Chester County Press 02-01-2023 Edition

Juarez-Lara, Jr. sworn in as new Oxford Borough Council member

By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Contributing Writer

The proud family of Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr. looked on as he was sworn in as an Oxford Borough Council member by Mayor Phil Harris last week. It was a momentous occasion for all to watch as the first Latino was sworn in to the Oxford Borough Council. He is also, at the age of 20, the youngest council mem-

ber in this borough council’s history. After he finished his first meeting, he said that he saw it as a great opportunity.

borough council sees it as a great opportunity as well— a chance to have a more diverse government to represent the people of Oxford.

Latinos make up over 30 percent of the population of the borough, and the swearing-in of the first Latino does take one major accom-

plishment off the council’s to-do-list.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said, “I am eager to work with him. He is excited about this opportunity. He loves Oxford, and wants to do something for the community.”

In other business, Police Chief Sam Iacono reported to council that the police department received training in CPR and First Aid,

Alumni and staff celebrate Patton Middle School golden anniversary

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

Dozens of Charles F. Patton Middle School alumni and administrators gathered Friday to pay tribute to the building’s golden anniversary and the founding principal whose name it bears.

The school opened 50 years ago alongside the high school in East Marlborough Township to make room for the expanding population of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. In the intervening years it has been led by four principals in succession and gained widespread reputation and accolades for enhancing the education of young adolescent students.

In 1992, the year he retired, Patton was honored at a surprise unveiling ceremony when it was announced the school henceforth would be named for him. He died in 2014.

Welcomed to last week’s anniversary event were students who attended in 1973 and those who worked there at the time. Among the celebrants as well were two of the original teachers, Carol Little and Ray McKay.

The three principals who followed Patton are Bruce Vosburgh, 1992 to 2012, Tim Hoffman (now assistant superintendent), 2012 to 2017, and Steve Dissinger, 2017 to present. Each spoke during the celebration.

Continued on Page 2A

and will be certified for the next two years. He thanked

Photo courtesy Bill Fitzpatrick Oxford Borough Council welcomed a new member. Pictured are, from left to right, Oxford Mayor Phil Harris, borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen, Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr., Guadalupe Olvera, Eduardo Juarez, Raul Juarez, Sr., and Mireya Juarez.

Owners to sell Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

From the time Brad and Lele Galer first opened Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in Kennett Square in 2011, it has consistently built a superb reputation for its many gifts, given to those who have come to admire them.

On the slightly tilting canopy of its vineyard, the winery has consistently delivered top-notch varietals that have not only graced the dining room tables of its patrons, but earned the accolades of wine critics and been the recipient of over 150 awards

at competitions around the country and the world.

From the rustic design of its interior tasting room to the sweeping views from its outdoor decks, Galer has become one of the county’s premiere destinations for wine and conversation, as well as a major contributor to the emerging wine industry in southeastern Pennsylvania.

“We have always aimed to make Galer homey, artistic and pleasing, so that when you sit down with a glass of wine, it becomes an experience,” said Lele Galer. “We tried a lot of ideas in the beginning, but it always

Lincoln University Concert Choir performs at Gov. Shapiro’s inauguration

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

The Lincoln University Concert Choir lit up the stage for former state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s inauguration as Pennsylvania’s new governor on Jan. 17 in Harrisburg.

They performed “America the Beautiful” arranged by Ryan Nowlin and “I Sing Because I’m Happy” arranged by Rollo Dilworth. “The choir was thrilled to

be invited to perform at this prestigious and momentous occasion. After the cessation of live performance opportunities during COVID-19, this occasion felt particularly triumphant and celebratory for the choir,” said Victoria Pitre, an assistant professor of music, director of choral activities and director of opera workshop.

The University’s choir is no stranger to acclaim and audience excitement.

Pitre reports the Lincoln

University Concert Choir members serve as ambassadors for the university by building relationships with communities, touring extensively, and performing recruitment concerts at churches of all denominations and K-12 schools throughout the country.

Some of the choir’s most recent tours have included performing in Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and its international debut in South Africa.

The choir has also been asked to sing the National Anthem at home games for professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. The choir was also invited to participate in the HBCU Choral Festival at Norfolk State University.

On Jan.16, the choir performed at the 22nd annual Celebration of MLK Day, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Community of

Chester County farmers earn accolades at Pa. Farm Show...5A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Unionville Girls Varsity basketball coach Fred Ellzy gathers with his team during a third quarter timeout that saw the Longhorns overcome a first-half deficit to beat Great Valley, 42-34 on Jan. 26. For a complete game summary and additional photos, see Page 4A.

Photo by Billy Kyle, Atmos Imagery

The 7.4-acre Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in Kennett Square is currently up for sale for a listing price of $3.395 million.

Oxford Borough Council...

Continued from Page 1A

Union Fire Co. and the Oxford Ambulance for their assistance in the process.

He explained that interviews for new police personnel have been scheduled for February. The department will also schedule a meeting to set goals for the 2023 year, and host an accreditation firm.

Iacono also said that he is working on the year-end report for statistics. They will also start doing a yearly bias review report.

“This will be part of the accreditation process and is the first year we have done this. We are anxious to gain helpful information from this report,” Iacono said.

Patton Middle School...

Council member Bill Fitzpatrick told the Chief that Officer Fry came to Penn’s Grove School to make his introduction to the students, and he was appreciative of the gesture.

Harris said the department will be heading into the third quarter for the accreditation process and they will be reviewing the evidence rooms and police issues.

In other business at the meeting, borough council approved the following motions:

• A hearing and motion to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter Section 27-2003, certificates of use and occupancy, and Section 27-202, definitions related to the establishment of a non-residential use of occupancy requirement.

Chester County Press

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• A motion to adopt resolution regarding an intergovernmental agreement between the Borough and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the borough’s participation in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Chesapeake Bay sediment pollution reduction project.

• A motion to approve the contribution agreement in the amount of $9,192 with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as part of Oxford’s participation in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Chesapeake Bay sediment pollution reduction project.

• A motion to approve Flyway Excavating pay

application #9 (Final) in the amount of $15,000 for the Streetscapes IV/ Transportation Center Access Improvements Project.

• A motion to award a contract to McMahon Associates, Inc. to develop an active transportation plan for the borough.

• A motion to approve the contract with McMahon Associates, Inc. in the amount of $45,800 to develop an active transportation plan conditioned upon review by and approval of the borough’s solicitor.

• A motion to award a contract to Keystone Municipal Solutions to complete a Strategic Management Plan for the borough contingent upon receipt of

the Strategic Management Planning Program Award from the PA Department of Economic and Community Development.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller delivered her report to council saying, “Most of my work was behind the scenes.”

The Ware building project is pending appeal. There is some progress regarding a settlement with the neighbors.

The conditional-use hearing was held on Jan. 24 and there will be a second hearing.

Garcia-Allen told council that she will be delivering her state-of-the-borough report at the Feb. 13 council meeting. She also informed council that the borough would be receiving a Keep

PA Beautiful Award from State Sen. Carolyn Comitta.

Junior council member Annabelle Bresler delivered her report saying midterms were finished and SAT’s would be coming up in March for high school students.

Council President Kathryn Cloyd said a representative from Kacie’s Cause will be coming to the Feb. 13 meeting to talk to council and give them a demonstration about the use of Narcan. An EMT will also be present.

Council member Peggy Russell congratulated Stacey Fuller on her new position at Gawthrop Greenwood.

The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.

Also appearing at the microphone to lend her words was Patton’s daughter, Nancy, who said, “He would be proud today.”

Patton was praised throughout the ceremony by his three successors. They all credited him with creating an environment in which “students gain a sense of belonging.”

Continued from Page 1A discontinued) for the entire school population.

Dissinger, who served as the master of ceremonies, said how grateful he has been to teach and then serve as Patton’s principal. He also thanked teacher John Walsh, who organized the event.

Dissinger recalled how, when he graduated from Penn State, his professor Victor Dupuis took him aside and advised him to visit Patton and the UnionvilleChadds Ford School District to interview for a job.

“They get it,” Dissinger was told by DuPuis. What he found when he

arrived at the school was a principal who believed from his heart in running a school specifically to meet the needs of young people.

Dissinger said he was especially impressed with the middle school’s “basic instruction” – an hour out of each day when they all played basketball, kickball, street hockey and other recreational activities. The school also had a two-night camping trip each year (now

Vosburgh, who succeeded Patton in the principalship, said he spoke with his predecessor many times.

“Charles loved to teach. He was passionate about middle schools. He came back often to teach algebra,” Vosbergh said.

Referring to Patton Middle School, Vosbergh said, “There is a lot going on in education these days, and

this is one of them.”

Hoffman, who now serves as the assistant superintendent, reflected on the growth of humans and how it relates to the growth and alterations in a building. Patton Middle School has undergone many building changes since its beginning. “Schools are a lot like people. We’re responsible to rejuvenate and reinvigorate them. Relationships need maintenance,” he said.

Teacher Brian Kelly, who had been present at Patton’s memorial service years ago, added, “He was a good listener to parents, students and the community. He was everywhere. Imagine going to a school where kids feel they matter.”

In the early minutes of the celebration the school PTO presented Dissinger with a new and much larger podium with the Patton insignia

on it, that he unwrapped in front of the group. The alumni, who were treated to a cake reception in the library, appeared excited and pleased to see old friends. They spoke of school time memories including the move from the high school to the newly opened middle school, during which they hauled over their desks, chairs and books.

Choir...

the Greater Kennett Area.

On Feb. 11 they will be collaborating with the Vox

Continued from Page 1A Philia Chamber Choir, Berks Sinfonietta, and the Albright College Chamber Ensemble for “God Has Work for Us to Do: A Celebration of Black History Month.” This per-

formance will be held at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Shillington at 7:30 p.m.

The 44-member chorus welcomes vocalists from all majors at the university. The Concert Choir rehearses five days a week, for a total of roughly seven hours a week. Pitre said that participants are required to audition to be in the choir, and are eligible for scholarship money with a 3.0 GPA or above.

The choir members prepared early on Tuesday for the trip to Harrisburg. The arrived at school at 6:45 a.m., and boarded the bus 7:30 a.m.

Their 11 a.m. performance was outside, as was the entire ceremony. Pitre said it was cold, but the members were prepared for the conditions.

Looking back on their adventure, Pitre said many of the choir members felt the responsibility and ownership of being prepared for such a big event, since it was

being broadcast.

“They said that it was very cool to be up on the screen and to be able to connect with some state representatives afterwards,” she said.

The portrait of Charles F. Patton greets guests at the school’s front door.

Photos by Chris Barber

Charles Patton’s daughter, Nancy, second from right, joins the three principals who followed her father in that position. From left are Charles Dissinger, Bruce Vosburgh, and Tim Hoffman.

Principal Charles Dissinger unwraps the new podium given to him by the school’s PTO.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The Lincoln University Concert Choir performs onstage at Martin Luther King Day ceremonies on Jan. 16, the daybefore they traveled to the governor’s inauguration in Harrisburg.

Galer Estate Vineyard...

Continued from Page

came back to just wanting to create a nice, comfortable place for people to hang out and enjoy good wine.”

Now in its 12th year, and as the quality of winemaking at Galer has fully dovetailed with its quality of experience, the Galers recently put their boutique vineyard and winery up for sale.

Listed for an asking price of $3.395 million, the sale of the winery at 700 Folly Hill Road will include a 7.4-acre property, a four-acre vineyard, tasting room areas, state-of-the-art winemaking technology with temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks and a temperature-controlled barrel room; a garage, event room with fireplace and a residence that was first built in the 1700s.

When the Galers first entered into the idea to cultivate grapes on their Pocopson property back in 2005, they were among a short list of wine growers in Chester County.

“Brad looked at the large trees behind our house and told me, ‘With the right strategies and the expertise of the right people, I think we can create a top-notch vineyard here in Pennsylvania,” Lele said. “It was exciting, but I thought that if we’re planning to grow grapes, we should also consider the possibility of owning a winery.”

Working with viticulturalist Lucie Morton and winemaker John Levenberg, the Galers planted a seven-

Since it first opened in 2011

Galer has earned over 150 awards for excellence in winemaking.

acre vineyard in Pocopson, and after purchasing the former Folly Hill Winery, they invested four years of renovation to create interior and exterior tasting rooms, a fermentation room, as well as the replanting of grapes on the property.

Under the direction of winemaker and general manager Virginia Mitchell, Galer produces an average of 2,800 cases a year, and has earned high marks for its Cabernet Franc, dry Rosé, and Sparkling Chardonnay. “Fifteen years ago, the wine industry in Pennsylvania was not what it is today,” Lele said.

“Back then, there were only a handful of people in this area who were growing wines with the idea of having them stand up against wines being made in California and France.

We now have small producers who are trying it as their passion project, and so many people are growing some wonderful grapes and wines in Chester County.

It’s created an entirely new way of how this region looks at wine.

“It’s surprising now that we’re preparing to hand off

our winery to someone else, it’s coinciding with a time when that ambition, drive and positive energy is happening all over our region.”

The Galer’s decision to put their winery on the market is one partially of aspirations and necessity. While Lele, a highly-visible and prolific painter and sculptor, is looking to spend more time focusing on her creative efforts (she is also writing a book), Brad’s position as a pharmaceutical executive requires him to be in Boston, where he has an apartment.

“Over time, we just became less and less present owners,” she said. “I love the winery, but I am not there as often as I should be. Once we were able move through the emotional component of letting go of what we have loved for so long, Brad and I both knew that it would be a good thing for both of us.

“We’re both ready for our next chapter, which will not involved running a small business. We are terribly proud of what we and others have accomplished here, but we think that it just seems the right time to hand

it to

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

on Folly Hill Road,

the next person. It’s time for the next person to come in with passion and

energy, do their own spin on it, and love it as much as we have.”

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

Photo by Billy Kyle, Atmos Imagery

Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery has become popular for the rustic and cozy design of its interior tasting room, as well as its outdoor deck that overlooks the vineyard.

Angstadt scores 14 points in Longhorns’ victory

Clutch free throws help seal Unionville’s comeback win, 42-34

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Just before the start of the fourth quarter of the Jan. 26 Ches-Mont girls basketball game between Unionville and Great Valley, Longhorns’ head coach Fred Ellzy saw the backs of his starting five heading back to the court.

“You’ve got eight minutes to turn it up,” he told them. “Let’s go.” Ellzy had every reason for the encouragement. His team began the last quarter down by four points to a competitive Patriots team, who came into the game with an overall 14-4 record and had spent much of the first half swatting away Unionville’s shortrange jumpers and shutting down the Longhorns’ inside game.

With the game on the line, however, Unionville turned it up.

Backed by superb free throw shooting by Riley Angstadt in the closing minutes and a three-pointer by Ellie Johnson deep in the fourth quarter, Unionville scored a hardfought, come-from-behind victory over Great Valley, 42-34, to push their overall record to 12-4 and remain in the hunt for the ChesMont American Division lead.

Following a threeminute scoring drought to start the game, Great Valley’s Laura Lum nailed a jumper that was quickly answered by Angstadt’s three-pointer, but as the quarter progressed, the Patriots’ defense clogged any attempts to score from the paint. As the Longhorns began the second quarter

leading 8-7 on a buzzerbeating three-pointer by Milana Amoss, the game shifted in the direction of Great Valley, who was backed by Gia Sloutis’ 7 points and a three-pointer by Lum with three minutes left in the first half.

Although Amoss’ second three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining enabled the Longhorns to enter halftime down 18-15, Great Valley’s tight defense gave the illusion that their slim lead could be difficult for Unionville to answer.

While the Longhorns needed points, it was their defense that enabled them to crawl back in the second half. With 3:06 remaining in the third quarter, Great Valley called timeout to regroup after seeing Unionville force several Patriot turnovers. On Great Valley’s next possession,

Johnson stole a pass, was fouled and made both free throws to tie the score at 26, but with one minute left, four points by Lauren Frederick gave the Patriots a 30-26 lead as the fourth quarter began.

After a five-second inbound violation was called on Great Valley, a jumper by Shannon Megill was quickly followed by a Johnson layup that quickly tied the score at 30. For the next few minutes, both teams traded baskets – highlighted by a three-pointer and twopoint bucket by Johnson. Holding a slim lead with three minutes left, Ellzy’s

team went into an offensive stall, and in a desperate attempt to regain possession, Great Valley fouled their opponents, forcing them to the line for a series of one-and-one free throws.

Savannah Lang promptly sunk two of two from the stripe, while Angstadt made five of six free throws to seal the victory.

“We’ve struggled from the foul line during our last couple of games, so we picked it up in practice and worked on our foul shots and it paid off,” Ellzy said.

“We knew we needed to play a little smarter in the second half, pressure the ball a little more, turn the

heat up and make them turn the ball over. It worked in the beginning of the second half and it gave us a bit of an advantage.”

The Longhorns, who were led by game-high scorer Angstadt with 14 points, Amoss with 11 points and Johnson with 9 points, faced Oxford on Jan. 31 and will travel to Kennett on Feb. 2. Now 14-5 on the season, Great Valley was led by Sloutis and Lum with 10 points each, and played Bayard Rustin on Jan. 31.

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

Shannon Megill sinks a free throw from the line.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Unionville’s Milana Amoss drives past Great Valley defenders during the third quarter of the Longhorns’ come-from-behind 42-34 victory on Jan. 26.

Unionville’s Riley Angstadt scored a game-high 14 points during the victory.

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

Degrees in fairness and opportunity

In the recent history of the modern American employment system, perhaps one of the largest fallacies that continues to be thrust in the face of the working sector is that a candidate with a college degree is more qualified for a position than an applicant without a college degree.

While specialized areas of the job sector will always require a college degree, there are three times as many jobs where the key

needs for employment are that certain requirements are met, such as that the candidate possesses a proven track record of experience, professionalism, reliability and talent.

Over and over, however, those without a college degree need not apply –minorities, those from low- or middle-class backgrounds who cannot afford the high-cost of a higher education. It is a practice that is not only humiliating but

devaluing to nearly half of American adults.

Meanwhile, the college graduate who spends two, four, six and even eight years in the hallowed halls of higher education automatically gets moved to the front of the line. It sets forth the discriminatory decree that proclaims that what is learned in a classroom is a better determinant of qualification than practical, on-the-job experience.

Last week, Pennsylvania set out to change that forever.

In his first act as the new Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro passed Executive Order No. 202303, declaring that 92 percent of state jobs – about 65,000 jobs – will be eligible to those without a college degree. As the commonwealth works to combat a worker shortage, a puttering economy and a tight labor environment, news of this executive order sends forth a message that the doors of possibility – once open to those who

have been fortunate enough to hold a college degree – are now open for everyone.

“We’ve got to begin changing the way we think about filling those jobs,” Shapiro said. “We’ve got to begin to make sure people recognize that they’re qualified for those jobs and that we want them to do that work.

“Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to chart their own course and have a real opportunity to succeed. They should get

to decide what’s best for them—whether they want to go to college or straight into the workforce—not have that decided for them.”

A college degree should never have been – and should never be -- a required prerequisite for being allowed to fully participate in the American job sector. It is this newspaper’s hope that other states follow the recent example set by Gov. Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

School choice works in Pennsylvania

Letter to the Editor:

I believe in school choice for Pennsylvania because I am a product of school choice.

I attended private and public schools through the 1970s and 1980s. Also, I appreciate the high-quality education my children and grandchildren have received at public brickand-mortar charter schools, cyber public schools, traditional public schools, and private schools. It has been

amazing to choose for each of my children and grandchildren which schools met their unique needs. I am proud to say that my adult children all contribute positively to my society from the skills and knowledge they acquired at Pennsylvania schools. My oldest granddaughter has been accepted to six universities here in Pennsylvania due to her public charter and private school education and hard work. Would these outcomes

be the same if our zip code had dictated our schools?

The ongoing debate around funding school choice in Pennsylvania has damaged our national and local reputation as a state that doesn’t value education. It has hurt how teachers feel about teaching. It has impaired young people’s desire to become teachers. It has caused division in our communities. It is hard to believe that there is even a debate

when all of the funds come ultimately from taxpayers like you and me.

It is time to put all differences aside. It is time to see ourselves as a state that values high-quality education for all children and adults from kindergarten through post-high school studies. We must declare that we value our students, parents, teachers, and leaders. We must empower our school boards to make appropriate deci-

Financial Focus

sions on the future of our schools and always maintain sight that the parents, grandparents, and communities are paying for our schools.

Everyone’s voice is needed, matters, and will allow all schools to create opportunity, innovation, and unity for all children of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools will continue to be the catalyst for educational excellence through opportunity, innova-

Could you cope with long-term care costs?

We all want to stay healthy and live independently throughout our retirement years. Unfortunately, that won’t be possible for some of us, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for healthrelated challenges — such as the need for long-term care.

As you may know, longterm care covers a variety of services, ranging from occasional visits from a home health aide to full-time residency in a nursing home. But while these types of care may vary in duration and intensity, they all have one thing in common — they’re expensive. Genworth, an insurance company, reports these median annual costs:

• Over $100,000 for a private room in a nursing home

• Over $60,000 for the services of a home health aide

Furthermore, Medicare typically pays very few of these expenses, which means the burden of payment will likely fall on you — or, even worse, on your adult children if you can’t afford the care you need.

Of course, you could hope that you will avoid these costs simply by not requiring any type of assistance — but the odds aren’t necessarily in your favor. In fact, someone turning 65 today has an almost 70 percent chance of needing some type of longterm care services in their remaining years, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

So, how can you protect yourself from the potentially enormous costs of long-term care? You could decide that you’ll pay out of pocket — if so, you’ll need to incorpo-

rate into your retirement budget a reasonable estimate of potential long-term care costs, and you may need to make some significant changes to your saving and investment plans. And the earlier you begin, the better. Your other option is to purchase some form of long-term care insurance.

Essentially, three types of coverage are available:

•Traditional longterm care insurance

– A traditional long-term care policy covers long-term care expenses in your home or at a nursing facility. But policies will differ in terms of what services are covered and how benefits are paid. And you may also be able to choose whether you want inflation protection. Also, with some policies, you can deduct the premiums

from your state and federal taxes. (Your tax advisor can evaluate a policy you’re considering for potential tax benefits.)

• Hybrid long-term care insurance – In addition to providing coverage for home health care or a nursing home stay, a hybrid longterm care policy also offers a death benefit, so if you never need long-term care, your family could benefit from the policy’s proceeds.

• Life insurance with a long-term care rider – You can find a life insurance policy that lets you add longterm care coverage through a “rider,” or optional add-on. With this type of policy, you can use some of the death benefit to pay for your longterm care needs.

Which policy is best for you? There’s no one right

answer for everyone. A financial professional can help you evaluate all your options within the context of your overall investment and protection strategies. But keep in mind that all longterm care policies tend to get more expensive as you get older, so if you’re considering this type of coverage, you may want to get started sooner rather than later.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Joe Oliver, Financial Advisor for Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Joe Oliver is a life-long

tion, and unity. Stakeholders, to learn more about advocacy, please visit https://143krising. com. Also, please join with millions of school choice supporters across the Nation during National School Choice Week by sharing your story on social media. To learn more, visit https:// schoolchoiceweek.com.

Dr. Anne Clark Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools

Joe Oliver

Oxfordian, husband, father, and financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. Joe serves business owners and individual investors in helping them accomplish their financial goals. Connect with him at Joe. Oliver@Edwardjones.com.

Joe Oliver, Financial Advisor 16 South 3rd St. Oxford, Pa. 19363 610-998-9046 www.edwardjones.com/ joe-oliver

Chester County farmers and producers earn accolades at the Pennsylvania Farm Show

Chaddsford Winery awarded gold medal and ‘Best of Show’ in sparkling wine category

Chester County farmers and producers received high marks from Pennsylvania Farm Show judges in

Harrisburg, resulting in an impressive array of medals and ribbons in the show’s 107th year of operation.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, hosts nearly half a million visitors, 4,000 animals, 12,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits every year.

The Chaddsford Winery (Chadds Ford) won a gold medal and “Best of Show” in the Sparkling Wine category, as well as several silver medals and a bronze for their other wine varieties. Perennial cheesemaking favorites The Farm at Doe Run (Coatesville), Birchrun Hills Farm (Chester Springs) and Conebella Farm (Elverson) all scored high marks in their respective cheese divisions.

Chester County was also well represented in the livestock competitions: Kaycee and Lyla Engle (Cochranville), Kai Johnson (Parkesburg), River Lease (Coatesville), David Lytle (Lincoln University),

Brooke and Jason Mazepink (Parkesburg), and William and Elizabeth MacCauley (Atglen) all had strong showings across several sheep classes, including at the “Champion” level.

David Bell (Nottingham) took home the “Champion Junior Bull” award for his entry.

Ethan Magee (Coatesville) received the “Junior Champion” award in the Dairy Goat division.

“It’s wonderful to see so

many Chester County farmers and producers receive statewide recognition for the quality and distinction of the farm products they produce,” said Chester County Ag Council director Hillary Krummrich. “I’m also impressed by all the Farm Show volunteers who dedicate countless hours to representing the agriculture industry to visitors from all over the state and beyond.”

If you have child that wants to learn more about agriculture

and perhaps one day compete at the PA Farm Show, the Chester County Ag Council recommends seeking information about the many 4-H Clubs offered through Penn State Extension’s Chester County office. Farm ownership is not required. https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/ counties/chester.

A complete list of 2023 Farm Show winners can be found at: https://www.farmshow. pa.gov/pafarmshow/exhibit/ results/Pages/default.aspx.

Photo courtesy PA Farm Show Pennsylvania deputy secretary of market development Cheryl Cook with Chaddsford Winemaker Gabriel Rubilar.

Photo courtesy PA Farm Show Don and Pam Gable of Conebella Farm.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Given the relatively hilly but not severe topography of Chester County, there is nothing resembling a Mount Rushmore anywhere near, but if there were such a mountain reserved for the likeness of some of the county’s most influential artists -- as there is for four of our nation’s presidents on that mountain in South Dakota -- chances are that the face of sculptor Stan Smokler would be carved into the bedrock. For the last several decades, Smokler has been honored and celebrated for the modernist purity in his steel sculptures, in galleries all across the United States. With the imagination of a true visionary, he has taken found items – the steel cogs, pipes, beams and chains of industry -- and forged them into geometric masterpieces.

Through his Marshall Bridge Welding Workshop and his teaching at the Delaware College of Art and Design, he has shared his mastery of the medium by inspiring hundreds of students to expand their creativity and develop new ways of artistic expression.

In the process of his development as an artist, and in the selfless collaboration he has made with his students, fellow artists and the community he has lived in for many years, Stan Smokler has become an artistic icon. Now, as he battles a degenerative brain condition known as Frontotemporal Dementia – one that was first diagnosed two years ago and requires constant care and the recent need to move to a dementia care facility –The Art Trust at Meridien Bank in West Chester is paying tribute to Smokler, and has also invited many of his students and fellow artists to come along.

In the Spotlight

brings together the work of a sculptor and his students

“Inspired,” which opened on Jan. 11 and will run through Feb. 24 at The Art Trust’s gallery at Meridien Bank in West Chester, features 14 of Smokler’s sculptures, as well as 17 works from eight other local artists who have been influenced by him: Dave Beck, Kevin Bielicki, Lele Galer, Mike and Rhoda Kahler, Laurie Lamont Murray, John Pappa and Clay Scott.

The exhibit was in part inspired by “Stan Smokler: Steel in Flux,” which ran at the Delaware Art Museum from June to October of 2022, as well as another exhibit that was held at his Marshall Bridge studio last September. “Inspired” was developed by John Baker and Liz Ruff of The Art Trust, in collaboration with Smokler’s wife, Madeline Lewis.

“With ‘Inspired,’ the idea was to showcase his work but also demonstrate his impact to the arts community, as a reflection of how they have been inspired by him,” Ruff said. “Everyone in the show studied with Stan but are each bringing their own vision to this exhibit. The Art Trust’s mission is to promote contemporary artists as a benefit to the community, and this exhibit wraps around that mission.

“We’re not only giving these artists some great exposure, but tying their work to Stan’s, as a way of showing how generations of artists help each other.”

Throughout the run of the exhibit, The Art Trust at Meridien Bank is donating 50 percent of net proceeds form the sales of “Inspired” entries directly to help pay for Smokler’s care. To date, the organization has raised nearly $4,000.

Throughout Galer’s artistic life, she has gained a solid reputation as an oil and encaustic painter who

incorporates rich textures and bright palettes in her work. In 2016, she took a class with Smokler at his Marshall Bridge studio –one of only 10 students who were accepted during each workshop -- and began to find her voice as a sculptor of steel.

“Stan got me to see metal in an entirely different way, and when a new medium is opened up, it’s like a part of your brain explodes in a happy way,” said Galer, who has two figures in the exhibit. “It was as if a tunnel had just opened up, and I could not wait to get my hands on new material. Learning a new form of art as an adult is incredibly freeing, because there are no rules.

“What has made Stan an extraordinary teacher hasn’t been about the fame he has achieved as a sculptor, but about his love of metal and engendering that love to others. He would see students of all ages and abilities and inch it forward in the form of a gentle nudge, and it has been extraordinary.”

Artist, sculptor and Art Trust board member Katee Boyle first took a class with Smokler in 2014.

“Stan has quietly steered my work through the years by fielding endless questions about the thought process, presentation, and the nature of sculptural objects,” she said.

“I am forever grateful to and remain in complete admiration of Stan -- his perseverance to remaining a guide to so many, and his massive commitment to contemporary art.”

Ruff said “Inspired” is serving two of the Art Trust’s key initiatives.

“Our mission with this exhibit to communicate how talented Stan is and get his work sold and into homes, but also celebrate the impact he has made as a teacher, a mentor and

a friend to these artists,” she said. “That’s where the ‘Inspired’ comes from and that’s what we really meant to bring.

“There are a lot of great artists, but he puts that greatness out there, in the form of other artists who have taken his teaching and then made it their own.”

“Inspired” runs through Feb. 24 at The Art Trust

“Inspired,” featuring 14

from local

on

at Meridien Bank, located at 16 W. Market Street in West Chester. The exhibit will include a talk with the artists on Feb. 2 from 7 to 8 p.m., and a closing reception on Feb. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Art Trust at Meridian Bank is a volunteer-based organization, funded entirely by Meridien Bank that supports and cultivates

the exploration of a contemporary aesthetic for the benefit of artists and the community. Net proceeds from the sale of works are directed toward art grants, sponsorships and scholarships. To learn more, visit www.thearttrust.org.

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

Following midterms, Unionville High School takes a day to reset

On Jan. 25, Unionville High School hosted the first-ever RRR Day—a day to Reset, Recharge and Rebalance. There were more than 50 activities for students to select from throughout the day including, painting, goat

yoga, cooking, basketball, nature walks, corn hole, card games, a drone obstacle course, escape rooms, blanket making, and many more.

“Our students recently completed midterms, which we know can be a

stressful time for them,” said Dr. Amy Jenkins, Unionville High School principal. “We wanted to give them a day to relax and reset before heading into the second semester so they feel ready to thrive!”

As part of the day, stu-

dents also participated in a presentation by the Travis Manion Foundation. The foundation shared the incredible story of First Lieutenant Travis Manion, USMC, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of his patrol, and encouraged students to carry on the legacy of selfless service and leadership embodied by Travis and all those who have served.

The entire day was coordinated by the Unionville High School staff. Sessions were run by teachers and staff, who were able to share a special skill, a passion or hobby, or just wanted to just lead the students in a fun activity. Outside community partners also donated their time and resources to help create this special wellness day for students.

The Art Trust is donating sales from its current exhibit to the care of the artist Stan Smokler

‘Inspired’

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Art Trust members, from left, Lele Galer, John Baker and Liz Ruff worked in collaboration with Smokler’s wife, Madeline Lewis, on the creation of the exhibit.

Courtesy photo

In addition to showcasing the work of local artists, the exhibit serves as a tribute to the sculptor Stan Smokler, who over the past several decades has been a friend, collaborator and teacher to many artists throughout Chester County and beyond.

works

sculptor Stan Smokler and 17 sculptors from eight of Smokler’s students, will be

display at The Art Trust At Meridien Bank gallery in West Chester through Feb. 24.

Samarridhi Gupta

Cate Murray

ARTHUR R. CALDWELL

Arthur R. Caldwell, of Nottingham, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 20, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 87.

His greatest love was his late wife, Rosa Lee Tedder Caldwell, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Now they are together again and he is once again happy and smiling.

Born in Christiansburg, Va., he was the son of the late Raymond A. and Adaline Roop Caldwell.

Arthur retired in 2018 from Shelton’s Pallets where he worked for 20 years as a truck driver.

He enjoyed fishing with his son Wayne and watching Nascar and westerns with his son, Jimmy.

He loved being ornery with his grandkids and great grandkids. He was always up for a “Doodle” or a “Krickette” or funny filter pictures.

He is survived by two sons, Wayne A. Caldwell (Dot) of Colora, Md. and Jimmy A. Caldwell of Nottingham; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two cats that all love him and will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by one step-daughter, Joan Eldridge.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 27 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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JAMES DARRELL LEPHEW

James Darrell Lephew, of Avondale, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023 at the Chester County Hospital. He was 65. He was the husband of Janet Masten Lephew, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of Stella Mae Taylor Lephew of Landenberg and the late Darrell Lephew.

He was a mechanic at Kennetex in Kennett Square, and retired in 2015 after 18 years of service.

He enjoyed pet-sitting, being with his dogs and cats, playing horseshoes, deer hunting and being with his family.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three sons, Steven Miller and his wife Laurie of West Grove, Jonathon Miller of Avondale and James Lephew, Jr. of Avondale; one brother, Harold Lephew and his wife Judy of Oxford; one sister Sheila Garrison and her husband Robert of Landenberg and four grandchildren, Alexis, Briana, Christopher and Josie.

Services were held on Jan. 28 at the Foulk Funeral Homes of West Grove. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Cemetery.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh. com.

KENNETH JOSEPH STINGEL

Kenneth J. “Casey” Stingel, 79, of Doylestown, Pa., passed away suddenly on Jan. 24, 2023 at Abington Hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John Stingel and the late Dolores (Konrad) Stingel. He is survived by his children, Christopher Stingel and Meredith Lewis (Robert); grandchildren, Rachel and Joshua Stingel, Reagan and Marin Lewis and his sisters, Susan Argeros (Leo), Joanne Dunch (David) and Elizabeth Stingel.

Kenneth was a graduate of St. Joseph University and held an MBA in finance. He was a veteran of Vietnam, piloted a B-52, served three tours of duty with over 300 missions and received over 20 awards and citations.

Ken was a caring father, grandfather, and friend. He was an active member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square, and a proud and dedicated member of The Knights of Columbus, Council #15346.

Kenneth’s memorial mass of Christian burial was held on Jan. 28 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the PTSD Foundation of America at https://ptsdusa.org/give-help/ or St. Patrick Church.

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

Cort Raynor DeVoe, 95, died peacefully on Jan. 20, 2023. He was married for 72 wonderful years to his beloved wife Nancy (nee Whitney) DeVoe, who survives him.

Cort was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Nov. 23, 1927. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School until he entered the U.S. Coast Guard as an enlisted man in 1945. After attending the Coast Guard Academy prep school in Groton, Conn. he entered the Coast Guard Academy in 1946. Cort graduated in 1950 with a degree in engineering. During June Week, he became engaged to Nancy. His initial service station was on a Coast Guard ice breaker home ported in Juneau, Alaska. He returned (on leave) to marry Nancy on April 21, 1951. They lived in Alaska where he continued to serve on the Coast Guard Cutter Stories. He transferred to a buoy tender working the Aleutian Islands chain from its home port in Kodiak, Alaska. Nancy was able to join him in Kodiak. Next, they were relocated to San Francisco, where they were stationed until 1953. He then transferred to the Coast Guard Reserve and returned to civilian life in Groton.

After a few short years they built a house in Mystic, Conn. in 1955. They lived there for 45 years, expanding the house as the family grew. As the boys grew up, Cort

Donald F. Lytle, age 90, of New London, passed away at the Christiana Hospital on Jan. 4, 2023.

He was the son of the late William Bradford and Ida (Younger) and brother of the late Griffith, Lillian (Guthrie), and Bernice (Keehn). He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret Emma (Reburn) and loving father of Donna Triboletti (deceased Doc), William Lytle (Maryellen), and David Lytle (Barb) and is also survived by nine grandchildren, Andy, Julie, Kaitlin, Michelle, Brad, Megan, Justin, Alyssa, and Emily, and six great-grandchildren, Luke, Jake, Emma, RJ, Lily, and Leo.

From egg routes to the Air Force to a pumpkin business, Donald Lytle leaves a storied legacy.

If Donald Lytle was telling this story, he’d start by leaning back in his chair and offering his smile—you know the one, that type of grin that never seemed to completely disappear from his face.

The tale would probably take some unexpected twists and turns with some obvious embellishments and eyebrow-raising details. He’d then throw in a cheeky joke with a characteristic wink at the end.

Everyone who met him, whether they knew him as Farmer Don or Mr. Lytle or Pop Pop, knew one thing for certain: That man was a storyteller.

From racing down the curving farmhouse steps as a kid to performing in senior plays at Avon Grove High School to entertaining grandchildren on his rocking chair swing, he always knew how to bring people together.

That was especially true as he invited his neighbors to Lytle’s Farm many decades ago in one of the area’s first pick-your-own produce businesses. Even today, parents and grandparents bring their kids to pick pumpkins, and some still remember how Farmer Don would routinely call out, “Tail on the bale, feet on the floor,” over a rumbling tractor ride.

At 90 years old, Donald Lytle passed away on Jan. 4. And all these stories that Lytle spent his life stringing together are only part of why this New London man’s legacy will continue to shine bright in his local community and beyond.

Not too long ago, Lytle told his grandchildren, “I was at the right time and place my whole life.”

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Obituaries

CORT RAYNOR DEVOE

served as a coach in Little League, as a Cub Scoutmaster and in various positions in the Boy Scouts. As each of the boys graduated from high school, the family chartered sailboats in the British Virgin Islands.

Nancy and Cort were active in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, teaching Sunday School together and Cort serving on the vestry as treasurer of the church. He was a member of the Ram Island Yacht Club and served a term on the Representative Town Meeting. He obtained an MS degree in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut in the early 1960s and he specialized in stochastic signal processing.

Over the years, Cort and Nancy traveled extensively, managing to visit all seven continents. Cort went to work for the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation in Connecticut in 1956. During this period he formed a new R&D department with a group of engineers and analysts who developed a new combat control system for submarines built around a central digital computer and multiple CRT displays. He also formed a group with analysts who worked for the Navy in the area of technology, tactics and new U.S. submarine capabilities required against the cold war Russian submarine threat. He continued this work at the Naval Underwater Systems Laboratory from 1973 to 1992 where he served on several high level study groups, receiving two Department of the Navy Meritorious Civil Service awards for Submarine Platform and Combat Systems Requirements Analysis. He

DONALD F. LYTLE

And there was something in the way that he said it…you had to believe him.

He was at the right time and place when he joined his father delivering eggs throughout Wilmington, Del. And when his high school agriculture teacher recommended he try growing strawberries at 16 years old – a venture that later led to a lasting pick-your-own pumpkin business when a late frost threatened his strawberry crop.

Of course, he showed up at the right square dance where he’d meet his future bride Peggy, too.

It was timing and luck that brought him into the Air Force during the Korean War. He remembered a conversation with his young wife: If Eisenhower won the presidential election, he’d join the Air Force rather than the Army. That decision led the couple to Texas and – when Lytle joked that he got tired of the heat – Alaska.

Working as an Air Force carpenter at the base’s hobby shop, he learned to craft intricately designed leather purses and bags, as well as wooden coffee tables, ceramics and more. No doubt, his self-proclaimed “gift of gab,” and instant connection with people gave him a leg up there, too.

When he returned to the farm, starting his own egg routes in Newark and Wilmington, he ran into a customer who said her husband was in charge of hiring at the new Chrysler plant nearby. Did he want a job?

Again, he found himself right where he needed to be. As Lytle told it, he walked to the front of the line, told the hiring manager that the man’s wife promised him a job. Many years later, it was not just the job and the tales of hardworking union men, but the friendships and the stories they tossed back and forth that stuck with him.

The story of Donald Lytle is much more than dots on a map or dates on a calendar, though.

His family will tell you that he had a laugh that was unlike any other, big and hearty and infectious. He had a mischievous way about him that started in the small New London schoolhouse and continued into high school where his classmates named him most likely to be a school principal …because he spent so much time in that office.

He was proud that he could outwit just about anybody. Except maybe that one time in the Air Force. Knowing that the dreaded kitchen chore of cleaning pots and pans went to the last man to arrive at KP or “kitchen police” duty, Lytle devised a plan to stake out his spot in line overnight. When he fell asleep in the doorway, though, each of his buddies stepped over his sleeping body, and when he

also received an award for conceptual development of a battle group multi-static sonar system. When he retired from the laboratory he received the coveted Decibel Award. After retirement from the civil service he completed his career with Sonalysts in 1997.

In 2000, they moved to the Kendal-Crosslands

Continuing Care Retirement community in Kennett Square, living first in the Cartmel community then moving to the Crosslands community in 2009. While at Cartmel, Cort served as chairman of the property committee and on the landscape committee.

They attended the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square.

He is survived by his three sons, Cort (Christine), David (Joyce) and Bruce (Karen), seven grandchildren, Brad (Jenise), Jason (Julie), Bill (Traci), Courtney (Ron), Whitney (Andy), Taylor and Haley, and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Crosslands, in the William Penn Room, on Jan. 28. Interment will be at a later date in the Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, Conn. Donations in his memory may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

opened his eyes? You bet there was a grimy pile of pots and pans waiting to be scrubbed.

These were the kinds of stories that he loved to tell, accompanied by lots of laughter. He often told a joke at his own expense or a lesson-learned from a lost fingertip or other farm injury.

Whether Lytle was sharing stories around the living room, at the produce auction, on the farm or even at McDonald’s, it was how he connected with people. And these moments bought him palpable joy. It also gave him a unique friendship with so many people in the community.

Over time, he generated a sense of local celebrity, and his grandchildren puffed up with pride when they could say, “Yes, my grandfather is that Donald Lytle.”

He probably cherished those moments with his grandchildren, and later his great grandchildren, most of all. Together with Peggy, he showed his love in a familiar grandparent way, with shared meals and T-shirts brought back from trips, and in not-so-typical ways – have you ever heard about the birthday gift involving billy goats?

Donald and Peggy were partners on the dance floor, on the egg routes and for nearly 70 years of marriage – and Lytle stood by his wife and cared for her in the most difficult days near the end of her life.

While Mom Mom would always call to let you know how beautiful the moon looks one night, Pop Pop would call and make sure you were (or weren’t) watching the Phillies or Eagles games, depending if he believed your viewing would bring Philadelphia good luck.

And he’d daydream about the good ole days when Google didn’t take all the fun out of guessing the answers to silly questions.

Donald Lytle was one-of-a-kind. A man with a big heart who worked hard and loved his community and his family. He told countless stories over his 90 years, and he planted the seeds for many more stories yet to be told. A memorial service was held on Jan. 14 at the Christian Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Christian Life Center at the aforementioned address.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).

To view his online obituary and leave a tribute for the family, please go to www.griecofunerals.com.

NOTICE

Notice of Self Storage Sale-

Please take notice US Storage

Centers - Exton located at 371

Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 2/15/2023 at 10:00AM. Brandon Ginter unit #F025. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of James C English, Late of Wayne, Tredyffrin 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 Joanne R Nammavong , Executrix, 133 N Pennock Avenue, Upper Darby PA 19082.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Elaine Litwa, Late of West Grove, Penn 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 Donna DiRosato, 212 Penns Grove Rd. Oxford Pa, 19363, Executor.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of KRISTIE LYNN FERGUSON, Late of Honey Brook, Chester County, PA, Letters of Administration 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 Tammy Lynn Ferguson and James J. Ferguson, 84 6 Point Court, Honey Brook, PA 19344, Administrators, Or Attorney: Leonard

B. Edelstein, Esquire. Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP 123 South Broad Street, Suite 1820, Philadelphia, PA 19109

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FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Isa Cleaning, 935 E LANCASTER AVE # 1047 DOWNINGTOWN, PA 193353328 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 11/13/2022

pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is: Isaura Navarrete Ramirez, 161 LOOMIS AVE COATESVILLE PA 19320-2327.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Marie H. Spencer, Late of West Grove, PA , 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 Executor: Judith Hoopes, C/O Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its 2023 monthly meetings on the first Non-Holiday Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville PA 19351. The meeting dates are as follows: February 6th, March 6th, April 3rd, May 1st, June 5th, July 3rd, August 7th, September 11th, October 2nd, November 6th, December 4th. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend these meetings and require auxiliary aide, service, or other accommodation to participate in this meeting,

please contact Elk Township at 610-255-0634 to discuss we may best accommodate your needs.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Mary Ann Spellman, Deceased. Late of Chester Springs, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Gary Spellman, Executor, 2447 Chester Springs Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425 or to their attorney Scott D. Bloom, Esq., Law Office of Scott D., Bloom, 1033A Mill Creek Dr., Feasterville, PA 19053. Foreign Registration Statement 2p-1-3t

FOREIGN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Theta Enterprises Inc, a corporation organized under the laws of the state of New Jersey, has applied for registration in Pennsylvania under the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Associations Code. The address of its principal office under the laws of the jurisdiction of formation is 272 Dunns Mill Rd., Bordentown, NJ 08505 and the address of its proposed registered office in this Commonwealth is 555 Fox Chase, Ste. 100, Coatesville, PA 19320. 2p-1-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 16 th , 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 20 th, 2023. 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. 23-2-63

Writ of Execution No. 2020-01488 DEBT $184,590.24

ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land on which is situated a one-half double frame house, known as 419 Strasburg Avenue in the Borough of Parkesburg, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point in the middle of said Strasburg Avenue, said point being 200 feet West from the west side of North Culvert Street, the southwest corner of land of Chester Findley; thence North along the line of land of Chester Findley, North 19 degrees 20 minutes East 290.4 feet to the middle of a 20 feet wide public alley, known as North Alley; thence along the middle of said Alley, North 70 degrees 32 minutes

West 75 feet to the line of land of Sara W. Schultz, now known as Sara W. Sener; thence South along said last mentioned line of land of Sara Sener, South 19 degrees 28 minutes West and going through the center of the division wall of Sara W. Sener and the property hereby conveyed 290.4 feet to the middle of Strasburg Avenue aforesaid; thence finally along the center line of Strasburg Avenue, South 70 degrees 32 minutes East 75 feet to the point and place of beginning. Containing 21,780 square feet of land, be the same more or less.

BEING the same premises which Adrienne M. Hess, now known as Adrienne M. Walburn, recorded on January 14, 2016, in the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, at Instrument Number 11453393, by Deed dated January 14, 2016 and recorded January 15, 2016 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester in Record Book 9250 Page 319, granted and conveyed unto Denise M. Johnston, in fee.

BEING UPI # 08-03-0059

PLAINTIFF: CARRINGTONMORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS DEFENDANT: DENISE M. JOHNSTON

SALE ADDRESS: 419 Strasburg Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HILLWALLACK LLP 215-579-7700

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)

Chester County Commissioners appoint Frens as county solicitor

The Chester County Commissioners approved the appointment of Colleen Frens as solicitor for the County of Chester. Frens, the former Deputy County Solicitor, has served as Acting Solicitor since July of 2022, following the appointment of former Solicitor, Nicole Forzato, to the bench of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

“Colleen is an excellent lawyer who will serve the County well in handling our

days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 1p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 16 th , 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W. Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 20 th, 2023. 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. 23-2-65

Writ of Execution

No. 2022-03636

DEBT $31,112.54

ALL THAT CERTAIN , MESSAGE, LOT OR PIECE OF LAND SITUATE ON, IN THE BOROUGH OF WEST GROVE, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED, AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT:

All that certain lot or piece of ground Situate in the Borough of West Grove, County of Chester, County and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a subdivision of Harmony Hill made by N.M. Lake and Associates, Inc., Land Surveyors, Oxford, Pennsylvania, dated September 24, 1987 and revised October 3, 1988

Frens previously served as deputy county solicitor

legal matters,” said Chester County Commissioners Chair Marian Moskowitz. “We are fortunate to have someone who is not only personable, but who understands how County government operates, as well as the mission, purpose and responsibilities of all our departments.”

As Solicitor for Chester County, Frens will provide legal counsel and opinions relative to County government operational and administrative mat-

and recorded in Chester County as plan File Number 9013, and being more fully described as follows, to-wit:

Beginning at a point on the Southeasterly side of Haines Drive, a corner of Lot 17 on said plan, thence extending from said point of beginning and extending along said side of Lot 17 South 60 degrees 30 minutes 18 seconds East 163.51 feet to a point and corner of Lot 23 on said plan, thence extending along said side of lot 23 South 24 degrees 37 minutes 30 seconds West 100.36 feet to a point and corner of Lot 18 on said Plan, thence extending along said side of Lot 19, North 60 degrees 30 minutes 18 seconds West 163.51 feet to a point on the Southeasterly side of Haines Drive; thence extending along said side of Haines Drive, North 24 degrees 37 minutes 30 seconds East 100.36 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

Being Lot 18 on said plan.

Excepting and reserving unto the Grantor its successors and assigns, the perpetual right to dedicate and convey to the Borough of West SALE NO. 23-2-65 Grove (“Borough”), Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania municipal corporation duly organized and existing as a borough, perpetual and exclusive easements, right-of-way and right of entry, all upon, over under and across any and all areas, shown on the above identified Plan, recorded at plan file no. 9013-9020, as public roads, water supply, sanitary and/ or stormwater managements easements, rights-of-way and/ or facilities; any easement, rightof-way and/or right conveyed to the Borough, pursuant to this exception and reservation, shall

ters, and will oversee the County’s team of lawyers.

Commissioner Josh Maxwell said, “The County Solicitor position requires someone who knows how to navigate the legal world and the business and government worlds. Colleen’s resume dovetails perfectly with those needs, which makes me confident that she is the right person for this critical job.”

Frens joined the County as Assistant County

Solicitor in April of 2021 and was named Deputy County Solicitor in July of 2022. Prior to that, she worked as a Chester County Public Defender, and as an Associate for Lamb McErlane PC. Frens also gained legal experience in the Office of the Solicitor for the U.S. Department of Labor. She is a graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and has coached Temple’s School of Law National Trial Team.

Legals

be for the purpose of placing, constructing, operating, using, maintaining, repairing, rebuilding, replacing, relocating and/ or removing any/or all public watersupply,sanitary sewer, stormwater management and/or any and all other utilities, lines, services and/or facilities and/or public road all such rights to be free from interference; which right to dedicate and convey to the Borough shall be limited only by any prior conveyance of such rights to the Borough.

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO STEVEN M. GENTILE AND ANNE F. GENTILE, HUSBAND AND WIFE WHO ACQUIRED TITLE, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY, BY VIRTUE OF A DEED FROM ERIK REICHELT AND CHRISTINA REICHELT, HUSBAND AND WIFE, DATED JUNE 22, 2006, RECORDED JULY 21, 2006, AT DEED BOOK 6903, PAGE 495, OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

UPI # 5-2-37.15

SALE NO. 23-2-65

PLAINTIFF: PNC Bank,National Association

VS

DEFENDANT: Steven M. Gentile& Anne F.Gentile

SALE ADDRESS: 5 Haines Drive, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC 614-220-5611

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via

Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 1p-26-3t

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Commissioner Michelle Kichline noted, “As a fellow graduate of Temple’s Beasley School of Law, I couldn’t be more pleased that Colleen is Chester County’s new County Solicitor. She has extensive credentials essential to being the top legal counsel for the County. The County is in good hands under her legal stewardship.”

Frens lives in West Chester with her family. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and photography.

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Courtesy photo Colleen Frens

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