Chester County Press 02-17-2021 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 7

INSIDE

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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‘We’re operating week by week’ Kennett School County Health Department Board approves rushes to get COVID-19 preliminary vaccine to residents budget

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

New book highlights America’s founding fathers from Pa. and Delaware...1B

Kennett Winterfest offers golden ticket opportunity ...2A

The Kennett Consolidated School District’s school board unanimously approved a preliminary budget totaling $90.4 million for the 2021-2022 school year. The budget includes a proposed 2.3 percent tax increase, and district officials said that they will be working to limit the tax increase when a final budget is adopted.

If the budget were approved as is, the millage rate would increase from 31.5 mills to 32.2 mills, and the average property owner would see a $131 increase in taxes over last year.

The average home in the Kennett School District is assessed at about $173,000, which translates into a bill of $5,838 for the coming year.

A mill is a tax of $1 for every $1,000 worth of assessed property.

At the virtual school board meeting on Feb. 8, school board member and treasurer Michael Finnegan presented

a breakdown of the budget numbers in a PowerPoint presentation. He said the projected expenditures drove the budget numbers that were arrived at, but that all the information about funding sources is not yet in. He said in the coming months, there is the possibility of bringing down the projected expenditures.

“That’s about $11 a month.

We will try to bring that down,” he said of the tax increase. “For the last five years, we have come in under the preliminary. We don’t think these numbers are final.”

The major drivers of expenses are salaries, benefits and professional and contracted services. That includes the addition of three new positions – one of them a human resources manager.

The other two will be covered by attrition, Finnegan said.

Salaries amount to $33.1 million. Benefits are $22.5 million with a major driver Continued on page 2A

In early February, the Chester County Health Department requested 5,000 first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the Pennsylvania Department of Health that it had planned to administer over a given week at its three vaccination sites: the Government Services Center in West Chester, the Kennett Square Fire Company’s Red Clay Room, and West Chester University’s Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center.

They received none of them.

The department did, however, receive 3,200 second doses that were subsequently given out, but for the department and vaccinators like them throughout the commonwealth who have been charged with the great responsibility of vaccinating their residents, it was a similar chapter in the same story, and the story is this: Since Dec. 17, 2020, soon after the state began receiving shipments of

Photos courtesy of Chester County Health Department

The department estimates that an average of 4,380 people in Phase 1A will receive the vaccine each week at their three administration locations.

the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the Chester County Health Department has requested nearly 51,000 doses. To date, the department has received just half of what they have requested.

News of the state’s failure to provide faster delivery of the vaccine to its residents has not just been limited to Chester County, but has become a national story. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) state-by-state tracking system for vaccinations, Pennsylvania ranks near

the bottom in terms of the percentage of distributed vaccines – with 68 percent of doses administered. To date, a little more than 2.6 million doses had been distributed throughout the state, but only 1.8 million doses had been administered. In contrast, West Virginia and New Mexico have administered 98 percent of the vaccines they have received, while nationwide, 75 percent of the more than 70 million vaccinations delivered have been administered.

Continued on page 3A

Penn Township supervisors prioritize projects

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer During the Feb. 3 township meeting, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors agreed on a list of road projects for 2021 that is estimated to cost about $336,000.

“It may be less. The estiOpinion.......................5A mate is high because we’re Obituaries..............2B-3B not sure what oil prices will be,” Director of Operations Classifieds.............6B-7B Karen Versuk said.

County man arrested for stealing $1.25 million...5B

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

INDEX

The plan focuses on the north side of the township and includes all of Pusey Mill Road, half of West Ewing from Route 796 to Lewis Road, and a small piece of Woodcrest to follow up and complete earlier work.

The bulk of the money, $131,000, will be used on Pusey Mill Road which is in the worst condition.

Versuk reported that Pusey Mill Road was damaged in

the storm of August 2020.

Ewing Road was never given a finish coat of blacktop when it was finished in 2004. Supervisor Curtis Mason emphasized that the paving should be done in one wide section so there is no center seam.

The plan addresses half of the potential projects noted during a road tour of the township. On the calendar for future works are Faggs Manor Road in 2022 or

larger pipeline to carry it off-site.

To complete the project the road will need to be closed daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for no more than a week. The exact starting date is not known at this point and is dependent on the weather. A letter about the closing will be sent to area residents after approval

by Versuk. Even though the road will be closed, there Continued on page 2A

we are here, and we are working Friends create a snow ‘Buthard… to maintain our dream’ castle in Kennett Square Restaurant owners

share realities of survival during COVID-19

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Photo by Chris Barber

© 2007 The Chester County Press

2023, and Philips Mill Road in 2022.

Sunnyside Road will be briefly closed this spring by contractors for the Avon Grove School District in conjunction with their high school construction project.

The supervisors approved a road opening permit and detour to allow for installation of an 18-inch storm water drainage pipe to tie storm water from the school project into an existing,

What began as a simple snow fort during last week’s storm became an elegant igloo thanks to the industriousness and creativity of a bunch of local teenagers.

The group of friends often plays near the St. Patrick Church lot on Lafayette Street in Kennett Square. When the snow arrived a week ago, it was soft and sticky – perfect for the snowmen that were popping up all over town. The kids rolled large snowballs and piled them like round, white bricks to form the small structure. As the cold weather persisted in the days that followed, so did the igloo, and the kids continued adding to its features. People driving by slowed down to take a look. By Sunday afternoon, the structure had grown to include a second floor, windows, a back porch and a lookout perch on top. They posed for a picture with their masterpiece.

From take-out orders to outdoor dining kiosks, and from gift certificates to business loans, restaurant owners throughout southern Chester County have spent nearly the last year swept up in the innovation of necessity, all in an effort to see that their cafes, bistros and pubs see the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Historic Kennett Square Economic Council’s Feb. 12 online meeting, representatives from five of the 40 restaurants in the borough and the township shared their stories during an hour-long commiseration of overlapping hardship, enduring the yo-yo movement of state government restrictions, as well as innovation and resilience.

When it first moved one block away from its former location on State Street in Kennett Square two years ago, the 160-

seat Portabello’s became an instant hit with diners, who would enjoy summer evening cocktails and dinner in near al fresco surroundings, while the sound of live jazz music floated from the bar to the dining room.

Since the arrival of COVID-19, however, Brett Hulbert -- who owns the restaurant with his wife Sandra Morris – said that the experience has been “borderline devastating.”

“When [the pandemic] began a year ago, we didn’t know how long it was going to last,” Hulbert said. “We broke our restaurant down for a few weeks, because that’s how long we thought that this was going to last.

“It is now February of 2021, and we’re not done yet.”

For Manuel Oliverez, the owner of Café Americana in the New Garden Shopping Center, he has seen his homestyle restaurant survive through PPP loans, and although he has not been Continued on page 4A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Budget...

Continued from Page 1A

of those being 34 percent of salaries paid for retirement funds.

The contracted expenses are $14.9 million.

The major revenue sources are local taxes, at $70.6 million, and the basic education subsidy from Pennsylvania, which is projected to be $11.7 million.

Finnegan said the budget is available to the public on the Kennett School District website, and people may also stop at the District Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take a look at the spending plan in person.

In other business, Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey gave an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting the district.

In addition to saying he was happy to see lowering numbers locally, Blakey said there is a change in guidance on what the building positivity numbers are that would prompt a building to be closed. There is now more room for discretion on the part of the county health department and administrators on decisions about cleaning, contact tracing and quarantining, which will vary by the level of

community transmission and the number of cases.

He then yielded to assistant superintendent Michael Barber to explain further.

Barber said now the number of cases in a particular building that prompt shutdown count only if they have tested positive in the last 48 hours. For example, if a student was in school on Monday and Tuesday, then not in school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, they

do not count as an in-school case.

Barber added that Kennett has not seen in-school transmission except on teams and in the community.

Additionally, he reported that the district has obtained 2000 antigen tests which yield results in 15 minutes.

Blakey said in a previous meeting that being able to get the results immediately from people who claim not to be feeling well but don’t

test positive for COVID-19 relieves them of the obligation to quarantine for 10 days.

He said the change in guidelines as well as the antigen testers bodes well for increasing the amount of time students will be able to spend in school. He is awaiting more Centers for Disease Control guidance and announcements from President Joe Biden on fully reopening schools.

2021 Kennett Backyard Winterfest Bonfires and Beers organizers announce a ‘Golden Ticket’ opportunity for all ticket holders The Kennett “Backyard” Winterfest, with its bonfires and beers theme, is following in the footsteps of the safe and successful “Backyard Brewfest” pivot last October. Historic Kennett’s Square’s signature fundraising events, beloved by beer drinkers around the region, have been able to continue safely by offering ticket holders unique mixed cases of craft beer from dozens of different breweries. These mixed cases, which have been hailed by brewers as an “epic success,” have been popular and also enabled Historic Kennett Square, the nonprofit that works to keep Kennett vibrant, to raise much-needed funds.

But one critical element that’s been missing from these contact-free case pickups is the “DefConn” (short for Definitely Connoisseur) tasting event.

“One of the hallmarks of the Kennett Winterfest has been DefConn, the specialty tasting that pre-

cedes the main event,” explained Jeff Norman, a local architect and Brewfest King. “DefConn is known for featuring the legendary beers of a single brewery. It seemed nearly impossible to incorporate this fantastic tasting into the pivot to the Backyard Winterfest case format.”

Norman then added, with a smile, “I did say ‘nearly.’”

He added, “We’re pleased to introduce the Kennett Winterfest Backyard DefConn 1.8 Golden Ticket.

Everyone who has purchased either the Kennett Case or the Winterfest Case has an equal opportunity to win a Golden Ticket.”

Forty-eight lucky cars, picked at random during the case pickup on Feb. 27, will each receive a free four-pack of beer from Imprint Beer Co., Norman explained. “Imprint was a very popular featured brewery for DefConn 2018.

While they didn’t have the capacity to participate in our Backyard Winterfest

cases this year, with this Golden Ticket program every ticket holder has a chance to experience their outstanding beer. Twentyfour of the four-packs will be a specialty IPA, and 24 will be Schmoojees— Imprint’s line of fruited sours. The Golden Ticket will be distributed equally throughout the six-hour case pickup—that’s eight winners every hour.

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“But you can’t be part of the DefConn 1.8 mania without purchasing a case, and tickets are very limited and going extremely fast,” Norman explained.

“We’re tremendously excited to keep the true spirit of Winterfest alive, and this is one way we can say thank you to our loyal beer-drinking Historic Kennett Square supporters.”

In addition to a chance to win a Golden Ticket, Winterfest ticket buyers can expect a completely unique and expertly curated case of new, debut, and sell-out beers. The Kennett Case features 24 different beers from 24 breweries including past DefConn breweries Levante Brewing and Rotunda Brewing Co., as well as Kennett Square’s own Braeloch Brewing.

The Winterfest Case also

Penn Township...

Continued from Page 1A

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will be steel plates on site to cover the open trench each evening and at any time that emergency vehicles need to get through. If all goes well, the work could be completed in as little as two days.

Residents will be given at least two weeks notice prior to the road closing.

In other business, the

Courtesy photo

Everyone who purchases either the Kennett Case or the Winterfest Case has an equal opportunity to win a Golden Ticket. Forty-eight lucky cars, picked at random during the case pickup on Feb. 27, will each receive a free four-pack of beer from Imprint Beer Co.

features 24 different beers from another 24 breweries, including past DefConn brewery 2SP Brewing Company as well as Pittsburgh breweries Brew Gentlemen and the newly added Grist House Craft Brewery. The Winterfest case will also include the sell-out Biden-inspired Rail Car One from Wilmington

Brew Works.

To purchase a case—or two—and be in with a chance for the Golden Ticket, go to KennettWinterfest.com.

All proceeds from the Kennett Winterfest benefit Historic Kennett Square, the nonprofit that works to make Kennett a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

board approved spending $18,000 to purchase a new Gator for work around the township. The township plans to keep the Gator they already have and keep the brush and plow attachments until they can be sold.

The township also approved buying and installing a heater in the shop beside the township salt shed to make it easier for staff doing winter work in that building.

The supervisors would like to open the Red Rose Inn for events, but the current uncertainty with the pandemic is delaying that action. They are hoping the Red Rose Rent Day that was cancelled in 2020 can be held in the fall of this year.

“Because of COVID-19, there’s nothing going on up there and there won’t be until we feel safe,” board chairman Victor Mantegna said.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News COVID-19...

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Over the past several weeks, everyone from elected officials to health experts in Pennsylvania have rattled off several factors that they feel have contributed to the slow roll out of vaccines in the state. Some have criticized the state for its patchwork system of distribution, its complicated guidelines and the poor job it has done in communicating who gets what and when and where.

Republican lawmakers have pointed the finger of blame at Gov. Tom Wolf and the state’s health department, saying they haven’t done a good job in coming up with realistic expectations for the number of doses needed.

Wolf has fired back, pointing to the ineffectiveness of the Trump administration in planning for the proper execution of a vaccination plan.

As the bickering continues, Pennsylvania continues to pursue a race to save itself against the ravages of a pandemic, and when measured against the reality of COVID-19-related statistics and the desperate urgency to counter it, it appears to be falling behind: • As of Feb. 13, the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed there were 4,088 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 892,344.

• On Feb. 12, there were 113 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry, reported for a total of 23,072 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

• There are 2,548 individuals hospitalized with

COVID-19 in the state, and of that number, 496 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older.

• The trend in the 14-day moving average number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 2,600 since the end of September.

• Statewide percent positivity for the week of Feb. 5 to Feb. 11 stood at 8 percent.

Planning accordingly, week to week In the face of these looming numbers -- exacerbated by the state’s slow efforts to roll out a speedier vaccination plan -- the Chester County Health Department has been balancing demand and supply with proper pre-planning.

“We’re operating week by week, and we have continued to plan staffing, ordering and the administration of the vaccine, accordingly,” said Jeanne E. Franklin, Chester County’s health director.

“We knew there were going to be intricacies around the availability of first doses, moving into second doses and having to do both at the same time.

“We never got into trying to plan more than a one-week out [inventory], because we did not have a set schedule or guarantee on the arrival of the inventory.”

At the current level of vaccine doses received by the department, it estimates that an average of 4,380 people in Phase 1A will receive the vaccine each week, and as availability increases, so too will the number of people that will be vaccinated.

“I have a fabulous team,” she said. “They have set this up to be able to operate in an expand-and-collapse scenario. We know how many vaccinators we will need at every site. We know how many people we can have waiting in our observation rooms at any given time. If we know we will need to use ten vaccinators at a site, but the inventory we receive only supports five, we will staff that site with five vaccinators, and we get every one of those does into the arms of those who need it.”

County, federal and state assistance While the measure of its vaccination roll-out is contingent upon the state’s Department of Health, the Chester County Health Department is working with the Chester County Commissioners to lobby the state for more doses. It is also adding to and improving upon services and programs, including personalized vaccine appointments that are password-protected, and contracts signed for more vaccine clinic locations across the county that will open as more vaccine doses are delivered.

In addition, the department will increase its call center capabilities – in English and Spanish – to answer questions, pre-register for the vaccine, and schedule appointments when internet booking isn’t an option.

Help is also coming on the federal and state levels, as well.

In an effort to carry on President Biden’s goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses in the first

100 days of his administration, plans call for additional efforts to eliminate the bottlenecks of delays, in order to be able to protect 300 million Americans. Biden announced on Feb. 11 that the U.S. had secured contractual commitments from Moderna and Pfizer to deliver 600 million doses of their vaccines by the end of July.

On Feb. 12, acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Alison Beam issued an order that directs vaccine providers’ administration of COVID-19 vaccines to ensure that Pennsylvanians are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The order includes several components: At a minimum, vaccine providers must administer 80 percent of their first doses of vaccine received within seven days of receipt of those doses.

Further, providers giving a two-dose vaccine shall provide the COVID-19 vaccine reminder card with a date for a return appointment for the second dose of vaccine.

In addition, vaccine providers giving a two-dose vaccine must make every appropriate effort to ensure available appointments for second doses, including, but not limited to, designating appointment times for second doses or scheduling second doses at the time of first dose administration, or both.

As a means to gather all of the major players in the state’s effort to provide the vaccine, the Wolf administration recently announced that it is establishing a joint task force with members from each legislative caucus in order to share vaccine information, communicate issues

and form solutions.

In the coming weeks, Franklin said that the county’s health department will continue to plan for its operations at their three sites; explore the possibility of opening up additional vaccination sites throughout the county; identify populations whose intentions to receive vaccinations may be hampered because of immobility or lack of transportation; and develop partnerships with county agencies who can help the department get the vaccinations to these populations.

Perhaps the most crucial job for the department in the coming weeks and months,

Franklin said, will be to continue to alleviate the fear and concern of county residents, who believe that in the wake of the state’s bureaucracy in disseminating the vaccine throughout the state, they will be passed by.

“To those people, I tell them that number one, they are not being passed by, and number two, that I feel their frustration,” she said. “At this point, while I understand and hear and frankly apologize for their frustration, concern and worry, we do have to ask for more patience.”

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

Get informed about your COVID-19 Vaccination • The Chester County Health Department is currently holding three COVID-19 vaccine clinics: at the Government Services Center in West Chester, the Kennett Square Fire Company’s Red Clay Room and the Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center at West Chester University.

• Additional vaccine sites have been secured throughout the county, and will be opened as vaccine dose amounts sent to the Chester County Health Department increase.

• The Chester County Health Department is currently administering the Moderna vaccine, which is approved for use in individuals age 18 and older. The Health Department cannot administer the vaccine to anyone ages 16-17 at this time.

• In addition to the Chester County Health Department, some hospitals and pharmacies in Chester County are receiving vaccine from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can find these locations listed on the Pennsylvania Department of Health vaccine provider map, at www.healthpa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus.

• Individuals who live and work in Chester County can now pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine by completing a form found on the Chester County Health Department’s COVID-19 web page: chesco.org/covidvaccine.

• Pennsylvanians with questions about the vaccination process can call the Pennsylvania Department of Health hotline at 1-877-724-3258, or visit www.pa.gov/guides/ get-vaccinated/

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Restaurants...

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forced to reduce staff during the pandemic, he has had to reduce their weekly hours.

“Our restaurant is a place for people to come and enjoy a meal together, and now, we’re forced to redesign because of rules from the Governor and the Pennsylvania Health Department,” he said. “It’s an added cost that has forced us to increase our prices. We have tried to find the best service that we can, but there have been times when we have had difficulty getting our supplies.

“We built our restaurant to become profitable,” he added. “We built our restaurant to be 100 percent occupied. We built our restaurant so that someday we could have 25 employees, in order to be able to help them support their families and their day-to-day lives.”

Joe Mulry, the general manager of The Creamery, has been an architect for one of the most successful business enterprises in recent Kennett Square memory.

The Creamery has brought the beer garden concept to the area and in the process, has become woven into the social fabric of the town.

The arrival of COVID-19 changed all of that, he said.

“It’s been a year now that the restaurant industry has been trying to figure out its next moves, and everyone has learned to pivot and become adaptable and flexible,” Mulry said. “Because The Creamery was this idea where people come to gather, we couldn’t do what we were supposed to do, which has been made more difficult because when you have a group of young people [in Square Roots Collective] who want to go in one direction and suddenly have to pivot, it’s challenging.”

In the mean time, “the uncertainty [of the pandemic] has made everyone a little weary,” Mulry added.

“We have a lot more to give, and we are just waiting for the situation to change.”

The arrival of an avalanche For restaurant owners in Kennett Square and throughout southern Chester County, the arrival of COVID-19 last March began as an unexpected storm that has, in just less than a year, become a thundering avalanche that continues to devastate the industry they belong to.

The pandemic’s impact

was immediate. Within a week after the first closures, industry groups representing independent restaurateurs were asking for immediate relief measures from local, state, and federal governments, saying that as many as 75 percent of independent restaurants could not survive closures of more than a few weeks. They were right; in statistics complied by the National Restaurant Association, the industry, originally projected to generate $900 billion in sales in 2020, lost $50 billion in April of 2020 alone, on the way to a projected year-end loss of $240 billion.

By the end of April, more than 8 million staff were either laid off or furloughed, two out of three employees had lost their jobs, and by late July of 2020, nearly 16,000 restaurants had permanently closed.

Subsequently, these closures and severe cutbacks have created a ripple effect that continues to tear through the ancillary businesses that restaurants rely on, such as food producers; liquor, wine, and beer distributors; linen suppliers; entertainers and musicians; florists and delivery services.

Just as local restaurant owners began to consider shutting their doors, help arrived in the form of financial assistance from Historic Kennett Square, a major stakeholder and the local community.

Beginning on May 27, businesses in the Kennett Square Borough and in Kennett Township became eligible to receive a business grant through the Community Relief Fund (CRP), a program of the Borough of Kennett Square that was administered by True Access Capital. Developed by the borough’s Revolving Loan Fund Committee and approved by Borough Council, dozens of borough businesses – including restaurants – applied for and received low-interest loans fro up to $10,000, with no principal and interest payments due for the first 12 months.

During that same period, Mike Bontrager, the founder of Chatham Financial and the principal founder of Square Roots Collective --along with his wife, Dot -- introduced the Historic Kennett Square Small Business Response Fund, a collaborative effort that provided businesses in the Kennett borough and Kennett Township with grants up to $10,000.

The financial wellspring

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Jacob Short, left, with Matthew Killion, one of Short’s two partners with 4 AM Hospitality, is scheduled to reopen the former Kennett Inn as Letty’s Tavern in March.

In an effort to attract diners, La Verona in Kennett Square has installed a series of outdoor dining kiosks that have proven to be popular during the pandemic.

of the grant came from donations from the local community, as well as a commitment from Square Roots Collective to match up to $250,000 in the total amount of donations that came from the community.

The effort raised $276,000, through contributions from over 300 individuals and businesses that helped 61 local businesses, including 26 restaurants, many of whom used the gift to retain staff, and purchase safety equipment to use during COVID-19.

The ‘confusing process’ of reopening Pennsylvania If navigating the economic impact of the pandemic wasn’t taxing enough throughout 2020, the future of the local restaurant industry was subject to an ever-changing array of regulations set into motion

by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine, then the state’s Secretary of Health.

It was part of Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania, and it sent restaurant owners on a dizzying dance of one step up and two steps back.

On March 16, the state ordered the closing of inside dining at restaurants in Chester and four other neighboring counties to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As of June 5, restaurants in the state could begin outdoor dining, with appropriate precautions.

Later in the year, as all of the counties moved from

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into the “Green Phase” of reopening, restaurants were given clearance to reopen at no more than 50 percent capacity, as well as adhere to severe restrictions that required the complete redesign and layout of several restaurants, as well as the installation of safety barriers.

Then in December, just as restaurant owners were beginning to take reservations for office holiday parties, Christmas family gatherings and New Year’s Eve parties, the state delivered the worst news yet: That limited-time mitigation orders for restaurants would take effect on December 12, and extend through January 4, 2021.

“When the Governor shut us down in December, we had no warning and no notice, and we were also sitting on thousands and thousands of dollars of food,” Morris said.

The state’s December closure order was a particularly devastating blow to Portabello’s, Morris said, because it came at a time when the restaurant is usually filled to capacity. “Two thousand dollars made through take-out orders doesn’t begin to compensate for 200 people sitting in our dining room and our bar area, enjoying cocktails and a full meal,” she added.

Hulbert said that the impact of COVID-19 has hit another local industry, which in turn, he said, has caused a domino effect on local restaurants: Tourism.

“Our biggest change is that while we have been fortunate to enjoy the presence of a solid, regular clientele, the truth is that the Kennett area has a relatively small population, and a restaurant can’t survive just on that,” he said. “We are built on tourism, and in the last year, tourism to our local attractions has also been affected.

I track the hotel occupancy

Brett Hulbert and Sandra Morris of Portabello’s in Kennett Square.

in the area and right now, it’s not looking that good.

“Moving forward, we’re going to see those tourism numbers grow.”

‘Fortune Favors the Bold’

Street, said that while he has reduced the hours of operation for his popular restaurant to Thursdays through Sundays, he and his staff have been spending the other days laying down ideas for how to manage through the remainder of the pandemic, and beyond.

“A lot of times when you open a restaurant, when you need to change something it’s often difficult to do,” he said. “However, our staff has remained committed, and they’re truly invested not only in the business, but in Kennett Square. It’s tough to smile these days, but we’re smiling out of pride.”

“We need to improvise and adapt,” Oliverez added.

“Right now, it is difficult to see a conclusion, because we still don’t know what we don’t know. Every week gives new news, and it’s difficult to plan either in the short- or long term, so we just work day by day.

“But we are here, and we are working hard to make it happen, to maintain our dream and to fulfill what we were planning to do before COVID-19 arrived. It’s been a tough year, but we hope that it ends soon.”

Hulbert showed his optimism by equating the current pandemic to its mostcompared to counterpart: the 1918-19 flu epidemic.

When it ended, he said, it yielded what became the Roaring Twenties, a nearly decade-long period of great optimism. While the end of the pandemic remains uncertain, “I think it’s coming,” he said. “I don’t know when, but it’s absolutely coming. When they shut us down for the recent holiday season, Sandra and I fantasized about this coming holiday season.

“It may be a long ways away, but we are looking forward to next Christmas.

It’s going to be fantastic.”

Although the bleakness of the past year has affected their businesses, those who spoke at the Historic Kennett Economic Council’s meeting said that they have no choice but to search for the silver linings of their respective businesses. One such glimmer of hope is coming from a very unlikely source: a soon-to-be competitor along the restaurant-heavy strip of State Street.

Jacob Short, the director of operations and co-owner of Letty’s Tavern, which will occupy the former sight of the Kennett Inn and open to the public on March 15, said that he and his partners Matthew Killion and Daniel Daley of 4 AM Hospitality were immediately drawn to Kennett Square as a site for their new gastropub.

“It’s been reaffirmed by everyone on this call that Kennett is a very resilient town,” said Short, who also co-owns a restaurant in West Chester with Killion and Daley. “Even though there are several restaurants on State Street and in the borough, everyone is dedicated to growing together, in a teamwork environment.

If one person is thriving, everyone is thriving, and Kennett Square seems to embody that.

“I don’t think there is ever a good time to open a restaurant,” he said when asked about the timing of the pub’s opening in conjunction with a major pandemic.

“If you’re always waiting for the perfect time to open a restaurant, you’re never going to get anywhere. We believe in the moniker, ‘Fortune Favors the Bold.”

Other restaurateurs shared their optimism for the To contact Staff Writer future. Lee Mikles, the co- Richard L. Gaw, email owner of Grain on State rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion Editorial

One together, and no one apart The 216-page Kennett Area Conceptual EMS/ Fire Delivery Model, issued in November of 2016, is perhaps the deepest dive into what the future of ambulance and fire services should look like in the six municipalities of Kennett Square Borough and East Marlborough, Kennett, Newlin, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships.

While it may not offer the glittering prose of a great novel or the fanciful rhythms of a book of poetry, the report is a must-read primer for those who are charged with the responsibility of delivering a broad and connective method of ambulance and EMS services to the region.

Of its many suggestions, the report issued a challenge: “to provide an integrated, seamless delivery of fire, rescue and emergency medical services to multiple municipalities.”

Had it been read, followed and implemented in the nearly five years since it was written, southern Chester County could be implementing a regional EMS and ambulance service by now.

Instead, in two neighboring townships, two local fire companies have been granted exclusive contracts, while two other fire companies have been left out in the cold,

scrambling to make up what will be huge deficits.

On Feb. 3, after several months of back-and-forth discussion and disagreement between the three Kennett Township supervisors – one could easily refer to it as a squabble – the board reaffirmed their 2-1 vote of the month before that will grant exclusive EMS and ambulance service to the Longwood Fire Company beginning on March 1.

A similar scenario played itself out in nearby London Grove Township, when at their November meeting, the township’s Board of Supervisors, in an effort to consolidate the township’s key services, voted to establish a single-service contract with the West Grove Fire Company for 2021, and not to renew its contract with the Avondale Fire Department. As a result of the board’s decision, the township is projected to save about $75,000 this year.

With these two votes, a sizable portion of EMS and ambulance services for the residents of southern Chester County has been gutted significantly, in an effort to increase efficiencies and save some money.

These decisions – these policies -- have turned our local fire and EMS service providers into carnival barkers – pitchmen -- engaged in a bidding war against each other. What

these two decisions have further driven home is that the level of health and safety for our citizens is not determined by those who know best how to administer the best protocols to ensure that safety, but by elected officials, many of whom have no idea what is like to be in an ambulance or EMS vehicle attempting to render aid to a resident while seconds preciously tick away.

The current way of doing things is broken and needs a complete overhaul, the report said.

During consultant interviews with the local government officials, the authors of the report wrote that it became clearly apparent that communication between they and the fire companies who serve their constituents has been problematic. Further, the report stated that while the leadership of the units does meet with local officials, there continues to be concern about the accuracy of financial and operational data. Most telling, it also stated that in order to secure adequate funding, the leadership of these companies is forced to meet with local governments.

“We are recommending an administrative organization be established by the local governments and used to address current and future emergency services issues,”

the report said. “The local governments would delegate their current fire and emergency medical services responsibility to the administrative organization. The organization would work to ensure a sustainable equable system.

“We are not recommending a merger, consolidation, or elimination of the current fire company structure,” the report continued.

“However, we do feel that one emergency medical services organization can adequately service the area.

The administrative structure can take the form of a commission or authority.”

Currently, there are 13 Regional EMS Councils in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that administer the statewide EMS Program for the Department of Health. One nearby unit, the Montgomery County Regional EMS Council, works closely with many planning and coordinating agencies in the county to ensure that EMS personnel, agencies and ambulances are adequately equipped and prepared to provide the best out-of-hospital emergency care possible.

The council is responsible for inspecting ambulances, providing education and technical assistance, administering certification exams, conducting investigations, providing clinical expertise and coordinating with area hospitals to ensure quality service.

In our message to local officials and to every member of the Regional Fire and EMS Commission and every fire company from Kennett Square to Oxford, now is not the time for exclusion. Now is not the time for bitterness and egos and penny pinching that lead to year-by-year contracts and self-congratulatory praise that applauds two-steps-up, one-step back progress.

Now is the time for the municipalities of southern Chester County to become the 14th member of the Regional EMS Councils in Pennsylvania, in order to form a regional ambulance and EMS service.

At least one local elected official is, shall we say, “woke” to the idea.

During her comments at the Feb. 3 meeting, Kennett Township Supervisor Whitney Hoffman strongly urged both Longwood and Kennett – in partnership with the Regional Fire and EMS Commission – to consider forming a joint regional EMS company for ambulance services.

It would consolidate both application, administration and equipment, provide a cost savings through efficient management, eliminate the duplication of emergency response vehicles that would subsequently save taxpayers money.

“It may be in the best interest for all of Southern Chester County to one day develop an independent EMS Corps rather than having small operations from town to town,” Hoffman said. “This is why I originally suggested that we find a way to amicably create a joint EMS service between the two providers.

“I have been hoping that by working together, we could come up with a solution that serves both the emergency services needs of residents while maximizing their return for every tax dollar,” Hoffman added. “The core concept behind the idea of creating a regional service provider is consolidation of services, and gaining efficiencies and consistencies of service delivery across the region. This is what every resident expects, and it’s what we should be striving to deliver.”

We can only hope that local fire and EMS agencies, elected officials, commission members and everyone who is in charge of keeping the residents of southern Chester County safe, to kindly read that which is contained within a 216-page document that sees the future of EMS and ambulance services in this region as being one together, and no one apart.

Opinion

The political evolution of adult-use cannabis

By Christopher Woods There has been a seismic change in the country’s public opinion toward the legalization of adult-use cannabis sales, including here in Pennsylvania. A Franklin & Marshall poll released last fall indicates that 58 percent of Pennsylvania voters support recreational legalization as a political reform whose time has come.

In his 2021 budget address, Gov. Tom Wolf is once again appealing to the General Assembly to update antiquated policies and legalize sales of adultuse cannabis. Let’s explore why attitudes have changed

and why Pennsylvania is in a prime position to build on the success of its experience with medical marijuana.

An alternative to raising taxes While it’s important to stress that marijuana is not meant to be the savior of state budgets, the Governor rightly points out that additional tax revenue on legal marijuana sales will help the state fill its coffers, especially in light of COVID-driven deficits. This budget year, policymakers will need to bridge an estimated $2.5 to 3.5 billion budget gap.

Chester County Press Randall S. Lieberman Publisher Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc. 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Telephone: (610) 869-5553 • FAX (610) 869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., no weekend hours Annual Subscription Rate: $40.00 | Senior Citizen Rate - $30.00

NO REFUNDS AFTER RECEIPT OF SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT Current and previous week's issues are &1.00 each.

Older issues are $1.50 each. Periodicals postage paid at Oxford, PA 19363. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chester County Press, P.O. Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346.

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Considering the unpopularity of proposed tax increases, legalizing adultuse cannabis is a viable option to addressing the economic reality the state is facing.

And there is no time like the present. New Jersey’s vote on Nov. 3 to legalize recreational sales has doubled-down on the momentum for Pennsylvania to take action or else lose muchneeded revenue to its neighbor. Forty percent of Pennsylvanians live within a convenient, 30-minute drive to New Jersey and can easily cross the state line to make their purchases.

Efforts to legalize adult-use sales in New York are just around the corner.

Building on a track record of responsibility and success Pennsylvania passed medical marijuana reform in 2016. Ever since then, strong oversight has enabled the industry to build an infrastructure of highly regulated medical marijuana growing and processing facilities along with about 100 dispensaries across the state, and that number is growing. More than 9,000 full-time jobs have been created in less than five years. At a time when record numbers of Pennsylvanians are out of work and seeking unemployment benefits, new job growth would help communities in the four corners of the state and every county in between.

Terrapin is proud to have received one of the original licenses to operate a medical marijuana facility just outside of Lock Haven.

We employ more than 75 Pennsylvanians who grow, process and package medical marijuana here in rural Clinton County. This summer, we invested an additional $6 million in capital improvements in the facility, doubling our capacity and our workforce.

When faced with COVID19 in the spring, every state with legal marijuana programs deemed cannabis essential during shutdowns.

In Pennsylvania, medical marijuana has been helping Pennsylvanians cope with the anxiety caused

by COVID, as well as continue to treat existing conditions. The industry’s response during COVID has further legitimized it as a responsible industry.

Now Pennsylvania has the opportunity to move safely and quickly to expand into adult-use sales with experienced and sociallyresponsible operators who are doing business in the state right now. We know from other states that this logical next step delivers reliable results.

According to Meredith Buettner, executive director, Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition (PCC), “PCC members have the standard operating procedures in place to get the initial adultuse market up and running expeditiously while still prioritizing patients in the medical program. The additional job growth and

community investment that accompany the creation of a well-regulated adult-use market are crucial to the Commonwealth in a post covid-19 environment.”

Social responsibility At Terrapin, corporate responsibility drives our business model. We promote programs and policies that emphasize investment, access, and equal opportunity for everybody. As part of our efforts to drive social justice reform, Terrapin helped found the Cannabis Impact Fund, whose mission is to promote racial justice and support underserved communities by leveraging a conscious cannabis sector. Through the Cannabis Impact Fund, Terrapin is helping others learn how to address social equity in the workplace.

Here in Pennsylvania, Terrapin continues to demonstrate our commitment to veterans, women and minority businesses through our hiring practices, contracts for services, and community support.

We are helping to rehab Veteran’s Park in Lock Haven and, each year, we host an educational summit to introduce minority college students to entrepreneurial opportunities in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana industry.

Opening the door to collaboration Just as we have in other recreational states, the cannabis industry is prepared

to work with lawmakers to address legitimate concerns. Our experience has shown that some concerns are unfounded while others can be mitigated through proper regulatory oversight.

It’s only a matter of time until the disconnect between national and state laws on cannabis is remedied. Under current federal law, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is viewed as highly addictive and has no medical value.

This classification is even though medical marijuana is legal in 36 states including Washington, D.C., and another 16 states have voted to legalize full, adult use marijuana, including D.C. At Terrapin, we are committed to socially responsible cannabis production in all the states where we operate. We are proud of our record of job creation and corporate citizenship. The time is long overdue for a drug policy that modernizes outdated thinking and takes advantage of what we have learned to create well-regulated adult-use programs that benefit all Pennsylvanians.

Christopher Woods, who was born in Bucks County and graduated with a biomedical engineering degree from Penn State in 2005, is the founder and CEO of Terrapin, one of the original recipients of a Pennsylvania medical cannabis grower/processor license.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

• PUBLIC NOTICE • PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA

This notice contains information about questions that will be on the ballot in the Municipal Primary to be held on May 18, 2021.

manner in which each type of disaster enumerated under this subsection shall be managed.

The ballot questions propose three separate amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, based on a joint resolution of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

(c) A disaster emergency declaration under subsection (a) shall be LQ H;HFW IRU QR PRUH WKDQ WZHQW\ RQH GD\V XQOHVV RWKHUZLVH extended in whole or part by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly.

If one or more of the ballot questions is approved by a majority of the people voting on it, each amendment approved will become law.

7KH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RI 3HQQV\OYDQLD ÀUVW SURSRVHG WKH amendments during the 2020 session and approved them for a second time during the 2021 session of the legislature, as required by Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution.

This public notice is part of the process of amending the Constitution of Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is required to publish: • • •

A copy of the joint resolution proposing the amendments.

The text of each question that will be on the ballot. $ ´3ODLQ (QJOLVK 6WDWHPHQWµ SUHSDUHG E\ WKH 2΀FH RI Attorney General explaining the purpose, limitations and HͿHFWV RI HDFK EDOORW TXHVWLRQ XSRQ WKH SHRSOH RI WKLV Commonwealth.

Text that appears in bold print are the changes to the words of the Constitution that are proposed by the General Assembly. If the amendment is approved, the words underlined would be added to the Constitution and the words in [brackets] would be deleted.

If you need help reading this advertisement or need the text of the proposed amendment in an alternative format, call or write the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Election Services and 1RWDULHV 5RRP 1RUWK 2΀FH %XLOGLQJ +DUULVEXUJ 3$ RSWLRQ ra-elections@pa.gov.

9HURQLFD 'HJUDͿHQUHLG Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2021 – 1 Proposing separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, in declaration of rights, providing for prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity; in legislation, further providing for action on concurrent orders and resolutions; and, in the executive, providing for disaster emergency declaration and management.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows: Section 1. The following separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are proposed in accordance with Article XI:

(d) Upon the expiration of a disaster emergency declaration under subsection (a), the Governor may not issue a new disaster emergency declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts and circumstances without the passage of a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly expressly approving the new disaster emergency declaration.

6HFWLRQ D 8SRQ WKH ÀUVW SDVVDJH E\ WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RI these proposed constitutional amendments, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers DUH SXEOLVKHG LQ VX΀FLHQW WLPH DIWHU SDVVDJH RI WKHVH SURSRVHG constitutional amendments.

E 8SRQ WKH VHFRQG SDVVDJH E\ WKH *HQHUDO $VVHPEO\ RI these proposed constitutional amendments, the secretary of the commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers DUH SXEOLVKHG LQ VX΀FLHQW WLPH DIWHU SDVVDJH RI WKHVH SURSRVHG constitutional amendments. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall:

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7KDW $UWLFOH , RI WKH &RQVWLWXWLRQ RI 3HQQV\OYDQLD EH DPHQGHG E\ adding a section to read: § 29. Prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity.

Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of the race or ethnicity of the individual.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE III, SECTION 9 RELATING TO TERMINATION OR EXTENSION OF DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS Ballot Question

7KDW VHFWLRQ RI $UWLFOH ,,, EH DPHQGHG WR UHDG $FWLRQ RQ FRQFXUUHQW RUGHUV DQG UHVROXWLRQV Every order, resolution or vote, to which the concurrence of both +RXVHV PD\ EH QHFHVVDU\ H[FHSW RQ WKH [question of adjournment] questions of adjournment or termination or extension of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation, or portion of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation, shall be presented WR WKH *RYHUQRU DQG EHIRUH LW VKDOO WDNH HͿHFW EH DSSURYHG E\ KLP RU EHLQJ GLVDSSURYHG VKDOO EH UHSDVVHG E\ WZR WKLUGV RI ERWK +RXVHV according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill.

7KDW $UWLFOH ,9 EH DPHQGHG E\ DGGLQJ D VHFWLRQ WR UHDG § 20. Disaster emergency declaration and management. (a) A disaster emergency declaration may be declared by executive RUGHU RU SURFODPDWLRQ RI WKH *RYHUQRU XSRQ ÀQGLQJ WKDW D disaster has occurred or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent that threatens the health, safety or welfare of this Commonwealth. (b) Each disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor under subsection (a) shall indicate the nature, each area threatened and the conditions of the disaster, including whether the disaster is a natural disaster, military emergency, public health emergency, WHFKQRORJLFDO GLVDVWHU RU RWKHU JHQHUDO HPHUJHQF\ DV GHÀQHG E\ statute. The General Assembly shall, by statute, provide for the

Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law and increase the power of the General Assembly to unilaterally terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration—and the powers of Commonwealth agencies to address the disaster regardless of its severity pursuant to that declaration—through passing a concurrent resolution by simple majority, thereby removing the existing check and balance of presenting a resolution to the Governor for approval or disapproval?

3ODLQ (QJOLVK 6WDWHPHQW RI WKH 2΀FH RI $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO Joint Resolution No. 2021-1 proposes to amend Article III, Section RI WKH 3HQQV\OYDQLD &RQVWLWXWLRQ WR SURYLGH D QHZ H[FHSWLRQ WR traditional legislative procedure by allowing the General Assembly to terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration or a portion of such declaration without needing the Governor’s approval. &XUUHQWO\ $UWLFOH ,,, 6HFWLRQ HVWDEOLVKHV D JHQHUDO UXOH WKDW DOO RUGHUV UHVROXWLRQV RU YRWHV UHTXLULQJ DSSURYDO E\ ERWK WKH +RXVH RI Representatives and Senate must be presented to the Governor for his approval or veto. Resolutions for the adjournment of the General Assembly are exempted from this process. If the order, resolution or vote is approved by the Governor, it becomes law. If the Governor vetoes the resolution, it does not become law unless two-thirds RI WKH +RXVH DQG 6HQDWH YRWH WR RYHUULGH WKH YHWR 7KH SURSRVHG

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

• PUBLIC NOTICE •

amendment would create an additional exception to this customary legislative procedure for concurrent resolutions to terminate or extend, in whole or in part, a disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor.

7KH SURSRVHG DPHQGPHQW ZLOO DOVR KDYH WKH HͿHFW RI UHYHUVLQJ D recent ruling of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court which held the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibited the General Assembly from SDVVLQJ D FRQFXUUHQW UHVROXWLRQ WR WHUPLQDWH WKH *RYHUQRU·V &RYLG disaster emergency declaration without presenting it to the Governor for his approval. It will change the law to allow the General Assembly to terminate or extend a disaster emergency declaration through a concurrent resolution approved by only a majority of the PHPEHUV RI WKH +RXVH DQG 6HQDWH ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ WR SUHVHQW WKH resolution to the Governor for his approval or veto.

The proposed amendment is limited in that it only changes the traditional legislative process for terminating or extending disaster emergency declarations issued by the Governor. The amendment will not alter the current legislative procedure with respect to which orders, resolutions or votes of the General Assembly must be presented to the Governor for his approval on any other subject matter.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE IV DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND MANAGEMENT Ballot Question Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to change existing law so that: a disaster emergency declaration will expire automatically after 21 days, regardless of the severity of the emergency, unless the General Assembly takes action to extend the disaster emergency; the Governor may not declare a new disaster emergency to respond to the dangers facing the Commonwealth unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution; the General Assembly enacts new laws for disaster management?

3ODLQ (QJOLVK 6WDWHPHQW RI WKH 2΀FH RI $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO Joint Resolution No. 2021-1 proposes adding a new section to Article IV of the Pennsylvania Constitution. This amendment incorporates disaster emergency declaration and management powers directly into the Constitution by: • • •

•

•

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT – ARTICLE I 352+,%,7,21 $*$,167 '(1,$/ 25 $%5,'*(0(17 2) (48$/,7< 2) 5,*+76 %(&$86( 2) 5$&( 25 (7+1,&,7< Ballot Question Shall the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended by adding a new section providing that equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of an individual’s race or ethnicity?

3ODLQ (QJOLVK 6WDWHPHQW RI WKH 2΀FH RI $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO Joint Resolution No. 2021-1, if approved by the electorate, will add a new section to Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution. This amendment creates a constitutional prohibition against restricting or denying an individual’s equal rights under Pennsylvania law because of race or ethnicity.

Generally, inclusion of this amendment within the Pennsylvania &RQVWLWXWLRQ VLJQLÀHV WKDW IUHHGRP IURP GLVFULPLQDWLRQ EDVHG RQ UDFH or ethnicity is an essential principle of liberty and free government.

This amendment applies to all Pennsylvania state, county and local governmental entities, and guarantees equality of rights under the law. The amendment, if enacted, will become a part of the Pennsylvania Constitution. As such, its provisions must be applied consistent with the other provisions of the Constitution.

This equal right to be free from racial or ethnic discrimination will H[LVW LQGHSHQGHQW IURP DQ\ VXFK ULJKWV XQGHU WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV Constitution or corresponding federal law. If the current federal protections proscribing racial or ethnic discrimination are abolished, the prohibition against such discrimination will remain in the Pennsylvania Constitution. The amendment is limited in that it creates a right only under Pennsylvania law.

Once added to the Pennsylvania Constitution, the right to be free from racial or ethnic discrimination under the law cannot be HOLPLQDWHG H[FHSW E\ D MXGLFLDO GHFLVLRQ ÀQGLQJ WKH DPHQGPHQW unconstitutional or the approval of a subsequent constitutional amendment. If approved, the General Assembly may pass new laws to implement the amendment, but it may not pass a law inconsistent with it.

Granting the Governor authority to declare a disaster emergency declaration by proclamation or executive order; Requiring each declaration to indicate the nature, location and type of disaster; Granting the General Assembly authority to pass laws providing for the manner in which each disaster shall be managed; Limiting the duration of a Governor’s declaration to 21 days, unless otherwise extended, in whole or in part, by a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly; Preventing the Governor, upon the expiration of a declaration, from issuing a new declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts, unless the General Assembly passes a concurrent resolution expressly approving a new declaration.

Currently, disaster emergency declaration and management powers are delegated by statute to the Governor. The Governor has the sole authority to issue and manage all disaster emergency GHFODUDWLRQV ZKLFK FDQQRW H[WHQG EH\RQG GD\V XQOHVV UHQHZHG by the Governor. The General Assembly may override a Governor’s disaster emergency declaration by concurrent resolution that must be presented to the Governor for his approval or veto.

If approved, the amendment would transfer certain of the Governor’s existing authority to respond to and manage disaster emergencies to the General Assembly. The Governor would retain the authority to issue an initial disaster emergency declaration but WKH GHFODUDWLRQ·V SHUPLVVLEOH OHQJWK ZRXOG EH UHGXFHG IURP WR days. The sole authority to extend a declaration would lie with the General Assembly; presently, this power rests with the Governor.

8SRQ H[SLUDWLRQ RI WKH LQLWLDO GHFODUDWLRQ WKH DPHQGPHQW SURKLELWV the Governor from issuing a new declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts without the approval of the General Assembly. The Governor would no longer have unilateral authority to manage disasters, but would have to do so consistent with the laws passed by the General Assembly.

If approved, the General Assembly would be required to pass new laws establishing the manner in which each type of disaster shall be managed. If added to the Pennsylvania Constitution, the SURSRVHG DPHQGPHQW FDQQRW EH PRGLÀHG RU UHSHDOHG H[FHSW E\ D MXGLFLDO GHFLVLRQ ÀQGLQJ DOO RU SDUW RI WKH SURSRVHG DPHQGPHQW unconstitutional or by the approval of a subsequent constitutional amendment.

PAID FOR WITH PENNSYLVANIA TAXPAYER DOLLARS. THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS FUNDED IN WHOLE BY THE GENERAL FUND.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

New book takes readers on a fascinating journey through America’s formative years Gene Pisasale’s ‘Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution’ explores the contributions of ten men from Pennsylvania and Delaware who each played a crucial role in creating the nation Gene Pisasale’s newest book, “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution,” explores the foundations of our republic, bringing the reader up close to ten men from Pennsylvania and Delaware who each played a crucial role in creating the nation and system of government we know today.

The Kennett Township writer said that the book takes readers “on a fascinating journey through America’s formative years.”

The book features over 250 full-color images of historic artifacts, documents and paintings highlighting littleknown details about their lives, letters, viewpoints and actions, all of which created this miracle we call America.

Q: Gene, you’ve now written ten books, mostly on American history. What prompted you to write about the Founding Fathers?

A: I’ve been interested in the Founding Fathers for many years and wrote my Master’s Degree Thesis on one of them—Alexander Hamilton. Their achievements are not widely recognized by the average American and their story needs to be told.

Q: In your new book, you focus on ten men from Pennsylvania and Delaware who signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Why were they significant?

A: These men not only signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, many of them also signed two of our other founding documents, the Continental Association (which boycotted goods from England) and the Articles of Confederation, which was our first attempt at a working Constitution.

They were actively engaged in creating the government we know today. As a group, they signed more of our founding documents than the better-known men like Washington and Jefferson.

Q: Of the men you mention, which ones were the most influential in creating our republic back in the late 1700s?

A: Of these ten, three stand out as especially influential: Robert Morris, John Dickinson and Gunning Bedford, Jr. Morris was the “Financier of the Revolution,” providing critical supplies and money to the Continental Army, allowing it to survive. Dickinson is considered the “Penman of the Revolution,” espousing many of the core principles

championed by the group.

Bedford was one of the most vocal delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, arguing for an equal voice for all of the states small and large, so that the low population states like Delaware wouldn’t be continually outvoted by the large states like New York and Virginia.

Q: Were there any exceptional characteristics about these men that set them apart from their associates?

A: Compared to the average Colonial-era citizen, these men were generally much better educated; many were trained as attorneys or had experience serving in state government. Several were successful merchants and more adept at financial matters than the man on the street, which helped them support Washington’s army during the struggle against England. They not only were familiar with groundbreaking writings of men like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, they believed deeply in the principles of republican government.

Q: These ten are ones you call “Founding Fathers.” What makes them special compared to the better-known Founding Fathers like Washington, Hamilton, Franklin and Jefferson?

A: These men were very much hands-on, actively engaged in the early protests against England’s policies and in creating the framework for our government.

Most of the better-known men like Washington and Jefferson only signed one, perhaps two of our founding documents. Roughly onethird of this group I focus on signed THREE, nearly all of them at least two, which was proof of their active involvement and dedication to forming a new nation. Robert Morris is the most influential of this group and without his efforts, Washington’s army would likely have been defeated and the struggle against England abandoned.

Q: Did these men interact with the other Founding Fathers on important matters like the war effort, the Declaration, the problems of the young nation and the Constitution?

A: Yes, each of these men had many interactions with Washington, Jefferson and the other well-known Founding Fathers, with numerous letters between them discussing military matters for the army, the nation’s finances and strategy for the young republic.

Washington wrote 135 letters to Robert Morris, more than

The historical marker for the Gunning Bedford, Jr. home (Lombardy Hall).

A portrait of Caesar Rodney.

three times the 42 he wrote to Benjamin Franklin, proof of Morris’ importance to the struggle for independence.

Q: One of the ten was Thomas McKean from New London in Chester County.

What were his most notable achievements?

A: McKean’s place in history was cemented when he persuaded Caesar Rodney to ride all the way from Dover to Philadelphia to break a tie vote from the Delaware delegates for the Declaration of Independence, but he did so much more. He was a delegate to both the First and Second Continental Congress meetings in Philadelphia, serving briefly as the President of Congress.

As Delaware debated its own independence from Pennsylvania, McKean was an active participant and drafted the Delaware Constitution. McKean had political ties to Pennsylvania and Delaware, and at different times, he served as Governor of both states.

When the first Governor of Delaware was captured by the British, McKean briefly served as Governor of Delaware. McKean was later the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, subsequently being elected and serving for eight years as Governor of Pennsylvania.

Q: Can you discuss how and why these men made a significant contribution to creating our nation?

A: Each of these ten men believed in what George Washington called “the cause.” Thomas Fitzsimons took a huge personal risk in exchanging his own highly valued gold and silver coins (called specie) for rapidly deflating Continental dollars to support the finances of the young nation. Several of them served in the militia during the war. One of them wrote words every school kid knows from their history class. Gouverneur Morris helped create the final draft of the Constitution, substituting “We the people of the United States…” for “We the people of New Hampshire, Massachusetts…” to high-

A painting of Robert Morris Gouverneur Morris (no relation).

and

light the fact that we were unified as a republic, not just a collection of states.

Each of these men put their talents, resources and experience on the line to further the cause of independence.

Some of them are truly unique in American history.

We don’t even know what one of them looked like. As no image of him was created during his lifetime, Caesar Rodney is the only Founding Father whose image we really can’t verify. We don’t really know where he was buried. His grave is believed to be somewhere on his former estate called Byfield in Delaware. Gouverneur Morris was one of the few men of his era, arguing vehemently against slavery. He tried to get equal representation for slaves included in the Constitution, but that would not occur for another 80 years with the 13th , 14th and 15th Amendments.

John Dickinson was the first Founding Father to free all his slaves, before Washington and the others. These men are largely forgotten, but their achievements are still very much with us today.

Q: Your book appears to be very well illustrated.

What images do you provide that might be of interest to readers?

A: I included over 250 full-color images of historic artifacts, paintings and documents to familiarize the reader with these men and their times. There are photographs of hand-written original letters between General Washington and Brigadier General Caesar Rodney, along with Continental currency and early Bank of North America certificates, historical markers, period-created paintings of all ten men, sculpturesand even Gouverneur Morris’ wooden leg, which he used to get around the ways of government and business.

Q: You mentioned that your book is now at the pub-

Courtesy images

The remnants of the former home of Robert Morris in downtown Philadelphia where Washington lived as President.

lisher, Ingram. When will copies be available to the public and how can they purchase them?

A: With the delays caused by the coronavirus, Ingram, like most other businesses, is experiencing some delays in production. We hope to have copies available soon on www.Amazon.com and on my website at www.

GenePisasale.com.

Q: You’ve done an historical lecture series in the area for many years. Will you be doing one for “Forgotten Founding Fathers”?

A: I hope to be resuming my historical lecture series by the middle of 2021, pending the successful eradication of the virus. I will also be doing a new one to highlight my new book.

Q: Is there anything else you can share about your research and writing experience that made it special?

A: In my research, I visited the some of the homes of these men, as well as several historical archives and museums where I saw firsthand artifacts from our past.

Holding letters written by George Washington, walking through the plantation owned

by John Dickinson and strolling through Carpenter’s Hall and Independence Hall in the footsteps of these men was a special thrill.

Q: You live in Kennett Township and are involved with several organizations that focus on history. Is this a good area to live if you’re

Thomas McKean

a history buff?

A: Yes, Chester County and the Philadelphia area are great places to experience our heritage. There’s Brandywine Battlefield, as well as the new Kennett Heritage Center, in addition to wonderful resources like the Chester County Historical Society, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the Delaware Historical Society not far away in Wilmington and the New Castle Historical Society in old town New Castle, Delaware. In my books and historical lectures, I try to bring fascinating information about our past to my readers and make history “come alive”—not just for history buffs, but everyone who wants to learn more about their own heritage.

Gene Pisasale is a historian and author based in Kennett Square. He has written ten books focusing on the Chester County and MidAtlantic region, and conducts a historic lecture series. He is available for book signings and his books are available on www.Amazon.com and through his website at www.

GenePisasale.com. He can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

A letter written by General Washington The Thomas McKean historical marker to Brigadier General Caesar Rodney before the Battle of the Brandywine. in Chester County.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries MARY FERGUSON HUBER Mary “Hope” Ferguson Huber passed away peacefully on Feb. 9 following an illness. She was 96.

Born in Wayne, Pa. on July 12, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Thomas G. and Mary G. (Doyle) Ferguson.

She attended St. Katharine of Siena School, graduating in the class of 1942. She worked at Bell Telephone and Philadelphia Water Company and she would share many stories about her train rides into Philadelphia.

In the late 1950s, Hope was on a path to become a nun… that is until she met the love of her life, Edward Huber, a handsome man in the Army (she loved a man in uniform).

They would enjoy a lovely marriage of over 60 years living in Aston, Pa. where she and her husband raised their family.

Hope and her husband retired and moved to Kennett Square to be close to their children and grandchildren.

During their time in Kennett Square, they also met many dear friends.

Hope was a woman of incredible Catholic faith, a faith that she lived every day. She leaves behind this wonderful gift of faith to her family.

In her free time, Hope loved hunting for a bargain and was the queen of knick-knacks. She loved chocolate and anything sweet and her presence was felt wherever she was and her sassy personality always made you smile, even in her final days.

She had a wonderful love for animals and rescued three cats, Snowball, Tigger, and Holly. Her favorite place was Cape May, N.J. with her beloved husband. Most of all, Hope dedicated much of her life unselfishly to her family whom she loved so much.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Linda), Marie (Tom), and Anne (Harry), and she was an amazing grandmother to four grandchildren, Justin, Kristen, Kimberly, and John.

All services will be private. Arrangements handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. Please visit the online memorial at www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

MARGARET A. DINORSCIA Margaret A. DiNorscia, of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 6. She was 94.

She was the wife of Alfred J. DiNorscia, with whom she shared 72 years of marriage.

She was born in Kennett Square on May 11, 1926 to the late Eugene and Caroline (Vanore) DiFilippo.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was also predeceased by her brother, Robert DiFilippo, and sisters, Splendora Giuseppe and Virginia Feconda.

Margaret was a 1944 graduate of Kennett High School.

She was a longtime member of St. Patrick Church as well as the Ladies of St. Patrick’s. For many years, Margaret was a homemaker, and when her children were grown, she spent time working as a bookkeeper for Rex Mushrooms and Losito Mushroom Packing Company, in the cafeteria at Kennett High School and as a nurse’s aide at Kendal-Crosslands.

Margaret was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved listening to music and prior to losing her eyesight, she enjoyed cooking, crafting, reading, and gardening. Most of all, Margaret loved having her fam-

DOROTHY SUE BUTLER Dorothy Sue Butler, 88, of Conowingo, Md., passed away at home on Feb. 9.

She was the wife of the late Fred Butler.

Born in Recordville, Md., she was the daughter of the late Robert and Versia Adams Kennedy.

Dorothy enjoyed reading, beach trips, tanning, sewing and quilting, winning many ribbons at county fairs for her quilts.

She is survived by five children, Linda Little of Darlington, Md., Fred Richard Butler, Jr. of Port Deposit, Md., Gilbert James Butler of SC, Patricia Ann Little of S.C. and Chris Ann Billings of Conowingo, Md.; twelve

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www. chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Exodus 33:14 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.

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siblings, Betty McDaniel, Roxanne Palmer, Myrtle Green, Lillian Price, Martha Kennedy, Jackie Myers, Caroline Farmer, Gilbert “Butch” Kennedy, Robert “Bob” Kennedy, Samuel “Sam” Kennedy, John Kennedy and Daniel “Dan” Kennedy; 13 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four children, Eva Mae Butler, Mancil Wayne Butler, Patrick Allen Butler and Janet Marie Butler; and three sisters, Robin Hopkins, Barbara Sites and Rosemary Donahue.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Services are 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.

Obituary submissions

Alleluia

HERR FOODS, INC.

ily together for Sunday dinners and holidays. She was known for her homemade holiday soup and manicotti, and her famous chocolate cakes. She was loving, kind, generous, and had a great sense of humor. Her smile and contagious laugh could brighten any room.

In addition to her loving husband, Alfred, Margaret is also survived by two daughters, Carolyn Peppernick (Thomas) and Madelyn Behrends, and a son, Alfred J. DiNorscia, Jr., all of Kennett Square; eight grandchildren, Kristen Jellison (Darin), Stephanie Arriviello (Chris), Michael Odorisio (Rachael), Erica Spiekermann (Kyle), A.J. DiNorscia, Anna Behrends (Marcus), Darren DiNorscia, and Jacqulyn DiNorscia-Murphy; and eight great-grandchildren, Noah, Kate, Nicholas, Christopher, Marilyn, Mariana, Mila, and Mila Grace.

Margaret’s funeral mass and interment will be private and held at a later date.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Pocopson Home, Attn: Accounting, 1695 Lenape Road, West Chester, Pa., 19382.

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

To view Margaret’s online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Williams steps into critical House Committee role Appointed as Secretary of House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chester/Delaware) has been appointed the Secretary of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit our senior community worse than any other. They are worried, scared and desperately in need of our advocacy in Harrisburg. I volunteered for the Aging and Older Adult Services

Committee, because the seniors in my community need a voice. I am grateful for the appointment to committee leadership. I think it reflects how seriously I take this assignment, ” Williams said. “The slow distribution in my district is very concerning. I have questions about where that vaccine is going. I will get answers.”

The House Aging and Older Adult Services

Committee is responsible for programs and services related to senior Pennsylvanians.

This includes long-term care programs, agencies on aging, senior transportation programs, the rent rebate program and matters dealing with elder abuse.

“I look forward to working with Rep. Williams and utilizing his experience to help the

committee advance legislation to help seniors of the Commonwealth,” Committee Chairman Day (R-Berks/Lehigh) said.

Williams was also assigned to the Human Services Committee, which considers legislation that impacts the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; the Urban Affairs Committee, which reviews legislation

affecting the state’s largest cities; and the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee which focuses on the needs of Pennsylvania’s first responders and veteran community.

Williams is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Before retiring as a Colonel with 28 years of service, he was personally decorated 11 times, including twice for Acts of

Valor in combat.

During Williams’ military service, he became the chief prosecutor for the largest base in the Marine Corps. He also served as Deputy Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later served as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice. He was also a prosecutor for the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Obituaries

ROBERT E. OWEN

ELLA ROSE HAMM

Robert E. Owen, a resident of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 8. He was 81.

He was the husband of Barbara Cocciolone Owen, with whom he shared 36 years of marriage, Born in Liverpool, England, he was the son of the late Robert John Owen and the late Jessie Hesketh Owen.

Robert was a printer/press operator at Unipak in West Chester, retiring in 2004 after 20 years of service.

He enjoyed gardening, mowing his grass, playing with his cats, feeding stray cats, and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one sister, Bertha Stevens of Eberly, Canada.

He was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters.

His services and burial will be private.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

Ella Rose Hamm, 79, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 10 at home.

She was the wife of Howard E. Hamm, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Mt. City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Winnie Phillips Dunn.

Ella was employed as a chef for Calvert Manor Health Care Center, Rising Sun, Md., retiring in 2003.

She was a member of Vaught Gap Church, Mt. City, TN. Ella loved gardening, flowers, keeping a manicured lawn and taking care of her family.

She is survived by her husband; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Daniel Howard Hamm and two daughters, Karen L. Morrison and Kimberly A. Farmer.

Services will be private. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

chestercounty.com ONLINE ALL THE TIME NEWS • SCHOOLS ENTERTAINMENT • BUSINESS SPORTS • HOME & GARDEN

8 Federal Road, Suite 1 West Grove, PA 19390

CHRISTINE K. MUENCH Christine K. Muench passed away on Feb. 9. She was a 48-year-old resident of Philadelphia.

Christine was the wife of David T. Muench, who loved her deeply.

Born 1972 in West Chester, Pa., Christine was the daughter of Ted Killheffer and the late Louise Cloud Wallner.

After graduating high school, Christine attended Goldey-Beacom College where she earned a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing with a minor in culinary arts. This led to Christine’s long career in sales and management.

Christine was a woman with a big heart and many talents. She loved to celebrate Christmas and looked forward to it every year. Christine had an incredible laugh and fantastic sense of humor. She was a gifted chef and a fashionista with a natural eye for design. All who had the pleasure of knowing Christine will miss the warmth and kindness she brought to their lives.

In addition to her husband, David, Christine is survived by David’s children, Ashton, Lauren, Savannah and Nicole; her father, Ted Killheffer; her brother, Ed; her sister, Margaret; and sister-in-law, Deborah Harvey.

Christine was predeceased by her mother, Louise Cloud Wallner and her stepfather, Charles E. Wallner.

Services for Christine will be private.

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

Spring 2021

Attract More Customers!

Dear Chamber Member and Friends, The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce production of the 2021 Spring issue of the CONNECTIONS magazine.

CONNECTIONS is the Chamber’s exclusive publication representing business across the region. The colorful and professionally-designed magazine brings Chamber members and communities together and links commerce, lifestyle, entertainment, and education in a reader-friendly format.

This valuable marketing tool serves as a comprehensive guide for all those working, living, and visiting our region.

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Sincerely,

Cheryl B. Kuhn Cheryl B. Kuhn, IOM, President & CEO Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

23,000 CIRCULATION • 3,000 copies available at most area businesses throughout Southern Chester County.

• 4,000 copies mailed to high net worth residences in Southern Chester County • 1,000 copies mailed to every Chamber member and available at all Chamber events and programs.

• E-Edition and interactive web-driven version prominently placed on scccc.com and promoted on social media platforms.

PUBLICATION DATE: Spring 2021 - March 31 For more information call 610-869-5553

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett Township to donate $72K to Land Conservancy

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer On Oct. 2, 2020, following an arduous journey that got them there, the three Kennett Board of Supervisors gathered with other local dignitaries to officially cut the ribbon on the reopening of the historic Chandler Mill Bridge, a 100-year-old structure that the township purchased from Chester County on Jan. 21, 2015.

As they continued to press for community support, they said that purchasing the bridge would lead to its rehabilitation and conversion to a pedestrian-only walkway, and serve as a gateway to the efforts The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) was doing in the area to protect and preserve the land for future generations.

In partnership with TLC, the township’s work to refurbish the Chandler Mill Bridge now forms a key cornerstone of its mission to eventually preserve 30 percent of the township as open space. Recently, that commitment added a whole

new layer.

At their online meeting on Feb. 3, the supervisors – Chair Dr. Richard Leff, Vice Chair Whitney Hoffman and supervisor Scudder Stevens – voted unanimously to donate $72,000 to TLC, in support of the conservancy group’s land management activities in the township.

This gift will build yet another financial anchor of support to TLC’s work in the township, which to date has preserved 766 acres of land, 293 acres of which are public preserves.

Newly-appointed TLC Executive Director Abbie Kessler said that the township’s gift – as well as financial support it has been receiving from other agencies and individuals – will be directed toward maintaining its preserve trails, as well as creating additional trail signage, upgrading maps and improving parking at the preserves.

“As we’ve been finding, the impact of COVID-19 has inspired people to get outside in order to protect their mental and physical

health, during a time when much of their other forms of recreation have been closed.

This gift will allow us to help make sure that our preserves are in great shape for everyone to enjoy.”

Incorporated in 1995, TLC has consistently been recognized as one of the most influential land stewards in Chester County, and has conserved more than 1,500 acres of land through property acquisitions and land easement agreements with land owners.

Through its staff, board of trustees, volunteers and partnerships with local agencies, TLC has created a network of conservation corridors, protected historic sites, and helped to create walkable communities through trail linkages.

In addition, it offers ecological education and outreach programs for community members.

TLC also owns five public nature preserves and partners with the Delaware Nature Society at the Bucktoe Creek Preserve, where it hosts educational programs and assists with

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

A recent $72,000 gift from Kennett Township to The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) will be directed to the maintenance and upgrade of several of TLC’s public preserves, including the Kennett Greenway.

land management. It is now at work in planning the design and opening of the 180-acre Little Elk Creek Preserve in Elk Township, which it purchased in 2018.

Township Manager Eden Ratliff praised the work of the township’s Land Conservation Advisory Committee (LCAC) – chaired by township resident Jeff Yetter – for

their partnership with the board in identifying open space and natural resource opportunities.

“As the community continues to grow, preserving open space allows for development to be directed to the targeted development areas around the Borough of Kennett Square,” Ratliff said. “The supervisors have expressed a desire to

preserve the rural character of the township, while also allowing for strategic development in accordance with the township’s 2016 Economic Development Study. This is made possible by the efforts of the LCAC supported by TLC.” To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Local self storage facility expands to New Garden Township DEStorage.com, a leading provider of selfstorage facilities throughout the state of Delaware, has now opened an all-climate-controlled facility in Landenberg. The New Garden Self Storage facil-

ity is located just off Route 41 at 710 Newark Road, just three miles from the Delaware border. The facility includes over 400 units in seven sizes and includes a new and exciting option in self-storage— drive up,

climate - controlled units.

According to Debbi Cook, the site property manager, “this added feature has been requested by many customers and has not been offered in the area until now. After much anticipation we are

pleased to open our new buildings and serve the community with this exciting new self-storage option.”

These new buildings offer exceptional convenience as well as innovative design, including heavy-duty insu-

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County man arrested for stealing $1.25 million in SBA loans after conviction of $1.4 million theft The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrest of William C. Huyler III, 42, of West Chester, for theft by deception, forgery, and related charges for fraudulently securing Small Business Administration (SBA) loans totaling $1.25 million from Wilmington Savings Fund Society.

Huyler has already been convicted for stealing $1.4 million in another case prosecuted in Chester County.

In December 2020, the defendant pled guilty to stealing $1.4 million from eight Homeowner Associations (HOAs) located in Chester County, Montgomery County, New Jersey, and Delaware. He

is awaiting sentencing in Chester County.

District Attorney Deb Ryan, said, “The defendant’s greed is unparalleled.

He took advantage of a multitude of victims and betrayed their trust for his own financial benefit. Our detectives have worked tirelessly over the past two years to account for all his illegal activities. My office will hold him accountable for every dollar and prosecute him to the full extent of the law.”

Starting in May 2017, Huyler, the principal owner of East Hill Property Management, LLC (EHPM), sought an SBA loan from WSFS for $750,000 that he secured with a life insurance policy

worth the same amount.

The defendant falsely portrayed EHPM as a successful property management firm catering to HOAs across the region that wanted to expand. The defendant projected firstyear profits in excess of $500,000 and second-year profits over $900,000.

The defendant submitted false financial documents and tax returns to support his application. Those documents showed significant past and future growth for EHPM. In reality, the company had become so unprofitable in early 2017 that the defendant embezzled nearly $1.4 million from his HOA clients.

The terms of the $750,000 loan specified

that the funds be used to refinance an existing First Home Bank debt, building improvements, and nearly $300,000 in working capital. The loan was approved on Aug. 29, 2017.

The following day, the defendant sought a second SBA loan to finance two new businesses, East Hill Real Estate and Creighton Financial. Since both were startup companies, no earnings reports were included in the application, only projections.

Huyler secured this loan with a second lien on his residence in West Chester.

The residence already had an $845,000 lien against it, plus the defendant managed to get another $155,000 mortgage with

BOFI Federal Bank after WSFS had completed its title search.

The $500,000 SBA loan was approved on April 12, 2018.

According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Huyler was arrested and then released on $250,000 unsecured bail.

His preliminary hearing is set for March 17 at 11 a.m.

Chester County Detective Lieutenant Robert Dougherty handled the investigation. Prosecutors Ron Yen and John McCaul are assigned to the case.

Anyone with further information concerning this investigation is asked to call the Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.

Courtesy photo

William C. Huyler III, 42, of West Chester, is being charged with theft by deception, forgery, and related charges for fraudulently securing Small Business Administration loans totaling $1.25 million from Wilmington Savings Fund Society. Huyler has already been convicted for stealing $1.4 million in another case prosecuted in Chester County.

County collects over 2.3 tons of unused prescription drugs in 2020 The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced that the county’s medication drop-off program collected over 2.3 tons of unused prescription drugs in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic was responsible for the 37 percent drop in numbers from 2019 when 3.7 tons were collected.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said, “The success of the medication drop-off program, even during the COVID-

19 pandemic, is a testament to the resolve of our residents to stop the spread of drugs and drug addiction in Chester County. When the program started in 2014, we had no idea so many people would turn in this amount of unused prescriptions.

Thank you to everyone who periodically cleans out their medicine cabinets.”

“Local law enforcement do a tremendous job of monitoring the drop boxes and hosting drug take-back days in April and October,” said

David M. Sassa, Chester County Chief of Detectives.

“Without their efforts in battling the drug epidemic, this program would not be as successful as it is.”

Twenty-eight permanent drug disposal boxes are located around the county in police stations, Chester County Hospital, and Paoli Hospital. The boxes are secured and maintained by local law enforcement, with recovered prescriptions being turned over to Chester County Detectives

for disposal.

The medication drop-off program was started in 2014 by the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association as a means to curb the abuse of prescription drugs, especially oxycodone. Nearly 16 tons of unused or outdated medications have been turned in since then, with 320 pounds collected just since the beginning of 2021.

Eligible drugs include prescription and overthe-counter medications,

tablets and capsules, prescription patches, medical creams and ointments, vitamins, nasal sprays, pet medications, and liquid medications in the original bottle. Intravenous solutions, hydrogen peroxide, compressed cylinders or aerosols, iodine-containing medications, thermometers, and alcohol are not accepted. Injectibles, syringes, and needles (i.e., EpiPens) should be taken to a doctor’s office or hospital for proper disposal.

Courtesy photo

Chester County Detectives Crime Scene Unit Detectives Chris Bucci (left) and Gary Lynch.

To find the nearest medication dropbox, go to https:// w w w. c h e s c o . o rg / 2 6 7 3 / Medication-Drop-Off.

Local self storage facility expands to New Garden Township, PA Landenberg, PA - DEStorage.com, a leading provider of self – storage throughout the State of Delaware, is proud to announce the GRAND OPENING of an all - climate controlled facility in Landenberg, PA. DEStorage.com New Garden Self Storage. Conveniently located just off route 41 at 710 Newark Rd. just 3 miles from Hockessin Delaware. The facility includes over 400 units in 7 sizes and includes a new and exciting option in self-storage, drive up climate - controlled units. According to Site Property Manager Debbi Cook, “this added feature has been requested by many customers and has not been offered in the area until now. After much anticipation we are pleased to open our new buildings and serve the community with this exciting new self-storage option”. These new buildings offer exceptional convenience as well as innovative design including heavy duty insulated doors, and advanced commercial grade heat, air conditioning, ventilation, and dehumidification systems that constantly maintain both the temperature as well as the humidity level of each unit.

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6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County awards $10,000 grant for Healthy Family Living Program The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County has provided a $10,000 grant to Maternal & Child Health Consortium (MCHC) for a new collaborative program with La Comunidad Hispana (LCH) and Chester County Food Bank.

The grant will support a bilingual Diabetes and

Heart Disease Prevention Program (DHDPP) for economically disadvantaged mothers and their children and families living in Southern Chester County.

The program leverages MCHC’s existing Healthy Start and Family Center home visiting programs’ resources and infrastructure, along with group

workshops provided to participants, their families, and the broader community.

LCH will provide physical education by Zoom for the program, and Chester County Food Bank will provide healthy food boxes and seedlings along with potting soil for container gardens in the spring.

The Health and Welfare

Foundation launched a Healthy Family Living Challenge in February 2020. The intent was to challenge local nonprofits to develop a collective impact approach to support healthy family living through increased access and engagement with healthy food and physical activity opportunities. After

a pause related to the pandemic, this is the first phase of the Challenge.

The HWFSCC was established in 2001 to receive net proceeds from the sale of SCCMC and merger of Jenner’s Pond.

The Foundation’s Mission is to be a steward for trust funds and past gifts entrusted to Southern Chester

County Medical Center (SCCMC), to manage and distribute the proceeds to improve the health and welfare of people of people in the Foundation’s defined five school district service area, and receive, manage and distribute other funds for the general benefit of the people in the service area.

or other accommodation to participate, please contact the Borough secretary at (610) 932-2500 to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, P.C., Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 2p-10-2t

An application for registration of the fictitious name BETTY’S ORIGINALS, 992 Sheep Hill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465, was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, January 29, 2021, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Angie RakerReinert, 992 Sheep Hill Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465.

2p-17-1t

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Paul H. Sammelwitz. Late of Penn Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of 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 Ellen S. Casey (1300 Sunny Ayr Way, Lansdale, PA 19446), Personal Representative, or Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq. (Elle Van Dahlgren Law, LLC, 20 Montchanin Rd., Ste 1000, Greenville, DE 19807).

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF GEORGIA C. CROWELL a/k/a GEORGIA COMYNS CROWELL, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA. LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION C.T.A. 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 REBECCA A. HOBBS, ADMINISTRATRIX C.T.A., 110 Hudson Dr., Phoenixville, PA 19460, Or to her Attorney: REBECCA A. HOBBS, O’DONNELL, WEISS & MATTEI, P.C.,

41 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464 2p-10-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council will conduct a public hearing at the beginning of its regular meeting to be held on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time, to consider the application of Daniel B. Neff, seeking conditional use approval pursuant to §27-902.B(5) of the Oxford Borough Zoning Ordinance to operate a physical therapy clinic on the property located at 46 S. 3rd St, Oxford, PA 19363 (UPI No. 6-4-219) in the C-3 Central Business District. To minimize public exposure to COVID-19

NEED A HANDRAIL?

and maintain social distancing, the public is invited to attend and participate in the hearing via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. The Zoom platform allows participation both by video and telephone. Members of the public may register in advance using the following link: https://zoom.us/j/917093 89858?pwd=WndHUzJzOGdKcUF5an dxeHpVWkhMZz09 or by utilizing Webinar ID#917-0938-9858 and Webinar Password #819860 on https://zoom.us/.

Members of the public participating by phone may call in at (312) 626-6799 and enter meeting code #917-0938-9858.

No in-person attendance by the public at the Borough Building will be permitted. The application can be examined on the Borough website at oxfordboro. org. To submit comments or questions prior to the meeting, email virtual@ oxfordboro.org by noon on March 1, 2021. If you wish to participate in this meeting and are a person with a disability requiring an auxiliary aide, service

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Shapiro Woodworks, 3 Pawtucket Rd, West Grove PA 19390 was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Stewart Shapiro, 3 Pawtucket Rd, West Grove, PA 19390.

2p-17-1t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE

Robert W. Prendergast, Jr. of Pennsbury, Chester County, PA, deceased.

Letters of Administration on said estate having been granted to the undersigned all persons indebted thereto are requested to make immediate payment, and those having claims or demands against the same will present them without delay for settlement to the undersigned: Tara Lafferty c/o Frankel Estate Planning & Elder Law, LLC 150 N. Radnor Chester Road Suite F-200 Radnor, PA 19087 2p-17-3t

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Chester County Press

Local News First recipient of scholarship aimed toward diversifying Chester County law enforcement announced Chester County resident Bakari Green, Jr. has been named the first recipient of a scholarship focused on diversifying law enforcement in Chester County. The scholarship to the Delaware County Community College Municipal Police Academy is the first award made to a student of color, by the Committee for PA Act 120 Certification Scholarship.

Financial support for the scholarship comes from The Lasko Family Foundation, with administrative support from JusticeRain INC, a West Chester non-profit

organization that works locally against broad issues of injustice.

Green, who graduated from Coatesville Area Senior High School and West Chester University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, grew up in an environment where he saw people struggling with drugs and the problems drugs caused.

“I want to help people and to see better outcomes,” said Green. “Police—regardless of color—are here to help.

During this Black Lives Matter era, I want to be a good example of positive

change.”

The need for such a scholarship was expressed

by Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox at a meeting of community members gathered by an informal group referred to as “the Elders” that works toward racial justice.

“All too often when Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies try to hire black and brown police, there aren’t candidates who have been trained and certified under Pennsylvania’s Act 120,” said Maddox.

“They have college degrees and stellar credentials, but

some don’t realize that they need specific training and certification to serve. Other times, after paying for college, graduates don’t have additional funds to attend a municipal police academy.”

A Committee for PA Act 120 Certification Scholarship formed and members—Rabbi Dr. Maury Hoberman; Abdul Mughees; and Sheriff Fredda Maddox, Chief Deputy Kevin Dykes and Carol Metzker of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office— took on the challenge of establishing a scholarship in two months. Input and

support also came from a team at Delaware County Community College, the Lasko Family Foundation and JusticeRain, INC. Two additional scholarships are available for eligible students of color to attend the College’s Municipal Police Academy training beginning July 2021.

To request information and an application that is due no later than April 29, 2021, or to make a donation for upcoming scholarships, please send an email to committeeforact120scholarship@gmail.com.

Courtesy photo

Chester County resident Bakari Green, Jr. has been named the first recipient of a scholarship focused on diversifying law enforcement in Chester County.

Attorney Lou Mincarelli announces candidacy for Chester County Court of Common Pleas Attorney Lou Mincarelli, who has experience as a victim’s advocate, child advocate, prosecutor and defender of the less fortunate, has announced his candidacy for a position on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

“The foundation of who I am starts with the values of hard work and dedication,” Mincarelli said. “These core beliefs were instilled in me by my parents at an early age. I am proud of the fact that I worked full time to put myself through law school at night. While studying law at Temple University, I worked as a victim advocate in the Philadelphia District

Attorney’s Office. In this capacity, I learned first-hand the effects that crime has on victims and their families.”

After law school, Mincarelli was a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office under the legendary Lynne Abraham and was tasked to run Philadelphia’s groundbreaking Community Court Program. This program was focused on stopping repeat offenses by mentally ill and chemically dependent criminal defendants while providing them access to desperately needed treatment.

“I have been on the front lines in the fight against the

growing opioid epidemic and mental health crisis,” Mincarelli said. “I later went on to the Trial Division where I spent several years assigned to the Major Trials Unit prosecuting criminals for violent crimes.”

His practice has expanded to represent clients in criminal, family, and civil law.

He was a child advocate in Family Court and served on Civil Arbitration Panels in both Philadelphia and Chester counties.

“As an arbitrator, I have had the opportunity to function in a role very similar to a Judge - making evidentiary and procedural rulings to determine the outcome of

Neilson joins Willowdale Steeplechase board Race chairman W. B. Dixon Stroud, Jr., race director Leslie Carpenter and the board of directors of the Willowdale Steeplechase welcomed award-winning steeplechase trainer Katherine S. Neilson to the board.

“We’re privileged to have Kathy join the Willowdale board,” said Stroud. “Her knowledge, insights and incredible talent will help us continue to bring the best of jump racing to this community and support our beneficiaries, Stroud Water Research Center and Penn Vet New Bolton Center.”

Neilson is a graded stakes winning trainer who has won 198 steeplechase and flat races and $3.9 million in purses. Her stake wins include Saratoga, Belmont, Maryland Hunt Cup (where she set a record), Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, New Jersey Hunt Cup, Middleburg Hunt Cup and Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase.

She is also an amateur jockey with 80 starts and 18 wins, including the Fegentri World Cup Germany in 1993.

Kathy was elected president of the Steeplechase Owners and Trainers Association in 2010 and again in 2020. She has been co-director of Cheshire Point to Point from 2019 to the present.

Kathy attended Trinity College where she received a degree in English in 1989.

She is the mother of Max, Nina and Skylar McKenna.

Courtesy photo

Award- winning steeplechase trainer Katherine S. Neilson has been named to the board of directors of the Willowdale Steeplechase.

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a case,” he said.

In 2010, Mincarelli was one of the founding partners of the firm McCullough, McLaughlin, Mincarelli, and McCloskey Attorneys at Law. “I represent clients from various backgrounds and life situations,” he said. “I have helped some of the most vulnerable members of our society, as well as some of the most affluent.

Some of my clients have been professional athletes, prosecutors, police officers, deputy sheriffs, doctors, and other professionals. Other clients have included the homeless, the mentally ill, the chemically dependent,

and children born to parents that are incapable of giving proper care. I have been honored and humbled to represent each and every one of them.”

Mincarelli added, “My wife, Erica and I moved to Chester County soon after we married. We quickly learned what a wonderful place it is. Over the years, our family has grown and we are fortunate to be raising our two children here.

I am passionate about continuing to fight hard to maintain a fair and impartial court system. My broad law experience makes me the most qualified candidate. I want to use my years

Courtesy photo

Attorney Lou Mincarelli has announced his candidacy for a position on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.

of experience and knowledge to continue to serve the families and citizens of my community as a Judge on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas.”

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

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