Chester County Press 03-15-2023 Edition

Kennett Square residents protest plan to sell borough-owned parking lot

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Citizen comments concerning a proposed sale of the Church Alley parking lot dominated the first hour of Kennett Square Borough Council’s March 8 meeting.

Many of those comments centered on the council’s announced intention to vote on the selling of the property at 108 Church Alley to the prospective buyers of the current Kennett Library building.

The news broke after the Monday, March 6 meeting

that the council intended to vote on Wednesday to put it up for sale, accommodating the desire of the potential buyers of the present library building.

The Church Alley lot is adjacent to the about-to-beabandoned library as well at the U.S. Post Office, the former borough building and the American Legion. A positive vote by the council would enable the borough to put the lot up for sale, particularly to the potential buyers of the present library building.

It was clear, however, that

as the word spread around the borough, many residents and business owners were not happy with that proposal. In fact, the opposition was so loud that council member Bob Norris proposed, and had approved, a motion to remove the vote from the evening’s agenda.

Still, residents had their say as they lined up to give their opinions.

Kennett Square American Legion Post 491 spokeswoman Vicki Dash-Slesinski led the procession to the podium, making the case for keeping the parking lot pub-

Oxford Borough officials discuss Active Transportation Plan

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The official kick-off meeting for the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was held on March 6 before the Borough Council meeting. The ATP is a supplement to Oxford’s soon-tobe completed Comprehensive Plan. The two documents, combined, will shape policy and identify strategies for implementing infrastructure improvements to enhance sidewalk and trail connectivity, ADA accessibility, public transportation and the borough’s overall multimodal transportation network.

Between March and September of this year, the Borough of Oxford will work with McMahon, a transportation engineering, planning and design firm, to assess existing conditions in the borough and identify ways to improve their multimodal infrastructure. This project is funded in large part by a $25,000 WalkWorks grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

Anthony Valencia and Brian Donovan from McMahon

lic and open. She spoke on behalf of the post members, many of them elderly and partially disabled who use the parking lot for meetings.

“They would have to park in the garage and walk down the hill,” she said.

Slesinski added that taking away the parking lot for members could actually lead to decreased membership and lessen the services the legion provides to the borough.

OUR LENS

Penn Township officials discuss a new driveway entrance for Jenner’s Commons

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Contributing Writer

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors met on March 1, and on the agenda was a plan for a new driveway entrance at Jenner’s Commons.

The land development plan submitted for Jenner’s Commons would add a new driveway accessing onto Waltman Way. The additional access point would

be in line with the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru lane so that cars at the drive-thru could go straight ahead onto Waltman Way. A ‘no right turn’ proposed by the township would stop cars from turning to drive through the parking lot, passing stores and a day care center.

The board approved the preliminary plan, conditioned on an acceptable easement agreement between the shopping center and the

Avon Grove School District, which owns Waltman Way, an access road to the new Avon Grove High School.

Final plan approval will still be needed, after the school district has approved the easement. This approval does not include any other changes to the existing shopping center or currently vacant pad sites.

The board denied a waiver request to combine preliminary and final plans into

one submission to speed the approval process.

“There is no such thing as a preliminary-final plan in Penn Township,” said Victor Mantegna, the chair of the board of supervisors.

The board is also cautious about conditioning approval on the easement agreement when there has not been official approval from the school board.

“No one knows how the board will act until that

From checkers to chess:

(March 23 school board) meeting,” Mantegna explained.

In other business, the township is now advertising for bids for the next phase of the Penn Township Sports Park. May 18 is tentatively set as the date for groundbreaking ceremonies for both the sports park and a new emergency services building at 863 W. Baltimore Pike.

Looking at the upcoming

HYIQ Basketball taking root

Through personal and group training and a successful recreation league, former Kennett High School star has already helped develop nearly 300 young players, from kindergarten to college

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

For most young athletes, being the youngest in a family of other athletes is a burden of deficiency, a constant but fruitless climb up an invisible ladder that forever falls a rung beneath those who have come before them.

On the small but full basketball court that stood just outside Hyland’s boyhood bedroom in Avondale, he spent endless hours as the beneficiary of an automatic two-on-two family game –the three Hyland brothers and their father, Steven.

John Wooden,

In the early life of Jackson Hyland, now 26, having two older brothers served as an advantage and a privilege.

“Being the youngest, it was more about fitting into my brothers’ activities, rather than trying to be

them,” Hyland said. “It was focused on trying to beat my brother Spencer and be able to compete with his friends and not feel like the outcast or the younger brother because he has to be, but to be valued in the competition. I tried to remain on the same level as them, with no handouts.”

It was on that court that Hyland began to love the

game of basketball – a journey that led him from CYO and recreational leagues, and then to success at the high school and college levels. Using this same infectious admiration for the sport, Hyland has rolled that emotion into HYIQ, a basketball training company he launched in 2020 that has already attracted nearly 300

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

An audience of more than 300 attended the 13th Annual Sportsman’s Event, held on March 11 at the Christian Life Center in London Township. The banquet, which included door prizes and raffles, was highlighted by an address from the groups’ founder Steve Shuster, titled, “Success to Significance.”

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

legendary basketball coach

Holly Peters, whose store, Holly Peters Oriental Rugs, also sits adjacent to the

Photo by Chris Barber

The Church Alley parking lot in Kennett Square is adjacent to the U.S. Post Office, the American Legion building, Holly Peters Oriental Rugs, the current Kennett Library and the former borough building.

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HYIQ...

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young players who want to either improve their game or join in the fun of playing with teammates.

Tailored to local male and female players from kindergarten to college, HYIQ is committed to sharing, teaching and training in order to guide each player to partner his or her skills with the development of self-confidence, both on and off the floor.

At HYIQ, players of varying degrees of talent and experience receive Hyland’s teaching and evaluation through workouts; skills and drills designed to improve shooting, footwork, defense and in-game decision making; opportunities to work alongside other players in pick-up games; and drilled repetition, game-speed competition and the use of film and video technology to monitor progress.

Oxford Borough...

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Associates explained the concept of the plan to Borough Council.

Active Transportation Planning (ATP) is defined as any human-powered way of transportation, and includes biking, walking or rolling, and also includes addressing access to public transportation, due to the fact that many people will use a humanpowered method of getting to a bus stop. Ultimately, the use of active transportation often replaces or reduces the amount of motor vehicles one the road.

Oxford is already a very walkable community and for the most part residents can

The cerebral feel for the game

There is another component of Hyland’s teaching that is at the core of HYIQ: learning the mental aspects of the game -- skills that when developed can become the intangible that sets a player apart from his or her peers. For Hyland, his early guidepost for appreciating the headier components of the game came from watching Hall of Famer and three-time NBA MVP Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics.

“I idolized Bird for the cerebral feel he brought to the game,” he said. “He wasn’t the most athletic player on the court, but his high basketball IQ gave off a sense that he was playing chess when everyone else was playing checkers. He also had a way of making his teammates better to the point where they won big games and several championships.”

The teaching platform of

walk or roll many places. The ability to walk, bike or wheel somewhere: lowers fuel consumption and costs, reduces congestion, vehicle emissions and air pollution; and facilitates opportunities to exercise and socialize.

Walking, biking, and other forms of human-powered mobility improve overall health, well-being and quality of life in the borough.

By developing an Active Transportation Plan, the borough will have a structured, facilitated means to identify and discuss the needs of the Oxford community and gaps in multimodal connectivity.

McMahon will help the borough identify projects and policies that will improve the infrastructure and make

Jenner's Commons...

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calendar, Penn Township will hold a shredding event on May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be two Easter Egg Hunts at the park this year. The main event will be held on Friday, March 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. including food trucks a DJ and more. A second Sensory Friendly Egg Hunt will be held Friday, March 24, organized by the Avon Grove High School Best Buddies Club.

HYIQ also takes its inspiration to Hyland’s personal success on the court, which after attending several camps and clinics, began to blossom at Kennett High School, where he was a three-year starter for the Blue Demons, served as team captain and scored more than 1,200 points during his career. After graduation, he attended West Chester University, where under head coach Damien Blair he scored more than

walking, biking and wheeling through the borough more safe and convenient.

The borough will also identify where public transportation services are needed most and how they can work with their regional partners to improve access to public and shared transportation services. An adopted ATP will identify and prioritize projects to improve connectivity and outline strategies to fund infrastructure improvements. It will also make the borough more competitive when applying for grants.

Valencia and Donovan discussed how best to get the community involved in the plan. Both emphasized that the plan should reflect and address the needs and desires of the community.

Valencia said, “We need and want the input of residents, business and property owners, and all of our community stakeholders.”

Donovan is hoping to work through local borough events or First Fridays to distribute information and surveys to the community.

“We will also hold several public meetings as well,” he explained. “It is important

1,400 career points, was honored twice as WCU’s men’s basketball Player of the Year, was named to the first team in the Pennsylvania State Athletic and Eastern College Athletic conferences and led the Golden Rams to three NCAA post-season appearances. After playing professionally in Plymouth, England in 2019, Hyland, who graduated from WCU with a marketing degree, returned

for the community to have a ‘buy-in’ in order for this to be successful.”

Interested persons can call 610-932-2500 for more information.

In other business, Carey Bresler, the director of the Oxford Library, told council that a bilingual book walk is being scheduled. Anyone interested in helping or donating is encouraged to call Bresler at 610-932-9625.

Council continues to work on the Subdivision and Land Development and Zoning Ordinances Revision.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said that it is a 12-to-15-month process.

Council President Kathryn Cloyd said the ACOLA (Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs) Working Group meeting was very well attended. A number of special event applications were approved. These include the following:

• A special event applications for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce for Movies in the Park for June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18. All movies will begin at 8:30 p.m.

• A special event applications for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce

to Chester County in January of 2020, just prior to the start of COVID-19. The formation of HYIQ, Hyland said, stemmed from the level of teaching that he himself did not have access to that some of his peers at WCU enjoyed. It wasn’t just the lack of availability to advanced training, there were no former college basketball players in the southern Chester County area who were sharing what

for the Covered Bridge Motorcycle Ride on May 21 with a rain date of June 4.

• A special event applications for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce for the Memorial Day Walk at 10 a.m. on May 29; and

• A special event applications for the Oxford

they knew with younger players.

“When I came back home, I began to think, ‘How can I give back, and develop something that I wish I had as a younger player?’” he said. “‘How can I put kids in a different position who love the game just as much as I do and put them in a place where they can learn more about how to become successful not just in basketball, but successful in life?’”

Presbyterian Church for the Apple Festival on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Council also approved a motion for an SSM proposal in the amount of $13,400 to update the borough’s stormwater ordinance in compliance with NPDES MS4 permit requirements.

Traffic study authorized in East Marlborough

By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer

The East Marlborough Township supervisors authorized a traffic study at an intersection where a Unionville High School junior was killed last month in a car crash. At the March 6 meeting, the supervisors unanimously approved a traffic study of Schoolhouse Road and Route 926 by township traffic engineer Herbert, Rowland, & Grubic Inc.

“I think it certainly warrants a study of the intersection by the traffic engineer to see what the options are,” said Robert McKinstry, the chairman of the township’s Board of Supervisors.

The board opened up the meeting with a moment of silence for UHS junior Seth Wagner, who was a passenger in a vehicle hit by a 64-year-old Chadds Ford woman on Feb. 9. Wagner was thrown from the vehicle and died, according to East Marlborough Police Chief Robert Clarke.

Clarke said there have been 15 reportable crashes, by PennDOT standards, at the intersection since 2011. A reportable crash means someone was injured and needed medical attention or was killed, or the vehicle was damaged so badly that it could not be driven away, according to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website (puc.pa.gov).

Eric Stump with HRG said the study would look at things like whether there were issues with sight distance or speeding, and at the traffic volumes and capacities of the roads. Route 926 is a state road, and Schoolhouse is a township road.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Former Kennett High School and West Chester University basketball player Jackson Hyland is the founder of HYIQ Basketball.

Additional photos by Sam Yothers Photography Begun in 2020 with ten players, HYIQ Basketball has already provided individual and group instruction –and league play – to nearly 400 young players.

As the pandemic began to settle in, Hyland looked at the same court he played on as a child. In April of 2020, he began HYIQ with an invitation he extended to ten young players to train there.

Three-on-three

Three years later, HYIQ has grown to include the formation of a three-on-three recreation league that just wrapped its latest 10-week season in February. Broken down into the Fundamental (4th and 5th graders), Competitive (6th and 7th graders), Advanced (8th and 9th graders) and Middle School girls divisions, the league has grown to more than 200 players.

“It’s a concept where kids can pick their own teammates or they can go to their buddies at school and formulate their own teams,” Hyland said. “After an hour, each player will have played three games. It has been so fun to see how much the players enjoy it, and how they get to replicate some of the moves they see when watching basketball on TV.

“I am here not only to get kids in this league to be better at the game, but also to give them experiences that they can take with them, whether they play in high school or college, or even if they don’t play later at all.”

The league is also catching the eye of some of the area’s youth basketball key stakeholders – parents.

“Jackson cares as deeply about the person as he does the player,” said Sean Harvey, the athletic director at Kennett High School and

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parking lot, presented a prepared statement.

Peters said that she recently polled local businesses about the proposal, and the representatives were almost unanimously against selling the parking lot.

Peters reiterated DashSlesinski’s point that it would hurt the membership of the American Legion, and said it would also affect the handicapped parking availability for the Mushroom Festival and other special events, as well.

Peters said the businesses in town have paid the borough – in her case $5,000 – for the parking spaces that they have access to.

Peters asked, “Why are we handing the parking facility to a private entity?”

Peters also mentioned that the needs for parking would increase with the coming sale of the Franklin Center on Broad Street, especially for people who use the post

Hyland provides individual instruction to a player who is looking to sharpen his basketball skills.

former basketball coach at Oxford Area High School, who also coaches in the HYIQ recreation league.

“He really gets to know the kids beyond basketball. He takes a genuine interest in getting to know what motivates them to be the best version of themselves which will lead to success for the players as well as his organization.”

“The Kennett Square area lacks decent public basketball courts, but through Jackson’s three-on-three league, HYIQ has brought a competitive, fun, and exciting basketball experience to this area,” said Kennett Square resident Chris Thompson. “My boys look forward to it all week long because they get to see and play with their friends from all of the surrounding communities.”

‘Goldfish Mentality’

For every player who comes to Hyland for coaching, there is a different reason for doing so. For some, it is eliminating flaws in a jump shot; for others, it is how to improve the necessary footwork to master a spin move.

office and for visitors to the new library down the street.

“We don’t need less parking. We need more. Don’t take a short sale that benefits one but not the other,” she said.

Kennett Library Trustee

Collis Townsend identified himself as the member of that board who is in charge of the sale. He was the only speaker at the meeting who expressed strong support for the borough selling the parking lot to the new owners of the library building.

“When the building was put for sale, it was the understanding that the parking lot will be for sale as well. …

The sale [of the old library] is contingent upon the buyer getting the lot,” he said.

He added that the company, which he did not name, “is willing to work with you to find a solution.”

Other speakers proposed alternatives like lease arrangements and the company providing parking garage contracts for their employees. One attendee

No matter the player, Hyland designs his teaching according to the person behind the player.

When Kennett Square resident Davis Bland first worked with Hyland in 2020, he was the first to do so. At the time, Bland was a junior at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, and his game suffered from a lack of selfconfidence, particularly when it came to shooting.

“Jackson taught me the ‘Goldfish Mentality,’ which says that if you miss a shot, forget what you’ve just done, similar to the way a goldfish forgets what it had experienced during its previous trip around a tank,” said Bland, who just wrapped up his freshman year at Washington College in Maryland, where he played Division III basketball. “Jackson encouraged me to forget my mistakes, because every player makes them. He taught me to trust my work, knowing that if I miss a shot that I have made thousands of times, I am going to make the next one.”

“Everyone has a different personality and a different response to coaching that makes them understand

at the meeting asked why the library had the authority to sell a parking lot that is owned by the borough.

On March 9, borough council president Doug Doerfler issued a press release on Facebook informing the public that the sale of the parking lot had been taken off the agenda for the March 8 meeting.

“Upon receiving feedback from residents and local business owners, the Council decided to pull this item from the agenda and the lot will not be listed for sale,” he wrote.

He did not say if the item would be revisited at a later date.

On other topics, several speakers asked for solutions to the noise and frequency of 19 musical concerts planned by the Flash for the coming summer. Another asked for the borough to provide a payment plan for residents who were unable to come up immediately with the increased property tax payment this year.

concepts and I maneuver that through who they are,” Hyland said. “Does one player need tough coaching, or does that person need more explanation? I have to look at that kid and build a relationship as a way to understand that this is where they are both as a basketball player and as a person, and it becomes a method of how I slowly move that needle to help them in whatever area they are struggling with.”

While the game of basketball has changed massively in the past several decades, it has done so at the risk of re-emphasizing its various components. Gone are the days when all five players touched the ball on a single possession or operated according to the principle of finding the open man; today’s game is powered more and more by individual accomplishments, as seen in the National Basketball Association.

“The time of possession at which a lot of the star players have control of the ball

has increased dramatically,”

Hyland said. “If you see Luca Doncic now, he has the ball in his possession for as often as 18 seconds. I think that when kids watch that, they think that is how effective basketball is played.

“I think that has hurt the value of a basic swing pass, because kids get caught with the ball in their hands, trying to decide individually what to do, and consequently, it slows down the time they can continue the flow of the offense.”

In his teaching approach, Hyland continues to stress good habits through repetition while also encouraging them not to lose sight of their individual identity.

“That’s where communication, trust and relationships become important,” he said.

“It’s being able to have a tough conversation with someone and tell them that it might be more productive for the team if you were to get the ball out of their hands and cut. You want to have kids look up to guys like

Doncic and Jason Tatum, but it’s also about explaining how they can take their individual skills to help their team out while continuing to keep their edge as individuals and find their own success.

“My goal is to continue to provide young players with events, training and leagues that give them a love for the game of basketball – to put these young men and women in a spot where they can use the game of basketball as a tool to continue to grow as a young man and a young woman and to be able to walk out of the gym and say, ‘I felt that someone wants the best for me.’”

To learn more about HYIQ Basketball – including individual and group training and three-on-three league play, visit www. hyiqbasketball.com, e-mail hyiqbasketball@gmail.com or call 610-715-0710.

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

HYIQ Basketball provides opportunities for players from fourth grade to the ninth grade to participate in a three-on-three league.

Madame Speaker, the gavel is now yours

Since it was first established as a commonwealth on Dec. 12, 1787, the state governance of Pennsylvania, while figuring prominently in the birth of the country, has served as a microcosm of what happens in the hallowed halls of legislation in every state in the nation.

While layered in decorum and ceremony, it is mostly a slow slog in the sausage making of that which creates a legal blueprint for how we live. With exceptions, it is beholden to the visionary whim of the dominant party and given the rigidity of its platform, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is rarely a site for inspiration, or reform.

On Feb. 28, that all changed.

On that day, State Rep. Joanna McClinton became the first woman – and

only the second AfricanAmerican, after K. Leroy Irvis -- to be chosen as speaker of the Pennsylvania House, ascending to the top position in the chamber on the strength of a one-vote Democratic majority.

“In my career, I’ve been blessed to achieve other ‘firsts’ in this chamber, and I am equally honored to serve as this historic body’s first woman speaker,” McClinton told her fellow assembly members after she was sworn in. “I stand before you today, humbled and honored to be elected your speaker, and most importantly, my election today makes me more hopeful about the future of our commonwealth and our communities.”

To anyone past or present whose voice for racial and gender equality may have rung hollow or finally been given traction, McClinton’s appointment signifies a triumph that took 250 years to

achieve, but now is not the time to re-open a book that has already absorbed thousands of dog-eared debates.

The deal is done; the African-American woman now has the gavel, and the focus of the House’s attention should be on the people of Pennsylvania, not on the fact that Democrats now own a sliver of a majority.

* * * *

Upon taking a deep dive into the key platforms of her political career, it would be wise of the House – both sides of it -- to parlay the hallmark of McClinton’s position by following her lead. She has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform and women’s health issues, and is a member of the Legislative Black Caucus, LGBTQ Equality Caucus, and Women’s Health Caucus. She helped introduce the K. Leroy Irvis Voting Rights

Act, a reflection of her commitment to strengthening the election process and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to the ballot box.

Elected officials in Harrisburg may also want to rip another page from McClinton's playbook and acquire the temerity to get angry in the name of the people they represent.

McClinton’s response to a Republican-led House bill last July, one that that asked Pennsylvanians to amend the state constitution to declare that a woman does not have a right to an abortion, may have been her finest hour.

“We’re talking about women dying!” McClinton said on the House floor.

“We’re talking about more than half the population not being able to make decisions — when not even half of this body has a uterus!”

The walls of the stodgy old House began to shake. McClinton was just getting

started.

“That’s what we’re talking about tonight,” she said.

“That's why these rules need to be suspended, because we don’t follow the rules in this body. Let the people back home know!

“But here we are, being silenced once again. Understand that when you silence us, we are actually elected officials like you are, so you’re silencing millions of voters from every corner of the commonwealth. When you silence us, and don’t allow us to amend bills that won’t let people vote, that don’t let women make decisions, you’re silencing all of us!”

Last November, McClinton excoriated the entire House.

“As an elected representative, I have watched this institution erode,” she said.

“The principles that define our House, that guided Benjamin Franklin to K. Leroy Irvis, are that of delib-

erate decency. They are that of respect and professionalism. They are that of collegiality, but as our politics have become polarized and our tenures shorter, our ability to see our colleagues as just that – colleagues – has disappeared.

“Rather than collaboratively working toward legislative solutions for the betterment of our entire commonwealth, too often we are looking for political victories rather than the policies that can lead to real progress.”

It should not have taken 250 years for the gavel of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to be taken up by an African-American woman, but as the reputation of that chamber to effect progressive change for the commonwealth hangs in the balance, that gavel could not be in better hands.

Realizing Slowly Westward in ’48 (California or Bust!)

By Marie-Louise Meyers

Not a horse-drawn covered wagon, but at times it might have seemed that way in our turtle-backed Dodge while convertibles sped by, and we were the only fly in the ointment on the open-roads of the West. Final destination, California! Yet another fast friend of Dad’s, Claus Jensen, forever known as the runner-up to Buster Crabb’s Tarzan. We met a “stuntman” through a contact for the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. What you assume as a child is not necessarily true for we were fans of the Old West movies. Oh the wonders of the Esso Roadmap which stretched across the driver’s seat to the back seats. Those wiggly squiggly red and black lines we too often got lost in when the tumbling tumbleweed crossed all intersecting lines derailing us. But mother had a penchant for traveling, fully imbibed Bing Crosby’s lilting lullaby, “Don’t Fence Me In.” Only she could actually put the folds back together in the map determined it would last the entire trip.

But still we were self-contained with two adults and two growing teenagers with our ancient desert ice box, a tin box with wet burlap thrown over it with clothing for a month. It was a cramped living and sleeping quarters stopping at state parks while mother slept under the steer-

ing wheel, Bob’s growing frame covered the back seat with a sleeping bag, I was in between over the ice box and suitcases while dad’s snoring on a picnic table awakened the Forest Primeval. No one will ever know what beasts visited him at night except he woke with a fright to find a moose sniffing and poking at his frozen form. I wondered at times whether it might have been safer for sure-footed pack animals to clamber over the steep rocky inclines, on the unstable rip rap that didn’t lay flat to Pike’s Peak, but Dad had a steady hand as he engineered to avoid the pitfalls of hurtling into the ravine below. It was as precarious as being held over the railing of the Empire State building with nothing to hang onto but Faith. We we’re bound not for glory but to tell our own story, enticing it and slicing it into meaningful segments, and along the way touching base with friends and relatives, and as a bonus get a chance to stretch our legs and sleep in safety.

Along the way we discovered how differently people behaved when the West became real with its plain spoken and rough mountain men of Appalachia, who would dance and fiddle, but moved very little even with a tip to fill up our gas tank for those rigid, buttoned up Easterners, but they didn’t know Dad, still his erudite

words stirred Phony in them, and mother was a furriner. Leaving the fog-encased Old Smokey behind, till the Far West opened up its mountainous appeal exploding with snow, enough to throw snowballs on the Fourth of July.

The highlight of our trip was in Elko, outside of Reno, Nevada, where my cousin in the Waves married into a Basque cattle rancher family where the many-partied phone allowed us to hear Bing Crosby sing when he thought we were listening for his was the next ranch just over the hill which meant miles away, but close enough for him to participate in local rodeos. They called themselves Buckeroos, not cowboys, and they tamed mustangs, set me astride on a seventeen hand horse, who had a penchant no matter how hard I tried to direct him to turning back galloping to the barn But I learned long ago to hold on for dear life you never knew what was expected of you with a brother like Bob, who made me the butt of most of his pranks. I was forced to hold the doggy in check while he tried to lasso it, but he got his pay-back when they assigned him to Nina, a horse who would rather buck than buckle under any novice. I had to stifle a laugh when she reared up, but dumped him somewhere the jackrabbits roamed, but they found him intact when they

went out hunting for dinner.

All was forgotten when we sat down on a picnic table for fresh meat while the wind mill furnished the power and light or when we explored a silver mine, they all had an interest in, born gamblers, and we thought of the movie we just saw “The Lost Dutchman’s Mine” which starred Glenn Ford when we stopped at an oasis until the desert heat subsided. We visited a line shack where some men holed up in the winter to prevent the cattle from starving. It was near Rattlesnake Canyon, I remember how every move seemed an early warning system with the clicking and clacking like beans in a pod.

Yellowstone was sheer entertainment from the time we entered with Old Faithful going off on the hour like a stop watch chasing any travel blues away; where the begging bears kept watch for another innocent driver -by, who might have a tasty morsel or two to share. Even the bison seemed at peace as long as we didn’t venture too near, just enough to take a snap shot with our Kodak. We soon learned the signs of awareness when they looked up and breathed our scent, it was time to scurry back to the car and make our get away.

On and off through the South along the way, we stopped for a dip in a pond, where water moccasins were known to hide in the roots

of cypress. Lake Mead like a steam bath compared to Tahoe which was instant freeze or Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The concept of foreigners came up again when we entered Canada on the way home via Niagara Falls where mother made the mistake of admitting to be born in Hannover, Germany which was enough for the Inspector to say, “not so fast’ and we spent the day unloading while he checked out every last minute detail of our trip including unmentionables, and then we spent the rest of the day packing up again.

Waiting forever it seemed, we would have been happy to escape any which way we could from the scrutiny regardless of our dream of seeing the Falls.

O M G Mother was right about everything: The trip was magnificent in a way we could never have imagined, except from photos with spectacular views, but the down-to-earth people as well, so different from us. While the Northeast had opened up after the War, promising employment in industry for everyone, the South was divided still, closed down to enlightened thinking. I still dig up the portraiture throughout the states at times when another viewpoint comes to mind for they saw our country in a close to home embracing way with some who

felt the government should stay out of their business. We were aghast at seeing such poverty-stricken Native Americans, who lost everything, language and reason to be.

We captured so much rapture along the way, the West where even our sleepdeprived bodies gave way to its snow-covered peaks. Mother far- seeing in her adventuresome need for exploration. After all she had been a passenger in an early biplane, sailed across the seas like a Viking, stood on her father’s shoulder while she saw the Hindenburg take off. What was a little road trip across the Great Divide which became more than just a geographical region. Everything about the people in the South and Far West was different: their dress, their outlook, the way they took us in even though we were strangers to them. Their world view made me think of Dad’s Lenni Lenape roots, welcoming one and all, and when questioned always said, “they’re under my protection!” We would never have an insular or provincial outlook after this dream come true with a growing perspective as the years went by which has served us well all our lives.

The Good thing is we didn’t go bust or break down, but trusted in our brown steed to take us through towns and villages and up mountain peaks.

Property taxes should be eliminated on primary residences

Letter to Editor:

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently outlined his first budget proposal. He mentioned raising the qualification income bracket to $45,000 from $35,000 for the homeowner/rent rebate program. For homeowners, that’s like putting a BandAid on something that requires surgery.

Stop paying your property taxes and see who really owns your house and property. They’ll boot you out

quicker than a blink of your eye. Yes, even senior citizens, will be booted out—with no mercy at all.

Over two decades ago, the STOP campaign (Stop Taxing Our Properties) proposed legislation that would eliminate ALL property taxes on primary residences in Pennsylvania. It would have raised the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. It also would have raised the earned income tax by 1 percent, and also raise the reality transfer tax by 1

percent.

All Pennsylvania senators, (bi-partisan), voted to initiate a feasibility study on this proposal, and the results came back as a 100 percent doable plan. Of course, they didn’t do anything with that information, not caring for their constituents who elected them. Now, let’s look 10 years down the road when Social Security and Medicare is expected to go belly-up, becoming insolvent. Without having income to pay the cursed property

taxes, seniors will b e fighting to obtain living quarters under one of Pennsylvania’s bridges. There’s been proposals to freeze property taxes for seniors, but that will not suffice the nightmare situation in 10 years. Property taxes must be eliminated on primary residences. If your legislators refuse to keep you in your homes, then vote them out each and every election!

Guest column

In the Spotlight

Longhorns wrap 2022-23 season with 22-6 overall record Unionville falls in first round

of state tourney, 64-54

finished its 2022-23 season with a 22-6 overall record and captured the Ches-Mont American Division crown.

by Nick Diehl with one min-

ute left, and went into the locker room with a 29-27 halftime lead, highlighted by an off-balance three-pointer by Logan with 4:54 left in the first half that was quickly followed by a steal and layup by JT Anderson.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Six days removed from its 61-36 loss to Radnor in the PIAA District I 5A final on March 4 at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, the Unionville boys’ varsity basketball team looked to take away the sting of the loss with a comeback win against visiting Muhlenberg in the opening round of the PIAA District I 5A state tournament on March 10. Instead – and despite the enthusiastic presence of its student section -- the Longhorns watched the Muhls dance on their own court, moments after they

absorbed a crushing 64-54 defeat that served as a dour conclusion to a successful 22-6 season. In some ways, the loss was a carbon copy of Unionville’s performance

against Radnor: establish an early lead and see it eventually vanish on turnovers and ineffective shooting in the second half.

From the opening tip-off to

the final buzzer, the tempo of the game seemed to be in the hands of Muhlenberg’s playmaker J’Daniel Mosquera, who engineered his club’s offense and scored all 7 of his points in the nip-andtuck frenzy of the first quarter. Unionville’s Charlie Kammeier drained the first of his two three-pointers with 4:28 left in the quarter that gave the Longhorns a slim lead, but baskets by Mosquera and a trey by leading scorer Josh Alcantara staked the Muhls to a 10-6 lead.

Unionville held a 13-12 advantage heading into the second quarter on 5 points by Robbie Logan and a bucket

After a defensive battle in the third quarter limited both teams to just 10 points each, Unionville began the fourth quarter with a 39-37 lead, but the twin engines that had carried the club to a Ches-Mont American Division championship earlier this season – ball control and outside shooting – suddenly stopped functioning.

After Kammeier’s early three-pointer extended Unionville’s lead to 42-37, Muhlenberg dominated the remainder of the game on the strength of a 21-4 scoring run led by Alcantara, Luis Valentin and reserve Micheal Miller, who was on the receiving end of several Longhorn turnovers and racked up 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter.

On the opposite end of the floor, the Longhorns, in a desperate attempt to whittle

away at their growing deficit, relied on its perimeter shooters, who could not find any consistency nor much time to catch up. Muhls coach Matthew Flowers put the ball in the hands of Mosquera with three minutes left, who orchestrated a stall offense as the game clock wore down.

Supported by his five three-pointers, Alcantara led Mulhlenberg with 19 points, followed by Miller with 15 and Valentin with 12. Playing in his last high school game, Logan led Unionville with 19 points, followed by Kammeier with 12 and Diehl with 11.

With the win, Muhlenberg (19-10) faced Imhotep Charter (26-3) in the second round of the state tournament on March 14. As for the Longhorns, coach Chris Cowles’ 2023-24 team will see the return of Anderson, Diehl and Kammeier, as well as James Brenner, Ryan Brown, Zach Dolce, Jack Hyman, Mick Levendis and Jack Robbins to its roster.

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

Tickets now available for 30th anniversary running of the Willowdale Steeplechase

The 30th anniversary running of The Willowdale Steeplechase will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023. This Chester County tradition is a spectacular rite of spring for enthusiasts from all over the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas and beyond.

Spend the afternoon at Willowdale and you will be transported to the English countryside. Rolling green hills, majestic horses, dashing, dedicated horsemen and fashionable tailgate picnics are part of a tradition that has been preserved for generations. You feel that you’re participating in something extraordinary. Taking place on 160 acres in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Hunt country, Willowdale attracts the country’s top steeplechase horses. This year, they’ll compete for $105,000 in prize money.

“Willowdale truly is a community event,” said event chairman Dixon Stroud. “Families from all over the area gather to enjoy a beautiful day in the country, watch the finest horse racing, reconnect with friends and

show off some impressive hats—all the while helping to preserve our natural resources and support our worthy beneficiaries.”

These beneficiaries are the Stroud Water Research Center with its mission to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center, with its mission to train the next generation of veterinary leaders to advance healthcare outcomes and access, ensure global health and bolster sustainable agriculture practices.

The beneficiaries are leaders in preserving and safeguarding life in many different ways—so the fundraising campaign is being called “Racing for Life.” Steeplechase racing is an extreme sport. Horses and riders are top athletes. Willowdale features two courses set on its rolling turf: one race course features solid post and rail fences

(timber) and European style hedges, open ditches, and water jumps. The other course consists of natural smaller hurdles which the horses can brush through. These are usually ridden at a faster pace.

Unique to this part of the country is Willowdale’s natural amphitheater which allows attendees to follow most of the races’ action from all of the spectating

areas. Each reserved parking space offers panoramic views of the course, whether from high on the hill or right on the rail, and best of all, general admission ticket holders can visit friends and watch the races from a variety of vantage points.

Best Dressed, Hat and Tailgate Contests will add to the usual fun and excitement this year as high fashion, elegant tailgating

and a community known for its equestrian excellence join together. This year’s Tailgate Contest is “Making a Splash!”

Throughout the day there are pony races, Jack Russell Terrier races, an antique car display, upscale boutique shopping and local food vendors. For the younger guests, there is a stick pony jumping course, a coloring contest and educational

displays by representatives from the Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center and the Stroud Water Research Center. Visit www.willowdale.org to learn more and to purchase tickets.

Photo courtesy Willowdale Steeplechase The Willowdale Steeplechase returns in the traditional format with six sanctioned horse races, Jack Russell Terrier Races, Pony Races, the Kid’s Alley Educational Activity Tent, an Antique Car display, Boutique Shopping, Food Vendors, and Hat, Tailgate, and Best Dressed Contests.

Photo courtesy Willowdale Steeplechase Race day for the 2023 Willowdale Steeplechase is Saturday, May 13.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Unionville’s Charlie Kammeier looks for an open teammate during the second half of the Longhorns’ 64-54 loss to Muhlenberg in the first round of the PIAA District I 5A state tournament, held on March 10.

George Napolitano looks down court.

Unionville

FRANCIS JOSEPH ANGLIM

There once was a fine horseman from Tipperary.

A truly good character was he. Many horses he galloped and groomed

With love and sugar cubes they did bloom.

Golfing was his luxury.

Our favorite Irishman Francis “Frank” Joseph Anglim, age 86, of Unionville, passed away surrounded by angels on Feb. 26, 2023 at the Chester County Hospital.

Born in Rosegreen, Tipperary, Ireland he was the third child of seven born to the late Patrick Anglim and the late Kathleen Carroll Anglim. His siblings in order of age, are William, Patrick Joseph, Margaret Mary, Matthew John, Thomas Joachim, and John Vincent. He is survived by Thomas and John, as well as by many loving nieces and nephews. His life was dedicated to racing horses on the flat and timber, as well as tending to their wellbeing. Vincent O’Brien was one of his first employers in Ireland. He set him on his way as a Steeplechase exercise rider and jockey. He raced throughout Europe then, in 1959 at the age of 23, he moved on to the United States. Francis then followed his life’s passion of working with horses for various reputable trainers throughout the East Coast, including Mike Miller, George M. Odom of Marydel, Skip Brittle of Tybridge Farm, and P. F. N. Fanning of Ivy Dell Stud.

Francis met the love of his life, Elaine Borland, while exercise riding in beautiful Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They

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married in 1970 and shared their love of horses and horse racing until her dying day in 2009. She was preceded in death by her adored son John. Elaine was one of the first professional female jockeys in the United States. Later in her life she became a very accomplished watercolor artist, most notable for her horse racing paddock scenes. Elaine featured Francis in many of her paintings.

When not tending to the horses, Francis found passion in perfecting his golf game. Never tiring from golf, he played and won many tournaments with his distinctive golf swing.

A longtime member of Loch Nairn Golf Club in Avondale, he gained many trophies that lined their walls, and in his lifetime scored three hole-in-ones.

Most impressive when meeting Francis was his gentle, never judgmental, always-pulling-your-leg, gift of gab character. This personality gained him a broad spectrum of friends from near and far. He will be missed, but will always be in the hearts of his friends and family.

A memorial meeting for worship will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at London Grove Friends Meeting House, 500 W. Street Rd. (Newark Rd and 926) in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (www.pdjf.org), and/ or the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (www. racingmuseum.org).

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

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

MARY STOTSENBURG ALLEN

Mary Stotsenburg Allen passed away peacefully in her sleep while at her home early on the morning of Feb. 24, 2023. She was 89.

Mary was born in New Jersey in 1933, the eldest child of Rev. Charles and Margaret Stotsenburg.

Mary married Oscar Allen in 1964, after he proposed in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. They spent over 40 years living in Paoli, Pa. before moving to Oxford to be closer to their son and his family. After graduating from Eastern Baptist College, Mary had a lifelong career devoted to the church, specializing in Christian education. Most of her years in ministry were spent at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pa. and Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester. Mary’s talents were many, but she had a deep love of music and was a gifted singer and piano player.

Mary is survived by Oscar, her husband of 59 years; her two children, Ruth Anne (Dan) McCauley and John (Pauline) Allen; her three grandchildren, Gillian McCauley, Isaac Allen and Maxton Allen; as well as her sister, Ruth Stotsenburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who would like to honor Mary to make a special gift to The Center Philadelphia, whose service to the community through the Arch Street Methodist Church held a special place in Mary’s heart. Donations may be made in her memory at https://thecenterphiladelphia.org or through mail to 55 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107.

Mary lived a rich and full life. She will very much be missed.

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

Obituaries

JOHN PATRICK LITTLE

John Patrick “Pat” Little passed away on March 2, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in the presence of his daughter, Carolyn Little. He was 78.

He was a resident of Avondale and previously lived in Greenville, Del.

Born to Helen and Duard Little on Sept. 28, 1944 in Lawrence, Kansas, Pat was the oldest of five brothers. He attended Randolph-Macon Military Academy in Front Royal, Virginia and went on to Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity in which he forged a brotherhood of lifelong friendships. Pat loved long-distance running and was a member of the cross country team, winning many awards. He earned a degree in economics and completed MBA courses at the University of Pennsylvania as well as an advanced management certificate from Columbia University.

Pat served with honor and distinction in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart, among other honors. After his military service, he went on to serve his fellow veterans by becoming actively involved in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, rising through the ranks to be the National Chief Commander in which he embodied the values of courage, integrity, and selflessness, helping the organization to expand its assistance and support to veterans nationwide.

After returning from Vietnam, Pat and Nancy Little married and had two children, Michael and Carolyn, whom he loved and cherished. He had a distinguished 22-year career with the DuPont Company that took his family from Colorado, where he loved to climb mountains and ski, to Missouri, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and back to Delaware. He had a quick-witted sense of humor, enjoyed playing tennis, taking his family to Ocean Park, Maine in the summer, going to the symphony and plays, playing Bridge, and traveling and sharing delicious meals (especially spicy Mexican food, fried clams, oysters, ice cream, and a good ol’ Manhattan).

Following his career at DuPont, Pat assisted in the startup of numerous companies. He was the president of Union Optical Company USA, and served on boards of directors for international companies as well as various boards at the request of the Governor of Delaware. Most recently, he served as the township supervisor chair for the New Garden Township. He truly lived a life of service until his final days.

He is survived by his son, Michael, and daughter, Carolyn; brothers, Alex (Nancy), Chris (Michelle), James (Kathy), and Lee (Carrie); former spouse, Nancy Little, companion, Sandi Keith; granddaughter, Michala Heiser, and grand-dog, Phoenix. He is predeceased by his parents.

The funeral service with military honors and celebration of life will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of John Patrick Little to Mesothelioma research.

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 5 p.m. 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.

Memorial service for GENE ALLEN ROBINSON and MARCIA ELLEN ROBINSON

Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Gene Allen Robinson, Jr. (December 13, 1043 –April 12, 2021)

Gene, known fondly as “Papoose” or “Pap,” was the son of the late Florence Prigg and Gene Robinson, Sr. He graduated from Avon Grove High School and worked for 30 years at General Motors in Newport, Del. Pap passed away from COVID-19 on April 12, 2021 at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Marcia Ellen Robinson (September 3, 1946 – March 6, 2023)

Marcia was the daughter of the late Katherine Walls and Harry Simon. She graduated from Oxford Area High School and worked in many positions, including Video Source in Cochranville, Star Roses in Jennersville, and Outback Trading Company in Oxford. She died at home in Philadelphia on March 6, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. Pap and Marcia began dating in high school, married in 1965, and were together for more than 50 years. They purchased a new home on Broad Street in Oxford and raised three children, Suzanne, Christopher and Timothy. They were also extended parents to many of their children’s and grandchildren’s friends through the years. The doors of their home were always open for anyone in need or who just wanted to stop by to visit. Their home was the site of many pool parties, cook-outs and game nights, and the home was always full of love and laughter.

Pap and Marcia were committed lifelong members of Shiloh Presbyterian Church, serving on boards, singing in the choir, helping out at dinners, and volunteering in the community until declining health rendered that impossible. Pap and Marcia moved to Delaware in 2013 and to Philadelphia in 2015 so they could be closer to family and health care providers.

Pap and Marcia always had a smile on their faces and were truly good and faithful servants, always extending themselves to their family, church family and many friends.

Pap is predeceased by his parents, brother Tyrone Robinson, and sister Bridgette Bolling (Melvin). He is survived by six brothers and three sisters, Jacqueline Sharpe of Kennett Square, Monroe Robinson of West Grove, Cyrus Robinson (Jeanette) of Delaware, Rowena Robinson of West Grove, Kevin Robinson (Linda) of Delaware, Moiscell Robinson of Lincoln University, Lakeeta Waters (Ernie) of Coatesville, Todd Robinson (Tamara) of Coatesville, Troy Robinson of Oxford, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Marcia is predeceased by her parents, Katherine Walls and Harry Simon, and brothers Richard Simon of Arizona and Harry Douglas Simon of Oxford. She is survived by her sister Connie Simon of California and several nieces and cousins.

Pap and Marcia together are survived by three children, daughter Suzanne Burgess (Ephony); son Christopher Robinson (Lynne) and son Timothy Robinson (Teddie Gwynn), and their grandchildren, David Alexander Burgess, Olivia Burgess, and Jada Q. Burman (Lloyd); and great-grandchild Lloyd K. Springer, Jr.

A combined memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 42 South 5th Street, Oxford. Masks are required. The service will also be televised on Zoom at 10:45 a.m. (Meeting ID: 926 8393 4880 / Passcode: 730766 / Phone access 301-715-8592 or 646-876-9923).

Interment to follow at Oxford Cemetery in Oxford.

Cards and messages of condolences may be sent to the family at Post Office Box 18864, Philadelphia, Pa. 19119.

Karahalis and Sedlak honored as top students by Oxford Rotary

The Oxford Rotary recently honored Alex Karahalis and Katlyn Sedlak as the Students of the Month from Oxford Area High School.

At Oxford Area High School, Sedlak is president of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society, and she was a football manager for the Oxford High School

football team. She was also a member of the cast of Sponge Bob The Musical, and participates in the choral ensemble. She also works part-time at BB’s Grocery. Her parents are Cynthia and Tom Sedlak.

Alex Karahalis is the son of Alex and Jessie Karahalis. Karahalis is very involved in swimming. He splits his time

between swimming for the Oxford Area High School team and the Western Family YMCA in Newark, Del. His hobbies include video games, recreational swimming, hiking and spending time with his friends. He has also been involved with tree planting locally. He plans to attend Penn State and major in engineering.

Legals/Classifieds

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ESTATE OF Joseph M. Reavy

a/k/a Martin Joseph Reavy, DECEASED.

Late of Malvern, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Maire D. Reavy EXECUTRIX, Or Attorney: Andrew P. Grau, Esquire, 911 Easton Road, P.O. Box 209, Willow Grove, PA 19090 3p-15-3t

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF BARBARA LEE

FITZGERALD a/k/a BARBARA

L. FITZGERALD, DECEASED.

Late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ELBERT WAYNE FITZGERALD, EXECUTOR, 138 Township Rd., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to his Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Thomas Howard Rhoads, Deceased , Late of Malvern, East Whiteland Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS Of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Bonnie Rhoads, 3787 Clearwater Lane,

Brookhaven, PA 19015, Administratrix, Or Attorney: Andrew P. Graul, Esquire, 911 Easton Road, P.O. Box 209, Willow Grove, PA 19090

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council will conduct a public hearing at a special meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time, at Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, to hear the following:

THE CONDITIONAL USE AP-

PLICATION OF ENOX LAND, LP. The property is UPI No. 6-75, which totals approximately 63 acres, located at 451 West Locust Street. The subject parcel is owned by the Applicant and is located in the PD-1 Planned Development District of the Borough. The Applicant seeks conditional use approval pursuant to proposed §27-1333

(Age-Restricted Residential Community) and §27-2009

(Conditional Use Procedures and General Standards) of the Oxford Borough Zoning Ordinance to permit the proposed development of the subject parcel as 101 age-restricted residential dwellings and associated improvements, and

any other such relief deemed necessary by Borough Council. If you wish to participate in this meeting and are a person with a disability requiring an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate, please contact the Borough secretary at (610) 932-2500 to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated. OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, P.C., Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 3p-8-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Callie Jackson, Deceased. Late of Tredyffrin Twp., PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to, John Lowell Jackson, Executor, 909 Maple Ave., Royersford, PA 19468 or to their attorney Henry J. Schireson, Esq., Bedford & Schireson, P.O. Box 1014, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 3p-8-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Kevin P. Pochopien, Late of Elk Township, Chester County PA, LETTERS Of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to

the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Benjamin Pochopien, Administrator, 3649 Tom Brown Road Franklinville, NC 27248.

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FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

Notice is Hereby Given pursuant to the provisions of Act of Assembly, No. 295, effective March 16, 1983, of intention to file in the office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an application for the conduct of a business in Chester County, Pennsylvania under the assumed or fictitious name, style or designation of Boomi Coffee, with its principal place of business at 111 SHILLING AVE MALVERN, PA 19355-3268.

The names and addresses of the persons owning or interested in said business: Boomi Beverages Inc 111 SHILLING AVE MALVERN, PA 193553268.

3p-15-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is given that the board of directors of AARP Valley Forge Area Chapter #2353, Devon , Pa. have approved a proposal that the chapter voluntarily dissolve, and that the board of directors is now engaged in winding up and settling the affairs of the corporation under the provisions of 15 Pa. C.S. 5974(b). Ruth Mooney, Treasurer, 1117 Edgewood Ave. Berwyn, Pa. 19312. Ruth Mooney, Treasurer, AARP Chapter 2353 3p-15-1t

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Courtesy photo

The Oxford Rotary recently honored Alex Karahalis and Katlyn Sedlak as the Students of the Month from Oxford Area High School. Pictured (from left to right) are Dr. Ray Fischer, the Oxford Rotary president, Rotary Students of the Month Alex Karahalis and Katlyn Sedlak with her parents Cynthia and Tom Sedlak.

Rep. Sappey and UPenn professor join Chester County Consortium for Mental Health

On Feb. 10, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) hosted the fourth session of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) Chester County Consortium for Mental Health and Optimal Development, featuring guest speakers State Rep. Christina Sappey and UPenn Professor of Urban Education and Africana Studies Dr. Howard Stevenson.

The consortium is facilitated by the CCIU in partnership with the UPenn Graduate School of Education and is a yearlong effort to implement mental health planning in Chester County school districts.

The goal of implementing long-term mental health resources in schools is vital, and educators recognize the importance of seeking assistance from community partners. Consortium leaders invited Sappey to attend the session and discuss the importance of advocating for students and building relationships with local legislators.

“It was a pleasure to join the Chester County Consortium for Mental Health and Optimal Development. I am so impressed with this partnership between our area educators and the University of Pennsylvania,” Rep. Sappey said. “It speaks to the fact that collaboration is key in bringing critical services to our students and families.” Efforts in Harrisburg also

reflect the growing need for mental health supports across the commonwealth.

Rep. Sappey shared the initiatives legislators are working on to support the students in their districts and beyond.

“Through the Chester County Youth Mental Health Coalition, the county, the CCIU, educators, providers, parents and the full Chester County house and senate legislative delegation are working together to increase the provider workforce, embed counseling in schools, deepen community supports for families dealing with youth mental health issues and in-patient treatment needs,” she said. The consortium leaders also continue to seek expertise from those in edu-

cation such as Stevenson, the Constance Clayton professor of urban education, professor of Africana studies in the Human Development & Quantitative Methods Division of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, who was the keynote speaker for the session.

Dr. Stevenson used this opportunity to discuss his racial socialization-based, culturally responsive, therapeutic interventions and research, as well as share his own life experiences.

Racial stress can lead to trauma and ultimately shape children from a young age.

Dr. Stevenson emphasized the importance of addressing these issues in children as soon as they arise, noting that avoidance causes future

challenges in adulthood.

Thanking the educators in attendance, Dr. Stevenson stated, “All of you are trying to prevent the ominous clouds of inferiority from beginning to form in our

Courtesy

the consortium participants.

children’s mental skies, and that is noble work.”

The UPenn Chester County Consortium for Mental Health and Optimal Development has over 150 monthly participants from

NOTICE: DEStorage.com Newgarden

Located at 710 Newark Rd Landenberg, PA 19350

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

Closing on April 19, 2023 at 10 AM.

The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act. Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www.ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes. Unit # 3018- Robert Ferguson DEStorage.com Newgarden reserves the right to withdraw any storage unit from sale or cancel the sale without prior notice.

Chester County schools and is led by Andy Danilchick, director of the UPenn Project for Mental Health & Optimal Development and Dr. Siobhan Leavy, CCIU director of student services.

University of Pennsylvania Professor Dr. Howard Stevenson served as the session's keynote speaker.

photos State Rep. Christina Sappey delivered remarks to

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic?

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED.

All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget.Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

“Great experience with Home Smart. I collected a couple quotes for a bathtub/surround replacement. Home Smart offered the most aesthetically pleasing option at a competitive price. They also beat the installation lead time estimate by ~4 weeks. Ken and Tony came and efficiently completed the install. My house is old and there were challenges to work with, but they worked through them and in the end, product looks really great. Thanks!”

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