Chester County Press 03-03-2021 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 9

INSIDE

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

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‘We’ve all been waiting for this day’ Avon Grove School District officials are putting plans in place for students to be able to return to school buildings for full, in-person instruction. Could the day when schools fully reopen come by the end of March?

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Education and Summer Camp Guide

Avon Grove School District students could soon have the option of retuning to school buildings for fulltime, in-person instruction if COVID-19 cases in the county continue to decline in the weeks ahead.

During the Feb. 25 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese out-

lined the administration’s plan to fully reopen school buildings for the district’s 5,000 students.

The phased reopening would see K-6 students return to a full, in-person schedule on March 22, while students in grades 7-12 would return on March 29.

But first, the incidence and transmission rates of COVID-19 cases need to continue to decline. The

updated guidelines stipulate that the incidence rate—the number of new COVID19 cases per 100,000 people—should fall below 100. According to the new guidelines, the Chester County Health Department will allow for a decrease in physical distancing in school buildings when county transmission rates fall below 100 per 100,000 and below 10 percent for the PCR Positivity Rate for

three consecutive weeks.

The physical distancing of six feet should still be followed to the greatest extent possible for students, and at no time is less than three feet permitted, according to the new guidelines.

Marchese said that it would take several weeks of planning and preparation to fully open schools as district officials develop strategies to maximize social distancing. The superintendent said

that Avon Grove already has strong protocols in place to keep students and staff safe during the hybrid learning that has been taking place for months. That success during the hybrid education period suggests that the district will be able to manage its way through having more students in the buildings more often.

Marchese said that the school district’s staff is Continued on page 4A

Splash Surf Club set to open Memorial Day weekend

Model for clinics...4A

vaccination

Oxford Borough New Garden prepares for Council enlists its biggest splash ever interim borough manager

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On a recent morning at Saint Anthony’s in the Hills in New Garden Township, John McKenzie and Nick Reynolds tilted their heads up to the Winter sun that reflected in their sunglasses, and imagined the future.

They were standing in the concrete rubble of what will soon become their second Splash Surf Club franchise, one that will transform the long-dormant pool and adjacent recreation area into a concept that has until this point been a foreign one in Restaurant Week in southern Chester County: A Kennett Square...1B high-end swim club bursting with activities and an island vibe hip enough to be called what McKenzie and Reynolds have been referring to it as.

A Seasonal Staycation.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw “Can’t you just hear Nick Reynolds and John McKenzie of the Splash Surf Opinion.......................5A the steel drums and the Club at their new site in St. Anthony in the Hills, which

INDEX

Obituaries..............2B-3B Classifieds.................4B

Continued on page 3A

New Garden committees share updates with supervisors

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

is set to open on Memorial Day weekend.

By Betsy Brewer Brantner double time. Her treaContributing Writer surer position is more than enough. She did a great job At the March 1 meeting, and we thank her for her Oxford Borough Council dedication,” Russell said. approved a professional serIn other business at the vices agreement between meeting, the former Rite the Borough of Oxford and Aid building at 46 South ARRO Consulting, Inc. to Third Street will soon be provide an interim borough occupied. Council approved manager. Cary B. Vargo will a motion to grant approval be serving as interim manag- to Dr. Daniel P. Neff for er while council conducts a conditional use to operate search for a new, permanent a physical therapy office or manager. The contract calls clinic at that location. Neff for him to work 20 hours will be purchasing the builda week unless approved by ing. He currently has a clinic council to go beyond that. in Quarryville and Willow Council President Peggy Street.

Ann Russell thanked Arlene Planning Commission Harrison for stepping in as recommended the approval interim borough manager to Council. The building, for several months. Now, located in the C-3 commerHarrison can focus exclu- cial district, has been vacant sively on her regular duties. for two years. It has 6,000 “This will allow Mrs. square feet of space on the Continued on page 2A Harrison to stop doing

Representatives from three New Garden Township committees provided the township’s Board of Supervisors with news and notes that detailed their latest initiatives, during an online work session meeting held on March 1.

Don Peters and Chris Robinson of the Friends of the New Garden Trails provided the board with an update on the groups’ projects for 2021, which will include main-

tenance on the three trails along the White Clay Creek (Mill Race, Laurel Woods and Landenberg Junction); maintenance on the Airport Trail, located near the New Garden Flying Field; and exploring preliminary ideas for how it will reconfigure the Candlewyck Trail.

Projects slated for the future will include determining the scope of work for the nearly-completed Sproat Trail; designing a preliminary plan for the Hiles Trail; and participating in the trail development in the 137.5-acre Saint

Anthony in the Hills property that the township owns.

Despite the work that the group has done to create several trails throughout the township, the maintenance of these properties comes with the need to fix weather-related structural issues that continue to arise. Peters said that the Landenberg Junction Trail currently has a sinkhole beneath a picnic table, and despite volunteer efforts to fill the hole, the problem still exists.

In the Laurel Wood Trail, Peters said that stormwater

erosion in the parking area and upper trail leading to the trail’s meadows has required the need for more gravel and stone to fill. In addition, the Mill Race Trail has experienced a major washout of its railroad bend that is about 100 feet long, ten feet wide and six feet deep.

New Garden Trails continues to provide steerage for and maintenance of the township’s trail system, it continues to explore ways to increase the number of its volunteers, post COVID-19.

The need for more volunteers, Peters said, will be necessary to perform the heavy-lifting goals of the More funding for group, such as the physical Friends of the creation of trails that often New Garden Trails? requires the need for proper machinery and a younger Peters said that while volunteer demographic.

Open Space Review Board the six-person leadership group of the Friends of the Continued on page 2A

Local resident featured in nationwide campaign encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations We’re in a race to vaccinate enough people to slow the spread of COVID-19 and bring an end to the global pandemic.

One local southern Chester County resident is being featured in a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for public health, the economy, and broader society.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, a group of more than 150 leading organizations representing patient, provider, employer and public health organizations launched “Count Me In,” a campaign to provide individuals and organizations with information to build confidence in authorized

COVID-19 vaccines, and to motivate and inspire people to collectively fight the pandemic. Betsy Huber, the president of the National Grange who lives in Upper Oxford Township, was enlisted to be a part of the effort.

In campaign materials, Huber says that she can be counted in on the vaccine “because I want to get back to work.” That’s a sentiment that is certainly shared by millions of Americans.

The “Count Me In” campaign provides individuals and organizations with tools to express their commitment to COVID-19 vaccination as communities across the country strive to reopen and return to

normal. This includes personal stories featuring frontline physicians, the president of the American Nurses Association, president of Colgate University, president of the National Grange, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging, and TV hosts Meredith Vieira and Faith Jenkins, in addition to grandparents, pastors and reverends, and volunteer firefighters, among others.

Huber has served the local community in various capacities through the years, including as a supervisor in Upper Oxford Township. In 2015, she was elected as the president of the National Grange—the first woman to hold the top post in the organization’s

149-year history.

In a statement from the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, the importance of the campaign was summed up this way: “We are facing a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes the ‘Count Me In’ campaign exceptionally timely. The campaign is collecting and disseminating a variety

of relatable reasons why individuals want to get vaccinated to help build confidence in authorized COVID-19 vaccines and bring us all a step closer to resuming activities with the people we miss most.”

To learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project and for additional resources, visit www. covidvaccineproject.org.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News New Garden...

Continued from Page 1A

member Randy Lieberman expressed an even greater need for the township that ultimately affects the Friends of the New Garden Trails. The township’s aggressive work to create conservation easements – many of which leads to the growing tapestry of trails in New Garden -- requires a larger investment in the infrastructure necessary

Oxford Borough...

Continued from Page 1A

first floor and over 2,000 square feet in the basement.

It is also located in the historic district so Neff will need to go before the Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) if signage or the façade is changed.

“We will be changing signs, and changing the façade,” Neff explained.

“The material there now is not structurally safe.”

The property was approved at this time for a medical center. Neff plans on bringing in another tenant in the future and, if so, that would need approval from the Zoning Hearing Board.

Hours of operation would run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. two days, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on two days, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. There are no plans for weekend hours.

The clinic would start with three employees, one doctor, a physical therapy assistant and an administrative assistant. It could increase to five employees if necessary. Neff said the clinic could see up to four patients in one hour, or 150 patients a week.

The plan is for the patients to park beside the building.

Currently there are about

to build and maintain these trails, he said. “[The Friends of the New Garden Trails] are out there with their own tools, with their own chainsaws, with their own weed whackers and their own shovels,” Lieberman said. “They have done a great job to date, but if New Garden plans to maximize the public benefit of these open space purchases, there is no way that they are going to be able

to stay on top of this.

“If you want to have it done right, you’re going to have to have professionals,” he added.

Supervisor Steve Allaband recommended funneling a portion of the township’s Open Space Fund in order to pay for maintenance and planning on the trails – about $100,000 (25 percent) of the Open Space Fund’s $400,000 annual budget.

Township Solicitor Bill

Christman and members of the Open Space Review Board (OSRB) reviewed and updated the OSRB’s property acquisition checklist, a 12-step procedure of protocols that is used during negotiations with township land owners to acquire their property for the purpose of placing a conservation easement on it.

In an effort to tighten up how it works with the Board of Supervisors, the

OSRB appointed township Manager Ramsey Reiner as the township’s communication liaison to the board.

Township Planning Commission Chairperson Kris McLennan said that the seven-member group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. to review all township subdivision and land development plans prior to their going to the Board of Supervisors for

approval.

She said the two active projects currently before the Commission are the Church Street Mews and the Thompson Road property.

nine parking spots at the side of the building, but possible room for more on the property.

Neff said in the event they would need more parking, they would park in the parking garage. He explained his physical therapy technique saying, “We do a gentler physical therapy. We actually travel throughout the country teaching what we do.”

Neff said he is excited to put a facility in Oxford.

They plan to start renovations sometime during the summer.

Council approved Mary Beth Rizzo Moore to fill the vacancy of tax collector.

Moore currently works as a nurse practitioner. She is a resident of the borough, as is required for that position.

Christy Hannum and Brian Dix from Oxford Mainstreet told council they plan to bring shoppers to the downtown by holding a March 13 special event aptly named, “Spend Your Green in Downtown Oxford.” They are working with the chamber and plan to raffle off a basket full of amazing items.

More information will be forthcoming.

There was also a discussion about the plans for a drive-

in movie event on April 16 and 17 at the Oxford Area Recreational Association Park. The event is actually a fundraiser for the Shoebox Theatre, and as a reminder that OMI is still working on opening that venue. The movies will be announced next week. There will also be a vendor to provide popcorn and candy.

Mark Gallant, senior planner from Chester County Planning Commission and Susan Elks, a community planning director, spoke to council about the Vision Partnership Planning Grant Program. This will be discussed further at the March 15 council meeting including appointing a task force.

The previous regional comprehensive plan and the Borough’s Revitalization Plan were completed through the Vision Partnership Planning Program.

Public Works Director John Schaible gave council a report of their monthly accomplishments, which included snow removal and ice treatment, and equipment repairs.

Borough council considered and approved a number of motions at the meeting, including a motion to approve an extension

request for the John Walsh project.

The resignation of Willard McKim, who was a crossing guard for ten years, was also approved.

A motion was approved to outsource the printing and mailing of water bills to Freedom Systems.

Resolution 1309-2021 and Exhibits A & B “Water Tapping and Connection Fees were approved in the amount of $4,525 per EDU, which covers the actual cost of connection to a new service.

There was also a motion to approve the Financial Security Modification Agreement for Sycamore Crossing Phases 3, 5A and 5B. This agreement reflects the developer’s name change.

Additionally, there was a motion to approve the Development Agreement and Financial Security Agreement for Sycamore Crossing Phases 2 and 4.

This also agreement reflects the developer’s name change.

Also approved was a motion to approve an access agreement from Lancaster Avenue to Sycamore Crossing for developers.

Borough Council dis-

cussed the feasibility of developing Well #14 at Sycamore Crossing. This will be discussed at the March 15 meeting.

Council member Dick Winchester said traffic counting for Mt. Vernon Street is scheduled for March 14. He will recommend that traffic counting for the East Precinct be done the next time.

Hodgson Street Curbing was discussed. Vargo will bring back this discussion at the April meeting. Vargo will work with borough staff, including Schaible, Scott Moran and David Bright, to formulate a plan on the curbing and bring it back to council at the first meeting in April.

Russell said there were questions as to whether the Borough was paying for two solicitors to attend this council meeting.

Solicitor Stacey Fuller explained that although another solicitor attends from her firm, he is not being paid for by the borough.

“Rob Jefferson, the other solicitor from our firm, asked if could sit in to learn.

The Borough is not paying for him,” Fuller explained.

“The Borough is paying for my services only at the

meeting. When we set our fee agreement last year, we did not increase it.”

Mayor Phil Harris explained to council that, since one of the crossing guards has just retired, the Borough only has two out of four crossing guards they should have. It was decided that Winchester will draft a letter to the school district to ask them to contribute to the cost of the crossing guards.

The solicitor will review the letter and bring it to council for approval.

Harris also noted that on March 1, the borough remembers Eli Seth Matthews, a brave borough resident who worked to raise funds to fight childhood cancer until he passed away from the disease.

“Today is Eli Seth Matthews Day and we honor his fight against cancer,” Harris said.

Vargo thanked council for approving the professional services agreement.

He thanked everyone for welcoming him and looks forward to working with the group.

Russell encouraged anyone wishing to run for council seats this year to have their paperwork in this week.

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Cost-cutting needs for township’s fire company The supervisors also heard from Tom Quinn and Bill Shore from the Avondale Fire Company, who shared the

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News company’s need to restructure its financial picture in the wake of the decision by London Grove Township last fall to choose the West Grove Fire Company as its single-source EMS provider for 2021. Consequently, the Avondale Fire Company has been left scrambling to find how to manage its services without the $300,000 in revenue it had been receiving from London Grove.

Quinn said London Grove’s decision has forced the company to rework its budget by exploring cost-cutting measures.

“What we’re trying to do is find out if we can operate without [London Grove’s contribution] at this point,” he said. “Can we afford to keep on moving forward, and what do we have to cut out in order to make it work? I want to look at what

we have to work with, and whether we can live within those means.”

Quinn recommended that a township supervisor sit on the fire and EMS company’s board of directors, which he said would be a “huge value to the fire company and the township,” he said.

Board Chairman Pat Little asked Quinn and Shore, the company’s vice president, if the company is explor-

ing additional ways it can improve its response time for fire and EMS incidents in the township.

“We try to make sure that an engine gets on the road before the three-minute time is up, which is based on the volunteers getting there in time to drive the rig out,” Quinn said. “We’re all short on manpower. Volunteering isn’t what it used to be, but we’re trying.”

Quinn called for the township to provide the Avondale Fire Department with an updated list of road and bridge closures.

“The time that it takes to get to an incident depends on knowing the state of the transportation routes, so keeping in touch with your people allows us to preplan that, so that everyone knows what they’re doing,” he said.

The purpose of the town-

ship’s work sessions will be to “connect the dots” between its various committees, in an effort to create more transparency and open up lines of communication.

Additional work sessions in 2021 will be held on June 7, Sept. 7 and Dec. 6, beginning at 5 p.m.

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

Splash...

Continued from Page 1A

live island-style music?”

Reynolds asked. “Can’t you see the beer garden hopping with friends? Can you see the kids in the pool and everyone with a smile on their face? Can you just imagine for a moment that the cold you feel on your back is really the air conditioning in the cabanas?”

While it remains a challenge to imagine what McKenzie and Reynolds already see in their mind’s eye through the rust and neglect of the facility’s current condition, the Splash Surf Club in New Garden is on the books for a miraculous renovation that is scheduled to open to members and the general public on Memorial Day weekend this year: • A completely re-surfaced outdoor pool, with adjacent in-ground hot tub areas for adults, a 30’ x 60’ children’s pool, a poolside lounge and additional areas for outdoor poolside seating, all of which will be accented with Adirondack chairs • A total of 60 private and furnished poolside cabanas available for seasonal and daily rental, that will also include indoor single and double cabanas in the pavilion area, equipped with wet bars, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning and views that overlook the pool area • Located in the facility’s pavilion, the Wave restaurant – painted in turquoise, creamsickle orange and ocean blue -- will offer members and non-members a seasonal menu reminiscent of a tropical island vacation • The pavilion will also offer members and nonmembers access to a beer garden and bar, complete with couches and flat-screen TVs, and a VIP lounge for members • Live music, special themed nights for children and adults, movie nights and barbecue events throughout the season for members • Lawn games like Bocce Ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, ping-pong tables and a playground, that will be available for members and non-members • The facility will also provide private swimming lessons and serve as the home pool for The Splash Surfers, a registered youth swimming team that will be coached by Cindy Millison, the current Kennett High School swim coach “This is a location for a complex of this kind that you just don’t see every day,” Reynolds said. “It’s going to become a part of a beautiful property, and we’re inheriting the incredible work and attention to detail of its former owners.

It’s inheriting the structures and the history of Saint Anthony’s and infusing our own ideas.

“Given all of these intangibles, this will become not just a pool, but a destination, even for people who aren’t members, who can still come here for dinner

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Renovation has already begun to convert the pavilion into a restaurant, VIP lounge and beer garden.

and get the vibe of being on vacation.”

What is now enabling the wheels of this enterprise to gain traction in the soggy late Winter soil of Saint Anthony in the Hills is the stuff of ingenuity, fueled by the township’s desire to rescue the property from the sure fate of a developer’s wrecking ball. After years of negotiation with original owners St. Anthony of Padua in Wilmington, the township’s Board of Supervisors agreed to purchase the property in 2018 for $1.5 million, with a long-term idea to redefine it as the township’s future cultural and social centerpiece for nature and family activity.

Building on previous success At about the same time the township was putting its signatures on acquiring Saint Anthony in the Hills, McKenzie and Reynolds were preparing to turn an abandoned swim club property in Marple Township into what became their first Splash Surf Club. It was a sensation before it was even completely renovated, as more than 450 families signed onto memberships several weeks before it opened on Memorial Day weekend in 2019.

As McKenzie and Reynolds began to consider the possibility of duplicating their success elsewhere, they were alerted to what was happening at St. Anthony in the Hills from a likely source: a very satisfied member of the Splash Surf Club in Marple Township.

“I saw that the township had posted a video on its website a while ago about eliciting the township’s ideas for how it could potentially develop the property,” said Justin Busam, an officer with the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department. “I knew that there was a pool facility at Saint Anthony’s, and because I love what John and Nick have done with the Splash Surf Club in Marple Township, I told them about the pool. They contacted [former township Manager] Tony Scheivert, and got the ball rolling.”

At their Jan. 19 online meeting, the New Garden board voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with McKenzie and Reynolds.

As part of the agreement, Splash, LLC will pay the township a $2,000 fee to operate the facility, assume

all liability and repair costs required, oversee that all safety codes are met.

McKenzie and Reynolds were given another responsibility – to sell memberships.

As of late February, close to 60 memberships had already been sold, a number they said keeps rising every week. Individual and family memberships are available in a one-time or monthly payment schedule; an individual membership is $370 for the summer or $123 a month; a two-person membership is $500 for the summer or $167 monthly; and for a family of four, a three-month membership is $710 or $236 monthly. Day passes for non-members will also be available.

“The reason we came up with Splash was that in the summer, families have only a few vacation or day-out options they can do with their children,” McKenzie said. “They can head to the Jersey Shore for a week, which for a family of four will be about $4,000. They can take the kids to a big amusement park for a day, which will still cost about $300 at a minimum.

“In contrast, what we wanted to build was an affordable 120-day seasonal staycation, where for a family of four, it will cost about $700 for an entire summer. Translated, that’s about 60 cents a day, per person. We will also give discounts to New Garden Township residents, seniors and veterans, and we will work with every family to create an affordable option for them. We never want any family to feel excluded because of costs.”

The Splash Surf Club will also figure in the local economy, too. In addition to the many contractors its expects to employ in the facility’s construction over the next three months, McKenzie and Reynolds anticipate the hiring of as many as 65 seasonal employees in 2021.

If the COVID-19 protocols made last summer in Marple Township were any indication, the Splash Surf Club in New Garden and those who visit will be fully attended to in 2021.

“We invested over $40,000 in COVID-19 precautions at our Marple club in 2020,” Reynolds said.

“We had a thermal image camera at the entrance taking members’ temperatures.

We had hand sanitizing stations everywhere, and had close to 30 active zones that allowed no more than 15 people per zone. We placed signage everywhere, and

Courtesy photo

The club will also feature a large children’s pool.

had an electro-static sprayer that we used to spray down every one of our chairs at the end of the night.”

The ‘anchor store’ of a new town center No matter the size, breadth and dimension of the initial investment, any entrepreneur willing to make an economic roll of the dice benefits from having a partner who believes in the enterprise of their ideas.

“Without their support of New Garden Township, this can’t happen,” McKenzie said.

[New Garden Township Manager] Ramsey Reiner and the supervisors have done a great job in helping us move this forward.

They could have chosen to keep this facility on the back burner for another year, which would have left the place even more dilapidated. Instead, they chose to create a new town center – a social gathering hub -- in the middle of a 140-acre preserve.

“New Garden has chosen us to become the anchor store of that town center.”

For Busam and his family, who live in nearby Aston, it is the atmosphere that he and his family enjoy most at the Marple Township location, and it’s a feeling that he said will easily transfer to New Garden.

“The individuals and families who will come here can expect to feel like they are at a Jamaican resort, on vacation,” he said.

“Everything about it is fun.

My family has gone there on many occasions and waited at the club for the gait to open and stayed until the gate closed at the end of the day.”

As McKenzie and Reynolds gave a tour of their new facility, they pointed out hanging wires, side-stepped holes in the concrete floor in the pavilion and acknowledged the work of a contractor, who was using recycled water from the swimming pool to power wash the walls of the pavilion. Reynolds, tucked into a colorful jacket resplendent with the tones of summer, surveyed the craggy property that will, in three months, become a three-month-a-year paradise.

“For most people who walk into this place for the first time, all they see is the demolition, and the trees growing through the con-

Courtesy photo

The first Splash Surf Club opened in Marple Township in 2019.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Former dormitories at the complex are being converted into private cabanas, complete with air conditioning, furnishings and flat-screen TVs.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The Splash Surf Club is part of a long-term vision by New Garden Township to convert St. Anthony in the Hills into a destination that combines activities with an appreciation of nature.

crete,” he said. “Instead, John and I walked through here for the first time and saw it already completed.

We saw the cabanas, the kids splashing in the pool, and the people sitting in the restaurant.

“If you have the vision, you already know what you’re capable of.”

Membership registration

for summer 2021 is underway and residents of New Garden Township may take advantage of a 10 percent discount. To secure your membership at the Splash Surf Club, visit online at https://splash-club.com.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Hospital and county Health Department partnership sets model for large-scale vaccination opportunities Two of Chester County’s leading COVID-19 vaccine providers came together for a one-day clinic that vaccinated close to 1,500 individuals in Phase 1A against COVID19. This event combined the vaccine dose supply received by Chester County Hospital with the vaccine clinic operational resources of the Chester County Health Department, to quickly administer Pfizer first-dose vaccines to individuals in Phase 1A who were registered with the Chester County Health Department and Chester County Hospital.

The partnership establishes a model that can be replicated as hospitals throughout Chester County continue to receive vaccine doses from the Pennsylvania Department of Health,

Avon Grove School District...

Continued from Page 1A

looking forward to the day that the schools can be fully opened for the first time since the pandemic began in March of last year.

“We’ve all been waiting for this day,” Marchese said, explaining that it would be great for students if the school year could end as close to normal as possible.

If Avon Grove is able to pivot to a full opening of schools, families would have the option of moving to full, in-person instruction for their children for the remainder of the 2020-2021

Chester County residents in Phase 1A received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the large-scale clinic established through a partnership between Chester County Hospital and the Chester County Health Department.

Courtesy photos

The Chester County Commissioners, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, and Chester County Hospital president and CEO Mike Duncan with Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic held at West Chester University’s Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center.

alongside doses received by the Chester County Health Department.

The clinic was an extension of the week-day clinics already established by the Chester County Health Department at West Chester University’s Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center, as well as at the Chester County Government

Services Center and Kennett Square Fire Company’s Red Clay Room.

More than 70 people worked at the clinic, including public health nurses and officials from the health department, a pharmacist and pharmacy technicians from Chester County Hospital, and 40 volunteers from the Chester County Medical

Reserve Corps.

The Chester County Commissioners continue to work on behalf of all county residents, to appeal to the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the need for more vaccine doses in more highly populated areas of the state, and to ask that priority be given to the Chester

County Health Department as a vaccine provider.

“With the public health know-how, the planning, resources and the ability to invest in clinics and staff, we are best-placed to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone in Chester County who wants it,” said County Commissioners Marian

Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline.

“Not just large-scale clinics, but also smaller clinics at places like senior centers and community centers, and through our mobile clinics, that will ensure all of our residents have access to the vaccine,” added the Commissioners.

school year or the option of five-day, remote learning through the Avon Grove School District Online Academy. Currently, a hybrid option that combines in-person instruction with online learning is being used

by Avon Grove, but if the schools are able to be fully reopened, that would not be an option. Families would need to choose between inperson or online.

The school district planned to communicate with families this week about what their choice would be moving forward.

In his COVID-19 update to the school board, Marchese noted that the school dis-

trict has had 153 COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the school year. That tally reflects the total number of staff members and students who have tested positive for the coronavirus since the start of the school year. It doesn’t mean that the transmissions occurred at school or at a school sanctioned event.

In the week prior to the meeting, the superintendent explained, there was just one person in the school buildings who tested positive for COVID-19.

“We had a good week last week,” Marchese said. “The county is seeing a decline in cases. We’ve seen a steady

decline in the last several weeks.”

With the roll out of vaccines and warmer weather on the way, the hope is that another corner has been turned in the school district's fight against the coronavirus.

The school board members had lots of questions, but they were generally supportive of the effort to fully reopen schools if the numbers of COVID-19 cases will allow it.

School board member Bill Wood said that the community will play an important part in enabling the schools to open and remain open by doing what they can to limit the spread of the coronavi-

rus. The fewer cases there are in Avon Grove, the better it is for everyone.

The school board voted in favor of having the administration make the necessary preparations to fully reopen schools.

In other business in the meeting, Wood offered a Legislative Committee report in which he talked about how Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget includes significant increases in basic education funding.

However, Wood said, the spending plan has met with significant resistance from Republicans in the State Legislature and is considered dead on arrival. Wood

said that it’s good that the governor is prioritizing education funding but, with the opposition to the proposed state budget, it remains unclear whether school districts in Pennsylvania will see increases in funding levels for the next fiscal year.

Work is progressing well on the construction of a new high school. School board president Dorothy Linn said, “If you drive by, there’s a lot of steel work being done. It’s starting to look like there’s going to be a high there.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

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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

The lonely Republican outlier The following timeline is an account of events that have led to the punishment of a man for the use of his conscience.

On Nov. 3, 2020, Sen. Pat Toomey, a Republican from Pennsylvania, voted to reelect Donald J. Trump as the President of the United States.

He was one of 74 million Americans to do so.

During the late morning of Nov. 8, after a tortuous back-and-forth recount that simultaneously paralyzed and divided the nation, Joseph R. Biden was officially elected as the 46th President of the United States.

On Jan. 6, following several weeks of his vitriolic opposition to the results of the election, Trump promoted and held a rally in Washington, D.C. before a sea of his most ardent supporters. At the podium, Trump repeated his false charges that the election was stolen from him, and at one point during his 70-minute speech, he urged his supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol Building in an effort to help thwart the Senate’s efforts to officially formalize Biden’s election.

“You have to get your people to fight, and you have to fight like hell. And if you don’t fight like hell, you won’t have a country

anymore,” Trump declared at the rally.

To his detractors, Trump’s speech came off as a lastditch effort to retain a power that was slipping away from him. To his supporters, it was a rallying cry, a call to arms in the age of social media, and by the time they had arrived at the Capitol Building, Trump supporters were no longer riding on the steam heat of the President’s words, they were fully engaged in their intention.

During the ensuing riot, Washington, D.C. police officers were overrun by the insurrectionist mob, and assaulted with sticks, American flags and bear and pepper spray. Over 125 of them suffered various sorts of injuries, and when the tally was complete, several people had died in the melee, to which Trump responded in a Tweet: “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long,” he wrote. “Go home with love & in peace.

Remember this day forever!”

On Jan. 20, Biden was sworn in as the nation’s 46th President.

On Feb. 13, Sen. Toomey, who had declared last fall that he was not running for reelection in 2023, was one of seven Republican senators who voted to convict

Trump of “incitement of insurrection,” and voted in favor of the House of Representatives’ article for impeachment. Trump, Toomey told reporters, “will be remembered throughout history as the President who resorted to non-legal steps to try to hold onto power.

“No president, or anyone else, has the First Amendment right to incite a violent attack on our government,” he said in explaining his vote.

Voting largely along party lines, the Senate found the former president not guilty on the charge of inciting an insurrection On Feb. 18, in support of his decision to vote for an impeachment trial for the now former president, Toomey published an editorial in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Because of President Trump’s conduct, for the first time in American history, the transfer of presidential power was not peaceful,” he wrote. “A president’s lawless effort to retain power was a primary fear motivating the founders’ inclusion of impeachment authorities in the Constitution. President Trump’s desperate attempts to stay in office undermined the foundations of our republic, betrayed the confidence of millions who voted for him, and required a vote to convict.”

In the last three weeks, the members of his own party

– in particular, rank-and-file Republican Party committee members in Pennsylvania -- have not come to praise Toomey for the power of his convictions, but to bury him for what they perceive is a rejection of the party itself.

Republican committees in several counties throughout the commonwealth have either censured Toomey or are making plans to, citing his disloyalty to the party, and in a greater sense, to Trump, who according to a Conservative Political Action Committee straw poll of those attending the recent CPAC conference, remains the preferred GOP candidate for the 2024 Presidential election.

The tear down of Toomey hasn’t yielded. One committee resolution stated that Toomey’s vote was “unconstitutional, dangerous in its precedent, divisive, and lacking in due process and regard for the rights of the accused.

“Sen. Toomey has violated the trust of his voters, failed to fulfill and represent a very large majority of motivated Pennsylvania voters, and neglected his duty to represent the party and the will of the people who elected him to represent them,” the resolution read.

Republicans in York County voted to censure Toomey, claiming that he is

out of touch with the “core beliefs of the people of Pennsylvania.”

Perhaps the most unkindly takedown of Toomey came courtesy of Washington County Republican Chair David Ball, who told a Pittsburgh television news reporter that Toomey had no justification for his vote to condemn Trump for any involvement in the Jan. 6 riots.

“We did not send him (Toomey) there to vote his conscience,” Ball said. “We did not send him there to do the right thing or whatever he said he was doing. We sent him there to represent us, and we feel very strongly that he did not represent us.”

There is no need for parsing the phraseology and meaning of Ball’s words.

At its core, the Republican Party’s scorched-earth condemnation of Toomey lay in his audacity to follow the tragic events of Jan. 6 as if he were examining a connection of moments, and tracing one of its frayed ends back to its beginning, back to the moment when Donald J. Trump incited his followers to fight, and fight like hell.

By following his convictions, what has Toomey earned other than the rank of the lonely Republican outlier, subject to current consternation and permanent banishment from his party long after he leaves office? And of this red meat

backlash, is any of this surprising to us? Not really; it is merely emblematic of modern politics, a bipartisan, two-ring circus tent full of carnival barkers where a lawmaker is not applauded for eclipsing his or her party’s line for the greater good, but rather laid waste because of it.

Toomey’s rebuke is systematic of a party that cannot in the glare of the public criticize Trump or his conspiracy theories, for fear that they themselves will be penalized by a voting base who remains transfixed on the 45th President and sees no succeeding generation of Republicans to replace him as its voice.

In his Jan. 7 response to the Capitol riots, Dr. Gordon Eck, chairman of the Republican Committee of Chester County, wrote, “Behavior is rooted in belief. It is my hope and prayer that going forward we as a people, despite our differences, will live with mutual respect, guided by our shared identity as people made in the image of God.” Dr. Eck’s words may be substantive in their wide-eyed intentions for humanity, but when applied to his party’s all-out excoriation of a long-time colleague, they are brutally barren of meaning.

Opinion

Good foreign policy is good domestic policy, and vice-versa

By Lee H. Hamilton There was an interesting moment in Washington at the end of January, on Antony Blinken’s first full day as Secretary of State. Meeting with the press corps that covers the State Department, he called an independent press “a cornerstone of our democracy,” and told the assembled reporters, “You keep the American people and the world informed about what we do here.

That’s key to our mission.”

I have no doubt that there will be plenty of tense moments between Blinken and the journalists who cover U.S. foreign policy.

But Blinken’s comment— meant to signal a change from the hostile relationship

that developed under the previous administration— underscored a key facet of American diplomacy: what happens at home affects our posture and capabilities abroad. Just as important, how we conduct ourselves abroad says a great deal about who we are at home.

One way to think about this is to imagine a foreign policy that puts us at the forefront of curbing human rights abuses around the world or that makes certain that in cases of major natural disasters, the U.S. leads the way in providing disaster relief. These actions send messages about who we are as a nation—and as the American people—that resonate with ordinary people the world over, even if

foreign regimes sometimes resent them.

Boiled down, we ought not to apologize for trying to do the right thing as a country.

If we can be a factor for improvement and a force for good in the world, that will have profound consequences for the way the world looks at us and the way we look at ourselves. Trying to do good in the world is good foreign policy, and I would argue makes us stronger and safer at home.

But you can see the issue.

We are only as strong abroad as we are at home. A nation incapable of managing a pandemic response or riven by conspiracy theories and misinformation or unable to nurture its economy in ways that improve the lives of

those who are not already wealthy will struggle to project strength and confidence abroad. That is because there is a direct line between the ideals we seek to communicate and our ability to practice them at home. I have never yet heard of “do as I say, not as I do” turning out to be a good strategy.

This is why I believe our struggles at home over basic democratic processes—over the right to vote and the way those votes are counted— leave us weaker abroad. It is hard to take the greatest democracy in the world seriously when many of its elected leaders were willing to seek to overturn the results of a legitimate election, or when state leaders pursue policies aimed at lim-

iting the ability of voters to cast their ballots.

In the end, you cannot separate foreign and domestic policy. They are different aspects of the same world.

What you do with respect to one affects the other.

Over the next few years, if we can do the right thing regarding domestic issues, from the environment to ballot access to the economy, it will strengthen our hand in foreign policy, since of course the rest of the world watches us closely. And if we can use our dealings and posture abroad to stand for the best of American ideals—promoting decency, respecting individuals’ rights, settling disputes as often as possible through responsible negotiation, nur-

turing democracy and the institutions that sustain it— we will undoubtedly reap the benefits at home through strong political and economic relationships, healthy alliances with friendly nations, and a position as a world leader widely seen as deserving the role.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Guest Editorial

Coming back strong from COVID-19 needs a foundation in reality

By Pennsylvania House Democratic leaders The impact of COVID-19 has shaken us to our core.

We’ve lost so many lives, with many more forever changed.

It’s been an incredible burden on all of us as we work and sacrifice to save lives and

keep Pennsylvanians in good health. But many of the problems we are all experiencing are not the direct result of COVID-19. The virus merely stripped away the polite façade and showed us the rotting beams we can no longer wait to repair. Pennsylvania needs to take concrete steps

Chester County Press Publisher - Randall S. Lieberman

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 Phone: 610-869-5553 FAX 610-869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8am - 4pm, no weekend hours

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to support its workforce and economy to ensure this is a commonwealth for all people.

Pennsylvanians need and deserve a raise. For the last six years, we have joined Gov. Tom Wolf in calling for a reasonable increase to the minimum wage, which has been stuck at the federal floor of $7.25 per hour since 2009. This wage cannot sustain an individual, much less a family, in any corner of the commonwealth. This year’s budget again calls for an immediate increase to $12, with an incremental path to $15. One million Pennsylvanians – predominantly essential workers, so many of whom are women heads of a household – will see an immediate and significant impact. These are the workers who’ve carried us through this pandemic since day one and will shoulder the burden to get us the rest of the way out of this. They need more than a pat on the

back – they need a boost to their paycheck.

Pennsylvanians need to be able to afford time off when they’re sick -- not just for themselves, but to protect all of us. Only 14 percent of the private sector workforce has access to any type of paid family leave. At least nine other states have enacted “Family Care Acts” allowing employees to buy into state insurance programs so that they can plan for their own futures. This bipartisan proposal would help working people and provide small businesses the ability to compete with large businesses who already offer leave benefits.

Pennsylvanians need a tax cut. Money trickles up, not down. Study after study has shown that giving working people more money in their pocket boosts the economy because they spend it. And it’s only fair and logical that those who earn the most can afford

to help the most to move our economy forward. Governor Wolf has proposed a bold plan to restructure the personal income tax and give the majority of Pennsylvanians a tax cut while still keeping taxes low for everyone.

Pennsylvanians need schools that will prepare all kids for a lifetime of success.

The state has failed to uphold its side of the bargain by only contributing 38 percent of the cost of education. The balance falls to taxpayers who cover the rest through property taxes. In some districts in this state, no matter how high they raise their taxes, they will never be able to generate enough funding to match wealthier districts in adequately educating their kids. The right to education should not be dependent on a child’s zip code. The proposed budget increases funding for all 500 districts in the commonwealth while targeting funding to those dis-

tricts with the most kids or the highest taxes – essentially, the ones who need it the most.

The last year has been an unimaginable challenge, but it also presents a unique opportunity. We can choose to continue to ignore these issues or we can face them head on to ensure a bright future for all Pennsylvanians.

We can work together to change what tomorrow holds for all people of the commonwealth. It’s the rock-solid foundation this state is built on, and it’s the rock-solid foundation we will use to get the job done.

Leader Joanna McClinton represents the 191st House District, which includes portions of Philadelphia and Delaware counties.

Whip Jordan Harris represents the 186th House District in Philadelphia County.

Appropriations Chair Matt Bradford represents the 70th District in Montgomery County.

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Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

KSQ Restaurant Week adds bingo promotion to popular celebration of local restaurants The third annual KSQ Restaurant Week will look a little different in 2021, with a focus on Kennett’s diverse takeout options and safely distanced indoor dining. But the expertise and creativity of awardwinning local chefs, as well as the care and attention of talented restaurant professionals, will shine as bright as ever.

In addition to special prix-fixe menus that many chefs will be offering for KSQ Restaurant Week from March 1 to March 7, Historic Kennett Square has designed a special KSQ Restaurant Bingo promotion. Guests can pick up a bingo card at any one of the 25 participating restaurants and cafes and then collect a sticker from each

establishment they patronize between March 1 and March 29. Once someone has bingo, they snap a picture of their card and email it to Historic Kennett Square to be entered into a drawing to win one of three $50 restaurant gift cards.

Bingo players have the entire month of March to participate and can submit multiple completed bingo

cards to be in with more chances to win.

“The aim of KSQ Restaurant Bingo is to highlight the great diversity of restaurants we have here in Kennett and to encourage people to try some new places,” said Historic Kennett Square Executive Director Bo Wright.

The bingo program also extends the spirit of Restaurant Week through the month of March and reminds people of the vital importance of supporting local restaurants through to the warmer weather when outside dining will be an option once again.

“We also wanted to add an element of fun to it, and we hope people will enjoy participating,” said Wright.

“The unique diversity of our vibrant local restaurant scene is definitely something to celebrate.”

Wright said that a lot of people in the community work hard to make Kennett Square what it is.

“Historic Kennett Square is the nonprofit that works hard every day to make Kennett Kennett,” he said. “As a nonprofit, we couldn’t do any of our programming without our valued sponsors, and KSQ Restaurant Week couldn’t have happened this year without the generous sponsorship of Core Family Practice. Ricky Haug and Paul Yerkes and their

team are some of the biggest champions of Kennett Square. Not only do they support the ongoing work of HKS, but they were also generous donors to our Small Business Response Fund (SBRF) last summer.

“At HKS, we talk a lot about the value of Kennett Square being a walkable town where people can find essential services right in our own community. This past year has only served to highlight how broken our healthcare system is, but Core Family’s direct primary care model, providing excellent and affordable healthcare in our community, is more important than ever right now. Ricky jokes about being the Marcus Welby of Kennett Square, but he and Dr. Paul Yerkes really are our hometown docs and they walk the walk of supporting local businesses.”

Dr. Ricky Haug said, “We’re incredibly fortunate to be part of the Kennett Square community and even more fortunate to enjoy so many incredible restaurants in our area.

In this trying time, Core Family Practice is proud to support all Kennett Square area restaurants as well as continuing to serve the healthcare needs of the Kennett community by providing affordable, high-quality care with a small-town feel. Please

support local—we are all stronger together.”

In a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Historic Kennett Square, local restauranteurs shared some of their struggles, COVIDfriendly pivots, and hopes for 2021 with business and community leaders and elected officials. Among the common themes that emerged from the conversation were gratitude for the generous support of the Kennett community and for initiatives like street closures for outdoor dining and the parklet. But tourists and people coming into Kennett from outside the community play a big role in helping local restaurants to thrive and until tourism is back, restauranteurs say, they will continue to struggle. Many have had to draw from their personal savings to keep their businesses afloat and say it will take them years to recover from the effects of the pandemic.

In the meantime, all local restaurant owners and staff are working around the clock to serve their customers safely. “Restaurant Week and KSQ Restaurant Bingo are one way we can all help,” said Wright.

“I know from many conversations with local restauranteurs that they just want to do what they love to do and what they do best—to cook for and serve their guests.”

Avon Grove earns budget award and provides savings to the district For the second consecutive year, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has recognized Avon Grove School District (AGSD) with the 2020-2021 Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for excellence in budget preparations.

During the 2018-2019 school year, AGSD participated in the Pathway to the MBA, an introductory program that allows school districts to ease into full MBA compliance. For 2019-2020 and now 20202021, AGSD was awarded the MBA for its financial integrity.

“Districts that apply to the MBA or Pathway to the MBA programs recognize the importance of presenting a high-quality, easy-to-understand budget internally and to the community,” ASBO International Executive Director David J. Lewis explained. “By participating in the programs, not only do districts have access to the tools and resources they need to communicate the district’s goals and objectives clearly, they demonstrate their

commitment to upholding nationally recognized budget presentation standards.”

To earn this competitive award, districts submit their applications and budget documents to a panel of school financial professionals. The documents must meet many carefully selected criteria in order to earn the MBA. “As soon as the budget is approved in June, we start putting our presentation together. It takes about five to six months,” noted Eric Willey, assistant business manager for AGSD. “In addition to the numbers, the budget information must add context to provide a better understanding of our district, the decisions that are being made and their impact on our community.”

AGSD is in the midst of constructing a new high school at the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike and Sunnyside Road. The construction project is part of a multi-year facilities strategic initiative for the district.

In November of 2018, AGSD’s Board of School

Courtesy Photo

The Avon Grove School District business office includes (back row from left) Daniel Carsley, Elizabeth Julian, Donna Bollinger, Lisa Dosenbach, Barbara Wallace, Amanda Trauger and Dennis Pagan; and (front row from left) Amy Seamon, Cindy Bhan, Eric Willey, Marcia O’Hara and Christine Marsala.

Directors authorized all debt for the project, breaking it into a progression of three smaller borrowings issued throughout the life of the project. The first of the borrowings was issued in December of 2018 and the second on Jan. 26, 2021. A third and

final issuance is tentatively scheduled to be executed in the first quarter of 2022.

When the Board originally authorized all debt for the project, the total cost of the borrowings was expected to be $200,328,365.

With the current favorable market conditions, interest

costs on these borrowings were much lower than what was originally projected. As a result, AGSD will save almost $15.5 million over the life of the bonds compared to the November 2018 estimate.

The tax millage required to support the project has also

declined correspondingly, dropping 15 percent from the original projection of 2.86 mills to 2.43 mills.

In addition, because interest rates are so low, AGSD also refinanced an older bond series. This resulted in further savings of $234,063 for the district.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries PATRICIA A. DUNGEY Patricia A. Dungey, age 79, of Avondale, passed away at her residence on Feb. 20 with the Bayada Hospice loving care team of Shawn, Anna and Kaleigh caring for her.

She was the wife of Ronald A. Dungey, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Thomas P. Gallagher and the late Anna Gavin Gallagher.

She was a nurse’s aide at Camilla Hall at Immaculata University in Malvern, Pa., retiring in 2004, after 14 years of loving service.

She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale and the Kennett Area Senior Center.

She enjoyed making greeting cards and being with her son and grandchildren and her friends at the Kennett Area Senior Center.

In addition to her husband Ronald A. Dungey, she is survived by her son, Ronald A. Dungey, Jr. and his wife Nicole and three grandchildren, Madaline Dungey, Julianna Dungey and Connor Dungey.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

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

Obituary submissions 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.

REV. DR. RICHARD JOSEPH KIRK, SR. The Rev. Dr. Richard Joseph (“Dick”) Kirk, Sr. passed away on Feb. 21. He was an 89-year-old resident of Kennett Square.

He is reunited in spirit with the two great loves of his life; the late Joyce Kirk, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage and the late Jan Kirk, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage.

He was born on Aug. 30, 1931 in Trenton, N.J. to the late Richard Alexander Kirk and Jane (Golden) Kirk.

Dick graduated from Princeton University in 1953 with a bachelor of science degree with honors. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from General Theological Seminary, a Master of Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Theological Seminary.

He served as an Episcopal priest in parishes in New Jersey, New York, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. He was the Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square for 17 years until his retirement in 1996.

After retirement, he continued to work as a Parish Supply Priest for Advent and other churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He also continued to be active in organizational development and Parish Consulting through The Alban Institute. Through the years, he was involved in the United Way in Kennett Square and served on the Kendal Communities board. He passionately continued teaching and taking classes at the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware.

Dick was an athlete and sports fan, rowed crew for Princeton, was an avid swimmer and lifeguard, and played tennis regularly to the age of 84. He had season tickets to watch Princeton football every year, bringing his children and grandchildren with him.

JOHN W. WALKER John W. Walker passed away on Feb. 15.

John was born in Wilmington, Del. on March 31, 1936 to William Walker and Anna Small.

John lived in Oxford for the past 30 years and previously lived in the Newark, Del. area where he worked at Chrysler for many years and then retired in 1985. Before Chrysler, he was in the U.S. Navy, was a veteran of the Korean War, and travelled the world.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Lois Walker.

He leaves behind his children, Valerie Ward, Charles Walker, Connie Wood, Jerry Gillespie, Jim Gillespie, and Jannell Perkins, as well as 13 grandchildren, 18 greatgrandchildren, and two sisters.

John will be remembered for his outgoing, humorous disposition. He was quick with funny quips and laughter. He was always willing to help others.

Funeral services will be private and held at a future date.

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

Alleluia For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.

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Dick leaves a legacy of a life well lived. He raised his children to be independent and follow their own paths.

Through his ministry, he touched the lives of countless others as teacher, counselor, and mentor. Richard was a man of a deeply abiding faith in God yet also a man of science. For him, the two were never in conflict. He approached his own mortality with confidence in a better life to follow.

Dick is survived by his two sons, Richard Joseph Kirk, Jr. (Susanna) of Newark Del. and Michael David Kirk (Elaine) of Kennett Square; his two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Kirk and Anne Catherine Kirk both of Coatesville; two stepsons, Michael Mogavero (Val) of Thornton, Pa. and Dee Mogavero of Philadelphia; ten grandchildren, Sherri (Bryan), Fred, Arion, Justin (Rachel), Briana (Chris), Matthew (Naty), Sarah, Lex, Lauren, and Brandon; four great grandchildren Jake, Tori, Alex and Max; and his brother Karl Langlotz Kirk (Jeannine) of Elyria, Ohio.

The family asks that you hold them gently in your hearts for in the warm thoughts and prayers of friends and family they will find solace and peace.

A memorial service celebrating Rev. Kirk’s life at the Episcopal Church of the Advent will be scheduled for late summer.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Richard’s funeral service at the Episcopal Church of the Advent will be private. He will be laid to rest next to his wife Joyce at Union Hill Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to: The Episcopal Church of the Advent, (in memo list “Capital Fund”) 401 N. Union St. Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

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

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

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Chester County Press

Obituaries JOHN A. ARRELL John A. Arrell, or “Jack” as he was affectionately known, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at his home in New London, Pa. on Feb. 20. He was 87.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sara Ann Montgomery Arrell, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.

Born 1933 in Upper Darby, Pa., Jack was the son of the late Samuel H. Arrell and the late Francis E. Taylor Arrell.

Jack was a 1951 graduate of Haverford High School.

After graduation from high school, Jack proudly served his country as an active duty member of the U.S. Army from May 1953 to 1955. Jack worked at Bell Atlantic Telephone Company for 36 years until he retired on a Friday in 1991. During his career, he worked as a lineman and in several other positions, retiring as manager of all vehicles and buildings in the Eastern Region. Jack immediately started his second career the following Monday, working with the mushroom association for the Needham Companies with his son, Steven.

Jack quickly became a permanent employee, stepping in and addressing issues with the DEP, neighbors, and the township, allowing the owners to focus on the day-to-day operations of the business. Jack officially became general manager of the Needham Companies in 2002.

Jack has been involved with numerous organizations, served many years in leadership positions, and passionately served his local community in many capacities.

He was elected and served two terms on the Avon Grove School Board, handling the role of president for his last five years. Jack then served 18 years on the New London Township Board of Supervisors as vice chairman and chairman. Additionally, Jack served 15 years as the New London Township roadmaster.

Jack has served the residents of Chester County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a member of the Chester County Association of Township Officials for six years as vice president, then as president, and he was a member of the Southeastern Association of Township Officials. Jack has also served as the director on the Chester County Conservation District Board of Directors and was a member of the Chester County Emergency Drought Board. Jack was a board member for seven years on Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau and on the Chester County Conservation District Board from July 25, 1997 through June 20, 2019. During that time, Jack served as board chairman from 2001 to 2004 and vice chairman from 2007 to 2018. Jack also served on the Chester County Agriculture Development Council from 2009 to 2015.

Throughout his career, Jack has received numerous awards and citations. In 1998, Jack received an award for his participation in the Dirt and Gravel Road Task Force for the Conservation District. Jack was a proud member of the New London Masonic Lodge for 66 years and attended the Christian Life Center in New London, Pa. Jack’s greatest achievements were his family. He found great joy in spending time with his bride, including taking her shopping, going out to eat, and throwing holiday parties at the farm. Jack’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His fondest memories were taking his children and grandchildren to Walt Disney World multiple times and on various other vacations with the last trip being to Honolulu, Hawaii. Jack enjoyed raising beef cattle and sheep as well as crops on his family farm. Jack enjoyed the outdoors and loved to go hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to the annual rockfish fishing trip and crabbing with his sons, son-in-law, grandsons, and nephews.

Jack is survived by two sons, John A. Arrell, Jr. and his wife, Patrice of New London, Pa. and Robert B. Arrell and his wife, Kimberly of New London, Pa.; one daughter, Amy E. Coppock and her husband, Lawrence of New London, Pa; twelve grandchildren, John III, Ashley (William), Justin, Katie, Sean, Brandi, Taylor, Courtney, Ryan, Autumn and Taylor S.; as well as ten great grandchildren, Layla, Sawyer, Talon, Victoria, Riley, Skylar, Maci, Baylee, Brynn, and Bryce.

Jack was predeceased by one son, Steven Arrell; and two brothers, Samuel Arrell and Robert Arrell.

Services are private due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks contributions be made to Chester County Hospital Foundation, Abramson Cancer Center, 701 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380 or online at www.cchosp.com/onlinegiving.asp or to the Pennsylvania Conservation District online at www. pacd.org.

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

Arrangements are being handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.

JOHN KING STRODE John “Jack” King Strode, a resident of Kalispell, MT passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, 2020, at the age of 79. He will be missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Jack grew up in Avondale, the son of the late Tom and Louise Strode. He was a member of the Avondale Presbyterian Church.

In his youth, Jack was involved in the Boy Scouts of America where his dedication earned him the honored Eagle Scout award. Starting with Little League baseball as a young boy, Jack’s love of sports continued throughout his lifetime. A stellar athlete, he played baseball, soccer and basketball at Avon Grove High School and went on to play Division I athletics at West Chester University, where he was a member of the national championship soccer team. Jack was inducted into the West Chester University Athletic Hall of Fame.

After graduating college with a degree in education, Jack’s athleticism carried on to his professional life.

He played semi-professional baseball in Wilmington, Del., then taught physical education and coached athletic teams at Oxford Area High School in Oxford.

Challenging and inspiring young athletes was Jack’s dream job.

Jack was multi-talented and honed his carpentry and woodcarving hobbies as well. Gifted with a sharp eye for design, he had an ability to create something beautiful from something ordinary. He even built his first home, which his family fondly dubbed “the house that Jack built.” He also won awards for his bird carvings, well-known for their beauty and precision to detail.

Jack’s passion for meeting people sparked a career change as a car salesman in Wilmington. Later, his love of nature and wildlife called him westward to the mountains of Montana. He marveled daily at his view of Flathead Lake and the mountains of Glacier National Park. His final days were spent connecting with loved ones and expressing gratitude for the natural beauty surrounding him. Jack’s spirit rests in peace within that beauty.

Jack Strode is survived by his four children, Mark Strode (and wife Lisa) of California, Amyla Lavric of North Carolina, Scott Strode (and wife Kaitlin) of Colorado, and Emily Ng (and husband James) of New York; as well as seven grandchildren; his sister, Judy Strode Young (and husband Tommy) of Pennsylvania; brother Tom Strode (and wife Peggy) of Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) in support of those with mental health needs — a cause meaningful to Jack and his family.

MARGHERITA CHIABRERA LOVISA Margherita Chiabrera Lovisa passed away while at home on Feb. 19. She was 101.

Her life story began when she was born on Jan. 31, 1920 in Sanpierdarena (Genoa), Italy, to Guglielmo and Maria Giuseppina Chiabrera. For the first few years of her life, she was wet-nursed and raised by the wonderful Doglio family of Ponti (Piemonte), who had seven children of their own. When she returned to the Chiabrera family, in their hometown of Rivalta Bormida (Piemonte), she grew up with her six brothers and sisters.

She considered herself very lucky to have two families in her life who loved her. She remained close to her siblings and the Doglio children throughout her life, always corresponding and visiting during her trips back to Italy.

After graduating from school, she worked in Genoa and in France. She especially enjoyed working for the glamorous Beaumonts of the Villa Eilenroc, Cap D’Antibes, who were neighbors to the Duke of Windsor. Unfortunately, with the Nazis invading France, she was advised that it was no longer safe on the French Riviera and so she returned to her native Italy.

Margherita embarked on another life journey when she married Luigi Lovisa in June of 1948. She returned with him to the U.S. through Ellis Island, settling in Kennett Square where they owned their own mushroom farm. She dedicated herself to caring for her husband,,raising two daughters, and helping with her grandsons. She was a great Italian cook and her pasta with pesto and meat raviolis were the best.

Margherita and her husband celebrated 54 years of marriage before he passed in 2002.

A reserved, quiet person, she believed in a life of moderation. The key to a happy life, she said, is to live in the moment, not thinking of the past, and not worrying about the future.

She will be forever missed by her loving daughters, Wilma Illgas and Irene Lovisa-Pucci, and by her cherished grandsons, Michael and Joseph Illgas. She was predeceased by her siblings, Biagio, Caterina (Francescon), Pietro, Ester (Testa), Manlio and Giselda (Pesce).

Her funeral mass was held on Feb. 27 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square, and was followed by burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, Mass. 02241-7005.

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

SUSAN SCOTT It is with great sadness that the family of Susan Scott (nee Brown) announces her passing on Feb. 23 after a long battle with Frontotemporal Dementia.

She is survived by her husband Dave Scott; her sons, Andy Scott (and partner Mariel) and Matt Scott (and wife Jenn); her granddaughter, Olivia; and her father, Peter Brown.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Iris Brown and brother, John Brown.

Susan was born in Oldham, England on March 28, 1953 and moved to Bermuda at age ten when her father transferred there for work. After graduation from high school, Susan returned to London, England where she trained as a radiographer at Guy’s Hospital, London, one of the premier teaching hospitals in the UK. Susan then worked in York, England where many of her family resided. In 1977 Susan returned to Bermuda and took up a position at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in the X-ray and nuclear medicine department. Susan later moved to the Bermuda TB, Cancer and Health Association handling the X-ray and mammography department.

In October 1988, Susan emigrated to Wilmington, Del. with her husband Dave as his company transferred its operations to the U.S. from Bermuda. The family moved to Kennett Square in 2000 after the family had done a five-year posting in London, England. In the U.S., Susan was very involved with her church activities, first at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Del., then at Saints Andrew and Matthew Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Del. and finally at Church of the Advent Episcopal Church in Kennett Square.

Susan devoted much of her time volunteering for local charities, particularly Adopt-A-Family, Delaware Women’s Shelter, the Salvation Army Addiction Program and St. David’s Nursery School.

Susan enjoyed raising her family, particularly with the amount of business travel her husband Dave was required to do. She also enjoyed traveling with the family to many spots around the world, providing her sons with early experiences of alternate life styles to those in the U.S. Susan also enjoyed gardening, the beach, boating and was a keen runner and then a daily walker, putting in a good nine miles a day.

The family particularly would like to thank the Adult Senior Care Center staff in Kennett Square who took care of Susan during the day each Monday to Friday in the early part of her illness, as well as the staff at Sunrise Nursing Home located in Westtown when she required more extensive care than the family could provide at home. In both cases, the level of care provided was outstanding.

A private service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Advent at a date to be determined with interment of her ashes in the church Memorial Garden. A public memorial Service will be announced for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in Susan’s name to: The Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N. Union St. Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100). To view Susan’s online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

ROBERT A. MASSEY Robert A. Massey, age 86, of West Grove, passed away at Twin Pines Health Care Center on Feb. 22. He was the husband of Louise Greer Massey, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Embreeville, Pa., he was the son of the late John C. Massey, Sr. and the late Helen Smith Massey.

Bob was a truck driver and last worked at Chester County Beverage in Kennett Square.

He attended the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church.

Bob was the West Grove Lions Club citizen of the year in 2005.

Bob was a life member and longtime fire police officer of the Avondale Fire Company. He started his fire service in 1952 as a member of the West Grove Fire Company and later joined the Avondale Fire Company in 1977. Through the years Bob and his wife Louise have received many awards, including the Fire Police of the Year from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Fire Police of the Year from Chester County, the Top 10 Responder Award and many others. Bob was a familiar sight to see at every fire call, regardless of the time of day. He will be missed by his many friends in the fire service and by his family.

He was a member of the Pennsylvania Fire Police Association and a member and past Commissioner of the Chester County Fire Police Association.

In addition to his wife Louise, he is survived by one daughter Diane M. Cole and her husband Steve, Sr. of Toughkenamon, Pa.; one grandson, Steve Cole, Jr. and his wife Nichole of Toughkenamon, Pa and two greatgrandchildren, Brandon Cole and Brittnee Cole.

He was predeceased by one brother, John C. Massey, Jr. and two sisters, Kathryn Matson and Beatrice Messimer.

Bob’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Twin Pines Health Care Center and Willow Tree Hospice for the excellent care given to him.

The funeral service was held on March 1 at the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

Burial will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avondale Fire Co., 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, Pa.19311.

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

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

Chester County Press

Legals

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE: The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 325 E. Baltimore Pike- To hear the appeal of Felipe Cortes for a variance to build a two (2) bay garage, using part of the existing foundation, next to residence (321 E. Baltimore) which does not meet the 100’ setback.

This property is in the Industrial (I) District. . William Grandizio, Chairman, Zoning Hearing Board 2p-24-2t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

ESTATE OF Michael J Guerrera, LATE OF East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA. Letters Testamentary/

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Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to, Executor: Margaret McNair, C/O Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 2p-24-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE: The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 284 Chatham Road- To hear the appeal of Jack & Helga Vaalburg for a special exception to from 27-1605 build a single family residence, and detached outbuilding in the steep slope overlay district. This property is in the Agricultural Preservation (AP) District.

William Grandizio, Chairman, Zoning Hearing Board.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Richard D. Terry, Susan Fulton Glass, and Sandra Fulton Day, Co-Executor/ Executrices for the Estate of Lucille H. Fulton, whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 1936 3p-03-3t

NOTICE OF COURT ACTION

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA , COUNTY OF ANDERSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, DEPARTMENT OF SO-

CIAL SERVICES, Plaintiff, vs. Nicole Nash, Devontae Cold , Eric Dean: Defendants IN THE INTEREST OF: Minor Child Born in 2013, Minor Child Born in 2011, MINOR(S) UNDER THE AGE OF 18. IN THE FAMILY COURT, TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, 2019-DR-04-671 SUMMONS, NOTICE OF HEARING, EXPLANATION OF THE RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY. Non-Emergency Removal Action TO: DEFENDANT YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and you are not required to answer the complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served upon you and to serve a copy of your answer upon Plaintiff through its attorney at Anderson County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 827, Anderson, South Carolina 29622, within thirty (30) days from the date of service, and if you fail to answer the complaint, Plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the complaint. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED pursuant to S. C. Code Ann. §63-7-1620 (2) (Supp. 2008), that you have a right to legal counsel in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford legal representation, counsel will be appointed to you by the Family Court upon verification of your financial need. A Financial Declaration may be obtained from the Anderson County Clerk of Court’s office and should be submitted to the Court ten (10) days after these proceedings are served on you. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that: (1) the guardian ad litem (GAL) who is appointed by the court in this action to represent the best interests of the children will provide the family court with a written report that includes an evaluation and assessment of the issues brought before the court along with recommendations; (2) the GAL’s written report will be available for review twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the hearing; (3) you may review the report

at the GAL Program county office. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, KATHRYN LOVE HARDEN, S.C. BAR NO.: 103217, PO BOX 827, ANDERSON, SC 29622-0827, (864) 260-4100, ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF, Dated: February 24, 2021, Anderson, South Carolina 3p-03-3t

BID NOTICE

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE RESURFACING AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2021 FOR PENN TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PA PROPOSALS will be received online via the PennBID Program by the Board of Supervisors, Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania until 2:00 P.M., Prevailing Time, on Thursday, April 1, 2021 for the following: _The bid consists of: Reconstructing Pusey Mill Road from W. Baltimore Pike to Route 1 overpass, mill 11” depth 4’ wide and place 6” 2A + 4” 25mm base course to widen roadway on north side 2’ width and match existing curb (180’ x 4’) 80 S.Y. Mill and fill 6” 25mm base repair (1,050’ x 4’) 467 S.Y. Mill remaining surface 1 ½” depth (1,510’ x 21’) 3,523 S.Y. Provide and place 1” 9.5 mm leveling course (1,050’ x 21’) 3,523 S.Y. Provide and place 1 ½” 9.5 mm wearing course (1,510’ x 21’) 3,523 S.Y. 4” double yellow center line and one stop bar. _ Reconstructing Pusey Mill Road from township line to bridge, mill 11” depth 4’ wide and place 6” 2A + 4” 25mm base course on both sides of the road to go from 17’ wide to 20’ wide roadway (1360’ x 4’) 604 S.Y. Mill remaining surface 1 ½” depth (680’ x 13’) 982 S.Y. Provide and place 1” 9.5 mm leveling course (680’ x 20’) 1,511 S.Y. Provide and place 1 ½” 9.5 mm wearing course (680’ x 20’) 1,511 S.Y. 4” double yellow center line 680 L.F.

NEED A HANDRAIL?

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Graydie Welding at sdehs@aol.com

or call Brian Bachman at 302-753-0695 www.graydiewelding.com

_ Reconstructing W. Ewing Road from Route 796 to Lewis Road, mill surface 1 ½” depth (3,140’ x 20’) 6,978 S.Y. Mill and fill 6” 25mm base repair (1000’ x 4’) 445 S.Y. Provide and place 1” 9.5 mm leveling course (3,140’ x 20’) 6,978 S.Y. Provide and place 1 ½” 9.5 mm wearing course (3,140’ x 20’) 6,978 S.Y. 4” double yellow center line and two stop bars. _ Reconstructing Woodcrest Road from Woodview Rd to E. Ewing Road, mill surface 1 ½” depth (2,625’ x 18’) 5,250 S.Y. Mill and fill 6” 25mm base repair (300’ x 4’) 133 S.Y. Provide and place 1” 9.5 mm leveling course (2,625’ x 18’) 5,250 S.Y. Provide and place 1 ½ ” 9.5 mm wearing course (2,625’ x 18’) 5,250 S.Y. 4” double yellow center line 2,625 L.F. All Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud by the Township at 2:15 P.M. Prevailing Time, on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the Penn Township Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Copies of the Form of Proposal and Specifications are available at no cost at www.PennBID.net beginning Friday, March 5, 2021. Each Bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the form of a bid bond or certified check in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid made payable to the order of the Penn Township. Each bid must be accompanied by a signed commitment of the proposed surety offering to execute a Performance Bond, as well as the Letter of Intent, and Non-Collusion Affidavit. All Bidders must be prequalified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. All Forms and Papers required to accompany the bid must be up-loaded to PennBID prior to the date and time bids are to be received.

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Contractor’s Performance Bond and a Labor and Materialmen’s Bond in an amount of the accepted bid. The Surety Company and form of surety shall be subject to the approval of Penn Township. The Bond Company should have no less than an “A” rating (Best Rating) and provide documentation of their authority to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, the Bond should be provided without a reinsurer. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within sixty (60)

days after the date set for the receiving and opening of bids. Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates will apply to this project, in addition to any and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations. Penn Township reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or parts thereof for any cause whatsoever. By Order of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, Karen Versuk, MBA, PhD Director of Operations 3p-03-2t

INCORPORATION NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation for a Corporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating a business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988. The name of the corporation is Bow & Stern, Inc. 45 N Main Street #6105 Phoenixville PA 19460, and was filed by Cheyenne Moseley, Legalzoom.com, Inc. 9900 Spectrum Drive, Austin, TX 78717.

3p-03-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Florence Brown, also known as Florence Graham Brown, late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Florence Brown 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: Joel Brown, Co- Executor Gerald Brown, Co-Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381 3p-03-3t

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News The Chester County Coroner’s Office reports seven fatalities related to winter weather The Chester County Coroner’s Office has investigated seven winter weather-related fatalities so far this year. Hypothermia caused or contributed to the deaths of six Chester County residents. Four persons were found outdoors and two died inside homes with inadequate or no heat. Ages of these decedents ranged from 59 to 87, and all but one were male.

Alcohol intoxication played a role in one death, while pre-existing conditions such as heart disease or dementia, were present in others.

As previously reported, Gordon Owen, 81, of West Grove, was found deceased outdoors after a two-day

missing person search. His cause of death was coronary artery disease with contributing factors of cold exposure and dementia, and the manner of death was accidental.

Carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death in a seventh weather-related fatality. Jorge Luis Vilella, 19, of Kennett Township, was found deceased in his vehicle on Jan. 11 after being reported missing several days earlier. The manner of death was ruled accidental with no indication of suicide. Vilella appeared to have been running his car to keep warm, but modifications made to the car allowed carbon monoxide to get into the vehicle. After toxico-

logical testing determined in the elderly. We also urge ways to keep warm as they from fire or carbon monoxcarbon monoxide poison- people to avoid using risky can result in fatal outcomes ide poisoning.” ing as the cause of death, Kennett Township Police Department and the Chester County Hazardous Materials Response Team tested the vehicle. Replicating the conditions under which Vilella had been found, fatal levels Courtesy photos of carbon monoxide accuGirl Scouts from mulated within 30 minutes.

Brownie Troop 4745, “The past weeks have second graders from seen more weather-related Greenwood Elementary, deaths than usual across the brought a little country, and Chester County Valentine’s love to the residents of the Friends has not been spared,” said Home in Kennett. The Chester County Coroner girls worked hard to Dr. Christina VandePol. make 60 heart frames “Sadly, these are preventand sing songs to the able deaths, but hypothermia residents while masked can set in very quickly in and outside on this the kind of weather we’ve chilly Valentine’s Day. had this winter, especially

Brandywine Valley Service Unit Girl Scouts serenade residents at the Friends Home in Kennett

WCU and Bryn Mawr Respiratory Care program earns prestigious award for excellence The West Chester University and Bryn Mawr Hospital Respiratory Care Program has been named a recipient of the 2021-2022 Apex Recognition Award by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

The program is among an elite group of only eight respiratory care educational programs from across the U.S. to receive this award.

In conjunction with Bryn Mawr Hospital, WCU offers a bachelor of science degree in Respiratory Care. Students train to become respiratory care professionals through the unique partnership of an

institution of higher learning and a well-respected teaching hospital.

Respiratory Care professionals, who work to evaluate, treat, educate, and care for patients with breathing disorders, have become particularly crucial in the care and treatment of COVID-19 patients. As COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, respiratory therapists provide vital critical care to these patients through ventilator management and with helping to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. In addition to the vital part they play in

the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists also work with infants as young as 23 weeks old who suffer from incomplete lung development as well as adults who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) such as emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis.

In her award letter, Shawna Strickland, associate executive director of AARC, said, “This Respiratory Care Program has demonstrated best practices in educating our future practitioners and promotes patient safety by providing access to

respiratory therapists to deliver their care. It is outstanding work like this that inspired the AARC Board of Directors to develop this award.”

“I am grateful to be surrounded by such talented faculty who are dedicated to providing a superior educational experience to our students,” said Brian Kellar, Respiratory Care Program Director.

“Although all program faculty played a significant role in the process, it is worthy of acknowledging Professor Alexa Moran ’16 for her untiring efforts in orches-

trating the process and ultimately submitting the application and Dr. [David S.] Prince for assisting us with meeting requirements, while also caring for his COVID-19 patients in the ICU.” As many current respiratory therapists are approaching retirement age, there will be a noticeable decrease in the number of respiratory therapists in the profession while the demand, as a result of COVID-19 and many other factors, continues to increase. The time is ideal for individuals interested in working in healthcare to

enter a profession that inevitably results in an extremely rewarding career.

The Apex Recognition Award recognizes facilities for their commitment to excellence in professional development, evidence-based care, patient safety, patient satisfaction, and quality improvement in five categories: acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, home medical equipment (HME) companies, educational programs, and dedicated transport teams. The full list of Apex recipients can be found on the AARC website.

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021