Creek State Park and has informed – and perhaps galvanized -- his constituents in the 13th District and throughout southern Chester County with facts and details surrounding the history of the former preserve, which DCNR purchased in 2020. He said that he is opposed to DCNR’s proposal “in its entirety.”

“When I heard this proposal to turn part of the preserve into a state park and then to turn into an overnight attraction was a kick in the gut,” Lawrence told the audience.

“To me, it’s a violation of public trust. It is a betrayal of decades of efforts by many people and the efforts they put forward.

“The Big Elk Creek State Park should be managed as part of the White Clay Creek Preserve, which is what DCNR promised when the property was acquired. That is my position, and it will be worth fighting for, for as long as it takes.”

Additional comments were made by County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell; Franklin Township Supervisor Donna Dea; Elk Township Supervisor Estace Walters and Elk Township Supervisor Melanie Ryan.

‘We aim to be the best land stewards’ Declaring that the campground-RV park concept was not going to be included on DCNR’s next blueprint of its master plan, Dunn told the audience that over the past several weeks, the agency has received a large volume of public input through emails, letters and other forms of correspondence in opposition to the agency’s plans for the park. Calling the meeting “democracy in action,” she referred to DCNR as being “in the planning phase” of the park’s development.

“Our mission is to serve all 13 million Pennsylvanians,” she said. “We aim to be a good neighbor. We aim to be the best manager of our state parks. We aim to be the best land stewards, and we do that through the citizens of the Commonwealth who we report to. We serve you.”

“We are in an initial master plan for Big Elk Creek State Park, and all of your voices are significant in contributing to what the park ultimately becomes in the end,” said

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe

Hallas, who told the audience that DCNR’s meeting last November served as “the initial, high-level concepts for a master plan that is still a work on progress.”

During a brief presentation, Hallas spelled out the next stages of DCNR’s work on Big Elk Creek State Park, which will include prioritization of initial improvements and enhancements in 2024; developing designs for initial improvements in 2024 and 2025; the construction and prioritization of initial improvements in 2026 and 2027; and making additional resource improvements and park enhancements in 2028.

Hallas listed several of DCNR’s other planned initiatives for the park, which include improving meadow habitat; developing riparian buffer planting to protect streams and waterways; and reforestation. He said that the public input from the meeting will be “flown into the final product” for the blueprint for the master plan.

“We are not advancing our campground because of the input we have received since November, but what we’re calling out in the master plan is that we will assess needs and feasibility for overnight accommodations,” Hallas said to the audience. “When we assess those future needs and feasibility, you will be engaged and we will gather your input.”

2,650 signatures of opposition For more than one hour, more than two dozen residents and environmental experts delivered comments related to DCNR’s plans to develop Big Elk Creek State Park, many of whom shared a common belief that the park should be left alone and serve in the capacity of a preserve.

Franklin Township resident Anteia Consorto, who has spearheaded public opposition to DCNR’s plans for infrastructure development in the park through a website (www.savebigelkcreek.org.), excoriated the agency for its “abhorrent” idea to take his-

Anteia Consorto was one of more than two dozen area residents who spoke at the town hall meeting.

State Rep. John Lawrence

toric property and develop it for high-impact recreation.

Consorto presented two petitions against DCNR to Dunn – one that had accumulated 2,650 signatures and one generated from Lawrence’s office that had gathered 844 signatures. She said that combined, the petitions have received signatures from 43 of the 50 states in the U.S. “The statement that the proposed development was only five percent of the total park was very misleading,” Consorto said. “The development at five percent would be the equivalent of three Christiana Malls, or for baseball fans, four Citizens Bank Parks.”

She called surveys sent by DCNR “flawed,” and said that the agency’s actions “have caused a lot of mistrust and deep concern for this beautiful land we share with a wide variety of flora and fauna.”

“The government is supposed to be of and for the people,” she continued. “Big Elk Creek is a unique gem that needs to be managed by both the state and the community. Allow us to be part of the solution in helping you get this right.”

Franklin Township resident Cecelia Tanzer encouraged DCNR to honor its obligations for other state parks and use the budget targeted for the development of Big Elk Street Park to complete projects at other state parks in its jurisdiction.

“Please do not make Big Elk Creek the campground for Fair Hill and White Clay Creek State Park,” she said.

“Please follow Maryland

and Delaware, who have protected their vastly larger preserves from campground development.”

Carmela Ciliberti, a New London Township resident, said that the plans for Big Elk Creek State Park are a violation of the Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 27, which states that people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment, that “the Commonwealth owes a fiduciary duty to we the trust beneficiaries,” and that proceeding with the development of Big Elk Creek against the advice of disinterested experts would be a breach of their fiduciary duty to residents.

Quoting case law, Ciliberti said “The Commonwealth cannot treat trust assets as if they were their own, dealing at arms’ length with its citizens, measuring its gains by the balance sheet profits and appreciation it realizes from its operations. In her capacity as an attorney, Ciliberti sent a Preservation of Evidence letter via certified mail to DCNR’s chief counsel, in order to support potential legal action against the agency.

Advisory Committee

Cindy Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Dunn and Hallas.

“I have come to know that you guys are smart, dedicated, professional and caring partners, [but] some in this community have felt, frankly, bullied by you [related] to the process that has occurred to now,” he said. “That pains me personally, because I know that is not who you are.”

Schroeder recommended the formation of a resident advisory committee to work with DCNR on the development of the park, ‘who will work with you in the planning process,” he said, a suggestion that was positively received by Dunn and Hallas.

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a park that embraces the unique open space available on the Strawbridge property,” he said, “a park that maintains open space, nurtures land species, creates meadows and forests, embraces the quiet creek, marvels at the mist on the creek at sunrise, sees the Bald Eagles in fight, and celebrates the wonder of a child experiencing nature, and yes, maintains the soul of this land and the soul of this community.”

The immediate timeline for DCNR’s plans for Big Elk Creek State Park will include rolling out its final development plan by March 2024; hosting a follow-up public meeting this spring; and submitting its final master plan this summer.

Recalling the group of conservationists who helped preserve hundreds of acres in southern Chester County four decades ago, Gary Schroeder, the founder, past president and current member of Friends of the To contact Staff Writer White Clay Creek Preserve, Richard L. Gaw, email directed his comments to rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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Local News MLK event....

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Smith said. “You can want not to hurt other people but you hurt them. You can want not to be sexist but you are. You can do all of those things without knowing that you are doing them.

“Dr. King was assassinated because of blind spots. He was assassinated because of fear. He was assassinated because there were people who were terrified of what it might mean to share.”

A distinguished keynote speaker and ordained minister, licensed psychologist and host of Sirius XM’s “The Dr. Robin Show,” Smith was a frequent guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and currently collaborates with major corporations, nonprofit organizations and sports and entertainment avenues. She is the author of the New York Times’ bestseller Lies at the Altar:

Ratliff....

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to pursue another career opportunity,” said Ratliff.

“Nearly four and a half years ago the township entrusted me with the responsibility of stabilizing the Kennett Township government and professionalizing the services we provide to this great community. I am forever grateful for the trust the Board of Supervisors had in me, the opportunity to serve the public, and am proud of all that we have accomplished.”

The Board of Supervisors officially hired Ratliff as the new manager at their Aug. 21, 2019 meeting. Ratliff,

The Truth About Great Marriages.

Smith said that the empowerment of those blind spots has triggered generations of systemic racism built on stereotypes, affecting those who are unaware that they are its most coveted victims.

She told the audience about her experience as a mentor to young African-American men in Philadelphia, when she encouraged them to live against the grain of common misconceptions that are being applied to them.

“I told them that they are building really high-tech prisons with individual bathrooms and then I asked them, ‘Guess who they are building them for?’” she said. “I said that they are building them because they have a plan, and they are expecting you to go from this little house to this big, architecturally-sophisticated house, so when you tell me that you are headed to court today

with your pants hanging low and your hair not combed with the idea of ‘you doing you’, it is the system who is doing you, and you are fulfilling what the system is expecting of you.”

Overcoming decades of racism – systemic, overt and veiled, whether as a nation or individually – must rely on the ability to engage the discomfort of accepting those truths, Smith said.

“You can convert your pain, your adversity and your hardship into purpose and empowerment,” she said.

“This is about the redemption of our suffering, and this is what Dr. King understood.

You can redeem things that have been so unfair, ways in which you have been marginalized, where you have been victimized and where things were planted purposefully to harm, to kill not just your life, but your dreams, your aspirations and your hopefulness.

“What is miraculous about this process is that things that were meant to break you can become the very steppingstones to your elevation, to your understanding, to your transformation and to your declaration to be all of who you are born to be.”

The event, moderated by MLKCommunity Board President Carol Black, also included readings from Dr. King that were presented by Bob Norris, president of the

Kennett Square Borough Council; Dr. Eugenia Roberts, the principal of the North Brandywine Middle School; Hashon Curry, the student government president at Lincoln University; and Nia Turner, a Lincoln graduate and the 49th Miss Lincoln University. In addition, the Lincoln University Gospel Choir under the direction of Director Daine Baker performed “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and several

who was selected from a field of 33 applicants, began his new position on Sept. 23 of that year. Prior to joining the township, he served as borough manager and chief administrative official of the Borough of Greencastle in Franklin County, Pa., where his duties included creating and administering municipal operating budgets; developing a strategic vision for the borough; implementing a comprehensive asset management program for utility operations; and serving as chief administrative official, code enforcement officers and treasurer for the borough.

A native of West Chester, Ratliff also previously

served for two years as borough manager and chief administrative official for the Borough of Ford City near Pittsburgh.

At Ford City, he managed long-term contracts, created and administered annual municipal budgets and negotiated a collective bargaining agreement.

In the release, Ratliff extended his praise to the township’s administration for their dedication during what had been a time of serious transition that helped steer the township from the derision of the Moore scandal to a municipality that has upgraded and stabilized its methods of financial record keeping.

“Working in Kennett Township was an intense rebuild project and there are many great professionals who enthusiastically joined this team to help,” Ratliff stated in the release.

“They are dedicated public servants who make this government run smoothly and professionally daily.

Collaborating with them has been a great honor and I will cherish the memories and progress we made together.”

Ratliff also praised his time volunteering as a firefighter with Longwood Fire Company noting the members are “incredible professionals with unimaginable dedication.”

“Charlotteville is on a

mission to sustain stability within its local government and as I join that effort, I know the experiences I have gained in Kennett Township will serve me well,” Ratliff stated.

The township’s supervisors highlighted Ratliff’s contributions to the township.

“It seems like a lifetime ago that Eden came on board to help this township, and his impact will be visible for many years to come,” said Supervisor Richard Leff.

“He was a tireless advocate for Kennett Township and a person willing to make necessary changes, regardless of past practices in our community.”

The event also included performances by the Lincoln University Gospel Choir.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Author Rev. Dr. Robin L. Smith delivered the keynote address at the MLKCommunity’s annual celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Jan. 15 at Lincoln University.

other musical selections.

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

“Eden’s leadership, strategic visioning, determination, and trustworthiness will be greatly missed,” said Supervisor Geoff Gamble.

“His tenure in Kennett Township was never easy but his passion and commitment for public service never wavered.”

“Eden did this township and immediate region an incredible service,” said newly elected Supervisor Pat Muller. “I am amazed at how he held his composure through everything some members of this community threw at him.”

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

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Chester County Press

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Opinion

Editorial

Guest column

Pa. education funding system doesn’t make the grade

No mention of a ‘state park’

Our local school districts are in the process of preparing and unveiling their preliminary budgets for the 2024-2025 school year.

In four months, when school districts will be finalizing these spending plans for the next fiscal year, it’s very likely that most of them will include tax increases to balance the budgets.

The Kennett Consolidated School District, for example, revealed its preliminary budget earlier this month with a tax increase well in excess of 4 percent.

That increase should be smaller by the time the final budget is adopted, but don’t count on Kennett or other Pennsylvania school districts to be able to balance their growing budgets without a tax increase.

Until the state takes steps to provide more adequate funding for schools, the burden will continue to be shouldered by local taxpayers.

At one time, the state funded about 50 percent of all education costs. Pennsylvania was not alone in doing this. Most states funded at the 50 percent level or above. Most still do. However, in Pennsylvania, the percentage of overall funding that the state provides to its school districts is now nowhere near 50 percent. That means that a greater burden falls to local taxpayers.

We’re fortunate to have some of the best schools in the state here in Chester County and overall the schools here are above average when compared to schools across the state, but the above-average results come with above-average costs.

On Jan. 11, the Basic Education Funding Commission held a hearing and voted 8-7 to approve the 2024 Basic Education Funding Report. The report offered some recommendations to help build a more equitable system of funding public schools. These recommendations included a significant increase in basic education funding so that all schools are more equitably funded.

The report also calls for investments in school facilities, the education workforce, and in student supports.

The report reaffirms the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s decision in William Penn School District, et al. v. Pennsylvania Department of Education, et al., a ruling that determined that Pennsylvania’s current system of funding public education is unconstitutional.

Under the current system of education funding, a school district like Oxford can spend tens of millions of dollars less than neighboring school districts—but the tax burden on Oxford residents can still be greater than on those residents in neighboring districts.

Pennsylvania needs to find a more equitable way to allocate funding to public schools, and it also needs to have an education funding system that makes the grade. *********

Southern Chamber County Chamber seeks nominations for Community Impact Award The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce is now seeking nominations for the Community Impact Award.

This award is a way for the Chamber to recognize for-profit member organizations that have shown “consistent and dependable community leadership and support.”

While the Chamber’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award recognizes a specific individual making a difference in the community, the CIA Award recognizes a for-profit member organization that is improving the community.

According to the Chamber, the nominee submissions are measured according to five key criteria—volunteer hours, nonprofit board leadership, in-kind contributions, financial donations, and non-profit impact. A Selection Committee comprised of Chamber members from business and nonprofit organizations, along with staff representation will determine the award recipient based on the organization’s overall impact on local non-profit groups and the Southern Chester County community.

The Community Impact Award is presented annually at the Annual Meeting Breakfast. If you know of a business worthy of this year’s award, visit the Chamber’s website at www.scccc.com to make your nomination.

By Andy Dinniman In relation to the issue of whether the recently purchased Strawbridge Preserve and adjacent lands should remain a preserve or be a state park, the history of this purchase needs to be understood.

The two legislators representing this area during most of the purchase discussions were myself and State Rep. John Lawrence.

Let me be clear: there never was any discussion of the purchased land being a state park. In fact, the words “state park” were not even uttered by Harrisburg until 2022.

What I, Rep. Lawrence, and others advocated was to expand and connect the federally designated White Clay Creek Scenic River Preserve to the Strawbridge and other land purchases. In so doing, it was our hope and dream to bring about the largest tristate area of natural open

space on the Route 95 corridor between Washington, D.C. and New York City. It is disappointing, after we all worked so hard on this goal, to witness the state ignoring this hope.

To further appreciate our goal, one has to go back to 1992 when the County Commissioners, including myself, created the first large scale County Open Space Plan. We recognized that some of the land was for parks, some for agricultural use, some for water resources, and some land to remain natural forests and fields with a very soft human impact.

The Lenfest Preserve is an example of this approach.

Yes, people could walk the trails and relax and view the wonderment surrounding them, but there were not to be buildings, crowds of people, lots of cars and paved parking lots that come with a state park.

In the Maryland portion adjacent to the land cur-

rently under discussion, there is not a state park, but a natural resources area. If you want to go to a park, you have the hundreds of acres of the county’s Nottingham Park, which is very near to where the state wants its park.

With the relentless march of development moving west and south across Chester County, and with the increasing dangers of climate change, these areas of natural open space that assure only a light human impact are crucial for our very future.

That is why all of us at the time were so delighted with the creation of the White Clay Scenic Preserve and why, during our discussions with the state over many years, we insisted that the purchase of the Strawbridge Preserve and adjacent lands be connected to the White Clay area and become part of the large tri-state natural open space

preserve.

Open space has always been a bipartisan issue in Chester County and, in our current divisive politics, this is truly a gift.

Thus, I want to thank Rep. Lawrence and his staff for, after my retirement from the Senate, continuing to reach out and keep me informed on a number of issues of mutual concern.

Often public policy discussion and decisions are made in a vacuum and I hope this history will lead to a more informed decision. It was clear from day one that the goal was not a state park, but the creation of a large preserve of open space, with light human impact, that would assure the preservation of our natural resources. This indeed is a noble cause.

Andy Dinniman served as a State Senator from 2006 to 2020 and as a County Commissioner from 1992 to 2005.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office adds four deputies to its roster Chester County Sheriff Kevin Dykes announced the addition of Frank Imparato as the newest deputy sworn in to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputy Imparato brings a profound dedication to community service and a firm commitment to upholding the values that define the Chester County Sheriff’s Office,” said Dykes.

“We welcome Deputy Imparato and anticipate the positive impact he will make in ensuring public safety with integrity and professionalism.”

Additionally, in a significant move toward enhancing the capabilities of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Dykes announced the addition of three others who have been chosen to join the office as trainee deputies—Nicholas Fernandez, Ernesto Pineda, and Angel Chimal Rodriguez.

Those three will begin comprehensive law enforcement training at the Delaware County Police Academy this month, and upon successful completion of the training in June will take on the role of sworn deputies in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.

Dykes noted, “We have full confidence in the dedication, skills, and com-

Courtesy photo

Chester County deputy Sheriff Frank Imparato (center) with Chester County Sheriff Kevin Dykes (right) and Chief Deputy Jason Suydam (left).

mitment by trainee deputies Fernandez, Pineda, and Rodriguez to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement.

“It is an exciting and proud day for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office with the addition of our newest deputy and trainees. The Commissioners’ endorsement of paid training for selected deputies is a testament to their understanding of the importance

of investing in the Sheriff’s Office capabilities. This initiative ensures that our deputies are equipped with

the latest knowledge and skills, ultimately enhancing our ability to provide public safety.”

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6A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

Young Adult Group honors 75 years of friends and memories

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer The members of the Y.A.G. club knew a long time ago that the title of their organization had become a contradiction in terms, but after 75 years they still embrace it.

Y.A.G., as it is named (with a period after each letter), stands for “Young Adult Group.” And yet, at this point, most of the members are over 90 and the youngest one, President Ray McKay, is 81. As an “outsider” from Unionville, he joined this rural, Avondale-area group in 1965 by virtue of his marriage to his late wife, Mary Pratt, who had been a member.

Y.A.G., which now has about 17 members, was formed 75 years ago by the Christian Fellowship Class of the Avondale Presbyterian Church, according to an account by late president Kenneth Emerson.

He stated in his article that the church members felt many of the young people in the AvondaleWest Grove area had outgrown the youth groups and needed a club in the community for all denominations. They invited 30 young people of the community to a Thanksgiving Day breakfast, presented them with the idea, and sent them on their way.

The idea took off, and the club members elected officers, held meetings and planned monthly programs. These members have stuck together,

met and joined for activities for more than seven decades. Their relationships with each other appear warm, lasting and supportive.

The list of original members’ names (held by those same well-known names today) is a familiar assortment of southern Chester County small-town natives like Pusey, Brosius, Yeatman, Parsons, Walton and Needham. They were there in the in the mid20th century, and they are still around.

Through the years, the limit to membership size as stated in its charter is 35. In fact, only one new person has joined after 2000. The biggest majority joined in the 1950s.

In order to be accepted, they must be over the age of 16 and approved by a two-thirds vote of the membership after the applicant has attended two meetings.

In honor of the club’s 75 years, President McKay put out the word that there would be a lavish celebration luncheon on Nov. 18 at Elerslie, the special-occasion house at Crosslands retirement community in Pennsbury Township.

He served as master of ceremonies and provided his friends with an afternoon of entertainment and memories. He brought along the book of pictures his late wife had assembled with photos going back decades. He also created a historical booklet with a copy for each member noting the his-

Photo by Chris Barber

Members of the Y.A.G. Club share food and memories at their 75th anniversary luncheon in Crosslands Elerslie special event house as the group’s President, Ray McKay, at right, looks on.

tory, interesting incidents and records of Y.A.G. With a gentle poke at its long history, he called it, “The First 75 Years.”

He also reviewed with them the outstanding historical events that had occurred locally and nationally in those years.

McKay, in addition to being the group’s current president, is also a longtime local historian.

After reciting the names of presidents along with the incidents of tragedies during the existence of Y.A.G., he asked them: “What was the most historic thing that changed our lives?”

No one at the table ventured the answer he was seeking.

Without any answers he said, “The construction of the Route 1 bypass.”

He explained that it changed the small-town and tight-knit society of southern Chester County where the members grew up into a modern, postindustrial suburban town.

Their current environment sees heavy traffic moving through daily, as well as many new residents from afar who don’t work locally. Rather, with the convenient transportation and online communication, the new community

arrivals are employed in Wilmington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and beyond while still residing in their former pre-industrial-like little town.

With it all, these club members are still close, even after all the years that passed. As they sat at the table last November, they shared familiar jokes, events and reactions to tragedies.

“Remember running from West Grove to Avondale on the railroad tracks? Remember the dances? Did you hear who died?” was heard among the friends as they passed around Mary Pratt

McKay’s photo books.

In their time together these Y.A.G. members enjoyed campout sleepovers, played tennis tournaments, staffed a Halloween Parade float, built a swimming pool, donated blood and raised money for people in need.

They still function almost as an extended family with each other.

When asked if Y.A.G. would continue as the members reached the end of their life journeys, McKay said in view of the ages it is not likely.

“When they are all gone, it’s done. It is too disjointed,” he said.

Chester County Intermediate Unit taps Fazio as new director of communications She previously managed communications for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) recently announced that Christa Fazio has joined the leadership team as the new director of communications, marketing and engagement. Her appointment was approved at the CCIU Board of Directors meeting in November, and she officially started in the role on Dec. 20, 2023.

Fazio replaces Mary Jeanne Curley, who retired as the director of communications and learning solutions in the first week of January.

“The CCIU extends our deepest gratitude to Mary for her incredible 38 years of service,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director for the CCIU. “I am confident that Christa’s wealth of public relations experience and proven track record in education will further enhance the legacy of excellence at the CCIU. “Christa’s passion for making a difference and fostering meaningful connections within the community aligns seamlessly with our goals

here at the CCIU. We are looking forward to her contributions to enhancing our organization’s community relations, fostering our mission and strengthening engagement with all stakeholders.”

Bringing with her over 18 years of experience in public relations, Fazio has dedicated nearly 12 years to the steadfast support of public education.

From professional beginnings in the newsroom, to experience in a top public relations agency and, most recently, her position as the director of communications and community relations for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD), Fazio has cultivated a talent for successful strategic planning, effective crisis management and creative storytelling.

After a start in the news industry, Fazio worked as a senior account executive at Tierney, a top public relations and advertising firm in Philadelphia, where she helped lead creative public relations programs for several clients.

Led by a passion for making a difference and doing meaningful work, Fazio sought out a role in education and became the communications coordinator for the Penn-Delco School District (PDSD) in Delaware County in 2012. At PDSD, she launched the district’s social media presence and focused on establishing enhanced community engagement.

In 2018, she joined UCFSD, where she developed a robust communication program, helped the district navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and led communication strategies for several major district initiatives including the mascot rebranding project, adjusted school start time and the centennial celebration.

Fazio is a leader in education communications and her efforts have been acknowledged with multiple awards of excellence.

She has presented at state and national conferences where she shared her work with other education

Courtesy photo

Christa Fazio is the new director of communications, marketing and engagement for the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

professionals on diverse topics including branding, effective communication strategies, crisis management and leadership.

She will be taking on the role of executive director of the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA), an organization for which she served as president from 2021-2023.

“I am truly honored and

thrilled to join the Chester County Intermediate Unit as the new director of communications, marketing and engagement,” Fazio said. “The legacy of excellence and commitment to education that the CCIU embodies is inspiring and it is with immense gratitude that I take on the responsibility of spearheading communication efforts for such a

distinguished educational institution.

“Together with the dynamic CCIU leadership team and outstanding communication staff, I am eager to contribute my expertise and passion to further elevate the CCIU’s impact, amplify its voice, and forge meaningful connections with our valued stakeholders across the county and beyond.”

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

Chester County Press

Obituaries ANDREW J. VANNOY Andrew John Vannoy died on Jan. 1, 2024 at his home in West Chester. He was 39 years old.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bernard Vannoy Sr. and Dorothy (Hilton) Vannoy and his maternal grandparents, Lonnie Hughes and Mary (Willen) Hughes.

He is survived by his parents, Parke C. Vannoy and Teresa (Hughes) South, a sister, Debra Sadler; two brothers, Brian L. South and Eric D. South; and two children, Adalynn J. Vannoy and Aven J. Vannoy.

Drew lived every day for his children. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Contributions in Drew’s memory can be made to the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 9 at the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church. Interment followed at Union Hill Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Andrew’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals. com.

RONALD C. VOLK Ronald C. Volk, 76, died in Avon, Indiana on Jan. 9, 2024.

He was born in Pennsylvania to the late Calvin and Gladys (Bryan) Volk. He graduated from Kennett High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for six years, including a tour in Vietnam.

He worked in industrial sales for over 45 years, even after he “retired.” He was an avid fan of Penn State, the Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers, and the Drum Corps. He loved to read and spend time with his family, especially watching his grandchildren perform in marching band and show choir.

He was active in his church and was incredibly generous, helping everyone he could.

He was preceded in death by his late wife, Carol.

He is survived by a brother, Thomas Volk and a sister, Barb (Mark) Underwood, of Pennsylvania, two daughters, Jennifer Volk and Karen Kinnaman, and two grandchildren, Konnor and Kamryn Kinnaman.

Per his request, there will be no memorial service.

There will be a private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/).

Alleluia Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.

Job 36:5 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.

ALEXANDRA LOUISE STEELE Alexandra Louise Steele, 65, of West Chester, died on Dec. 26, 2023 after injuries sustained in a house fire on Patton Alley.

Born in Philadelphia on Aug. 24, 1958, she was predeceased by her parents, Louise and Donald Steele and stepsister, Elizabeth.

Educated as a child at Springside School in Philadelphia, she later attended the Gunston School in Maryland and Richmond College in the United Kingdom.

Alex, as she was known to her friends and family, was a lifelong lover of horses and was a relentless fan of her incredibly athletic children, who played many different sports but all excelled on the ice rink at the Chester County Skating Club. Alex was known to handle the score clock during games with both finesse and calm, despite the raucous cheers and noise inherent to ice hockey contests. She was also famous for her homemade chili, which was sold to many fans at the snack bar at the rink where Alex spent countless hours watching her children perform. She loved all of her children with a fierce love. She participated in numerous activities while her children were at Upland Country Day School and in more recent years, she volunteered at the West Chester Senior Center, where she was welcomed and loved by all. She was forever curious and a lifelong learner.

Alex is survived by her stepbrother, Donald Steele, her children, Ashley Steele, Trevor Norton, Collin Norton, Ana Spinella, Aidan Norton, Marion Norton-Merriott and Matthias Steele-Hemphill, and four grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Jan. 6 at Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family suggests contributions to the West Chester Senior Center, 530 East Union Street, West Chester, Pa. 19382.

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries LARRY D. LEMONS, SR. Larry D. Lemons, Sr., a lifelong resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 27, 2023 while at home.

He was 78.

He was the husband of Jewel Hawks Lemons, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., he was the son of the late Wiley F. and Pearl Jones Lemons.

Larry was employed as a mushroom grower on his family farm for many years. He retired from KendalCrosslands in Kennett Square and for 30 years he was employed with the Oxford Area School District as a bus driver.

He loved to vacation along the coast of Maine and in Smoky Mountain, Tenn. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles.

He is survived by his wife, one son, Larry D. Lemons, Jr. (Robin), one daughter, Tina M. Shires, three grandchildren, Nichole L. Replogle, Justin Z. Lemons and Aleshia C. Shires, and one great-granddaughter, Rowan N. Adams. Also surviving is one sister, Nancy L. Martin. He was awaiting the arrival of a greatgrandson, Wiley M. Lemons, who is due in January.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Vaughn and an infant brother, Gary Lemons.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

RAYMOND DAVIS Raymond Davis, of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 22, 2023 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. He was 82.

His wife, Rosemary Cheryl (Reid) Davis, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage, was lovingly by his bedside as he transitioned to the afterlife.

Raymond was born on Aug. 6, 1941 in Philadelphia. He was the oldest son of five children. He was born to the late Raymond Davis and the late Mattie Little. Ray had one brother, Albert Neal, and one sister, Norma Davis, precede him in death.

Ray graduated from Overbrook High School in 1959.

After graduation he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army where he was part of the 101st Airborne Division. Ray was honorably discharged from his post with the military.

He was extremely proud of being a part of the Airborne group and consistently wore a hat or shirt with the 101st Screamin’ Eagles symbol pridefully displayed.

Ray was employed by PECO Energy Company. He worked as a maintenance supervisor at their Limerick and Peach Bottom facilities and retired after 30 years of service.

As a young man, Ray enjoyed boxing so much that his friends called him “Sugar” Ray due to his hand speed and his enthusiasm for the “sweet science.” He was also a talented artist and liked building model cars, trucks, airplanes, and jigsaw puzzles. He enjoyed do-it-yourself projects and anything he could get into to find use for the plethora of tools that he had in his workshop.

As he got older and had kids, Ray could be found at sporting and music events for his two sons, proudly cheering and watching them perform. He absolutely loved motorcycles and would profess that he was going to get another one, “one day” almost daily. Later in life, he loved being a grandfather. Spending time with his grandchildren filled him with extreme joy, pride, and love.

Over the years Ray accumulated several nicknames. As mentioned above, “Sugar” Ray was from his earlier days.

As his sons and their friends got older he would go on to be known as “Rayzor” by some, because of his sharp, tell it like it is responses and come backs. Others referred to him as “Rawl” for the same reason. Still over time, he was affectionately referred to as Pops among his sons and grandchildren. No matter what you called him, Ray will be remembered for his strength—physical and his ability to roll with the punches when life got tough, his protective nature, and his sharp wit and humor.

In addition to his wife Cheryl, he is survived by two sons, Marc Davis (and his wife Michelle) of Troy, Alabama, and Jason Davis (and his wife Allison) of Mount Joy, Pa., and four grandchildren, Jason Jr., Braydon, Cameron, and Madalyn.

Also surviving are two brothers, Rev. Robert WilliamsNeal (and his wife Rev. Camille) of Louisville, Ky. and James Neal of Newportville, Pa.; three nieces, Minister Tonya Belton of Philadelphia, Andrea Williams-Neal of Alexandria, Va., and Robin Williams-Neal of Louisville, Ky.; three nephews, Marcus Tunnell of Philadelphia, Devon Williams-Neal of Louisville, Ky., and Colin Williams-Neal of Louisville, Ky.; three great-great nieces, Maryyah Tunnell, Milan Tunnell, and Miracle Tunnell, and his brother-in-law, Samuel Reid, Jr. The Davis family would like to thank each and every one of you for the outpouring of concern, support, and love as they move through the emotional pain of losing Ray. The family is hurting, but they know that the Lord knows best and take solace that he is at peace and is forever a part of them.

Services were held on Dec. 29 at Episcopal Church of the Advent Chapel in Kennett Square.

Interment was held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the memorial fundraiser benefiting American Legion Post 491 Kennett Square in Ray’s honor https://www. tmcfunding.com/funds/american-legion-post-491/9083.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

JANE LESLIE GREGG-ORTIZ ROBERT LEWIS THOMPSON Jane Leslie Gregg-Ortiz, 63, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 10, 2024 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Md. She was the wife of Israel “Rock” Ortiz.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Harold W. and Carolyn M. Cunningham Gregg.

Jane retired as a bus driver from Krapf Bus Co. in Oxford.

She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Elkton, Md. Jane was Judge of Elections in Elk Township for many years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and was an avid gardener and loved her animals. Jane was good-hearted and helped anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Andrew West Gregg (Julia) of Oxford; three grandchildren, Amelia, Hope and Tommy Gregg; one sister, Sandra (Don Bromley) of Oxford; nephew, Dave Quinlan (Annie) of Nottingham; five great-nieces and nephews, Sarah, Ryan, Chloe, Kaylee and Logan; one brother-in-law, Jose Ortiz of Coatesville; three sisters-in-law, Gladys Ortiz of Puerto Rico, Annacelli Ortiz of Allentown and Virginia Ortiz of Allentown; nieces and nephews, Myra, Jose, Jessica, Xavier, Angel, Michelle, Celines, Detsire Mary, Pablo Enrique, Jose Alfredo; and her beloved dog, Harvey.

She was preceded in death by one son, Thomas Gregg and a brother, Thomas Wayne Gregg.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. at 86 Pine Street in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment will be in St. John’s United Methodist Church Cemetery in Elkton, Md. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LOUVA ANN GIBBS Louva Ann Gibbs, of Cochranville, Pa., passed away on Jan. 8, 2024 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was 84.

She was the wife of the late D. Lawrence Gibbs.

Born in Townsend, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Ray W. and Susie Bryant Lawson.

Louva was employed as a school teacher for both the Avon Grove School District and Octorara Area School District.

She was a member of Manor Presbyterian Church, Cochranville.

She is survived by one son, David Gibbs (Kay) of New Holland; one daughter, Karen Hoffman of Niceville, Fla.; and four grandchildren, Kamri Hoffman, Kolby Hoffman, Joshua Gibbs and Claire Gibbs.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Wilma Jean Gray and Mary Britt, and three brothers, Cecil Lawson, Howard Lawson and Clyde Ray Lawson.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 13 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123-1718.

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

JANE FETTERS ROTEN Jane F. Roten died while surrounded by her beloved family after a brief illness on Jan. 7, 2024. She was an 84-year-old resident of Oxford.

She was the wife of Roy L. Roten, also of Oxford.

Jane was the daughter of the late John N. and Frances Whiteside Fetters. Jane was born in Oxford.

Jane was a graduate of Oxford Area High School Class of 1957. She worked for the Bell Telephone Company in Oxford and the Oxford Area School District in the cafeteria, then became a homemaker. She was a den mother of Cub Pack 39 and served 14 years. She enjoyed working with plastic canvas, camping and going to the mountains.

She really enjoyed all of her grandchildren, Andrew, Lee, Tabitha, Samuel, Mercedes, Noah (deceased) and Josh as well as all of her great-grandchildren, Max, Victoria, Tommy, Claire, Cole, Jenna and Abel.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford where she served as a Sunday School Teacher for over 40 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons, John E. (married to Pyong Choe Roten) of Winter Springs, Fla., Donald L. Roten (married to Kathy Dorety Roten) of Oxford, and Thomas J. Roten (married to Donna Patrick Roten) of Nottingham. Also surviving are six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her widowed sister, Barbara A. Sammons (married to Luther Buster Sammons, Jr.) of West Grove.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Noah D. Roten and her sister, Doris and her husband Harry Bachman.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 12 at the First Baptist Church of Oxford with Rev. Luke Fenstermacher officiating.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Oxford.

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

Robert Lewis Thompson, 99, of Honey Brook, Pa., passed away on Dec. 27, 2023 at Chester County Hospital.

Bob was born in Philadelphia on Oct. 17, 1924 to Charles Franklin and Mildred (Spragle) Thompson.

Growing up in Lansdowne, Pa., he attended Lansdowne High School, and joined the Lansdowne Fire Company as a junior firefighter while in high school as part of his wartime civil service.

After graduating as part of the Class of 1942 he began working at age 17 for the Pennsylvania Railroad, which helped instill a love of trains.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army two days after his 18th birthday. A proud member of the 2nd Infantry Division, Bob landed at Utah Beach on June 22, 1944 and participated in campaigns in the Normandy and Brittany regions of France, liberating the city of Brest before moving to the Ardennes region of Belgium along the border with Germany.

Approximately two months later, the relative quiet was shattered by the Battle of the Bulge. In the first night of fighting, Robert’s unit was cut off, and they spent two days behind enemy lines before he and the others were captured.

Robert spent the rest of the war in three different prison camps, including a 120-mile forced march between camps.

Always an optimist, he stated that the march between camps was the best part of the war. He wasn’t getting shot at, he got to see Bavaria, and the food was better than in the camp. He was liberated from the camp in Moosburg at war’s end in May of 1945.

For his wartime service, Bob was awarded multiple medals and the Bronze Star. In his humility, he would mention that “all you had to do was show up” to get them. In 2011 he was appointed a “Chevalier” of the French Legion of Honor medal by the government of France. Bob was extremely proud of his military service, did numerous speaking engagements, published his memoirs, and made several return trips to Europe to retrace and share his steps with his family.

After the war, Bob immediately returned to employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad, earning a bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s degree in engineering from Drexel University and spent most of his career in the foundry industry. He continued his active membership with the Lansdowne Fire Company until 1976 and was honored with a lifetime membership. Bob also volunteered as a Boy Scout leader with Troop 157 in Lansdowne from 1965 to 1976.

Bob met Nancy Bross while enjoying furlough on the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey before being discharged from service. They married after a “whirlwind courtship of four years.” Bob and Nancy were married 63 years until Nancy’s death in 2012 and had four children. They were long-time residents of Lansdowne and Walnutport, before residing at Tel Hai. Bob loved the staff and his friends at Tel Hai. His favorite things included dinners together, the “R.O.M.E.O.s”, hosting happy hours, going out to eat oysters, and playing Pinochle and Bridge.

Bob was predeceased by an older sister Jane, his wife Nancy, and son Robert L. Jr. He is survived by daughter Patricia Costa (Edward), sons Richard and John Thompson (Victoria), two daughters-in-law Karen Thompson and Rhodora Thompson, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held at the Chapel at Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, Pa. on Jan. 13.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, 1515 Cherry Street, Philadelphia Pa., 19102 or The Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, P.O. Box 190 Honey Brook, Pa. 19344 or CARE at www.care.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Bob’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals. com.

DAVID L. CARTER David L. Carter, 87, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024 at Citizens Care Nursing Home in Havre de Grace, Md. He was the husband of Viola Nickle Carter, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Glen Roy, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles F. and Edith Everett Carter.

David was employed with Penn Fuel in Oxford.

After retirement, he became a school crossing guard and mowed lawns.

He was a member and volunteer for the Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford and the Fire Police.

David had a great sense of humor and enjoyed nature, long walks and mowing lawns.

He is survived by his wife; four sons, Charles E. Carter (late Betty) of Oxford, Stephen W. Carter of Oxford, Jeffrey S. Carter of Oxford and Brian K. Carter (Kristen) of Oxford; five grandchildren, Chuck, Jr., David, Andrew, Erin and Scott; three great-grandchildren, Patrick, Kinsley and Travis; and one brother, Richard Carter (Lottie) of Conowingo, Md. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill Carter, Frank Carter and Don Carter; and three sisters, Edith Nickle, Ethel Moran and Frances Carter.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 10 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

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

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

Chester County Press

Local News Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair planned for Jan. 23 It’s never too early to think about summer. Jump-start your planning on Tuesday, Jan. 23 with summer fun at the Chester County Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair. This year’s event will take place at West Chester East High School, located at 450 Ellis Lane in West Chester. The event is free to attend and will be open from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Summer Adventures

Camp and Activities Fair will provide attendees with the opportunity to explore camps, activities and local vendors. Students in grades K-12 and their families are encouraged to meet with representatives and gather information to plan for a summer to remember. Last year’s vendors included summer schools and tutors as well as summer camps that specialize in music and theater, sports and exercise,

arts & crafts, outdoor camps and more.

“This fair will empower students and their families to explore a variety of summer activities and camps from across the county, all located in one convenient place,” said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

“There will be raffles, games and fun activities for all to enjoy. We aim to bring

a little bit of summer fun and warmth into the cold of winter.”

The Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair is sponsored by CCRES. In the event of inclement weather, the snow date for this event is Tuesday, Jan. 30.

For information, please visit www.cciu.org/summer-adventures or contact Jay Della Ragione at summercampfair@cciu.org.

Legals NOTICE

NOTICE: DEStorage.com Newgarden Located at 710 Newark Rd Landenberg, PA 19350 Will be holding a Public ONLINE Auction at www.ibid4storage.com Closing on February 21, 2024 at 10 AM. The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act. Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www.ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes Unit # 1096 Yulissa Garcia DEStorage.com Newgarden reserves the right to withdraw any storage unit from sale or cancel the sale without prior notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Oxford Region Planning Committee (ORPC) The ORPC is scheduled to meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month in 2024 at the Lower Oxford Township Building or via Zoom at 7:00 pm. The ORPC is an advisory body to the municipalities of the Oxford Region. The Oxford Region includes Oxford Borough and the Townships of East and West Nottingham, Elk, and Lower and Upper Oxford.

In addition to regular business, the ORPC will be developing an update to their 2012 Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan throughout 2024. We strongly recommend checking the ORPC website for meeting type (virtual or in-person), updated news, meeting cancellations, change of meeting venue, meeting reports, and agendas for upcoming meetings: https:// www.chescoplanning.org/municorner/projects/oxfordregion/ home.html The Oxford Region Planning Committee will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Lower Oxford Township Building to continue to develop the Oxford Region Multimunicipal Comprehensive Plan. Municipal officials from the six municipalities of the Region (East and West Nottingham Township, Elk Township, Lower and Upper Oxford Townships, and Oxford Borough) will discuss a different topic each month including Land Use, Transportation, Resource Protection, and Economic Development, in accordance with

Article III of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 247). Please contact Mark Gallant at the Chester County Planning Commission for more information: 610-344-6285.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given of the death of Dorothy T. Arnold late of West Whiteland Twp., Chester County, PA. The settlor of the revocable trust set forth below has died, and no personal representative has been appointed for said decedent’s estate. All persons having claims or demands against said decedent or trust are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to said decedent or trust are requested to make payment without delay to the trustee or the trust’s attorney named below: Trust: Dorothy T. Arnold Revocable Trust, Trustee: Terrance Arnold, 6 Whippoorwill Drive, Petersburg, NJ 08270. Attorney: David Thierman, Esquire, 551 New Road, Suite D, Somers Point, NJ 08244.

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NOTICE OF DISOLUTION

Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that GLOBAL REGULATORY WRITING SOLUTIONS INC. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving.

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PENN TOWNSHIP BUILDING GROUNDS MOWING AND LAWN CARE SEASON TERM: APRIL 1, 2024 THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2024 General Specifications Penn Township intends to receive proposals for Mowing and Lawn Care for the Season Term: APRIL 1, 2024 through November 15, 2024 with an optional addendum of Seasonal Mulching and Planting.

All bids shall be submitted on the official form provided by Penn Township. All bidders must walk the sites included in the grounds mowing and lawn care contract with Penn Township Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Technician, Danny Peters, prior to bidding. Danny Peters can be reached at 610-869-9620 or 484-753-2081 or by email at danny.peters@penntownship. us. Each proposal shall be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope as such and shall be addressed to the Board of Supervisors, Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390.

The name of the item for which the proposal is submitted must also be indicated on the outside of the envelope in the lower lefthand corner.

Proof of insurance and proof of workman’s compensation to be provided with proposal.

A list of references and recent projects including name and telephone numbers of current and prior clients for whom they have done work must be included.

Prices shall be quoted without Federal Excise or Transportation Taxes or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sales Tax as the Township is exempt from taxes.

The Township reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or any part thereof or to waive any minor discrepancies in the proposals or specifications when deemed to be in the interest of the Township.

Failure of the bidder to sign the proposal or have the signatures of an authorized representative or Agent on the proposal in the space provided may be cause for rejection.

By submitting its proposal, the bidder agrees to contract with the Township to furnish the quantity of materials or services listed at the unit price or prices quoted.

Items bid shall meet specifications prepared by the Township, and upon request, the bidder shall make available to them samples, technical specifications and information about their materials. A complete proposal package is available at the Penn Township Municipal Building at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA during regular business hours 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday or by calling the office at 610-869-9620.

Bid packets are also available on the township website which is www.penntownship.us.

Any bidder may withdraw their proposal at any time. PENN TOWNSHIP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY BIDS OR ANY PART THEREOF. Proposals will be OPENED by the Township Secretary on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. for consideration by the Supervisors at the Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Township Building at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

nett Square, PA 19348 until 2:00 p.m. prevailing time on Wednesday, the 31st day of January 2024, for the ESPN RFAP 632103 Track Rehab. All bids will be opened and read aloud at this time. A link to the virtual bid opening will be distributed to all plan holders. Work will primarily consist of procurement of materials and contracted labor for track rehabilitation consisting of (5) contracts; Contract 1 Stone Ballast Procurement, Contract 2 Spike Procurement, Contract 3 Tie Procurement, Contract 4 Track Surfacing, Contract 5 Tie Disposal. Electronic copies of Plans and Specifications can be requested at no cost via email from: Drew Bessette, P.E. Fair Dermody Consulting Engineers, Inc. drew@fdcengineers.com No formal pre‐bid meeting will be held for this project. All steel products used or supplied in the performance of this project shall conform to Buy‐America domestic steel policies/ requirements. WBE/MBE participation is not required but is encouraged. The Railroad reserves the right to waive informalities in bids, to accept any bid, to reject any or all bids, and to adjust the scope of work to meet available 1p-10-2t funds if deemed to be in the best ADVERTISEMENT interest of the Railroad.

FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

Estate of Marie H. Pugh, Late of Upper Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY, on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Lisa Butler, 1275 Dry Wells Rd., Quarryville, PA 17566, Executor, Or Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 1p-10-3t

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Classifieds Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Storage First Downington located at 3925 Hazelwood Ave Downington PA 19335 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 1/30/2024 at 10:00AM. Rob James unit #169; Katie Morgan unit #187. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Obituaries PHILLIP PATRONE Phillip Patrone, age 88, passed away on Jan. 7, 2024 at Merrill Gardens in West Chester. Born in Marcus Hook, Pa., he was the son of Antonio and Rose (Fecondo) Patrone.

Phil is survived by the love of his life, Rosemarie (Cleary) Patrone, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

In addition to Rosemarie, he is survived by his son, Michael Patrone, Michael’s wife, Jun and his daughters, Riley and Leah; his son Phillip Patrone, his wife, Michelle (Chronister), and their two sons, Sam and Alex; and his sister, Anna Marie Scone, and her husband, Allan. Phillip was predeceased by his brother, Benjamin.

Phil graduated from Eddystone High School in 1953 and shortly thereafter became a carpenter in the commercial construction industry. As his career progressed, Phil worked as an estimator, superintendent, and project manager but always preferred being outside and working as a superintendent. Over the years, he developed an expertise in building hospitals such as Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Pa., Suburban Community Hospital in Norristown, Pa., and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden, N.J. He worked for just two companies over his 54-year career: J.J. Deluca Company and Nason & Cullen Inc. He retired from the construction industry at the age of 72.

He served his country in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard from 1960-1965 in support of and following the Bay of Pigs Invasion of Cuba.

He was an active member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in West Chester. He and Rosemarie enjoyed many deep friendships they built there.

Phil had a love for all Philadelphia sports and after many years as a season ticket holder, he became a passionate Eagles fan. He also cheered on the Phillies and Flyers. Phil loved to cook, travel and find new “outstanding” restaurants which he recommended to his family and friends. He shared his enthusiasm for golf with his buddies, sons and grandchildren.

His greatest enjoyment came from being a loving husband, and a very involved Pop Pop, father, and friend.

As he grew older, his biggest pleasure came from family gatherings centered around meals. He taught his children and grandchildren how to prepare homemade pasta and the Feast of Seven Fishes Christmas Eve meal.

A mass of Christian burial took place on Jan. 16 at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in West Chester.

Interment will follow at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery in West Chester.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org/.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view his online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

BRIAN CHRISTOPHER MARTONIK Brian Christopher Martonik, a resident of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 43 on Jan. 1, 2024.

He was born in Pittsburgh on Oct. 13, 1980 to Elizabeth (Betsy) and Lawrence (Larry) Martonik. Brian’s life was one marked by a deep connection to his family and friends.

After earning his master’s degree from Penn State University, Brian’s journey led him to New Jersey where he met his wife of 14 years, Kristin. Their marriage of 14 years was blessed with three beautiful children, Bromley, Brielle and Bryce.

Nature held a special space in Brian’s heart, and he maintained a lifelong passion for camping, frequently sharing these experiences with family, friends and his dog Sandy. An avid supporter of Penn State football, Brian’s enthusiasm for the game brought joy to those around him. His love for all things automotive coupled with his hands-on approach to life, led to his pursuit of great deals on Craiglist and the establishment of his own venture, MATTT Preservation Auto Restoration. Professionally he dedicated his time and expertise to W.L. Gore and Associates, bringing value in engineering and manufacturing leadership roles.

Brian was a beloved person, and his sudden departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by family and friends alike.

He is survived by his grieving parents, wife and children. He is also mourned by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris and Robin Butler, as well as his brother Mark (Rona) Martonik and sister-in law Lisa (Troy) Hedberg. Numerous loving cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends will cherish his memory.

A celebration of life service was held on Jan. 6 at the Edward L. Collins Funeral home in Oxford.

A memorial in Brian’s hometown of Murrysville, Pa. will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in support of the Martonik children’s education at The Tome School in North East, Md. Your generosity will contribute to their future academic pursuits.

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

SHIRLEY PORTER VANSANT Shirley Porter VanSant passed peacefully at the age of 89 while surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 3, 2024.

Born to parents Warren and Ethel Porter on Sept. 18, 1934, Shirley Ann was the oldest of six children.

A West Grove native and a graduate of Avon Grove High School, she had several jobs throughout her life including bank teller, secretary at Suburban Propane, and later shared her love of cross-stitch working at a cross-stitch store. Her favorite and most rewarding job was that of the family matriarch caring for her children and grandchildren.

Lovingly called “Mommom,” she was the heart of the family. She enjoyed birdwatching, cross-stitch, crafts, card games, bingo with her sister, cooking and baking, giftgiving and card-making. Her love language was sending homemade cards to family and friends for every birthday and anniversary, and spoiling loved ones with an abundance of home-made treats. Her favorite moments with family included holidays, annual vacations to the beach, and a bucket list trip to Ireland.

She joins in heaven her parents, husband Richard VanSant, brother Daniel Porter, cherished sister and best friend Naomi Hogan, and beloved son Darren VanSant.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Tom Talley, daughter-in-law, Kim VanSant, three brothers, Warren Porter, Donald Porter (Phyllis), David Porter (Elwanda), brother-inlaw Martin Hogan, five granddaughters, Kara Phipps (Jason), Elisha Deni (Justin), Laura VanSant (Rob), Alyssa Kilby (Jason), Megan Monte (Quentin), seven great-grandchildren, Julia, Derek, and Natalie Phipps, Brielle and Camryn Kilby, Everly Deni, Cordelia Monte, and numerous treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

She will also be missed by her constant canine companion, Lily.

She was a testament of the strength of family bonds and traditions, and her legacy will be continued through the family she leaves behind.

A funeral service was held on Jan. 9 at the New London Presbyterian Church in New London. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in her memory to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress St. Kennett Square, Pa. or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

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

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6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024

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