Chester County Press 02-22-2023 Edition

The Fussell House has sat vacant since completion of renovations in 2019

Supervisors ponder historic home’s future

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In 2019, after Kennett Township guided it through a two-year, $750,000 renovation process that brought it back from the brink of demolition, the historic, 200-year-old Fussell House in Kennett Square took place as the township’s newest, best and brightest project.

The exterior renovation of the home removed and repaired stucco walls; added a new slate roof; installed new windows, an ADA-compliant front

porch; repaired the home’s foundation; added parking spots; and cleared away troublesome brush that once obscured the visibility of the home along Baltimore Pike.

The home’s interior, damaged by termite infestation, was remediated, and mold was removed throughout the three-floor house, including the basement.

At groundbreakings and at township meetings, the word went forth that the historic structure – which once served as the home of stationmaster Dr. Bartholomew Fussell, a Quaker physician

-- would become a proud piece in the continuing labyrinth of initiatives that would celebrate Kennett Square’s place in the Underground Railroad movement.

Since then, however, it has stood on Baltimore Pike, stalwart and repaired and virtually empty and devoid of occupants, purpose and mission. At the township’s Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Feb. 15, the board dedicated their entire closing comment section to deciding the future of a renovated heirloom of local history that has become, in essence, a white elephant.

Comcast coming to Oxford Borough

By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council

listened intently to Caitlin Ganley, a Comcast Senior Director for Government Affairs, as she outlined plans for Comcast to come to the borough at the Council’s most recent meeting. The borough has been served by one cable provider for over 30 years, but that may change if the borough and Comcast can negotiate a contract.

Comcast is currently the largest cable provider in the U.S., and apparently has been moving closer to the Borough of Oxford for the last few years. Currently, they provide cable service to Lincoln University, which is within the Oxford area.

Gainley told Council that it might take a couple of years before it could be up and running for the entire Oxford area, but that her legal department would be starting contract negotiations soon. The logistics of laying lines and permitting with other utilities would obviously take most of the time.

The plan is to start at the borough and then expand.

In other business discussed at the meeting, Gary Vinnecombe, deputy chief of the EMS for Union Fire Company, explained that the company is experiencing more fire calls than it had previously. Some of that is due to the closing of Jennersville Hospital, and having to travel more frequently to other hospitals out of the local area when incidents do occur. Currently, they operate two ambulances around the clock.

“Now, 25 percent of patients go to the Chester County Hospitals. We will have to see what happens when Christiana opens the hospital,” Vinnecombe said, referring to the Delawarebased hospital’s plans to reopen the facility in Jennersville.

Tracey Norcini from Kacie’s Cause also made a presentation to Oxford Borough Council. Kacie’s Cause was started in 2013 by Andy and Donna Rumford following the death of their daughter Kacie to an overdose of heroin. Kacie’s Cause was started as a way for the

In his opening his comments, board Chairman Geoffrey Gamble said that he recently toured the home with the members of the Public Works Department and concluded that there are two floors in the building that could be used by the township as early as 2024.

“The Fussell House has an up-to-date electrical service, heating system and air conditioning system, a brand new roof and new windows, three bathrooms and one full kitchen,” Gamble said. “It strikes me that it could be

FROM OUR LENS

Set and Spike

family to turn tragedy into a positive in Kacie’s memory. This effort represents a crusade to help other families avoid the heartbreak of the loss of a loved one to a substance use disorder.

Since its small beginning, Kacie’s Cause has grown

into a group of dozens of volunteers serving tirelessly to fight against the opioid epidemic.

The group works with local residents, schools and law enforcement. Norcini got involved with the group when she ran a drug

February 25 Kennett Winterfest is sold out

court program. She gave a demonstration in using naloxone, a medication used for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose.

Oxford Police Chief Sam Iacono said that his officers

Continued on page 3A

Economic impact of beer festivals is significant, Kennett Collaborative leaders say

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Of the more than 1,200 revelers who will be attending this year’s 11th annual – and sold-out -- Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 25, it is very likely that their focus will be on the more than 60 local, regional and awardwinning breweries who will be showcasing their finest India pale ales, session varietals, imperial porters and blonde ales.

From booth to booth, from tasting to tasting, the event serves as a calendar marker and a must-see carnival of invention, fellowship and appreciation, compacted in a small, temporary city

wrapped entirely by pretzel necklaces.

Yet, for every entry fee registered for the Kennett Winterfest and its partner the Kennett Brewfest, an important and vital connection to the economic machine of Kennett Square is made.

According to the nonprofit’s 2021 annual report, nearly 60 percent of Kennett Collaborative’s entire yearly funding comes from the Kennett Brewfest and Kennett Winterfest, said Kennett Collaborative Executive Director Daniel Embree.

“Most people who attend these festivals think that their money is simply

Courtesy photo

The Kennett High School Boys’ volleyball program – now a fully sanctioned team after two years on the club level – will be hosting a two-day tournament on March 31 and April 1 at Kennett High School that will invite teams from 13 schools to participate. To learn more about the formation of the team, see Page 1B.

Photo by Dylan Francis This year’s sold-out Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 25 will draw 1,200 attendees and showcase selections from 60 vendors throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors recently discussed possible options for the historic Fussell House on Baltimore Pike, which has sat vacant since it received significant renovations that were completed in 2019. Continued on page 2A

Historic home...

Continued from Page 1A

rented as office space or used by township staff. It strikes me that to maintain [the building] and pay for the heating and air conditioning for no one makes no sense.

“We should upgrade it so that it could be used by us. We are wasting a valuable asset that is now mothballed and needs to be brought back into consideration.”

Supervisor Scudder

Stevens agreed with Gamble, and suggested that in light of the tight quarters in the Township Building – one that houses the township’s administration and its police department – that the Fussell House could be considered as a satellite office for a township department.

“I have been a great believ-

er in the Fussell House’s value to the township and the broader community, and that was the reason why I was so aggressive in trying to save it in the first place,” Stevens said. “I’ve been discouraged that we haven’t found a meaningful use for it, which could include a non-profit or historic group.

It is a perfect place to have an Underground Railroad museum. We just haven’t found the organization that wants to put its roots down at that location.”

‘Hotbed of abolitionism’

When talks to renovate the Fussell House began several years ago, the township had great intentions – and historical reasons -- for choosing to purchase the home in January of 2016 for $200,000.

In the years leading up to the Civil War, the Kennett Square area was known as “the hotbed of abolitionism,” due to the help many local residents gave to fugitive slaves. These Underground Railroad “stationmasters” provided shelter in their homes, called “stations,” and then secretly moved the travelers along to another station, en route north or west, to freedom. As one of the area’s leading abolitionists, Fussell and his wife, Lydia, used his home as a refuge for runaway slaves to find safety, shelter, food and clothing along their journey north to freedom.

The house is now recognized as one of more than three dozen Underground Railroad sites in southern Chester County, and is part of the largest concentration of Underground Railroad

sites in the United States.

Over the past few years, there was conversation between stakeholders that suggested that the Fussell House could become the home of the Kennett Township Police Department. Police Chief Matthew Gordon said at the meeting that the location would not be sufficient for departmental use.

“We couldn’t put in sally ports, we couldn’t alter the building because of its historic significance, and obviously parking was another issue,” he said.

“With all of those considerations, we determined the building was non-usable.”

Supervisor Richard Leff echoed his colleagues on the board, calling for the township to explore ways of broadening the home as a potential site for outside

Comitta secures

Eight ambulance and emergency services providers impacted by the closure of Tower Direct (Medic 93) and Brandywine Hospital will receive $400,000 in total state funding, thanks to the work of State Sen. Carolyn Comitta.

“Our emergency first responders and response organizations continue to strive to meet the growing demands and increased challenges that come with serving more people and more communities in a larger area,” Comitta said. “These invest-

agencies, while at the same time continuing to make it compliant for occupancy, which at this stage would be mostly cosmetic upgrades.

“Our intent was that we would save it, stabilize it, and find some use for it, or an outside group would find use for it, and then we would [continue renovations],” Leff said. “Having not really made progress there, I think it’s a good thought to make it a usable space, and either we will come or someone else will come.”

Township Planning Commission member Pat Muller said the home should serve to “tell the story” of Dr. Fussell’s work that ultimately helped lead over 2,000 people to freedom.

“He is a part of the legacy of a lot of extraordinary people who were on the fore-

front of their day,” she said.

In other township business

Public Works Director Ted Otteni provided an update to the repairs being done to the Township Building – specifically, its meeting room -- which has been closed since last August due to severe mold.

He said that much of the rehabilitation work is complete, and includes drywall, painting, new flooring and installation of molding and trim, and work to repair the AV system recently began. The meeting room is scheduled to re-open and be fully functional in time for the March 1 Board of Supervisors meeting.

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

$400,000 for eight ambulance and EMS providers

ments represent a small but important step in supporting their life-saving work with new tools and technology while we continue to work toward a more permanent and sustainable solution.”

The companies, which each received $50,000 in grant funding secured by Comitta, are utilizing the resources to upgrade equipment and vehicles so they can better the needs of the communities they serve.

The ambulance and EMS providers that are receiv-

ing funding include the following:

• Minquas Fire Co.

• Modena Fire Co.

• Westwood Fire Co.

• Keystone Valley Fire Co.

• Good Fellowship

Ambulance

• Uwchlan Ambulance

• Washington Hose Co.

• Southern Chester County

EMS

“For the past few years, EMS organizations across Chester County have faced the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital closures and a reduction in paramedic services, all coupled with numerous challenges around insurance reimbursements,” said Charles Brogan, president of the Chester County EMS Council and interim executive director of Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute.

Eight ambulance and emergency services providers impacted by the closure of Tower Direct (Medic 93) and Brandywine Hospital will receive $400,000 in total state funding. Pictured, from left to right, are George Degnan, EMS career staff supervisor at Keystone Valley Fire Department, Madison Rohrback, EMT at Keystone Valley Fire Department, Sean Johnston, EMS assistant chief at Minquas Fire Company, Kathi Cozzone, executive director of Uwchlan Ambulance Corps, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Carly Hall, EMS captain at Minquas Fire Company, Charles Brogan, president of the Chester County EMS Council and interim executive director of Good Fellowship Ambulance and EMS Training Institute, Matt Collins, chief of operations for Southern Chester County EMS/Medic 94, Adam Grossman, assistant chief of Westwood Fire Company, and Joe Kennedy, EMS chief of Westwood Fire Company.

“This grant funding comes at a time when these already financially strapped organizations have taken on more emergency calls following

the realignment and reduction of paramedic services in Chester County by Tower Health. The Chester County EMS Council thanks Senator

Comitta for her recognition of the challenges and her continued support for Chester County’s first responders.”

Tower Health abruptly closed Brandywine Hospital and Jennersville Hospital in early 2022 and its Advanced Life Support ambulances, known as Tower Direct’s Medic 93, stopped operating in the area served by the hospitals in September.

Some positive developments have taken place since then. The Jennersville location was acquired by ChristianaCare and will reopen as the ChristianaCare West Grove campus. Comitta and other lawmakers secured $2.5 million in state and federal funding for its renovation and the development of outpatient services.

Comitta and other lawmakers secured $2.1 million in federal grant funding for Paoli Hospital and $2.1 million in state grant funding for Chester County Hospital to support expansion projects to help both hospitals manage the resultant influx of patients.

Comitta secured an additional $50,000 in state funding for Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services/Medic 94 to support the purchase of new equipment for its licensed paramedic units.

Stakeholders and community partners continue to work to facilitate discussions in finding a new owner/ operator for Brandywine Hospital.

Comitta also introduced legislation to reform the process around hospital closures, creating a transparent process that encourages greater public participation, so communities can quickly set a course of action to restore access to health services.

Kennett Winterfest...

Continued from Page 1A

paying for the festivals, and often don’t realize that what they’re supporting is community programming that they enjoy throughout the year.

“All of the money that is raised by these two events supports Kennett Collaborative initiatives. We also partner with some wonderful sponsors who support us each year, such as Longwood Gardens, Chatham Financial, Constellation Energy, MacElree Harvey, and Square Roots Collective, among many others.”

The proceeds raised through the festivals help to fund the weekly Kennett Square Farmers Market, Third Thursdays from May through October, and the Kennett Blooms Floral Flash beautification project, which will return this June, paired with the return of the Kennett Summerfest, which debuted last year on Broad Street and featured winemakers from the region’s emerging wine industry.

“For one weekend last June, we had six tempo-

Comcast...

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carry the medication and have used it on occasion to save lives.

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen gave updates on a number of items, including the following:

• An update on the Subdivision and Land Development and Zoning Ordinances Revision, which will receive an official kick-off on Feb. 27 at 4 p.m. at Borough Hall.

• An update on the Active Transportation Plan, which

rary floral installations throughout the borough to explore, and this year, we’re hoping for a few more,” said Kelli Prater, Kennett Collaborative’s Community Engagement Manager. “It brought a lovely energy to town, all created by incredibly talented floral designers who took on installations and partnered with each other.

“It is a project that we feel helps to spread effervescence throughout the town.”

Through the financial support of the two festivals, Embree said Kennett Collaborative will continue to expand the Third Thursdays concept to include additional events, music and opportunities for engagement with shop owners along State Street.

This year’s festival promises to repeat the brewmaster magic that’s become a staple among its

is moving forward and updating its schedule. The first meeting is planned for May 6 before the council meeting.

• An update from the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (ACOLA) Working Group, whose first meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27 at 6 p.m.

• An update from the Pedestrian Alley Renaming Working Group.

• An update from the Police and Public Safety Committee. This meeting is scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month

most loyal fans, with a local flavor added for accent. Among the participating breweries will be area favorites Braeloch Brewing and the Kennett Brewing Company in Kennett Square; Artillery, Iron Hill and Levante in West Chester; Be Here Brewing in Avondale; Animated Brewing in Coatesville; and Dew Point Brewing in nearby Yorklyn, Del.

In addition to a variety of food trucks and artisan vendors, musical entertainment will be performed by Dylan Zangwill, who returns to the Kennett Square festival scene on the back of his dynamic performances at earlier events. Known for his soulful vocals and

at 4 p.m.

Oxford Borough Council approved the following motions at the meeting:

• A motion to approve the LCH request to add five parking spaces as designated LCH patient and staff parking. This will be Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• A motion to ratify decision to purchase a new police vehicle and complete up-fit of two new vehicles, at a cost of up to $64,933.

• A motion to approve

amazing energy, Zangwill is expected to thrill the crowd with his powerful renditions of songs by Queen, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.

Despite the economic threats caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers of operating craft breweries reached all-time highs in 2020 and 2021, with 9,118 operating in the U.S. As of 2022, retail sales of craft beer in the U.S. topped $27 billion, and now make up nearly 27 percent of the entire retail beer market.

Under founder Jeff Norman’s vision and consistent allegiance from those who regularly attend each year, the two festivals have

Motorola Solutions quote in the amount of $6,754.80 for police car camera system for new vehicle purchase.

• A motion to approve Eckman & Sons Excavating, LLC proposal in the amount of $3,800 to replace damaged sidewalk in front of the police station.

• A motion to approve HARB certificate of appropriateness application for

for nearly 60 percent of revenues for

conspired to put Kennett Square on the map of a craft brewing culture that continues to surge in popularity.

“We received an email last week from a resident of Great Britain, who is scheduling a trip with his brother to attend this year’s Kennett Brewfest,” Prater said. “I asked them how they found us, and he told us that he loved the breweries that will be showcased, and also loved the many photos of people having fun.

“We have a great group of local and regional brewers, but the success of these festivals can also be traced to having the feeling of coming together,” Prater added. “Brewfest and Winterfest have become a long-stand-

37 S. Third Street.

• A motion to approve HARB certificate of appropriateness application for 271 E. Mt. Vernon Street.

• A motion to approve HARB certificate of appropriateness application for 407, 409, 411 and 413 Chase Street.

• A motion to adopt resolution #1351-2023 to apply for a $1,779,832 grant through the PA H2O

ing tradition, all originated by Jeff Norman, who has a knack for pulling together a great mix of brewers. It’s then enhanced by the fact that those who attend – and who ultimately support our initiatives -- really enjoy a community event.”

Kennett Winterfest 2023 will take place from 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. at 600 South Broad Street in Kennett Square. DefCon ticketholders will be allowed entrance at 11:15 a.m.

For more information and a list of vendors, breweries and sponsors, visit www. kennettwinterfest.com.

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

Program to support the construction of greensand filtration facilities at the water plant.

• A motion to adopt resolution #1350-2023 to apply for a $749,036 grant through the PA H2O Program to support the purchase and installation of new water meters. The next borough council meeting will be held on Feb. 27, 2023.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Proceeds from the Kennett Winterfest the Kennett Brewfest account

Kennett Collaborative, that are then invested in community initiatives.

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Transportation options are vital to the county’s future

Chester County announced this month that, starting on April 1, 2023, the responsibility for the majority of para-transit services currently provided by Rover in Chester County will transition to a county-run operation, overseen by the Chester County Department of Human Services.

The Rover transportation service has served the community since 1984, offering diversified transportation for Chester County residents, especially those who cannot drive or have no other means of transportation, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and those requiring medical assistance transportation. The service has been contracted by the county with Rover since its start.

We have an aging population—here in Pennsylvania and in Chester County. In the future, there will be more senior citizens, more people who are living with disabilities, and more people who can’t drive themselves to important medical appointments. In other words, there will be a growing need for the kinds of transportation services that Rover helps to make available to residents here in southern Chester County.

Ensuring that there are adequate transportation options should be a priority for the county. It won’t be easy.

When the county made the recent announcement about Rover, it was noted that the Chester County Department of Human Services has employed a consultant to review the county’s community transportation needs and costs, and the department has partnered with PennDOT to assess ridership feedback.

Final reports from both the consultants and PennDOT showed high rider satisfaction (93 percent) with the Rover service. However, ridership of Rover Community Transportation currently stands at 55 percent of pre-COVID levels, and state and national trends indicate that future usage of paratransit systems will remain uncertain. If there is high rider satisfaction, why are ridership totals down? The lingering impact of the pandemic plays a big part, obviously. But it’s also a struggle to convince people to adjust their lifestyles and to get accustomed to relying on public transportation or para-transit options. These changes won’t occur quickly, but it’s important that we work toward expanding our transportation options.

Boy Scouting in Oxford, back in the day

By Mike Heron

Those of us who grew up in the 1950s in our little village of Oxford really didn’t know how good we had it.

The town was small enough that everyone knew almost everyone else. There was very little crime, good participation in church activities, and a real sense of community. In addition to having a swimming pool, and good schools, there was plenty of fun to be had, both organized and unstructured.

After a few years in Cub Scouts many of us had the opportunity to become Boy Scouts—a real sense of upward movement. Our little village had two scout troops – Troop 13 and Troop 44. Francis X Maule was the distinguished scoutmaster for Troop 13 and Joe Coates led Troop 44, with his sons in leadership positions. I don’t know why, but for some reason I chose Mr. Maule’s outfit, partly because he was paternal, and a good role model. He later went on to be Oxford’s mayor. In looking over his obituary, he had 75 years of leadership with the Boy Scouts of America, and he was also quite the historian on Oxford. But all in all, the two troops were friendly rivals. My best friend was in Troop 44 and we constantly argued which was the better.

There were about 30 scouts in each troop, divided into patrols of 8 or 10.

My patrol leader was an older scout, Lane Jackson, who was an Eagle and deeply respected by everyone. He went on to be an officer in the Peoples Bank of Oxford, and went on to become a great role model.

We met once a month after dinner down at the scout cabin on lower Wheeler Boulevard. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that most scout troops

didn’t have their own facility, but were required to use church basements, service clubs, etc. for their gatherings. We had a neat log cabin with a humongous moose head hanging over the fireplace! We worked on merit badges all the time, and this built a sense of challenge and accomplishment in young men. We wore them on a sash across our chests. I rose to the rank of Star, a couple of notches below Eagle.

I still use skills I learned in scouts: first aid, tying knots, lashing wood beams, swimming and lifesaving techniques, etc. I also learned about discipline, respecting elders, and being of service to the community.

Oxford scouting also meant several trips a year down to Camp Horseshoe, a beautiful Boy Scout Reservation on the banks of the Octoraro, a tributary of the Susquehanna, not far from Rising Sun, Md. In winter we would make a retreat to Horseshoe for a December or January weekend in a rustic cabin, where the only heat was a huge fireplace. Once we were caught in a winter blizzard and the Oxford Fire Department rode to our rescue. They broke a trail through heavy snow drifts for several carloads of scouts. I rode in the back of the firetruck and the driver blew the siren when he approached a large snow drift so the cars following could build up a little more speed and break through. It was a great thrill.

I also attended Horseshoe with my troop over several summers for a week’s camping. It was always great fun. Four or six of us would bunk in open-sided cabins, sleeping on straw mattresses, almost like being under the stars. The “wash house” and latrine was at least 50 feet off into the woods.

In the dining hall there was always singing at dinner, which pitted one troop against another. I still remember the lyrics from “John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt,” “I Wish I Was in Amsterdam, (Amster Amster Dam Dam Dam)” and “Green Grow the Rushes O.” The food was fair but there was always plenty of “bug juice” (Kool Aid). Naturally there was spirited competition between us and other troops in Chester County. It seemed our perennial rival was the Paoli One group. They were always well-buttoned down, usually won the marching and skill games, and were always impeccably attired. I came to find out later they were organized and run by retired military men, fresh from World War II, and it showed. But since it was the early 1950s, most of our scout fathers had served in the army, etc. and taught us lots about marching, policing our campsites, discipline, etc.

The last night of our week at camp at dusk there was always a game of “Carry The Flag” where half the camp tried to get a banner to the top of Mount Eagle, and the other half had to prevent it. It was great fun sneaking through the woods without being detected or intercepted. We all felt like commandos in World War II.

Three or four of my fellow scouts in Troop 13 went for the respected “God and Country” religious award, and I was invited to attend the ceremony as part of Sunday services at the Oxford Presbyterian Church. This was a thrill since as a Catholic we were usually forbidden from attending other services. Then a couple of months later I was awarded the equivalent Ad Altare Dei medal at my Catholic Church. We returned the invitation and

several of my scout mates were invited to Mass. They were confounded by all the kneeling and Latin prayers, but it was all good.

By far my favorite scouting memory involves the Great Blizzard of 1958, an unusual Nor’easter that clobbered the Mid-Atlantic states with 3 to 4 feet of drifting snow, closing U.S. Route 1. All of the Oxford hotel rooms at both places were booked, and the Fire Department was rescuing stranded motorists off Route 1, which at that time was the main route from Washington to New York.

The firemen and rescue crews brought all the stranded motorists to the fire house. Scouts were called out to help escort rescued folks to various shelters, to meeting rooms at the Presbyterian Church, and to nearby private homes for the night.

The community really came together to help the many isolated motorists. We hauled fire blankets and jugs of coffee and food. In all, we Scouts felt like we were real lifesavers. The atmosphere was magical with snow up to our waists and an eerie quiet, moonlit night, not too cold. Rescued families were for the most part very grateful, but my aunt and uncle took in several stranded New Yorkers who complained quite a bit about having to sleep on the carpet, despite having a hot meal, blankets, pillows, etc.

I was fairly active in Boy Scouts from the time I was 10 (when I graduated from Cubs) until I was 15 or so. Scouting was a great experience, and I relish the memories. Alas, girls and cars started distracting me....

Mike Heron resides in Atlanta, Georgia now, but lived in Oxford as a youth from 1943 to 1964. His parents owned Heron’s Soda Shoppe.

Eric Roe endorsed as Republican nominee for Chester County Commissioner

Former Pennsylvania State Rep. Eric Roe was officially given the nod by the Republican Committee of Chester County at its endorsement convention on Feb. 15. Earning 92 percent of the vote of the 355 party elders in attendance, Roe was endorsed during the first round of balloting. Also endorsed was local schoolteacher David Sommers, who bested former State Rep. Duane Milne with 75 percent of the vote in the second round of balloting.

“I am grateful to have the confidence of the Republican Party of Chester County,” said Roe. “I intend to make the Party proud of its decision to lend me its imprimatur.”

Roe, 35, lives in West Bradford Township with his wife, Alice, and their four young children.

“My goal is to preserve the character of our community,” he said. “I want to pass on to future generations a Chester County with an abundance of preserved open spaces, so that the overdevelopment and urban sprawl we see in neighboring counties does not take over Chester County, too.”

On the type of campaign he will run, Roe intends to keep it positive.

“After last year’s politically charged midterm election, the last thing our community needs is more mudslinging and ugliness,” he said. “Instead, I'll keep it about two things: what I’ve done for us lately, and what I’ll do as a County Commissioner.”

Roe’s track record as a state legislator includes cosponsoring and passing laws to protect victims of domestic violence, safeguarding preserved land

from eminent domain, and reforming the state’s underfunded pension systems.

He also introduced legislation to prohibit partisan gerrymandering by taking politicians and lobbyists out of the redistricting process.

Next, Roe and Sommers will run in the primary election, where the Republican voters of Chester County may select up to two Republicans to proceed to the general election ballot in November.

Courtesy photo

The Republican Committee of Chester County held its endorsement convention on Feb. 15. Pictured are David Sommers (left), GOP Chairman Raffi Terzian (middle), and Eric Roe (right).

In the Spotlight

Blue Demons to host 13-school tournament on March 31 & April 1 Serve, set and spike: Kennett boy’s volleyball program ‘digs’

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Eighteen-year-old Adrian

Shevchuk, a senior at Kennett High School, began playing volleyball when he was nine years old as a member of the 14-and-under East Coast Power club in King of Prussia, and for the next several years, sharpened his game on the travel club volleyball circuit.

For several of his teammates, volleyball eventually became a 12-month sport that saw them make the easy jump from the club level to playing for their respective high school teams. The problem for Shevchuk was that while Kennett’s girls’ volleyball team had been on the school’s athletic periphery for years, there was no boy’s team.

“When I was playing club volleyball with all of my teammates, they would leave after the seasons were over and play for their high school teams for another three months, and they were all looking forward to that,”

Shevchuk said. “I was upset that I was not getting the same experience.”

In 2021, Shevchuk, then a sophomore, approached former Kennett High School

Principal Jeremy Hritz and Kennett Athletic Director Sean Harvey with the idea to add an additional notch to the high school’s athletic curriculum.

“For the longest time, the concept of a boys’ volleyball team was out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and only two schools in our league had fully-sanctioned volleyball teams – Unionville and Avon Grove,” Harvey said. “When Adrian came to me, I thought, ‘That’s a great idea,’ and it came at a time when a lot of other athletic directors I knew were dis-

The popularity of boy's high school volleyball throughout the U.S. continues to rise substantially. The team was founded in 2021 by Kennett senior Adrian Shevchuk, who will be attending Harvard University this fall, where he will be playing on the Crimson men’s volleyball team.

cussing the fact that the sport was growing in popularity.”

After a final nod of approval from the Kennett Consolidated School District’s Board of Directors, the team was off and running, with only one major hurdle left for Shevchuk to leap: putting a team together.

“I asked nearly every friend I had, going back to the time I was nine years old, if they would have an interest in playing volleyball,” said Shevchuk. “I was recruiting soccer, basketball and baseball players -- any willing body who would be interested in playing volleyball.”

After assembling a roster,

receiving moral and organizational support from his mother, Sophia Bilinsky, and finding his fifth-grade teacher John Boyer to serve as an official chaperone, the Blue Demons squad played three matches in their inaugural season and won one of them.

As the only team member who had experience playing the sport, Shevchuk inherited the twin mantle of captain and coach.

“During the first year in 2021, I was doing all of the coaching and teaching guys who had never played volleyball learn how to play the sport,” he said. “I was the one who would call timeouts

in

and 70 miles an hour.

“In baseball, a 70-mile-anhour pitch may not appear to look fast, but in volleyball, you’re playing on a 30-foot by 30-foot court on each side and the game is so quick that those 70-mile-an-hour balls look so much faster.”

Courtesy photos

After two years performing on the club level, the Kennett High School boys’ volleyball team is now a fully sanctioned sport. The team will inaugurate its 2023 season by hosting a two-day tournament on March 31 and April 1.

and bring everyone into the huddle, trying to give feedback on how they can better win the game.

“They were really willing to absorb all of the information I was giving them.”

Following a winning 2022 season – one that saw the hiring of coaches Mike Ayers and Sharon Gilligan – the Kennett club became a fully-sanctioned athletic sport by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), and will begin play as a member of the Ches-Mont League this spring, competing against Unionville, Avon Grove and other varsity teams in the area. As a kick-off to the 2023 season, Kennett High School will host a 22-team, two-day boys’ volleyball tournament on March 31 (junior varsity) and April 1 (varsity), that will see the following schools participate: Avon Grove, Fleetwood, Kennard Dale, Lancaster Mennonite, Lower Merion, JP McCaskey, Manheim Township, North Penn and North Pocono from Pennsylvania, and Salesianum, Cape Henlopen and Sussex Academy from Delaware. The tournament,

United Methodist Church Chocolate Festival returns March 11

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

After a two-year absence, the United Methodist Church Chocolate Festival will return March 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The last edition of the popular event took place just before the full force of the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

“It was March 7, 2020. God was good to us. He allowed us to get that in and by the next Friday everything was closed,” organizing committee chair Patsy Reese explained.

The very popular event is run by the church’s Women of Faith (formerly Oxford United Methodist Church Women’s Group) as a fund raiser for the group’s mission projects locally and abroad.

“Everybody really looks forward to it,” Reese said. “It’s a sweet way to spend a winter afternoon.”

There are three ways to participate in the Chocolate Festival.

The tastiest way is to be a ticket purchaser. For just $5 you will receive 6 tickets. Walk through the fellowship hall and see all the taste temptations to choose from. Each ticket will get you one sample, such as a cookie or a slice of cake. Additional tickets may be purchased for $1 each.

Due to health regulations, personal containers may not be brought into the event. Carry-out containers will be available at the ticket table.

Those who are interested in demonstrating how well they can cook or bake with chocolate can enter the competition for a chance to win a ribbon and recognition in one of six categories. Categories are: cakes/cupcakes; cookies; candy/ fudge; brownies; and other deserts. There is also a category for children age 16 and under.

“We have quite a few children who like to bake,” Reese said.

To enter, simply bring your chocolate creation to the Oxford United Methodist Church fellowship hall

on Sat., March 11 between 8:30 and 10 a.m. and register. There is no entry fee. All entries must have at least one ingredient that is chocolate. Entries must be submitted in a whole batch such as a whole cake, 18 cupcakes, 36 cookies, a pan of brownies, or a full batch of candy or fudge. Entries should be submitted in a disposable container. Plates can not be returned. Items should be submitted whole and uncut. Freezer products are not eligible. Judging begins promptly at 10 a.m.. After the judging, entries will be cut into sample-size servings and included among the offerings presented to ticket purchasers. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. There will be first, second, and third place ribbons, plus honorable mention in each category. Overall best in show will receive a basket filled with chocolate-themed items.

To help ensure that there will be enough items for ticket holders to choose from there is a third way to

which will take place at the Kennett Gymnasium, will provide guests with a full snack bar, t-shirt sales, and championship playoff games on both days.

Kennett’s upcoming tournament is on pace with what continues to be the growing popularity of boy’s and men’s volleyball on both the high school and collegiate levels. Since 2020, participation in high school volleyball has risen nearly 30 percent, while its rise as an NCAA sport has seen a nearly 80 percent growth in recent years.

“If I had to point to reasons for the popularity of boys’ and mens’ volleyball, I would say that it’s the pace of the sport and the sheer athleticism that you can see throughout every match,” Shevchuk said. “In basketball, the best plays are when someone gets an insane dunk or there is an ankle-breaking move, but in volleyball, plays on that level happen 25 times in a match. There will be plays where some players will touch eleven feet, six inches above the ground. Some of the most incredible athletes are playing volleyball and hitting balls at 60

The ascension of the sport is also in perfect harmony with Shevchuk’s future aspirations on the court. With a decade of experience – complimented by personal training, a rigorous beach volleyball schedule and attendance at a camp in Boston this past summer – he will be entering Harvard University this fall as an astrophysics major, computer science minor and a member of the school’s volleyball team.

As Shevchuk oversees open gym sessions and eventual tryouts that will soon determine this year’s boy’s Blue Demon volleyball rosters, he hopes that the individual work he has done for the program will help pave the way for other young male athletes who have the same aspirations.

“Years from now, I want to be able to visit Kennett Middle School and hear kids saying that they can't wait to get to Kennett High School so they can play on the boy's volleyball team," he said.

"When I was in the seventh grade, a lot of my friends said that they looked forward to playing the same sport in high school that was offered to them in middle school.

“I can’t wait for people to have that same feeling – to have already been playing volleyball and then have the opportunity to continue playing the sport, wearing the colors of Kennett High School.”

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

participate – by donating chocolate items to the festival.

“If somebody would just like to bake and contribute, we accept any donations,” Reese said.

“Sometimes you will have some people who like to bake, and want to donate but don’t want to have it judged.”

The Chocolate Festival is a fun day all around with additional features such as the kids’ cookie corner.

“The kids love that. The church members make some cut-out cookies that the kids get to decorate and take home,” Reese said.

There will also be contests –guess the number of pieces in a candy in a jar with the one who comes closest to the actual number winning the jar of candy, There will also be an opportunity to pre-order and purchase the church’s very popular handmade Easter eggs. The chocolate-coated and hand-decorated eggs come in four flavors, chocolate nut, peanut butter, butter cream and coconut cream. Eggs are $7 each.

Oxford United Methodist Church is located at 18 Addison St., Oxford.

Courtesy photo

After a two-year absence, the United Methodist Church Chocolate Festival will return March 11. The popular event is organized by the church’s Women of Faith as a fundraiser for the group’s mission projects locally and abroad.

JANICE R. BACCINO

Janice R. Baccino, 82, of Trout Run died on Feb. 15, 2023 at Valley View Nursing Center.

Born on March 20, 1940 in West Chester, she was a daughter of the late Jack and Blanche McMillen Reeves.

Janice is survived by her husband of 51 years, Paul Baccino; her sisters, Peggy (John) Shively of Trout Run, Jackie Bean of Quarryville and Laura (Ken) Riale of Kennett Square and a granddaughter, Jody Taylor.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Weaver and two brothers, Roger and Kermit.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements are entrusted to Knight-Confer Funeral Home (www.KnightConferFuneralHome. com).

JAY MICHAEL FORLINO

Jay Michael Forlino passed away at the Penn Pavillion Hospital while his wife and daughter were by his side on Feb. 8, 2023. He was a 70-year-old resident of Landenberg.

Jay was the husband of Jacqueline Pingitore Forlino, with whom he shared 30 beautiful years of marriage.

Born in Delaware County, Pa., Jay was the son of the late John (Jake) Forlino and the late Mildred Forlino.

Jay was a brilliant, funny, and kind family man. He liked making sourdough bread, cooking, making fireworks and ceramics, reading his Kindle, watching “Jeopardy,” fishing, and taking pictures. He could fix anything from a ripped sleeve to a broken refrigerator and literally everything in between.

Professionally, Jay enjoyed working in research and development and creating patents. He started as a merchant marine and went on to work for Foote Mineral (lithium technology) and retired from W.L. Gore in 2020. Religiously, Jay was a faithful Catholic. Above all else, Jay loved spending time with his family. From watching his daughter’s events to spending time with his wife to walking his dog for miles, Jay loved it all. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to get to know and love him.

Jay is preceded in death by his father, John (Jake) Forlino, his mother, Mildred Forlino, a brother, John Forlino, and beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Jackie, Jay is survived by his two sons, Jay II Forlino (Angela) and Kevin Forlino (Corrine); a daughter, Abby Forlino; two grandchildren, Luna and Jay III Forlino; a sister-in-law, Nancy; a niece, Erika; and Rusty, his best buddy and dog. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to House of Hope Animal Rescue, 31 Sparrows Way, Elkton, Md. 21921.

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

JIMMY L. PENNINGTON

Jimmy L. Pennington, 77, of Nescopeck, passed away on Jan. 27, 2023, with his loving family by his side at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

Born in Little Britain on Oct. 19, 1945, he was a son of the late Arvel D. and Edith (Lewis) Pennington.

He graduated from Solanco High School, Quarryville, in 1966 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1969. Jimmy worked at General Motors in Delaware and then as owner and operator at Tucquan Park Family Campground in Holtwood, from April 1977 until January 1993. He worked hard all of his life and was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

On May 11, 1968, Jimmy married his loving and devoted wife Teresa (Jones) Pennington. They would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in May.

Jimmy was a man of few words, who loved a good laugh. He was a kind and gentle man who loved working on old cars, restoring antiques, gardening, and long car rides.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Teresa; a daughter, Kimberly (Eric) Krall, Sugarloaf; a granddaughter, (and the apple of his eye), Hannah Shae; a brother, John Frazer; and sisters, Betty (Jay) Groff of Quarrysville, Arvella Witmer of Lancaster, and Geraldine Jose` of Christiana, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jimmy’s celebration of life on Saturday, March 4 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Eden Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1241 May Post Office Road, Quarryville.

Arrangements are entrusted to Heller Funeral Home, LLC, Nescopeck. Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

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

MARY V. CARTLEDGE

Mary V. (Rehnert) Cartledge, of Oxford, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Feb. 14, 2023. She was 78.

She was the wife of the late Charles Johnson and Harry C. Cartledge.

Born in Delaware County, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Talbot) Rehnert.

She is survived by her loving sister, Jane (Rehnert) Smith; a niece, Johanna (Smith) Ryan and her husband Paul and their children, Kaitlyn, Hanna, Danielle, Paul and Quentin Ryan; a nephew, Joe Smith and his children, Abigail Manero, Andrea, Andrew and Ashley Smith; Kevin Smith

and his wife, Marcella (Jackson) Smith and their children, Holly, Rebecca and Kevin Smith; and a nephew, William Thornton (Trish) and their children, Nathan, Charlie and Vincent Thornton. She is also survived by her dear friend of 65 years, Mary (Mulroy) LoGiurato.

She was preceded in death by two nephews, Kevin and Daniel Smith.

Mary enjoyed spending time with friends, who were like family, as well as spending time at the Oxford Senior Center. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Feb. 18 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

NELLIE CORA GILL

Nellie Cora Gill passed away peacefully at Citizens Nursing Home in Frederick, Md. on Feb. 10, 2023. She was 89.

Born on June 12, 1933, in Nottingham, Nell was the daughter of the late Ernest Robert Gill and Nellie Jane Duncan Gill.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mabel Ann Gill, Wilmer Gill, John Gill, Mary Gill, Laura Gill, Millie Casimano, and her brothers-in-law, Tom Neufell, Jim Hudgins and John Wilson.

She is survived by two sisters, Norma Neufell and Sara Hudgins; a brother-in-law, Nick Casimano; and nieces and nephews, Tom and Jennifer Neufell, Joe Neufell, Mike Neufell, and Donna Neufell, Terri and Mark Wilkinson, Patti and Kyle Smith, Elaine Collyer, Gina and Tom Schell, Julie and Mike Carbiener and Mary Hudgins. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews, including Joe, Casey, Tara, John, Matthew, Andrew, Ashley, Michael, Meghan, Maddie, Morgan, Dylan, Dominick, Jacob, Emma, and Andrew and great grand niece, Aleeya. Her surviving cousins include Pam Duncan Donnelly, Debra Duncan Roney and their families, as well as longtime friends Rebecca Franch and her family.

With so many siblings and relatives, the memories of her life will live on forever with those who knew and loved her. Nell grew up with her eight siblings on their family farm in Nottingham.

She graduated from The Oxford Area High School, then moved to Washington, D.C. with her sisters. She attended Strayer Business School and pursued a career working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation where she retired with 31 years of dedicated service.

Nell’s favorite pastimes included going to dances with her sisters, weekends at the beach and spending time with her family at their farm. She always enjoyed being close to her family, often gathering with relatives during her free time. Throughout most of her adult life, Nell was often seen with her sister Mabel, along with John and Warren. Her passions, besides her nieces and nephews, included helping family, shopping, and enjoying the sun at the beach or on her patio while surrounded by her plants and flowers.

In recent years, Nell moved to Myersville and lived with her niece, Gina and husband Tom. During her final years, she resided at Citizens Nursing home in Frederick.

She loved and appreciated the kindness of everyone who cared for her, called and visited. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Feb. 25 at the Edward L. Collins, Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., in Oxford.

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.

JAMES GARLAND OWEN SUMNER, JR.

James Garland Owen Sumner, Jr., 73, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 15, 2023 at home.

Born on July 26, 1949 as the fifth child and only son to delighted parents Jim and Marguerite Donley Sumner, James Garland Owen Sumner, Jr. was the beloved baby brother to Jeanne (John Letterman), Lena (Floyd Hansen), Beverly (Pete McDowell), and Shirley (Jerry Arnold).

Jim survived a 1950s and 1960s childhood of biking to Bicknell’s, fishing with his father and playing lots of sports with neighborhood and school friends. He attended Lincoln University and then joined the Navy where he was an electrician on a nuclear Navy submarine.

Jim loved his wife, his family, his church and his Oxford community. After his discharge from the Navy, Jim married Etha McDowell in 1974 and then focused on deciding what he wanted to be when he grew up. He was a lifelong learner, earning degrees from Penn State, West Chester University, and Union Theological Seminary. He used that learning in his own business as a handyman, in the classroom as a teacher, and as a Christian education director.

Jim traveled a long faith journey from his early years at the Nazarene church to the Oxford Presbyterian Church where he found a faith family. He was employed there for many years but also loved being a deacon, taking young folks on mission trips, and representing the church on a peace mission to Central America.

Jim’s large extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews were very important to him. He enjoyed coaching some of their sports, listening to their artistic performances and helping others with home projects when needed.

He relished working to help others while serving on Oxford Borough Council for several terms, serving on the Oxford School Board, helping build the local Democratic party, tutoring and mentoring at Oxford schools, being a Trustee at Lincoln University, and delivering Meals on Wheels for over 25 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jim’s beloved Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine Street, Oxford, Pa. 19363) or to the Oxford Educational Foundation (PO Box 142, Oxford, Pa. 19363).

Jim’s celebration of life will be held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church at noon on Saturday, March 4 with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon.

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

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Diana C. Hoopes, late of New Garden Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named, Diana C. Hoopes having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: C. Barclay Hoopes, Jr., Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208

E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610932-3838

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Doris S. Dempsey, Late of Oxford, PA, LETTERS

TESTAMENTARY on the above

Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Michael L. Dempsey 204 Roneys Corner, Oxford, PA 19363, dempseym@ comcast.net, Executor.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Jane B. Baughman, Deceased. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Jennifer Lucas, C/O Attorney: Michael S. Grab, Esquire, Nikolaus & Hohenadel. LLP, 327 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert C. York, Deceased. Late of East Nottingham Township, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, Robert A. York, C/O Attorney: Michael S. Grab, Esquire, Nikolaus & Hohenadel. LLP, 327 Locust Street, Columbia, PA 17512

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PUBLIC NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ACTION

Pursuant to Section 108 of the Municipalities Planning Code (“MPC”), notice is hereby given that on February 8, 2023, the Board of Supervisors of London Grove Township (the “Board”) enacted Ordinance No. 222-2023 (the “Ordinance”), amending the following sections of the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance: Section 27-202, to amend the definition of a “Convenience Store”, to add definitions for “Personal Service Establishment”, “Fuel Canopy”, “Sign, Fuel Canopy” and “Sign, Price”, and to delete the definitions of “Use, Retail Products” and “Use, Retail Service”; Section 27-903.B.1, to replace the term “personal service shop” with “personal service establishment” in the list of uses permitted by conditional use in the CV-Chatham Overlay District; Sections 27-1002.2.A, 27-1002.1.C and 27-1002.2.E, to allow outdoor seating as an accessory use at a restaurant and fast food restaurant in the C-Commercial Zoning District by right; Section 27-903.B, to

allow a “Convenience Store” use by conditional use in the CV-Chatham Overlay District; and Sections 27-1002.1 and 27-1202.1, to allow a “Convenience Store” use by right in the C-Commercial Zoning District and I-Industrial Zoning District. The Ordinance also adds a new Section 27-1844, to add regulations for a “Convenience Store” use, and a new Section 27-2208.A, to add signage regulations for a “Convenience Store” use that provides vehicle fueling stations and a car wash. The full text of the Ordinance can be reviewed by members of the public during normal business hours at the London Grove Township administrative offices, located at 372 Rose Hill Road, Suite 100, West Grove, PA 19390. This publication is intended to provide notification of the Ordinance and any person claiming the right to challenge the validity of the Ordinance based on a procedural defect shall be dismissed, with prejudice, as untimely if not filed within the thirtieth (30th) day following the second publication of this notice. This notice shall not be construed to abrogate, repeal, extend or otherwise modify the time for appeal set forth in § 1002-A of the MPC, 53 P.S. § 11002-A, and 42 Pa. C.S. § 5571.1. This notice is filed on behalf of Two Farms, Inc., d/b/a Royal Farms, with address of 3611 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21211. 2p-15-2t

NOTICE

POCOPSON TOWNSHIP ZON-

ING HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pocopson Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pocopson

AUCTION NOTICE

DEStorage.com Newgarden

Located at 710 Newark Rd Landenberg, PA 19350

Will be holding a Public ONLINE Auction at www.ibid4storage.com

Closing on March 22, 2023 at 10 AM.

The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act.

Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www.ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes

Unit # 1203- Gladys Taggart Watson DEStorage.com

Township Municipal Building, 664 South Wawaset Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382, on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

In re: Application of Scott Anthony Woyak and Laura Jane Woyak seeking special exceptions under Zoning Ordinance Section 250-87.M(3)(c) authorizing disturbance of moderately steep slopes and steep slope margin areas in excess of the 25% maximums under Ordinance Sections 250-87.D(1)(a) and (b) to allow disturbance of 29.7% of the moderately steep slopes and 43.8% of the steep slope margins, and to allow grading within the very steep slope area related to the proposed building, stormwater management and sewage disposal areas; and such other relief as may be necessary to permit the replacement of an existing single-family dwelling with a new single-family dwelling, garage, barn and associated appurtenances on a 10.8 acre property located at 40 Bragg Hill Road, West Chester, PA (UPI#63-1-43.2) in the Township’s RA-Residential and Agricultural Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings; or if you wish to participate remotely, please contact Susan Simone at 610-793-2151 to discuss how Pocopson Township may best accommodate your needs.

Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Oxford Region Planning Committee (ORPC)

The ORPC is scheduled to meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month in 2023 at the Lower Oxford Township Building or via Zoom at 7:00 pm. The ORPC is an advisory body to the municipalities of the Oxford Region. The Oxford Region

includes Oxford Borough and the Townships of East and West Nottingham, Elk, and Lower and Upper Oxford. We strongly recommend checking the ORPC website for meeting type (virtual or in-person), updated news, meeting cancellations, change of meeting venue, meeting reports, and agendas for upcoming meetings. Tentative dates for 2023: 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/24, 6/28, 7/26, 8/23, 9/27, 10/25, and 12/7.

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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 23-3-90

Writ of Execution No. 2022-04095

DEBT $269,303.41

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of land designated as Lot 15 on the Plan of lots of The Oxford Land and Improvement recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, in and for Chester County, in Deed Book X-10 Volume 245, at page 269, situate in the Borough of Oxford, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, on the West side of Fifth Street, between South Street and Garfield Street, bounded and described as follow, to wit:

BOUNDED on the North by Lot 14 now owned by John S. Benson, on the East by the West line of Fifth Street, on the South by

Lot 16 now owned by Norman M. Stewart and on the West by the East line of a 14 feet wide alley, having a front of 50.3 feet on the West line of Fifth Street and extending back to the East line of the alley aforesaid and having a width of 50 feet on said alley, the south line beginning in eh West line of Fifth Street, 100.6 feet Northwardly from the intersection of the North line of Garfield Street and being 170.5 feet in length.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Robert M. Stewart, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Robert M. Stewart, Sr., deceased, by Deed dated October 31, 2016 and recorded November 17, 2016 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, Pennsylvania in Book 9436, Page 1335, Document ID # 11510416 granted and conveyed unto Kevin James Bell in fee.

PARCEL # 6-9-134

PLAINTIFF: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Kevin James Bell SALE ADDRESS: 322 South 5th Street, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-2786800

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 2p-22-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 23-3-92

Writ of Execution No. 2022-06084 DEBT $254,494.07

ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

Pia Center at LCH to open in 2023

The center will provide dedicated space for behavioral and mental health services at the West Grove location

Thanks to the generosity of Nancy and Michael Pia, LCH Health and Community Services (LCH) will have dedicated space for behavioral and mental health services at the West Grove location.

The Pia Center at LCH will open at 105 Vineyard Way in Penn Township later in 2023. The space will be purposefully designed to create a safe and welcoming place for patients

ERECTED, SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF NEW LONDON, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BEING KNOWN AS LOT NO.2 ACCORDING TO A PLAN OF PROPERTY OF DAVID F. HOLT, MADE BY GEORGE

E. REGESTER, JR. & SONS, INC., LAND SURVEYORS, DATED FEBRUARY 24, 1976 AND RECORDED IN THE RECORDER OF DEEDS OFFICE IN AND FOR CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA IN PLAN BOOK NO. 288, AS

FOLLOWS:

BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE TITLE LINE IN THE BED OF MOUNT HOPE ROAD, SAID POINT BEING SOUTH11

DEGREES 14 MINUTES 34

SECONDS EAST, 175.00

FEET FROM A POINT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SAID MOUNT HOPE ROAD WITH OXFORD ROAD; THENCE FROM SAID BEGINNING

POINT AND LEAVING THE BED OF MOUNT HOPE ROAD AND EXTENDING ALONG LOT

NO. 1, NORTH 78 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 26 SECONDS

seeking care.

“LCH is passionate about providing state-of-theart, accessible, integrated and equitable health care for everyone in our community,” said LCH CEO Ronan Gannon. “We want to provide our patients with the tools they need to lead healthier and happier lives.

“The Pia Center for Behavioral Health at LCH will include group therapy and outpatient therapy

EAST, 392.81 FEET TO A POINT IN LINE OF LANDS NOW OR LATE EDWARD P.

CHESLOCK; THENCE ALONG THE SAME, SOUTH 09 DE-

GREES 59 MINUTES 00 SEC-

ONDS EAST, 150.03 FEET TO A POINT A CORNER OF LOT NO. 3; THENCE ALONG THE SAME, SOUTH 78 DEGREES 45 MINUTES 26 SECONDS

WEST, 389.52 FEET TO A POINT IN THE TITLE LINE OF SAID MOUNT HOPE ROAD;

THENCE ALONG THE SME, NORTH 11 DEGREES 14 MIN-

UTES 34 SECONDS WEST, 150.00 FEET TO THE POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Derek Stine, by Deed dated 3/31/2016 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County on 4/4/2016 in Deed Book Volume 9286, Page 2398, granted and conveyed unto Jesus L. Juarez, Jr.

PARCEL # 71-01-0027.040

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

spaces, while also allowing for integrated care at our locations in Kennett Square and Oxford.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a 2018 national ambulatory medical care survey showed 55.7 million visits were made to physician offices with mental disorders as the primary diagnosis. In 2021, data from the early release of a National Health Interview

Survey showed that 11.7% of adults 18 and over have regular feelings of nervousness, worry, or anxiety.

Nancy Pia said, “LCH understands the profound importance of health and mental well-being, and that is why Mike and I support them in their mission for equitable health care for all members of our community.”

More information about LCH can be found at www. LCHcommunityhealth.org.

Legals

PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC

VS DEFENDANT: Jesus L. Juarez Jr.

SALE ADDRESS: 592 Mount Hope Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 2p-22-3t

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Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 3/15/2023 at 10:00AM. Sara

A Moore unit #A015; Michele Gazda unit #C019; Christina M Evans-Markis units #E020 & #E039. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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Courtesy photo

Pictured (back row, left to right) are LCH CEO Ronan Gannon; LCH medical director Joseph A. Greco; Michael Pia; and LCH CFO, Phil DeColli; (front row, left to right): LCH executive assistant Mariel Whitney; medical assistant Uvel Rodriguez; Nancy Pia; LCH patient director of development Kate Wickersham; LCH patient services representative Monica Mata-Lopez; and LCH Director of Human Resources Margarita Garay-Zarco.